http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/05/being_captainno_3_batsman_and.html~~~Being Captain, No 3 batsman and wicket-keeper is too much for Sangakkara~~~Jun 1 (TC) The Sri Lankan team have misled the board and the public. Last year, the squad campaigned for the England tour to be scrapped in favour of the IPL. They said that the IPL contracts were cast in stone. No wavering could be permitted. Also, they said that the IPL was essential for the players to prepare for the Twenty20 World Championship. Politicians were pleaded. Cricketers became activists.zzz03185205
http://www.mawbimanews.com/2009/05/time-to-counter-misinformation-campaign.html~~~Time to counter misinformation campaign effectively ~~~Jun 1 (MN) Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka addressing the mass rally at the Parliament grounds called upon to appoint a Presidential Commission to probe the activities of the LTTE and its shocking caches of sophisticated arms and ammunition. During the humanitarian operation and thereafter, the Security Forces exposed the magnitude of the LTTE's underground arsenal and said to have in the process of further investigation to zzz03185206
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/LTTE-men-may-have-slipped-into-India/articleshow/4600945.cms~~~LTTE men may have slipped into India~~~Jun 1 (TOI) As many as 300-400 LTTE militants may have infiltrated into India in the guise of refugees fleeing Sri Lanka, intelligence agencies have warned. Sources said intelligence agencies had received reports that lower level LTTE cadres may have come in and could be among those currently being held in high security camps for screening. Coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have been on high alert for some time now followingzzz03185207
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=312136861~~~Police sleuths in oil derivatives probe: report~~~Jun 1 (LBO) Police have raided the offices of state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and seized documents related to exotic oil derivatives which went against the utility, a media report said. The Sunday Times newspaper said officers of the criminal investigation department of Sri Lanka's police had raided the head quarters of CPC Friday. CPC bought derivatives in a failed bid to keep down import costs of oil and zzz03185210
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1365008160~~~Sri Lanka property firm hit by falling prices~~~Jun 1 (LBO) The real estate arm of Sri Lanka's Carsons Cumberbatch group said it was writing down the values of properties by 450.3 million rupees as the prices slumped in the wake of tight monetary policy. "This year has been a challenging year where we saw a significant market correction on the property prices as a result of tighter credit conditions and a change in investor and customer attitude on real estate," zzz03185209
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18089~~~Bullies preaching peace and justice ~~~Jun 1 (AT) The story goes that during the Vietnam War, a Native American Chief was asked whether the United States should withdraw from that country. He replied that the U.S. should first get out of America! The Native American’s response effectively sums up how Easterners should respond to Western intrusions in their countries. The European Union’s failed attempt at Geneva to put Sri Lanka on the dock over alleged war crimes once again proves thatzzz03185219
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18087~~~Plans to light up the entire northern province ~~~Jun 1 (AT) The Sri Lanka Government is planning to expedite providing electricity to all areas in the northern region of the country. W. D. J. Seneviratne, Minister of Power and Energy said on Sunday, that they are planning to provide electricity to the entire North under the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" (Spring in the North) program, which was implemented by the government to develop the region.zzz03185211
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/sri-lanka-indias-role.html~~~Sri Lanka: India's role ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Many Sri Lankan Tamils were killed during the anti-Tamil riots in Colombo in 1983. In their anxiety to suppress details of the exact number of fatalities from being known to the international community, the Sri Lankan authorities allegedly decided to secretly burn the dead bodies of the Tamils killed in mass cremations without informing the relatives. Much before any agency of the Government of India, Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, came to know about it and took action to stop it.zzz03185212
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/sri-lankan-forces-protected-civilian.html~~~Sri Lankan forces protected civilian lives during counter-terrorism operations ~~~Jun 1 (LG) In conducting military operations to eliminate terrorism, the Government’s primary concern was to safeguard the innocent civilians, many of whom had experienced multiple displacements over the years, and had their children forcibly conscripted by the LTTE to be used as cannon fodder. Many of them had lost one or more of their family members. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama made these observations, while addressing the final day session ofzzz03185213
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/winning-counter-insurgency-campaigns.html~~~‘Winning counter insurgency campaigns: A Sri Lankan perspective’ ~~~Jun 1 (LG) I am pleased to be back here at the Shangri-La Dialogue for the 3rd successive year. On the previous two occasions I came before you to share our engagement with the LTTE and how we were hoping to counter its terror tactics effectively. At the outset, let me delineate for purpose of clarity the structure of my address this morning. zzz03185215
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/pros-and-cons-of-pirabakarans-death.html~~~Pros and Cons of Pirabakaran’s death ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Sri Lanka says Pirabakaran is dead. Majority of the LTTE support base says Pirabakaran is alive. A section of the LTTE says Pirabakaran is dead. Anti- LTTE support base says Pirabakaran is dead. The international opinion contends Pirabakaran is dead. Within this divide, who is right and who is wrong? For Sri Lanka, Pirabakaran is the most wanted man in the country.zzz03185214
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/burning-memories.html~~~Burning memories~~~Jun 1 (LG) Remembering the sad saga of Tamils in Sri Lanka, the burning down of the Jaffna library is a one of the biggest and finest in Asia, on the night of May 31, 1981. On that fateful night Sri Lankan paramilitary forces set ablaze this grand library as part of the pogrom against Tamils of Jaffna. Some 97,000 volumes of books, excluding rare and important Ola manuscripts, went up in flames. zzz03185216
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/four-historic-conjunctures-where-tamil_31.html~~~Four historic conjunctures where Tamil thinking tumbled in to "Tappitam"- II ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Pulip Padai was a rather unsuccessful precursor to the many militant youth groups sponsored by the ITAK and later, by the TULF which prided itself on its "boys". The leaders probably believed that they could control the "boys" in much the same way that Cinnamon Garden housewives control their low-caste Tamil domestic help ("servants"). By then, due to a series of racial riots that zzz03185217
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/why-mix-up-nationalism-with-racism.html~~~Why Mix-up Nationalism with Racism? ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Never did I think a friend would pick up the phone, dial me and ‘request’ me to stop writing; but it happened. Some are prepared to change my surname because I support Sri Lanka instead of Tamil Elam. In their book, only Sinhalas support Sri Lanka and all Tamils must support Tamil Eelam! This is just one more myth like the myth of Tamil Eelam itself; the nation that never was and never will be. However, this is a vast area worth exploring.zzz03185218
no~~~Interview with Deepa Ollapally~~~zzz03185208
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Lankan+Tamil+conflict+on+celluloid&artid=T4pFpynszA8=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=LTTE%20chief%20Velupillai%20Prabhakaran,~~~Lankan Tamil conflict on celluloid ~~~Jun 1 (EB) Inspired by LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, ace filmmaker K Bharathiraja will make a film on the Sri Lankan conflict highlighting the plight of Tamils caught in the war. “The film will focus on the role of LTTE... against the Sinhala regime,” Bharathiraja told The New Indian Express. The maker of superhits said the script is yet to be finalised and that he would be using fresh faces for the film.zzz03185220
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Return+of+the+talking+parrot&artid=r2DZVtfbxmw=&SectionID=d16Fdk4iJhE=&MainSectionID=HuSUEmcGnyc=&SectionName=aVlZZy44Xq0bJKAA84nwcg==&SEO=~~~Return of the talking parrot~~~Jun 1 (EB) Iran into Killi, the talking parrot from Killinochi again on Thursday. Killi was in a talkative mood. I was in a mood to drink. We adjourned home, and I carefully overlooked the bottle of Famous Grouse and opened Black Dog instead. While I knocked back a few Killi half-heartedly pecked at birdseeds. She bitterly blamed Vaiko and Nedumaran for “comprehensively misleading” the (erstwhile) LTTE chief Prabhakaran on a daily basis therefore leading him to his debacle. zzz03185221
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/srilanka/5417553/Kumar-Sangakkara-and-Sri-Lanka-aim-to-act-as-a-unifying-force-for-nation.html~~~Kumar Sangakkara and Sri Lanka aim to act as a unifying force for nation~~~Jun 1 (Telegraph) Sangakkara, one of cricket's most eloquent speakers, touched on the realities of playing cricket again for players who only three months ago were targeted by terrorist bullets and grenades in Lahore. This tournament is Sri Lanka's first trip together overseas since seven of their players, including Sangakkara, suffered minor injuries andzzz03185222
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8075779.stm~~~Sri Lanka rules out outside probe~~~Jun 1 (BBC) Sri Lanka has dismissed calls for an independent inquiry into claims of human rights abuses by the military, saying its own courts will investigate. Foreign minister Rohita Bogollagama said the claims that heavy weaponry was used in civilian areas during the war with Tamil rebels were "fictional". He said the claims were being used to boost accusations of genocide against the country's Tamil minority. zzz03185223
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25564955-25837,00.html~~~Tamils fear bout of ethnic cleansing~~~Jun 1 (TA) It is one of many triumphant pro-government posters in the Sri Lankan capital's skyline, but the message on this hoarding is an ominous sign of things to come. The Government is seeking to purge separatist "sleeper cells" and sympathisers. In the wake of President Mahinda Rajapakse's declaration of victory over the LTTE last month, Sinhalese Sri Lankans danced and waved the national flag, which bears the Sinhalese lion. zzz03185224
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/31/sri-lanka-british-medic~~~Sri Lanka may release British medic held in internment camp~~~Jun 1 (Guardian) The Sri Lankan government was tonightconsidering the release of a British medic held in an internment camp in the north of the country after she fled the fighting there. On Saturday the Guardian revealed that Damilvany Gnanakumar, 26, was detained after spending months helping the wounded at temporary hospitals inside the so-called no-fire zone. Today a Sri Lankan government official said her case had been taken up by the human rights minister,zzz03185225
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6401557.ece~~~India accused of complicity in deaths of Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 1 (Times) India was accused yesterday of complicity in the killing of an estimated 20,000 civilians in the last stages of Sri Lanka’s 26-year war against the Tamil Tigers. Major-General Ashok Mehta, a former commander of Indian peacekeeping forces in Sri Lanka, said that India’s role was “distressing and disturbing”. Two international human rights groups said that India had failed to do enough to protect civilian lives.zzz03185226
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6401262.ece~~~Sri Lanka's crucial role in Indian Ocean power struggle ~~~Jun 1 (Times) For a tiny, teardrop-shaped fragment in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka punches far above its weight. Its location off the southeastern coast of India may have put it right in the line of the 2004 tsunami, but it also puts it in pole position to exploit the growing geopolitical struggle unfolding in the Indian Ocean. China’s role in the Sri Lankan civil war is well known.zzz03185227
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article6401819.ece~~~Time for Witness~~~Jun 1 (Times) Ban Ki Moon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Sri Lanka last week. He knew from his officials that at least 20,000 civilians had been killed by Sri Lankan troops in the offensive against the Tamil Tigers. Mr Ban never mentioned this figure to his Sri Lankan interlocutors. He saw, while travelling by air over a supposed “no-fire” zone, the evidence of a massacre of thousands of Tamil civilians caught between the army and the insurgents. zzz03185228
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124364194412468073.html#mod=todays_asia_economy_and_politics~~~Sri Lanka stirs an economy racked by war ~~~Jun 1 (WSJ) The end to a long war has come just in time for Sri Lanka's economy, according to the country's central bank chief, who is now taking steps to lift low foreign-exchange reserves and spur growth. "For 30 years, whenever investors spoke of Sri Lanka, the refrain was, 'If only it wasn't for the war,' " said Central Bank of Sri Lanka Gov. Ajith Nivard Cabraal in an interview. "Today, it's not the next word. A huge change has taken place."zzz03185231
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/01/stories/2009060153671100.htm~~~'India an important partner'~~~Jun 1 (Hindu) The Sri Lankan government looks upon India as “an important partner” in shaping the island nation’s future following the defeat of the LTTE. Indicating this, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told The Hindu that “India has been always a part of the home-grown [political] process” in his country. He did not, however, specify any role that India could perhaps play in helping Sri Lanka formulate or fast-forward its post-LTTE initiatives. zzz03185230
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/01/stories/2009060158971100.htm~~~Mystery shrouds presence of British woman in Tiger territory ~~~Jun 1 (Hindu) A British woman citizen, Damilvany Gnanakumar, – known as Vani – being questioned by the Sri Lankan authorities after she fled along with the last batch of civilians from the LTTE’s clutches has raised two vital questions. How did she land in the island nation and how did she stay on in the Tiger-controlled territory for nearly 15 months?zzz03185229
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/1/nation/4020764&sec=nation~~~Revoke Lankan envoy’s immunity, says MIC Youth~~~Jun 1 (TS) The MIC Youth has vowed to write to the Foreign Ministry to ask that the Sri Lanka High Commissioner’s diplomatic immunity be revoked, reports Tamil Nesan. The wing has expressed its disappointment over Dr D.D. Ranasinghe’s refusal to apologise over his remark that anti-Sri Lankan protesters at a rally in Batu Caves on May 24 were “jokers”. Its adviser S. Vell Paari said he would write to the ministry asking zzz03185232
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/05/post_366.html~~~The battle of Geneva was revelation of Lanka's true friends~~~Jun 1 (TC) Was Geneva the last battle of the Thirty Years (hot) war, the first battle of the next war – a long Cold War against Sri Lanka -- or was it a combination? Only future history will tell. When we aren’t involved, our arithmetic goes awry. We speak of four Eelam wars when there were five, because we omit the important one fought between the LTTE and the IPKF. There were five Eelam wars fought on the soil of our island:zzz03185233
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2050/~~~Dengue fever and dysfunctional democracy ~~~Jun 1 (AHRC) 80 persons have died of dengue fever recently. Over 5,000 people are infected and there are fears that of further spread of the virus. The president has asked the authorities to pay more attention to the issue. Diseases happen in all societies. However, the way diseases are dealt with depends on the efficiency of countries' political as well as societal systems.zzz03185237
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2117217208~~~Ideas to win the war: Give phones to Sri Lanka IDPs~~~Jun 1 (LBO) I was away from the country during the historic events of May 2009. One good thing was that I was able to hear a moving presentation by Patrice Buzzanell, a scholar who had made it her life’s work to study human resilience in multiple contexts, mostly individual and organizational. As I listened to her, all that went through my mind was the unfolding human tragedy in the Vanni. zzz03185235
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/05/post_367.html~~~Pictorial: Roadside Hopper Makers in Maamangam, Batticaloa~~~Jun 1 (TC) While traveling to Batticaloa, it’s very refreshing to witness the firewood carriers, trying to manage a whole load of firewood on their bicycles, and ride through the wind against them. Likewise while being in Batticaloa, we do not fail to catch the images of women making hoppers on the roadside at dusk. Most of us are used to stop by the hopper sellers to taste the instant milk hoppers.zzz03185236
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/55943/2009/04/29-150246-1.htm~~~Plight of children stuck in Sri Lankan camps~~~Jun 1 (AN) I visited Vavuniya in early May, one of the towns in the north of Sri Lanka where lots of people uprooted by fighting between troops and rebels have arrived over the last few months. Since my previous visit in March, the number of displaced had really grown. In addition to the camps, transitional welfare villages have been set up to accommodate up to 800 families each. zzz03185234
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-MP-fears-north-polls-will-not-be-democratic/2999.htm~~~UNP MP fears north polls will not be democratic~~~Jun 1 (CT) UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena says he fears the upcoming local government elections in the north will be far from democratic, given that his party is denied access to the province even to inquire into the wellbeing of war-displaced people. He said the government should demonstrate its genuine intentions by allowing the main opposition and other parties to do politics in Vavuniya and Jaffna.zzz03185238
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Head-Norwegian-NGO-deported/2993.htm~~~Head of Norwegian NGO deported~~~Jun 1 (CT) The head of Norwegian NGO FORUT was deported last night (May 30) for her involvement with the LTTE and indulging in activities inimical to the sovereignty and independence of Sri Lanka, "Ada Derana" online reports quoting defense sources. The website says it appears that Ranvei Tvetenes, who was a law unto herself, had ordered the removal of the national flag of Sri Lanka that was hoisted by the local staff to mark the win of the war by the armed forces on May 20. zzz03185239
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29493~~~Potent Tamil voice for European Parliament~~~Jun 1 (TN) June 4th elections will determine if Tamils in the London electoral region have the political muscle, organizational acumen and seasoned campaigning skills to attract broader British voters to elect Ms Janani (Jan) Jananayagam, a British, French educated young professional, who is contesting as an Independent candidate to the European Parliament. Ms. Jananayagam’s educational credentials, demonstrated communications skills, andzzz03185240
no~~~Fallen Heros & their families~~~zzz03185241
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9922&Itemid=44~~~A new IDP Village to be set up in the North ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Another relief village is to be established for the people displaced in the north due to terrorist activities. Preparatory work on this village to be set up at Manik Farm Vavuniya, commenced yesterday, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Re-settlement U.L.M Haldeen told www.news.lk today (01). He pointed out that this will be the fifth relief village to be constructed on behalf of the displaced people and zzz03185242
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9919&Itemid=44~~~Mega water supply scheme for Settikulam ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Minister of Resettlement and Relief Services, Rishard Badhiutheen commissioned a mega water supply scheme yesterday (31) to supply water to the displaced civilians in Settikulam. This project estimated at Rs. 400 million was co- funded by the UNICEF and the Government. The construction of the project was completely handled by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.zzz03185243
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9923&Itemid=44~~~New Identity Cards to IDPs by Friday ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) The Government has taken steps to issue Identity Cards to the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) who arrive from conflict areas before Friday (05), Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Re-settlement U.L.M Haldeen told www.news.lk today (01). He stated that, this will be done in order to establish the identity of those arriving and to streamline the Government’s welfare program. zzz03185244
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9925&Itemid=44~~~President pays last respects to Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his last respects to late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda today (01) in Parliament. The procession carrying the remains of late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda arrived at the Parliament around 10.00 am and the President, Speaker, ministers and members of parliament were in waiting to receive the remains at the parliament square. zzz03185245
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9926&Itemid=44~~~New transport zone set up in Pettah ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) The Transport Ministry has taken steps to transform the areas covering the Fort railway station, Pettah bus stand and Bastian Mawatha private bus stand as a transport zone, a press release issued from the ministry stated. The National Transport Commission will take the management of the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand and all the long distance bus services commencing from Colombo will begin from this bus stand.zzz03185246
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9927&Itemid=44~~~Dengue can send you to Jail ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Strict action will be taken by the Health Ministry against anyone who has an environment conducive for the breeding of mosquitoes from today and the Ministry has directed all Medical Officers of Health(MOH) to be alert to combat the menace, Media Secretary to the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition W.M.D Wanninayeka said. He said that relevant laws have been formulated with regard to the prevention of breeding of mosquitoes.zzz03185247
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9929&Itemid=44~~~Power and water to the North ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) The Government has implemented a fresh program to provide electricity to all areas in the north shortly and the objective of the program is to ensure that electricity is provided to all government institutions and the displaced who would be resettled in the area, Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne said.zzz03185249
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9930&Itemid=44~~~LTTE fired at civilians-claims IDPs ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) International organizations calling for investigations on human rights violations act in sheer desperation, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeyawardene said yesterday. The minister dismissed demands for independent investigations into SL armed forces behaviour in the final round of battle against LTTE separatists. Refuting allegations from international bodies on charges of civilian casualties, zzz03185248
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2318:deaf-to-get-driving-licenses-from-dulles&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Deaf to get driving licenses from Dulles ~~~Jun 1 (LT) Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said he would take measures to issue driving licenses for the deaf. He made this assurance at the Annual Convention of the Association for Deaf held at the auditorium of the Public Library. He said though numerous requests for driving licenses for the deaf had been made since the formation of the association in 1984, both politicians and officials had turned a blind eye. zzz03185250
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2315:from-sir-with-love&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~From sir with love! ~~~Jun 1 (LT) The gynecology and obstetrics question paper set for the final year students of Colombo, Peradeniya and Ragama medical faculties has been cancelled. A spokesman for the Colombo Medical Faculty said the question paper was cancelled due to complains received stating that it had been set without adhering to proper standard set by the university and an alternative question paper would be set and the examination held soon. zzz03185251
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2313:50-of-students-in-colombo-struck-dengue-at-least-once&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~50% of students in Colombo struck dengue at least once ~~~Jun 1 (LT) 50% of students under the age of 12 in Colombo city have been struck with dengue fever at least once reveals a survey carried out by the Epidemiology Unit in collaboration with several other institutions. About 1500 dengue patients have been treated in Colombo District during the five months of this year and a large number of them were school children. A person can get dengue fever several times and zzz03185252
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2312:son-in-law-to-fill-dodangodas-vacancy&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Son-in-law to fill Dodangoda’s vacancy ~~~Jun 1 (LT) Mr. Chandima Weerakkody, a lawyer has been appointed to the UPFA Parliamentary seat that was created vacant by the demise of Minister of Justice Amarasiri Dodangoda. Mr. Weerakkody is the next in line in the list of preferential votes. Mr. Weerakkody, a son-in-law of Mr. Dodangoda contesting the General Election in 2004 from the UPFA received 52,791 preferential votes and was placed seventh in the zzz03185253
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2310:two-army-hqs-in-mullaithivu-a-killinochchi&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Two Army HQs in Mullaithivu & Killinochchi ~~~Jun 1 (LT) Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka said that SL Army has established two Security Forces Headquarters in Mullaithivu and Killinochchi to oversee the overall security plan of the two districts. These two head quarters hare being established in addition to the one that exists in Vanni at present. Major General Nandana Udawatta, presently the Overall Operations Commander, Anuradhapura has been appointed as zzz03185256
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2309:pcs-to-get-police-land-health-a-education-under-13th-amendment&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~PCs to get police, land, health & education under 13th amendment ~~~Jun 1 (LT) A group appointed by UPFA government to present proposals for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has finalized their proposal and will be submitting them to President Mahind Rajapakse on Wednesday. According to the proposals provincial councils will get land, police, health and education powers. Police powers will be limited to minor offences and councils would also retain powers for the acquisition and requisition of lands. zzz03185255
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/05/30/normalising-the-exception-the-state-of-emergency-in-peacetime/~~~The state of emergency in peacetime~~~Jun 1 (GV) In response to a call by the Opposition and civil society to lift the state of emergency and to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in consequence of the end of the war, the Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva informed Parliament last Tuesday, 26th May 2009, that the Government has no intention of doing so at present. The stated reasons are that the threat of terrorism continues, zzz03185254
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2228~~~The attempted resolution against Sri Lanka - a Western perspective~~~Jun 1 (PISL) First we must insist that everything we did was transparent and above board. Unlike Sri Lanka, which requested support from countries that no self-respecting Westerner would talk to, unless we had something to sell to them, we spoke only to countries with a solid track record of concern for human rights, except in Iraq and Afghanistan.zzz03185257
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/21-Colombo-schools-closed-3-days/3004.htm~~~21 Colombo schools closed for 3 days~~~Jun 1 (CT) Twenty one schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka will be closed from today (June 01) for three days in view of war victory celebrations to be at Galle Face Green, says the Government Information Department. The schools that will remain closed in order to facilitate arrangements for the event are: Royal College, Thurston College, Mahanama College, Yashodara Balika Vidyalaya, Mahamathya Vidyalaya, Polhengoda,zzz03185258
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/7-top-senior-LTTE-leaders-arrested-from-welfare-camps/3011.htm~~~7 top senior LTTE leaders arrested from welfare camps~~~Jun 1 (CT) Seven top ranked leaders of the LTTE are among several senior cadres of the outfit who have been arrested by defence authorities from welfare camps in the north. According to 'Dinamina', they include political and administrative leaders Karikalan, Yogaratnam Yogi, Lawrance Thilakar, Elilan, B. Balakumar, Ilamparithi and Thangam. Karikalan was one time eastern political leader of the LTTE, and zzz03185259
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18103~~~Fishing restrictions relaxed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 1 (AT) Fishermen from the North West and South of Sri Lanka are overjoyed today because after nearly 20 years, fishermen are now allowed to engage in fishing in the seas off Mannar and Pesalai. Ministry of Fisheries said that now that the war with the LTTE is over, the fishermen from the west could engage in fishing using 28 ft to 30 ft boats. “The Ministry is confident that the fish harvest of the southern fishermen would be better after relaxing of restrictions. zzz03185260
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18102~~~Anandasangaree’s DTNA to contest alone~~~Jun 1 (AT) The Democratic Tamil National Alliance led by veteran Tamil Leader V.Anandasangaree will be contesting in the forthcoming local Government elections in the Northern Province. Already the Gazette notification is out regarding holding elections for the Jaffna Municipal Council, as well as to the Vavuniya Urban Council. A political alliance comprising three important anti-LTTE parties, it is popularly known as the DTNA is zzz03185261
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44359.html~~~HP targets Sri Lankan market~~~Jun 1 (LNP) HP has a strong commitment to the Sri Lankan market. With peace and stability in the country there is tremendous growth potential, Senior Vice President, Personal Systems Group (PSG) Asia Pacific and Japan See Chin Teik told Daily News Business. Based in Singapore, Chin Teik, an HP veteran of 18 years drives HP s sales and marketing efforts in the high-growth South-East Asian and Taiwan Markets. zzz03185262
no~~~Interview with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: Part 2~~~zzz03185264
no~~~Interview with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: Part 1~~~zzz03185265
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/news03.asp~~~Work begins on road connecting Mannar with main lagoon ~~~Jun 1 (DN) Work on the three and a half kilometre new road connecting Mannar with the mainland across the lagoon is in progress these days. This will herald development activities in Mannar district immediately after the end of the war, residents in Mannar said. This 157.10 metre bridge with four lanes is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,900 million with Japanese aid.zzz03185263
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/news19.asp~~~New tyre factory at Ampara ~~~Jun 1 (DN) When four previous leaders who governed the country entered the history books as defeated leaders, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has succeeded in defeating the most ruthless terrorist group in the world, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said. The Minister made these remarks when participating at the opening ceremony of a new tyre factory targeting to produce the required tyre demand for buses of the SLTB in Ampara on Saturday. zzz03185266
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/fea22.asp~~~A Visual 'Cinema' of Sanath Gunatilake ~~~Jun 1 (DN) Due to constraints in space on this page this week's column too would be brief. Professional film critics and erudite and seasoned cinemagoers would analyze the film in depth in the coming weeks in the media. I would concentrate on some the salient features in the film as I experienced it. The film concerned is the newest Sinhala film that is also the maiden venture of the versatile Sanath Gunatilake as a creative director in film making.zzz03185267
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/news2.html~~~Prabhakaran handled colonel of SLA~~~Jun 1 (Island) Acting on information elicited from a Lt. Colonel who had been on the Tigers’ payroll, the police have taken into custody his handler, identified as Prabhakaran. Police told The Island that the army officer had accompanied Prabhakaran to Malaysia recently, where they met with a senior LTTE operative. The colonel had received Rs. 100,000 from the LTTE operative now identified as Nawaz, they said. zzz03185268
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/news10.html~~~Pera produces cheap alternative to petrol from straw~~~Jun 1 (Island) The Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya has successfully experimented with producing fuel from straw. The fuel named Butanol is similar to petrol. butyl alcohol (also called biobutanol when produced biologically) is a primary alcohol belonging to the higher alcohols and branched-chain alcohols. Prof. Athula Perera, Director, PGIA, University of Peradeniya announcing the outcome of zzz03185269
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/editorial.html~~~Now, photographs as fig leaves~~~Jun 1 (Island) Now that the western governments, save a few, have failed to burn Sri Lanka at the stake for war crimes, their propaganda hacks are trying to dupe the world into believing that in the run-up to the final battle in Mullaitivu, over 20,000 civilians perished in the army's artillery fire. They are subjecting Sri Lanka to a media trial on the basis of some post-war aerial pictures and analysis thereof. zzz03185270
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7782~~~Mangala’s National Congress in crisis; new party to be registered~~~Jun 1 (LeN) SLFP People’s Wing leader Mathara district MP Mangala Samaraweera has submitted a fresh application to the Election Commissioner to register a new political party. When MP Samaraweera broke away from SLFP with late MP Sripathi Suriyaarachchi, they formed a new party in the name ‘National Congress.’ But a court case is underway regarding some malpractice behind this registration.zzz03185272
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50574~~~Lankan refugees in India to return after IDPs are resettled~~~Jun 1 (DM) The government said yesterday it would facilitate the return of some 100,000 Sri Lankan war refugees living in India only after the thousands of war affected civilians living in refugee camps in the North and East were resettled. Minister Rizad Bathiyudeen told Daily Mirror the civilians who fled the country to escape the 26-year war were living as refugees in several parts of India. zzz03185271
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50559~~~Scientists discuss initiatives to eradicate the ‘Bug’ ~~~Jun 1 (DM) Scientists from all agricultural research institutions, universities and the private sector involved in the field of agriculture, sat together recently to discuss and formulate a policy for the eradication of the ‘Mealy Bug’ or ‘Piti Makuna’, that has created a crisis in the country. This is the first time that such a gathering of scientists came together to discuss a crisis of this nature. zzz03185273
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50499~~~The land that belongs to no one~~~Jun 1 (DM) The issue as to whether the government should go ahead and devolve land powers to the provinces as per the Provincial Councils Act is making rounds these days for two reasons. Firstly there is an attempt by a handful of government ministers to insist that the provincial councils should wrest the control of land powers given to them by the Constitution. Secondly because Sri Lanka’s resolution to the UNHRC last week specifically said that zzz03185274
http://thecitizen.co.tz/newe.php?id=12836~~~Uganda stuck with six rescued Sri Lankans~~~Jun 1 (TC) Police are stuck with six Sri Lanka natives it recently rescued from suspected human traffickers. The six were rescued after police stormed a residence in the outskirts of Kampala where suspected traffickers were keeping their victims on the pretext of getting them jobs in Uganda and abroad. The six were identified as Mr Nadarasa Jegatheeswaran, Mr Muras Abdul Mohamed, Mr Ratnam Jeevtharan Velupillal, Mr Kiritharan Suntharalingam,zzz03185275
http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/16107.htm~~~TNA seeks amnesty for surrendered LTTE~~~Jun 1 (ANI) R Sambandan, a lawmaker of Sri Lanka now on a visit to India has sought amnesty for surrendered LTTE. The leader of Tamil Nationalist Alliance said this while speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday. Sambandan said that the Tamil rebels should be provided with opportunities so that they can lead normal life in the mainstream of society.zzz03185277
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8076407.stm~~~Sri Lanka Tamils 'facing misery'~~~Jun 1 (BBC) A senior Sri Lankan Tamil political leader has urged the government to resettle civilians back to their homes as early as possible. V Anandasangaree described conditions in camps for civilians displaced by the country's war as "horrible". The head of the TULF said hundreds of thousands faced misery and hardship. He said there were food, health and sanitation problems in camps set up for Tamil civilians in northern Sri Lanka. zzz03185276
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/5419206/India-complicit-in-killing-of-20000-civilians-in-Sri-Lanka.html~~~India 'complicit' in killing of 20,000 civilians~~~Jun 1 (Telegraph) Human rights groups have claimed India did not do enough to protect civilians in the war zone and a former commander on Indian peacekeeping forces in Sri Lanka has said India's role in the conflict was "distressing and disturbing". "We were complicit in this last phase of the offensive when a great number of civilians were killed," Major General Ashok Mehta, who is now retired, told The Times. zzz03185278
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=123123&d=1&m=6&y=2009~~~Sri Lanka conflict: The diaspora factor~~~Jun 1 (AN) The war is not going to end soon," said Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara, the Sri Lankan Army's spokesman, last month. "It will take some time to completely eradicate terrorism from the country - we think about two years." In the euphoria over the recent military victory that ended the conventional war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ("Tamil Tigers") and wiped out most of their leadership, most people in Sri Lanka have forgotten that prediction, but it remains likely. zzz03185279
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6050&sec=3&t=~~~Jettisoning Tamil aspirations~~~Jun 1 (ANN) The talk of the town last week was Sri Lanka’s epic victory at the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution brought by Switzerland against Sri Lanka at a special session of the UNHRC convened especially to discuss Sri Lanka, backfired against its Western European sponsors. What this victory showed was that the world community was becoming aware that this tendency to use human rights issues by certain western nations to zzz03185280
http://www.asianewsnet.net/epaper.php?id=1019~~~Tigers sowed seeds of their own destruction~~~Jun 1 (ANN) In early 2006, shortly after he took charge as Sri Lanka’s defence secretary in his brother’s Cabinet, Gotabhaya Rajapakse submitted a long list of expensive war equipment he wanted to purchase. Many, including newly installed President Mahinda Rajapakse, were surprised. “All of you will start with hopes of talking peace with the Tigers and when you realise it is futile, you will come to me,” the defence secretary responded, referring to the separatist LTTE.zzz03185281
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6046&sec=1~~~Pakistan pilots carry out all 3,000 missions in eelam war ~~~Jun 1 (ANN) SLAF Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetilike Sunday denied Pakistani media reports that some of the missions against the LTTE had been carried out by Pakistan Air Force pilots. "There is absolutely no truth in this claim," Goonetilike said. Responding to our queries, he said that during Eelam war IV the SLAF had conducted over 3,000 missions against some 1,900 targets in the northern and eastern theatres over the past three years. zzz03185282
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23701964-details/Aunty+to+female+Tamil+Tigers+runs+London+protests+from+New+Malden/article.do~~~‘Aunty’ to female Tamil Tigers runs London protests from New Malden~~~Jun 1 (ES) A Tamil terror chief who allegedly handed cyanide pills to child soldiers is living in a London suburb, the Standard can reveal. Sri Lankan intelligence officials believe Adele Balasingham, 59, is one of the most senior figures in the remains of the terror group which fought a 26-year war for independence on the island and was defeated last month.zzz03185283
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20090601.aspx~~~Sri Lankan smugglers strive to survive~~~Jun 1 (SP) Sri Lanka recently defeated ethnic separatist Tamil rebels, after nearly three decades of fighting. The rebel organization, the LTTE, had built a large international weapons smuggling organization. The government is hustling to try and prevent this smuggling operation from surviving the LTTE defeat. In the wake of that defeat, police found and arrested one of the lieutenants of LTTE weapons smuggling chief Kumaran Pathmanadan, hiding out in a Tamil refugee camp.zzz03185270.1
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF02Df01.html~~~Missing Tiger spy chief spells trouble~~~Jun 1 (AT) A little over a week after the Sri Lankan government triumphantly announced the elimination of the entire top brass of the LTTE, there is some unease in Colombo over the fate of one of the most powerful Tigers, the LTTE's intelligence chief Shanmugalingam Sivashankar, better known as Pottu Amman. The failure of the government to produce his body has triggered speculation that Pottu Amman might not be dead after all and zzz03185281.2
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Defencewire/~3/h7XEGe6Jedg/poddu-calls-from-beyond-grave.html~~~Poddu calls from beyond the grave?~~~Jun 2 (DW) Some of DefenceWire's readers have asked us again about the fate of Poddu Amman. The reason for this new-found doubt is due to newspaper (local and foreign) articles indicating a) Poddu's body has not been recovered b) Army was still searching for his remains, c) he may have escaped and d) he is now in SLA custody and revealing identities of remaining LTTE spies. While the first two points, that his body was never found and zzz03185286
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/01/gm-mosquitoes-unleashed-in-sri-lanka-multinational-company%e2%80%99s-involvement-suspected/~~~GM mosquitoes unleashed in Sri Lanka?~~~Jun 2 (GV) Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes may have been released in the Greater Colombo area this year and can wreak havoc on public health, scientists and activists warn. These mosquitoes are larger in size, and far more resistant to insecticides and other repellents. “They will not be deterred by mosquito spray or coils – in fact, these methods will have no effect on these new breeds,” a top entomologist, who did not wish to be named, said.zzz03185287
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/01/will-the-tamil-aspirations-be-buried-by-the-diaspora%e2%80%99s-memories/~~~Will the Tamil aspirations be buried by the Diaspora’s memories?~~~Jun 2 (GV) I was just watching a past episode of the ‘Riz Khan’ show which is available on YouTube and the subject for discussion was what the future holds for the Tamil people. The three panelists consisted of the former Sri Lankan ambassador to the US and Mexico, a human rights activist and a spokesperson (Ms. Janani Jananayagam) for London based ‘Tamils against Genocide’. Ms. Jananayagam is also in the running for the European Parliament elections zzz03185288
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9932&Itemid=44~~~A massive Northern cultivation and resettlement program ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) The Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a massive cultivation program in the North after 30 years. Although the North is blessed with appropriate geographical advantages for coconut cultivation, the LTTE was a major threat, Minister of Agriculture Hema Kumara Nanayakkara told our special correspondent in Vavuniya during a visit to the welfare centers in Vavuniya.zzz03185289
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sinhalese-wife-LTTE-operative-arrested/3029.htm~~~Sinhalese wife of LTTE operative arrested~~~Jun 2 (CT) A special unit from Mt. Lavinia Police three days ago arrested the Sinhalese wife of an LTTE intelligence wing operative identified as Thawarasa Madan. According to police, the two had met while Madan had been employed at a printing press at Nedimala in Dehiwela. While in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he had often traveled to Kilinochchi. Madan had got injured in a clash with the Army and is now in Vavuniya, police said.zzz03185290
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906011920.htm~~~Pro-LTTE demonstrations cost UK Police 8 million pounds~~~Jun 2 (PTI) Metropolitan Police spent a whopping 8 million pounds to control the 43-day long demonstration outside the British Parliament by pro-LTTE supporters, a top police official said. The supporters of Tamil Tigers were demanding an end to the war between LTTE and Sri Lankan Army and justice to the Tamilians in the island country. Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said that the demonstration had "extraordinarily stretched" the police force. zzz03185292
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/01/fishermen-hope-to-return-to-sea/~~~Fishermen hope to return to sea~~~Jun 2 (UCAN) Fishermen in northern Sri Lanka are hoping to ply their trade again, now that the war against Tamil separatists is over. However, much depends on the government ending its fishing restrictions, they said at a recent meeting. Members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce from Colombo joined fishermen's representatives at the Bishop of Jaffna's residence on May 26 and 27 to discuss attempts to bring normality back to the region.zzz03185295
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/34518/2009/05/1-160511-1.htm~~~Working in Sri Lanka's camps calls for creative thinking ~~~Jun 2 (AN) These days, it's a question of survival of the most creative. In response to the challenges we face working in camps for internal refugees in Sri Lanka's north, we have to be innovative to overcome operational obstacles. And there are many! Take, for example, the recent news of the end of the war and the death of the Tamil Tiger rebel leader, which brought euphoria to the streets of Colombo and some other parts of the country.zzz03185294
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8077794.stm~~~Sri Lankan journalist assaulted ~~~Jun 2 (BBC) A Sri Lankan journalist is in hospital after being abducted and beaten by unidentified attackers. Poddala Jayantha received head and leg injuries in the attack near his home in the Colombo suburb of Nugegoda. Mr Jayantha campaigns for media freedom and is seen by government supporters as an opponent of the authorities. Critics in Sri Lanka's local media have come under extreme pressure in the past few years. zzz03185297
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090601/876/twl-sri-lanka-pushes-ahead-with-resettle.html~~~Sri Lanka pushes ahead with resettlement plans for displaced ~~~Jun 2 (DPA) Brushing aside sweeping allegations of widespread killings of civilians in the final stage of their campaign to crush Tamil rebels, Sri Lankan officials said Monday they will press ahead with plans to care for thousands of war refugees who will eventually be sent back to their homes. Colombo made no official response to allegations by British newspapers and human rights organisations of human rights abuses in the final days of the conflict.zzz03185296
no~~~Media monitoring and analytics~~~zzz03185293
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/EDITORIAL-COMMENT--After-The-War/articleshow/4604711.cms~~~After The War~~~Jun 2 (TOI) The ghosts of war have come to haunt Colombo. A respected UK-based newspaper has accused the Sri Lankan government of massacring 20,000 Tamil civilians during the last phase of the fight against the LTTE. Colombo has rubbished the news report as a figment of imagination and has refused to investigate the allegations. This is contrary to the reconciliatory gestures made by Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa towards the Tamil community since the war ended. zzz03185298
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/01/Nations-compete-to-gain-Sri-Lankas-favor/UPI-91271243858060/~~~Nations compete to gain Sri Lanka's favor~~~Jun 2 (UPI) China, India and Pakistan are competing to win the favor of Sri Lanka and gain better access to the Indian Ocean, The Times of London reported Monday. In a commentary, the newspaper, without naming sources, said it is well-known that China supplied arms to Sri Lanka in its war against Tamil rebels in a deal to build a major port at Hambantota. But, it said, less well-known is that India was first approached over the Hambantota deal but turned Colombo down.zzz03185299
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=280484448~~~Supreme court appoints auditors, auctioneers to Golden Key~~~Jun 2 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has appointed a chief executive, an auctioneer and auditors to the collapsed Golden Key Credit Card Company to liquidate assets and pay back depositors, lawyers said. The chief executive would be an officer from Sri Lanka's central bank. Golden Key Credit Card, a member of the Ceylinco group, was not originally a registered finance company. zzz03185300
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18113~~~Advantages and disadvantages of the New Electricity Law~~~Jun 2 (AT) It is ridiculous and meaningless that certain groups discuss conservation of electricity, in broad day time with hundreds of electric lights on, and in shivering cold where the air-conditioners are on, whereas these discussions could be held under natural light and without air-conditioning, which saves lots of energy. This was stated by Y P Dassanayake, Coordinating Officer, Viduli Paaribhogika Samithi Sammelanaya zzz03185301
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iYxymw7l59m0UoVtxwBJ6ej-UuJQ~~~'UN did not underestimate Sri Lanka death toll'~~~Jun 2 (AFP) UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday categorically rejected allegations the world body had deliberately underestimated the death toll in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. "I categorically reject -- repeat categorically -- any suggestion that the United Nations has deliberately underestimated any figures," he told the UN General Assembly. zzz03185302
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18110~~~Malaysia, largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for the fourth year consecutively~~~Jun 2 (AT) "Malaysia was the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for the fourth consecutive year last year, with leading Malaysian companies playing a major role in key sectors of the Sri Lankan economy". As of last year, there were 18 Malaysian commercial projects in Sri Lanka, which was valued at RM3.2 billion (US$910 million) Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Rosli Ismail told the media yesterday. zzz03185303
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/02/stories/2009060254971500.htm~~~CPA receives threat ~~~Jun 2 (Hindu) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), an independent Colombo-based think-tank critical of the government on Eelam War IV, said it had received an anonymous letter threatening the worst if the organisation did not mend its ways. The CPA posted a copy of the letter written in Sinhala online. Extracts from the translated version, under the title “Notice to the traitors [deshadrohis]”, read: “The wretched war that lasted throughout 30 years has now come to an end zzz03185304
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6410718.ece~~~Britain sold weapons to help Sri Lankan army defeat Tamil Tigers ~~~Jun 2 (Times) Britain and other EU countries sold military equipment worth millions of pounds to the Sri Lankan Government in the last three years of its bloody civil war with the Tamil Tigers, The Times has learnt. Britain approved commercial sales of more than £13.6 million of equipment including armoured vehicles, machinegun components and semiautomatic pistols, according to official records. zzz03185305
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=99&artid=29504~~~Setting the hands of the clock right~~~Jun 2 (TN) The Eezham Tamils and their political representatives have no obligation to anyone now, to engage in the deliberations of fruitless alternatives. But the world has an obligation now to tell the Tamils whether its opposition is to what it has perceived as 'terrorism' or to Tamil nationalism. The Eezham Tamil mainstream has a historic responsibility on its shoulders to be performed right now. zzz03185306
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/681~~~Sinhala and Tamil: Let’s get together and reconcile~~~Jun 2 (DBS) These are troubling times for Tamils worldwide and many are either in a state of shock or denial. The situation is made worse by the chauvinist, triumphalist crowing by some (NOT ALL) Sinhalese on the one hand and equally chauvinistic, unrealistic utterances by some (NOT ALL) Tamils. In a noteworthy departure from this trend there was an email being circulated that spoke a different language. A language of realism and reconciliation.zzz03185307
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18118~~~Time to reap the peace dividend~~~Jun 2 (AT) Even as the end of the Cold War brought a global sigh of relief, it raised expectations of a peace dividend. And the peace dividend was mentioned like a mantra after some other hot wars -- such as the world's longest-running civil war in the Sudan -- ended. Such expectations have been, at best, only partially met. That need not be the case for Sri Lanka. A nation that had so much going for it soon after independence from British rule in 1948,zzz03185308
http://www.zenit.org/article-26049?l=english~~~Sri Lanka Bishop: My diocese is destroyed~~~Jun 2 (Zenit) The Bishop of Jaffna is reporting that his diocese is torn apart and many parishes are destroyed after the recent fighting between government forces and the rebel Tamil Tigers. Aid to the Church in Need reported today the words of Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka, who wrote a letter describing the situation of his people.zzz03185309
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200906020051.html~~~EDITORIAL: Cease-fire in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 2 (Asahi) President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared victory in the country's civil war after government forces hunted down the rebel LTTE in the northern coastal area. However, it is too early to rejoice. Many civilians were killed in the crossfire, and even after the cease-fire, the humanitarian crisis continues. Reconciliation between the majority ethnic group Sinhalese and the Tamils, who constitute less than 20 percent of the population, is not an easy undertaking. zzz03185310
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j02.shtml~~~Tamil detainees kept in appalling conditions~~~Jun 2 (wsws) Despite considerable international pressure, the Sri Lankan government is continuing to block free access for the media and aid agencies to the military-run internment camps where more than 275,000 Tamil civilians have been detained under shocking conditions since fleeing the military’s final offensive against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the country’s north.zzz03185311
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/walking-extra-mile-other-half.html~~~Walking the Extra Mile, the Other Half ~~~Jun 2 (LG) It is heartening to note that the Tamil Nationalist Alliance (TNA) has proposed to join the electoral process in the North, starting with the local government poll for the municipal council in Jaffna and the pradesiya sabha in Vavuniya. Taken to its logial conclusion, the TNA’s decision would contribute to the strengthening of the democratic process, stifled as it was by the LTTE, and zzz03185312
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-struggle-and-challenges-of.html~~~The Tamil struggle and the challenges of solidarity ~~~Jun 2 (LG) Throughout more than two decades of war, much has been said about the Tamil nationalist struggle in Sri Lanka. The crucial debate for those concerned about the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils has focused on the question of whether the LTTE have served to advance or exploit the interests of those they have purported to represent. Since the end of colonial rule in 1948, it has been clear that the Sri Lankan state has marginalized and oppressed the Tamil minority. zzz03185313
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9950&Itemid=44~~~Thailand offer Golden Buddha Statue to SL ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) Thailand has sent to the Kotikawatte Nagarukkaramaya Temple a magnificent 14ft high and 7ft in width, beautifully decorated very valuable Buddha Statue to propagate Buddhism, on a request made by Ven. "Saddharma Keerthi Shree" Badulle Mahanama Thero. The opening ceremony of the Golden Buddha Statue is scheduled for 6th Saturday, June 2009 & Relics will be exposed for three days starting from June 7th to 9th at the Temple.zzz03185315
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/president-rajapaksahomage-to-greatness.html~~~President Rajapaksa:Homage to greatness ~~~Jun 2 (LG) After nearly 30 years of a most destructive war, against an elusive and wily Terrorist Organisation which, the international community has not hesitated to name as ‘the world’s most virulent terrorist outfit’, the last gun on the battlefield has fallen silent on every front. The chief architect of the terror and everyone in his cohorts of criminals have been exterminated like the beasts they were. zzz03185317
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7784~~~Karuna attempts to tear off the Eastern part of the TNA~~~Jun 2 (LG) Minister of National Integration Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman is reportedly in a bid to tear off the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs and to organize them separately. Minister Muralitharan’s argument is that the MPs cannot appear as TNA following the defeat of the LTTE. Karuna was the LTTE’s armed wing and the head of the Eastern Province.zzz03185322
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9952&Itemid=44~~~Media Minister condemns attack on Poddala Jayantha ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) “I vehemently and unequivocally condemn the attack on the the General Secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association, Poddala Jayantha who has been admitted to hospital yesterday with leg injuries after being assaulted by an unknown group”, The Minister of Media Laxman Yapa Abewardana said. He pointed out that the Police have been directed to conduct the m investigation to bring to book any and all persons responsible for this act of brutality, with maximum speed.zzz03185318
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9948&Itemid=44~~~Two new tyre factories to be established in Matale and Ekala ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) The monthly tyre requirement of the SLTB is around 12,000 and it is planned to establish another two new tyre factories in Matale and Ekala to meet 50 percent of the tyre requirements for SLTB buses and this new tyre rebuilding factory has the latest machinery installed at a cost of Rs.10 million. It can produce 2,000 tyres monthly, Minister of Transport Dullas Alahapperuma said at the opening ceremony of the new tyre rebuilding factory in Ampara.zzz03185319
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9940&Itemid=44~~~The caravan moves on ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) Amid allegations and adverse propaganda, SL government is fast progressing with the resettlement of the displaced civilians. Consequently, the government announced a wide range of programmes in which it hopes to improve welfare facilities at camps where an estimated 300,000 civilian refugees are being housed. “A fifth village will be added to accommodate another 40,000 displaced civilians,”zzz03185320
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090602_01~~~Sri Lanka: Too small to be divided and large enough for all ~~~Jun 2 (MoD) A statement found in The Island editorial of 19th May 2009 -- "This country is too small to be divided along ethnic lines but certainly large enough for all communities" -- prompted the title for this article. Essence of this wisdom was of no consequence at the time of independence as it was anticipated that parliamentary type of government would suit the plural society of this country. zzz03185316
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2331:-police-question-editor-lanka-e-news-regarding-assault-on-poddala-jayanthe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Police question Editor 'Lanka E-news' regarding assault on Poddala Jayanthe~~~Jun 2 (LT) The Mirihana Police has been questioning Editor of ‘Lanka E-news’ Benet Rupasinghe since last night regarding the abduction and assault on Mr. Poddala Jayanthe, the General Secretary of Free Media movement. It was Mr. Bennet Rupasinghe who had first complained to the IGP that Mr. Poddala Jayanthe had been abducted by an unknown group of people at Embuldeniya area at about 4.30 p.m. yesterday. zzz03185321
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2323:tro-bought-us70-million-worth-of-weapons&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~TRO bought US$70 million worth of weapons~~~Jun 2 (LT) Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) that posed as an organization to get relief for Tamils have bought US$70 million worth of weapons. This has been revealed when its chief Lawrence Thilakar was arrested. The heads of the network that assisted Thilakar to procure arms were ‘Waterloo’ Suresh of the USA and Erik ‘Waterloo,’ a former General of Indonesian Marines. This has been confirmed by Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of the USA. zzz03185323
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18123~~~Who should the President listen to - Can Federalism or Devolution elevate the people?~~~Jun 2 (AT) The very people whose formulas failed to bring decades of terror to a close are now pressurizing the Government to implement a solution. These “experts” have little right to demand anything of the Government for their peace formulas failed and Sri Lanka’s loss through 3 decades is estimated at a whopping USD200billion worth of opportunities. The President has solved the primary problem – zzz03185324
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18127~~~Colombo to officially record end of war~~~Jun 2 (AT) Colombo will officially record the end of a 30 year war against separatist LTTE terrorism at a national ceremony at the historic Galle Face Green tomorrow morning. The event will be the last of a series of celebrations on the victory over LTTE terrorism that began on May 18. This colorful ceremony will witness the Tri- Service Commanders who led the battle against the LTTE to a successful completion,zzz03185325
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Army-&-STF-fight-drug-&-alcohol-menace/3048.htm~~~Army & STF to fight drug & alcohol menace~~~Jun 2 (CT) After engaging in a successful war to eradicate LTTE terrorism, the Army and police STF commandos have now taken over the task of eradicating the illicit drug and alcohol menace from several areas of the island. A news report by Ajith Alahakoon says they had ordered alleged drug racketeers and dealers in Colombo, to stop drug dealing. Welcoming the move, people of these areas have said the Army and the STF should continue these efforts.zzz03185326
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-thanks-Pakistan-military-assistance/3054.htm~~~Sri Lanka thanks Pakistan for military assistance~~~Jun 2 (CT) The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad has expressed his government’s gratitude over full technical and other services rendered by Pakistan Air Force to suppress the LTTE. Air chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody thanked PAF for its technical and logistics support, especially training and technical support for Chinese F-7 jet fighters and C-130 aircraft. He said that both Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced similar circumstances,zzz03185329
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7783~~~One person shot and killed in foiled escape bid~~~Jun 2 (LeN) One prisoner was shot and killed today (01) at Colombo Chief Magistrate court as a group of robbery suspects attempted to escape as they were being escorted out of the court. The deceased K. W. Sisira Kumara is a suspect of several robbery cases. People were not harmed although the prison guard shot the escaping prisoner at the crowded Dam Street. Another suspect named Suranga sustained gun shot injuries in his leg and admitted to national hospital.zzz03185328
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2230~~~What the West does not say~~~Jun 2 (PISL) For many years we indulged the LTTE, in part because we felt sorry for the Tamils of Sri Lanka and believed the LTTE slogan that Tigers were Tamils and Tamils were Tigers, in part because we thought the Tigers would win out and would provide us with a useful base to extend our influence in South Asia. Even though present in profusion in Tiger controlled areas, we kept quiet about their forced recruitment of one person per family. zzz03185337
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2229~~~Big Lies from the Big Boys~~~Jun 2 (PISL) Last week the Times of London announced that 20,000 civilians had died altogether in the course of this year because of the operations in the North. This claim was not surprising since, as I had just pointed out, the British were determined to crucify us and had already begun to inflate the figure. Six thousand had gone to seven and then to eight, in rapid succession, so more was inevitable, though the speed of the escalation was remarkable, even for the Brits. zzz03185330
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44393.html~~~A crown and emperor`s clothes for a president ~~~Jun 2 (LNP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are to be given honorary doctorates by the University of Colombo in recognition of their service to the country. They, no doubt, deserve such honours, where defeating terrorism is concerned, but the problem is that even ace racketeers responsible for bilking the gullible public out of billions of rupees have been honoured in the same manner.zzz03185331
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44391.html~~~Nearly 500 North East athletes to compete~~~Jun 2 (LNP) The 52nd Junior Athletic championships one of the major events of the athletic calendar organised by the Sri Lanka Athletic Association is scheduled to be conducted at the Sugathadasa Stadium on June 4, 5 and 6 commencing at 8 a.m. each day. This was disclosed by Athletic Association President General Palitha Fernando. He said that this is the stepping stone for young athletes to enter the national level pools to represent the country at the international arena.zzz03185332
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Case_against_Nuriacholai_500_post_Tsunami_houses___FR_violated___SC_-20-1083.html~~~Case against Nuriacholai 500 post Tsunami houses - FR violated : SC~~~Jun 2 (PSM) The Supreme Court today held that the fundamental rights of the Petitioners were violated and ordered the state to pay Rs150,000/= in the fundamental rights case filed by the JHU against 500 houses built for Tsunami victims in Nuraicholai, Akkaraipattu. Chief Justice Sarath N Silva presided the bench with Jusitce K.Sirpawan and Justice Shirani Bandaranayka. Incidentally today is the last working day for the Chief Justice.zzz03185333
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/PSLG-7SMCDY?OpenDocument~~~UNICEF supports Sri Lanka's child friendly primary schools~~~Jun 2 (RW) Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNICEF, today launched the 'Child Friendly Schools' concept as the official framework to address disparities in quality and access in primary schools in Sri Lanka. In a presentation to national, provincial and zonal education authorities, along with other key partners, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education outlined an approach which seeks to improve the quality of education and zzz03185336
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/news01.asp~~~Unemployment down ~~~Jun 2 (DN) The country’s unemployment ratio which stood at 8.3 percent in 2008 had come down to 5.2 percent today, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. “Today five harbours are coming up in the country simultaneously while mega-electricity projects too have been initiated. Infrastructure too is being developed fast with rural villages being given priority in achieving equity in development,” he said addressing 1,000 newly appointed graduate teachers at Temple Trees yesterday. zzz03185335
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/news34.asp~~~Sri Lanka Week in Melbourne ~~~Jun 2 (DN) Lankans domiciled in Australia have organized a four-day long program to educate the international community on how Sri Lanka is being rebuilt after terrorism that has ravaged the country's progress for more than three decades was wiped out by the Security Forces. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha will elaborate on how the Government expects to rebuild the war ravaged North and the East under the Uthuru Wasanthaya and Negenahira Navodaya programs during the Sri Lanka Week beginningzzz03185338
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/fea01.asp~~~'No more wars for Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 2 (DN) Housing and Common Amenities Minister and National Unity Alliance Leader Ferial Ashraff in an interview said we do not need any more wars. What ended was the last war. We need a revolution of mind. We have responsibilities towards the country as countrymen. We should think like one nation and one country, if we are to change the destiny of Sri Lanka. Q - How could Muslim aspirations be met in a political solution that follow the defeat of the LTTE? zzz03185327
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/features1.html~~~"The ‘Gota Kalliya’ is calling the shots"~~~Jun 2 (Island) Mangala Samaraweera is no stranger to controversy. In this interview, he speaks to C.A.Chandraprema about the reasons that led to him falling out with the Rajapakse government, his views on the manner in which the LTTE was crushed, and his own political future. Q. There is a question in many people’s minds as to why you, who did so much to bring the present government into power, ultimately left azzz03185334
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/news7.html~~~Children below 12, housewives most hit by dengue~~~Jun 2 (Island) The Health Ministry said that fifty percent of the confirmed dengue cases in Colombo were children below the age of 12 years. Twenty two percent of them were those who had been infected by the virus a second time. Spokesman for Health Ministry said that another 34.5 percent of confirmed dengue cases were house wives who had been affected a second time. Getting dengue a second time causes complications ending in death in most cases, he said.zzz03185341
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/news11.html~~~LTTE feared Ranil’s diplomatic and military strategy – UNP~~~Jun 2 (Island) The LTTE, fearing the diplomatic cum military strategy of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, prevented northern voters from casting their ballots at the November 2005 Presidential Election, which eventually led to Mahinda Rajapaksa being elected President, the UNP said yesterday. Akila Kariyawasam MP, said that the LTTE which was averse to peace talks, realised belatedly that the Ceasefire Agreement it signed with the Ranil Wickremesinghe government, was a peace trap overseen by the international community. zzz03185340
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50673~~~Controversial vessel expected this week~~~Jun 2 (DM) The controversial aid-carrying vessel ‘Captain Ali’ has decided to go ahead with its mission to Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive at the perimeter of Sri Lanka’s territorial waters this week despite the government not giving it clearance to do so. A former Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission member Kristjan Guðmundsson -- who is onboard the vessel which is reportedly carrying essential items including food and medicines for the displaced people in the northzzz03185343
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50687~~~Forget all differences and develop the country: Ranil~~~Jun 2 (DM) The Opposition Leader said yesterday that one should follow the example of the security forces and forget all differences to take up the task of developing the nation. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe made this point after attending a Bodhi Pooja organized by the UNP to invoke blessings on the security forces at Gangaramaya last evening. “The security forces did not think of any political party when they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow and we must follow that example and get together to achieve much needed development,”zzz03185342
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50678~~~Will not bow down to conditions: President ~~~Jun 2 (DM) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday the government would never agree to receive assistance from donor agencies and the international community if they called for conditions that compromised the dignity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. “Unlike the previous UNP regime, we will not bow down to conditions laid down by international donor agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.zzz03185339
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6080&sec=3&t=6075~~~The paradox of Swiss policy~~~Jun 2 (ANN) The general impression in this country was that Switzerland had refrained from taking sides in the conflict between the Sri Lanka State and the LTTE because of a long standing policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. After all the first steps relating to Swiss neutrality were taken as far back as 1515. It was thought that neutrality with regard to foreign conflicts was the reason that Switzerland persistently refused to join most of the western international community in declaring the LTTE a terrorist organisation zzz03185344
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6079&sec=1~~~Lanka asks for extradition of Malaysia-based LTTE top representative~~~Jun 2 (ANN) Sri Lanka is confident that Malaysia would expel LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s successor Kumaran Pathmanathan aka ‘KP’ wanted on terrorism charges. Although no formal announcement has been made, ‘KP’ has been recognised by various LTTE fronts as their top representative. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama May 29 requested Malaysian Defence Minister to hand over ‘KP’ to facilitate ongoing investigations into LTTE operations overseas.zzz03185345
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/01/sri-lanka-prabhakaran-tamil-tigers~~~The idealist I once knew became the Tamils' Pol Pot~~~Jun 2 (Guardian) The bloody end came in a sliver of nondescript coastline near the fallen garrison town of Mullaitivu in Sri Lanka's north-east. Velupillai Prabhakaran, the founder and supremo of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – one of the world's most feared extremist organisations – had made a last stand that had pointlessness writ all over it. zzz03185346
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jva7jKa65T6o_5FefYWYyQB2HbCw~~~Sri Lankan media activist recovers after attack~~~Jun 2 (AFP) A Sri Lankan journalist was recovering in hospital Tuesday after being beaten up near the capital Colombo as rights groups expressed renewed concern for the safety of the island's media. Poddala Jayantha, secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists' Association, was abducted near his home and severely attacked with sticks before being dumped in a suburb of Colombo, his colleagues said.zzz03185353
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202400.htm~~~Some pillars for Lanka’s future ~~~Jun 2 (FL) “One can win the War, but lose the Peace.” A cliche this may be, but it is also a hoary truism that looms over the post-war scenario in Sri Lanka. The triumphant Sri Lankan government now has to address the human terrain rather than the fields of battle. In facing this challenge, both government and people concerned must attend to another truism: as Sinnappah Arasaratnam pointed out long ago, extremisms have been feeding off each other and zzz03185348
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261200400.htm~~~The war is over ~~~Jun 2 (FL) For the first time in 30 years, the Sri Lankan government can proudly claim that its writ prevails on every inch of the island nation. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been fighting for a separate Tamil homeland in the emerald island, stands decimated as a military force, and its top brass, including the supremo Velupillai Prabakaran, revered by some as the “Sun god”, have been physically eliminated.zzz03185352
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261200900.htm~~~An eyewitness account of the last 70 hours of Eelam War IV~~~Jun 2 (FL) The Frontline issue dated June 5, carried a report containing the observations of this correspondent inside the war zone between May 13 and 16. The Hindu group got embedded with the military for the first time in Eelam War IV, which began in August 2006, and was attached to 58 Division of the Sri Lanka Army. The division, headed by Brigadier Shavendra Silva, was in the forefront of the war in zzz03185354
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261201600.htm~~~Prabakaran was the heart and soul of the LTTE~~~Jun 2 (FL) THE acknowledgement of the death of V. Prabakaran by the LTTE on May 17 came from Selvarasa Pathmanathan, the organisation’s international representative, a week after the Sri Lankan security forces announced it. This is not surprising as the LTTE under the monolithic leadership of Prabakaran had always wished away information he found either uncomfortable or inconvenient. zzz03185351
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202100.htm~~~Democracy deficit & two movements ~~~Jun 2 (FL) Hours after the Sri Lankan military announced the recovery of the bullet-ridden body of Velupillai Prabakaran, the AHRC put out an analysis under the title “Sri Lanka: Wijeweera and Prabakaran – rebels within a dysfunctional democracy". Made in the form of a statement, it provides insights into the militant politics pursued by the JVP chief Rohana Wijeweera and zzz03185349
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202800.htm~~~New Delhi shares some of the apprehensions of the West~~~Jun 2 (FL) The Indian government may find it difficult to deal with a Sri Lankan government flush with a historic victory under its belt. Senior Indian officials who recently visited the island nation fear that there is a danger of Sinhala “chauvinism” running amok once again after the heady military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the death of Velupillai Prabakaran. zzz03185347
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261203000.htm~~~Tamil Nadu parties for U.N. role ~~~Jun 2 (FL) In the days following the death of V. Prabakaran and the United Nations estimating that 7,000 Tamil civilians were killed between January and May in the conflict between the Sri Lanka Army and the organisation he headed, the LTTE, political parties in Tamil Nadu demanded that Sri Lanka’s President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and its Army commander, Lt Gen. Sarath Fonseka, should be tried for war crimes in an international court of law. zzz03185350
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9956&Itemid=44~~~Vavuniya Police uncovers massive haul of LTTE weaponry ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) The Vavuniya Police uncovered massive haul of LTTE weaponry following a confession made by four LTTE cadres who surrendered through the ICRC, Police said. Among the detected items were 24 night vision cameras, 8claymore mines, 5 LTTe manufactures bombs, C-4 Explosives, Four T-56 assault rifles, 1180 rounds of live ammunition, Penicillin injections and other medicines, 12 Rifle Magazines, camouflaged military uniforms and other military implements.zzz03185355
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Death-penalty-treason!---Divaina-editorial/3065.htm~~~Death, penalty for treason! - Divaina editorial ~~~Jun 3 (CT) The editorial of today's issue of 'Divaina' newspaper says death would be the penalty for journalists and professionals in Colombo, Sri Lanka who are in the LTTE's pay directly or indirectly. It says some of these persons had fled overseas while others who could not make it on time are still in the island. Quoting an old Sinhalese saying, the newspaper editorial says every bunker that had belonged to Prabhakaran had exposed secrets.zzz03185356
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-grants-7-million-to-develop.html~~~Govt. grants 7 million to develop Catholic churches~~~Jun 3 (LG) The government has granted Rs.7 millions to develop the facilities of Catholic churches in the Kurunrgala and Kalutara districts under the programme to develop religious establishment. This grant was made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The grant specially focused on the development of churches in Kurunegala and Kalutara areas. Rs.3.4 million was given to build a hostel for priests at St. Anne’s church, Udubaddava, Kattimahana.zzz03185357
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-war-part-i.html~~~Sri Lanka after the War – Part I ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Undoubtedly Sri Lanka, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has scored an unprecedented military victory in the Eelam War IV with the near total elimination of the entire leadership of the LTTE. After that the LTTE’s military struggle has been turned into an existential struggle. It will be a long haul for the LTTE to get back into some shape as the Sri Lanka war machine grinds on relentlessly in the name of taming the Tamil Tigers. zzz03185358
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/peace-brings-new-boost-for-tourism.html~~~Peace brings new boost for Tourism ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Sri Lanka is looking forward to a new boost for Tourism, which has for long been one of the major revenue earners for the country. The end of the thirty year long war, which saw many ups and downs in the tourism industry, and brought it to very low levels in the past few, has given considerable hope of an a new increase in tourist arrivals. Official and trade source say that inquiries by independent visitors and tour operators are reportedly on the rise,zzz03185359
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/02/let%E2%80%99s-just-be-sri-lankan-men/~~~Let’s just be Sri Lankan men!~~~Jun 3 (GV) There’s a lot more to being Sri Lankan than koththu and cricket. But I have to say, they are really high up on my list of all that’s great about us! These days, when emotions are high and discussions are plenty, I feel that I too should add my two cents worth of what it is to be Sri Lankan. And to do that, I’m going to hold up my favourite poster boys of national unity – our cricket team.zzz03185360
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407057.html~~~ICC World Twenty20 warm-up: Nervy Sri Lanka overcame scare to seal win~~~Jun 3 (CI) Sri Lanka threatened to squander what appeared an easy chase against a charged-up Bangladesh attack, but came through by four wickets with two balls to spare at Trent Bridge. Mahela Jayawardene, with a classy 43, kept his cool after Sri Lanka's openers failed to ignite but it was left to Chamara Silva and Angelo Mathews to steady the nerves before a wide sealed the match.zzz03185361
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1757939218~~~Sri Lanka 'core' inflation 15.8-pct~~~Jun 3 (LBO) A controversial core inflation index of selected items in Sri Lanka was at 13.5 percent in May 2009, the central bank said, while the country's headline index rose 3.3 percent, from 2.9 percent. Core inflation is claimed by central banks to better reflect their monetary policy actions, and drops food and energy. Critics of paper money central banking say when loose policy from reserve currency central banks like the Fed pushes up commodity prices, zzz03185362
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30990&Cr=Sri+lanka&Cr1=~~~UN scaling up efforts to facilitate return home of displaced Sri Lankans~~~Jun 3 (UN) The United Nations refugee agency and its partners are working to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of people who were uprooted by clashes between Sri Lankan Government forces and Tamil rebels are able to return to their homes. Last month, the Government declared that its military operation against the LTTE was over, ending more than two decades of fighting. Some 300,000 IDPs are living in 40 emergency shelter sites. zzz03185364
no~~~Covering a War Zone~~~zzz03185363
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906022311.htm~~~Sri Lanka says Army's caution prolonged war ~~~Jun 3 (AP) Sri Lanka's human rights minister claimed on Tuesday his country's Army took over two months longer to defeat the Tamil Tiger rebels because it avoided using heavy weapons and aerial bombardments. The Army suffered heavy casualties in the final phase of Sri Lanka's civil war because it was constrained to use light weapons, Mahinda Samarasinghe told the U.N. Human Rights Council. zzz03185365
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18141~~~The LTTE: Chapter Closed~~~Jun 3 (AT) "This was a humanitarian mission, a mission where our soldiers went forth with gun in one hand and the Human Rights Declaration in the other, carrying hostages on their shoulders and with the unbounded love for children in their hearts. They were armed with compassion, kindness, equanimity and the ability to rejoice in the happiness of others." There are time when people dig deep within to draw reserves of self-belief, zzz03185366
http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3415/html/economy.htm#s383478~~~Assistance for Lanka power plan~~~Jun 3 (ID) The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a plan submitted by Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne to launch rural electrification with financial assistance from Iran. Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said Iran has provided $95.5 million for the promotion of rural electrification in Sri Lanka and this project would boost the rural community, zzz03185367
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/02/priests-detained-in-refugee-camps/~~~Priests detained in refugee camps~~~Jun 3 (UCAN) Five Tamil Catholic priests who were trapped in the war zone remain detained in refugee camps in northern Sri Lanka. Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna confirms this. "They were rescued by the military from the war zone," he told UCA News. "They worked for the people. They should be sent to Jaffna." The bishop said he had written to the Ministry of Defense five days earlier asking for the release of the priests. zzz03185368
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/03/stories/2009060353441500.htm~~~Assault on journalist condemned ~~~Jun 3 (Hindu) The police on Tuesday were yet to make any breakthrough in identifying the culprits behind the brutal attack on journalist and secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) Poddala Jayantha. According to the police, Mr. Poddala was kidnapped by a gang that came in a vehicle around 7.10 p.m. on Monday. “He was admitted to the hospital after he was dumped on the road in the Mirihana Police Division,” said the police.zzz03185369
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6418015.ece~~~Aid workers forced to leave Sri Lanka under strict new visa rules~~~Jun 3 (Times) Sri Lanka is hampering international relief efforts by forcing dozens of British and other foreign aid workers to leave the country because it considers them sympathetic to the defeated Tamil Tigers, The Times has learnt. Aid organisations say that the policy is costing them tens of thousands of pounds of donors’ money as they struggle to help 280,000 Tamil civilians in internment camps. zzz03185372
http://www.mawbimanews.com/2009/06/history-lesson-for-western-powers.html~~~A history lesson for the “Western Powers” ~~~Jun 3 (MN) History is a funny animal. Like a pet dog it can be loved, rubbed, groomed, fed, made to obey, ignored, forgotten, punished, or locked up – depending on the owner’s proclivities and prevailing mood. As long as the animal is fed, it is usually cooperative. In a rare moment, however, it can bite back if provoked or mistreated. I think this might be just one of those moments when the dog takes a nip out of his owner’s hide. Let me explain.zzz03185371
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18143~~~Amaradeva - The greatest musical genious of the nation ~~~Jun 3 (AT) Shantha Mae Rae Yaame the song resonating at the apex of its popularity among young and old in every household, musical function and school excursion reminds the immortal name of the world acclaimed Sri Lanakn music maestro Amaradeva the national treasure of Sri Lanka. Pandith Dr W.D. Amaradeva is regarded as the legendary musical genius of the era. zzz03185370
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18154~~~New Sri Lanka Ambassador present credentials to the King of Norway~~~Jun 3 (AT) Career Diplomat E. Rodney M. Perera, the new Sri Lanka Ambassador to Norway, presented his credentials to King Harald V, at the Royal Palace in Oslo. At the simple ceremony, the new Sri Lankan Ambassador explained to the Norwegian Head of State the aim of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government to the timely and effective action of the security forces to launch the largest hostage rescue mission in history, zzz03185373
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18157~~~'Now it’s a time for reconciliation'~~~Jun 3 (AT) "The brutal war which suffocated our country for the last three decades is over and now is the opportunity to be reconciled and to be united under a one flag. Let us learn from the past mistakes and mishaps. We have to take the extremists in both sides to the middle path if we are really and truly interested in building a new Sri Lanka. There will be terrible and unprecedented repercussions if we do not make use of this golden opportunity to join hands". zzz03185374
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18161~~~The Times report of the numbers killed raise new questions ~~~Jun 3 (AT) The LTTE gave the world not only the suicide vest but also the art of perpetuating a lie until it becomes accepted as the truth. Now the "Times" has taken it to new heights. On 29 May the Times reported that evidence gathered by it has revealed that at least 20,000 Tamils were killed mostly by army shelling on the beach as the army closed in on the Tigers. The paper blamed the UN for underestimating the death toll. zzz03185375
http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSCOL111150~~~Stark warnings for those seen traitors~~~Jun 3 (Reuters) A Sri Lankan rights group said on Tuesday it had received a threat accusing it of treason, the day after a media activist was beaten up in the latest episode in the country's long history of politically tinged violence. Press rights groups have warned that journalists seen as sympathetic to the defeated separatist LTTE were at risk, and on Monday, media activist and journalist Poddala Jayantha was abducted and beaten. zzz03185376
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL21017354~~~'Sri Lanka on guard for separatist revival'~~~Jun 3 (Reuters) Sri Lanka is keeping a close eye for signs of separatism among the hundreds of thousands of people made homeless by its civil war, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's minister of disaster management and human rights stressed that work is under way to root out remaining insurgents who may jeopardise the Indian Ocean island's fragile peace.zzz03185377
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/news33.html~~~Govt extends olive branch to UNP~~~Jun 3 (BL) On the eve of Victory Day celebrations, the government has extended an invitation to the UNP, to join in developing the country, assuring that an opening still remained for their support. Insisting that the government’s top priority remained the resettlement of IDPs and the establishment of democracy in the North, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene reiterated the importance of a national effort, and urged for unity from Opposition ranks.zzz03185378
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/as_i_see_it_col.htm~~~Anyone can buy property in Jaffna~~~Jun 3 (BL) I wish to broaden the scope of this column to include discussion about issues concerning the Sri Lankan Tamil problem raised by the readers. Till now I took note of the comments the readers mailed and dealt with them in the column. From now, I will interact directly/ Vipulanda Sivakumaran, a journalist from Bharain who called last week’s column excellent and timely hoped that decision makers would take note of it and build up the unity of the country, zzz03185379
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/defence_col.htm~~~"I’m a professional soldier. No politics"~~~Jun 3 (BL) Perhaps the most lucrative positions in Sri Lanka today, are those of politicians. Any person who rides a wave of popularity will, no doubt, turn that popularity to advantage, and not hesitate to enter politics. But, we found a person, an officer and a gentleman, who refuses to take the massive wave of popularity he currently rides, to entertain any political ambitions. zzz03185384
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/news8.html~~~Govt. refuses to comment on Poddala attack~~~Jun 3 (BL) While police yesterday questioned two senior journalists over the attack on Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Secretary, Poddala Jayantha the government refrained from making any comments regarding it, and instead said that they would make their stance known once the journalists allegedly in the pay of the LTTE were revealed. Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene noted they would await the conclusion of Police investigations on Jayantha’s attack,zzz03185381
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sc-grants-interim-order-in-oil-hedging.html~~~SC grants interim order in oil hedging case ~~~Jun 3 (LG) The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the interim order cited in the fundamental rights petition on the oil hedging contracts filed by accountant and former PERC Chairman Nihal Sri Ameresekere. The oil hedging deals were entered into by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and five banks, those being Standard Chartered, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Commercial Bank and People’s Bank. zzz03185380
http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/4414163.Tamils_and_Buddhists_come_together_for_cultural_festival/~~~Tamils and Buddhists perform at Queensbury Eco-Cultural festival~~~Jun 3 (HT) Buddhist and Tamil children will perform on the same stage at a Queensbury festival this weekend. Organisers of the Queensbury Eco-Cultural Festival have brought together children from the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Temple and the Tamil Cultural Arts Centre, based in Kingsbury High School, to perform on the same stage. They are hoping the move will bring cohesion between the two communities,zzz03185383
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29513~~~Jaffna University pays last respects to Prof. Krishnarajah~~~Jun 3 (TN) Students, faculty deans and lectures gathered in Kailasapathy Auditorium in Jaffna University Tuesday noon to pay their last respects to the remains of Prof. Somasuntharam Krishnarajah in an event presided by Prof. N. Shanmugalingan, Vice-chancellor of Jaffna University. Prof. Krishnarajah died Friday in a private hospital in Colombo Friday and his remains were interred in Jaffna Tuesday,zzz03185382
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/697~~~Let’s get together and reconcile: Two Sinhala responses~~~Jun 3 (DBS) Hello Friends, Mohan Sekaram’s private e-mail to some of his friends that I posted on this blog with his permission has evoked a tremendous response. I am extremely happy about posting it because of the very positive vibes from people of Sri Lanka and of Sri Lankan origin. For too long we the silent majority have kept quiet while extremists on either side of the ethnic divide have hogged the megaphone. zzz03185385
http://newsblaze.com/story/20090602091220iwfs.nb/topstory.html~~~A Sri Lankan Refugee Provides Refuge~~~Jun 3 (NB) "It is true that at one point in life every woman wants to get married, set up a home, become a mother. But until that moment comes along, my life revolves around these refugees from my country," says V. Thenmozhi, 38. Thenmozhi is not exaggerating when she says that her life is dedicated to working for Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu. This activist and counsellor has spent nearly two decades working with Sri Lankan Tamils who have fled by zzz03185386
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/colonial-mindset.html~~~Colonial mindset ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Some in the British Government seem to believe that the sun has not set over the empire. How does one otherwise view British Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s officious attempt to meddle in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, an erstwhile colony? Possibly in the same way that his lapse on Kashmir was condemned by Indian foreign office sources after he proclaimed that the Kashmir ‘issue’ needed to be resolved in order to curb Islamist terrorism.zzz03185387
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2340:more-powers-for-pcs-13th-amendment-should-be-fully-implemented--aprc-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~More powers for PCs, 13th amendment should be fully implemented – APRC ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) has recommended that the 13th amendment should be totally implemented and provincial councils given more powers say political sources. According to these sources the provincial council is accepted as the unit of devolution and the present concurrent list would be abolished. Provincial councils would be given police, land and monetary powers. zzz03185388
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2345:jvp-deplores-attack-against-poddala-jayanthe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~JVP deplores attack against Poddala Jayanthe ~~~Jun 3 (LT) At a time security forces have completely defeated tiger terrorism the government, instead of taking measures to re-establish law and order in the country, allowing media to be attacked time and time again has drastically endangered democracy in the country states the JVP. Issuing an announcement deploring the attack on the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayanthe the Political Bureau of the JVP states zzz03185389
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2342:unp-to-form-alliance-to-contest-uva&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~UNP to form alliance to contest Uva ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The UNP has begun discussions with its allies in the Parliament to jointly contest Uva PC election. The discussions are being held with the participation of UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe. UNP Secretary General Tissa Attanayake said already official level discussions have been held with SLMC, Democratic People’s Front and United Lanka Democratic Front. zzz03185390
no~~~Lands in North for original owners ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The government has decided to hand over the lands in the North to their genuine owners once the ownership of the lands is established says Minister of Land and Land Development Jeewan Kumaratunga. He said the decision was taken at a discussion held at Menik Farm to resettle the people in the North in their villages and find a solution for land issues in the North. zzz03185393
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18163~~~INGOs, NGOs and the Government continuously feed the IDPs~~~Jun 3 (AT) Despite allegations food scarcity among the Internally Displaced Peoples in the north, the Government of Sri Lanka is working together with local and international NGOs to provide cooked food for the IDPs. A number of local NGOs, like Sewalanka Foundation and Sarvodaya, and international NGOs, like ZOA, Forut, Norwegian Refugee Council, DRC, and others are feeding the IDPs daily. zzz03185392
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9965&Itemid=44~~~'There’s no reason why deaf people cannot be good drivers'~~~Jun 3 (GDI) Driving comes down to paying attention and do away with roade side distractions, and there should be no reason why the deaf cannot drive, said Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma. “And, most importantly, research shows that deaf drivers do not meet more accidents or fines than drivers with perfection,” the Minister said.zzz03185391
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9968&Itemid=44~~~Villagers back in Konarpannai after 19 years ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) After an interval of 19 years, residents of Konarpannai in Mannar returned home yesterday (02). In 1990, LTTE separatists ordered them to leave their ancestral homes within 24 hours, and they fled. “Konarpannai village population numbers 155 persons from 55 households. And, dry rations are given for a period of two weeks, which gives them time to get back on their own feet,”zzz03185394
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9969&Itemid=44~~~Dengue eradication week from June 08 - 15 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) The Education Ministry will hold a school based Dengue Eradication Week from June 8 to 15 to combat the dengue menace. Under this program, mosquito breeding places will be identified and steps will be taken to destroy them. In addition to the Dengue prevention activities, the Principals are advised to conduct a 'School environment cleaning program' on every Friday from 7.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. considering it as a National task.zzz03185395
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9972&Itemid=44~~~25 schools in Anuradhapura and Mihintale closed from June 4 - 9 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) On the request of the Police and the Poson Steering Committee the Provincial Education Ministry has consented to reserve 25 schools in Anuradhapura and Mihintale for accommodation of nearly 7,000 police and civil security sleuths being detailed for the protection of devotees flocking in Anuradhapura and Mihintale during Poson celebrations. The schools being closed from June 4 to June 9 inzzz03185398
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9970&Itemid=44~~~Environment Day on June 05 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) World Environment Day which falls on June 5 will be commemorated under the theme “Your Planet Needs You - Unite to Combat Climate Change”. The Ministry of Environment has arranged to celebrate the World Environment Day (WED) at the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka. The celebrations begin on June 5 at 10 am, zzz03185397
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9976&Itemid=44~~~Two major northern irrigation tanks to be rehabilitated ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) A master plan to revive two partly abandoned major irrigation tanks in the North is under discussion at the Irrigation Department. And, irrigation engineers are already in the process of drafting the plan. These tanks, in the heart of the Northern Province, will be rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 635 million on the instructions of Ports, Aviation and Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.zzz03185403
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44426.html~~~Telecommunication subscriber network records 36 percent growth~~~Jun 3 (LNP) There was outstanding growth in the Telecommunication sector during the past few years, according to the Central Bank report. Extraordinary growth was recorded in technological development, capacity and coverage. The growth in the telecommunication sector was due to the increased competitiveness among new service providers, while expanding their coverage and reducing the initial costzzz03185399
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44427.html~~~A craven act of terror ~~~Jun 3 (LNP) The dastardly attack on Secretary of the Working Journalists' Association Poddala Jayantha must be condemned unreservedly by one and all. He was waylaid on Monday in full view of the public at the Embuldeniya junction and bundled into a white van according to eyewitnesses. Tonsured and injured at the hands of his assailants, he is now receiving treatment at the National Hospital. zzz03185400
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news01.asp~~~Education of IDP children: Task Force spends Rs. 137m~~~Jun 3 (DN) In a bid revive the education of over 60,000 children of displaced families in the North, the Education Ministry yesterday started the Nenasa Sathkaraya program under which a consignment of school textbooks, additional reading material, uniforms, stationery, desks and chairs for teachers and children worth over Rs. 137 million were dispatched to Vavuniya in 20 lorries. zzz03185401
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news11.asp~~~Let Lanka tackle its issues - China ~~~Jun 3 (DN) China firmly believes that the Sri Lankan Government and its people should be allowed to tackle its internal affairs and the international community can make concrete efforts to improve the humanitarian condition of the country, Assistant Foreign Minister of China Hu Zhengyue said. However, China will continue to support Sri Lanka in bringing in stability, peace and development, he said. zzz03185396
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news13.asp~~~Nearly 30,000 children under 18 in welfare villages ~~~Jun 3 (DN) There are nearly 30,000 children under the age of 18 staying in welfare villages and transit centres. Around 850 have lost one or both parents. The Probation and Child Care Services Department and Provincial Departments hold the responsibility of caring for those children, Probation and Child Care Services Commissioner D.M.S. Abeygunawardana told the Daily News yesterday. zzz03185406
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news1.html~~~Govt. promises 13th A sans merged N&E~~~Jun 3 (Island) The government yesterday said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s recent pledge to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution wouldn’t mean a re-merger of the Eastern Province with the North as envisaged under the July 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said though the government was committed to the implementation of the 13th Amendment there would have to be two separate Provincial Councils. zzz03185404
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news23.html~~~'Stop celebrations, country has no money'~~~Jun 3 (Island) The UNP while ungrudgingly giving credit to all who contributed to defeating the LTTE, said yesterday that the country cannot afford to go on having unending celebrations at enormous costs to the taxpayer. UNP MP S. B. Dissanayake said that the Treasury coffers were virtually empty and the government which was heavily in debt, both locally and internationally, is spending huge sums on victory parades and rallies. zzz03185402
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news2.html~~~'Mahinda won’t follow Mandela or Mugabe'~~~Jun 3 (Island) Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena challenged the UNP to canvass for the urgently needed USD 1.9 billion loan facility if it genuinely appreciated the armed forces’ triumph over the LTTE. The minister urged the UNP to throw its weight behind the SLFP-led coalition. Recalling an earlier UNP bid to block a USD 500 million loan from the HSBC, he asked the UNP to back Sri Lanka’s call for USD 1.9 billion facility from the IMF.zzz03185405
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50811~~~Lanka to acquire new oil bed~~~Jun 3 (DM) Sri Lanka is hoping to acquire its own oil resources with the expansion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the eastern part of the country which is now pending approval by the United Nations (UN). A spokesman for the Fisheries Ministry which took part in formulating the report to the UN said the expanded sea area that Sri Lanka was now claiming contains sedimentation thickness from some 20 kilometres to four kilometres which will have hydrocarbon or oil. zzz03185407
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50809~~~Two journalists questioned~~~Jun 3 (DM) Two journalists who were alleged to have been involved in the assault on veteran journalist Poddala Jayantha were released on personal bail of Rs. 500,000/ each by Nugegoda Chief Magistrate Vasantha Jinadasa, yesterday. Poddala Jayantha, the general secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association, had been assaulted Monday evening at Embuldeniya, Nugegoda.zzz03185408
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50810~~~Lanka to seek Adele's arrest~~~Jun 3 (DM) Adele Balasingham, the widow of LTTE ideologue Anton Balasingham, is living in a London suburb and representatives of the Sri Lankan government are to meet Scotland Yard and the Home Office in the coming weeks for talks on her presence in Britain. Sri Lankan intelligence officials believe Adele Balasingham, 59, is one of the most senior figures in the remains of the terror groupzzz03185409
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6095&sec=1~~~'NGOs funding Minister behind separatism move' ~~~Jun 3 (ANN) The National Patriotic Movement yesterday said that following the demise of the LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran, some NGOs have started directing their funds to a Cabinet Minister. PNM Chairman Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera accused a particular Minister who crossed over to the Government ranks of being behind the NGO funding and promoting separatism. zzz03185410
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9977&Itemid=44~~~'I am the proudest Head of State who delivered a unitary nation'~~~Jun 3 (GDI) “The last breath of our heroic troops must be blowing in the wind where the national flag I hoisted today, flies proudly. Therefore, with every breath we take we must remember these heroic sons and daughters of our land. I also offer my respect to the high morale of our valiant troops who have been disabled but courageously participated in this event on their wheel chairs.zzz03185415
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/4416031.WALTHAMSTOW__Murdered_woman_was_strangled/~~~Sri Lankan woman beaten to death in UK~~~Jun 3 (GS) A Sri Lankan woman found dead in a Walthamstow park was strangled, police have revealed. The partially clothed body of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, was discovered by a passerby in a park in Queens Road, near to Kelmsctott Leisure Centre, at 5.50am on Saturday, May 30. Police are still trying to establish whether she was sexually assaulted before being killed. Police initially withheld the cause of death 'for operational reasons'. zzz03185412
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090603/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~President calls for outreach to Tamils~~~Jun 3 (AP) Sri Lanka's president urged the military on Wednesday to win over the Tamil people and to ensure they live without "fear or suspicion" in the wake of the army's victory over Tamil separatist rebels. President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed a military parade and victory ceremony that commemorated the government's defeat of the Tamil Tiger separatists last month after more than a quarter-century of conflict.zzz03185411
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jun/03/world-twenty20-india-pakistan-sri-lanka~~~Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis give Sri Lanka Twenty20 edge~~~Jun 3 (Guardian) The greatest sporting rivalries are broad canvases coloured by loss, pain and redemption. Would the 5–1 victory against Germany in Munich in 2001 have meant so much to England's football fans without the tears at the Stadio Delle Alpi in 1990 and at Wembley in 1996? Would victory in the Karachi one-dayer of 2004 have been such a milestone for Indian cricket supporters without the trauma of Javed Miandad's last-ball six at Sharjah in 1986?zzz03185405.7
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8080626.stm~~~Sri Lanka president thanks allies ~~~Jun 3 (BBC) The Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has praised Asian, African and Arab countries for their support in defeating Tamil Tiger rebels. He said that Sri Lanka had been "pressurised" by other governments which he did not name. The president was speaking at a vast military parade to celebrate the victory which was achieved last month. In a TV address, he told soldiers who fought the rebels that they now needed to win over the hearts of Tamil people. zzz03185413
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18170~~~'No more referendums in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 3 (AT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa fresh from a historic victory over terrorism has turned down a proposal by a section of his cabinet to hold a referendum to extend the life of Parliament and to marry the second Presidential Election due in 2011 to that referendum as the people were now in favour of Rajapaksa following the victory over LTTE terrorism, highly placed authoritative sources disclosed today.zzz03185406.1
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Conspiracy-EU-exposed---'Divaina'/3103.htm~~~Conspiracy by EU exposed - Divaina~~~Jun 3 (CT) 'Divaina' says there had been a conspiracy by Britain and other countries of the European Union to rescue LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran through a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on May 14. The June 03 issue of the newspaper, in an article by defence correspondent Keerthi Warnakulasuriya, says Sri Lanka's permanent representative at the UN Dayan Jayatileke had confirmed that such an attempt had been made by the EU nations.zzz0318540.2
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/CJ-pardons-Veddah-convict/3091.htm~~~CJ pardons Veddah convict~~~Jun 3 (CT) A member of the veddah community who had been sentenced to death and kept imprisoned, after ten appeals were not considered, was pardoned by Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva yesterday. The CJ, who attended the opening of the new lawyers' office compound near Kandy Judicial Complex, thus pardoned Uruwarige Seneviratne, using the power vested in him after Kandy Chief Magistrate, Sumudu Premerathne brought the issue to his attention.zzz03185409.1
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/28-day-England-tour-D.S.-de-Silva-250-dollar-allowance/3073.htm~~~28-day England tour for D.S. de Silva with 250 dollar allowance~~~Jun 3 (CT) Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee D.S. de Silva is preparing for a tour of England this month that comes with a daily allowance of 250 dollars, SLC sources said. His 28-day visit coincides with the twenty-20 world cup to be staged in that country from June 05. Both the chairman's tour and the allowance have been approved by the interim committee at its meeting this afternoon (June 02).zzz03185409.2
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090603-703616.html~~~'IMF emergency loan approval close'~~~Jun 3 (WSJ) Trade minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris said Wednesday that the government expects the International Monetary Fund to soon approve its application for an emergency loan. "We have every expectation that the first tranche will be delivered in the near future," Peiris said at a press conference in Tokyo during a trip to Japan. Peiris' comments come as the government holds talks with the IMF for a $1.9 billion loan to zzz03185403.1
http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/invoke.cfm?objectid=A5086FCD-15C5-F00A-251037496737FB08&component=toolkit.article&method=full_html~~~Treating the wounded and medical emergencies remains a priority~~~Jun 3 (MSF) Over the last few weeks, while tens of thousands of people have emerged from the Vanni, the former conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, MSF teams have been working alongside Sri Lankan Ministry of Health staff providing surgical and medical care to people who were caught up in the fighting. The situation remains extremely worrying inside the hospitals and among the 269,000 displaced people in Vavuniya District. zzz03185403.2
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090603/wl_afp/srilankaunrestdiplomacy_20090603073223~~~Sri Lanka seeks 'new era' in foreign relations~~~Jun 3 (AFP) Sri Lanka's president called for a "new era" in foreign relations as the island staged a military parade to mark its victory over separatist Tamil Tiger rebels. President Mahinda Rajapakse, whose government has been threatened with a possible war crimes probe over the manner of its military success last month, said it was time to launch a fresh diplomatic strategy.zzz03185414
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1766568578~~~Sri Lanka should drop popular politics to boost economy: President~~~Jun 3 (LBO) Sri Lanka should cut the budget deficit, drop popular politics and ideologies in meeting the challenge of developing the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. "Reducing the budget deficit, investment promotion and economic development is possible after defeating terrorism," President Rajapaksa said in a nationally televised speech at a ceremony in Colombo.zzz03185406.11
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407053.html~~~New captain, new beginning~~~Jun 4 (CI) The ICC World Twenty20 represents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to put behind them the miseries of the last few months. The attack on their team bus in Lahore in March and the armed conflicts in the country have meant the team and the nation have had little to cheer recently. Kumar Sangakkara and Co have the chance to give the country some happy moments over the next couple of weeks. zzz03185424
http://content.cricinfo.com/wwt202009/content/story/407163.html~~~Sri Lanka's new captain hopes for fresh start~~~Jun 4 (CI) Sri Lanka go into the ICC World Women's World Twenty20 under a new captain, with Chamari Polgampola taking over the reins from the long-serving Shashikala Siriwardene. She feels the tournament can be a launchpad for the team's future successes. "The Sri Lanka captaincy is not what I expected to get, but having got it does not surprise me. I'll do my best in my capacity as captain. zzz03185425
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1908848042~~~Sri Lanka offered investment by Canadian business council~~~Jun 4 (LBO) Two bilateral business councils promoting trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Canada have offered their support to revive the island's economy with the end of the ethnic war. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, which represents the Sri Lanka-Canada business councils, said they had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa offering support especially in infrastructure. zzz03185426
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g1riYmWcQldQ7pQgr7LGe-BXnVWA~~~Sri Lankan minister seeks Japanese aid~~~Jun 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka's trade minister on Wednesday sought Japan's help for its recovery from ethnic conflict, while reiterating his government's rejection of any probe into alleged human rights violations. Colombo has faced allegations that thousands of civilians perished in the final battle last month against Tamil Tiger separatists, as the island starts its recovery from three decades of fighting.zzz03185427
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=231055530~~~Economics of War (and also peace)~~~Jun 4 (LBO) Wars have always been fought with one objective. That is to take forced possession of economically valuable assets belonging to the enemy. The list may vary from time to time, but a typical set of such coveted assets goes on as follows: land including right to water; young women including children; treasure; and able-bodied men as slaves. Since it is ‘forced possession’, wars do not come within the ambit of standard economic theory which is based on ‘voluntary exchange’. zzz03185428
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/03/catholics-raise-money-for-refugees/~~~Catholics raise money for refugees~~~Jun 4 (UCAN) Parishioners of Colombo cathedral have been busy fundraising for war refugees by selling hot foods, home-made pickles and household items at an evening family fiesta here. Cries of "pancakes," "kokis," "kevum," "pot curries" and "country rice" resounded along the line of 15 stalls in St Lucia's cathedral as part of a Marian feast and procession on May 31, attended by about 5,000 people.zzz03185429
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407208.html~~~Steyn and Gibbs set up six-wicket win~~~Jun 4 (CI) South Africa made heavy weather of chasing down Sri Lanka's disappointing total of 109 for 9 in their final warm-up match at Lord's ahead of next week's ICC World Twenty20, but they eventually eased home with five balls and six wickets to spare, thanks largely to a third-wicket stand of 70 between Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers. Having been drawn in the toughest group, alongside West Indies and Australiazzz03185430
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/03/sri-lanka-human-rights-protests-tamils~~~Sri Lanka team targeted by protests~~~Jun 4 (Guardian) Not for the first time, Lord's has become the scene of a political protest. Sri Lankan protestors have been picketing the ground, calling for the country's cricket team to return home and for other nations to boycott matches against the side. About 50 London-based Sri Lankans gathered outside the Wellington Road entrance, armed with placards condemning the Sri Lankan government's "human rights abuses". zzz03185431
no~~~'I was fighting India's battle'~~~zzz03185432
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10576262&pnum=0~~~Sri Lanka needs to address Tamil grievances ~~~Jun 4 (NZH) The Sri Lankan Army's spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara has said "[The war] is not going to end soon. It will take some time to completely eradicate terrorism from the country - we think about two years." In the euphoria over the recent military victory that ended the conventional war against the LTTE and wiped out most of their leadership, most people in Sri Lanka have forgotten that prediction, but it remains likely.zzz03185433
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/01/finding-lasting-peace-sri-lanka.html~~~Finding lasting peace for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (JP) It was with sighs of relief that we heard news of the surrender of the Tamil insurgents a few days back. Indeed, the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka had been a major concern for the international community because so many civilian lives were lost unnecessarily in the conflicts between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. However, this defeat is also poses questions as to what extent “peace” can be sustained, and what to do next after the victory? zzz03185434
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18174~~~Philippines congratulates Sri Lanka’s military defeat of the LTTE~~~Jun 4 (AT) The Secretary of National Defence of Philippines, Gilberto C Teodoro congratulated Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Sri Lankan Government on the military defeat of the LTTE at a meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri – La Dialogue held in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama briefed Secretary Teodoro on recent political developments in Sri Lanka, zzz03185435
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18176~~~Sri Lanka faces Economic terrorism~~~Jun 4 (AT) Although Sri Lanka’s shooting war against LTTE terrorism is over the country now faces a greater threat. It is the war against economic blackmail and economic terrorism. And the terrorists of course are the Western powers who have not yet given up trying to tighten screws on Sri Lanka over human rights issues despite suffering a humiliating defeat at the special sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on May 26. zzz03185436
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18177~~~Chapter Closed : The ‘International Factor’, bleeding-heart NGOs and cross-eyed media ~~~Jun 4 (AT) Sri Lanka is not an island in terms of overall political economy and as such cannot and does not operate as though the outside world does not exist nor has no impact on domestic matters. As a member state of the United Nations and a signatory to many important bilateral agreements, not to mention a recipient of foreign assistance, Sri Lanka’s political decisions are to a lesser or greater degree influenced by zzz03185439
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18180~~~US Deputy Secretary of State appraised on the current situation of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (AT) Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the newly appointed US Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, on the current situation of Sri Lanka at a meeting last week on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore. He explained to Mr. Steinberg the latest political developments in the country and thanked the US Government for its assistance and cooperation in combating terrorism.zzz03185438
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090604/FOREIGN/706039850/1002~~~Tamil Tigers’ child conscripts bid farewell to arms~~~Jun 4 (National) Suresh has a sweet face and gentle manner. His skinny body and the downy fuzz on his upper lip mark him out as boy who is still a couple of years away from becoming a man. But in January, that transformation was brutally accelerated. As fighting between Sri Lanka’s army and the Tamil Tigers intensified in what would turn out to be the final stages of a 26-year-long civil war,zzz03185437
http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sri-Lanka-hope-to-sing-Jaya-ho/articleshow/4614565.cms~~~Sri Lanka hope to sing Jaya ho~~~Jun 4 (TOI) By the time the World Twenty20 event in England comes to an end, Sanath Jayasuriya will only be a month away from his 40th birthday. It will, in all probability, be the last world event the left-hander might play. Today, Jayasuriya might be a much older man with slower reflections and instincts a bit rounded. But, if Sri Lanka would as much as dare to win the trophy in England, he’s their biggest hope once again. zzz03185440
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40073320090603~~~Rebels free Sri Lankan captive in Philippine south~~~Jun 4 (Reuters) Muslim rebels freed on Wednesday a Sri Lankan aid worker held captive for nearly four months in the southern Philippines, but continued to hold an Italian Red Cross engineer on a nearby island, a senior navy commander said. Omar Jaleel was turned over by his captors from the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf to local officials and members of the Belgium-based Nonviolent PeaceForce in Tipo-tipo town on Basilan island,zzz03185441
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articlelist/articleshow/4614066.cms~~~Whose war was it?~~~Jun 4 (TOI) The killing of the LTTE chief V Prabhakaran by Sri Lankan forces recently has not only brought to an end the reign of one of the world's greatest living terrors, but has also given some reprieve to millions of people. That includes those who lost their dear ones in an unwise battle that the Indian government fought against the LTTE for many years from 1987 onwards through its Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). zzz03185442
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1860017876~~~Sri Lanka extends deadline again for port project bids~~~Jun 4 (LBO) The Sri Lankan government has extended for the second time the deadline for proposals from investors to build and operate a new deep-water container terminal in Colombo port. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) officials said the deadline for bids is now July 8. Previously, the government had extended the deadline to June 16 from May 19 after prospective bidders asked for more time. zzz03185443
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5htjX_c3SIjO1aDBCeljKZI3Tb2MgD98JB48O2~~~Sri Lanka leader hailed as king for beating rebels~~~Jun 4 (AP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa, criticized internationally for his conduct of the war against the Tamil Tigers, has been all but crowned king inside Sri Lanka. In the weeks since Rajapaksa declared victory in the country's 25 year civil war with the rebels, a string of music videos have praised him as the nation's savior. Giant billboards with his image have been erected across the capital.zzz03185444
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1261790~~~'Sinhalese hate us, we won't return to Lanka'~~~Jun 4 (DNA) Sri Lanka may have succeeded in destroying the LTTE, but the Tamil Eelam dream remains. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in 115 camps across 25 districts of Tamil Nadu believe that they can return to their country if only a separate Eelam is created for them. Nearly 99% also believe that LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is alive and will resurface on November 26, Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day). zzz03185445
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Sri-Lanka-poised-to-become-Paradise-Isle-again/articleshow/4614311.cms~~~Sri Lanka poised to become Paradise Isle again~~~Jun 4 (TOI) The Paradise Isle of Sri Lanka is once again beckoning Indian tourists. Travel and tour companies and airlines are optimistic that the flow of tourists, which dipped considerably after the LTTE's air wing attacked Colombo airport in 2001, will improve. "Now, only traders travel daily to Sri Lanka from Chennai, apart from some corporate travellers. All are waiting and watching to see how the post-war situation will develop. zzz03185446
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/03/sri-lanka-avoid-postwar-witch-hunt~~~Avoid a postwar witch hunt ~~~Jun 4 (HRW) The Sri Lankan government should ensure that military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam does not result in new "disappearances," unlawful killings or the jailing of government critics, Human Rights Watch said today. The Sri Lankan government appears from its statements to be preparing to take action against individuals and organizations that criticized it during the war, Human Rights Watch said. zzz03185447
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/705~~~Healing and reconciliation: Three more responses~~~Jun 4 (DBS) Hello friends, When I posted Mohan Sekaram’s mail with his permission on this blog little did I realize it would have such impact. My original intention was simply that of presenting a different refreshing point of view. Needless to say I shared his opinion to a great extent too. What I thought would be a mere ripple has made quite a splash and acquired a momentum of its own at least on this site.zzz03185448
http://in.reuters.com/article/cricketNews/idINIndia-40081620090604?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka captain urges team to show fortitude~~~Jun 4 (Reuters) World Twenty20 tournament director and former South Africa player Steve Elworthy, 44, held the same role at the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa. He said security had become much tighter since Lahore. "The situation has changed and it's now a completely different landscape to then," Elworthy told Reuters. "Without a shadow of a doubt it opened our eyes even more to the hazards facing cricketers and officials.zzz03185449
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-diaspora-must-embrace-new-reality.html~~~Tamil Diaspora must embrace new reality ~~~Jun 4 (LG) The Tamil diaspora around the world is coming to terms with the defeat of LTTE and the death of Prabhakaran. For good or bad, Prabhakaran continues to live in their memories. The loss of the leader perceived as Thalaivar, Sooryadevan, the saviour of the persecuted Tamils and the creator of Tamil Eelam has not been easy to digest given the decades of struggle. Many of the Tamils who moved out of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu before 1983 belonged to the upper strata and zzz03185450
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/lankas-clinical-approach-won-war.html~~~Lanka’s clinical approach won the war ~~~Jun 4 (LG) The Rajapaksa regime succeeded in gaining international favour and capitalised on the mistakes the Tigers committed Sri Lanka had the support of China that opposed any formal resolution by the UNSC. Most of the agencies limited their role to making appeals to the government with no serious intent to follow up with sanctions of any kind. If the LTTE expected the international community to come to their rescue, they were disappointed. zzz03185461
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/to-give-people-purpose-and-for-their.html~~~“To give people purpose, and for their lives to make a difference”~~~Jun 4 (LG) Many German cities and townships were devastated extensively during World War II and civilians everywhere were severely affected, many lived under appalling conditions in underground shelters, thousands perished and the war left the country and the people reeling. All these just seven decades ago commented the head of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India, zzz03185452
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lankas-trauma.html~~~Sri Lanka’s trauma ~~~Jun 4 (LG) That the LTTE (Lanka Tigers for Tamil Eelam) has been the most ruthless and blood thirsty terrorist outfit has been known. (Eelam can be roughly translated into homeland). A unique feature of its lethal repertoire, as prescribed by the Sanskrit text — sama, dana, bedha, danda — or besides war fighting with no holds barred, tactics like persuasion of non-conformists, overcoming the enemy by argument and dividing enemy ranks. zzz03185453
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-media-in-conflict.html~~~Sri Lanka: Media an in conflict ~~~Jun 4 (LG) The leading Sinhala daily newspaper ‘Divaina’ in Sri Lanka in their recent editorial published few hours after a senior journalist and activist, Poddala Jayantha faced the wrath of the gang attack by an unknown group of men who had kidnapped him in a white van, has called for open death penalties for the all the journalists, scholars and questionable people, who are on the payroll of the LTTE also know as the Tamil Tigers. zzz03185454
http://www.countercurrents.org/sagar040609.htm~~~Sri Lanka : Ten Myths ~~~Jun 4 (CC) In the ancient Indian epic Ramayana the Aryan Prince Rama goes all the way from north India to vanquish Ravana, the King of Lanka. Following a massive battle in which thousands are slaughtered Rama, with the help of the monkey god Hanuman, finally rescues his kidnapped wife Sita in a grand victory of ‘good' over ‘evil'. The Ramayana of the 21 st Century may need a little modification. zzz03185455
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9984&Itemid=44~~~Dengue breeders beware ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition will send Public Health Inspectors to dengue breeding sites to inspect and take legal action against owners of these sites. Residents living around dengue breeding places can inform the Health Inspector at the Ministry on 0112665329, Media Secretary to the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition W.M.D Wanninayeka told www.news.lk today. zzz03185456
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9987&Itemid=44~~~The funeral of Minister Dodangoda will take place today ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The funeral of the late Minister of Justice and Law Reforms Amarasiri Dodangoda will take place this afternoon at Samanala Grounds, Galle, South of Sri Lanka. The cortege which lies at late Minister’s residence will leave to Richmond junction in a procession at 1.00 pm. He was born on the 18th October 1942, and served as the Cabinet Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs since 2004.zzz03185457
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9989&Itemid=44~~~Special transport services to facilitate pilgrims to Anuradhapura ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) A special transport service is in place to facilitate pilgrims who travel to worship Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to commemorate Poson Poya Day, the Ministry of Transport said. Accordingly a special train starts at 1.25 pm from Colombo Fort tomorrow (05) will reach Anuradhapura at 6.00 pm. Also another five special train services will be operated at 3.00 and 5.55 pm respectively.zzz03185465
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9991&Itemid=44~~~Relief assistance in the North strenghtened ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The government has strengthened the relief assistance process to the displaced persons in the North with six ministries effectively working on the directives of the Ministry of Social Welfare, minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said. He said 26 social welfare centres have been set up by six ministries to cater to the needs of 272,000 displaced persons in the North now taking shelter in temporary camps.zzz03185459
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9992&Itemid=44~~~Two new milk chilling centers to the Eastern Province ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The Ministry of Livestock Development will take steps to establish Dairy Farmer Committees in the Eastern Province under the Negenahira Navodaya program and two new milk chilling centers will open in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts this week. These centers will be opened under the patronage of the Livestock Development Minister C.B.Rathnayake. zzz03185460
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9993&Itemid=44~~~Akashi on 18th visit to SL ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) Japanese envoy Yasushi Akashi is scheduled to visit Colombo again. The Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka will visit Colombo and New Delhi from June 8th to 12th, Japanese Foreign Ministry sources revealed. Akashi expects to meet with government officials during his stay and zzz03185451
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9995&Itemid=44~~~Permit is must for drug transport - NDCA ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The National Drugs Control Authority (NDCA) warned it would grab any vehicle transporting medical drugs without a medical permit under the cosmetics device and drugs act. The vehicles should meet necessary standards to transport medical drugs and those which don’t possess necessary requirements will be fined and the drugs in the vehicle will be seized. Private companies should renew the permit to transport drugs annually. zzz03185462
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9997&Itemid=44~~~Fuel train jumps rails at Talawa ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) An Anuradhapura bound fuel train jumped rails at Talawa this morning causing the engine to catch fire and three fuel tanks. The engine was damaged by the derailment that occurred close to the Talawa railway station and subsequently the engine caught fire, the Media Head of the Railway Department Vijaya Samarasinghe told www.news.lk today(04). He pointed out that the fire brigade was called in to douse the fire.zzz03185468
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9996&Itemid=44~~~No liquor, beef in Anuradhapura from June 05 - 10 ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) All liquor and meat outlets in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Sri Lanka will be closed during the Poson week beginning tomorrow and will remain closed till June 10. The Police has launched a special programme to raid liquor and meat outlets that violate the directive during the Poson week, the Department of Excise revealed.zzz03185464
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9990&Itemid=44~~~'Massive foreign investment flow'~~~Jun 4 (GDI) Sri Lanka has worked out a US dollar one billion direct foreign investment by the year end as foreign investment proposals have begun to pour in with the restoration of peace, Media Minister, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly cabinet briefing. He said the Government last year had an investment of US & 865 million that included the telecom sector investment with new ventures like Airtel coming into Sri Lanka.zzz03185458
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2348:india-to-make-use-of-idp-issue-to-dampen-chinese-influence-in-lanka&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~India to make use of IDP issue to dampen Chinese influence in Lanka ~~~Jun 4 (LT) India is considering various options to pressurize Sri Lanka to accept its terms. India has been concerned regarding interest many other countries, specially China, have shown in Sri Lanka and has considered appointing a special envoy to ‘stop foreign powers trying to fish in Sri Lanka's troubled waters.’ India has in very strong terms expressed its concern regarding zzz03185466
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2356:farmers-in-mahaweli-c-zone-agitate-demanding-solutions-for-farmer-issues&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Farmers in Mahaweli ‘C’ zone agitate demanding solutions for farmer issues ~~~Jun 4 (LT) An agitation organized by the Binthennapaththu United farmers Association affiliated to All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation demanding solutions for the critical issues confronted by the famer community in Mahaweli ‘C’ zone was held with the participation of a large number of farmers at Dehiaththakandiya yesterday (3rd). The main demands of the agitation were supply of adequate water for cultivations,zzz03185467
no~~~350 parentless children in IDP camps ~~~Jun 4 (LT) There are 350 children under the age of 10 years living in IDP camps without any parents or guardians. Their nutrition and security is being looked after by the officers of District Secretariat and supervised by relief service officers in the camps said the minister. Meanwhile, there are 250 university students said the Minister adding arrangements have been made to send them to other universities. zzz03185469
no~~~Schools timetable amended~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The second school term of Sinhala and Tamil schools will end on August 7, the latest schedules of Education Ministry revealed. Accordingly, the third term of Sinhala and Tamil schools will begin September 7 and end on December 9. Earlier, the Education Ministry had scheduled to end the second term on July 31, while the third term was to start on August 31.zzz03185474
no~~~Mahinda Wijesekara fully recovers~~~Jun 4 (CT) Minister of Posts Mahinda Wijesekara has now fully recovered from the injuries he had suffered in a suicide bomb attack in Akuressa in March. After undergoing treatment at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and Colombo, Sri Lanka National Hospital, he has now retuned home, said a statement issued by his ministry. Mr. Wijesekara is expected to resume his official functions after a short vacation, it added.zzz03185471
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TID-probes-key-fundraiser-and-spy-LTTE/3133.htm~~~TID probes key fundraiser and spy of LTTE~~~Jun 4 (CT) The Terrorist Investigation Division is conducting an extensive probe into the activities of one Gunasundaram Jayasundaram, considered a key fundraiser and operative of the LTTE's international intelligence wing. The TID informed Colombo, Sri Lanka chief magistrate Praharsha Ranasinghe yesterday that the suspect was being detained for further interrogation in connection with his international connections.zzz03185472
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-file-action-British-woman-Thamilvany---Divaina/3136.htm~~~Govt. to file action against British woman ~~~Jun 4 (CT) The government is to initiate legal proceedings against a young British woman identified as Thamilvany Gnanakumar on the charge of supplying incorrect information from Mullaitivu's 'no fire zone' to Britain and other countries, 'Divaina' reports. An article filed by defence correspondent Keerthi Warnakulasuriya says the government has found that this woman, under the pseudonym 'Vanikumar', zzz03185463
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18190~~~No word as yet on Rajapaksa’s visit to Delhi~~~Jun 4 (AT) There is still no official word about the proposed visit of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India. He was to be the first foreign dignitary Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was expected to receive at the beginning of his second term. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had said that Sri Lanka president would be coming to Delhi when the dialogue initiated by National Security Advisor M K Narayan and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon would be carried forward. zzz03185475
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18188~~~'A new era for Media in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 4 (AT) Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene in an interview with the” Asian Tribune” said that the Government will not be merely carried away by the confession made by LTTE's Daya Master now in custody, who is reported to have alleged that some journalists has had transactions with the LTTE. He added that the interrogators were intelligent enough to arrive at justifiable conclusions to investigations. zzz03185477.3
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090603_education.shtml~~~Call for postponement of A/L ~~~Jun 4 (BBC) Education authorities in Vavuniya are trying hard to give the best education possible to about fifty five thousand displaced children within limited facilities, says the Zonal Director for Education for Vavuniya South, Ranjani Oswald. "This is a hard job but we do what we can", she said. Up to now fifty five thousand students from Grade 1 to 13 have been registered as displaced, and they are now in Transitional Relief Villages and Transitional Camp Schools. zzz03185477
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433636/1/.html~~~S'pore Red Cross to start donation drive for Sri Lankan relief efforts~~~Jun 4 (CNA) The Singapore Red Cross will launch a month-long public donation drive to raise funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Sri Lanka. To kick start the public appeal, the Singapore government will contribute US$20,000 as seed money. The government had in April contributed US$30,000 to the United Nations Children's Fund for humanitarian relief in Sri Lanka. According to Singapore's Foreign Ministry and the Red Cross,zzz03185478
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/04/stories/2009060450790500.htm~~~19 refugees reach Rameswaram ~~~Jun 4 (Hindu) Nineteen Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including five women and five children, reached the Rameswaram shore on Wednesday. Among them were five of a family from a camp for internally displaced persons in the island nation. According to the police, the family left the Mannar shore on May 31 in a hired boat. It was abandoned on an islet on seeing a vessel of the Sri Lankan Navy.zzz03185479
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/04/stories/2009060459000300.htm~~~Two Sri Lankans held ~~~Jun 4 (Hindu) Two Sri Lanka nationals - Navaratnam Latisan, 25, and Vasudevan Ravi, 24,- who allegedly tried to board a Frankfurt-bound flight with passports obtained from Tamil Nadu on fictitious names, were arrested by the police here at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday. Another Tamilian, Raghupati Elumulai, 55, who was accompanying them, was also held on charge of abetting them. zzz03185480
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44464.html~~~ICMA a boon to local students~~~Jun 4 (LNP) The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICMA) was launched with the objective of opening a professional opportunity for students who are unable to enter a university or an employee seeking higher prospects in his/her respective field, said the founder and President of Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka, Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala. zzz03185481
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44465.html~~~Defending victory~~~Jun 4 (LNP) Threats to Sri Lanka`s territorial integrity have been neutralised militarily. But, much more needs to be done to protect her sovereignty and independence, as evident from a plethora of indignities and contemptible harassment she is suffering at the hands of some aid donors and other international bullies who are smarting from their failure to save the LTTE leadership. zzz03185482
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7797~~~'11 media persons killed; 27 attacked and four were abducted under Mahinda Rajapakse’s Presidency'~~~Jun 4 (LeN) UNP Kurunegala district MP Dayasiri Jayasekara says that the government that ended the terrorism in north has launched state terror in south to abduct media persons and to break their limbs. He said that Sri Lanka is the country where the most unfortunate media persons live as some state media personnel write the death warrants to other journalists.zzz03185470
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2284~~~Secretary General replies to NGOs~~~Jun 4 (PISL) In response to comments by NGOs in the dialogue on the reports of Special Rapporteurs, Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha intervened at the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday. He was speaking as Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights. His statement is carried below. Mr President, having been summoned to Geneva last week to pay our ever increasing tribute to the Swiss hotel industry, zzz03185484
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2283~~~Secretary General replies to Alston and Ertuk~~~Jun 4 (PISL) As Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha made another intervention at the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday. These remarks were made in response to the reports by Special Rapporteurs Alston and Ertuk. Sri Lanka welcomes the reports of Prof Alston and Prof Erturk. zzz03185486
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7802~~~'Media persons that tried to save my life were produced in court; it is a crime'~~~Jun 4 (LeN) The secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayantha says that manipulating his abduction case to intimidate more journalists instead of bringing the culprits into books is very distressing. He mentions thus in a letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police. The complete letter is as follows: “I write this letter to bring to your notice a shocking incident that I came to know while zzz03185476
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/news02.asp~~~Pageantry of valour ~~~Jun 4 (DN) It was a sight to behold when the Security Forces and the Police, in full ceremonial dress marched past the dais saluting the Commander-in-Chief, with precision, timing and coordination that would be the envy of all. In a synchronized display the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy joined the fiesta in the sky and the sea blending the whole into a majestic pageant of colour and valour. zzz03185487
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/bus01.asp~~~Fast track NE development~~~Jun 4 (DN) The development of the North and East should be fast tracked along with the rest of the country to ensure that the benefits of the victory against the LTTE filter down to the people. The process should be reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, Chairman Hatton National Bank (HNB) Rienzie Wijetilleke said. He outlined certain proposals which can be implemented utilizing the internal resources which will yield quick results.zzz03185488
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/news03.asp~~~Defeat of terrorism accelerates development ~~~Jun 4 (DN) The decisive defeat of terrorism now removes the factor which slowed down the country’s economic progress and makes it possible to harness Sri Lanka’s natural advantages and the creative energies of her people to accelerate development in the economic and social sectors, said Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, addressing the plenary session of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commercezzz03185489
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/business1.html~~~'Govt. needs to spend more on science and technology'~~~Jun 4 (Island) With the war over, a senior Minister said Sri Lanka must spend more on science and technology, particularly in research and development, if the country is to achieve higher levels of economic growth and eradicate poverty. "Sadly, governments have not spent as much as they should have on science and technology and this is most unfortunate," Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Minister of Science and technology said. zzz03185490
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/news2.html~~~Cash robbed from Agrarian services centre~~~Jun 4 (Island) Rs 680,000 locked in a cupboard at the Agrarian Services Centre at Lunama in Hungama has been stolen while another sum of Rs 1,080,000 kept in another cupboard had remained untouched. A complaint in this regard was lodged with the Hungama Police on Monday by the Agrarian Services Development Officer of the Centre. He said the watcher of the Centre had been gagged and tied up before the robbers forced their way into the Centre. zzz03185491
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/news7.html~~~Weapons that won the War: Untold story~~~Jun 4 (Island) Sri Lankan Armed Forces’ yesterday marked their unprecedented triumph over the LTTE with a striking show of fighting forces and military assets ranging from Czechoslovakian-built RM 70 mobile multiple launch rocket systems, movable Indian radar (Indra Mark II) to a fleet of Israeli, US and locally made Fast Attack Craft (FACs) built with Japanese collaboration.zzz03185485
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50920~~~‘Eelam Bank’ deposits found~~~Jun 4 (DM) The military has found Rs. 13 million in the possession of the manager of ‘Eelam Bank’ run by the LTTE in Kilinochchi , and is now looking for the depositors to hand over these monies to them. Quoting military officers based in Vavuniya overlooking the welfare of the displaced civilians, Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne told the Daily Mirror yesterday this manager had arrived in Vavuniya along with other people.zzz03185493
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50909~~~An LTTE Intelligence Unit head detained till June 9~~~Jun 4 (DM) Colombo Additional Magistrate Ms. G. Punarsha S. Ranasinghe yesterday further detained an LTTE intelligence unit head till June 9 in the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for allegedly supplying firearms and ammunition on a large scale to the LTTE movement. The TID officer said the suspect Gunasundaram Jayasundaram who owned business establishments in zzz03185494
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50905~~~British HC refutes allegations of corruption ~~~Jun 4 (DM) The British High Commission yesterday refuted allegations by the general public accusing it of a corrupt and inconvenient Visa processing service through its commercial partner VFS. The Daily Mirror received complaints from the General Public regarding the British High Commission’s Visa processing system. We were informed that persons had to go through much difficulty in order to obtain a visa. zzz03185495
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htwin/articles/20090604.aspx~~~War Crimes In Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (SP) The UN, and many European nations, are very angry at Sri Lanka for defeating the separatist Tamil rebels, after nearly 30 years of fighting. The UN, and particularly Norway, were trying hard to work out a peace deal. The Tamils, represented by the LTTE (an organization eventually recognized as an international terrorist group) refused to budge on their demand for partition of the island. zzz03185496
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906041502.htm~~~South Asia media associations condemn attack on Sri Lanka scribe ~~~Jun 4 (PTI) Two prominent media associations of South Asia on Thursday expressed shock at the kidnapping and beating of a prominent Sri Lankan journalist and asked Colombo to resolve issues relating to freedom of the media. Condeming the incident, the South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) and South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) said it was a "blatant violation of freedom of expression and independence" of media. zzz03185497
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aEKicFVyijz8~~~Sri Lanka aims to increase tourist arrivals by 20% as war ends ~~~Jun 4 (BN) Sri Lanka aims to increase tourist arrivals by at least 20 percent each year, using a $20 million worldwide advertising campaign to promote the island’s attractions after the end of almost three decades of civil war. “The main task we have is that of image building,” Dileep Mudadeniya, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said in an interview in the capital Colombo.zzz03185498
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1342453323~~~Sri Lanka Insurance Corp sale reversed by court~~~Jun 4 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court said a 2003 privatization of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to listed Distilleries group was illegal and ordered the firm to be returned to the government and the purchase price refunded. Court ordered the government to repay 6.0 billion rupees originally paid by the private firm to gain control of SLIC. zzz03185499
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/D0DFC2315B6C432E652575CB003AEECB?OpenDocument~~~China to help rebuild Lankan economy after LTTE war ~~~Jun 4 (PTI) As Sri Lanka works out ways to accelerate development after defeating the rebel LTTE, China has pledged its full cooperation in reconstruction of the Island nation's economy after 30 years of ethnic war. "Prevalence of peace will strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka and China will continue to be a part of the economic reconstruction of the Island country," Deputy Director General of the Asian Affairs, Commerce Ministry, China Liang Wentao said.zzz03185500
no~~~What next after military defeat of LTTE? ~~~zzz03185492
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-world/australians-in-sri-lanka-refugee-camps-20090604-bx84.html~~~Australians in Sri Lanka refugee camps~~~June 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka has identified six foreign nationals, including Australians, among tens of thousands of war displaced civilians held in state-run camps in the island's north, a minister said on Thursday. Three Australians and one each from Britain, the Netherlands and Norway had crossed over to government-held areas after escaping from the war zone in the island's northeast after the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels last month.zzz03185502
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090604/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestshipcivilians~~~Sri Lanka seizes ship with supplies for war-hit civilians~~~Jun 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka's navy Thursday seized a foreign-owned ship loaded with medical, food and other supplies for war-hit civilians, saying the vessel had entered its territorial waters illegally. The supplies, arranged by supporters of the Tamil rebel cause, were loaded onto a ship in the English port of Ipswich in April -- just weeks before the government declared victory in the ethnic conflict, a navy spokesman said.zzz03185503
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9998&Itemid=51~~~Summary of cabinet decisions~~~Jun 5 (GDI) Purchase of 20 ambulances: Cabinet approved a Memorandum submitted by the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva to purchase 20 ambulances from the Micro Cars, a local industry at the rate of Rs.4,950,000.00 including VAT per unit to meet the present requirement of ambulances services of this country. It is essential that these vehicles are purchased deploy services immediately. zzz03185504
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10002&Itemid=44~~~Indian mobile hospital moved to Chettikulam ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The make shift hospital donated by the Government of India with a team of Indian medical staff has been shifted from Pulmudai to Chettikulam in order to provide a better medical service to the civilians who are temporarily housed in the relief villages. The functions of the mobile hospital are being carried out with the full strength of the Indian Medical staff deployed here.zzz03185511
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10000&Itemid=44~~~New plan to promote coconut cultivation in North ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The ministry of Plantation Industries has drawn up a number of schemes to promote coconut cultivation in the North. The Minister D.M.Jayarathne said that this will be introduced parallel to the other development plans that have being undertaken in North. Hence the north is blessed with a better soil that suits the coconut cultivation, the LTTE terrorism prevented coconut cultivation in the north for the past 30 years. zzz03185506
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=3653&cat=field-news&ref=home-sidebar-right~~~War-wounded patients receive post-operative care and rehabilitation~~~Jun 5 (MSF) Ramachandra was wounded in January during fighting in the Vanni, the former conflict zone in northeastern Sri Lanka. The 18-year-old underwent amputations at a hospital there, and eight days later, was evacuated by an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ambulance to the main hospital in Vavuniya, about 50 miles south. The young woman is missing her left hand and left leg, and half of her right foot.zzz03185507
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8083505.stm~~~Sri Lanka doctors 'to be tried'~~~Jun 5 (BBC) A group of doctors who worked in Sri Lanka's rebel-held war zone are being held on suspicion of collaborating with Tamil rebels, the government says. The doctors could be in detention for a year or more before being tried. With journalists banned from the conflict zone, they became an important source of news about the fighting during the final bloody months of war. Last month the Sri Lankan government defeated Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland. zzz03185508
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7804~~~'I have no list of journalists that were in LTTE payroll'~~~Jun 5 (LeN) Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says that he has not received a list of the journalists that have been under LTTE pay list although he had heard about such list. He says that he cannot point finger at anybody until the investigations are conducted. At the cabinet press briefing, a journalist pointed out that state-owned and some other media had announced that around 50 journalists had been in LTTE payroll assisting them.zzz03185509
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-coordinating-secretary-rebukes-jounalist/3145.htm~~~President's coordinating secretary rebukes radio jounalist~~~Jun 5 (CT) Kumarasiri Hettige, a coordinating secretary to the president, has reportedly rebuked a radio journalist over the exposure of an alleged influencing to prevent the transfer of a school principal related to him. Sameera Manju of Neth FM has recorded the telephone call he had received from the president's top official, and played it in the presence of journalists and media minister Anura Priyadarshana zzz03185510
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7806~~~Is informing about abduction to the family of the victim offence? Ranil asks~~~Jun 5 (LeN) Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe says that abduction and assault of Working Journalists’ Association secretary Poddala Jayantha is an attack against the media freedom that is considered a basic requirement for national unity. Addressing a special media briefing held in official residence, Wickramasinghe said, “Poddala Jayantha is a journalist that never shared our political views.zzz03185505
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40097320090604~~~'U.N. ready to support Sri Lanka war inquiry'~~~Jun 5 (Reuters) The United Nations stands ready to support an inquiry into abuses in Sri Lanka's civil war, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Thursday. Addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council, which last week avoided launching an investigation into the Sri Lankan conflict, the former war crimes judge stressed that reconciliation would be impossible without a full reckoning of transgressions.zzz03185512
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18205~~~First MMI- sponsored free Tamil language course for police officers~~~Jun 5 (AT) A ceremony distribute certificates to the first batch of police officers who completed a six-month Tamil language course was held recently under the patronage of Milinda Moragoda, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Wickram Nishri, Deputy High Commissioner of India; and IGP Mr. Jayantha Wickramaratne at the Police Welfare Centre, Colombo. The language-training course was organised by the Milinda Moragoda institute in collaboration with zzz03185513
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18195~~~Indian Tamils warn Diaspora against MEP candidate Jan Jananayagam~~~Jun 5 (AT) Many community leaders of South Asian origin persons in the United Kingdom appealed to their constituents not to vote for candidates sponsored by ‘terrorist organizations or their proxies’. South Indian Tamil lobby in UK said that Jan Jananayagam should be shunned by voters as she represents ‘the terrorists who killed our bellowed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’.zzz03185514
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ltte-property-rush-has-begun-in-canada.html~~~LTTE property rush has begun in Canada ~~~Jun 5 (LG) Recently Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogolagama has said that war with LTTE is over in Sri Lanka and he said now time to dismantle LTTE net work and financial power internationally. As we every one knows that LTTE has collected large sums of money for their war from Canadian Tamils. Most of this money was collected by extortion or by force but LTTE has not used this full money for war or to upgrade the Tamils civilians who lived under their rule.zzz03185515
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13794780&fsrc=rss~~~Too many heroes~~~Jun 5 (Economist) Alongside some of the government’s finest military hardware at a ceremonial parade in Colombo on June 3rd were dozens of disabled soldiers in gleaming wheelchairs. Sri Lanka has paid a heavy price for its recent rout of the rebel LTTE. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the defence secretary and brother of the president, has admitted that 6,261 soldiers were killed and 29,551 wounded in three years of fighting. zzz03185516
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=When+the+system+works&artid=P5Ufsky2Q/4=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&SEO=Union+Minister+of+State+for+External+Affairs+and+l&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts~~~When the system works ~~~Jun 5 (EB) The four fishermen who landed in Vizhinjam on Wednesday after being freed from a prison in Colombo will tell you the story of a rare kind of cooperation between politicians of different parties and bureaucrats. The rescue operation, coordinated by George Mercier MLA, had Union Minister of State for External Affairs and local MP Shashi Tharoor, Foreign Affairs Secretary Shivsankar Menon and Fisheries Minister S. Sarma in the leading roles.zzz03185517
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/688679~~~Auction will help build a school in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (TJ) Martha is a seven-year-old Sri Lankan girl who cannot go to school. Instead, she collects water to support her family. Saint John High School's Youth in Action group, a branch of Free the Children, was inspired by Martha's story and determined to change the lives of Sri Lankan children who are prevented from getting educated. Free the Children was founded by Craig Kielburger in 1995 and zzz03185518
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/religious-leaders-bless-soldiers-in-military-parade/~~~Religious leaders bless soldiers in military parade~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) Christian leaders joined over 10,000 well-wishers in blessing soldiers during a National Victory parade in Colombo on June 3. "The Christian community in this country has co-existed peacefully with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims communities and lived amongst them, so we cannot keep ourselves apart from others," said Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, one of four vicar generals in Colombo archdiocese, who watched the parade.zzz03185521
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/old-churches-struggle-to-squeeze-in-worshippers/~~~Old churches struggle to squeeze in worshippers~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) For Catholic churches in Colombo, size matters. Many are bursting at the seams during Sunday Masses, and feast days see a tripling of attendance with crowds spilling onto the streets. The country's capital has grown in modern times and often there is no land available for churches to expand. Virtually all of Colombo's churches date back to the 17th or 18th centuries. Considered large churches at the time, they now struggle to accommodate their congregations.zzz03185520
no~~~Post-conflict peace-building~~~zzz03185519
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/government-directive-solves-catholic-students-woes/~~~Government directive solves Catholic students' woes~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) Catholics have welcomed a government directive stipulating that state-run schools have to include marks scored by Christian students at Sunday school examinations as part of their grades. This is in cases where the state-run schools themselves do not teach Christianity as a subject. The directive, issued on May 27, comes as a relief to priests and Catholic parents.zzz03185522
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2009/06/un-on-sri-lanka-comedy-of-errors.html~~~UN on Sri Lanka: A comedy of errors~~~Jun 5 (DW) These days, talking about Sri Lanka means talking about the Sri Lankan military, its elite politicians and diplomats and…oh yes…The UN. Are we trying to single-out the UN or the “West” here? Not really. The UN is singling its own self out. In fact, the UN looks more ridiculous now than it did when it allowed the Tutsis to be killed in 1994. If you want proof, read the news items in the world press about ‘leaked’ UN reports where zzz03185523
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/03/the-aid-game-and-the-politics-of-humanitarianism/~~~The aid game and the politics of humanitarianism~~~Jun 5 (GV) The US government, which wields considerable influence at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has sought to delay Sri Lanka’s USD 1.9 billion loan appeal. Washington’s hesitance is tied to the context of the humanitarian crisis that preceded the defeat and destruction of the LTTE and the killing of its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. Sri Lanka needs the IMF loan to service its external debt, zzz03185524
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090604_ceejay.shtml~~~'IDPs not protected by law' - CJ ~~~Jun 5 (BBC) Over two hundred thousand people in refugee camps are not treated according to the law of the land, says the Chief Justice (CJ) of Sri Lanka. CJ Sarath Nanda Silva says that the war displaced are living under appalling conditions. The chief justice was speaking at the ceremonial opening of the new court complex in Marawila. "While we build new courts, ten people live in one tent in these camps. zzz03185525
no~~~Sri Lanka rejects conflict criticism~~~zzz03185526
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18212~~~A new theme song for Sri Lanka tourism~~~Jun 5 (AT) The new theme song for Sri Lanka was presented to Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda, on Tuesday 2 June, by Tourism Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Alston Koch. The song will be launched with the new branding and communication campaign, scheduled for inauguration later this month by Sri Lanka Tourism. The song is written with passion only Koch can muster, and depicts attractions of Sri Lanka. zzz03185527
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/04/sri-lanka-civilians-tigers-battle~~~Sri Lanka says up to 5,000 civilians died in Tigers battle~~~Jun 5 (Guardian) A senior Sri Lankan official today estimated the civilian death toll from the last stages of the war with the Tamil Tigers as 3,000 to 5,000 and defended the use of mortars in a government-designated "no-fire zone". Rajiva Wijesinha, permanent secretary in Sri Lanka's ministry of disaster management and human rights, rejected reports that 20,000 civilians were killed as the army overran the Tigers.zzz03185528
http://www.worldconcern.org/srilanka/~~~How World Concern is helping in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 5 (WC) The 25-year civil war is over, but thousands of people still need help - and need it immediately. The injured continue to come, many by foot now. They walk for miles though they are malnourished and sometimes injured. We have worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross to bring thousands in by boat from the war zone. Those escaping the hard-hit area are heading to hospitals and makeshift medical facilities. zzz03185529
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_03~~~Tamil business community hail President's leadership ~~~Jun 5 (MoD) Leaders and representatives of the Tamil business community from Colombo and several regions of Sri Lanka hailed the leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in achieving peace in the country and unifying a divided nation. Hindu religious leaders and prominent and influential leaders and representatives of the large Tamil business community in Sri Lanka were highly appreciative of zzz03185530
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slpr-j05.shtml~~~President’s speech: another warning to working people~~~Jun 5 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government organised a huge military parade on Wednesday to mark the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE. President Mahinda Rajapakse heaped praise on the military in a jingoistic speech lasting 40 minutes that also contained a veiled threat to the working class. The ceremony took place on Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade in Colombo, as the “grand finale” of 16 days of celebrations since Rajapakse announced victory in parliament on May 19. zzz03185531
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/is-ban-ki-moon-heading-uns-demolition.html~~~Is Ban ki Moon heading the UN’s demolition squad? ~~~Jun 5 (LG) The peoples of the world are now witnesses to the disappointing actions of the United Nations (UN) in their duty to stop hostilities, prevent human rights abuses and to bring peace to any member states. The most recent events in Sri Lanka are the latest example of the UN’s inability to intercede and require member nations to follow the international law which they have to safeguard. zzz03185532
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-diaspora-should-stop-financing.html~~~The Tamil Diaspora should stop financing demised LTTE~~~Jun 5 (LG) I have been pleading through the print media over the last few years for the Tamil Diaspora to stop helping LTTE financially, logistically and politically and prolong the war between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE. I have tried to convince the Tamil Diaspora that they were chasing a mirage of a mythical Eelam created by now dead Prabhakaran but was unsuccessful.zzz03185539
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/after-tigers-defeatedwhat-next.html~~~After Tigers defeated,what next? ~~~Jun 5 (LG) The news that journalist Poddala Jayantha had been abducted by a group in a white van, severely assaulted and dumped on a roadside was shocking and depressing. According to the web journal Colombo Today, the attack took place around the time that Victor Ivan and the convener of Free Media Movement Chulawansa Sirilal were holding talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse about an alleged hit list of journalists.zzz03185534
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/abiding-harmony-of-hindu-dharma-bauddha.html~~~Abiding harmony of Hindu Dharma-Bauddha dhamma in India and Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 5 (LG) Shared values of civilization and historical experiences unite India and Sri Lanka. The eternal ethic that binds the two nations together is dharma (Sanskrit) or dhamma (Pali, Sinhala). The Sinhala language is close to many Prakrits and many languages of India. Sinhala script is based on Brahmi, the foundation for many scripts of Indian languages. Some very early inscriptions in Brahmi script have reportedly been found in Sri Lanka. zzz03185535
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10006&Itemid=44~~~Gama Neguma marry Uthuru Wasanthaya ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) In the bid to speed up development in the country, among major national projects, the Gama Neguma and the newly set up Uthuru Wasanthaya have engaged in a permanent bond up to produce better results. The Ministry of Nation Building and Infrastructure Development has allocated 14 billion rupees to carry out a special programme to develop remote areas under the Gama Neguma programme. zzz03185536
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10008&Itemid=44~~~Mobile service to issue NICs to Uva Province voters ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake has decided to conduct mobile services in the relevant districts with the help of Department of Registration of Persons to issue NIC to all those persons who do not posses a NIC. The program will target the Uva Province mainly and those who are above 18 years of age and those who have not obtained NICs and who lost theirs NIC will be able to get a new NIC under this new scheme. zzz03185537
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10010&Itemid=44~~~Sathjana Sathkara first step kick off ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) This Sathjana Sathkara program organized by artistes to bestow merits on war heroes and civilians displaced which plagued the country for the 30 years will be held today (5) at the Vihara Maha Devi Park at 4.00 p.m. The pinkama would be attended by a number 100 monks to invoke blessings on wounded soldiers, war heroes and the civilians in north. Also this event would give pleasure to the civilians in North,zzz03185540
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10009&Itemid=44~~~'War displaced civilians well treated'~~~Jun 5 (GDI) “I congratulate the Sri Lankan government on their victory against terrorism, and, I also commend the remarkable work and efforts of the government of Sri Lanka in putting together the camps in such a short period of time,” said US Representative Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville a statement released by his office yesterday (04).zzz03185533
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_02~~~'LTTE violated rights of millions of Lankans'~~~Jun 5 (MoD) The LTTE violated the rights of millions of Sri Lankans over three decades, Don Randall of the Liberal Party speaking during the debate on a Private Member's motion on Sri Lanka in the Australian Parliament said. "Having had a long association with the Australian - Sri Lankan community and having watched closely the atrocities committed by the LTTE over many years, few were more thrilled at the prospect of Sri Lankan peace and unity than me when I saw that the Tigers were defeated recently," Randall said. zzz03185546
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18217~~~Now mini polls time in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (AT) As the dust settled on a thirty year terrorist war, all political parties in Sri Lanka are once again geared to test the pulse of the people at another mini election at provincial level. This time, the mini election is due in the Uva Province, in the hill country which covers three districts. The ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa goes to this poll with confidence after defeating the LTTE terrorism. zzz03185541
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/04/fighting-the-pr-war/~~~Fighting the PR War~~~Jun 5 (GV) The ongoing campaign by The Times to discredit the recent military victory by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces over the LTTE seems, at times, relentless. Not a day passes by without Jeremy Page, Marie Colvin or Catherine Philp lecturing on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka. I usually despise the shrill hysteria and the ‘me against the world’ mentality that envelops my countrymen when faced with criticism, but on this occasion I feel it is warranted. zzz03185542
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2282~~~Why the West will not give up~~~Jun 5 (PISL) The appalling behaviour of the West since we started to succeed in our war against terror has been deeply upsetting. In order to deal with it successfully however, we must cease to be sentimental about our old friends and patrons, and analyse why they are now being so horrid. I believe there are six types of rationale, some of which shade into each other, not all of which are all bad. zzz03185543
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2295~~~Pioneering initiative to engage Sri Lankan business expatriates~~~Jun 5 (PISL) Now that peace has finally dawned in Sri Lanka, the business community is stepping forward to make its contribution to the economic development of the country and the wellbeing of our people. Investing in small and medium sized enterprises in the regions is one way of doing so, and it is good business too. The Business for Peace Alliance launched a groundbreaking initiative in this field last week, zzz03185544
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/sky_news_videomia_hits_out_at.html~~~Sky News Video: MIA hits out at 'Concentration Camps'~~~Jun 5 (TC) MIA, who used to live in Sri Lanka and experienced the war, told Sky News: "Three hundred thousand people have been put into concentration camps and they (the authorities) have taken all the rights away from these people. "They have no food and access to the media and aid. No freedom of speech or freedom of press." She said the European council has been "undecided on the issue" and zzz03185553
no~~~Sri Lanka: What next?~~~zzz03185538
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10012&Itemid=44~~~The World Environment Day celebrated ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) Two environmental friendly books written by the Minister of Environment, Patali Champika Ranawaka was launched to mark the World Environment Day which fell today. The World Environment Days’ celebrations began at the Vihara Maha Devi Park this morning with the participation of Minister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena,the Media Secretary to the ministry said.zzz03185547
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_01~~~Physician heal thyself, hand over that nurse!~~~Jun 5 (MoD) Will a person with a skin disease ever want to consult, let alone follow the advice of, a dermatologist with a massive rash, scratching himself like mad? We don't think so. (We hope good skin specialists won't take umbrage; we are only trying to drive a point home.) Likewise, champions of global democracy with a deplorable human rights record cannot expect others to take them seriously. zzz03185548
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-support-13th-Amendment/3180.htm~~~UNP to support 13th Amendment~~~Jun 5 (CT) The United National Party says it will support the 13th amendment or a broader devolution of power if the government would solve all its internal problems surrounding the issue. The only solution for the crisis in the northeast region is the full implementation of the 13th amendment, the party adds. Noting that government ally þþþþPatriotic National Movement is accusing supporters of this amendment as opportunists, zzz03185549
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Census-IDPs--Vavuniya/3161.htm~~~Census on IDPs in Vavuniya~~~Jun 5 (CT) A census being conducted among the IDPs sheltered in the welfare villages in Vavuniya, will conclude this week, Minister of Mass Media, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. The Minister said that there are 227,000 displaced civilians being sheltered in 26 welfare villages in Vavuniya. Objectives of the census are to unite families, identify the problems of the IDPs and seek solutions and collect accurate data on them.zzz03185552
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Indian-president-says-political-solution-needed--Sri-Lanka/3153.htm~~~Indian president says political solution needed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (CT) Indian president Pratibha Patil has pledged to support initiatives aimed at finding a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka to ensure equal rights to the Tamil minority. “We will support initiatives in Sri Lanka which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there, and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect,” zzz03185551
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UN-human-rights-office-will-not-be-allowed/3168.htm~~~'UN human rights office will not be allowed'~~~Jun 5 (CT) Sri Lanka will not allow the UN Human Rights Commission to set up an office in the country, human rights minister Mahinda Samarasinghe has told the commissioner of the UNHRC at a meeting. Speaking to the media, Mr. Samarasinghe said he had also told commissioner Navi Pillai that she should first consult Sri Lanka before making any recommendations on the island.zzz03185545
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/fea01.asp~~~Rebel Catholic priest and patriot ~~~Jun 5 (DN) The birth anniversary of Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, the well-known Catholic priest, musician, poet, lyricist, author, journalist and patriot fell on June 3. A household name in our country; no other Catholic prelate or priest in our country has touched the hearts and lives of people of our times like him. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody led an eventful life replete with ups and downs. zzz03185550
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/fea20.asp~~~Today is world environment day: Save our rainforests! ~~~Jun 5 (DN) Now that Sri Lanka has officially declared the end of terrorism, we must now make serious decisions on ending the destruction of Mother Nature. Today, Sri Lanka celebrates World Environment Day (WED) under one flag and it is imperative that we formulate a policy to prevent the illegal encroaching, deforestation and wildlife threat that is taking place right under our noses.zzz03185554
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news3.html~~~Parents’ should be on electoral list to admit children to G I~~~Jun 5 (Island) Parents who seek to admit their children to Grade I would have to have their names on the latest electoral register, the Ministry of Education said. When admitting children to Grade I classes in the year 2010, if the parents find it difficult to trace their names in the last electoral register they could contact the Grama Sevaka or the Divisional Secretary and get them to fill the particulars at the allocated place in the application form and zzz03185556
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news8.html~~~Former COPE Chief on anatomy of a corrupt deal~~~Jun 5 (Island) Commenting on the Supreme Court ruling on the SLIC transaction, Wijedasa Rajapaksa, MP, told The Island that the SC had endorsed findings made by Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) a few years ago. At the time of the COPE revelation, the parliamentary watchdog committee had been under Rajapakshe’s authority. He said that recent SC rulings on questionable deals including zzz03185558
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news2.html~~~'Politicians cannot be punished only on COPE, PAC findings'~~~Jun 5 (Island) Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa yesterday said that people couldn’t be punished entirely on the basis of findings of two parliamentary watchdog committees, COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) and PAC (Public Accounts Committee). He asserted that it wouldn’t be right to expect punitive action taken against politicians and officials named by COPE and PAC. zzz03185557
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51017~~~Thamilselven’s kids prefer fast foods~~~Jun 5 (DM) In what has now transpired as the luxurious life styles of LTTE leaders, the two children of the late S.P. Thamilselvan the former LTTE political wing leader are said to partake of fast foods like pastries and biscuits instead of rice and curry. Minister Rajitha Senaratne who met Mr. Thamilselvan’s wife at a welfare camp in Vavuniya told Daily Mirror yesterday these two kids -- one in Grade five and the other in Grade 1 do not eat rice and curry. zzz03185559
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51035~~~JVP promises to ‘fight’ the government’s 13th Amendment ~~~Jun 5 (DM) The JVP said yesterday it would be compelled to wage war against the government if it continues to betray the nation by ignoring the opportunity that has been presented after victory over the LTTE. “We cannot fight like the security forces but will be compelled to wage war against the government if it betrays the victory gained by the forces,” JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe told a rally zzz03185560
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51039~~~‘Yal Devi’ leaves Colombo tomorrow for Thandikulam ~~~Jun 5 (DM) A train will travel beyond Vavuniya for the first time after 20 years when ‘Yal Devi’ express train leaves Fort Railway station tomorrow morning for Thandikulam which is situated approximately 3 kilometres to the north of Vavuniya. Tomorrow’s trip to Thandikulam heralds reconstruction of the Northern Railway line up to the last railway station on the northern most tip of the Jaffna peninsula, the station at KKS which is 11 kilometres away from Jaffna. zzz03185561
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1845260237~~~Sri Lanka gets Chinese loan for low cost housing~~~Jun 5 (LBO) Government is to take a 500 million dollar 20-year loan from China to build 100,000 low cost houses for state sector employees, shanty dwellers and people affected by disasters, the Cabinet office said. A Cabinet memorandum on the project said the loan is to be arranged by state-owned China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Corporation (CSYIC) which will commence construction work on November 2009 on 10,000 houses initially. zzz03185562
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=860766309~~~Sri Lanka showcase 'private' hospital in state hands~~~Jun 5 (LBO) Control of a showcase Sri Lankan fee-levying privately built hospital has passed to state hands after courts reversed the privatization of an insurance firm which held its majority stake. Lanka Hospitals Corporation, owners of Colombo's Apollo Hospital, is more than 54 percent controlled by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), which was ordered back into state hands Thursday, by the island's Supreme Court. zzz03185563
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_04~~~'Sri Lanka does not believe in any attempt to equate the two sides involved in the armed conflict'~~~Jun 5 (MoD) Madam High Commissioner welcomed last week's Human Rights Council Special Session - may I echo that with a slight modification - Sri Lanka welcomes the outcome of last week's Human Rights Council Special Session. We hope it was as good for the co-sponsors of the Special Session as it was for us in Sri Lanka, though zzz03185568
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=18235~~~UN Security Council must demand immediate access and accountability~~~Jun 5 (AI) As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today briefs the Security Council on his visit to Sri Lanka, Amnesty International is urging the Security Council to demand that Sri Lanka provides full access to humanitarian organisations and establish an international inquiry into possible war crimes committed by all sides to the conflict. Yvonne Terlingen, Head of Amnesty International's Office at the UN, said:zzz03185565
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906051482.htm~~~President hands over three-wheelers to disabled war heroes ~~~Jun 5 (PTI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over 200 three-wheeler vehicles to disabled soldiers here, as part of welfare schemes for former military men who suffered serious injuries in the last three decades of conflict with the LTTE. The three-wheelers, modified to suit the needs of the physically disabled, were distributed under an interest free loan scheme, in recognition of the former soldiers' contribution towards the country's peace and stability. zzz03185566
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/news25.asp~~~Bar bids farewell to CJ ~~~Jun 5 (DN) The Official and Unofficial Bar yesterday bid farewell to Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva PC, who is due to retire from June 7, 2009, after delivering the judgement in two Fundamental Rights cases against the privatisation of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga read out the 80-page judgement for over nearly three hours. zzz03185555
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-a-look-at-th_b_210501.html~~~In Sri Lanka: A Look at the Refugee Camp~~~Jun 5 (HP) In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism, there are many tears. The Tamil Tigers have been defeated, but 280,000 Sri Lankan Tamils are now Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) - in short, refugees in their own country. The world is beating a path to the camps, first United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, followed by a U.S. Congressman from North Carolina. zzz03185564
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1903022,00.html?xid=rss-world~~~Why doctors from Sri Lanka's combat zone may face jail~~~Jun 5 (Time) The veil of secrecy over the whereabouts of three doctors who worked in Sri Lanka's shrinking war zone last month has finally been lifted. On Thursday, Colombo announced that three doctors, all of whom were treating patients in LTTE-held areas in the final days before they were gained by Sri Lankan government forces, are now in government custody and face court action for collaborating with the Tigers. zzz03185569
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/05/stories/2009060553811300.htm~~~'Military pact with Colombo in limbo' ~~~Jun 5 (Hindu) With the LTTE having been militarily defeated by the Sri Lanka army, New Delhi and Colombo have put their defence cooperation pact on the backburner. “It was negotiated for quite some time. We had put it aside and haven’t gone back,” Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon told reporters. Admitting that both countries at one point of time were “very close” to finalising the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement,zzz03185562.1
http://www.webnewswire.com/node/456854~~~Trekking in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (WNW) Trekking in Sri Lanka is nothing new, although of course in former times it was not a recreational activity. For instance, in 1679 Robert Knox escaped the Kandyan Kingdom by walking to Arippu on the north west coast, while in 1783 Jacob Haafner walked from Jaffna to Colombo and back to accompany a cooper looking for work. Knox’s and Haafner’s accounts of these adventurous treks make for fascinating reading, as does the modern Trekkers’ Guide to Sri Lanka (1994). zzz03185571
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10015&Itemid=44~~~No electricity price revision in the offing - CEB ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) The Ministry of Power and Energy while rejecting reports in certain sections of the media announced that the Ceylon Electricity Board had not made any decision over a price revision on the current electricity billing system. During the past couple of weeks certain media reports claimed predictions of a possible price revision in the current electricity billing system.zzz03185572
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10016&Itemid=44~~~A sigh of relief for IBSL ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) The civil war has been dragging on for the past three decades, and insurance premiums went sky-high for prospective businessmen in a region of war. However, against all odds, present SL government comprehensively defeated separatist LTTE terrorists and Sri Lanka is no more a war risk zone. "Impending terrorist threats have slowly been fading away and it's time to consider additional risk premiums now,"zzz03185573
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0605/p12s01-woap.html~~~The fate of Sri Lanka's Tamils after the Tigers~~~Jun 6 (CSM) The Tamils are a minority with deep roots in the north of the island nation of Sri Lanka and kinship ties to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which lies across a narrow sea channel. A separate group of Tamils arrived later from India as laborers during British rule and are known as Indian Tamils. Together they make up around 18 percent of Sri Lanka's 20 million people, with the Sinhalese majority making up 74 percent. zzz03185576
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-war-part-ii.html~~~Sri Lanka After the War – Part II~~~Jun 6 (LG) Tamil speaking politicians are there in almost all parties including the two major political parties of Sri Lanka. Though most of the Tamil politicians talk of equitable rights for Tamils, they have never managed to make a united pitch for Tamil rights in recent times. That is how successive governments have continued to drag their feet on the issue of devolution of powers to Tamils. zzz03185575
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/do-ten-year-olds-in-idp-camp-need.html~~~Do ten year olds in IDP camp need identity cards? ~~~Jun 6 (LG) I am perturbed over the decision of the Government to issue Identity Cards to children over 10 years old. No parent whether in-side the camp or outside the camp, be they Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims from any part of Sri Lanka will welcome this move. One can’t be either wrong all the time or right all the time. Whether what I say is palatable to you or not, zzz03185574
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25594964-2703,00.html~~~Aussies in for long haul as Sri Lanka stands firm~~~Jun 6 (TA) Three Australian nationals caught in Sri Lanka's overcrowded refugee camps could face more than a year in detention after the Government in Colombo yesterday ruled out any special treatment or early release. The Australian high commission in Sri Lanka said yesterday it was trying to gain consular access to the three people, who are believed to be dual Sri Lankan/Australian nationals. zzz03185577
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=84722~~~Growing concern over nutrition of displaced children ~~~Jun 6 (IRIN) Concerns are growing that the number of malnourished children is higher than earlier estimated among thousands of recently displaced in Sri Lanka. Some 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDP), many of them children, live in more than 40 government camps in the north, after fleeing fighting between government forces and the defeated LTTE. zzz03185581
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=4562c9b1-635f-47cb-89c1-410dd4ee4be0&Headline=US+Senator+asks+Lankan+Prez+to+address+needs+of+Tamils~~~US Senator asks Lankan Prez to address needs of Tamils~~~Jun 6 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa needs to take steps to show a "serious commitment" towards achieving a political solution to the decades-long ethnic problem and to genuinely addressing the needs of the minority Tamils following the defeat of LTTE, an influential US Senator has said. "I urge President Rajapaksa to take steps now to demonstrate a serious commitment to a political solution, the rule of law, and most importantly,zzz03185579
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906052022.htm~~~Sri Lanka conducting search on 'LTTE' vessel bound for Wanni ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) The Sri Lankan Navy is conducting a search on board a suspected LTTE cargo vessel that was seized and now anchored in Panudura coast near here. The vessel, said to be carrying 884 metric tonnes of medical and food supplies reportedly for the LTTE cadres was seized by Sri Lankan Navy patrol craft off the Colombo seas on Thursday. The Syriyan vessel 'Captain Ali' had set off from United Kingdom on April 20, 2009 "under the pretext of a mercy mission" zzz03185580
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ambassador-of-india-responds-to-ms-navi.html~~~Ambassador of India responds to Ms Navi Pillay's remarks on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (LG) Ambassador Gopinathan Achamkulangare of India, responding yesterday to the remarks on Sri Lanka included in the statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay said, "...it will be prudent to adhere to the outcome of the special session and be sensitive to the concerns expressed already, rather than take a position on contested proposals or controversial issues and ideas, which did not find eventual acceptance in the outcome of the special session." zzz03185578
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-explaining-t_b_211249.html~~~In Sri Lanka: Explaining the Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 6 (HP) The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are considered a terrorist organization by 32 countries. Their soldiers wore cyanide vials for consumption upon capture. They invented the suicide belt and pioneered the use of suicide bombing as a tactic. They also pioneered the use of women in suicide attacks and forcibly kidnapped and inducted child soldiers. Over 5,000 child soldiers have been reported.zzz03185582
http://www.wfp.org/stories/sri-lanka-easier-reach-hungry~~~Sri Lanka: "Easier to reach the hungry"~~~Jun 6 (WFP) The final stages of the long conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE Tamil Tiger rebel movement saw thousands of families flee their homes in the conflict-affected northern region. Most of these IDPs are now in temporary transit camps set up by the government. They are dependent on humanitarian aid. As well as providing food for 290,000 people in the camps, WFP has also scaled up the delivery of fortified food to zzz03185583
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1272419888~~~Sri Lanka Seylan gets one bid: Central Bank~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) is the sole bidder for a 33 percent stake in Seylan Bank offered by the Central Bank to a strategic partner that can inject equity to the firm, market sources said. "In response to the invitation for fresh bids by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to be a strategic partner of Seylan Bank PLC, one bid has been received," the Central Bank said in a statement. zzz03185584
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18223~~~Sri Lanka’s future depends on first dissecting the notions promoted by LTTE terror & accepted by other interested groups~~~Jun 6 (AT) The President has been consistently conveying some key messages. The unitary status of the country, the need to emerge from ideological differences and his intent to replace populist politics with policies that are important and correct. Essentially, we need to look back to see what ideologies, policies and theories Sri Lanka had been forced to accept beneath the façade of ending a conflict with the LTTE.zzz03185585
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/06/stories/2009060655131300.htm~~~“Grant Tamils protection” ~~~Jun 6 (Hindu) Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, due to retire on Sunday, told a news conference here on Friday it was time to build a nation with one people, irrespective of religion, colour and race. The Daily Mirror, quoted him as saying if there were no proper judicial and social mechanisms to grant Tamils their due protection by law, there was the possibility of another uprising, though not an armed struggle.zzz03185586
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/05/bishop-chief-justice-fear-for-northern-tamils-future/~~~Bishop, chief justice fear for northern Tamils' future~~~Jun 6 (UCAN) The bishop of Jaffna fears the needs of Tamils in the north of the country could be forgotten amid scenes of jubilation that have marked the end of 25 years of civil war. "Though the government won the war, it should concentrate on the Tamil problems and find a solution that provides them equal rights and opportunities," Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna told UCA News on June 3.zzz03185587
no~~~Ban Ki Moon to visit Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185588
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18235~~~Sri Lanka Post-LTTE~~~Jun 6 (AT) common joke nowadays in Tamil Nadu is that ‘puligal’ (Tigers—short for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) have been reduced to ‘eligal’ (Rats) because they (the LTTE) have to hide in holes in the ground to escape being hunted. Now, the LTTE has been irretrievably decimated much as the Nazis were after World War II. But does the end of LTTE mean the end of the sixty one year human rights crisis of Sri Lanka? zzz03185589
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18229~~~House of God-Kalmunai 1981~~~Jun 6 (AT) In January 1981 having served as Officer Commanding Troops Jaffna in 1980 (the only year there were no terrorist related deaths there since 1978), I was appointed the first Commandant of the Combat Training School (CTS) at Konduwattuwan, Ampara.(Before then I had a dramatic interview (one of several) with the Army Commander about my opposition to an attempt to post me to Colombo to take over a non combat unit). zzz03185590
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18236~~~Using the theory of Relationship Marketing to win the Hearts of Tamils~~~Jun 6 (AT) The great humanitarian operation that unified our motherland under a single national standard has opened the path to our nation that is eager to step forward to a future of greatness and distinction, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the Nation from Galle Face Green after receiving the scrolls from the Three Forces’ Commanders and the IGP informing him about the victorious conclusion of the humanitarian mission of defeating terrorism. zzz03185591
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090606TDY16001.htm~~~Deep scars left in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (DY) Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war has left the nation deeply scarred. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 260,000 internally displaced people have been staying at refugee camps established in Vavuniya, northern Sri Lanka, since the civil war ended in May. The refugees, who include many children, reportedly were used by the LTTE as human shields.zzz03185592
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Tiger-free-Lanka-may-lure-BPOs/articleshow/4623507.cms~~~Tiger-free Lanka may lure BPOs~~~Jun 6 (ET) Is Sri Lanka the new Philippines? India’s outsourcing fraternity is staring at this billion-dollar question as the island nation, confident after wiping out the Tamil Tigers, sets about reinventing its civil war-ravaged economy. Top Indian BPO companies already have their presence in Sri Lanka, and the biggest of them, Genpact is about to launch its operations there.zzz03185593
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=181479~~~Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan improves~~~Jun 6 (IN) Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, V S Sidath Kumar, has said that Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC region and total trade between the two countries increased by 169 per cent from $158 million in 2005 to $265 million last year. While Sri Lanka’s exports increased from $43 million in 2005 to $73 million in 2008, Pakistan’s exports rose from $115 million to $192 million, he said.zzz03185594
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18247~~~New U.S. Envoy Butenis: Balancing interests between U.S. and Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (AT) Diplomatic law governs the conduct of relations between representative organs of a state operating within the territory of another state, and the receiving state. Its purpose is to facilitate international diplomacy, balancing the pursuit of the foreign policy interests of the sending state with respect for the territorial sovereignty of the receiving state. Diplomatic immunity is an exception to the general rule of territorial jurisdiction. zzz03185595
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/human-rights-vs-state-sovereignty.html~~~Human rights vs. state sovereignty ~~~Jun 6 (LG) I attended the United Nations Human Rights Council's special session on Sri Lanka in Geneva last week in hopes of ensuring that the plight of the 300,000 Tamil refugees confined in camps was not forgotten. With aid organizations denied full access and civilians not allowed to leave the camps, I thought the international community would be compelled to make some gestures to ensure a postwar Sri Lanka would be in line with international human rights norms. I was wrong.zzz03185596
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090605/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestun~~~UN chief warns Sri Lanka against 'triumphalism' ~~~Jun 6 (AFP) UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday warned the Sri Lankan government against "triumphalism" after its recent defeat of the Tamil separatist insurgency and urged it to "heal the wounds" of the bitter conflict. "I would like to take this opportunity to warn against the risk of triumphalism in the wake of victory," Ban told reporters after he briefed the 15-member Security Council on zzz03185597
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/710~~~Poddala Jayantha: Latest Journalist victim in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (DBS) The witch hunt against journalists depicted as enemies of the State continues unabated in Sri Lanka. The latest victim in this “officially sanctioned unofficial campaign” is Poddala Jayantha, a senior Journalist and prominent media rights activist. Jayantha, a senior journalist at “Dinamina” the Sinhala daily run by Lake House , is also the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) and a key activist of the Free media movement (FMM) in Sri Lanka. zzz03185598
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-reconciliati_b_210541.html~~~In Sri Lanka: Reconciliation and Reconstruction~~~Jun 6 (HP) Sri Lanka is now focused on the "3 R's:" Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation. The immense cost for resettling the 280,000 people in the camps is staggering. European leaders need to stop lecturing and start helping. It is actually possible that China will be able to step into the picture if Europe continues to lecture -- instead of assist -- the government of Sri Lanka. zzz03185599
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-minister-bogollagama-exchanges.html~~~Foreign Minister Bogollagama exchanges views with MP William Hague ~~~Jun 6 (LG) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is currently visiting the UK for bilateral consultations met with wide ranging political personalities on 4 June 2009. Minister Bogollagama met with William Hague, MP, and Shadow Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Conservative). At the outset of the meeting the Foreign Minister provided a detailed account on the final days of the LTTE. zzz03185600
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/first-lady-and-her-son-visit-jaffna.html~~~First lady and her son visit Jaffna~~~Jun 6 (LG) President’s wife Ms. Shiranthi Rajapakse and his son Namal Rajapakse arrived on a sudden visit to Jaffna Friday morning with a statue of Sangamiththa, Emperor Aoska’s daughter and the first woman Buddhist missionary to Ceylon, to be enshrined in the newly built Buddhist temple in Maathakal. Namal Rajapaksha said, “we visited several places in Jaffna but were constrained by time; but we discussed the people’s situation in the peninsula”. zzz03185601
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/wannis-primary-needcommitted-rural.html~~~Wanni’s primary need:Committed rural social leaders ~~~Jun 6 (LG) The Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) of the College of Agriculture of Xavier University in the Philippines trains every year rural social workers to promote sustainable development through leadership formation from the grass roots in South, Southeast and East Asia as well as from some countries in Africa and the Pacific Island nations.zzz03185609
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/rubiks-cube-equal-rights-to-each.html~~~Rubik’s Cube: Equal rights to each individual, not to each ethnic group~~~Jun 6 (LG) Genuine confusion or deliberate disorder, there is still puzzlement about the recipient of equal rights. All the democratic countries in the world afford equal rights to each individual, not to each ethnic community. The large and noisy Tamil community in the UK does not demand equal rights to their community! Even if they do, they will never ever get it. UK is a good example of giving equal rights to every citizen irrespective of race, origin or religion. zzz03185603
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18251~~~My journey with Anton, Adele Balasingham and Yogi in 1991~~~Jun 6 (AT) In a moment of silent reflection, and just another moment of deep thought, my mind explored events of the past when I read a report on Adele Balasingham, widow of late LTTE theoretician, Anton Balasingham now living in a luxurious house in Surrey. The report recalled how Adele was addressed as 'Aunty' by those child soldiers of the LTTE when she garlanded them with cyanide capsule around their necks, unlike the usual Aunties whozzz03185604
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18248~~~India promises support to initiatives for political solution in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (AT) President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament’s lower and upper houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha when they meet for the first time after a general election and in the first session of every calendar year. The address is a general statement of government’s intents and a broad review of its plans and planks. zzz03185602
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10021&Itemid=44~~~NASA breakthrough: ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (GDI) As NASA cameras pored over now defunct No-Fire-Zone, it only detected SL armed forces extending their arms of friendship to their northern brethren. It was of no avail to many cynical rumour mongers. However, NASA cameras came out with a rare breakthrough. It revealed a mysterious ancient bridge in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The bridge, made up of a chain shoals, is currently named as Adam´s Bridge and nearly 30 km in extent.zzz03185606
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10022&Itemid=44~~~IDP children education continues uninterrupted ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) Text and story books worth over Rs. 137 million have been sent to Menik Farm and other IDP welfare centers to be distributed among war displaced children. “This was the first stock of books scheduled to be distributed among the displaced children,” Education Ministry official said. Even though displaced, the Ministry is of the view that education must continue unhindered as children may get disoriented without schooling. zzz03185607
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10026&Itemid=44~~~Dengue mosquitoes on rampage:More deaths ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) In a most tragic turn of events, the death toll caused by dengue epidemic crossed over the mark 100 since January this year. “The Health Ministry is doing its utmost to take the menace into control, but, still, the public corporation for the cause is minimal,” lamented the officials. "We have already seen 108 deaths with over 7,000 cases of dengue fever, and launched a number of empowerment programmes for the public but their response is really poor," zzz03185608
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10020&Itemid=44~~~Yal Devi crosses over Vavuniya ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) Alter a lapse of two decades, North will be connected with the South by rail for the first time as the refurbished railway link opens today. Yal Devi crosses over Vavuniya for Thandikulum, approximately 3 kilometers from Vavuniya, and it will be again hopes and great expectations towards social harmony between North and the South, Transport Minister Dulles Alahapperuma said.zzz03185605
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18227~~~Outgoing Chief Justice calls for a Sri Lanka with one people~~~Jun 6 (AT) Sri Lanka's outgoing Chief Justice, Sarath N.Silva due to retire on Sunday(7) which marks his 65th birthday, today held his first and final press conference to bid goodbye to the media and called for the need to build a Sri Lanka with one people. Chief Justice Sarath N.Silva has held the highest legal office for the past decade and delivered several landmark judgements. zzz03185612
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2374:maskeliya-road-closed-due-to-earth-slip&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Maskeliya road closed due to earth slip ~~~Jun 6 (LT) A large landslide occurred at 13th mile post on the Maskeliya – Nallathanniya road for the second time yesterday (5th) completely disrupting transport says Nallathanniya Police. Upcountry experiences heavy rains these days and a large mass of earth that was above the road slipped down with large boulders. Another crack on the earth above the hillock next to the area that slipped down could be observed.zzz03185611
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2371:no-one-would-be-allowed-to-be-taken-to-war-tribunals-for-defeating-terrorism--somawansa-amarasinghe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'War crime charges over our dead bodies'~~~Jun 6 (LT) The JVP would thwart all attempts to take those who have acted to defeat terrorism to any war tribunal said its leader Somawansa Amarasinghe. “Anybody who tried to take the leaders who led the war against terrorism to a war tribunal could do so only over our dead bodies,” said Mr. Amarasinghe. Speaking at a rally held under the theme ‘Tigers are vanquished – Let’s bring victory to Motherland’ zzz03185610
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2373:13th-amendment-doesnt-suit-sri-lanka--chief-justice&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'13th amendment doesn’t suit Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 6 (LT) The 13th amendment is not at all suitable for Sri Lanka says Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. He said this at a press conference to divulge details of a ‘Judicial Map.’ He said, “The 13th amendment is not a document that was formulated with much thought. It is one that was put together in haste to go with the Indo-Lanka accord. This amendment compiled by taking parts of the Indian constitution doesn’t suit Sri Lanka at all. zzz03185613
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7810~~~LTTE associates reject giving assets worth billions of rupees to KP~~~Jun 6 (LeN) Sri Lankan intelligence bureaus have learnt that the present owners of the LTTE’s assets world wide have rejected handing over them to the self-proclaimed LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP. LTTE purchased property world wide with the wealth collected as ransom from the Tamil diaspora except buying weapons. They were run under the names of the LTTE’s trusted associates and they transferred a large portion of the profit to the LTTE’s account.zzz03185614
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44551.html~~~'Human networking will boost business'~~~Jun 6 (LNP) Human networking in reconciliation is the way for Sri Lanka to hold the banner of Ready for Business in a short period of time, HR Consultant, Bangalore, India S. Ramesh told Daily News Business on Wednesday. Ramesh is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL) to conduct two seminars on Power of Human Networks and Coaching for Managers for junior, middle and senior level managers in Sri Lankan companies in Colombo. zzz03185615
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44552.html~~~Battling corruption Take a cue from the SC~~~Jun 6 (LNP) Years ago it was mistakenly believed that Sri Lanka`s war against terrorism was `unwinnable`. That myth has been blown sky high. All is quiet on the northern front and nothing remains of Prabhakaran`s terror empire but earth bunds. We, as a nation, achieved that great feat because we got our act together at long last and battled terrorism with a single-minded resolve to eliminate the scourge. zzz03185616
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/news11.asp~~~Britain to assist in NE reconstruction ~~~Jun 6 (DN) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is currently visiting the UK for bilateral consultations, met with wide ranging political personalities on Thursday. Minister Bogallagama met with William Hague, MP, and Shadow Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Conservative). At the outset of the meeting, the Foreign Minister provided a detailed account on the final days of the LTTE. zzz03185617
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/fea24.asp~~~A joy ride to Minneriya ~~~Jun 6 (DN) Venturing out in a jeep on a dusty gravel road amidst the thick jungle and thorny bushes, it was excitement all the way within the Minneriya National Park as we were finally going to get up close and personal with wild elephants. Home to nearly 1000 elephants, Minneriya is the great location for the popular elephant-gathering ritual that has been tipped as one of the world's amazing wildlife spectacles. zzz03185618
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/news02.asp~~~Do not use media to disturb communal harmony - President ~~~Jun 6 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the media in an inter-active session with the owners and Chief Editors of print and electronic media made an earnest request not to use the media to disturb communal harmony in the new era that has begun with the defeat of LTTE terrorism and the unification of the Motherland. zzz03185620
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/news15.html~~~UPFA, UNP pay tributes to President and armed forces ~~~Jun 6 (Island) A motion tabled by Sabaragamuwa Provincial Minister of Road Development, Rural Infrastructure and Tourism, Janaka Wakkumbura, at the recently held PC meeting to congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the armed forces and the police, for crushing the LTTE, ending a 30 year-old war, was passed with the full support of the Opposition.zzz03185619
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/business1.html~~~Public must be willing to make sacrifices now, ~~~Jun 6 (Island) A senior economist said Sri Lankans will have to make sacrifices now in order to realize greater benefits in the future and the government will have to move away from the political-economic path governments have traversed on for decades. Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne said the rest of Sri Lanka will need to make a big sacrifice to develop the North and East so that communities can be meaningfully integrated andzzz03185621
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/news4.html~~~Residents asked to clean up~~~Jun 6 (Island) From today onwards residents of all households, especially in the Western Province, should keep thier environment clean to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitos, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. Addressing a ceremony to mark the World Environment Day yesterday at the SOBA exhibition at the Vihara Mahadevi Park in Colombo he said mosquitoes breed rapidly during the months of May, June, July and August and zzz03185622
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51128~~~'Distribution of houses should be impartial'~~~Jun 6 (DM) The JHU called on the government to distribute houses built in Deegawapi sacred area in a fair manner and not to one community alone. JHU Leaders made this point welcoming the judgment given by the Supreme Court which said giving 500 houses in Deegawapi to Muslims only was improper. JHU MP Ven. Atureliye Ratana Thera said that the party would not call the government to punish any Minister. zzz03185625
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51089~~~Sri Lankan born elected CIMA global president~~~Jun 6 (DM) The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has elected its first Asian-born President. Aubrey Joachim, FCMA, was elected President at the 90th CIMA AGM held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, on 6 June. Aubrey Joachim was born in Sri Lanka and is now an Australian citizen. Having commenced his working career at Unilever Sri Lanka in 1973,zzz03185624
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51133~~~Treasury Secretary directs SLIC to start normal tasks ~~~Jun 6 (DM) The Treasury Secretary has directed the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) which was handed over to the government following a Supreme Court judgment last Thursday, to carry out its ordinary functions from Monday. Deputy Finance Minster Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that Treasury Secretary Sumith Abeysinghe had informed the present SLIC management in writing to limit its functions to ordinary activities zzz03185623
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906061622.htm~~~Rajapaksa invites Lankan Editors to visit refugee camps ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) Seeking to dispel apprehensions about restricted access to Tamil refugee camps, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited Sri Lankan Editors to visit these welfare centres for a first hand account of the situation, but warned them against "provocative" writing that could give rise to "another terrorist movement" post-LTTE. During an interactive session with the owners and Chief Editors of the print and electronic media yesterday, zzz03185631
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1998978219~~~Sri Lanka port still hit by delays~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Ships calling at Colombo port are still experiencing delays owing to problems in a new computerised terminal management system, shipping agents said. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) introduced the new system to replace the existing aging system in order to modernise port infrastructure and speed up cargo handling and vessel operations at Colombo main transhipment facility, the Jaya Container Terminal. zzz03185627
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=844660594~~~Sri Lanka tea exports fall sharply in April~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Sri Lanka's shipments of tea, its main commodity export, fell sharply in April compared with a year ago, as production was hit by severe drought earlier in the year, brokers said. Tea exports fell 44 percent to 14.5 million kilos in April 2009 from 26.1 million kilos in the same month in 2008. "This is the lowest quantity since 2005, when 14.8 million kilos were shipped," zzz03185628
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/10061220.htm~~~Lanka should start process of devolution: US ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) The Sri Lankan government should move towards “devolution of power” to provinces in war-ravaged north and east of the country to address the “longstanding and legitimate grievances of the Tamil population,” an influential US lawmaker has said. “This and other steps are needed to demonstrate that all Sri Lankans can live without fear and participate freely in the political process,” Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont,zzz03185629
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906061421.htm~~~Sri Lankan commandos kill two rebels~~~Jun 6 (AP) Sri Lankan police commandos flushing out Tamil Tiger remnants killed two rebel fighters hiding in jungle in the east of the island, the military said Saturday. Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said the commandos confronted the guerrillas from the defeated separatist group in Ampara district on Friday. After an exchange of fire, the commandos recovered the two bodies, assault rifles, ammunition and food stocks, zzz03185630
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090606/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestunbritain~~~FM denies 20,000 Tamils killed in onslaught~~~Jun 6 (AFP) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has denied claims that more than 20,000 Tamil civilians were killed during the government's final onslaught against rebels, a report said Saturday. Bogollagama told The Times that the newspaper was wrong to report last week that so many civilians had died in the island's so-called no-fire zone, most of them from Sri Lankan army shelling. zzz03185632
http://news.smashits.com/392360/Dream-of-independent-Tamil-state-in-Lanka-is-still-very-strong-CSM.htm~~~Dream of independent Tamil state in Lanka is still very strong: CSM~~~Jun 6 (ANI) Tamil intellectuals say the dream of an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka is still strong, but decades of war and upheaval have soured many ordinary Tamils on the idea. The realization of this dream, they say is dependent on a properly managed devolution of power and a retreat by Sinhalese extremists, who insist that Sri Lanka should be a Sinhalese Buddhist island. zzz03185626
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906061521.htm~~~China asks Colombo to focus on national reconciliation~~~Jun 6 (PTI) While committing to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, China has asked Colombo to focus on "national reconciliation" after wiping out the LTTE from the country. Pledging full cooperation in rebuilding efforts in the war-ravaged country, China has said it will support Sri Lanka in bringing in stability, peace and development. zzz03185612.1
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15446&size=A~~~Refugees and reconciliation: Sri Lanka ponders its future~~~Jun 6 (AN) “Is it a celebration of victory of peaceful, peace loving people over those who were violent or those who were terrorist? Or is it a celebration of the victory of one group over another. Will this victory lead to a dominant and suppressive authority in the hands of one group over another group who will be made refugees or internally displaced for long years or for eternity?”. zzz03185612.2
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/media_in_sri_lanka_battered_br.html~~~Media in Sri Lanka: Battered, bruised, cowed and polarised~~~Jun 7 (TC) A battered, bruised, cowed and polarized media is all that is left of the profession in Sri Lanka. That is the result of three years of relentless attacks on reporters and media institutions that dared to uphold professional standards and protect the “publics' right to know”. Since 2006, Sri Lanka's media and rights activists have been braving a ruthless campaign to silence them. As the battle against the LTTE intensified, zzz03185635
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10027&Itemid=44~~~Restoration of Yal Devi train service the beginning of restoring dignity to Tamil people - President ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) ‘The restoration of the Yal Devi train service signifies an important step in the restoration of dignity and self respect to Tamil people who had been denied many freedoms for twenty years thanks to the activities of the LTTE,’ President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today. The Yal Devi train service which had been disrupted for 20 years due to LTTE terrorism has was restored up to Thaladikulam today. zzz03185636
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ten-ways-of-making-merit.html~~~Ten ways of making merit ~~~Jun 7 (LG) The general desire of all beings throughout life is to escape painful and undesirable experiences and seek circumstances giving rise to happiness. Many people ignorant of the true ways of gaining genuine happiness look for it only in the round of sensual pleasures. That only brings happiness in the short-term – at best – and suffering will follow sooner than later. Indulgence will not bring happiness nor will abstinence. zzz03185637
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/privatisation-under-scrutiny.html~~~Privatisation under scrutiny ~~~Jun 7 (LG) The judgment in the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) privatisation case is opening the doors to possibly other fundamental rights against earlier privatisation of state companies. Coming on the back of the other landmark judgments against John Keells Holdings (JKH) and its directors in the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services where the Supreme Court slated former Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake, and zzz03185638
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/its-not-only-pro-ltte-diaspora-thats-in.html~~~It’s not only pro-LTTE Diaspora that’s in denial ~~~Jun 7 (LG) There is a certain degree of denial in certain sections of the Tamil community, especially those living outside Sri Lanka. They just can’t accept the fact that the LTTE is no more. They could take a cue from Janani Jayanayagam, that wide-eyed, hate-mongering, ill-educated politician who wants to be a member of the European Parliament, for example, publicly claimed that she is in mourning. zzz03185639
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18267~~~The new war in the post-war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 7 (AT) Post-war Sri Lanka is in thrall to a dichotomous worldview, consisting of ‘patriots’ and ‘anti-patriots’. Lankan politics is being redefined as an unceasing struggle between these two camps, a holy war by the ‘patriots’ for the protection of the nation from the ‘machinations’ of ‘anti-patriots’. This Manichean worldview has made certain issues taboo, depicting them as ‘psychological enemy territory’ and thus no go areas for all ‘patriots’. zzz03185640
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7815~~~LTTE respected our courts; they did not fire a single shot at our courts -CJ~~~Jun 7 (LeN) Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva said that although there were Tamil Tiger courts in Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu, they had respected Sri Lanka’s courts. Addressing a press briefing to make aware media about denominating the judiciary divisions, the Chief Justice said that he was retiring as content Sri Lankan that rendered a good service to the countrymen.zzz03185641
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18274~~~On the ‘lecturing rights’ of genocide-perpetrators and their lackeys ~~~Jun 7 (AT) United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaking to reporters after briefing the 15-member Security Council on his recent visit to Sri Lanka has warned the Sri Lankan government against triumphalism after the comprehensive, historic and absolutely unimagined victory over terrorism. The UN Chief also urged the Government to ‘heal the wounds’ of the conflict. zzz03185642
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lanka-envoy-in-Chennai-gets-reward-for-LTTE-fall/articleshow/4626309.cms~~~Lanka envoy in Chennai gets 'reward' for LTTE fall~~~Jun 7 (TOI) Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa is rewarding his men who fought the war against the LTTE, whether on the battle front or from behind the scenes. P M Amza, Sri Lankan's deputy high commissioner in Chennai, has been posted to London. He is waiting for the orders and is likely to leave soon to take on the new post of deputy high commissioner in the London office. The posting is seen as a reward for weathering the storm during zzz03185643
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=123314&d=7&m=6&y=2009~~~Editorial: Sri Lanka should not fear probe~~~Jun 7 (AN) Wars are not gentlemanly affairs. They are won by the most ruthless and aggressive side. Surely, no army has ever triumphed without some acts of savagery perpetrated in the heat of battle by frightened soldiers who know they must kill or be killed. War crimes are less about such slayings, deplorable though they are, but more about premeditated slaughter stemming from a command policy, for instance an order to take no prisoners. zzz03185644
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090606/NEWS01/90606040~~~Fallout from Shuler's Sri Lanka trip continues~~~Jun 7 (CT) A few dozen protesters, many of them ethnic Tamils from around the state, marched from City-County Plaza to Pritchard Park on Saturday in opposition to Rep. Heath Shuler's recent trip to Sri Lanka and comments he made praising the treatment of Tamil refugees there. Protesters at the demonstration, organized by Tamils Against Genocide, held signs and spoke through loudspeakers, criticizing Shuler's trip where zzz03185645
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18256~~~Seventeen operators and nearly 15 million telephone subscribers are in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 7 (AT) Priyantha Kariyapperuma, Director General, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission said that in the telecom sector in Sri Lanka 17 lincenses have been issued to operate and altogether around 15 million telephones are used in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at the Key Person’s Forum, a project organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED). zzz03185646
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-a-poem-of-co_b_210483.html~~~A Poem of Commemoration~~~Jun 7 (HP) The 26-year conflict between the Sri Lankan government and terrorist forces known as the Tamil Tigers has just ended ten days ago in Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Already there is art being created about its dramatic conclusion. Below is a poem printed in the last few days in the Colombo press: Last week, across the lagoon, waded the sea of innocents; Blood-spattered, salt-drenched, in fragments of flaming saris, shards of red-splotched sarongs. zzz03185647
no~~~Media Monitoring and Analytics~~~zzz03185648
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090607/onthespot.htm~~~The war is over but the war against the media is not~~~Jun 7 (SL) If Sri Lanka post war was being lulled into a false sense of security that the island nation could now become the functional democracy it deserves to be, the brutal attack on well-known journalist Poddala Jayantha last week served as an eye opener that while the war against the LTTE is over, the war against the media is certainly not. The attack on Jayantha, a journalist of repute had drawn worldwide condemnation that Sri Lanka is showing no signs of curbing attacks on the media. zzz03185649
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090607/judiciary.htm~~~Curtain closes on the Sarath Silva saga~~~Jun 7 (SL) I recall a conversation with a telecom CEO when I returned to Sri Lanka in 1998 to work in government. I asked him what his blackest day was. He said it was the third or fourth day of the extended blackouts resulting from CEB unions trying to blackmail the government. He had used up his backup power, backups to the backups, and there was no diesel. He was trying to supply reliable telecom services; his day of black despair came when the external infrastructure he depended on failed. zzz03185650
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090607/investigation.HTM~~~Underpass collapse takes shine off southern highway~~~Jun 7 (SL) Sri Lanka’s showpiece infrastructure development project, the Southern Expressway has lost its lustre and appeal thanks to unmitigated planning deficiencies, inefficiency and unprofessionalism of officials. Despite being in the know that this project was critical to this nation’s progress and development, that, much was expected of this mega project and how essential this project is for the development of the country, the officials concerned have not grasped that reality.zzz03185651
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090607/politics_governance.HTM~~~The rendezvous of victory~~~Jun 7 (SL) It was reported on the BBC website this week that Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary, Palitha Kohona, speaking on the internment of over 250,000 IDPs in government camps, noted that everyone there had to be carefully screened, adding that it was "quite likely" that even many elderly people were "with the LTTE, at least mentally." What this convoluted and bizarre statement means is anyone’s guess, but it is a telling insight into the government’s approach to and understanding of post-war peacebuilding and reconciliation. zzz03185652
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cry-my-beloved-Sri-Lankans/articleshow/4625985.cms~~~Cry, my beloved Sri Lankans~~~Jun 7 (TOI) Mangai's friend, an academic at Jaffna University, left Chennai a week before Sri Lanka announced Prabhakaran and other senior LTTE leaders had been killed in fighting. "We haven't heard from her since and don't know if she reached home," says Mangai, who works in theatre. "I'm worried, but there's nothing we can do." Mangai could be speaking for thousands of Tamils across the water from Sri Lanka. There is an all-pervading sense of disappointment over India's handling of the situation zzz03185653
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew1.htm~~~Playing the numbers game?~~~Jun 7 (LB) In view of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s stint as president being restricted to two terms by the constitution, high level political discussions are being held on how the government could muster a two-thirds majority in Parliament to amend the constitution. The constitution restricts a person from holding the presidency for more than two terms (12 years). At present, the government has only 130 MPs in Parliament and there is heavy political manoeuvering to get 20 more MPs into the fold of the ruling alliance.zzz03185654
no~~~Interview with MP DEW Gunasekara~~~zzz03185655
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/columns/col4.htm~~~What kind of olive branch is this?~~~Jun 7 (LB) On Tuesday — a day before Sri Lanka trotted out yet another victory celebration (and, heck, why not) — the government reportedly extended an olive branch to the UNP, inviting that party to join in developing the country. Forgive us, but we needs must ask: What kind of olive branch is this, exactly? Because, judging by all of the many fickle “olive branches” extended to the UNP over the past few years, a branch of kahambiliya would have done just as well. zzz03185656
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe1.htm ~~~UNP in the doldrums~~~Jun 7 (LB) It is time to call the United National Party’s bluff. The party last week announced that it was willing to offer ‘conditional support’ to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government in regard to the latter’s attempt to secure a $ 1.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. The offer of support comes at a time when it has become increasingly clear that the UNP is facing unprecedented stability crises within the party and its stalwarts are on course to desert it like rats abandoning a sinking ship.zzz03185657
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew3.htm~~~Revenge against army, motive to kill president~~~Jun 7 (LB) Lieutenant Colonel Ranjith Perera, commanding officer of the Ratmalana transit camp, who was arrested in connection with aiding and abetting the LTTE to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has said in a confession that he supported the LTTE after being disillusioned with the military. He has reportedly revealed that he was hellbent on taking revenge on the army. The suspect is currently being kept at a special branch of the Colombo Crimes Division and had confessed to interrogators. zzz03185658
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Article.aspx?id=1013121~~~HRC seeks clarity over Sri Lanka vote~~~Jun 7 (TT) The Human Rights Commission has asked the government to explain why its UN representative voted against a call for an international investigation into suspected atrocities in Sri Lanka. This week commission chairman Jody Kollapen wrote to the minister of international relations and cooperation, Maite Nkoane-Mashabane, asking why the position taken by the SA representative on the UN Human Rights Council differed from the government position.zzz03185659
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10037&Itemid=44~~~Plan to renovate the network tank in North ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) Steps will be taken to renovate the network of irrigation tanks in the north with funds provided by the World Bank. It is expected to renovate road and electricity network too, Minister Sarath Amunugama said. He pointed out that the Ministry has made special plans to uplift the agriculture industry. It is expected to conduct a large scale development programme in Jaffna as these tanks are used for agricultural purposes.zzz03185662
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10033&Itemid=44~~~Mark new beginning in the existing long standing relations between Sri Lanka and Myanmar – President ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) “The establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Myanmar on 7th June 1948 marked a new beginning in the existing long standing relations between our two countries. The Theravada Buddhist traditions existing between our two countries have always been the pinnacle in the bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Myanmar. This is evidenced in the Ramanne and Amarapura Buddhist orders established in Sri Lanka”zzz03185661
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10036&Itemid=44~~~National War Heroes Day commemoration today ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) National war heroes’ day will be commemorated today (07) and the main event will take place at the parliament ground in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte this afternoon and war heroes’ month also begins today. The commemoration pays special tribute to war heroes who laid down their lives or received injuries over the past three decades in the fight against terrorism. zzz03185660
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10035&Itemid=44~~~Beware! Now outbreak of Hepatitis ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) Even before the Health authorities could combat the vast spreading of the dengue fever epidemic which is affecting the population countrywide, a Hepatitis virus has broken out in Badulla, hill country. Health Ministry sources, from the Epidemiology Unit disclosed that several persons living in the 5th mile post in Badulla District are affected by the virus hepatitis.zzz03185663
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10034&Itemid=44~~~Third phase of resettling the IDPs soon ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services has taken steps to commence the third phase of resettling the displaced in north of Mannar and 500 families will be resettled during the third phase, the Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement U. L. M. Haldeen said. The resettlement includes a programme, through which the displaced would be provided with dry rations for the next six months.zzz03185664
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44564.html~~~Sri Lankan teens beat French in losing virginity~~~Jun 7 (LNP) It could at best be called a dubious distinction Lankan teenagers are ahead of their French counterparts in making their sexual debut. While a French teenager would dabble in sex at the mean age of 17.5 (boy) and 17.2 (girl), Sri Lankan boys are doing it at the age of 15.3 and girls at 14.4. Lankan society cannot be called coy by any standard. That holds true, even if comparatively, for every ethnic group in the country.zzz03185665
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Joseph-Asoka-N.-de-Silva-be-chief-justice/3217.htm~~~Joseph Asoka N. de Silva to be chief justice~~~Jun 7 (CT) Justice Joseph Asoka N. de Silva is to succeed Sarath N. Silva as chief justice, after the latter retired from service today after reaching the retirement age of 65 years, reports said. According to the reports, he is due to take oaths at 2.00 pm tomorrow. Justice de Silva is an expert on Sri Lankan as well as international law. After graduating from the University of Ceylon, he was enrolled as an advocate of the Supreme Court in December 1972. zzz03185666
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Call-from-Sri-Lanka-revision-travel-advisories/3216.htm~~~Call from Sri Lanka for revision of travel advisories~~~Jun 7 (CT) Sri Lanka has requested the European Union to consider revising the negative travel advisories to the island they have issued to their citizens. Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has called for the change, taking into account the significantly changed security situation in the island, 'Daily Mirror' online reported. The Sri Lankan government has also asked EU nations to encourage trade and investment by their business sectors. zzz03185669
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/'Captain-Ali'-organizer-sists-Lanka-was-formed/3207.htm~~~Full story'Captain Ali' organizer insists Lanka was informed~~~Jun 7 (CT) The organizers of the ship 'Captain Ali' have insisted that the Sri Lankan government was informed in advance of the arrival of the ship with humanitarian supplies to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The vessel sent by Mercy Mission UK, was detained by the Navy this week claiming it did not have clearance. It said that on 22 April, a letter addressed to the Sri Lankan president describing the Mercy Mission Project was presented to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. zzz03185668
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7817~~~'I was always confident' ~~~Jun 7 (LeN) Defence Secretary (Ret) Colonel Gotabhaya Rajapaksa RWP, RSP, Psc is the one man credited for co-ordinating the successful 'war effort' against the LTTE. In a wide ranging Col. Rajapaksa says how he was convinced that only a military solution will work; how a troika outside the Foreign Ministry kept India in the loop during the fighting; and dismisses the need for any investigations into the conduct of the 'war'. zzz03185667
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18281~~~Tamil division, Sinhalese and Sri Lanka’s future…~~~Jun 7 (AT) The LTTE terror war is over. Tamil political parties yet stand divided. A resolution to the ethnic problem stands at a distance. Can the Tamil politicians blame the government in such a scenario? Tamils have to blame themselves for the division amongst them. The infamous Vadokkodai resolution mooted by the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) seeking a separate state caused division among the Tamils. zzz03185670
http://www.peacemuslims.org/North_East_Development_Bond_to_fast_track_projects_-20-1088.html~~~North East Development Bond to fast track projects ~~~Jun 7 (PSM) A Bond titled the ‘North East Development Bond’ is to be created along with the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA) to fast track the development of the North and East in colloboration with the govt. The SLBA is a guaranteed public company and marketed to the private sector. This mlove will attract investors and guarantee efficient management of the fund invested with a definite return on the investment. zzz03185671
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Nuraicholai_Houses__JHU_twists___720_houses_short_for_homeless_Muslims-20-1089.html~~~Nuraicholai Houses- JHU twists~~~Jun 7 (PSM) "We have 720 houses short for the Tsunami affected homeless Muslims in Ampara district. 110 houses were built in Lahugala for Sinhala Tsunami victims in Ampara although only 10 Sinhala families lost their homes. In Tamil areas of the district we have got 300 houses surplus. The JHU has twisted the facts and as a result, the 500 benficiaries are unable to occupy the houses and still languishing in makeshift camps" zzz03185674
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/new01.asp~~~Tourist arrivals to hit all-time record ~~~Jun 7 (SO) The number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka will hit an all-time record high in two years due to permanent peace in the country, said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Bernard Goonetilleke. He said that with the war ending, tourism would be one of the first industries to recover completely. The current tourist arrival figures were very low mainly due to the conflict which followed adverse travel advisories against Sri Lanka.zzz03185673
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/spe01.asp~~~Unique cultural renaissance ~~~Jun 7 (SO) Over the years, Sri Lankan Buddhists have been celebrating Poson Full Moon Poya day with much devotion and spirit. Devotees will observe sil, engage in religious activities, make Poson pandals, arrange `dansalas’ and reach out to the needy. Poson processions will parade through the streets and as usual people would line the streets to have a glimpse of it. Thousands of articles and books have been written on the significance of Poson Poya, but still there’s a lot more to say. zzz03185678
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/imp01.asp~~~Ruling the sky ~~~Jun 7 (SO) Every mission was equally daring for them. Be it either a close air support, dropping bombs on targets causing maximum attrition to the enemy or evacuating injured Army personnel, obviously they were clear targets of the enemy. They, great warriors of the Sri Lanka Air Force are ready to face any enemy, challenge or threat to save their motherland; they are not ready to compromise the sovereignty of the country and for ever their wings will protect the country and its people. zzz03185675
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/new23.asp~~~Adult population on the increase ~~~Jun 7 (SO) The adult population in Sri Lanka will increase by 27.6 percent of the total population in 2050. It is increasing rapidly due to the ageing process and decrease of fertility. That was revealed at a national symposium on senior elders held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organized by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. A person over 60 years of age is accepted as an elder. zzz03185676
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/news1.htm~~~TNA extends olive branch to TULF, PLOTE, EPRLF~~~Jun 7 (NS) In a strange turn of events, the TNA, which was earlier firmly behind the LTTE, has now made overtures to the moderate Tamil parties like the TULF, the PLOTE and the EPRLF (Padmanabha wing) in the run-up to the Municipal elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya. TNA Parliamentarian N. Srikantha told The Nation yesterday, that they have already held informal discussions with the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), comprising the TULF, PLOTE and the EPRLF, to arrive at a common position, on zzz03185677
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090607_06~~~'No youths have disappeared from IDP camps'~~~Jun 7 (MoD) Brushing off all the allegations that the IDPs in the Northern refugee camps live under squalid conditions, the Chief of Staff and the Competent Authority of the resettlement of the Northern Province Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri reiterated that no youth had disappeared from the camps. He said that things in the camps were `progressing speedily' and the government would introduce more programs to make the lives of these civilians, zzz03185672
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/news2.htm~~~TMVP meets to decide whether to be SLFP tomorrow~~~Jun 7 (NS) A crucial meeting of the TMVP is likely to take place tomorrow to decide whether or not the party should accept SLFP membership. It is speculated that some of the senior TMVP members had mounted pressure on the party leadership to accept SLFP membership like their former leader Karuna Amman, who is now a non-Cabinet Minister in the UPFA government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. zzz03185681
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/mynation.htm~~~As they sow, so shall they reap? ~~~Jun 7 (NS) Terrorism sponsored by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the scourge that haunted Sri Lanka for the past 30 years, has, overnight, become a threat to the West, and it is a development that brings a new dimension to the Sri Lankan ethnic issue. At the height of the war with the Tigers in mid-May, there was unprecedented pressure on the government in Colombo, to let go of the stranglehold they had on the LTTE. zzz03185680
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/newsfe2.htm~~~Minister thrilled with success at UN~~~Jun 7 (NS) Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister, Mahinda Samarasinghe who returned to the island on Friday after attending the special session on UN Human Rights Council, says Sri Lanka must do everything possible to inform the 12 countries that voted against it, the actual situation of that happens here. The minister said that the government should now go in for an intensified strategy of putting in place a better dialogue andzzz03185679
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/politics.htm~~~Poddala attack, scribes woes and TNA’s change of stance~~~Jun 7 (NS) Over the past couple of weeks, a certain electronic media station, and certain newspapers, were strongly hinting that several journalists in the country had been having cosy relations with the LTTE. They even went to the extent of charging that these journalists had been taking money from the Tigers. The general public, who have been celebrating the military victory against the LTTE, have now started eyeing the scribes with suspicion. zzz03185682
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/07/news1.html~~~FR action possible regardless of Article 126 to Constitution~~~Jun 7 (Island) The Supreme Court in its Thursday’s landmark judgment on the privatisation of the SLIC overruled defendants’ objections that Vasudeva Nanayakkara’s fundamental rights application couldn’t be heard as it had been filed in violation of the constitution. In terms of Article 126 any application on the infringement of FR should be made within one month of the violation-in this case before May 11, 2003, as the now annulled transaction had been finalised on April 11, 2003. zzz03185683
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/07/news3.html~~~GK assured investors of withholding tax waiver on "security deposits"~~~Jun 7 (Island) Inquiries have revealed that the failed Golden Key Credit Card Co. Ltd induced investors by assuring them that their deposits with the company of the Ceylinco Consolidated wouldn’t be subjected to Withholding Tax (WHT). A disappointed investor told The Sunday Island that the company assured them as their investments had been taken as security deposits for the issue of credit cards, they wouldn’t be liable to WHT. zzz03185686
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/07/business12.html~~~Beer companies grumble about Lanka’s "drunken culture"~~~Jun 7 (Island) The major player in the country’s beer industry, Ceylon Brewery PLC and its subsidiary, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, have said in their annual reports that the group "remains committed in its effort to institute a responsible alcohol culture." Both companies were strongly critical about the country’s existing excise policy saying that Sri Lanka had for too long allowed proliferation of a "drunken culture."zzz03185685
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/07/news2.html~~~Govt. preventing us from readying for northern local polls-UNP~~~Jun 7 (Island) The UNP yesterday accused the government of denying it an opportunity to prepare for forthcoming elections for Vavuniya Urban Council and Jaffna Municipal Council. The main opposition party said the government shouldn’t take advantage of the situation in the North to obstruct legitimate political opposition.zzz03185684
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/Columns/political.html~~~Victory parade and diplomatic charade~~~Jun 7 (ST) The glamour and glitter of a military parade at the Galle Face Green on Wednesday evoked the sentiments of two different generations in two different ways. To the old, it was reminiscent of an event on February 4, 1948, when Sri Lanka won Independence from the yoke of colonialism. Then, national leaders hoisted the lion flag at the same venue to mark the birth of a free, independent nation. To the new, it was witnessing history in the making. zzz03185687
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~On your feet, wounded soldier~~~Jun 7 (ST) Pyjama-clad, on crutches, others on wheelchairs and still others in groups playing carrom or draughts or just chatting – all of them injured soldiers in various stages of rehabilitation. Despite their injuries there is an air of relaxed camaraderie at Ranaviru Sevana, the spacious main rehabilitation centre of the Sri Lanka Army at Ragama, where battle scarred soldiers are cared for and rehabilitated. zzz03185688
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/News/sundaytimesnews_13.html~~~Billions moved out in hedging money despite CB order~~~Jun 7 (ST) Banks involved in the controversial oil hedging deals involving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have been making payments to overseas counterparts (banks) despite an order not to do so by the Central Bank (CB), The Sunday Times reliably understands. It is learnt that Standard Chartered Bank, seen as the lead bank in the transactions, has paid at least $100 million (Rs. 11.5 billion) to a counterpart bank in recent weeks while at least one other local bank has also made payments. zzz03185689
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/News/sundaytimesnews_30.html~~~'Detained Tamil aid ship may be released'~~~Jun 7 (ST) The Government is set to release the Syrian flagged MV Captain Ali that is currently detained by the Navy after it illegally crossed into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters with a shipment of humanitarian aid meant for the displaced people in the north, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. He said the ship and its crew would most likely be asked to leave once investigators were convinced that the shipment did not include any subversive material but had only humanitarian items. zzz03185690
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8087713.stm~~~Aussies to up game for Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 7 (BBC) Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed his side to bounce back strongly in their must-win World Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka. Ponting's side lost their opening game against West Indies and another defeat would put them out of the competition. "We'll have two weeks in Leicester if we have an early exit here - that won't be good for anybody," joked Ponting. Sri Lanka won one and lost one of their warm-up games but have dangerous batsmen and a varied bowling attack. zzz03185691
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090607/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestamnestyprison~~~Sri Lanka grants amnesty to military deserters~~~Jun 7 (AFP) President on Sunday marked a key Buddhist celebration by granting a pardon to 585 jailed military deserters, officials said. The pardon applied to deserters serving up to a year in jail after being convicted by a military court. The amnesty announcement coincided with Boson, the celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years ago. "They were released from the main prison in Colombo and several other jails across the country," zzz03185694
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/7EA6BBEE357C0D5F652575CE0039B011?OpenDocument~~~Pottu Amman dead but body could not be identified: Gotabhaya~~~Jun 7 (PTI) Sri Lanka is "100 per cent" sure that its forces killed LTTE intelligence chief during the last phase of army offensive against the rebels, but admitted that Pottu Amman's body could not be identifed as the troops were busy with search and destroy operation, a top official said. "We found the body of LTTE sea tiger chief Soosai. We have identified the bodies of all the leaders except Pottu Amman.zzz03185693
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/06/07/9703091-sun.html~~~Defending Tamil Canadians~~~Jun 7 (TS) Since Mark Steyn, writing in Maclean's, calls me one of the "least soft-headed of Canadian columnists," before complaining I was soft-headed about recent protests by Canadian Tamils, allow me to return the favour. Steyn's a good columnist. That said, I wish he would spend more time disagreeing with what racists say and less time defending their right to say it. In his column: "Tamil questions that can't be asked -- That's because professional ethnic grievance mongers cry 'Racist!' at the drop of a turban," zzz03185692
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090607/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestjapan~~~Japan envoy to discuss Sri Lanka war victims~~~Jun 7 (AFP) Japan will send a special envoy to Sri Lanka this week to discuss the plight of nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians displaced by recent fighting, according to diplomats. Japan, Sri Lanka's largest single aid donor, was sending Yasushi Akashi on a three-day visit starting Monday to assess Colombo's moves to re-settle the war-displaced civilians, a diplomat said.zzz03185695
http://www.mawbimanews.com/2009/06/right-and-wrong-pertaining-to-poddala.html~~~The right and wrong pertaining to Poddala Jayantha ~~~Jun 8 (MB) Poddala Jayantha, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association was abducted and assaulted on June 1, 2009. The ‘who’ and the ‘why’ of this attack is yet to be determined and I believe it is of little use to engage in conjecture. On the other hand, this attack is not the first on a journalist. Over the years many journalists have been abducted, attacked and even killed. zzz03185696
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090607_cj_demerger.shtml~~~Sinhala heritage 'basis of demerger' ~~~Jun 8 (BBC) The Supreme Court ruled to demerge the north and east after considering the Sinhala heritage in the provinces, the country's chief justice said. Sarath Nanda Silva told a gathering in Trincomalee that the carefully studied the Sinhala heritage in the region before making the judgment. The Supreme Court ruled in October 2006 that the merger of the north and east provinces in 1987 under the Indo-Lanka accord was against the country's constitution. zzz03185697
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090607_ship_food.shtml~~~'Only aid' in captured ship ~~~Jun 8 (BBC) The Sri Lankan navy says it has found only food, medical items and similar goods on board a ship anchored offshore, which was sent by Tamil expatriate groups in Europe. The vessel was intercepted by the navy late on Thursday and the government said the expedition, which started out in two legs from Britain and France in April and May, was intending to help the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. But a Tamil spokesman denies this.zzz03185698
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18287~~~Sri Lanka calls for the revision of travel advisories ~~~Jun 8 (AT) Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxemburg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has called on Governments of EU Member States, to facilitate change of perception on Sri Lanka through an early revision of travel advisories, taking into account the significantly changed security situation in Sri Lanka. He also called on them to encourage trade and investment with Sri Lanka by their business sectors,zzz03185699
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Chidambaram-Karuna-meet-over-Lanka/articleshow/4629191.cms~~~Chidambaram, Karunanidhi meet over Lanka~~~jun 8 (TOI) Union home minister P Chidambaram on Sunday demanded speedy rehabilitation of war-displaced Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka and asked Colombo to decide early on devolution of powers to Tamil-majority areas. Chidambaram called on Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi at the latter's residence here and said after the meeting that they had had discussed steps that ought to be taken now to address the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils. zzz03185700
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060856351600.htm~~~Rajapaksa may visit India after Myanmar ~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa is all set to make an official visit to Myanmar ‘shortly,’ possibly the first foreign country he would be visiting in the post-war scenario. In a message addressed to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Mr. Rajapaksa said: “My visit to the Union of Myanmar this month and the numerous other activities planned to take place in our two countrieszzz03185701
no~~~UN permanent representative of Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185702
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407923.html~~~Sri Lanka aim to finish what West Indies started~~~Jun 8 (CI) Sri Lanka's campaign in the World Twenty20 will be the last to get underway when they play Australia in Nottingham on Monday. The contest is significant because it is Sri Lanka's first international since the players survived the Lahore terror attacks and it's Kumar Sangakkara first game as captain since he took over the leadership from Mahela Jayawardene. The biggest draw of the match, though, is the precarious position Sri Lanka's opponents are inzzz03185703
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47126~~~Will Tamils have a say in reconstruction?~~~Jun 8 (IPS) For people in Sri Lanka’s war-torn North, for many years life has meant virtually living out of a suitcase while moving from place to place to escape the rigours of war and bloody combat. In the late 1980s when government troops were battling Tamil separatist rebels for control of the northern capital of Jaffna, journalists from the Tamil daily newspaper Udayan - who themselves were fleeing the fighting - printed the newspaper, virtually on the run. zzz03185704
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060860140500.htm~~~Indian IT professionals, students take out rally on Sri Lanka issue ~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) Demanding that the world community and the United Nations intervene on behalf of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka, IT professionals and students from medical and engineering colleges took out a procession here on Sunday. More than a hundred people participated in the ‘Rally for Justice’ holding placards condemning the Sri Lankan government and criticising the Indian Government’s inaction. zzz03185705
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060857731400.htm~~~'Sri Lanka must rehabilitate Tamils'~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) The Sri Lankan government should take steps immediately to help the displaced Tamils in the island nation and devolve powers to them at an early date, said Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday. Talking to reporters soon after meeting Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, he said that the Lankan government should take steps immediately to house the Tamils in safe places, send them to their respective places and provide houses to those who had lost them. zzz03185706
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/international/gotabhaya-lanka-kept-india-updated-on-war.aspx~~~'Lanka kept India updated on war'~~~Jun 8 (PTI) India was kept updated about the situation in Sri Lanka’s north "from day one" of the security forces’ final assault against the Tiger rebels till the eventual defeat of the LTTE, the powerful defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse has revealed. "From the very beginning, from day one, we kept India very well briefed and we prevented any suspicion being created whether it was because of our relationship with China or Pakistan or anybody else,"zzz03185707
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18290~~~"India President’s address, did not address Sri Lankan Tamils problem"~~~Jun 8 (AT) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, who is alliance partner of the Congres-led UPA government at the Centre, said he was disappointed with the President’s address to Parliament. Addressing the media persons here, Thirumavalavan said the address lacked solutions to Sri Lankan Tamils problem and the fate of the Sethusamudram project.zzz03185708
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18292~~~Minister Thondaman revived the invitation to Karunanidhi to visit Sri Lanka~~~Jun 8 (AT) Minister Arumugam Thondaman revived the President Mahinda Rajapaksha’s invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi to visit Colombo, with all-party representatives to review the Tamils’ situation, when he met the latter on Sunday at his residence in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister responded that he will be able to consider such an invitation ifzzz03185709
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/720~~~Chauvinist fever following military defeat of LTTE~~~Jun 8 (DBS) U.N.Secretary-General Ban Ki moon has warned of the risk of rising triumphalism in Sri Lanka following the military defeat inflicted upon the LTTE by the Sri Lankan armed forces. It is quite understandable that people suffering from what they perceived as terrorism would be relieved at the prospect of such acts ceasing and would celebrate what they think is an “end to terrorism”.zzz03185710
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2385:no-kits-to-test-dengue-in-govt-hospitals-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~No kits to test dengue in Govt. hospitals ~~~jun 8 (LT) Hospitals don’t have kits to carry out instant tests for dengue fever say doctors in government hospitals. As a result only blood tests are carried out to determine whether a patient is suffering from dengue and the delay in getting result of these tests hinder proper treatment of patients causing many deaths point out these doctors. The normal cost of a test kit to identify dengue fever is Rs.300. zzz03185711
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2386:govt-instead-of-cracking-down-on-epidemics-nurture-them-dr-gisanthe-dasanayake&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. instead of cracking down on epidemics nurture them'~~~Jun 8 (LT) The Ministry of Health does not have a programme to crack down on epidemics and as a result of the failure and inconsistency of the programme carried out regarding dengue fever the country is confronted with the menace of the epidemic spreading throughout the island states President of All Ceylon Government Medical Officers Union Dr. Gisanthe Dasanayake. He said dengue is an epidemic that spreads with the monsoon season and zzz03185712
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2388:14-new-police-stations-in-vanni-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~14 new police stations in Vanni ~~~Jun 8 (LT) 14 new police stations would be established in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts and a DIG would be appointed to run police operations in the newly liberated areas said IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne. He said the police personnel deployed in the area would be from all three communities. The IGP said the screening process of IDPs is continuing and so far about 400 LTTE cadres who had taken refuge among civilians at welfare centers in the Vavuniya District have been taken into custody. zzz03185713
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2390:president-willing-to-implement-13-plus-1-thondaman&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~President willing to implement 13 plus 1 – Thondaman ~~~Jun 8 (LT) Minister Arumugam Thondaman has told Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi that Sri Lankan President was willing to implement the 13th Amendment plus 1. Elaborating on ‘plus 1’ he had said that it was restoration of the upper house of Parliament. Minister Arumugam Thondaman invited Karunanidhi to visit Sri Lanka to discuss the current situation when he met the Chief Minister in his residence in Chennaizzz03185714
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2392:ministry-tightens-grip-on-dengue-breeders&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Ministry tightens grip on dengue breeders ~~~Jun 8 (LT) With the dengue epidemic continuing to engulf the country victimising more and more people, the Health Ministry tightened its grip on errant residents who ignored repeated requests to keep their environment clean, thereby breeding vector borne diseases. The Government Epidemiology Unit put the death toll from dengue at 110 and number of patients detected up to yesterday over 8,000.zzz03185715
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1785&Itemid=51~~~Britain’s shadow defence secretary hails Sri Lanka’s military victory ~~~Jun 8 (LP) The British Shadow Defence Secretary, Dr. Liam Fox congratulated Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Sri Lankan Government on the military victory against the LTTE terrorist group. This was conveyed to the Minister on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri – La Dialogue in Singapore last week. Dr. Liam Fox pointed out that the defeat of the LTTE proved to the world that terrorism could be eliminated.zzz03185716
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10045&Itemid=44~~~LTTE downfall is a happy ending - Commonwealth Sec. Gen. ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) Highest priority has been given to uplift the living conditions of the civilians who fled from LTTE terror grips in the now defunct No-Fire-Zone, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said. Minister Bogollagama was elaborating on Sri Lanka IDP welfare to Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma on June 05. “Improved living conditions, resettlement, and reconciliation are central in IDP rehabilitation,” Bogollagama said. zzz03185717
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10039&Itemid=44~~~Two Foreign Employment Centers to be launched ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The Foreign Employment Bureau plans to launch a programme to create foreign employment opportunities for those residing in welfare centers in the north and two offices will be set up in the north-east for this purpose with the first office set to commence operations in Batticaloa this month. The programme would include the creation of awareness on foreign employment and provide employment opportunities for those who wished to seek employment overseas.zzz03185718
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10041&Itemid=44~~~Esala perahera in Kandy to be begins on July 27 ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The Kandy Annual Esala Perahera will begin to parade the streets of the Hill Capital on July 27 and the Kumbal Perahera, the first phase of the pageant will commence on July 27 till July 31 at night. The water cutting ceremony will take place at the Getambe ferry with the participation of the devale chiefs, on August 26. The commencement of the historic pageant and the making of the 'Kap' at the main devales of Kandy will take place at dawn on July 22.zzz03185719
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10049&Itemid=44~~~Pro-LTTE Janani badly defeated, Deva Aditya in grand victory in EU polls ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The pro-LTTE Janani Jananayagam, who contested the European Union election was badly defeated obtaining only 29 per cent votes, reports reaching Colombo from London stated a short while ago. Janani, known as 'Jani' among pro-LTTE tamil diaspora, only obtained a few votes though the LTTE's vocalist 'MIA' came to her rescue during the campaign to urge Tamils to vote for her.zzz03185720
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1787:hidden-weapons-of-the-ltte-recovered-from-mullaittivu&catid=48:security&Itemid=72~~~Hidden weapons of the LTTE recovered from Mullaittivu ~~~Jun 8 (LP) In search operations conducted in the Palleikuduirippu area in Mullaittivu yesterday, troops of the 53 division recovered several war items. A Micro pistol, a magazine, 04 pistol ammunitions, 03 GPS, a night vision device and 03 “Silva” compasses were among the recoveries made. Troops attached to the 57 division of the SL Army also recovered several other war items from the Vishwamadu area the same day. zzz03185721
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18301~~~Is 13th Amendment to the Constitution practicable?~~~Jun 8 (AT) At his last official press briefing at the Ministry of Justice last week, outgoing Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva described that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as ill-conceived and hurriedly pieced together by picking bits and pieces of the Indian Constitution in keeping with the Indo-Lanka Accord and hence was not practicable. Since India was a large country, devolution of power was essential for her but zzz03185722
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7821~~~'War dragged for 30 years because of corruption'~~~Jun 8 (LeN) Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda says that the war dragged for thirty years due to corruption in mass scale. He emphasizes, “The biggest issue of the war was the corruptions that took place in mass scale. That was why the war dragged for thirty years.” He expressed these views in an interview with a weekend newspaper. Following are the causes for the victory as pointed out by the Navy Commander. zzz03185723
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18303~~~New born in Jaffna not named 'Prabhakaran' ~~~Jun 8 (AT) The name 'Prabhakaran' is likely to fade away from the Register of Births in the Jaffna peninsula and other parts of the Northern Province. According to hospital sources from the peninsula, no male child born after May 18,the day Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed had been given the name Prabhakaran. In Tamil, language experts say that 'Prabhakaran' is a name without a proper meaning though LTTE supporters attempted to indicate that 'Prabha' was referred to as the 'Sun'. zzz03185724
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Britain-will-not-shed-tears-LTTE---Milliband/3225.htm~~~Britain will not shed tears for LTTE - Milliband~~~Jun 8 (CT) The defeat of the LTTE was a massive achievement by the Sri Lankan government and none in the British Government would shed any tears for these terrorists, foreign secretary David Milliband has told visiting Sri Lankan foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama. Foreign secretary Miliband has said that after 28 years of armed conflict, time was now opportune to reflect on the basis for rebuilding and reconstructing of the war ravaged areas of Sri Lanka. zzz03185725
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44606.html~~~Twaddle of a ventriloquist s dummy~~~Jun 8 (LNP) That the UN is a rubber stamp of the US is only too well known but the current UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has proved he is a puppet of the West. With him and UN human rights chief Navi Pillai around, the LTTE rump may not feel the loss of Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman so much. Vilification of Sri Lanka seems to be Ban`s raison d` tre. His day is not complete unless he calls for a probe into what he makes out to be `war crimes` in Sri Lanka. zzz03185726
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_04~~~Bangladesh and Sri Lanka discuss impact of terrorism ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister Bogollagama, who met with his counterpart from Bangladesh, Dr. Dipu Moni on the margins of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore last week, discussed the scourge of terrorism and the economic and human destruction caused by terrorist groups in the region. Dr. Moni congratulated the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and the Government of Sri Lanka on the military defeat of the LTTE. zzz03185727
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_07~~~Australian Defence Minister briefed on current developments in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the Minister of Defence of Australia, Joel Fitzgibbon on current political developments in Sri Lanka at a meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri - La held in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama highlighted the need for bi-lateral assistance for economic development of Sri Lanka, particularly for the development of the Northern Province, zzz03185728
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_03~~~FM updates Japan on developments in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama briefed Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mitoji Yamanaka on political developments of Sri Lanka on the margins of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama explained to the Japanese Vice Minister, the measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government to rehabilitate and resettle the rescued civilian hostages. zzz03185729
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_01~~~National war heroes' day commemorated ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) The ceremony to mark the National (War Heroes) Ranaviru Day was held to commemorate the war heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the motherland near the Ranaviru monument at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, yesterday. President Mahinda Rajapakse, the speaker Mr. W.J.M. Loku Bandara, Presidential Secretary Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse, zzz03185731
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-Rajapaksa-corrected-S.W.R.D.-historic-mistake---Dallas/3244.htm~~~'President Rajapaksa corrected S.W.R.D.'s historic mistake'~~~Jun 8 (CT) The late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike may be the founder of my party, but he had done a great injustice to the Tamils by making Sinhala the state language, and 51 years later President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rectified that mistake, said Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma. The minister was speaking at the opening of a tyre factory of the Sri Lanka Transport Board in Ampara recently.zzz03185730
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/08/sec01.asp~~~'President’s leadership objective strategy' ~~~Jun 8 (DN) The great victory over terrorism was achieved through the correct leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in setting a correct objective from which he never wavered, in evolving a correct strategy through the appointment of capable leaders of security forces and in providing the military with all necessary infrastructure and hardware to continue the humanitarian operation without obstacles, said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa zzz03185732
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/08/news02.asp~~~'Devotees free to worship any religious place now'~~~Jun 8 (DN) Devotees could travel freely to worship not only Mihintale but any shrine as terrorism has been wiped out from the country, Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake said. “During the last three decades, we participated in the Mihintale Aloka Pooja with fear of being attacked by the LTTE. But since May 18, 2009, the fear, suspicion, violence and terror has been wiped out by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the help of war heroes,” zzz03185733
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/08/news14.asp~~~Lanka to reform migrant worker sponsorship laws~~~Jun 8 (DN) Sri Lanka is set to seek assistance from Middle Eastern nations, to reform migrant worker sponsorship laws, that require the consent of the employer to change sponsors or exit the country of employment. The SLBFE said yesterday that as its proposals to enact such changes to visa provisions had been received positively by the Government of Bahrain, the proposed new laws would come into effect from August 01. zzz03185734
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/08/news3.html~~~Mi 24s role in eelam war IV emphasised~~~Jun 8 (Island) The Hingurakgoda-based Mi 24 helicopter gunship squadron played a critical role in the recently concluded eelam war IV with nearly 400 missions in the Northern and Eastern theatres. Known as the No 09 squadron, it had caused devastating losses in coordinated attacks directed at fortified LTTE positions situated close to what Wing Commander Sampath Thuycontha, Commanding Officer of the squadron called forward location of own troops.’zzz03185735
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/08/features12.html~~~What Next for the Tamil Tigers?~~~Jun 8 (Island) Predictions of the impending end of the LTTE came thick and fast after the Sri Lankan Army’s offensive swept through their long-held sanctuaries in late 2008 and January of 2009. However, the Tiger’s mental flexibility should not have been underestimated – they staved off complete defeat for four months by taking over 200,000 Tamil hostages; and simultaneously used them as a human shield and a propaganda instrument. zzz03185736
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/08/news11.html~~~Karu condemns attack on Poddala~~~Jun 8 (Island) The following statement was issued by UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya on the recent attack on Mr. Poddala Jayantha, Secretary to the sri Lanka Working Journalists Association: It was with shock that we received news of the latest attack on a Sri Lankan journalist, this time on one of the stalwarts in the ongoing battle for media freedom in the country. Mr. Poddala Jayantha is not only a media professional, but he is also the secretary of the Working Journalists Association,zzz03185738
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18308~~~New Chief Justice sworn in ~~~Jun 8 (AT) Justice Ashoka de Silva has been sworn in as the 32rd Chief Justice, by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees, Colombo, this Morning. Justice Asoka N. de Silva, is one of the most senior Judge of the Supreme Court and he is an expert on Sri Lankan as well as international law. He succeeded the outgoing controversial Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva,zzz03185737
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18296~~~Tamil parties divided over Jaffna mini poll~~~Jun 8 (AT) Many Tamil political parties representing the Northern people are yet undecided over the formation of a political pact to contest the forthcoming mini poll to the Jaffna Municipal Council, known as the key political body of local administration in the peninsula. With ten days to go for nominations, the EPRLF, PLOTE and TULF are still engaged in discussion to form a pact while the TNA led by veteran Tamil politician, R.Sampanthan now overseas, stand undecided whether or not to go for the mini poll. zzz03185739
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51215~~~Judicial areas to be demarcated soon~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Justice and Law Reforms Ministry is in the process of demarcating the territorial limits of judicial areas in Sri Lanka for the first time in the country’s 200-year judicial history, Chief Justice Sarath N Silva said during a news conference on the eve of his retirement. The Chief Justice said the absence of officially demarcated boundaries for High Courts, Magistrates Courts and District Courts Sri Lanka andzzz03185740
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51211~~~Congestion causing major crisis in Colombo~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Colombo Municipal Council yesterday warned that 50 per cent of the city’s residents were living in congested settlements and this is causing a major crisis. “The environmental burden on the city is particularly felt due to these congested settlements,” the CMC said in a statement. The CMC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said the congestion could be a probable reason for the spread of dengue in the city. zzz03185748
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51208~~~Gas emission level test a must in 3 more provinces~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Department of Motor Traffic said producing a gas emission certificate would be made compulsory from June 22 to obtain revenue licences for motor vehicles in the Southern, Central and North Central Provinces. However brand new vehicles originally registered for a period of three years and vehicles registered prior to 1975 as well as all agricultural and land vehicles would be exempted from obtaining this certificate.zzz03185741
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6165&sec=1~~~400 Tigers masquerading as IDPs arrested~~~Jun 8 (ANN) Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne yesterday said that about 400 LTTE cadres taking refuge among civilians at welfare centres in the Vavuniya District had been taken into custody. The suspects had been identified following screening of internally displaced persons. IGP told The Island that the suspects had revealed the identities of their contacts, some of them living in the South.zzz03185747
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slcm-j08.shtml~~~Inside the Manik Farm detention centre~~~Jun 8 (wsws) The following report was provided by an elderly person who visited several relatives being held in one of the internment camps set up by Sri Lankan authorities to house nearly 300,000 civilians who fled during the final weeks of fighting between the army and the LTTE. Manik Farm is about 30 kilometres from the northern town of Vavuniya. It is the biggest camp established by the army, housing more than 160,000 Tamil refugees. zzz03185744
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200906081252.htm~~~Sri Lanka should devolve power to Tamils: Congress ~~~Jun 8 (PTI) The Congress on Monday demanded that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa should fulfil his promise of devolution of power to minority Tamils and end their "discrimination" to bring lasting peace in the island. Jayanthi Natarajan (Cong) said it was absolutely vital for the Sri Lankan government to ensure immediate relief to Tamils displaced due to the war with LTTE so that they can return to their homes. zzz03185745
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=555090254~~~Central bank collects US$160mn since float~~~Jun 8 (LBO) Sri Lanka's central bank has bought 160.25 million US dollars from foreign exchange markets since a float of the currency in late March 2009, with 123.0 million collected in the month of May. In April the monetary authority collected 37.25 million dollars, after floating the currency and breaking a cycle of 'sterilized intervention' in the last week of March as prior action ahead of an International Monetary Fund bailout. zzz03185746
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=648230575~~~SriLankan Airlines to carry heart machines~~~Jun 8 (LBO) SriLankan Airlines said its long-haul flights will carry an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) or 'heart start machine' for medical emergencies. The AED will monitor and evaluate heart rate and rhythm when attached to a patient. Through voice commands the machine recommends immediate actions such as cardio pulmonary resuscitation CPR, and if a patient’s condition is serious, it can also discharge an electric shock to stimulate the heart. zzz03185743
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090608/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestshipcivilians_20090608090420~~~Sri Lanka turns back Tamil aid ship~~~Jun 8 (AFP) Sri Lankan authorities Monday ordered a foreign-owned ship carrying aid for Tamil civilians to leave the island without unloading its cargo. The Syrian-registered ship, Captain Ali, was seized last week, and the Sri Lankan defence ministry said the cargo of food and other supplies had been destined for the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. "The ship had tried to enter Sri Lankan waters without following the proper procedure," zzz03185749
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=All-party+team+to+visit+Lanka&artid=plr6W2BKbkU=~~~All-party team to visit Lanka~~~Jun 8 (EB) An all-party delegation might visit Sri Lanka to study the present situation and help the Tamil there, DMK MP Kanimozhi indicated on Sunday. Asked about the possibility of such a visit by an Indian delegation, Kanimozhi told reporters that there are chances for it to happen. She was speaking to newspersons after a Sri Lankan delegation comprising ministers,zzz03185742
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt20page2/content/current/story/407996.html~~~Cold comfort~~~Jun 9 (CI) I don't get why the English eat cold food in their icy weather - cold salmon, cold chicken, cold salad - even though I like it. They probably don't get how Indians eat hot and spicy food in our already sweaty climate. I realise I've been whining about the weather every day since arriving in Nottingham, but I haven't seen the sun for three days. Sunday was the worst of the lot. It was miserably cold, and the wind toyed with my umbrella - I haven't used one in years. zzz03185750
http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=2217~~~President to visit Burma soon~~~Jun 9 (NN) Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapakse will pay a three day visit to Burma in the near future to boost bilateral ties between the two countries, government sources said. The visit is a first by the Sri Lankan President abroad after its troops conquered the Tamil Tigers guerrilla force in May 2009. Both countries have been facing long-term insurgency in their territories, after independence from the British. zzz03185751
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060850310900.htm~~~Misguided meddling ~~~Jun 9 (BL) From the time the military operations undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government against the LTTE reached its concluding stages, some of the countries of the EU, principally Britain, France and Germany, which are also members of the UNHRC, had launched a strident campaign to institute an investigation under UN auspices into allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the course of the hostilities ‘in accordance with international standards’. zzz03185752
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/betrayals-and-transcending-beyond-ltte.html~~~Betrayals and Transcending beyond LTTE ~~~Jun 9 (LG) “The world without the LTTE is a good place to live in”, deceptively deceitful bellicose of a phrase that booms out of the abyss created by the killers on both sides, and their apologists in the land of serendipity, Sri Lanka. Deceptive, because it gnaws into our senses totally destroyed by the cruelty of the LTTE, offering a false sense of security. Deceitful, because the Tamils as a people are totally defeated in every sense and zzz03185753
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/resettlement-issues-in-northern-and.html~~~The Resettlement Issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces ~~~Jun 9 (LG) “Tamil Tigers are among the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world. For more than three decades, the group has launched a campaign of violence and bloodshed in Sri Lanka, the island republic off the southern coast of India.” said a report of The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is now past history. The LTTE has been convincingly defeated by our Security Forces, under the leadership of its Commander in Chief President Mahinda Rajapakse. zzz03185754
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-the-basics-f_b_212286.html~~~In Sri Lanka: The Basics for Americans~~~Jun 9 (HP) As I travel through Sri Lanka, covering the nation as it seeks reconciliation among its diverse population after decades of conflict, I am receiving e-mails from my friends at home asking me to review the basics for them. Here we go: Sri Lanka is an island nation off the southern tip of India in South Asia. It was populated mostly by Buddhists called Sinhalese until Europeans took over. zzz03185755
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tna-will-not-go-after-mayors-office.html~~~The TNA will not go after Mayor’s office ~~~Jun 9 (LG) Democratic Tamil National Alliance considers the TNA, as the first and the worst enemy of the Tamil People. They should take full responsibility, among many other matters, for the loss of several thousands of lives and for causing injuries for many more. One in ten in the IDP camps has some deformity. Many have become widows, widowers and orphans. The kith and kin of some are either dead or still missing. zzz03185756
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-minister-visits-kingsbury.html~~~Foreign Minister visits Kingsbury Buddhist temple London UK ~~~Jun 9 (LG) Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi thero, Sri Lanka Freedom Party UK and SLAT UK members welcomed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and his wife Mrs Bogollagama on their visit to Kingsbury temple, London, on Saturday 6 June as part of his UK state tour. The event was well attended by Sri Lankans in the UK. Galayaye Piyadassi thero hosted the event and invited the Foreign Minister to address the audience on the current situation in Sri Lanka. zzz03185757
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=196214208~~~Sri Lanka student gets Intel award~~~Jun 9 (LBO) A Sri Lankan student has won an award at the ISEF 2009, winning third place in the electrical and mechanical category, the technology firm said. E. Chandula Padmasiri has won the award for a portable microscope invention and had received 1000 US dollars in prize money. "Intel ISEF provides students from Sri Lanka and around the world the opportunity to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge technology and compete with the best young talent," zzz03185758
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18313~~~French Tamils reject LTTE proxies for EU Parliament~~~Jun 9 (AT) French voters elected 78 MEPs for EU Parliament including 14 each from the Green Party and the Socialists, but outright rejected the LTTE backed Tamil candidates who fielded under independent group for Ile de France district that includes Paris. EPP topped the list with 30 seats while the Liberals came fourth with 6 seats after the Greens and the Socialists.zzz03185759
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18317~~~National Sovereignty and UN baloney~~~Jun 9 (AT) What about Sri Lanka’s sovereignty? This is what really concerns us. A thug has no sense of shame because he is a thug. However much you insult him citing his past and present global criminal records he does cares not a hoot. "What I do in any part of the world is my business. But when it comes to you, I am the arbiter. You have no right to challenge me. This is the message that Western governments and their bootlicking Asians have been conveying to us mostly through the UN since the last days of the LTTE." zzz03185760
http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/pr-8june09.html~~~US Embassy joins hands to train English teachers~~~Jun 9 (USE) After successful completion of a three - week training program, thirty English teachers from the districts of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna and Batticaloa received their certificates on May 29, 2009. This pilot program on English teacher training is a component of the Government of Sri Lanka’s Cities of Excellence Initiative. The Ministry of Education with the assistance of the Presidential Task Force on English and IT implemented the project. zzz03185761
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060955961000.htm~~~'Cancel visas of LTTE propagandists' ~~~Jun 9 (Hindu) The Union government should cancel the visas of Sri Lankan citizens who are campaigning against their government on Indian soil, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy said here on Monday. “Most of them are pro-LTTE propagandists,” he said. Sri Lankan citizens had no right to campaign against that country using Indian soil. “If Indians campaign against the Indian government among foreigners abroad, we Indians will not tolerate it and, zzz03185762
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408062.html~~~Sangakkara and Dilshan dump Australia out~~~Jun 9 (CI) Sri Lanka dumped Australia out of the ICC World Twenty20 with a six-wicket victory at Trent Bridge. Kumar Sangakkara played a captain's innings to lead them across the line, with an over to spare, as they chased 160 after Tillakaratne Dilshan sparked the pursuit with an innovative 53 off 32 balls. Australia were set back by a magnificent display from Ajantha Mendis who bamboozled with his variations and zzz03185763
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060955981000.htm~~~Congress seeks devolution of power to Sri Lankan Tamils ~~~Jun 9 (Hindu) The Congress on Monday demanded that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa fulfil his promise of devolution of power to minority Tamils to bring lasting peace in the island nation. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Jayanthi Natarajan (Congress) said it was absolutely vital for the Sri Lankan government to ensure immediate relief to Tamils displaced due to the war with the LTTE. zzz03185764
http://www.chnpress.com/news/?section=1&id=2127~~~Sri Lanka to Build Hotel in Iran~~~Jun 9 (CHTN) He made the remark in a meeting with the deputy head of Iran+s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization for investment and planning, Hossein Fazeli. Fazeli said investment opportunities in Iran are not comparable with other countries, adding that the government has facilitated investments for building access routes and providing water, electricity and gas to tourism projects, CHTN reported.zzz03185765
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408093.html~~~Australia beaten and bemused~~~Jun 9 (CI) It started with a third-ball duck and ended in a leg-side wide. Those were the events that bookended Australia's lamentable three-day ICC World Twenty20 campaign, and symbolised the struggles encountered by Ricky Ponting's men in comprehensive defeats to West Indies and Sri Lanka. Australia on Monday suffered the ignominy of becoming the third team after Scotland and Bangladesh to be dumped from the pool stages of the tournament, while the likes of the Netherlands and Ireland remain. zzz03185766
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=401510336~~~Sri Lanka bourse may need de-mutualization to progress: chairman~~~Jun 9 (LBO) Sri Lanka's stock exchange is one of the most expensive bourses to do business and reducing the influence of broker members by de-mutualization may be one way to take the bourse forward, chairman Nihal Fonseka has said. Fonseka said the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) was "dogged by structural and macro issues that inhibit its development," including high broker risk, lack of traded products, high transactions costs and poor liquidity. zzz03185767
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Dont-oppose-Tamils-demand-for-statehood/articleshow/4633161.cms~~~'Don't oppose Tamils' demand for statehood'~~~Jun 9 (TOI) Francis Boyle, an American expert on international law, on Monday asked India not to oppose the statehood claim of Tamils in Sri Lanka by citing the excuse that Tamils in India would also be inspired to secede if 'Tamil Eelam' was established. "Since 1948, the government of Sri Lanka has discriminated against and persecuted Tamils, and this behaviour culminated in acts of genocide. zzz03185768
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/one-eyed-turtle-and-floating-sandalwood.html~~~‘The One-eyed turtle and the floating Sandalwood Log’ ~~~Jun 9 (LG) “A one eyed turtle, whose life span is immeasurable, lives at the bottom of the sea. Once every 100 years, it rises to the surface. There is only one sandalwood log floating in the sea with a hollow in it suitable to the turtle's eye size. Since the turtle is one eyed and the log is tossed about by the wind and waves, the likelihood of the turtle finding the log is extremely remote” zzz03185769
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408092.html~~~Sangakkara, Ponting hail Mendis~~~Jun 9 (CI) Sri Lanka began their World Twenty20 campaign by ending Australia's stay in the competition. Their captain Kumar Sangakkara, leading the side for the first time, remained unbeaten and secured victory but reserved special mention for Ajantha Mendis, who revelled in his first outing against Australia in any format. Ricky Ponting concurred, calling Mendis a "unique bowler" whom they had studied butzzz03185770
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/way-forward.html~~~The Way forward ~~~Jun 9 (LG) I used to call Balasingham Nadesan, the late political commissar of the LTTE, Mahendran mama. He was a soft spoken and a very gentle man. Mahendran mama used to come to our flat on Park Road often to talk politics with my father over a couple of drinks. I and my brother used to sit on his lap and listen to politics. Balasingham Nadesan was then a constable of the Sri Lanka Police and a member of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party. zzz03185771
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/dutugemunu-strategy-and-ellalan.html~~~Dutugemunu strategy and Ellalan response ~~~Jun 9 (LG) The battle in which an ambitious and aggrieved young Sinhala Prince ‘Dutu’ Gemunu defeated the ageing Tamil King Ellalan (Elara-in Sinhalese) to become King in ancient Sri Lanka, has underscored Sri Lankan ethnic politics in the past sixty years. The anguished cry of a restless ‘Dutu’ Gemunu that he was unable to sleep because of being hemmed in by the Tamils on one side and the deep ocean on the other resonates in most Sinhala hearts to this day. zzz03185772
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/education-in-our-country-mostly-charade.html~~~Education in our country, mostly a charade and a fraud ~~~Jun 9 (LG) I received this morning a very good piece of writing by Harsha Aturupana with the title The Pearl of Great Price: Achieving Equitable Access to Primary and Secondary Education and Enhancing Learning in Sri Lanka. It is the expanded version of a lecture delivered by Aturupana in November 2008 at the Institute of Education in London. It contains a very useful summary of data on the process in Sri Lanka over the last 60 years and a clear write up of the data. zzz03185773
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/riri-yakas-curse-on-uk-rulers.html~~~Riri Yaka’s curse on the UK rulers~~~Jun 9 (LG) The British Government, the specialists in Sri Lankan internal affairs is in complete disarray. While I am writing this the BBC says that a leading Labour Party minister has rung the warning bells saying that the more Prime Minister Brown attempts to carry on regardless the less will be the chances for them to get re-elected! As if a curse has befallen on them, the British ruling party is on the verge of being dumped into a bottomless pit zzz03185774
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10056&Itemid=44~~~SLBFE appeals migrant workers for assistance to the North~~~Jun 9 (GDI) Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) expects to call on the 1.6 million strong Sri Lankan migrant community for assistance in supporting the development drive in the North. “Migrant workers are one of our strongest economic strengths, they would certainly make a significant contribution to boost economic survival in the North,” SLBFE Chairman Kingsly Ranawaka said today. (09)zzz03185775
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10055&Itemid=44~~~Two new MPs take oath ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) UPFA's Nandimitra Ekanaya and Chandima Weerakody representing the Matale and Galle districts of the ruling UPFA were sworn is as Members of Parliament before Speaker WJM Lokubandara in Parliament this morning. They filled the vacancies created by the deaths of Justice Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda and UNP senior parliamentarian, Alick Aluvihare. Ekanayake contested the last general election on the UNP ticket and was placed next in the list. zzz03185776
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10060&Itemid=44~~~University of Sri J’pura to confer honorary degrees to President & Defence Secretary~~~Jun 9 (GDI) The Sri Jayewardenepura University Senate has decided to confer honorary degrees on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Security Forces Chiefs, the IGP and the Civil Security Service Director General, the Registrar of the university Mr. J. Muththettuwegedara said. These honorary degrees will be conferred in appreciation of the leadership given andzzz03185777
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10061&Itemid=44~~~China happy with the end of LTTE menace ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaoping, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army, the People's Republic of China, expressed his satisfaction with the military defeat of the LTTE. He said that he is well informed of the latest developments in Sri Lanka. "We have been considering Sri Lanka and its development goals on the margins of 8th Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore last week," Lt. Gen Ma said.zzz03185778
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10063&Itemid=44~~~Measures to fortify Northern Passenger Transport Service~~~Jun 9 (GDI) The Ministry of Transport has taken measures to streamline the northern transportation service while adding another 125 passenger transport buses to the existing fleet. The Ministry is also expecting contributions from the private passenger transportation for the A9 and A32 routes. Sri Lanka Transport Board will immediately commence the Jaffna-Colombo -A9 passenger transportation service when the route permission is granted for passenger transportation.zzz03185779
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10067&Itemid=44~~~The government to set up court complexes in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) The government is taking steps to set up court complexes in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts shortly, the Secretary to the Judicail Services Commission Chandra Jayatilleke told www.news.lka short while ago. He noted that there was a need of a judiciary system parallel to the new development plans to consolidate security and to resettle people in the areas.zzz03185780
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10068&Itemid=44~~~Night time Passenger Transport Service- ‘Nisi- Saeriya’ revamped ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) National Transport Commission (NTC) has taken several urgent measures to strengthen the existing public transportation services named ‘Nisi-Saeriya’, introduced as a remedial measure to the scarcity of passenger buses during the night time. These services are implemented with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Transport Board, and it is operated by individual bus depots. zzz03185781
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2398:80000-have-lost-jobs-during-past-5-months-wasanthe-samarasinghe&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'80,000 have lost jobs during past 5 months'~~~Jun 9 (LT) 80,000 employees in the private sector in Sri Lanka have lost their jobs within the last five months and the National Centre for Disemployed (NCD) was founded to fight for their rights said its convener Wasanthe Samarasinghe, President of Inter Companies Employees Union. He said, “During the past five months 80, 000 have lost direct jobs in the private sector. More than 300,000 people have lost indirect jobs as a result of this. zzz03185782
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2408:bimal-gets-ministers-to-raise-their-hands&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Bimal gets ministers to raise their hands ~~~Jun 9 (LT) During the debate on emergency regulations the ministers present in the Parliament had raised their hands in answer to a question posed by the JVP Member Bimal Rathnayake during his address. Participating in the debate on emergency regulations Mr. Rathnayake has stated the country had been liberated from terrorism as efficient commanders including the commanders of the three services had served the country with dedication.zzz03185783
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/North-resettlement-be-based-1983-electoral-register---Jeevan/3286.htm~~~'North resettlement to be based on 1983 electoral register'~~~Jun 9 (CP) The government has decided to use the electoral register of 1983 for the resettlement of displaced civilians in the north, said lands minister Jeevan Kumaratunga. The minister has told the media that this measure would prevent any injustice being done to original Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim settlers of villages in the province.zzz03185784
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/3,100-expectant-mothers--IDP-camps/3260.htm~~~3,100 expectant mothers in IDP camps~~~Jun 9 (CP) There are 3,100 unmarried expectant mothers in welfare camps in the North, 'Dinamina' reports. A news article written by Ramani Premathillake Bogoda says the 60 percent of them are between 16 and 17 years of age. On the directions of presidential advisor and chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Basil Rajapaksa, Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has taken steps to provide them with health facilities. zzz03185785
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-fulfills-vow-Kataragama-Devale/3256.htm~~~President fulfills vow at Kataragama Devale~~~Jun 9 (CP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the historic Kataragama Devale on June 06 to fulfill a vow he had made prior to the war to defeat the LTTE. Accompanied by defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, commanders of the three armed forces and the IGP, president Rajapaksa offered golden jewelry to the Devale. They also paid floral tributes to the statue of King Mahasen and offered pooja at other places of religious worship there. zzz03185786
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UDA-returns-Russian-Embassy-land/3291.htm~~~UDA returns Russian Embassy land~~~Jun 9 (CP) The Urban Development Authority yesterday (June 08) returned a land owned by the Russian Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka that had illegally been occupied by a group led by a powerful political figure. All unauthorized constructions in the more than four-acre prime plot at Bauddhaloka Mawatha have now been dismantled. The embassy had recently asked the government to return the land where it expects to build an office complex. zzz03185787
http://www.vijayvaani.com/FrmPublicDisplayArticle.aspx?id=624~~~Lankan Buddhists take on Church ~~~Jun 9 (Vijayvaani) Little lion-hearted Lanka leads by example once again. It was the first nation in the post-Second World War era to elect a woman prime minister; then it became the first nation to spurn ineffective external intermediaries in a fratricidal war and launch a concerted armed effort to end violent secessionism once and for all. Now, the island’s Buddhist religious leadership has risen to redeem the Indic tradition byzzz03185788
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Musali_resettlement_to_recommence-20-1090.html~~~Musali resettlement to recommence~~~Jun 9 (PSM) The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement has taken steps to commence the third phase of resettling the displaced in north of Mannar which was postponed last month on account of the final face of the humaniitarian operation in Mullaithivu. However, the LTTE expelled Mulsims from the Mannar disitrict in 1990 had made an appeal to commence the resettlement of the Muslims as well together with the Tamils. zzz03185789
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18328~~~The LTTE’s Bruce Fein and the IMF Loan~~~Jun 9 (AT) During my recent visit to Sri Lanka I had the occasion to meet with many government officials in many ministries. I also met with several distinguished members of the business community in Colombo. At all of my meetings I asked the question, “Have any of you ever heard of Bruce Fein?” The answer I always received, along with blank expressions, was "No." I couldn’t believe it. zzz03185790
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18332~~~LTTE made mistakes says Anti War expert ~~~Jun 9 (AT) Dr. Kumar Rupasinghe an anti-war expert and a rights activist and Chairman of the Foundation for Co-Existence claimed that the LTTE made a big mistake when it tried to use civilians as a human shield to pressure the international community to intervene in Sri Lanka. However the government was able to defeat their objectives. he said at present the government has a vital responsibility to resettle the IDPs within its 180 days programme. zzz03185792
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44651.html~~~Ruining Lanka`s chances of finding a solution~~~Jun 9 (LNP) Prabhakaran is dead and an LTTE rump is limping along overseas. It is sure to suffer some splits before long. There may be internecine clashes among the surviving senior Tigers staking claims for leadership. Prabhakaran died intestate, so to speak, and the LTTE`s unaccounted for wealth in many hands may cause the aspiring leaders to fall out and break ranks. So, the LTTE s revival as a military outfit in this country is out of the question. zzz03185793
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea03.asp~~~The eyes, the ears and the power from the skies ~~~Jun 9 (DN) Never before in its history has the SLAF been tested to its limits of performance, and strengths and never before has it performed with so much vigour and commitment and achieved this amount of success. The journey from Mavil Aru to Pudumathalan for the SLAF was long and arduous but fulfilling, and the team kept the ensign flying at dizzying heights. At the commencement of the humanitarian operations, zzz03185794
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea23.asp~~~‘Our heritage to the world!’ ~~~Jun 9 (DN) Who wants to be the authority on culture and heritage in our land? For those interested, Hema Nalin Karunaratne is set to floor the gas pedal with his Heritage TV channel on Dialog TV - available free of charge 24/7. Following his trails along the hallways of Rupavahini and Swarnavahini for quarter of a century, Nalin now heads a satellite channel, a meeting place for culture and nature. Heritage TV has been broadcast on Sri TV since September, 2008 two hours a day. zzz03185795
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea26.asp~~~‘Prathibha 2009’: A ‘photographic’ success ~~~Jun 9 (DN) The Arts Society of the Science Faculty, University of Colombo held a photographic exhibition recently and it was called ‘Prathibha 2009’. With an aim of bringing out the artistic talents of their students, the message of Art is prevalent with the first photographic exhibition held at the university recently. “We wanted to show people that the Science faculty were not studious bookworms but they have talents too”.zzz03185796
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/news26.asp~~~Temporary garbage dumping site at Kolonnawa ~~~Jun 9 (DN) A two acre extent of land called " Pothuvil Kumbura" in Kolonnawa received from the Urban Development Authority is now being temporarily used by the CMC to dump garbage collected from Colombo City, Municipality Solid Waste Management Director P. Thangamyle said. Thangamyle added that this land is the only alternative found by the CMC to dispose garbage after objections raised against the Grandpass dumping site. zzz03185797
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news2.html~~~PLOTE chief amused at news of a DTNA~~~Jun 9 (Island) The Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) has decided to contest the Polls to Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC, political sources said yesterday. Ex- Vanni Dist MP and Leader of the Peoples Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam, Dharmalingham Siddharthan, told The Island that only after reading media reports yesterday that he found to his amusement that there was an alliance between the DTNA and the TNA and zzz03185798
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/APRC-agrees-devolve-powers-unitary-state/3285.htm~~~APRC agrees to devolve powers within unitary state~~~Jun 9 (CT) The APRC chaired by minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana has reached consensus on key issues of a political solution, 'Divaina' reports. The June 09 issue of the newspaper says there is a proposal for the establishment of two governing units as a central government and provincial councils. The central government would retain ports, airports, other key installations and natural resources while zzz03185799
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news18.html~~~Robbers kill businessman’s driver, make off with Rs 1.6 mn~~~Jun 9 (Island) The driver of a businessman’s car was shot dead by gunmen who made their escape with Rs 1.6 million at the entrance to a private bank in Rawathawatte yesterday. Samson Fernando, a petrol shed owner had gone to the bank to deposit his money when two gunmen attacked him killing the driver, Govinda Saman Kuruppu (41). Samson Fernando told police that the two armed men with their faces covered had arrived on a motor bike and zzz03185800
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news21.html~~~Politicians, public officials and businessmen connive to fleece public property ~~~Jun 9 (Island) Politicians would have continued to turn a blind eye to the illegal privatization of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation if the fundamental rights application against the deal had not been filed, Nihal Sri Ameresekere and Vasudeva Nanayakkara told journalists yesterday at a special media conference to discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment. The landmark Supreme Court judgment that zzz03185801
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/features6.html~~~Of that Bacterium to destroy Dengue mosquito...~~~Jun 9 (Island) Now that Dengue has reached unprecedented epidemic levels, one naturally has to ask the question, what happened to that Govt. decision to use Bacillus thurengiensis popularly known as Bt to control Dengue menace a few years ago. Bacillus thurengiensis is an insecticidal bacterium marketed world wide for control of many important plant pests mainly caterpillars of butterflies and moths. zzz03185802
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51352~~~Goons disrupt proceedings at key handing over ceremony~~~Jun 9 (DM) The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRC) urged the Police Chief to carry out an impartial investigation into an incident where a group of men had disrupted an event to organize the key handing over ceremony to house holders in Ratmalana. The letter to the Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne states: “In response to the Governments Tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation programme the SLRC embarked on a programme to build l5,000 houses for the tsunami effected people.zzz03185803
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51333~~~Senaka: His final story~~~Jun 9 (DM) Senior Daily Mirror journalist Senaka de Silva who earned a name for himself as a crime reporter passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Senaka was known for compiling the ‘Police Log’ which was exclusively published in Daily Mirror for more than ten years. His colleagues came to know Senaka as a committed and dedicated journalist with a great sense of duty and a similar sense of humour. zzz03185805
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51333~~~Mervin offers seat to Gotabhaya~~~Jun 9 (DM) Labour Minister Mervin Silva has offered to resign from parliament to enable Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to be appointed as an MP. Minister Silva told the Daily Mirror he had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing his desire to resign from parliament but said he was yet to receive a response from the UPFA leadership. zzz03185806
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51344~~~Millionairess found killed in her home~~~Jun 9 (DM) The dead body of Violet Mallika Yatawara, the mother of two children, and one of the wealthiest women in Kurunegala, was found on Sunday in her house on Sumangala Mawatha, Police sources said. Mrs. Yatawara was the proprietress of Red Rose Textiles and several other enterprises. She was 50 years of age. Police believe she had been killed, in broad daylight, on the same day. zzz03185804
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=940760835~~~Sri Lanka May tourist arrivals slump~~~Jun 9 (LBO) Tourist arrivals in to Sri Lanka slumped 20.6 percent in May 2009 to 24,739 from a year ago as a global travel slowdown and fierce fighting that ended the Tamil Tiger insurgency deterred visitors. According to figures put out by Sri Lanka's tourism office, arrivals from south Asia, the main source of visitors in May, fell 31 percent to 8,576. This was mainly because of a sharp downturn in Indian visitors, who come both for tourism as well as business. zzz03185807
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6193&sec=2&t=~~~Plans afoot to promote tourism in the North~~~Jun 9 (ANN) The Tourism Ministry has come up with nine new tourist promotional projects for the North. The projects are specially aimed at attracting the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, presidential secretariat sources told The Island yesterday. These projects, scheduled to be completed within 180 days, would be launched under the Uthuru Vasanthaya programme. An 18-member Presidential task force would implement the projects aimed to attract tourists, zzz03185808
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6203&sec=3&t=6167~~~Possible futures in post-war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 9 (ANN) Post-war, Sri Lanka is a country of symbols. Cheering crowds and lion flags, mammoth cut-outs of President Rajapakse (often hailing him as Maha Raju) and pictures of servicemen dominate the landscape, embodying the hope of a future better than the past. There are other symbols too, less visible, though no less relevant – camps in which masses of civilians are held, a plan to expand the military to three hundred thousand, a journalist abducted and beaten up. zzz03185809
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=5790536~~~Sri Lanka activist targets 40 privatizations~~~Jun 9 (LBO) A left-oriented politician who has successfully returned a large insurer back into state hands through court action says there about 40 other privatizations that need to be re-examined. "There is a list of 40 transactions where there are corrupt reasons (dooshiter hethu)," Vasudeva Nanayakkara, a left-oriented politician who filed the main plaint that resulted in Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation being taken back to the state, said. zzz03185810
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8090763.stm~~~More Sri Lankan displaced go home~~~Jun 9 (BBC) Two thousand people are being resettled in their villages in Sri Lanka's north-west after being displaced by the civil war, which ended in May. The group is the third and largest batch resettled so far as part of an ongoing programme in Sri Lanka's north. Although they are returning to their original home areas in the Mannar district, some of their homes would be rebuilt, officials told the BBC. zzz03185811
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Demand-for-all-party-meet-on-Lanka-govt-says-will-respond/articleshow/4635400.cms~~~Demand for all-party meet on Lanka, govt says will 'respond'~~~Jun 9 (PTI) Several MPs today expressed worries in Rajya Sabha over the plight of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka, prompting the government to assure that it would give an "appropriate response" to the concerns of the members. The assurance came after a number of MPs demanded an all-party meeting on the issue. "Government will respond appropriately once the feeling of the House is conveyed to the Prime Minister on the issue,"zzz03185812
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906091501.htm~~~'Tamils' problem larger than that of LTTE'~~~Jun 9 (PTI) Declaring the Tamil problem as "larger than that of the LTTE", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday hoped that Sri Lanka would show courage in meeting their legitimate concerns. "The Tamil problem is larger than that of the LTTE. We hope Sri Lanka will show imagination and courage in meeting the legitimate concerns and aspirations of Tamil people to live their lives as equal citizens and with dignity and self-respect," zzz03185813
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090609/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestsecuritylaw~~~Sri Lanka extends anti-terror laws~~~Jun 9 (AFP) Sri Lanka's government on Tuesday extended tough anti-terror laws, arguing that remnants of the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels could still try to stage a comeback. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told parliament that the government wanted to extend the state of emergency by a month despite last month's defeat of the LTTE and the deaths of their leaders. "There could be fire beneath the embers," he said. zzz03185814
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29561~~~Political personages out to exploit trade opportunities in Jaffna~~~Jun 10 (TN) The minister of Industrial Development, paid a sudden visit to Jaffna Monday where he visited the CEYNOR fishing net production unit in Kurunakar and explored schemes to reactivate Kaangkeasnaththu’rai Cement Factory, sources in Jaffna said. Sri Lanka government has announced that the transport of goods to and from Jaffna through A9 road by lorries will be commencing from 16 June zzz03185815
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29560~~~IDPs occupying railway properties in Jaffna to be evicted~~~Jun 10 (TN) Jaffna Government Agent has instructed all IDPs presently occupying railway stations and other railway properties including living quarters and the railway track areas from Thellippazhai to Kodikaamam to vacate them before 20 June, sources in Jaffna said. The government decision to resume train service from Vavuniya to Kaangeasanththu’rai soon and its directive to the GA is the reason for the urgent eviction order. zzz03185816
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15466&size=A~~~Christians and Buddhists to rebuild post-war Sri Lanka together~~~Jun 10 (AN) “Christians and Buddhists must work together to promote ahimsa, the doctrine of non-violence, so as to reduce the suffering of all those who have experienced the brutality of war,” said Fr Sarath Iddamalgoda, a priest involved in defending human rights and promoting cooperation among Christians and Buddhists as a way to rebuild the country. The day Buddhists celebrate Poson, which marks the beginning of Buddhism on the island nation,zzz03185817
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/9600~~~Anglican bishop seeks crisis aid for Sri Lanka war refugees~~~Jun 10 (Ekklesia) The Anglican Bishop of Kurunagala in Sri Lanka, the Rt Revd Kumara lllangasinghe, has written to Anglican churches throughout the world to appeal for crisis aid for refugee casualties following the bloody end to the war there. Explaining that the situation in Northern Sri Lanka has reached crisis point, the bishop writes from the the North Western Province of the country:zzz03185818
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/004200906091501.htm~~~Take steps to rehabilitate Tamils: Jayalalithaa ~~~Jun 10 (PTI) AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday asked the Centre to expedite immediate measures for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sri Lanka. "India should expedite immediate measures for the rehabilitation of IDPs in Sri Lanka as well as ensure equal status for them on the lines of the majority Sinhalese in the island nation," she said in a statement here. zzz03185819
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/prabhakaran-was-obstacle-for-tamils-future-sl-minister/473767/0~~~'Prabhakaran was obstacle for Tamil's future'~~~Jun 10 (IE) Velupillai Prabhakaran was an "obstacle" for the future of Tamils in Sri Lanka and with his death the road is now clear for the government to address the "genuine political" grievances of the community by devolving powers to northern region, a senior Tamil leader said. Minister Douglas Devananda said the government should now hasten the process of resolving the decades-old ethnic conflict by implementingzzz03185826
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lankan-tamils-feel-humiliated-by-india/473592/~~~'Lankan Tamils feel humiliated by India'~~~Jun 10 (ANI) Sri Lankan Tamils are unhappy with India's stand on Sri Lankan military action against the LTTE in the island nation. These were the views expressed by a team of Sri Lankan journalists of Tamilian origin at a meeting hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi on Monday. They contended that Sri Lankan Tamils feel India cooperated with the Sri Lankan government rather than doing something for them. zzz03185821
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slwr-j09.shtml~~~Sri Lankan workers comment on victory celebrations~~~Jun 10 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government has been conducting an intense victory campaign since the army’s defeat of the LTTE. There have now been weeks of rallies, parades and special Buddhist religious festivals that again demonstrate the Sinhala supremacist nature of the war. At the local level, small-scale celebrations have been organised by ruling party MPs and local politicians to honour even colonels, majors and captains. zzz03185822
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/58861/2009/05/9-095652-1.htm~~~Grief and despondency in Sri Lanka's camps ~~~Jun 10 (AN) She stood in the door frame of a former clothing factory in northern Sri Lanka. A tiny little woman with long, slightly grey hair pulled back in a ponytail. In her hand she held a small plastic photo album. She showed it to everyone who passed. There was no way I could understand what she said in Tamil but as I looked at the photos of three children, I understood the tone. It was one of absolute grief. zzz03185824
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8089744.stm~~~Tamil campaigner Euro vote boost ~~~Jun 10 (BBC) A Tamil rights campaigner won more than 50,000 votes in the European elections - making her one of the most successful independent candidates ever. Jan Jananayagam gained more votes than some political parties in the London region and more than all the other independents in the UK put together. The student, a spokesman for the Tamils Against Genocide campaign, was backed by some Sri Lankan community groups. zzz03185820
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090609_poddala_injuries.shtml~~~Attacked journalist still in hospital ~~~Jun 10 (BBC) The journalist union leader who was brutally assaulted in Colombo last week says he still feels severe pain and headaches and still unable to walk as a result. Poddala Jayantha, the Secretary of SLWJA, was abducted and assaulted by unknown assailants on 01 June. He is still being treated in Colombo General Hospital. The journalist has underwent a surgery on his ankle and he says he still feel pain in the right leg that was burnt by the assailants. zzz03185825
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sri-lanka-launches-massive-manhunt-to-recover-ltte-weapons/64199/on~~~Sri Lanka launches massive manhunt to recover LTTE weapons ~~~Jun 10 (PTI) Having vanquished the LTTE, the Sri Lankan Army has launched a massive manhunt to recover their weapons, especially claymore mines and other destructive explosives, in the northern areas to facilitate the early resettlement of displaced Tamils in their towns and villages. "The army fears that LTTE has buried stockpiles of explosives and weapons in the thick jungles of Wanni," military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara told visiting Indian journalists here.zzz03185827
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Local-poll-Displaced-SL-Tamils-to-vote/articleshow/4635579.cms~~~'Displaced Tamil civilians can vote in local elections'~~~Jun 10 (PTI) For the first time, displaced Tamils and Muslims currently living in relief camps in northern Sri Lanka will be able to vote in the Jaffna and Vavuniya local elections to be held in August. The civilians displaced due to the 30-year-old civil war will be able to vote in the local elections as earlier they were eligible to vote only in the presidential and parliament elections. zzz03185828
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TMVP-mayoress-Batticaloa-joins-SLFP/3314.htm~~~TMVP mayoress of Batticaloa joins SLFP~~~Jun 10 (CT) The mayoress of Batticaloa, Sivagita Prabhakaran has joined the SLFP, leaving the TMVP with several others. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who is TMVP leader and chief minister of eastern province, will remain in the party. Their decisions were announced after a meeting of the central committee of the party. Three others, including Kanakasabey Prabhakaran who is husband of the mayoress, have also become members of the SLFP. zzz03185829
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Lets-find-Pillay-another-job---Divaina-editorial/3311.htm~~~"Let's find Pillay another job" - Divaina editorial~~~Jun 10 (CT) The editorial of 'Divaina' newspaper in its June 09 issue, titled "Let's find Pillay another job", stresses that Navanetham Pillay is not suitable to hold the position of UN human rights commissioner. It says the conduct of UN human rights commissioner Navanetham Pillay shows to what extent the concept of communalism has spread in the international arena. zzz03185830
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10070&Itemid=44~~~Breaking news for budding journalists – new vistas in financial journalism ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Finances and economics are measurable, quantifiable and qualitative, and, one plus one is definitely two in financial journalism. “If you are not comfortable with such qualitative concepts, then you have to get comfortable and you have to do what it takes to get comfortable,” said Channa de Silva, Director General Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in a press statement.zzz03185831
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090609_04~~~Our release a miracle says escaped POW~~~Jun 10 (MoD) Our release from LTTE clutches is really a miracle. There are no words to express our joy, G. H. Chaminda Kumara Hewage of the Sri Lanka Navy who was among the five servicemen freed after three years in LTTE custody told the Daily News. "On November 9, 2006 there was a threat of an LTTE attack on the Green Ocean ship. We became captives when we went to defend the ship. "On that day we went in a Dvora gun boat. We had to abandon it due to an engine failure. zzz03185832
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 1~~~zzz03185833
no~~~Postal services in north will be developed soon ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Sri Lanka government is to expand the postal services in the Northern Province with immediate effect, Postal Department sources said. As the first step of this scheme, a new post office will be set up at same locations where there were post offices earlier. The Postal Department expects to develop the service as soon as possible to provide a more efficient service to the Northern Province, sources said.zzz03185834
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090609_02~~~The passing out parade of 19th basic Airborne course~~~Jun 10 (MoD) The passing out parade of 19th Basic Airborne Course was held colorfully at the Parachute Training School Air Force Base Katunayake. On 09th June 09 Air Vice Marshal PB Premachandra grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while other Sri Lanka Army Sri Lanka Navy Sri Lanka Air Force and special task force senior Officers were also among the distinguish guests. The proud parents of the trainees were also present with great honour to witness the function. zzz03185835
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jf_UiT7rYG5VZMiDgHjYdTvDK1FQ~~~Sri Lanka, Windies look ahead to the Super Eights~~~Jun 10 (AFP) Sri Lanka and the West Indies will enjoy a contest without pressure when they clash in their last group C league match of the World Twenty20 here on Wednesday. What should have been a virtual knock-out game in the group will hold nothing more than academic interest after both teams knocked mighty Australia out of the tournament. "This was the only group that had three Test-playing nations in it, so to come out it pretty well is a huge bonus," zzz03185836
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18338~~~Political and cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and Portugal reminded~~~Jun 10 (AT) Sri Lankan Ambassador Lionel Fernando presented his credentials to Portugal President Anibal Cavaco Silva at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon. Ambassador Fernando, who is the Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, and is also concurrently accredited to Portugal and Spain. The ambassador Lionel Fernando, during his discussion with President Silva recalled the zzz03185837
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/10/stories/2009061055881500.htm~~~'A calamity is an opportunity'~~~Jun 10 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday urged M.S. Swaminathan, father of the Indian Green Revolution, to help the nation finalise a road map for early rehabilitation and resettlement of the war displaced in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. In the course of a meeting at his office, Mr. Rajapaksa told Prof. Swaminathan the need of the hour was to give hope to the people who had suffered immensely under the “tyranny” of the LTTE and zzz03185838
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF10Df01.html~~~Battle for top Tiger spot begins~~~Jun 10 (AT) With the entire top brass of the LTTE eliminated in the final stages of the Sri Lankan government's military offensive last month, a succession struggle for the leadership of the LTTE is underway among Tigers abroad. The LTTE's chief of international relations, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, believed to be the senior-most Tiger alive, is the frontrunner for the top job. It was Pathmanathan who, in the days preceding the military defeat of the LTTE,zzz03185839
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/cricket/12-criminal-proceedings-against-sri-lanka-attack-culprits-recommended--bi-01~~~Prosecution proposed against Sri Lanka attack culprits ~~~Jun 10 (Dawn) The National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports on Monday recommended criminal proceedings against all those security officials who showed incompetence and negligence while performing their duties at the time when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked. The members also asked the Interior Ministry to speed up their investigations to arrest all those terrorists who were involved in the attack. zzz03185840
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/2486799/Tamils-want-Black-Caps-cricket-tour-called-off~~~Tamils want Black Caps cricket tour called off ~~~Jun 10 (Stuff) New Zealand-based Sri Lankan Tamils want the Black Caps' cricket tour of their home country this year cancelled. They point to reports that at least 20,000 civilians were killed in the Sri Lankan military's final offensive against the separatist Tamil Tigers last month. They say about 300,000 people are being detained, with thousands still missing. Led by the Wellington Tamil Society, they wrote to Prime Minister John Key asking zzz03185841
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news1.html~~~India steps up support for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (BL) India is stepping up political, financial, social and moral support for Sri Lanka to successfully win the challenge of creating lasting peace following the successful crushing of terrorism. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday pledged in Parliament that the Indian Government will immediately extend a fresh US$ 110 million, or Indian Rupees 5 billion (over 12 billion Sri Lanka rupees),zzz03185842
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news17.html~~~Kerawalapitiya LNG plant caught up in power struggle~~~Jun 10 (BL) Although the newly proposed 1,000 Mega Watt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant at Kerawalapitiya is expected to generate cheap electricity, the project may not take off the ground due to regulatory barriers. In its latest development, Ministry of Power and Energy has ruled out against the setting up of the LNG power plant as a private venture, stating that such a project would be inconsistent with provisions of the newly enacted Sri Lanka Electricity Act no 20 of 2009, zzz03185843
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news4.html~~~UNP admits “we are weak” but insists it will keep fighting~~~Jun 10 (BL) The UNP is yet to decide whether it will contest at the Local Government elections in the North as a single party or by forming a coalition admitting that at present they are weak as an opposition due to the politicisation of the war. “We admit we are weak as an opposition,” UNP MP Johnston Fernando said yesterday, “And that is because the war was turned into a nationalistic movement and anyone who spoke against it was suppressed.” zzz03185844
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news2.html~~~APRC must be dissolved: Wimal~~~Jun 10 (BL) The National Freedom Front (NFF) claimed yesterday that the devised final set of proposals of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) is unethical and therefore, requested the government to dissolve the group immediately. NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa stated that the committee has no right to suggest political changes within the country as their mandate is no longer relevant.zzz03185845
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/embassy-launches-tamil-classes-for-its.html~~~SL Embassy in USA launches Tamil classes for its staff ~~~Jun 10 (LG) The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC has recently commenced Tamil language classes for its staff in order to improve their language skills and, thereby, facilitate a closer interaction with the Tamil Diaspora. This initiative will also help enhance mutual understanding between the Embassy officials and the expatriate community and share their cultural commonalities.zzz03185846
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/solution.html~~~The solution ~~~Jun 10 (LG) Finally what is the solution we offer to the so called ethnic problem? In order to have a solution it is necessary to have a problem. The so called ethnic problem is nothing but a problem due to the unwillingness of the English speaking Jaffna Vellala Tamils to recognise the significance of the Sinhala Buddhist culture, instigated by the British. The Vellalas inspired and instigated by the British wanted to become the leaders of the country by creating a mythical history going back to thousands of years. zzz03185847
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/734~~~Can Tamils Seize a new opportunity ?~~~Jun 10 (DBS) Ajith Ratnarajah is one of the enthusiastic readers of this blog. Apart from posting some pertinent comments under pseudonyms Ajith also sends me e-mails frequently. I discovered to my delight that he and I had similar thoughts on matters concerning the long term future of Tamils in Sri Lanka. I have gone on record that the destiny of Sri Lankan Tamils is inextractably inter-twined with that of the Sinhalese.zzz03185848
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18342~~~A national research centre on countering human trafficking opens in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (AT) The Immigration and Emigration Department (IED) of Sri Lanka has opened a National Resource Centre to counter human trafficking with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The centre, which is housed at the IED, is to offer comprehensive training to IED staff, promote research and enhance information sharing among stakeholders on human trafficking.zzz03185849
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18352~~~Tamils conference: ‘forget differences; create public opinion for devolution of powers’~~~Jun 10 (AT) The Sri Lankan Tamils’ rehabilitation conference, organised by International Tamil Centre ("Pannattu Thamizh Naduvam") here on Monday, dwelt on the future of the Eelam henceforth, and urged the Lankan Tamils to forget differences and create public opinion in favour of devolution of powers to the Tamils in Lanka. Dr. Boyle, professor of international law at University of Illinois College of Law, saidzzz03185850
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/739~~~“Api” (us)-”Owun” (them): A pictorial tugging at heartstrings~~~Jun 10 (DBS) Hello Friends, Several people both known and unknown have been forwarding a particular e-mail to me the last few days. It consists of some moving pictorial images contrasting the pathetic existence of internally displaced Tamils on the one hand and the comfortable lifestyle of some Sinhala people on the other. The pictures have Sinhala captions. I tried to trace the origin of this mail and nobody seems to know including those who forwarded it to me.zzz03185851
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 2~~~zzz03185852
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-ltte-foreign-terrorist/~~~Four plead guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the LTTE~~~jun 10 (PRN) Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, defendants Karunakaran Kandasamy, Pratheepan Thavaraja, Murugesu Vinayagamoorthy, and Vijayshanthar Patpanathan pled guilty to, among other crimes, conspiring to provide material support to the LTTE, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The guilty plea proceedings were held before Chief United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie. zzz03185853
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/media-bytes-on-sri-lanka.html~~~Media bytes on Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 10 (LG) [Here are my answers to some of the recent questions relating to Sri Lanka from media representatives.] 1. Are you surprised at the decimation of the LTTE? Was it coming for them? No; it comes as no surprise. In the last three years of operation, the LTTE never regained military initiative. They could not launch a sizeable counter offensive. The army was bent upon causing maximum casualties; and the liquidation and decimation of [LTTE] leadership in the end was the only surprise. zzz03185854
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/michael-robertss-article-finally.html~~~Michael Roberts’s article finally arrived in time for North-South dialogue ~~~Jun 10 (LG) Michael Roberts’s article finally arrived. With the sole representative of the Tamils unceremoniosly removed from the theatre it was unavoidably refreshing to read the acknowledgement by Roberts of the probability of a dialogue between the north and the south. That we lived to see that come out of his mouth is enough to send the barometer of hope spiraling towards a favorable level. zzz03185855
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2081/~~~ASIA: Human rights in Sri Lanka and Pakistan ~~~Jun 10 (AHRC) Thank you Mr. President, Firstly, we regret that NGO speaking times in this most substantive section of discussions are again being sacrificed due to unfortunate time management. The Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) is gravely concerned that the Human Rights Council is abdicating from its mandate to protect individuals’ human rights, notably by failing to address impunity.zzz03185856
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2085/~~~Crimes, dengue fever, attacks on journalists, problems of toilets and food and euphoric celebrations~~~Jun 10 (AHRC) Ankubura Seelaratne is a 25-year-old Buddhist monk who with youthful exuberance was engaged in campaigns to eliminate the sale of illicit liquor. Last week he was hospitalised in a critical condition after being poisoned. Some of his dayakayas (donors) poisoned the food given to him as part of the Buddhist traditional practice of providing food to monks.zzz03185857
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10081&Itemid=44~~~"Small Miracle” tourism re-branding strategy introduced in Hague~~~Jun 10 (GDI) “Having successfully defeated terrorism, the Government of Sri Lanka is in the process of devising dedicated plans to address the post conflict issues to create a prosperous nation for all Sri Lankan citizens to live in harmony” said Ambassador to The Netherlands Grace Asirwatham. She made that observation at a function organized to brief the travel operators and travel writers on zzz03185858
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10074&Itemid=44~~~'UNP lauds President and heroic soldiers for LTTE defeat'~~~Jun 10 (GDI) United National Party never down plays government's great war victories, or hesitates to present with due honours to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and heroic soldiers for wiping out terrorism and to end the three-decade long brutal war, MP Lakshman Senevirathna said at the Parliament yesterday(09). MP Lakshman Senevirathna was addressing parliament while discussion the move to extend the State of Emergency. zzz03185861
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10078&Itemid=44~~~Ranaviru Commemoration Day celebrated in Beijing ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) The Sri Lankans living in China jointly with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing celebrated the "Ranaviru CommemorationDay" on 7th June 2009 at the Embassy premises. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Karunatilake Amunugama stressed on the historic importance of this year's Ranaviru Commemoration Day as the dreams of the war heroes have finally become a reality today.zzz03185860
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10075&Itemid=44~~~Akashi happy with welfare progress of IDPs ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Japanese special envoy, Yashushi Akashi on his 18th visit to Colombo yesterday(9), visited several welfare camps housing the internally displaced in Vavuniya and expressed his satisfaction over the progress. He said that much progress had been made and appreciated measures taken by the Rajapaksa administration to speed up the resettlement process of the displaced.zzz03185859
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10080&Itemid=44~~~Rs.3.75 billion to back power supply projects in the north ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) A sum of 3.75 billion rupees has been allocated for the electrification facilities for the resettled families in the north under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” programme, a press release issued by the Ministry of Power and Energy stated. The money will be spent on constructing transmitting stations grid, sub-stations and on rural electrification schemes which have been destroyed by the LTTE terrorists. zzz03185862
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10084&Itemid=44~~~The IGP wants public to support National Security plan ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Although the Government has totally wiped out terrorism, it is revealed that small terrorist groups are planning to engage in subversive activities. Therefore, IGP Jayantha Wickremarathne requests the public for the continuous support for the national security programme to be vigilant on such activities in the country. Public should immediately inform the police about suspected incidents and persons in their vicinity.zzz03185863
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2420:igp-chinthanaya-instead-of-mahinda-chinthanaya&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~‘IGP Chinthanaya’ instead of ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ ~~~Jun 10 (LT) About 2000 people who have been recruited as sub inspectors (SI) for the Police Department have not been given any promotions say reports from that department. These sub-inspectors have been in service for 12 to 20 years and most of them have served in operational areas. Despite the government stating that they would be given promotions under ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ from 01.02.2006, nothing has taken place yet. zzz03185864
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2423:eight-new-species-endemic-to-sri-lanka-found&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Eight new species endemic to Sri Lanka found ~~~Jun 10 (LT) Explorations carried out in jungles of Galle District by the Bio-diversity Secretariat and the Association to preserve Fauna and Flora in Galle have unearthed 8 new species endemic to Sri Lanka. Mr. Anusha de Silva, the President of Association to preserve Fauna and Flora in Galle said the new species were found in explorations carried out for six months in several jungles areas in the district.zzz03185865
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-protests-reign-law-the-jungle/3318.htm~~~UNP protests reign of law of the jungle~~~Jun 10 (CT) The UNP has strongly condemned what it calls the use of the "law of the jungle to mete out barbaric punishment" to silence proponents of people?s rights. Speaking to the media in Colombo, party MP Johnston Fernando said his party would no longer allow the government to continue with such acts, which it had done under the cover of the war.zzz03185866
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TNA-MP-requests-release-detained-colleague/3326.htm~~~TNA MP requests release of detained colleague~~~Jun 10 (CT) Tamil National Alliance MP S. Kishore has requested the release of colleague Sathasivam Kanagaratnam who remained with civilians in the former 'no fire zone' during final stages of the military offensives in the North. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (June 09), MP Kishore said Kanagaratnam was not a terrorist and requested his release after investigations.zzz03185867
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Media-groups-protest-Poddala-assault/3317.htm~~~Media groups to protest Poddala assault~~~Jun 10 (CT) Several media groups are organizing a sit-down protest in Colombo, Sri Lanka this afternoon (June 10) against the abduction and assault of secretary of the Working Journalists Association Poddala Jayantha. The Platform for Freedom, Movement Against Media Suppression and several other organizations are taking part in the ‘Satyagraha’ opposite Viharamaha Devi Park, starting at 3.00 pm.zzz03185868
no~~~UNP seeks committee to probe media assaults~~~Jun 10 (CT) UNP MP, Palith Range Bandara yesterday requested the government to appoint a parliamentary select committee to probe the murders and assaults targeting journalists. He said that the government would appoint a committee if it does not have a hand in such incidents. He said that if the government took measures to appoint a parliamentary committee, it would have the full support of the UNP on the matter.zzz03185869
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Rathnasiri-Wickremanayake-presents-bill-appoint-Chief-Defence-Staff/3340.htm~~~PM presents bill to appoint Chief of Defence Staff~~~Jun 10 (CT) Prime minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday (June 09) presented a bill in Parliament that would provide for the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff. According to the bill, the CDS will be responsible for the coordination of activities between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry. The CDS shall, subject to the discretion of the President, hold office for a term of two years. zzz03185870
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18362~~~Govt to speed of resettlement of IDPs as family units~~~Jun 10 (AT) Following representations made to the Government through respective Government Agents in the North and Divisional Secretaries on the desire of displaced families, now in welfare centres to return home, a high level government team will meet in Colombo tomorrow (11), to discuss modalities of resettling those persons as family units at the earliest, well informed sources disclosed.zzz03185871
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2425:aprc-proposals-will-be-definitely-implemented--luxman-yapa-abeywardene&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'APRC proposals will be definitely implemented'~~~Jun 10 (LT) The government has no intention of shelving the APRC proposals and it would take measures to definitely implement them said Minister of Media Luxman Yapa Abeywardene. He said Minister Tissa Vitharana is due to present the final draft of the APRC proposals and once it is presented the government would take measures to act according to what has been proposed said the Minister. zzz03185872
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 3~~~zzz03185873
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090610_04~~~Medical facilities enhanced at Welfare Centers in Vavuniya ~~~Jun 10 (MoD) Ministry of Health (MoH) has mobilized its resources to a maximum to provide medical facilities to the civilians in welfare centers in Vavuniya. Additional 232 Medical officers have been permanently posted to the Northern Province and Padaviya hospitals. With this reinforcement, 304 medical officers (doctors) and the nurses to 986 are now working in hospitals and welfare centers in the North and Padaviya. zzz03185874
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44687.html~~~Needed: A different war~~~Jun 10 (LNP) It is heartening that a project has been launched to rehabilitate street children living in appalling conditions. Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera yesterday spelt out measures to be adopted to deliver those unfortunate ones from their suffering. This noble cause deserves public support and State assistance. IGP Jayantha Wickrameratna flanking Ven. Gunawansa at a media briefing yesterday viewed the rehabilitation of street children as an effective way of starving the underworld of recruitment in the future. zzz03185875
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44685.html~~~Get Gayle early - Sanga tells his team~~~Jun 10 (LNP) To get West Indies batting juggernaut Chrys Gayle early would be the orders that captain Kumar Sangakkara would have given his troops when they play the cricketers from the Caribbean in a Group C match here today. Both West Indies and Sri Lanka have entered the Super Eight and the teams would now be wanting to win to go top of the group. Also they would want to remain unbeaten and gain the psychological advantage. zzz03185876
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/news02.asp~~~Musali Divisional Secretariat Division: Resettlement 90 percent completed ~~~Jun 10 (DN) The Government has allocated Rs. 800 million for the development of Musali Divisional Secretariat Division on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and 90 percent of resettlement process in the division was completed by the Government, said Presidential Senior Advisor and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Northern Development Basil Rajapaksa. zzz03185877
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/news35.asp~~~School for street children opens in Gothamipura ~~~Jun 10 (DN) The first school for street children will be opened in Gothamipura, Borella by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne tomorrow. Chief incumbent of Dharmayathanaya Colombo Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said the country has successfully eradicated terrorism and it’s now time to unite to fight against crime. “Considering future security of the Colombo city and the country, zzz03185878
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/fea18.asp~~~Wickramasinghe's masterpiece in English ~~~Jun 10 (DN) It took a long time coming but finally it is now available on the shelves of book stores. Sri Lanka's leading figure in literature Martin Wickramasinghe's most profound work, Gamperaliya had finally been translated into English for the English speaking public to meet a timely need. Though more than 65 years have passed since the landmark novel had been penned by the veteran writer, the pictures, idioms and characteristics he paintszzz03185879
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/fea21.asp~~~Transcreating part of 'Kantha Puranam' ~~~Jun 10 (DN) Going back to the genre of the ancient 'Purana' literature in Thamil, one finds Kachchiappa Sivachariar's Kanthapuranam holding a prestigious place particularly among the Thamilians of Yaalpaanam. In fact a scholar from that region the late Pandithamani Kanapathillai eluded that "Kanthapurana Kalasaram" (The Culture of Kantha Puranam) is the Culture of the people in the North. zzz03185882
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news27.html~~~Gemunu does a Oliver Twist~~~Jun 10 (Island) The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) chief Gemunu Wijeratne yesterday rejected the annual 4 per cent increase in bus fares effective July 1. Addressing a press conference at the Women’s Bureau, Narahenpita, he said that the association had unanimously decided to refuse the proposed increase. He warned of trade union action unless the government implemented at least 7 per cent increase.zzz03185881
http://www.defence.lk/pdf/DefSec-BusinesstodayJune.pdf~~~Defence secretary's interview with Business Today ~~~Jun 10 (BT) The Humanitarian Operations have been completed and the LTTE, the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world has been destroyed. The strength behind the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defence Force has been none other than Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His planning has been immaculate and precise. President Mahinda Rajapaksa had the will and confidence to zzz03185880
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/features8.html~~~Cut off the telephone~~~Jun 10 (Island) Like the majority of people in Sri Lanka, I felt genuinely happy when Prabhakaran’s death was announced. This wasn’t because I am the bloodthirsty type. I was pleased because of what I perceived to be the implications. Sri Lankans could look forward to a brighter future now that such a ruthless and uncompromising group had been decapitated, I thought to myself. This is what made last week’s attack on Poddala Jayantha so depressing. zzz03185883
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news4.html~~~New fish market project accelerated~~~Jun 10 (Island) Work on the Fish Market Complex at Peliyagoda is being accelerated in order to shift the present St. John’s Market there at the end of 2009 instead of December 2010, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources G. Piyasena said. He said that the new fish market complex was scheduled to be completed by December 2010 but on advise of President Mahinda Rajapaksa construction has been expedited. zzz03185884
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news26.html~~~Bank elbowed out last king and queen of Lanka ~~~Jun 10 (Island) JVP Colombo District MP Lakshman Nipunarachchi yesterday (9) told Parliament that the portraits of the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe and his queen had been removed from the Colombo National Museum and replaced with an advertisement of a private bank. He demanded that the government take remedial action.zzz03185885
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51461~~~Major fire at ammo dump in Vavuniya~~~Jun 10 (DM) A major fire broke out in an ammunition dump at the Wanni Army Headquarters in Vavuniya last evening, destroying a large quantity of outdated ammunition, the army said. “A stock of unserviceable artillery ammunition, kept aside in one corner of the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters in Vavuniya, caught fire yesterday evening at about 5.45 pm while soldiers were removing them to be taken to a more secured area before disposal,” zzz03185886
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51458~~~Lanka will not beg for aid: Central Bank Chief~~~Jun 10 (DM) Sri Lanka would never go after donor countries or agencies with a begging bowl for aid hereafter, despite the fact that the IMF could approve at any moment the first trance of the US$ 1.9 billion loan that Sri Lanka has negotiated, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. He said the World Bank, ADB and several other friendly countries had responded positively for assistance for the reconstruction and resettlement process, zzz03185887
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51457~~~Police fire at alleged child killer ~~~Jun 10 (DM) The police yesterday shot at a man allegedly responsible for the abduction, abuse and killing of a six-year-old girl who went missing in Mihintale last week. The body of the victim Warshanika Lakshani Gunaratne, a resident of Kasamaduwa in Ihalagama, Mihintale was found in a forest last morning. The little girl was abducted from her home last Thursday night when she was asleep.zzz03185888
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51450~~~Lanka at crucial juncture: Japan~~~Jun 10 (DM) Sri Lanka is at a crucial juncture for overcoming conflict among ethnic groups and achieving national reconciliation, Japan told the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Japanese representative Osamu Yamanaka who spoke at the debate on promoting and protecting human rights -- civil, political, economic, social and cultural, including the right to development said the Sri Lankan government must take swift action to implement measures zzz03185889
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/csis-beefs-up-screening-for-tamil-tigers/article1175622/~~~CSIS beefs up screening for Tamil Tigers ~~~Jun 10 (G&M) Canada is boosting its immigration screening in Sri Lanka – shifting overseas CSIS agents from New Delhi to Colombo in a bid to keep defeated Tamil Tiger terrorists from landing here. In addition to moving agents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Canada Border Services Agency from their posts in India, the federal immigration department is adding staff to manage the growing backlog of Sri Lankan visa requests. zzz03185890
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF11Df01.html~~~India blasts rivals' role in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (AT) India is not happy with the important military role it says China and Pakistan played in the Sri Lanka's government decisive offensive against the LTTE. Top government officials in New Delhi have told Asia Times Online that India believes Colombo stockpiled arms and even sought help from military commanders from China and Pakistan before the offensive that decimated the LTTE and eventually killed Tiger chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran in May. zzz03185891
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE5591KQ20090610?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka deports Canadian legislator~~~Jun 10 (Reuters) Sri Lanka on Wednesday deported a Canadian legislator it views as sympathetic to the Tamil Tiger separatists, the latest foreign official it has sent out of the country at the end of a 25-year war. Bob Rae, a Liberal party legislator, said Sri Lanka's government had reached "ill-conceived and defamatory conclusions about me," and said his record showed he had spoken out against the Tigers during his prior involvement in the peace process.zzz03185892
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18360~~~Where in the world is there no Discrimination?~~~Jun 11 (AT) Sri Lanka has become an unfair pastime for some world leaders who are taking their condemnations against Sri Lanka a little too far. A country that has managed to eliminate the world’s worst terrorist outfit – its entire 3-tiered leadership deserves more respect than it is getting and it is a shame that even the UN and some of its heads are taking a personal vendetta against Sri Lanka and this needs to stop. zzz03185893
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18359~~~Sri Lanka India to launch campaign to promote Chinese tourists to Indian sub continent~~~Jun 11 (AT) For the first time in the history of Sri Lankan Tourism industry, Sri Lanka and India have decided to launch a joint extensive tourism promotion programme to promote Chinese Tourist market attraction more and more tourists to Indian sub continent. Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda and Nirupama Rao current Indian Ambassador in Beijing had a discussion on this proposal and zzz03185894
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18358~~~Colombo welcomes Indian stand on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (AT) The Sri Lankan government today appreciated sentiments expressed by Indian Foreign Secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon who had claimed in New Delhi, that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was "in a way right", when the Sri Lankan President has said he had fought India's war since the LTTE killed Rajiv Gandhi. Menon has said that it was a welcome statement from the Sri Lankan President because the security of Sri Lanka was interlinked with that of India.zzz03185895
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1495585137~~~Sri Lanka to get AirAsia low fare flights~~~Jun 11 (LBO) AirAsia said it will launch daily flights from Sri Lanka from August 15 offering promotional all-in fares as low as 4,090 rupees one way between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia-based carrier, known as Asia's largest low fare, no frills airline, said Colombo is an important destination for AirAsia to break into the south Asian market. "The low fares AirAsia is offering will create new demand and stimulate travel," zzz03185896
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=957571149~~~Sri Lanka open source firm starts free 'summer school'~~~Jun 11 (LBO) WSO2, a Sri Lankan software firm, is starting a free 'summer school' this month on open source software and service oriented architecture (SOA), the company said. The eight week program will help at enterprise IT architects and developers to become more familiar with SOA concepts, technologies and best practices, the company said. WSO2 says the developer community has been hit by the global economic downturn. zzz03185897
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1548219590~~~Sri Lanka regional chamber wins global award~~~Jun 11 (LBO) A regional Sri Lankan business chamber has won a top global award for its work after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in a competition which had entries from 33 countries, the organization said. The Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, its UK partner had won the award for the best networking project at the sixth World Chamber Congress in Malaysia. zzz03185898
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=613452979~~~Sri Lanka Finlay teas sell well in Iraq~~~Jun 11 (LBO) Sri Lanka's James Finlay group said tea exports to Iraq did well in 2008 despite the strife and that it expanded its marketing and launched a new product with higher profit margins. Chairman Kumar Jayasuriya said that Finlays Colombo made big investments on marketing in Iraq last year. " . . . Iraq was once again our single largest market, in spite of the difficulties faced by marketers due to the conditions prevailing there,"zzz03185900
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSCOL430797~~~Central bank sees $1.9 bln IMF deal end June~~~Jun 11 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's request for a $1.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan is expected to be approved by the end of June, the central bank governor said on Wednesday. "The indication that we have received overall is, before the end of this month, it will happen,"Ajith Nivard Cabraal told Reuters.zzz03185899
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/post_369.html~~~Statement of Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (TC) We appeal to all concerned to attend to the pressing needs of the time. We appeal to the government of Sri Lanka and all other concerned parties to allay the fears of the Tamil people and to address the dire needs of all those affected by the recent onslaught of war. The end of the war is most welcome, but the enormous death toll is a cause for great concern, as also the condition of very many survivors. zzz03185902
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408309.html~~~Jayasuriya and Dilshan set up victory~~~Jun 11 (CI) Sanath Jayasuriya may be turning 40 at the end of the month but his demolition of the West Indian attack, which paved the way for Sri Lanka's 15-run victory at Trent Bridge, was as violent as any innings played during his heydays. In the absence of Chris Gayle, Jayasuriya ensured that the crowd had its fill of massive hits, blitzing 81 off only 47 balls, and his occupation of centre stage was so complete that Tillakaratne Dilshan's second half-century of the tournament zzz03185903
http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13812566&fsrc=rss~~~Where next for Sri Lanka's Tamils?~~~Jun 11 (Economist) With the government's defeat of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil Tigers) and the end of the civil war, attention in Sri Lanka is turning to the future. Beyond the need for economic development in former war zones, and humanitarian support for civilians displaced by the conflict, the peacetime political role of the country's large Tamil minority is of key importance. zzz03185905
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/11/stories/2009061155511400.htm~~~A9 highway to be opened soon ~~~Jun 11 (Hindu) The A9 Highway, the only land route linking Jaffna peninsula to the rest of Sri Lanka, is to be opened shortly for commercial use by private traders. The peninsula is home to an estimated six lakh people. The A9 Highway was closed at the Omanthai checkpoint in the second week of August 2006,within days of the commencement of Eelam War IV, by the government on the ground that it had become a cash cow for the LTTE to sustain its war machinery.zzz03185906
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10091&Itemid=44~~~'No regulations implemented to control media'~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The government has no intention to control media freedom by enforcing such laws and no regulation has been implemented to control media in the country.The Government has given full freedom for media personnel to express their views for and against the government,the Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told Parliament today (10).zzz03185907
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 4~~~zzz03185908
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18385~~~Karunanidhi lists out the contradictions Jayalalithaa is on Lankan Tamils issue ~~~Jun 11 (AT) For the AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is "only at the time of elections" affair. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi slammed his arch rival so on Wednesday. In his usual letter to his party cadre in Murasoli, he alleged Jayalalithaa had justified killings of Tamils in Sri Lanka during the armed conflict by saying civilian deaths were common in a conflict zone. zzz03185909
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18381~~~Winning The Peace ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The territorial battle between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE is at an end. The entire leadership is no more, killed or has taken their lives. Over two hundred and eighty thousand people have come into government controlled areas with fear and anxiety in their eyes, some maimed and injured and some separated from their kith and kin. The mass exodus of the people held by the LTTE is a humanitarian catastrophe. zzz03185910
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18379~~~Private sector partner with the govt to remove plastic wastes from the IDP camps ~~~Jun 11 (AT) A local plastic recycling company –Kalhari Enterprises Heiyanthuduwa which accepted government offer to remove plastic waste from the IDP camps in Manikfarm, Vauniya says the plastic collection project was launched last week to provide better environment for the IDPs. The Solid Waste Management Unit of the Western provincial council made this offer which was accepted by zzz03185911
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124466281725103177.html#mod=todays_europe_economy_and_politics~~~Sri Lanka Targets Tamil Tigers' Overseas Support Network ~~~Jun 11 (WSJ) After routing the Tamil Tigers at home, the Sri Lankan government has set its sights on destroying the group's network overseas -- an effort that involves working closely with countries that were critical of Sri Lanka's tough tactics during the war. In recent weeks, Sri Lankan officials have been sifting through computer files, business cards and daily schedules taken from Tamil Tiger offices in the country's northzzz03185912
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/200906/2595099.htm?desktop~~~Sri Lanka pressures Australia over Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 11 (ABC) The Sri Lankan government wants Australia to follow through with secret plans made last year to declare the Tamil Tigers a terrorist group. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation understands the Australian government planned in secret to declare the Tamil Tiger rebels a banned terrorist group in November last year. This was despite opposition from the local Tamil community. zzz03185913
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Four+pro-LTTE+MPs+refused+leave+by+Sri+Lankan+parliament&artid=/xvj9sJ4qtQ=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=lanka,+mp,+leave,+ltte,+tamils&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~Four pro-LTTE MPs refused leave by parliament ~~~Jun 11 (PTI) Sri Lankan parliament today refused to grant leave to four pro-LTTE Tamil MPs from the house, accusing them of acting against the national interest and constitution by spreading false propaganda against the country abroad. The ruling United People Friend Alliance MPs expressed reservations against a proposal submitted by the four TNA MPs requesting three months leave from the Parliament.zzz03185914
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/06/10/bob-rae-on-being-banned-from-sri-lanka.aspx~~~Bob Rae on being banned from Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 11 (NP) On the evening of June 9, 2009, I arrived on a flight from Delhi to Colombo, Sri Lanka. I had successfully applied to the Sri Lankan High Commission for a visa and had discussed my visit with the Sri Lankan Commissioner, the Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.zzz03185915
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/243423--ottawa-expresses-dismay-and-displeasure-to-sri-lanka-for-booting-rae~~~Ottawa expresses 'dismay and displeasure' to Sri Lanka for booting Rae~~~Jun 11 (MN) The federal government expressed "dismay and displeasure" to the Sri Lankan government Wednesday after Liberal MP Bob Rae was detained and booted out of the country. Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Emma Welford called it "unacceptable treatment of a Canadian parliamentarian" and said it's absurd for anyone to suggest the former Ontario premier represented a security threat or is a supporter of the Tamil Tigers. zzz03185916
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090611/FOREIGN/706109848/1103/rss~~~Only peace can bring Tamils back to Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (National) At the Swiss Embassy in Colombo, an old Tamil woman fumbles with a flashy mobile phone as it rings. For several seconds, she does not know how to switch it on or off until a younger woman, seated next to her, shows how it is done. The old woman grins sheepishly, flashing a frustrated expression. For many years now, thousands of people, young and old, have crowded in front of European embassies in Colombo,zzz03185917
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/failed-imperialist-attempts-to-vanquish.html~~~Failed imperialist attempts to vanquish Sri Lanka - Part I ~~~Jun 11 (LG) In our two and half years of solid, unwavering and firm liberation war against thirty years of brutal terrorism, against the worst and ruthless terrorists of the world, so branded as the hyprocratic and double-tongued world’s #1 bandit nation, we were forced to fight not only in the war theatres of the Eastern and Western Provinces but also against the dollar-slavery vultures of zzz03185918
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/11/2595158.htm?section=justin~~~Australian govt scrapped plans to ban Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 11 (ABC) The ABC has seen evidence the Federal Government last year backed away from plans to declare the Tamil Tigers a terrorist organisation. The Sri Lankan Government has all but destroyed the Tamil Tigers but it wants Australia to help deliver the knockout blow by following the US and the UK in banning the group. zzz03185920
http://uthr.org/SpecialReports/spreport32.htm~~~A marred victory and a defeat pregnant with foreboding~~~Jun 11 (UTHR) This report covers key issues arising from the recently concluded war. It begins by examining current political prospects, and then moves on to a sketch of the last two months of the war primarily from the standpoint of civilians. While being frank about the LTTE’s cynical use of civilians, the report raises questions about the Government’s relentless move to crush the LTTE leadership while placing the civilians it held hostage at unacceptable risk. zzz03185919
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090610_womencricket.shtml~~~"We will defeat Pakistan" ~~~Jun 11 (BBC) The captain of Sri Lanka women’s team, Chamari Polgampola, says her team will win their first World Twenty20 game against Pakistan. “We have played much against Pakistan before and are aware of their strength. We must and we will win against Pakistan,” she told BBC Sandeshaya. Sri Lanka meets Pakistan on Friday at Taunton and it is Polgampola’s first international game as the Sri Lanka skipper.zzz03185921
http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?id=4932~~~Sri Lanka in crisis~~~Jun 11 (ACN) CATHOLIC charity Aid to the Church in Need is providing emergency aid to Sri Lanka after an urgent appeal for help from a bishop acting on behalf of people desperate for clean water, food and clothing. More than 250,000 people pouring out of the areas worst affected by the fighting in the north of the country are in critical need of basic help, with the Government struggling to keep pace with the demand for shelter and medical care.zzz03185922
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Four+pro-LTTE+MPs+refused+leave+by+Sri+Lankan+parliament&artid=mtKGld2lhlk=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=university,+human,+rights,+prabhakaran,+ltte&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~'Prabhakaran was tortured before being killed' ~~~Jun 11 (IANS) Tamil Tigers leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was tortured by the Sri Lankan military before being killed, a leading human rights body said in a report. The University Teachers for Human Rights (UTHR) quoted high-level military sources as saying that Prabhakaran was tortured in the presence of "a Tamil government politician and a general". The torture, it said, took place probably at the headquarters of the army's 53 Division,zzz03185923
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10096&Itemid=44~~~Banks to expand services in NP ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Central Bank has over the past 3 weeks granted approval to 67 new banking service outlets in the Northern province. Following the liberation of the entire Northern Province, banks have shown a considerable interest in resuming normal banking operations in the Northern Province. This has resulted in many licensed Commercial Banks and Licensed Specialized Banks seeking approval to open new branches and other banking outlets in the Northern Province,zzz03185924
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10097&Itemid=44~~~Northern development through rail link ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The railway line leading to Jaffna will help to forge strong economic, social and cultural ties which would strengthen north-south relations and even countries which acted against Sri Lanka have, praised the welfare programme launched by the government for the people in the north. The removal of landmines on the A-9 road and the reconstruction of the A-32 road are taking place. zzz03185925
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10101&Itemid=44~~~PM HR service providers' exhibition 2009 from June 23-24 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (IPM) will hold its annual Human Resource Conference and HR Service Providers' Exhibition from June 23-24 at the BMICH. The theme for 2009 is "People Drive Business"; 700 HR professionals will participate, the organizers said. With an impressive 55 stalls from various services, the exhibition will cover the many facets of HR professionals and service providers. zzz03185926
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10099&Itemid=44~~~Dengue bury 126 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The number of patients who have died due to dengue increased to 126 and more than 8,900 dengue patients have been reported so far,hospital reports said. Most of these patients are reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Kurunegala and Kegalle districts. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, the Ministry of Health is carrying out raids on dengue mosquito breeding grounds.zzz03185929
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10104&Itemid=44~~~Plan to involve IDPs in redevelopment process ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) “A majority of internally displaced persons are capable in assisting in the redevelopment of the North after resettlement. We would be able to involve them in the redevelopment process”, The Minister of Nation Building and Development S. M. Chandrasena said at a ceremony in the premises of the Government Food Stores, Orugodawtte, to hand over new garments for IDPs.zzz03185928
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10105&Itemid=44~~~'China to speed up Hambantota harbour project'~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Chinese government has decided to accelerate the development work of the Hambantota harbour and it was a myth that the international community had been hostile to Sri Lanka, Export Development and International Trade Minister G. L. Peiris said. He pointed out that China and Japan showed a keen interest in Sri Lanka at this hour during his meetings with zzz03185927
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10106&Itemid=44~~~The First ever sport museum to be opened in Ratnapura ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) Island's first ever museum depicting beliefs and history of sports in Sri Lanka will be ceremoniously opened on June 15 under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs Pavithra Wanniarachchi in Ratnapura, Media Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs Viraj Abesinghe said. The Museum is housed in the Kuruwita, Delgamuwa, area and it is sponsored by National Youth Services Council zzz03185930
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10108&Itemid=44~~~A National Institute on Health ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Government has decided to set up a national institute on health in order to create healthy and a strong labour force in the country. Such a force is essential for the development. National Institute on Vocational Security is to prevent accidents in the working places, Minister of Labour Relations and Manpower Athauda Seneviratne said in Parliament today (11).zzz03185931
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10100&Itemid=44~~~World Blood Donor Day 2009 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) Millions of people around the world owe their lives to individuals they will never meet – people who donate their blood to help others. But millions more still can’t get safe blood when they need it. World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14 every year, provides a unique opportunity to thank those very special people that help and to raise awareness about the need for more support.zzz03185932
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-israel-relations-emerging.html~~~Sri Lanka-Israel relations: The emerging trend of principled diplomacy ~~~Jun 11 (LG) Concerns raised and votes cast, this way or that, for or against us, help dispel doubts which linger concerning inter-state relations or affairs between states. If we needed a counter-response to our response on Israel’s recent war in Gaza, we received it during the recently concluded Special Session on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva – when Israel called for a human rights probe in Sri Lanka. zzz03185933
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-harass-visiting-tamils-at.html~~~Sri Lanka harass visiting Tamils at the Colombo airport~~~Jun 11 (LG) Tamils visiting Sri Lanka are being selectively taken into custody by the Sri Lankan intelligence officials and put under tormenting interrogation for several hours before they are allowed entry. The Tamils visiting from the European countries, Canada and USA are subject to humiliating investigations by the authorities. According to a victim, 15 Tamils arrived from UK were taken into custody and zzz03185938
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ethnic-cohesion-need-of-hour.html~~~Ethnic Cohesion – the need of the hour ~~~Jun 11 (LG) The Chairman while introducing me said that I belonged to a party that gave up the armed struggle and joined the democratic mainstream after the Indo-Lanka accord of 1987. But he had failed to mention one important point; in that process the party I belonged to have paid a very high price. More than seventy of our party members, most of them senior members, were assassinated by the LTTE. zzz03185935
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2436:shirani-bandaranayake-appointed-to-jsc-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Shirani Bandaranayake appointed to JSC ~~~Jun 11 (LT) Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as a member of the Judicial Service Commission by President Mahinda Rajapakse. The vacancy created in the presidency of the Judicial Service Commission with the retirement of former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has been filled by the present CJ Ashoka de Silva and Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was appointed to the vacant post in the commission.zzz03185936
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2432:consumer-affairs-authority-gives-permission-to-increase-flour-prices-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Consumer Affairs Authority gives permission to increase flour prices ~~~Jun 11 (LT) The Consumer Affairs Authority has given permission to Prima Company to increase prices of flour. As such the price of a packet of ‘Stella’ type flour would be increased by Rs.2.25. The price of a packet of flour that was Rs.63.75 would now be sold for Rs.66.00. This flour is used for making rotty. The Consumer Affairs Authority has also given permission to Prima Company to increase the price of ‘Penguin’ wheat flour by Rs.3.00.zzz03185937
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j11.shtml~~~JVP vehemently opposes any concessions to Tamils~~~Jun 11 (wsws) In a speech last Thursday, the leader of the opposition JVP, Somawansa Amarasinghe, stridently warned the Sri Lankan government not to “betray” the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE by making concessions to the island’s Tamil minority. President Mahinda Rajapakse has not the slightest intention of modifying the Sinhala supremacist character of the Sri Lankan state, zzz03185934
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2435:prices-of-vegetables-eggs-a-fish-up&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prices of vegetables, eggs & fish up ~~~Jun 11 (LT) Consumers have been greatly inconvenienced due to sky rocketing prices of vegetables, fish and eggs in the market. 500 grams of vegetables such as bean, carrot, beet is sold in the market for about Rs.80.00. Sri Lankan potatoes is Rs110.00 a kilo while B- onions is Rs.70.00. The price of eggs has gone up to Rs.12.00 an egg. Due to poor harvest in the sea around Sri Lanka and this being the beginning of the monsoon zzz03185939
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2434:kelaniya-university-tense&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Kelaniya University tense ~~~Jun 11 (LT) A tense atmosphere exists at University of Kelaniya due to an incident between students and residents in the area. Our reporter states all academic activities in the university have been stopped and residents are seen assembled outside the university premises. After an exchange of words that had occurred yesterday outsiders had entered the university premises and destroyed decorations that had been put up for “Bihidora Abiyasa,’ zzz03185940
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18391~~~Clash over LTTE property in Canada~~~Jun 11 (AT) Following the demise of LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, LTTE's known Financial Controller, K.Pathmanathan alias KP and the Collector of ransom from Tamils in Canada identified as Thava Eliyathambi have clashed last week over the LTTE's properties and share market investments over there, reports reaching Colombo from Toronto revealed. Eliyathambi is reported to have been a close trusted associate of late Prabhakaran and zzz03185943
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18390~~~A Tamil thanks Mahinda for bringing an end to the war~~~Jun 11 (AT) For decades, I grew up with the Tamil and Sinhala politics. I went through high and low emotions with the political and military events that took place in my country. I experienced people divided Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims. Finally, I have seen the war, violence, destruction, human loss and loss of the Tamil humanity through the Eelam wars. Always, in my inner mind, I was asking myself a question, that is,zzz03185942
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18389~~~SL Foreign Minister to brief Canadian counterpart on Bob Rae deportation~~~Jun 11 (AT) Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogallagama will today contact his counterpart in Canada to brief him on Sri Lanka's stand to refuse entry to Canadian Liberal Party member Bob Rae, Foreign Ministry disclosed this morning. Rae was briefly detained at the Colombo Airport Katunayake yesterday following information by intelligence authorities that the Canadian MP was a LTTE sympathiser.zzz03185946
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18388~~~The great federal controversy resurrected ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The great federal debate began long before Prabhakaran was born. But it was Prabhakaran who committed the Sri Lanka government to accept it as a matter that requires examination as the solution to the problem in the Oslo Declaration We did so in a state of feebleness before the Norwegians just as when we signed the 13th amendment before the Indians. The UNP is more servile and subjugated to international opinion than any other political party except the Communist Party.zzz03185944
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18376~~~China and Japan to expand business, investment in conducive sri Lanka climate ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The military defeat of the LTTE and the resultant post-war climate have aroused foreign interest in expanding business and investment in Sri Lanka, a Sri Lankan minister said. Prof GL.Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade who was returning from visits to Japan and China said that there was genuine interest to further business opportunities and investment now that earlier uncertainties had ended with the defeat of the LTTE.zzz03185945
no~~~Bob Rae kept of Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185941
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/New-chief-justice-is-full-praise-predecessor/2761.htm~~~New chief justice is full of praise for predecessor~~~Jun 11 (CT) Chief justice Joseph Asoka N. Silva is full of praise for his predecessor, from whom he took over just two days ago. The new CJ says he will try to emulate Sarath N. Silva in carrying out his functions as the head of the Sri Lankan judiciary. He was speaking today (June 10) at the Judicial Services Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where a reception was held in his honour.zzz03185947
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Poddalaya-Jayantha-attack-denounced-media-supporters/2762.htm~~~Poddalaya Jayantha attack denounced by media supporters~~~Jun 11 (CT) Supporters of the media gathered in their numbers in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday (June 10) to denounce the abduction and assault of Poddala Jayantha, secretary of the Working Journalists Association. Media professionals, journalists, trade unionists and civil society activists held a protest in front of Viharamaha Devi Park and then met for a discussion at J.R. Jayewardene Centre.zzz03185949
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44729.html~~~Sarath Fonseka to be appointed as the Chief of Defense Staff with more powers~~~Jun 11 (LNP) Government sources say that the retiring Army Commander Sarath Fonseka is to be appointed the Chief of Defense Staff with additional powers. The Prime Minister yesterday tabled in the parliament a draft act on increasing powers and defining duties of the Chief of Defense Staff. In accordance with the draft act, the President may appoint one of the commanders of the three armed forces as the Chief of Defense Staff andzzz03185948
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44725.html~~~Tri Star Apparel goes to Trinco~~~Jun 11 (LNP) The Tri Star Apparel group, a leading garment manufacturer in the country has taken the initiative to open the first garment factory under the Nagenahira Navodaya concept in Thambalagamuwa in the Trincomalee district. The Tri-Star group stands out in its pioneering efforts to provide employment opportunities and harness the rural talents of the country, by setting up factories across Sri Lanka under the company s Rural Empowerment Concept. zzz03185950
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44726.html~~~A dove speaks~~~Jun 11 (LNP) The UNP has suffered more than any other political party at the hands of the LTTE. Prabhakaran systematically decapitated it within a span of few years beginning from the assassination of de facto Defence Minister of the Premadasa government Gen. Ranjan Wijeratne in 1991, followed by that of President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993. In 1994, Prabhakaran, while having talks with the Kumaratunga government, destroyed Gamini Dissanayake and zzz03185951
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/11/news01.asp~~~Foreign Minister tells Akashi: Revise Co-Chairs’ role ~~~Jun 11 (DN) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in a discussion with visiting Japanese Special Envoy Yashushi Akashi yesterday noted that there was a need to revise the role of the Co-Chairs in the light of the current developments in the country. Tracing the history of the Co-Chairs to the Tokyo Conference in June 2003, the Minister stressed the need to broaden the agenda and a shifting the focus to a more development oriented outlook zzz03185952
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/11/fea01.asp~~~Taking care of IDPs: Progress so far ~~~Jun 11 (DN) The people who have been displaced due to the recently concluded North-East Humanitarian Operation are being provided with necessary shelter, medical and other facilities by the Sri Lankan Government. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed a special committee to look into the urgent needs of these IDPs and find out the necessary solutions. Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath is also a member of this important committee. zzz03185953
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/11/fea15.asp~~~Lanka then and now ~~~Jun 11 (DN) Our nation is facing a situation which requires foresight and determination on the part of our leaders. The forces are wide and varied without any ethical qualms. Attempts have been made before to unleash a wave of unrest but they have not succeeded. Our brave security forces have weathered these attacks with determination and resolution and created through out the country a sense of patriotism which lay dormant after five centuries of foreign domination. zzz03185955
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/11/fea03.asp~~~'Give them to the Probation and Child Care Services Department'~~~Jun 11 (DN) Extracts from an exclusive interview conducted with the Probation and Child Cares Services Commissioner Sarath Abeygunawardana. Here he talks about IDP children, adopting children, children staying in orphanages and the society’s responsibility towards children. Q: What is the latest situation of the internally displaced children staying in welfare villages? zzz03185956
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/11/news3.html~~~Section-by-section drafting of ‘final APRC document’ ~~~Jun 11 (Island) The All Party Representatives Committee (APRC), convened to work out a political solution to the ethnic conflict is in the process of drafting the ‘final document’ of its deliberations, section-by-section, having reached ‘consensus on all political issues’but a specific date cannot be pinpointed as to when the final document could be brought out, APRC chairman Prof. Tissa Vitarana told zzz03185957
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/11/news1.html~~~Mangala threatened with corruption probe; No action on Milinda~~~Jun 11 (Island) The government yesterday warned dissident SLFP MP Mangala Samaraweera, MP, that his involvement in several high profile transactions during his tenure as a minister in the CBK administration would be probed. Power Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday said that the CID had launched an inquiry. zzz03185959
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/11/business1.html~~~Presidential commission mooted to review ‘private’ deals~~~Jun 11 (Island) Nihal Sri Ameresekere, former Chairman of the Public Enterprises Reform Commission and the applicant of the two fundamental rights applications before the Supreme Court which resulted in the nullification of the privatization of Lanka Marine Services and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, said the President should be bold enough to appoint a special presidential commission to look into all the privatization deals since the economy was opened in 1977.zzz03185958
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/11/news20.html~~~Sirisena’s foreign jaunts cost Rs. 6.4 mn~~~Jun 11 (Island) A massive sum of Rs 6,460,000/= had been spent by Agriculture and Agrarian Service Minister Maitripala Sirisena on eight foreign trips he had gone on during the last two years, Parliament was told yesterday. He had been to China, Vietnam, the UK, Rome, Philippines, Cypress and twice to New Delhi, was an answer tabled by Chief Government Whip, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena zzz03185960
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51571~~~Lieutenant colonel further detained~~~Jun 11 (DM) The Army Lieutenant Colonel who was alleged to have links with the LTTE and suspected of conspiring and aiding and abetting with the LTTE to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksa was remanded till July 30 by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Ms. Dharshika Wimalasiri yesterday. The magistrate ordered the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) to obtain the Government Analyst’s report on the explosives and zzz03185961
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51517~~~Wild rice varieties wrecking havoc ~~~Jun 11 (DM) Paddy cultivators, administrators and senior politicians in the Matara district expressed concern about the fast spreading wild rice varieties that affect the paddy cultivation in the district. During the recent meeting of the Nilwala Reconstruction Commttee at the District Secretariat they pointed out that more than 4000 acres of paddy fields have been affected by the growth of wild rice varieties. zzz03185962
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51566~~~Only 200 teachers reported out of 954 new appointments ~~~Jun 11 (DM) Education Minister Susil Premajayantha told Parliament yesterday that out of a total of 954 appointments given during the first week of June, only 200 graduate teachers had reported for duty so far. The Minister said that all these graduates were recruited to the teachers service based on the schools where the vacancies existed. He warned that their appointments would be cancelled unless they reported for duty within 14 days.zzz03185963
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51556~~~Rs. 16.7m worth Sri Lankan tea imported mysteriously says JVP~~~Jun 11 (DM) The JVP said yesterday that a quantity of exported Sri Lankan tea worth Rs. 16.7 million has been imported to the country in a mysterious way. JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti told Parliament that there were records in the customs in this regard, and the matter was taken up at the parliamentary consultative committee last week. “It was reported that this bulk of tea had been rejected by the foreign buyer. zzz03185965
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906111670.htm~~~Swaminathan presents roadmap for reviving agriculture in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 11 (PTI) M S Swaminathan, father of India's Green Revolution, has come up with a roadmap for revival of agriculture in northern Sri Lanka, devastated by the war with the LTTE and warned that any failure to address this issue will delay the task of resettlement of Tamils in Wanni. "If agriculture revival does not take place in the north in a speedy manner, then the whole question of revival will take a long time," zzz03185964
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1732471094~~~'Sri Lanka gem expo attracts top buyers'~~~Jun 11 (LBO) Representatives from the world's most active gemstone buying countries will participate at an annual international gem and jewellery exhibition in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo in which more foreign exhibitors also taking part this year, organizers said. The 'FACETS' exhibition is being held in Colombo this September for the 19th year. "Buyers from China, Russia, Thailand, India and Hong Kong and exhibitors from India and Myanmar have already confirmed theirzzz03185966
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1418153368~~~Sri Lanka ruling party popularity could help budget: S&P~~~Jun 11 (LBO) The electoral popularity of President Mahinda Rajapaksa could help improve Sri Lanka's budget by reducing the clout of smaller extremist parties, Standard & Poor's rating agency has said. S & P said in an Asia-Pacific rating report that the defeat of the Tamil Tigers represented a "landmark achievement, which should provide an impetus to growth through reconstruction spending and increased investor confidence." zzz03185967
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8094666.stm~~~UN concern over Sri Lanka camps~~~Jun 11 (BBC) Most of Sri Lanka's displaced people could still be kept in government-run camps in one year's time, a UN official has told the BBC quoting army sources. But the government rejected the suggestion, saying that it aimed to resettle most by the end of this year. About 250,000 people fled the final bloody phase of the civil war between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels. Meanwhile, a human rights group accused the government of failing to probe rights abuses during the conflict. zzz03185968
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/649031~~~Bob Rae's Sri Lanka nightmare~~~Jun 11 (Star) Bob Rae says he was asked to sign a document disavowing comments the Sri Lankan government deemed sympathetic to the Tamil Tigers shortly before he was ejected from the war-ravaged country. A foreign affairs department spokesperson said the federal government has expressed its "dismay and displeasure" to Sri Lankan officials over the expulsion, adding that "it is absurd to suggest that Mr. Rae represents a threat to Sri Lankan national security." zzz03185969
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090611/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~Amnesty says Sri Lanka fails to probe war abuses~~~Jun 11 (AP) The Sri Lankan government has never seriously investigated reports of human rights abuses during 25 years of civil war and needs to rapidly overhaul its justice system to bring peace to the country, Amnesty International said Thursday. The London-based rights group said the problem is even more urgent in the wake of the government's defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels last month in a bloody offensive that left more than 7,000 civilians dead, according to the United Nations.zzz03185970
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINCOL49213320090611?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Major post-war aid to Sri Lanka will take time-Japan~~~Jun 11 (Reuters) Japan said on Thursday Sri Lanka needs to wait until "the dust of the war" settles before donors take a closer look at the massive development aid needed to rebuild after a 25-year war with Tamil Tigers. Japan's special envoy to Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, also said there had been "tangible progress" in the care given to nearly 280,000 refugees displaced by the war, butzzz03185971
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/sri-lanka-discredits-itself/article1177121/~~~Sri Lanka discredits itself ~~~Jun 11 (G&M) The decision by Sri Lanka to turn away Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae is more than an insult to a distinguished Canadian who has worked at some personal risk to end violence in that country, but is an affront to Canada itself, a Commonwealth friend that has supported Sri Lankan peace efforts and which in 2006 strengthened the Sri Lankan government's hand by listing, correctly if belatedly, the LTTE as a terrorist organization.zzz03185955.2
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 5~~~zzz03185952.1
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2595448.htm~~~Australia urged to do more for human rights in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 12 (ABC) PETER CAVE: The Australian Medical Association wants the Government here to find out what happened to three Sri Lankan doctors reportedly detained by government troops for speaking to journalists about civilian casualties during the final days of the war, and 15 prominent Australians have written to the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd asking him to push the Sri Lankan Government to allow access to refugee camps.zzz03185974
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408454.html~~~Mathews' fielding effort legal, says MCC~~~Jun 12 (CI) Angelo Mathews' acrobatic fielding effort in Sri Lanka's match against West Indies at Trent Bridge on Wednesday conformed to the Laws of Cricket, the MCC has said. Such "brilliant and quick-thinking" acts, it said, are good for the game and should not be deemed illegal. Mathews was stationed on the wide long-on boundary when, in the 17th over of the chase, Ramnaresh Sarwan lofted Ajantha Mendis in his direction. zzz03185975
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906111881.htm~~~Sri Lanka's Tamil party seeks demilitarisation of northern parts ~~~Jun 12 (PTI) With the LTTE having been defeated, a prominent Tamil party of Sri Lanka on Thursday demanded speedy rehabilitation and demilitarisation of northern parts of the country and asked New Delhi to press Colombo to do so. A four-member delegation of TNA), which met External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon here, said a committee should be set up to monitor utilisation of Indian funds by Sri Lanka and that the panel should include a TNA representative. zzz03185976
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Prabhakaran+did+not+have+cyanide+capsule+when+captured&artid=PfN87sfGKKo=~~~Prabhakaran did not have cyanide capsule when captured ~~~Jun 12 (PTI) He made every fighter of his guerrilla outfit wear a cyanide capsule to be swallowed in the event of getting captured, but Vellupillai Prabhakaran himself did not carry one when he was killed by the Sri Lankan troops in the last phase of the 30-year-old bloody civil war. Sri Lankan troops did not find any cyanide capsule on the LTTE leader's body after he was killed during the final phase of the 30-year-old civil war,zzz03185977
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10113&Itemid=51~~~Summary of cabinet decisions~~~Jun 12 (GDI) Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Higher Education W.A. Wishwa Warnapala to construct a building for the Department of quantity surveying university of Moratuwa to the total cost estimate of Rs. 75 million and to construct the student center building for the faculty of engineering university of Peradeniya to the total cost estimate of Rs. 36 million.zzz03185978
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=715506221~~~Sri Lankan bank to light-up Uganda~~~Jun 12 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Commercial Bank of Ceylon is planning to finance renewable power plants in Africa with the help of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an official said. Gamini Dharmasiri, head of corporate banking at Commercial Bank, says the bank is looking at projects in Africa similar to the kind of renewable energy projects funded in Sri Lanka. zzz03185979
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=332167385~~~Sri Lanka ship builder delivers last tug for India's Greatship~~~Jun 12 (LBO) Colombo Dockyard said it had delivered the last of four anchor handling supply tugs built for the Indian firm Greatship in a deal worth 66 million US dollars. The owners' representatives as well as those representing the financiers participated in the handover ceremony Wednesday. The 'Greatship Aditi' and the other three vessels in the series was based on a design developed by MOSS Maritime AS of Norway andzzz03185989
http://www.ahrchk.net/pr/mainfile.php/2009mr/646/~~~President Obama asked to intervene in Rizana Nafeek's case ~~~Jun 12 (AHRC) As President Obama is to visit the Saudi Arabian authorities tomorrow the Asian Human Rights Commission has issued an appeal for him to intervene on behalf of Rizana Nafeek whose appeal against the death sentence has been pending for several months now. Rizana Nafeek who was a 17-year-old girl from Sri Lanka was sentenced to death, allegedly for killing an infant whose death was, in fact, caused by choking during bottle feeding. zzz03185981
http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2009/3174/~~~A local criminal disables a man and police fail to act ~~~Jun 12 (AHRC) The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that police and the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission have failed to investigate case in which a man was attacked and disabled by thugs allegedly working for a local criminal. The case highlights a relationship of convenience between criminal informers and the police in Moragahahena, and unwillingness on the part of the SLHRC. zzz03185982
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ashokan-persona-and-rooster-coop.html~~~‘Ashokan Persona’ and the ‘Rooster Coop’ ~~~Jun 12 (LG) Michael Roberts’ article, Some Pillars for Lanka’s Future, is a useful reference in discussing some of the more important contemporary issues in Sri Lanka. His concept of ‘Ashokan Persona’ meaning: ‘the Big Man (invariably male) has to control every fiddling little thing. My theory therefore highlights a deeply-rooted cultural tendency towards the over-concentration of power at the head of organisations and zzz03185983
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/letter-from-uncle-to-nephew.html~~~Letter from an Uncle to a nephew ~~~Jun 12 (LG) Dear Grand nephew, I have omitted your name, because the purpose of this letter is not to embarrass or humiliate you. However, my attention has been drawn to the triumphalist and jingoist remarks that you have posted on Facebook. I do not intend to repeat them here but it is obvious that you have been swept by the chauvinist fever following the military defeat of the LTTE. zzz03185984
no~~~MP thrown out for improper garb ~~~Jun 12 (LT) TNA Parliamentarian Thangeshwari Kadirgamar who had come to Parliament wearing a garment that is not proper to worn to the Parliament was removed from the chambers. A spokesman said the female Parliamentarian was removed from the chambers as she was wearing a Panjabi suit which was not a proper garment to be worn in the Parliament.zzz03185985
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7842~~~8,000 of the 10,000 principals failed examination~~~Jun 12 (LeN) “The entire education of Sri Lanka has been politicized and collapsed. Eighty percent of the education officers are political appointees. Eight thousand of the 10,000 principals are politically chosen persons who have failed the recruitment examination. After 2005, no proper selection of principals has taken place. Although the authorities say that the 2006 gazette will be followed for the principal appointments, zzz03185986
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8096132.stm~~~Jayasuriya has Sri Lanka backing ~~~Jun 12 (BBC) Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has told Sanath Jayasuriya to continue his return to form against Pakistan in their Super Eight game on Friday. Jayasuriya struck 81 off 47 balls in the win over West Indies on Wednesday. "As a side, we have never had questions over what he can do," said Sangakkara. "We were just waiting till he made his way into the tournament. zzz03185980
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10115&Itemid=44~~~Ambassador Gunaratna lauds Myanmar for being a "friend indeed" ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) While receiving the donation of US$ 50.000 of the Union Government of Myanmar to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Myanmar, Newton Gunaratna said that the friendship between the two nations grows day by day. The Government Union of Myanmar donated US$ 50,000 to Sri Lanka as humanitarian assistance today (11) which will be utilized for the welfare activities of the IDPs in the North.zzz03185988
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=84805~~~"Too many people" at huge IDP camp - UN ~~~Jun 12 (IRIN) Conditions at a huge government-run camp for IDPs in Sri Lanka are still unsatisfactory, the UN’s top official in the country told IRIN, despite some improvements. “The fundamental issue is that there are too many people in too small a place,” said Neil Buhne, the UN resident coordinator in Sri Lanka, adding: “We think it is the largest IDP camp in the world.” zzz03185987
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13829429&fsrc=rss~~~Victory's rotten fruits~~~Jun 12 (Economist) The defeat of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan army should be cause for almost universal celebration—whatever its manner. The foreign governments that had banned the Tigers as terrorists and from whose Tamil minorities some of the Tigers’ funds had been extorted are glad to see them beaten. So too are Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese majority, after a 26-year civil war. But Sri Lankan Tamils should also rejoice. zzz03185990
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=TTN&artid=162842~~~Sri Lanka ‘ideal getaway’~~~Jun 12 (TA) Sri Lanka is an ideal getaway for regional travellers being only three and a half hours flying time away from the Gulf, says a regional director of a tourism promotion bureau. “The island nation is one of the most exciting places to visit this summer with peace finally prevailing,” said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. This summer Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holiday maker an exciting array of options.zzz03185991
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/11/letters-sri-lankan-ambassador-clarifies.html~~~Letters: Sri Lankan Ambassador clarifies~~~Jun 12 (JP) I wish to refer to the article which appeared in The Jakarta Post of June 6 titled "IOM takes over case of Afghan and Pakistani immigrants". The article quoted embassy official Kapila Ubeysekera saying that "Kapila said there was no guarantee of their safety when they returned home, despite the country's victory over the Tamil rebel forces." The embassy official categorically denies the above statement was made by him.zzz03185992
http://www.livemint.com/2009/06/12001636/India8217s-seabed-claim-may.html?h=B~~~India’s seabed claim may lead to dispute with Sri Lanka~~~Jun 12 (LM) Even as the general election was on in May, India quietly staked claim to nearly half a million sq. km of seabed that contains potentially large reserves of oil, minerals, metals and gas hydrates. In the next few weeks, it’s likely to vie for another half a million sq. km, some of which may conflict with a similar claim by Sri Lanka on the unmarked seabed. “There could be some dispute with Sri Lanka,” said a top government official involved in preparing India’s claim,zzz03185993
no~~~Students 'Living in fear' after attacks~~~zzz03185994
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-untamed-tiger/475115/0~~~The untamed Tiger~~~Jun 12 (IE) On May 18, 2009, the Sri Lanka Armed Forces (SLAF) overran the last defences of the LTTE and, in the process, killed its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and most of his closest aides. This, in turn, has presented Sri Lanka with a golden opportunity to heal wounds and usher in peace. Prabhakaran raised the LTTE in 1972 with just 10 other students, dropouts like him, and first came to public notice at the age of 18, when he assassinated the Mayor of Jaffna, Alfred Doriappa.zzz03185995
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7843~~~Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy tries to bag entire credit of Api Wenuwen Api~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Api Wenuwen Api programme in Italy was one of the most successful events in terms of participation and collection of funds. It has also become one of the most controversial events. Around 18,000 people have participated in the event simply because they wanted to contribute to a worthy project. According to a budget released by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome, the entire collection after deducting the cost is Euro 276,989.zzz03185996
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_wanni_idpsthe_path_to_reco.html~~~The Wanni IDPs-The path to reconciliation and reintegration~~~Jun 12 (TC) Today we are told that there are 300,000 internally displaced persons from what is called the Vanni regions of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, who are in camps which are surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. The Government has stated that they will be kept in these camps and resettled in their original towns and villages after a period of six months and that security concerns i. e. screening and registration,zzz03185997
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/784~~~'LSSP did not promote separatism'~~~Jun 12 (DBS) The thoughtful letter on the rise of triumphalism in Sri Lanka written by “podi seeya” Upali Cooray to his grand nephew was posted on this blog under the heading “Chauvinist fever following military defeat of LTTE”. The piece was well-received and evoked a wide range of responses. Most of them if not all appreciated the analytical advice proffered by Upali Cooray a veteran leftist with a Trotskyite background.zzz03185999
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/775.htm~~~Is the Sri Lankan Tamil nation moving towards extinction? ~~~Jun 12 (IL) Although many countries around the world urge the Sri Lankan government to fulfill the political demands of Tamils through peaceful means, these countries have shown little interest to jump into the conflict to make a deal between the warring Tamils and Sinhalese. All question the legitimacy of the global governments who once said that Sri Lanka should be brought to court of justice, but then changed their tone saying that Sri Lanka should embrace the Tamils,zzz03185998
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18397 ~~~Estate workers fight against to eliminate use of alcohol~~~Jun 12 (AT) Forty Five year old married estate woman A.Logamma who was addicted to alcohol since her 19 yrs says alcohol is a dangerous family burner. Logamma who resides at Sirinivasa Watta in Kosgama said she spent Rs.150.00 [over 1 US$] per day for alcohol. "I have friends in nearby villages. They asked me to enjoy alcohol. One day I used alcohol with them," she said.zzz03186000
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408487.html~~~Sri Lanka favourites against rusty Pakistan~~~Jun 12 (CI) Is there a team more fascinating to watch than Sri Lanka? Of all the teams that have come into the Super Eights undefeated, none has done it as beautifully as Sri Lanka. South Africa have been too efficient to love, India too imposing (and under-tested) to admire. But Sri Lanka? They have made art in comprehensively defeating Australia and West Indies in the group of death. zzz03186003
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/12/stories/2009061255091300.htm~~~Colombo’s plea to Co-Chairs ~~~Jun 12 (Hindu) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday announced it was ready to help in facilitating the surrender of remaining LTTE cadre even as Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama urged the Sri Lanka Co-Chairs (U.S., EU, Japan and Norway) to “revise” their role in the post-conflict scenario. The Minister told visiting Japanese Special Envoy Yashushi Akashi, that the Co-Chairs needed to broaden their agenda and shift focus to development.zzz03186002
no~~~Media right groups protest~~~zzz03186001
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/AMMF-7SWRAB?OpenDocument~~~End of mission for French field hospital in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 12 (AFP) The French field hospital treating Sri Lanka's war wounded closed down after caring for nearly 2,500 civilians, a diplomat said Thursday. The 100-bed hospital in the northern town of Cheddikulam, 90 kilometres southwest of the final battle, carried out 250 surgeries before ending its work on Wednesday. "The aim of the mission was to provide a temporary help for the treatment of IDPs during the end of the conflict," he said.zzz03186004
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63274~~~Okinawa soldiers ready Sri Lanka aid ~~~Jun 12 (S&S) The Army garrison here has responded to cries for help from Sri Lanka, which has been torn apart by a bloody civil war. In response to reports that some hospitals in the island nation were destroyed in recent fighting, soldiers with the 87th Quartermaster Detachment joined with Japanese warehouse workers from the garrison to load 26 containers of health care, nutritional supplies and vehicles for shipment to Sri Lanka. zzz03186005
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1504562884~~~Sri Lanka private sector, UNHCR pave the way for returning refugees~~~Jun 12 (LBO) A United Nations agency is getting private sector support to help re-settle a part of the 660,000 refugees in the country who are starting to return to their former homes, officials said. Sri Lanka defeated Tamil Tiger separatists in a two and a half year campaign with first the East, then the Northwest and finally the Northeast areas under Tiger control being re-taken. "In Sri Lanka now we have 660,000 displaced persons," zzz03186006
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124476890772308673.html~~~Sri Lanka begins painful reconciliation~~~Jun 12 (WSJ) Sinnathamby Raja, once a cog in this country's brutal war, is now trying to be part of its shaky peace. When he was 26 years old and already a 13-year veteran of violence with the Tamil Tiger rebels, Mr. Raja led a hit squad that detonated a bomb inside the office of a political party allied with the government. Then he gunned down those who survived the blast. Soon after the 2006 attack, which he says killed 10 people, he tossed out his cyanide tablet zzz03186007
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10119&Itemid=44~~~A new programme to issue land Ownership Certificates~~~Jun 12 (GDI) The Ministry of Land is to implement a programme to issue Ownership Certificates for all property in the country to diminish the prevailing complexity of land deeds under the Bim Saviya. Bim Saviya is a program launched under “Mahinda Chintana” by the Ministry of Land and Land Development in order to strengthen the ownership of land and to make land strength to the nation.zzz03186008
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10116&Itemid=44~~~Govt. outlines procedure for media visits to IDP camps ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) The government will speedily expedite the process of affording opportunities for journalists to visit welfare centres in the North housing the internally displaced, ministerial sources said this morning. They said the normal procedure of clearance from the defence authorities was a priority to accommodate requests from the media for such purpose.zzz03186015
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/in-search-of-formula-for-national.html~~~In search of a formula for national reconciliation ~~~Jun 12 (LG) Once upon a time when the Attanagalu Oya was in spate, a Sinhalese and a Muslim were crossing it in a boat. The boat capsized half way through and the Sinhalese true to tradition, started praying to God Kataragama for his salvation. He was making a vow that he would offer seven pots of milk rice, seven fruits and a statue to the God if he was saved. The Muslim who was clinging on to the other end of the boat took a cue from his friend, although he had no faith in Kataragama.zzz03186010
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/president-is-presiding-over-skulduggery.html~~~The President is presiding over skulduggery ~~~Jun 12 (LG) Intoxicated with unquestionable authority, the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse is presiding over the country with unfair and dishonest practices engineered to trick the people and the international community. The post-outright military victory against the LTTE has not seen any major political move towards reconciliation and initiation of peace in the country. Instead, the government is engaged in a distasteful wangling to thwart dealing zzz03186011
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tigers-reduced-to-kittens.html~~~Tigers reduced to kittens! ~~~Jun 12 (LG) Three decades of terrorist war waged against the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka by the LTTE came to an end on May 18, 2009 when the Sri Lankan security forces managed to crush the terrorist menace by eliminating the LTTE (Tiger) leader, Megalomaniac murderer, Velupillai Prabhakaran and all his henchmen. This laudable deed thus created a new world record registering Sri Lanka in the Guinness Book of Records as the zzz03186012
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/hambantota-gwadar-update.html~~~Hambantota & Gwadar - An Update~~~Jun 12 (LG) The foundation for the construction of a modern port with Chinese assistance at Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka was formally laid in October,2007. The construction actually started in January,2008. It is a 15-year project to be completed in stages. The entire project is estimated to cost US $ one billion. The present Chinese commitment is for the construction of the first stage only, which is estimated to cost US $ 360 million. zzz03186013
http://www.countercurrents.org/sinnathurai110609.htm~~~Strategic thinking and renouncing of violence~~~Jun 12 (CC) The Tamil Diaspora could be an eloquent voice for the suffering people in the Tamil territories. But the Tamils who live through the daily post-war trauma must be given the choice and the will to elect their leaders from among themselves. To achieve this end the Diaspora must fight not usurp. This indeed is a fundamental democratic principle. The Tamils who live in the island have had enough of this cut-throat conflict. zzz03186014
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Discreet_concern_of__concerned_Tamils_for_expelled_Northern_Muslims-20-1095.html~~~Discreet concern of concerned Tamils for expelled Northern Muslims~~~Jun 12 (PSM) Recent statement of Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka has indirectly recognized the forcible expulsion of the Muslims from the North in 1990 by the LTTE. The statement which has names of some selected members of the Tamil community both in Sri Lanka and abroad has not specifically mentioned the ethnic cleansing of the Muslims by the LTTE in 1990. "It has carefully avoided any direct reference to the war crime, the vicitms and the perpetrators.zzz03186009
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10117&Itemid=44~~~FM highlights triumph of quiet diplomacy in eliminating terrorism ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) The Sri Lanka’s highly successful and constructive engagement with the international community in playing a major role in eliminating the terrorism from the island was highlighted the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday. He made this observation during a debate in Parliament this week. The Minister hailed the triumph of Sri Lanka’s quiet diplomacy in being able to secure an uninterrupted supply line to zzz03186016
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10120&Itemid=44~~~International Day against Child Labour falls today ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) The Ministry of Labour Relations and Manpower is to conduct 56 programs island wide to mark the International Day against Child Labour which falls today (12), a press release issued from the ministry stated. The chief objective of the programmes is to educate parents on preventing child labor, a generation to take over the county in future, it said. These programs will be in place under the guidance of zzz03186017
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10122&Itemid=44~~~Civilian rehabilitation and reconciliation well in progress~~~Jun 12 (GDI) "The war against the terrorists is now over, and the Tamil-speaking people should be protected. They should be able to live without fear and mistrust," President Mahinda Rajapaksa said declaring victory. The President well knew that reconciliation and rehabilitation would be his key concerns soon and rightly the subject of the Sri Lanka government from then on.zzz03186018
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10124&Itemid=44~~~Japan grants Rs. 13 Million for two livelihood projects in Monaragala and Polonnaruwa ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) The Japanese government granted Rs. 10 million for an agricultural and livelihood project in Monaragala and Rs. 3 million for a health project in Polonnaruwa to improve the living standards of the people, a press release issue from the Japanese embassy stated. These two projects will improve the living standards of 1,000 targeted families. The two Grant Contracts were singed between Ambassador of Japan Kunio Takahashi, and zzz03186019
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2442:sri-lankas-sovereignty-a-integrity-should-be-strongly-defended--new-chief-justice&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Sri Lanka's sovereignty & integrity should be strongly defended – New Chief Justice ~~~Jun 12 (LT) Sri Lanka should strongly safeguard and protect its sovereignty and integrity while co-existing in harmony and tolerance with other nations said new Chief Justice Ashoka de Silva. CJ Ashoka de Silva said the sovereignty and integrity of the island should be strongly safeguarded and protected. He said “We may be a small nation in the scale of territories and people, but in protecting our sovereignty, zzz03186020
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2443:a-thug-minister-assaulted-students--udul-premaratne&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'A thug minister assaulted students'~~~Jun 12 (LT) The clash that occurred at Kelaniya University yesterday was manipulated by an organized group on instructions of a powerful minister in the area says convener of the Inter Universities Students' Federation Udul Premaratne. He says the intention of creating a disturbance was to sabotage the final day celebrations of the 'Bihidora Abiyasa' art festival organized by the Student's Union of Kelaniya University. zzz03186022
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18414~~~Tamil National Alliance cracking fast after LTTE defeat~~~Jun 12 (AT) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), known as the proxy of the now defunct LTTE terror outfit, is fast cracking after the elimination of the LTTE and several MPs in the TNA coalition are likely to form an independent team in Parliament, well informed Tamil political sources revealed today. The planned group of 'independent' TNA members are likely to enter the fold of the PLOTE and EPRLF and zzz03186023
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7847~~~Gotabhaya to enter politics from Kurunegala~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse is reportedly to be appointed as a SLFP electoral organizer of Kurunegala district. He is likely to contest the general election to be held at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. A dialogue is underway to bring him to direct politics, sources say. The Defense Secretary repeatedly said in media discussions that he had no idea to enter politics.zzz03186025
no~~~Comedian Anesley Dias passed away~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Legendary comedian Anesley Dias passed away this morning (12) in his house in Kelaniya. He became popular as ‘Hamu Mahaththaya’ in ‘Vinoda Samaya’ comic radio drama. Later, he acted roles in a number of TV programmes. Mr. Dias was a past student of St. Alosius College, Dalugama and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. He was 81 years old by the time he passed away. He was a father of six children. His remains are now placed in his house No: 378, Old Kancy Road, Kelaniya.zzz03186024
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7844~~~850 children that have lost both parents live in welfare villages~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Minister of Child Development and Women’s Welfare Sumedha Jayasena says that among 50,000 children that live in welfare villages 850 have lost both parents. She revealed these facts addressing the cabinet press briefing held yesterday afternoon (11) in the parliamentary premises. Mrs. Jayasena said that her Ministry is still looking for if either of the parents of these children is living in the camps. zzz03186026
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/New-TNA-MP-sworn-/2795.htm~~~New TNA MP sworn in~~~Jun 12 (CT) Tamil National Alliance’s T. Thangathurai William was sworn in as a parliamentarian this morning (June 12). He took oaths before Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara in Parliament. He filled the vacancy created following the death of K. Pathmanathan. Meanwhile, the House is due to debate a possible expulsion of four TNA MPs on the grounds that they had not attended sessions for lengthy periods. zzz03186027
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18411~~~An appeal to PM Kevin Rudd about growing racial violence: Nip it in the bud!~~~Jun 12 (AT) Violence against students from India has now spread to Sri Lankan students. Some incidents have occurred in Canberra, the Australian capital. It is not certain whether these students were attacked because the attackers thought they were Indians, or whether Sri Lankans were deliberately targeted. It is also possible that this may have been a stray incident that has received publicity because of the backdrop of violence against Indian students.zzz03186028
http://www.uthr.org/Statements/StatementBobRae.htm~~~Deportation of Bob Rae: Some fundamental questions for the future of minorities~~~Jun 12 (UTHR) The recent denial of entry to the Canadian Parliamentarian Bob Rae, a long time champion of democracy, requires particular attention by those who care about the future of Lanka. His deportation reflects the paradox of continuing internal repression and unhealthy xenophobia despite the end of the war. It reflects a mindset that bodes ill for the minorities and the democratic rights of Sinhalese. zzz03186031
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2366~~~Creating a crisis to resolve~~~Jun 12 (PISL) I have just been at a course on the Law of Internal Displacement organised by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, along with the Brookings Institute, which is the leading think tank in the field. Together with Walter Kalin, the Special Representative on the rights of the Displaced of the UN Secretary General, it produced the Guiding Principles on the subject, a manual that is now widely accepted as definitive.zzz03186030
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Court-calls-death-certificate-LTTE-leader/2804.htm~~~Court calls for death certificate of LTTE leader~~~Jun 12 (CT) Sri Lanka High Court ordered the attorney general yesterday (June 11) to produce before court the death certificate of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. High court judge Kumuduni Wickremesinghe was taking up the case relating to the assassination of foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. Prabhakaran is the first accused in the case, while the other accused are intelligence leader Pottu Amman, Charles alias Charles Master, zzz03186029
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18413~~~LTTE Seniors Balakumaran, 8 other hardcore in police custody ~~~Jun 12 (AT) LTTE Senior Balakumaran and seven other hardcore Tigers are in the police net, Asian Tribune learns. They are Yogaratnam Yogi, former LTTE spokesman, Baby Subramaniam, LTTE stalwart of long years, Lawrence Thilakar, a former head of the LTTE’s International Secretariat, Ilamaparithi, Jaffna political leader, Karikalan of the Eastern Province and three others whose names are not immediately available.zzz03186032
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea02.asp~~~Time to look beyond Yal Devi ~~~Jun 12 (DN) The last time I traveled by train from Jaffna to Colombo was in July 1975. I was returning after covering for the Observer Lake House, the Northern scene just after Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah’s assassination - Velupillai Prabhakaran’s first terrorist act. Travelling with me on the night mail was the late Stanley Premaratne then staff reporter for the now-defunct Lake House Sinhala daily, Janatha. zzz03186033
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea26.asp~~~Program to increase passes in English Language G.C.E. O/L exam ~~~Jun 12 (DN) This is a saying which comes in testing and evaluation. When questions or testing tools are prepared, this important factor should be considered to make the testing tools valid. Several feature articles appeared in newspapers highlighting that the results of some core-subjects at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination 2008, have drastically gone down. Results of English language 2008 have declined by 8 percent. zzz03186034
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea27.asp~~~Historical glimpses of Holy Cross College - Kalutara ~~~Jun 12 (DN) Perusal of the historical annals of the inception of the Holy Cross College, Kalutara reveals that in an era as far back as the latter half of the 19th century, a Burgher national named Brohier had taken the initiative to start a private school. This private school was functioning in a rented house in close proximity to the Holy Cross Church. Since then a number of educational luminaries both foreign and local took the reins of Holy Cross College and . zzz03186035
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea32.asp~~~Textile development in the East ~~~Jun 12 (DN) Designer Senaka de Silva in association with Vinitha Seneviratne of the Ministry of Textile Industry Development conducted a 5-day workshop on Colour and Design Training Program for Maradamune weavers. Maradamune In the Ampara district of Kalmunai A.G.A. Division, Weaving is a way of life. Over 700 weavers earn a living by producing hand woven fabrics as a livelihood. zzz03186036
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18415~~~Our Colombo correspondent and four other scribes under threat~~~Jun 12 (AT) According to an alleged confession of a personal security officer,himself a Naval officer, of a very 'high ranking' Naval officer, five journalists, including the Asian Tribune Colombo Correspondent and Bottom Line newspaper defence columnist, Ruwan Weerakone are reported to be under threat for reportage during war times, well informed intelligence sources revealed.zzz03186037
no~~~Parliament leave approved for 3 TNA MPs~~~Jun 12 (CT) Three MPs of the TNA have been granted three months leave by parliament. Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara announced the decision today after considering the medical certificates submitted by the three parliamentarians. Two days ago, the TNA sought leave for these MPs, but the request was vehemently opposed by ruling party members. They alleged the leave was being applied for them to go overseas and campaign against the Sri Lankan nation and the constitution.zzz03186038
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news1.html~~~Kelaniya University closed following violent clashes~~~Jun 12 (Island) The Kelaniya University, except its Medical faculty, was closed indefinitely yesterday following a clash between students and the residents in the area. Residents of Dalugama went berserk at noon yesterday and attacked undergraduates with stones and clubs following an assaulted by a student on a youth from the area in a tea boutique near the campus on Wednesday.zzz03186040
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news2.html~~~Govt. unlikely to allow LIOC open more sales points~~~Jun 12 (Island) The Lanka India Oil Company (LIOC) had sought permission to open 300 more filling stations in Sri Lanka, but the Government is very unlikely to comply with the request, Petroleum Resources Minister A. H. M. Fowzie told Parliament. He said that according to the agreement with the LIOC, it should be allowed to open a new filling station each time the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) opens one.zzz03186039
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/features4.html~~~'The Tamils have now been left on the road'~~~Jun 12 (Island) TNA MP Sivanathan Kisshor entered politics in 2004, after serving as an official of the Red Cross for fourteen years. He raised eyebrows on both sides of the political divide this week, by participating in the Yaldevi run from Vavuniya up to Thandikulam and by abstaining from voting at the extension of emergency on Tuesday. In this interview, Kisshor speaks to C.A.Chandraprema on the reasons that led to his decision to strike out on an independent path. zzz03186041
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news9.html~~~Gota: what matters is the man at the controls of armaments ~~~Jun 12 (Island) Nothing could be as accurate as Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s assertion that it was the man at the controls of whatever the armaments at the SLAF’s disposal, who made a difference in the battlefield. He said that he always believed that given the correct leadership, the fighting forces could have defeated the LTTE. He said that expensive armaments would be ineffective in the absence of a capable military leadership to spearhead forces. zzz03186042
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44756.html~~~Protecting journalists~~~Jun 12 (LNP) One may wonder whether attacks on journalists in this country are being carried out by ghosts. For, not even the entire khaki brigade has been able to nab a single assailant. The only problem with this spooky theory may be that the violent eidolons pursuing poor scribes and threatening their earthly existence are capable of operating even during daytime, considered anathema to incorporeal beings. zzz03186043
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44754.html~~~Sri Lankans target semi berth~~~Jun 12 (LNP) The Sri Lankan cricketers are overjoyed that they have entered the Super Eight round of the International Cricket Council s World Cup Twenty20 tournament and have now set their sights on entering the semi-finals. When the Lankans arrived here, they faced an uphill task. They were in the toughest group with Australia and the West Indies. Australia and the West Indies are tough sides and beating them was not going to be easy. zzz03186045
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Bob-Rae-deporting-shows-govt.-has-backbone---'Divaina'-editorial/2817.htm~~~'Bob Rae deporting shows govt. has backbone'~~~Jun 12 (CT) In yet another indication that this country has a government with a backbone, the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Defence have deported Canadian MP Bob Rae, says the editorial of today's issue of 'Divaina' titled "Bob Rae Drama." It says that it has been reported yesterday that former prime minister of Ontario State in Canada and Liberal Party MP Bob Rae had been deported while attempting to enter Sri Lanka.zzz03186044
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51658~~~Mini war in Kelaniya~~~Jun 12 (DM) Kelaniya was turned into a mini battle ground yesterday when students of the Kelaniya University clashed with residents of the adjoining Galugangoda village forcing the police to use teargas to restrain both sides as the situation appeared to be getting out of control. The violence was sparked by a quarrel between the villagers and Arts Faculty students the previous night. The dispute escalated late on Wednesday when zzz03186054
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51655~~~Lanka promoting monarchy: JVP~~~Jun 12 (DM) While countries like Nepal have overthrown the Monarchy, Sri Lanka is trying to promote it, the JVP charged. “Countries like Nepal have overthrown the Monarchy and are striving to create a fledgling democracy, but in Sri Lanka it seems a Monarchy is being promoted,” JVP MP Ranaweera Pathirana said in Parliament yesterday. “The trend around the world is to strengthen democracy and not promote a Monarchy,”zzz03186053
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51679~~~Authorities warn Dengue almost out of control~~~Jun 12 (DM) Health authorities yesterday said they feared that the dengue epidemic could get out of control if the public does not pay more attention to destroying mosquito-breeding places as the death toll from the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) rose to 128 and the number of reported cases of dengue fever touched 9100. 19 out of 20 samples sent for testing to the Medical Research Laboratory at the Singapore State University have been found to be dengue positive.zzz03186048
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51677~~~Disputed figures on job losses in the House~~~Jun 12 (DM) The government and the JVP were on a collision course in Parliament yesterday presenting conflicting figures on the loss of employment opportunities here in recent times due to the economic recession. JVP MP for the Colombo district Lakshman Nipunarachchi who moved an adjournment motion said that around 80,000-90,000 persons had lost their jobs in the corporate sector due to companies laying off staff or having to suspended operations. zzz03186049
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6272&sec=2&t=~~~Entrepreneur ready to employ IDPs, former LTTE cadres~~~Jun 12 (ANN) The Chairman of Tri Star Apparel Exports (Pvt) Limited, Kumar Devapura, said orders have begun to increase since the end of the war and the industry could be on a growth trajectory. "Since the war ended we have had an increase in inquiries for more orders while some have already increased their orders with us. Marks and Spence for example has given us an order for 1.7 million pieces," Devapura said.zzz03186050
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=438457825~~~Sri Lanka Indian Oil unit seeks clarity on deal~~~Jun 12 (LBO) Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan unit of Indian Oil Corp, wants to seek clarification on reports the island's government is to amend its agreement with the fuel retailer, a senior official said. LIOC managing director Suresh Kumar said he was unaware of any plans to change the deal with the government under which the Indian petroleum firm entered the Sri Lankan market.zzz03186051
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=56754085~~~State workers take home 53.6-pct of 2008 taxes~~~Jun 12 (LBO) Sri Lanka's state salaries and pensions ate up 53.6 percent of tax revenues in 2008, while 129,135 workers were added to an already bloated public sector, which is the biggest in South Asia, the latest official data shows. A finance ministry report said the government workers, excluding semi-government sector, were 13 percent of the labour force and Sri Lanka had the highest population to government ratio in South Asia. zzz03186052
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_389448.html~~~Myanmar gives Sri Lanka $73k~~~Jun 12 (AFP) Impoverished Myanmar has donated US$50,000 (S$72,500) in relief aid to Sri Lanka's government to help those displaced by the recent defeat of the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, state media said on Friday. Foreign Minister Nyan Win met with Sri Lankan ambassador Newton Gunaratna at the foreign ministry in Yangon on Thursday afternoon, according to the English-language New Light of Myanmar. zzz03186047
http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGPRE200906111092&lang=e~~~Sri Lanka: End twenty years of impunity~~~Jun 12 (AI) The Sri Lankan government’s failure to deliver justice for serious human rights violations over the past twenty years has trapped the country in a vicious cycle of abuse and impunity, according to a report published by Amnesty International today. Amnesty International’s report, Twenty Years of Make-Believe: Sri Lanka’s Commissions of Inquiry, documents the failure of successive Sri Lankan governments to provide accountability for zzz03186046
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090612/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestciviliansrights~~~Sri Lanka camps a 'national disgrace'~~~Jun 12 (AFP) The Sri Lankan government faced renewed demands Friday to free nearly 300,000 war-displaced civilians, who fled Tamil Tiger rebel territory, from tightly guarded state-run camps. New York-based Human Rights Watch said the squalid camps, which are ringed with barbed wire, were a "national disgrace" and violated international law. zzz03186055
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090612/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunresteconomyaidimf_20090612083021~~~Sri Lanka won't beg for aid: central bank chief~~~Jun 12 (AFP) War ravaged Sri Lanka will not beg for foreign aid even as a 1.9 billion dollar bailout from the IMF has been delayed, the island's central bank chief said on Friday. "We will never go after donors or lending agencies with a begging bowl. We are capable of standing on our own and raise funds through capital markets," Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor, Nivard Cabraal, told AFP.zzz03186056
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Devolution+the+only+way&artid=aqMR%7Cc3XFx4=&SectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo=&MainSectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo=&SectionName=m3GntEw72ik=~~~Devolution the only way ~~~Jun 12 (EB) The battle for the control of territory between the armed forces of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has come to an end with virtually the entire leadership of the Tigers, including Prabhakaran, being killed. The victory represents an end to a fratricidal ethnic conflict, which brought about death, destruction and untold suffering to thousands of people, which include Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims. zzz03186021
no~~~A new era has began~~~zzz03186050.1
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906121678.htm~~~Lankan troops recover over 1.5 million landmines in North~~~Jun 13 (PTI) Sri Lankan troops have so far recovered over 1.5 million landmines from the region captured from the LTTE and have expedited the process of demining the areas to facilitate the early resettlement of displaced civilians in the northern region. The army has launched massive searches to recover the weapons of LTTE, especially claymore mines and other destructive explosives, in the northern areas. zzz03186059
http://www.gemidiriya.org/~~~Makaldeniya water project, A symbol of ethnic unity ~~~Jun 13 (GD) Now we have water, K.Kandasami (61) a Tamil estate laborer murmured with utmost happiness looking at the children who are playing splashing water. The new water tap in his compound pours water on the parched land making the air smell as if a rain has fallen on the sand. Kandasami, a casual laborer said that this is like a dream. We never even dreamt of pipe borne water to our huts, but Gemidiriya made that dream a reality, he said.zzz03186060
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSCOL40299520090612?sp=true~~~Bourse at 9-mo high on foreign interest~~~Jun 13 (Reuters) Sri Lankan shares jumped on Friday to a nine-month high led by foreign buying of bluechips after the central bank said an IMF loan will be approved before end-June and local purchases of plantation and hotel shares. The rupee closed flat as a state bank bought dollars. The Colombo All-Share Price Index rose 1.55 percent or 34.51 points to 2220.11, its highest close since Sept. 17 last year. zzz03186061
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/649649~~~Was expat behind Bob Rae's woes?~~~Jun 13 (Star) The seeds of a decision to bar Bob Rae's entry to Sri Lanka may have been planted with the pen of a Sri Lankan expatriate from London, Ont., with advance knowledge of the trip and a grudge against the federal Liberal party. Days before Rae was turned away at Colombo's main airport late Tuesday night, allegedly for his sympathies toward the Tamil Tiger separatists, Irangani de Silva had one of the many articles and letters she has written zzz03186062
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/12/sri-lanka-war-crimes~~~Humanity failed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 13 (Guardian) Sri Lanka is a country where abductions, disappearances, killings and general human rights violations happen with impunity. Law and order is applied selectively. Racists are promoted to higher ranks and government allegedly colludes with armed paramilitary in abductions and disappearances. In recent times, Sri Lanka has taken a step further in breaching international law, Geneva conventions and UN charters that it is signed up to.zzz03186063
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10126&Itemid=44~~~Bush fires devastate Bandarawela jungles ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Precincts of Bandarawela have been hit by a bush fire and, unfortunately, the fire has proved disastrous for many villagers living in the vicinities of Aluthgamagama, a village adjacent to Bindunuwewa. At least, 10 households are in the danger of being displaced so far. “Prevailing weather conditions, temperatures well above the average, are so warm and it’s rather a difficult task to take these fires into control,” zzz03186064
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=791963319~~~Sri Lanka forgoes Rs10bn in revenue on public servants cars~~~Jun 13 (LBO) Import duty concessions for Sri Lankan public servants to buy cars has caused the government a loss of over 10 billion rupees in revenue in 2008, a report by the finance ministry said. The import of motor vehicles under a concessionary duty structure was implemented under different government circulars in 2008, the finance ministry annual report just released said. zzz03186065
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408642.html~~~Sri Lanka maintain winning ways~~~Jun 13 (CI) Sri Lanka survived a shocking mid-innings slump and a threatening 66-run partnership between Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq to ease to a 19-run win in their first game of the Super Eights at Lord's. Chasing a modest 151 - after Sri Lanka were shackled by some superb bowling from the spinners - Pakistan's fight was led by their captain, who made a well-paced 50, but three wickets in eight balls, including those of Younis and Shahid Afridi, sunk the chase. zzz03186066
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/13/stories/2009061356351400.htm~~~Three attempts were made on Rajapaksa’s life: Army ~~~Jun 13 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa escaped “by a whisker” at least three assassination attempts by LTTE suicide squads, thanks to “tightened security arrangements”, said the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) on Friday. In a report posted on its website, the Army said the information came to light in the course of a court inquiry into the Wellawatte (Tamil dominated area in Colombo) suicide bomber’s death.zzz03186067
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408729.html~~~Indiscplined Pakistan gift game away~~~Jun 13 (CI) Pakistan could have been undone by several factors beyond their control at Lord's - an unfavourable D/L situation, a blitz from Sanath Jayasuriya, or a mesmeric spell from Muttiah Muralitharan for instance. But the weather was fair, Jayasuriya fell for 26 and Murali took only 2 for 28. Instead, their defeat was down to issues within their grasp: wayward bowling - Sohail Tanvir was the most culpable - and their notoriously slack fielding, both facets vital to Twenty20s. zzz03186068
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408744.html~~~Courageous Sri Lanka put the past behind~~~Jun 13 (CI) The last time these two nations met on a cricket field, Sri Lanka left by helicopter gunship. A scenic bus journey through the tree-lined streets of St John's Wood on Friday no doubt served as a contrasting - and, perhaps, cathartic - experience for those concerned, but the preceding three hours at Lord's proved, in pure cricketing terms, just how little had changed for Sri Lanka in the intervening three months. zzz03186069
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/failed-imperialist-attempts-to-vanquish_12.html~~~Failed imperialist attempts to vanquish Sri Lanka - Part.II ~~~Jun 13 (LG) It was not only in the recent war theater that the British Government and British authorities opposed Sri Lanka and made every effort to undermine the legitimate aspirations of Sri Lankan masses. When the people’s resurgence took place in the 1950s, shattering Britain’s hidden objectives of remote controlling Sri Lankan affairs through their proxies differing only in the colour of skin, Britain had been hostile to Sri Lanka whenever it became possible. zzz03186070
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18420~~~Public assistance tremendous for IDPs, says Competent Authority ~~~Jun 13 (AT) Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army – Major General G.A. Chandrasiri who is also the Competent Authority, Northern Region, for the Resettlement of IDPs in a candid discussion on the prevailing situation in the relief villages set up to accommodate IDPs said that assistance from the public has been tremendous with both public and private sector, social service and non-governmental organsiations and individuals across the country zzz03186071
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18425~~~Wars & Civilian Deaths~~~Jun 13 (AT) The world has seen civil wars, revolutions, coups, insurrections, global wars and now terrorism. All throughout civilians have been affected in some way or the other. What makes modern terrorism more lethal than the varying types of conflicts we have faced historically is that terrorism is almost invisible and the terrorist without the gun becomes more dangerous than the terrorist holding the gun. zzz03186072
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18428~~~Govt’s reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts going on apace for IDPs~~~Jun 13 (AT) Sri Lanka Government’s efforts to reconcile, rehabilitate and reconstruct is going on apace in the Vavuniya district, as the IDPs settle down to a normal life, albeit with some difficulties and shortcomings, considering that more than 223,000 persons are provided accommodation, healthcare and education, in addition to every of their need met as far as possible, day in day out. zzz03186073
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18433~~~Diplomatic Impropriety of (soon to be) U.S. envoy to Sri Lanka Butenis~~~Jun 13 (AT) Patricia Butenis’ role as American ambassador in Bangladesh during her 14-month tenure in 2006/07 provoked widespread controversies and questions about diplomatic propriety. Nevertheless, she continued to be outspoken. Sensing the outrage in many quarters in Bangladesh she however said 'Many may be annoyed by what I am doing or saying, but I shall carry on, as whatever I am doing is for democracy in Bangladesh.'zzz03186074
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/13th-amendment-why-non-implementation-is-a-non-option/~~~13th Amendment: Why non-implementation is a non-option~~~Jun 13 (AT) The warning about the risk of triumphalism came days before the 65th anniversary celebration of D Day, by the leaders of the US, UK and France. In the USA there are annual re-enactments of the battles of the American Revolution – the War of Independence against Britain —and of the Civil War against the Secessionist Confederacy. While the risk of triumphalism does indeed exist and must be cautioned against, zzz03186075
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrI0YyKHRAdFjfM1qHYICDIFf6JQ~~~Court jails Tamil leader for helping Tigers~~~Jun 13 (AFP) A British Tamil leader convicted of supplying bomb-making equipment to Tamil Tiger rebels was jailed for two years by a court in London Friday, but the judge described him as a "thoroughly decent man." The judge said Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar -- also known as "Shantan" -- had broken the law for a cause he passionately believed in, supplying equipment which he did not necessarily know would be used for military purposes.zzz03186076
no~~~Exotic Holidays in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186071.5
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/13/stories/2009061360950800.htm~~~Mechanism needed to monitor aid given to Sri Lanka: CPI ~~~Jun 13 (Hindu) A mechanism should be evolved to monitor the financial assistance provided by the Centre to the Sri Lankan government for rehabilitating Tamils, said D. Raja, Communist Party of India national secretary, here on Friday. Mr. Raja said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced that Rs. 500 crore would be provided to the Sri Lankan government to help rehabilitate the Tamil civilians in the post-war scenario.zzz03186071.6
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=1~~~Wanni: Scourge of deadly landmines lie ahead ~~~Jun 13 (SLW) Whoever shows interests in working in Wanni or any institution or organization committed to this task must give serious consideration to the scourge of landmine blasts, an evil reality of the war that has just come to an end; hopefully peace will be sustained. The primary immediate factors are the return of the Wanni families to their homes, farms and the activities of the community as early as possible. zzz03186071.7
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=2~~~Wanni’s primary need: Committed Rural Social Leaders ~~~Jun 13 (SLW) The Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) of the College of Agriculture of Xavier University in the Philippines trains every year rural social workers to promote sustainable development through leadership formation from the grass roots in South, Southeast and East Asia as well as from some countries in Africa and the Pacific Island nations.zzz03186071.4
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_aftermaths_of_the_war.html~~~The aftermaths of the war~~~Jun 13 (TC) In the beginning, the Rajapakse government characterized its war against the LTTE as part of the global war on terrorism. In the middle, and muddle, it became the war to liberate the Tamil civilians from the clutches of the LTTE. In the end, the war morphed into a despotic assertion of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty against Western interference. In the aftermath of the war, the plight of the Tamil civilians in the Vanni has not improved in spite of their liberation, and zzz03186081
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sldr-j13.shtml~~~Police interrogate doctors who witnessed war crimes~~~Jun 13 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government is continuing to detain and interrogate three doctors—Dr Thurairajah Varatharajah, Dr Thangamuttu Sathyamurthi and Dr V. Shanmugarajah—who risked their lives to provide medical care to thousands of Tamil civilians caught in fighting between the army and the separatist LTTE. With journalists and most aid workers barred from the war zone, the government-appointed medical officers provided a glimpse into the horrific conditions facing zzz03186082
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/art-war-and-politics-in-sri-lanka-an-interview-with-jagath-weerasinghe/~~~Art, War and Politics in Sri Lanka: An interview with Jagath Weerasinghe~~~Jun 13 (GV) Jagath Weerasinghe is one of Sri Lanka best known and most influential artists (see bio here). He was commissioned by the Sri Lankan government to design the monument ‘Shrine for the Innocent’ as a remembrance for the innocent victims of the ruthless violence that the southern part of the country experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s and was completed in 1999.zzz03186083
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/13th-amendment-why-non-implementation-is-a-non-option/~~~13th Amendment: Why non-implementation is a non-option~~~Jun 13 (GV) The warning about the risk of triumphalism came days before the 65th anniversary celebration of D Day, by the leaders of the US, UK and France. In the USA there are annual re-enactments of the battles of the American Revolution – the War of Independence against Britain —and of the Civil War against the Secessionist Confederacy. While the risk of triumphalism does indeed exist and must be cautioned against, zzz03186084
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10141&Itemid=44~~~Office workers: stop whatever you are doing on June 19 ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Jun 19 has been declared as the ‘official cleaning day’. However, it’s not just to stop, start with the papers on the floor and, then, on the papers on your desk sort of another humdrum task. Launching an ardent campaign to take hold of the deadly dengue mosquito, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) expects office workers to go a bit further. This time CMC expects them to start with the garbage and proceed towards litter strewn gardens.zzz03186085
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10135&Itemid=44~~~ADRA Contributes to Tsunami Warning System ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Tangalle Tsunami Warning Towers (TTWT) project has been completed recently. TTWT is expected to monitor seismological and tidal stations to evaluate potentially tsunami-genic earthquakes and disseminating tsunami warning information. Located in Tangalle, TTWT would provide tsunami warning information to the public and other relevant authorities. TTWT has been implemented by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Sri Lanka.zzz03186086
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10139&Itemid=44~~~'Every citizen has his right to own land'~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Each individual has his right to own land, enjoy ownership and the economic benefits that flow from it. Such rights are constantly respected by the SL government. And, it’s high time that the estate worker break the mindset of living in estate owned land forever, Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratna said. The Minister was addressing a land distribution ceremony handing over zzz03186087
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10140&Itemid=44~~~Farmer exchange program ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Sri Lankan farmers will be provided with opportunities to improve their agricultural expertise while working with diverse agricultural groups giving them much exposure to new developments in the sector, Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara said initiating a farmer exchange program between Sri Lanka and Israel. Agritech Israel 2009 served as a platform to bring together more than 7,000 foreign visitors zzz03186088
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10138&Itemid=44~~~Crooks dupe Libyan job seekers ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Many ambitious youth were promised non-existent jobs in Libya on payment of large sums of money as deposits. Hundreds of such job seekers have already been duped in an alleged job scam, according to Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment authorities. They claim that they received complains from a large number of youth who handed over big cash deposits to such crooks.zzz03186089
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2581211/Article/index_html~~~Mercy Malaysia in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 13 (NST) The number of internally-displaced people in Sri Lanka is increasing every day. Mercy Malaysia president Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood said in March, Mercy Malaysia had deployed a two-member team to the country to establish a working relationship and conduct an assessment. An assessment carried out at Menik Farm located in the Cheddikulam District registered more than 270,000 internally-displaced people.zzz03186090
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-private-and-public-sector-together.html~~~We (Private and Public sector) together can restore North and East ~~~Jun 13 (LG) The real victims of the war that ravaged in the country are/were the innocent civilians of all communities. Whatever the political solution if given will only benefit few people who will come to power and not the civilians in the north and east. In my belief the government could get extensive support and participation of the private sector and the private individuals to expediently bring the normalcy to the civilians in the NE who had suffered immensely. zzz03186091
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/calls-for-boycott-of-sporting-and.html~~~Calls for boycott of sporting and economic ties with Sri Lanka will not work ~~~Jun 13 (LG) We have seen recent news reports that a section of New Zealand Tamils supporting the international terrorist organization LTTE has suggested that the New Zealand Government should cancel the Black Caps’ Sri Lankan cricket tour and should also boycott Sri Lankan goods as a retaliation for defeating terrorism within Sri Lanka in the recently concluded war.zzz03186092
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-are-traditional-friends-russian.html~~~We are traditional friends - Russian envoy ~~~Jun 13 (LG) It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you – representatives of every community, faith, profession and age, citizens of friendly state. Today the Russian Federation celebrates its National Day. During many centuries of its history the Russian nation passed various stages: from ancient clan community to feudal and then bourgeois state, great empire, three revolutions, civil war, totalitarian regime and Soviet style society.zzz03186093
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7851~~~UNP politburo rejects platform for freedom~~~Jun 13 (LeN) The politburo of the UNP rejected leader Ranil Wickramasinghe’s proposal to form an alliance of political parties led by UNP. The blueprint submitted by UNP General Secretary Thissa Aththanayaka proposed to evelop Platform for Freedom as a political alliance. UNP National Organizer S. B. Disanayaka said after peruse the document that it was an alliance in which Mangala Samaraweera was the secretary and protested it but still emphasized the need of an alliance.zzz03186096
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1886&Itemid=51~~~Repeated death threats in Oslo journalist by LTTE ~~~Jun 13 (LP) More than 12 youngsters, subjected to LTTE extortions and death threats in Norway, were to seek an urgent meeting with Norway's Director of Police Ingelin Killengren since the Norwegian Police have so far failed to take LTTE threats and atrocities with deserving seriousness. The disclosure on Norwegian National Television (NRK) on Wednesday came in the wake of an interview given by the Oslo-based Tamil journalist, Nadaraja Sethurupan, who zzz03186095
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1882:unmanned-ariel-vehicle-to-the-fore-&catid=48:security&Itemid=72 ~~~Unmanned Ariel Vehicle to the fore ~~~Jun 13 (LP) The UAV (Unmanned Ariel Vehicle) of the Sri Lanka Air Force will be used to safeguard the coastal line and for other security purposes of the country said Air Force Commander Chief Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilake. Accordingly the UAV will be used to inform the public about the traffic jams and diversions which will be implemented in the future said the Air Force Commander. zzz03186094
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2367~~~Secretary General intervenes in HRC sessions in Geneva~~~Jun 13 (PISL) Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, in his capacity as Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, spoke on behalf of Sri Lanka in the General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva today. His statement is carried in full below. Sri Lanka wishes, Mr President, to express its appreciation of the UPR process, both as it has been conducted under your leadership this year, and in general. zzz03186097
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2378~~~Secretary General responds to UN Watch~~~Jun 13 (PISL) Responding to an intervention by United Nations Watch in the General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review Process in Geneva today, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights Prof Rajiva Wijesinha commented on the dangers of allowing unaccountable organisations to denigrate the work of the Human Rights Council. His remarks are carried below.zzz03186098
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2379~~~The Western Use of Toilets~~~Jun 13 (PISL) The saddest aspect of the war of attrition that some prospective donors are conducting against the Sri Lankan government is that its main victims will be the poor civilians who were rescued from the Tigers. It will be remembered that their prolonged captivity was also due in part to the connivance of some Western interventionists in the Tiger strategy of dragging them along with the terrorist forces as they retreated. zzz03186099
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44786.html~~~NDB Bank pledges Rs. 9 m to Moratuwa varsity~~~Jun 13 (LNP) NDB Bank has pledged nearly Rs.9 million to the University of Moratuwa to sponsor Sri Lanka`s first endowed Professor/Senior Fellow in Entrepreneurship. NDB Bank believes an entrepreneurial culture is essential for sustainable development of the country, said the Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, Eran Wickramarathne after signing an MoU at the Cinnamon Grand yesterday. zzz03186100
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090613_04~~~More weapons, ammo & explosives emerge as clearing operations continue ~~~Jun 13 (MoD) Troops conducting search and clear operations in the Wanni areas on Friday (12) uncovered some more LTTE weapons, ammunition and explosives from different locations in Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya. Sixteen Light Machine Guns (LMG), forty-eight T - 56 weapons, four T - 81 weapons, one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG), three pistols, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), seven RPG bombs, zzz03186103
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090612_03~~~Never the machines, but the men behind them .... ~~~Jun 13 (MoD) As the world is abuzz with the resounding triumphs of current military maneuvers against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and allegations against the Sri Lankan Government and its Armed Forces for 'violations of human rights,' Nilakshi Gunatillake speaks to officers of the Armed Forces and all underscore that Professionalism as the key to the colossal wins.... zzz03186102
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090613_01~~~President lauds STF role in terror fight ~~~Jun 13 (MoD) Terrorists of all countries start their operations against the democratic state by killing police personnel. The LTTE terrorists who have been completely defeated by Armed Forces started their campaign of terror by killing four members of the Police Force at Velvettithurai Road in Point Pedro in 1984. Yet the Special Task of the Police Force had proved that they were capable of instilling zzz03186101
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/United-National-Party-proposes-creation-united-Sri-Lankan-nation/2835.htm~~~UNP proposes creation of united Sri Lankan nation~~~Jun 13 (CT) The UNP has proposed that all citizens should get together to create a united Sri Lankan nation. A special proposal adopted by the party says time has come for the unity and the progress of the nation of one identity. Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Right Hon. D.S. Senanayake, who founded the party in 1946, the UNP says this Sri Lankan nation should respect and protect the different religions, languages and cultures of all citizens. zzz03186104
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Ravi-Vaidyalankara-appointed-head-CID/2844.htm~~~Ravi Vaidyalankara appointed head of CID~~~Jun 13 (CT) Senior SP Ravi Vaidyalankara has been appointed director of the CID. A past pupil of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, he is a law graduate. SSP Vaidyalankara is a recipient of specialist intelligence training in the US, Britain and India. A senior officer of the CID, he had led several high profile cases including the attack on the air force camp in Katunayake and the attempt on the life of the Army Commander. zzz03186105
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-has-30,000-foreigners-visas/2833.htm~~~Sri Lanka has 30,000 foreigners without visas~~~Jun 13 (CT) The Department of Immigration and Emigration says there are around 30,000 foreigners staying in the country without valid visas. Most of them have been staying on tourist visas, normally granted for nationals of 84 countries for a 30-day period on arrival at the airport, Department sources said. Most of these foreigners staying illegally are Indians, Pakistanis and Chinese, who are engaged in various professions.zzz03186106
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18434~~~New Delhi turns down TNA demand to interfere in Sri Lankan affairs~~~Jun 13 (AT) India's new Foreign Minister S.M.Krishna has reportedly turned down a request from Tamil National Alliance delegation led by R.Sampanthan to urge Colombo to stop the restoration of military camps in the North, and to merge the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the island nation, reports from New Delhi said. Sampanthan had told Krishna that Colombo was in the process of setting up military camps in the North and zzz03186107
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/fea15.asp~~~A wealth of Wildlife ~~~Jun 13 (DN) Being one of the small luxury hotels in the world, the secret to Jetwing's 'Vil Uyana' is definitely its vibrant and astounding wildlife. Tucked comfortably just a few kilometres from the 'World's 8th Wonder' Sigiriya's Lion rock fortress, 'Vil Uyana' is one of the world's first hotels to construct a wetland system to create its very own nature reserve. Nearly 30 species of birds of which 16 are endemic and about 40 species of dragonflies and butterflies call 'Vil Uyana' home. zzz03186110
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/fea21.asp~~~Ekamath Eka Rateka: Love and affection in reflection ~~~Jun 13 (DN) What Emile Zola in his short story 'For a Night of Love' conveys matters not in appreciation of Sanath Gunatilake's Ekamath Eka Rateka as a movie. What inspired him is Zola's short story and what inspirited the filmgoer is Sanath's cinematic work. What the film reflects in its subtle refined cinematic language is an intrinsic conflict between love and affection. zzz03186109
no~~~Human elephant conflict in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186108
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/news04.asp~~~Decline in hydrophobia cases ~~~Jun 13 (DN) Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday that over one million hydrophobia (rabies) cases have been reported during the past four years and 235 patients had died from the disease. The Minister said 380,662 patients had been reported in 2005, 351,092 in 2006, 274,000 in 2007 and 176,000 in 2008. According to the Minister 58 patients had died in 2005, 73 in 2006, 56 in 2007 and 51 patients in 2008. zzz03186111
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/news13.asp~~~School term tests: Ministry reverts to old formula ~~~Jun 13 (DN) The mechanism of conducting school term tests and year-end tests, which was introduced by the Education Ministry last year has come to a halt by now. Under that system the question papers were prepared for the whole country by the Education Ministry. The Education Ministry commenced carrying out the term tests last year considering weaknesses that prevailed in the then term test system. zzz03186112
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news37.html~~~George Master makes confidential statement to Court~~~Jun 13 (Island) Former interpreter for the LTTE, George Master yesterday gave a long, confidential statement to Court. George Master, born Velupillai Kumar Pancharathnam, was produced before Courts yesterday morning by the Criminal Investigation Department and sought permission to make a confidential statement. On being granted permission he made a three-hour-long statement in Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi’s office. zzz03186113
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news38.html~~~Law enforcement politicized – UNP~~~Jun 13 (Island) In the absence of an independent Police Commission, law enforcement has been further politicized, as seen by recent promotions granted to certain officers, the UNP alleged yesterday. UNP MP, Lakshman Kirialle said that promotions and transfers of policemen, other than the IGP, have to be effected by the Police Commission in terms of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, but President Mahinda Rajapaksa was deliberately delaying constituting the Constitutional Council, zzz03186114
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news23.html~~~'COPE report saved country one half of GDP'~~~Jun 13 (Island) Former COPE Chairman Wijedasa Rajapakshe, PC, yesterday said he was happy that thanks to a damning COPE report exposing a number of questionable public sector deals the country had been able to save a colossal amount of money equivalent to one half of its GDP or 300 billion rupees. Rajapakse paid a glowing tribute to the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara, without whose assistance, he said, the COPE report at issue would not have entered the public domain zzz03186116
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news24.html~~~President’s 18 foreign trips cost over Rs. 209.3 mn – Dinesh~~~Jun 13 (Island) President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been abroad on 18 times from his induction in November 2005 upto September 2008 and his tours had cost country Rs 209,391,756, Parliament was told yesterday in an answer tabled by Chief Government Whip Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to a question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake.zzz03186115
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51723~~~SriLankan Airlines’ amazing fares to London~~~Jun 13 (DM) Cricket enthusiasts are being offered an amazing fare by SriLankan Airlines to travel to London for the T20 Cricket World Cup, where Sri Lanka is among the favourites to don the mantle of World Champions.This remarkable offer of a return air ticket for the price of Rs. 48,150 plus taxes, is available at all SriLankan Airlines ticket offices in Colombo’s World Trade Centre, Kandy, and Galle or contact your nearest travel agent. zzz03186117
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51781~~~Police arrest suspects for the killing of millionairess~~~Jun 13 (DM) The couple suspected for the killing of Mallika Jayaweera, the millionairess of Kurunegala were apprehended on Thursday at Ragama and Ja-Ela, says the Kurunegala Criminal Investigation Unit. Police arrested the suspect woman in Ja-Ela and the main male suspect, was taken into custody at Ragama. Part of the robbed jewellery and money, a digital camera and the knife used in the killing were found in their possession. zzz03186118
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51776~~~'A-9 will open after area is cleared of land mines'~~~Jun 13 (DM) The A-9 highway from Vavuniya to Muhamalai in the Jaffna peninsula will be closed to the public until the threat of landmines is cleared, said Minister, T.B Ekanayake yesterday. The Minister said there are still landmines buried under the A-9 highway and on either side of it and it cannot be opened until the mines are all removed. He said President had advised the Ministry that they should not rush the process of removing the mines.zzz03186119
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51717~~~rising from the ashes of war ~~~Jun 13 (DM) Jezeema lost her husband three months before her eighteenth birthday. “I was about six months pregnant when the incident happened. My husband went out in the afternoon to a relative’s place and he never returned,” she said, while trying to appease the crying of her two year old. The young mother from Kiran now lives with the assistance received from her brothers. zzz03186120
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1940127391~~~Sri Lanka Insurance chief promises professional management~~~Jun 13 (LBO) Newly appointed competent authority to Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), has said that the firm will be managed professionally, setting an example to the private and public sectors, an employee said. Nalaka Godahewa was appointed as competent authority to SLIC after it was returned to government hands on a court order. The government has to appoint a new board to govern the firm. zzz03186121
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1874663851~~~'Sri Lanka private firms too small for mega power plants'~~~Jun 13 (LBO) Sri Lankan private sector firms are too small yet to start mega infrastructure such as coal plants on their own, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is financing such plants in the region, said. The IFC, the private sector finance arm of the World Bank, likes to partner with the Sri Lankan private sector to develop mega infrastructure projects such as coal power, said Per Kjellerhaug, regional manager, IFC. zzz03186122
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090612_dengue.shtml~~~Sri Lanka 'on a war footing' for Dengue ~~~Jun 13 (BBC) Sri Lanka is battling a difficult health problem: dengue fever, a potentially fatal illness transmitted by mosquitos. Instances of the illness have increased sharply this year compared with the last few years and in recent days the authorities have said it needs to be tackled “on a war footing”. In Colombo and others in Sri Lanka, the mosquitos that carry dengue are on the rampage. zzz03186123
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10322374.html~~~Dilshan talks about scoop shot against Pakistan~~~Jun 13 (Gulf) Sri Lankan opener Tillekaratne Dilshan won the man of the match award against Pakistan for his quick 46 off 39 balls to provide a breezy start. His innovative shots have stunned the bowlers. All captains are finding it hard to set the field for him. When asked about his innings against Pakistan, he remarked, "It was important we get to a good start.zzz03186124
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Access-into-Sri-Lankan-relief-camps-improves-UN/articleshow/4651553.cms~~~Access into Sri Lankan relief camps improves: UN~~~Jun 13 (PTI) United Nations humanitarian wing has said that access to camps in Vavuniya housing thousands of civilians displaced by the recently ended conflict in Sri Lanka has improved, though some delays are still being experienced. In addition, work on an additional camp in the area has begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps. zzz03186125
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Rajapaksa+committed+to+power+sharing,+feels+Japan&artid=BeoHrtJ94Ew=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=lanka,+rajapaksa,+united,+nations,+japan&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~Rajapaksa committed to power sharing, feels Japan ~~~Jun 13 (IANS) President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to sharing power with the minorities, now that he has crushed the Tamil Tigers. This is the feeling of Japan, whose Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi held extensive discussions with the president this week. Rajapaksa told Akashi over breakfast that he realizes that defeating the LTTE does not automatically amount to ending the long-standing Tamil grievances that fuelled the ethnic conflict at the first place.zzz03186126
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Terror-campaign-sex-attack-student/article-1073901-detail/article.html~~~Terror campaign of sex attack student~~~Jun 14 (TIS) Sex offender Achala Dadallage groped female students walking back to their university digs in the early hours of the morning. The 27-year-old Sri Lankan struck three times at Keele University campus between November and January, grabbing his victims' breasts from behind. Dadallage, of Keele Road, Newcastle, also followed two girls round a church in Newcastle on December 23 before groping a 17-year-old's breasts on the stairway to a car park.zzz03186127
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/408809.html~~~Sri Lanka approaching top gear~~~Jun 14 (CI) There are signs that Sri Lanka are beginning to find the sort of form which makes them so dangerous in one-day cricket. South Africa and India may have started as pre-tournament favourites, but Sri Lanka's 19-run win over Pakistan contained plenty in it to suggest they're about to hit their straps. Tillakaratne Dilshan scorched 46 from 39 to give them another flying start, an innings which contained his absurdly audacious flip-flick over the wicketkeeper's head. zzz03186128
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=9d4cddc2-cdf7-428c-ba31-33fab06062db&Headline=Military+officer+taught+LTTE+cadre+assassination+tricks%3a+Lanka+court~~~Military officer taught LTTE cadre assassination tricks: Lanka court~~~Jun 14 (HT) The LTTE had made suicide assassination attempts on President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the help of a military officer on their payroll in the last six months, a criminal court was told on Friday. The revelations came after a suspected LTTE suicide cadre was arrested from Colombo. According to the army, the suspect received training in Kilinochchi for assassinating VIPs. By the army’s own admission, the attempts failed by a "whisker."zzz03186129
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7855~~~'We will have no regrets if UNP decides to reject the idea of political alliance'~~~jun 14 (LeN) Mangala Samaraweera’s name was never discussed for the post of Secretary of any alliance with UNP. On the contrary there is unanimous agreement during the discussion that the posts of Leader, General Secretary and Organizer of the proposed alliance at national, district and local levels should be reserved only for the UNP. Assuming LeN news on UNP politburo on alliance matter correctly reflects what actually happened at the UNP politburo meeting,zzz03186130
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/uae-foreign-minister-visits-sri-lanka/~~~UAE Foreign Minister visits Sri Lanka~~~Jun 14 (AT) United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan visited Sri Lanka today (Saturday) – the first high level visit from that country since his father, the then Foreign Minister visited Sri Lanka in 1976. Addressing a media conference in Colombo, Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that this is a unique event in view of the highest level of engagement taking place between the two countries after nearly 35 years. zzz03186133
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/lord-buddha%e2%80%99s-preaching%e2%80%99s-reverberated-in-the-scottish-parliament/~~~Lord Buddha’s preaching’s reverberated in the Scottish parliament~~~Jun 14 (AT) On 3rd June 2009, Venerable K.Sri Rewatha Thero (Bhante), addressed the Scottish Parliament by leading Time for Reflection before the main business of the day. Although monks are members of the Sri Lankan parliament, this is the first time that a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk has had the opportunity and great honour of addressing a European parliament. Bhante Rewatha chose teachings of the Buddha as the foundation of his talk.zzz03186132
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2449:well-rally-the-progressive-masses-in-the-country-to-defeat-the-attempt-to-implement-13th-amendment-tilvin-silva&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'We’ll rally the masses to defeat the attempt to implement 13th amendment'~~~Jun 14 (AT) “The war is over now. Some ask us why we don’t come forward to share the booty. We don’t want to that as there are devolution proposals underneath the booty. Hence we say if there is an attempt to implement the 13th amendment with maximum devolution of powers it should be defeated. We would join all progressive and patriotic masses in this country to defeat such a sinister attempt,”zzz03186131
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8098586.stm~~~Family appeals over killer rapist~~~Jun 14 (BBC) The family of a woman raped and strangled in east London has appealed for help to find her attacker. The partially-clothed body of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, of Walthamstow, was found by a passer-by in Queens Road Park in the early hours of 30 May. Her older sister Ann Chandradasa, 37, said the family was in pieces and sickened by the manner of her death. She urged any other rape victims to come forward after police said the same man may have attacked other women. zzz03186134
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/sri-lanka-the-war-that-the-west-thought-was-a-picnic/~~~Sri Lanka: The war that the West thought was a picnic~~~Jun 14 (AT) From a Western perspective and the likes of New York based Human Rights Watch, Sri Lanka’s war should have been fought like a picnic outing. Innocent civilians should have been asked to get to a side so that the Sri Lankan Forces and the well armed LTTE cadres could have shot at each other without harming any civilians. The LTTE personnel should also have worn T shirts or some other garment that clearly identified them as LTTE so that zzz03186135
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/14/stories/2009061455671200.htm~~~Petition seeks freedom of movement for displaced ~~~Jun 14 (Hindu) The Centre for Policy Alternative (CPA), a Colombo based think-tank, has filed a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the restrictions on the free movement of the 2.8 lakh war-displaced sheltered in government-run camps spread across three districts in the north of Sri Lanka. In its petition, the CPA said restriction of free movement of IDPs was a violation of their fundamental rights. zzz03186136
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8095055.stm~~~Tiger prisoner describes end of the war ~~~Jun 14 (BBC) A former prisoner of war of the Tamil Tigers who managed to escape days before their final defeat says there was no offer from the LTTE leadership to surrender. Chaminda Kumara Hewage of the Sri Lankan navy was captured by the LTTE with six others in November 2006. The group managed to escape with fleeing civilians and Tamil Tigers early in the morning of 17 May. "Many Tamil Tigers had already surrendered and the unit guarding us also decided to give themselves up so we made use of the opportunity to flee," zzz03186137
no~~~The disappearing act in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186138
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-tigers-last-battle.html~~~The Tamil Tigers last battle~~~Jun 14 (LG) The Tamil Tigers fought to the last ditch- or, more precisely, a section of swampy beach along Sri Lanka’s Northeast coast. The bloody end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year old civil war is tragic and appalling. But it may also have been the only way to end that nation’s bitter civil war. Large numbers of sick, starving, shell-shocked Tamil refugees are being herded into government security compounds. Some estimates put the number at 100,000. zzz03186139
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/wars-civilian-deaths.html~~~Wars & civilian deaths ~~~Jun 14 (LG) The world has seen civil wars, revolutions, coups, insurrections, global wars & now terrorism. All throughout civilians have been affected in some way or the other. What makes modern terrorism more lethal than the varying types of conflicts we have faced historically is that terrorism is almost invisible & the terrorist without the gun becomes more dangerous than the terrorist holding the gun. zzz03186140
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-ten-actions.html~~~Sri Lanka : ten actions ~~~Jun 14 (LG) Every unpunished massacre in history always spawns a dozen more as those who carry out new carnages are confident they will never be condemned.“Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Adolf Hitler was supposed to have said in a speech in August 1939, on the eve of Nazi Germany's invasion of neighbouring Poland. Hitler was reminding his generals of how the Ottoman Empire annihilated over zzz03186141
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/china-diagnoses-ti-lakkhanaanicca.html~~~China diagnoses ti-lakkhana—anicca, dukkha, and anatta ~~~Jun 14 (LG) China, the emerging superpower, has achieved its success through the pragmatic application of its three-pronged cultural inheritance based on a hybrid of Buddhist, Confucian, and Daoist principles. Pragmatism, defined so elegantly by the illustrious Deng Xiaoping—“It does not matter whether a cat is black or white; if it catches mice, it’s a good cat”—illustrates the crux of Chinese multi-dimensional thinking, zzz03186142
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/pressure-to-implement-devolution-as.html~~~Pressure to implement devolution as promised ~~~Jun 14 (LG) Internationally, the presence of the old Left (Ministers Dew and Tissa with Vasu) in the government is very useful to Mahinda Rajano. In fact, in the UN Human Rights Council debate, the fact that the government document stood for devolution as a solution to the Tamil national problem helped the government immensely to get the votes of countries such as Cuba. zzz03186143
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/investigation.HTM~~~The Deal of the century~~~Jun 14 (SL) Harry Jayawardena must have been ecstatic back in 2002: By purchasing the controlling interest of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation for Rs. 6 billion he got for himself control of a fund worth Rs. 50 billion – nearly eight times the amount he paid! They don’t call him Goldfinger for nought. His earnest efforts to control the blue chip commercial elite in Sri Lanka came to an ignominious end when a Supreme Court bench headed by zzz03186144
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/interviews.htm~~~‘Well-wishers will fund northern development’~~~Jun 14 (SL) Government Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella believes that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) would require an additional 50,000 soldiers to maintain law and order and to secure the territory once under LTTE control. Rambukwella claimed that some 16,000 sq kms were lost to the government together with two thirds of the sea but following the unification, zzz03186145
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/onthespot.htm~~~Killing that shocked Kurunegala~~~Jun 14 (SL) It is a sweltering hot afternoon in Kurunegala. The town is buzzing with activity and noise. All around us, we see shop fronts and factories, the normal signs of a busy, urban area. Winding through the streets, we come at last, to our destination — a large house, painted a pale orange. Black trellised iron gates open to show a well-tended garden, complete with paved walkways, bowers, and colourful flora. It is an idyllic scene. zzz03186146
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/Issues.htm~~~60,000 IDPs held hostage… by INGOs…~~~Jun 14 (SL) Senior members of major local NGOs have accused major INGOs operating in the north of the country, of deliberately denying facilities to IDPs in the Wanni refugee camps, in order to humiliate and discredit the government. By limiting their cooperation with the government it is alleged that prominent INGOs are working to ensure that conditions in the camps remain as unsanitary as possible – allowing the international community to heap condemnation on zzz03186147
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew2.htm~~~One horse race for Rajapaksa~~~Jun 14 (LB) Close confidantes of UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe have asked him not to contest against President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the next presidential election so that he could win. This, they say is, in recognition of the fact that he rid the country of the scourge of terrorism. They have proposed that negotiations be held for Wickremesinghe to be prime minister. However, Wickremesinghe has vehemently objected to the proposal stating that he zzz03186148
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe1.htm~~~No room for extremist fanaticism~~~Jun 14 (LB) India last week acknowledged that no foreign country had any role to play in Sri Lanka in terms of finding a political solution to the country’s protracted national conflict. The official website of the Government of Sri Lanka quoted Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon as telling a group of Sri Lankan editors visiting India at the invitation of Indian Government that “a political solution for the National Question is a zzz03186149
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~Guidelines by UGC ignored to confer honorary degrees~~~Jun 14 (LB) Carried away by the government’s decisive victory over the LTTE, several universities have ignored new guidelines set out by the University Grants Commission specifying conditions under which these institutions may grant honorary degrees. The University of Colombo has decided to offer honorary doctorates to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in recognition of services they renderedzzz03186150
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew10.htm~~~MCNS must give okay for defence news~~~Jun 14 (LB) The Defence Ministry issued a communique last week stating that media institutions should first get approval from the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) before telecasting, broadcasting or publishing any defence related news. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa signed the letter which states: “At a time the Security Forces and the law enforcing authorities are fully engaged in limited defensive military actionzzz03186151
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=6ff81745-1253-4e4a-814b-b5628ac68161&Headline=China+and+Pak+armed+Lanka%2c+India+will+feed+it~~~China and Pak armed Lanka, India will feed it~~~Jun 14 (HT) China and Pakistan supplied fighter jets and automatic rifles to Sri Lanka to fight the LTTE; India could soon send tractors, manure and high-yield seeds to revive Lanka from the ruins of war. M.S. Swaminathan, who helped usher India’s green revolution, presented on Tuesday a roadmap for the revival of agriculture in northern Lankan districts to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. zzz03186152
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/14/tamil-tigers-conflict-civillian-deaths~~~The disappeared~~~Jun 14 (Guardian) A foul-smelling monsoon closes in from the north, carrying dark clouds of ash from the Hindu funeral pyres burning along the "Highway for Peace and Unity". At the roadside, translucent glasswing butterflies flutter and dance in the charred iron shell of an old British Leyland bus, its undercarriage ripped apart and shredded like paper by a Claymore landmine. Little more than a cratered strip of asphalt running 100 miles due north from the ancient city of Anuradhapura to Jaffna, zzz03186153
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/cricket/article6493239.ece~~~Ajantha Mendis: more than a nice little turner~~~Jun 14 (Times) We admire players who do something different,” says Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s former captain. You can say that again. Sri Lankan cricket seems to encourage invention and innovation to a point where it is almost unconventional to be conventional. Jayawardene is that unique character: a solid, orthodox batsman and, until recently, level-headed leader in a team of mavericks, zzz03186154
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1147283478~~~Five Sri Lankan dead among Saudi bus crash victims~~~Jun 14 (AFP) Nineteen men, most of them foreign workers, were incinerated when a Saudi bus caught fire after crashing into a truck during a blinding sandstorm, a transport official said on Saturday. No one escaped from the burning bus when it hit a slow-moving truck entering the road from the shoulder lane Thursday night, an executive of the Saudi bus company SAPTCO said. "There was a big sandstorm. Nobody saw anything," he said. zzz03186155
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=937007014~~~Pension funds to be diverted as unemployment benefits~~~Jun 14 (LBO) A part of the pension funds of Sri Lanka's private sector workers may be diverted as unemployment benefits to those who lose jobs in the current economic crisis, a media report said. The Sunday Times newspaper said authorities are set to take out billions of rupees of unclaimed Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees Trust Fund (ETF) money to give unemployment benefits to apparel sector workers who lost their jobs.zzz03186156
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10148&Itemid=44~~~Total electrification of North by 2011 ~~~Jun 14 (GDI) The government anticipates providing the entire Northern Province with electricity within two years, under a three-phase accelerated project costing Rs. 3,750 million. “Cabinet approval has been obtained for the expansion of generation capacity in Jaffna, until the transmission cables from Vavuniya to Chunnakkam are restored,” a Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) official told The Nation.zzz03186157
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2455:seat-belt-law-to-be-enforced-with-immediate-effect&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Seat-belt law' to be enforced with immediate effect ~~~Jun 14 (LT) Seat belt law for vehicles is to be enforced with immediate effect and the fine for offenders would range from Rs.1000 to 4000. The law would apply to old vehicles as well and owners of old vehicles are advised to fix seat belts to their vehicles if they had come without seat belts. According to regulations, first time offenders will face a fine of between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 and second time offenders between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000. zzz03186158
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7857~~~'Give rule of our province to us in a unitary state'~~~Jun 14 (LeN) “Two and half lakhs of Tamil civilians are held in camps. Over 1000 were killed. A large number was injured. Children have no parents. Mothers have lost children. Wives have lost husbands. Pregnant mothers and others lack healthcare. No houses; no water. Bathing is limited once in four days. No food; no toilets. One cannot go out since a Sinhala Army has surrounded them.zzz03186159
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/five-tamil-national-alliance-to-crack-soon/~~~Five Tamil National Alliance to crack soon~~~Jun 14 (AT) In a dramatic turn of events in post-war politics in Sri Lanka, the once strong Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that feared the LTTE leadership, is set to crack before the next sitting of Parliament, sources close to the TNA revealed. A group of TNA MPs are reported to be disillusioned over the current state of the party and the leadership of R.Sampanthan whom they claim do not give a hearing to junior members in the alliance. zzz03186160
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/new01.asp~~~Private lorries to ply on A-9 highway ~~~Jun 14 (SO) The Kandy-Jaffna A-9 highway will be opened for the first time in several years. Private traders will be permitted to operate their lorries and other convoys to the Northern peninsula from Thursday, a well-informed Government source said. Up to now only State-owned vehicles were operating services on the A-9 highway transporting food, medicines and other essential items to the North. With this new arrangement, the prices of essential commodities are likely to come down sharply in the North. zzz03186161
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/new04.asp~~~Talks to defuse tense situation at Kelaniya varsity~~~Jun 14 (SO) Higher Education Minister Prof. Visva Warnapala yesterday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and officials of the Kelaniya University to initiate discussions between students and residents living in the outskirts of the Kelaniya University to defuse the tense situation, following the clash that took place opposite the University premises on Thursday. zzz03186162
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/spe01.asp~~~Sinhala Literature: Need for establishment of standards ~~~Jun 14 (SO) Prof. Wimal Dissanayake is one of the brilliant academics Sri Lanka has ever produced. He is the author of a vast number of books and academic papers on cultural studies, literary studies and cinema. Currently Prof. Dissanayake teaches at the Academy of Creative Media of the University of Hawaii and is also the Director of the Cultural Studies Program at the East-West Centre, Hawaii. zzz03186163
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/pan03.asp~~~‘Shed your differences for a better tomorrow’ ~~~Jun 14 (SO) Geetha Kumarasinghe, well-known in the film industry for her forthright and outspoken views, in an interview with Panorama, said that she is all for helping the Security Forces, but will never give her consent to any venture which uses the brave and noble soldiers’ name, to fatten personal wallets. She said that having come to know of one such project recently, the veteran actress had almost been taken for a ride, but zzz03186167
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/asoka-de-silva-sri-lankas-32nd-chief.html~~~Asoka de Silva, Sri Lanka’s 32nd Chief Justice~~~Jun 14 (LG) The appointment of Justice Asoka de Silva (P.C.) to the highest position in the judiciary is carefully thought of and well timed appointment by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when the country is going through the most turbulent and decisive era in the annals of history. The appointment is compatible with the 17th amendment, the seniority and all other requirements demanded for this highest and powerful position which zzz03186166
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090614_02~~~One-time media critics of war against LTTE, 'playing a different tune now'~~~Jun 14 (MoD) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that an influential section of print and electronic media which worked overtime against the ruling SLFP-led coalition as it battled the LTTE during the past three years, had now switched sides. "They are playing a different tune now," he said, accusing them of being a critical element of the overall strategy directed against the state. zzz03186164
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/mynation.htm~~~What next with the Tigers’ extinct?~~~Jun 14 (NS) The dust is slowly, but surely, settling on the victory celebrations that erupted throughout the nation, in the aftermath of the defeat of the LTTE. However, it is almost a certainty now, that this will be followed by the hustings- the only question being what type of major election will come first. For now, though, the election-hungry masses will have to be satiated with two appetisers-the Provincial Council (PC) poll in the Uva Province and the Local Government elections in Jaffna.zzz03186168
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/eyefea5.htm~~~Down to earth artist, literally~~~Jun 14 (NS) Sometimes, as a journalist, meeting artists is almost an everyday occurrence, but it’s not often that one encounters an artist who makes his own paint out of clods of soil. Pradeep Indika is one dedicated person who does it, and indeed paints with such colours. The shy 28-year-old artist from Bulathkohuwita in Kegalle, travels around the country regularly, in search of various soil samples to obtain colours for his paintings. zzz03186169
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/politics.htm~~~TNA dilemma, Thondaman’s mission & UNP’s Grand Alliance plan ~~~Jun 14 (NS) TNA displacement within the Sri Lankan political landscape since the defeat of the LTTE, was noted in these columns last week. Their political bankruptcy has now been proven by the fact that several TNA MPs stand to lose their seats, following a discussion that ensued in Parliament last Wednesday. TNA Parliamentarian Shivasakthi Anandan presented a motion in Parliament on Wednesday (10) to request leave of absence for MPszzz03186170
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/inter2.htm~~~'All must be grateful to Govt.'~~~Jun 14 (NS) The UNP stalwart and former Interior Minister John Amaratunga has said that the UNP will support any form of a political package if that was aimed at resolving the long standing problems of the Tamils of the North and East and also helped rebuild the country. While paying a glowing tribute to the government and especially the armed forces for eliminating the LTTE, Amaratunga said it is high time the government placed before the nation a suitable proposal to meet the aspirations of all citizens.zzz03186172
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news2.html~~~'UPFA nominations list will be finalized this week'~~~Jun 14 (Island) UPFA General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayanth said yesterday the list of candidates for the forthcoming Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC local elections will be finalized by this week after talks with Tamil and Muslim political parties in the Government are concluded. Political sources said that the Government is attempting to persuade these Tamil and Muslim parties to contest the poll under the UPFA banner. zzz03186171
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news4.html~~~'Revival of national economy emerging as priority'~~~Jun 14 (Island) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said now that the LTTE had been militarily crushed, there couldn’t be any further delay in reviving the national economy. The armed forces’ triumph over LTTE terrorism, he said, had given the country a tremendous opportunity to revive all sectors ranging from tourism and fisheries to education. He said that the country could now exploit its full potential as the main impediment to Sri Lanka’s progress had been removed. zzz03186173
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news13.html~~~UPFA and UNP members propose extension of President’s term to 8 years~~~Jun 14 (Island) Both the ruling faction and Opposition members of Dambulla and Galewela Pradeshiiya Sabhas have unanimously passed a resolution last week proposing that if the term of office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who commands the support of the overwhelming majority of the people in the country be extended by 8 years the country could save Billions of rupees spent for such elections,zzz03186174
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news7.html~~~Dengue reaches alarming proportions: 128 deaths, 9,100 affected so far ~~~Jun 14 (Island) There have been around 500 confirmed dengue cases reported from the Colombo Municipal Council area since the beginning of this year, CMC’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said. As the public health department battled to bring the situation under control, the number of cases for the month of June has so far reached 95. Among the victims were five foreigners working at the Havelock City building complex, which is still under construction. zzz03186175
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/Columns/political.html~~~Lanka’s dual track foreign relations~~~Jun 14 (ST) It was less than an hour to midnight signalling the dawn of Thursday. Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 196 had touched down at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from New Delhi. Moments after the cabin door connected to the air bridge, weary passengers emerged to walk past equally weary security officials. One of them in a trouser and jacket was greeted by consular officials of the Canadian High Commission in Colombo. zzz03186176
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~They make the world a better place~~~Jun 14 (ST) “When you save a life of a person the contentment is everlasting and you truly feel like a hero. Words are not enough to explain how I feel when I see the four youngsters now enjoying their youth to the fullest,” says Thambirajah Vinayagamoorthy. Vinayagamoorthy from Karaithivu was awarded the Budal Na Gold Award, the highest award bestowed on a civilian at the National Civilian Bravery Awards 2009 for saving four youngsters struggling zzz03186180
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/News/sundaytimesnews_01.html~~~EPF, ETF billions to the rescue ~~~Jun 14 (ST) The authorities are set to take billions of rupees from unclaimed EPF and ETF funds to compensate some 100,000 apparel workers who have been laid off owing to the current world financial crisis, government and union officials said yesterday. They said a tri-partite committee made up of representatives from trade unions, employers and the Government is set to hammer out a final draft later this month to work out the modalities of payments to these workers.zzz03186183
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/FinancialTimes/ft300.html~~~Harry: ‘I was re-offered SLIC’ ~~~Jun 14 (ST) Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena, smarting from the stinging Supreme Court (SC) judgment on Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), has told directors at SLIC’s former parent company Distilleries Company (DCSL), of which he is the chairman, that the insurance company was offered to him for a second time. At the DCSL board meeting on Wednesday specially called to inform the board about the SC decision, Mr. Jayawardena had said that SLIC was ‘offered’ to him again. zzz03186179
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10149&Itemid=44~~~President arrives at Nay Pyi Taw airport in Myanmar ~~~Jun 14 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka delegation arrived at the Nay Pyi Taw airport this morning. President Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa were welcomed by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe. President Rajapaksa was accorded a guard of honour on his arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw airport.zzz03186177
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906141012.htm~~~Prabhakaran waited for Indian election results~~~Jun 14 (PTI) Velupillai Prabakaran was waiting for the results of Indian elections to plan his next strategy in the civil war in Sri Lanka and was apparently hoping that either the NDA or the Third Front would come to power in New Delhi, but the Army there had different plans. It has now emerged that the slain guerrilla leader was waiting till May 16, the day results of Lok Sabha elections were known,zzz03186184
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/10141606.htm~~~Lanka seeks international help to capture Padmanathan ~~~Jun 14 (Hindu) Having wiped out the LTTE leadership from northern Sri Lanka, the government is now seeking international help to nab its fugitive leader K Padmanathan, believed to be active in carrying out the Tigers' operations overseas. The Sri Lankan government has forwarded details to other countries seeking arrest of Padmanathan, Foreign Minister, Mr Rohitha Bogollagama said. zzz03186181
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090614/808/tnl-lanka-will-keep-its-tamil-welfare-pr.html~~~Lanka will keep its Tamil welfare promise: Chidambaram~~~Jun 14 (ANI) Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be told by New Delhi to fulfill his promise to rehabilitate displaced Tamils and grant equal rights to the minority community in the island-nation. "New Delhi believes that President Rajapaksa will fulfill his promises and that India will have to wait and see," Chidamabram said here.zzz03186182
http://ashin-mettacara.com/buddhism/news/537-sri-lanka-president-urged-to-hold-world-buddhist-council-in-2011~~~President urged to hold World Buddhist Council in 2011 ~~~Jun 14 (AM) Thanks to the eradication of terrorism, people in the country celebrated Poson in an atmosphere of peace and harmony after a long tome, observed Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa in Hambantota last week. Rajapaksa said that Poson was an ideal occasion to remember King Asoka`s message of Dhammavijaya and renew our commitment to peace, harmony and national unity.zzz03186178
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/future-of-privatisation.html~~~Future of privatisation ~~~Jun 15 (LG) With the euphoria over recent judgments in the Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) and Lanka Marine Services (LMS), public interest activists are now setting their sights on challenging other cases where state companies were privatised. Among them are plantation companies. Politician Vasudeva Nanayakkara, petitioner in both the SLIC and LMS cases in which both companies reverted back to the state, is calling for a commission of inquiry to go into these past privatisations and zzz03186185
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/john-murphy-and-sri-lanka-bashing.html~~~John Murphy and Sri Lanka bashing ~~~Jun 15 (LG) John Murphy , the Australian Labour Party Parliamentarian now a Dy Minister had been in the forefront of the supporters of Tamil separatist /LTTE campaign in Australia. During the last 11 years, in fact John Murphy represented the LTTE agenda in the Australian Parliament whenever Sri Lanka came up for discussion. While JM made the LTTE supporters proud and elated in his contributions to the Parliament debates and discussions on Sri Lanka by his constant Sri Lanka bashing,zzz03186186
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/instant-historians-and-their-history.html~~~Instant historians and their history ~~~Jun 15 (LG) In recent weeks we have been confused about reportage of ‘historic events’ from Colombo and abroad. Not being professional historians and being only mere journalists we have tended to regard newspapers, radio and TV reports as contemporary history. And we are told daily that we are living in ‘historic times.’ Naturally historic figures keep jumping out from these contemporary records of Sri Lankan history. zzz03186187
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/lady-ga-at-the-helm/~~~Lady GA at the helm~~~Jun 15 (AT) Coordinating humanitarian assistance to the people in the Wanni, the Government Agent and District Secretary for Vavuniya, Piencia S.M. Charles set to work almost from day one to clear jungle areas on the instructions of the government to resettle the hundreds of thousands of IDPs who the government had correctly envisaged would need accommodation in the aftermath of the conflict that raged in the northern part of Sri Lanka. zzz03186188
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/sri-lanka-and-india-both-watch-out/~~~Sri Lanka And India : Both Watch Out?~~~Jun 15 (AT) When the Ministry of Youth Development was created in Sri Lanka and the pen that created it was given to the daughter of the minister, it caused me amusement but when I saw in the media that Mr. Yasushi Akashi has created peace courses in Japan for youth for which a few LTTE cadres may be eligible it sent a shock wave down my spine because we have I understand about 400 hard core LTTE cadres in rehabilitation camps. zzz03186189
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1926076210~~~Galleon fund founder Raj Rajaratnam invests in Sri Lanka broking firm~~~Jun 15 (LBO) New York based Galleon group founder Raj Rajaratnam; Rusi Captain, a top local investor and Priyani Ratnagopal, former head of Asia Securities, are buying into Lanka Orix Securities. Lanka Orix Leasing Company which held a 30 percent in the stock broking firm and Ishara Traders which had 40 percent, are selling out. Chief Executive Tushan Wickramasinghe said he is increasing his stake to 50 percent from the current 30 percent. zzz03186190
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408924.html~~~Jayawardene saves Sri Lanka's blushes~~~Jun 15 (CI) Mahela Jayawardene saved his team's blushes with 78 from 53 balls, as Sri Lanka moved a step closer to the semi-finals with an awkward but ultimately comfortable nine-run victory over the unfancied Irish at Lord's. After winning the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka were restricted to a modest total of 144 for 9 by a disciplined Ireland bowling performance in which the medium-pacer Alex Cusack excelled with 4 for 18 in three overs. zzz03186191
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/international/lanka-army-grills-ltte-cemetery-keeper.aspx~~~Lanka Army grills LTTE cemetery-keeper~~~Jun 15 (PTI) A LTTE cemetery keeper in Wanni who was recently attacked by fellow inmates of a Tamil relief camp, is being interrogated by the Sri Lankan Army to dig out information about dead Tamil Tigers, whose records he used to maintain.Pon Thiyagam, was once the caretaker of the well-known "Martyrs cemetery" of the LTTE was attacked by some fellow occupants of IDP’s relief camp at Vayunia in northern Sri Lanka. zzz03186192
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=1~~~New LTTE crooner wears petticoats ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) For reasons which can only be subject to educated guesses, fingers have been pointed at the country from the west; not the east, north or south; just the west by certain characters associated with that hemisphere. And the government has had their hands full in dealing with such types of intruders, who after whirlwind tours of the ‘war affected areas’ refugee camps and ‘no fire zones’ carry back half baked views which they splash about in gay abandon all over the world.zzz03186193
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=1~~~Decoding media’s war against a Military ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) Fourth Generation warfare (4GW) in the 21st century in simplest of terms is warfare between a legitimate armed force and a non-state violent actor. The essence of 4GW is its protracted nature of violence, use of asymmetry attempting to attain parity politically as well as psychologically. Since the first bullets fired in 1981 in Jaffna the Tigers fought a protracted 4GW campaign against the Sri Lankan Government Military morally, zzz03186194
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=1~~~Lies and a Tiger: How a diaspora is killing its own ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) As the war against the LTTE grinds inexorably towards certain defeat for the self-proclaimed representatives of the Tamil nation, there seems to be no great fanfare, no glorious last stands. This revolution dies not with a bang, but with whimpers and cowardice. And lies. For a year the Tamil Diaspora, spread from Tamil Nadu to Toronto, watched open-mouthed with disbelief as the iron fist of the Sri Lankan infantry divisions cut the Tiger formations to pieces,zzz03186195
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=1~~~Kandasamy, Sri Lanka’s forgotten trade union martyr ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) Sixty two years ago June 5 a young Velupillai Kandasamy a Clerical Officer of the Department of Health and Sanitary Services was killed by police firing ordered by the British Police Superintendent Robins on an orderly march of the members of the Government Clerical Services Union (GCSU). The main contention of the marchers totaling 50,000 public servants was that the proposed Soulbury Constitution for an independent Sri Lanka failed to guarantee workers’ rights.zzz03186196
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090614_women_cricket.shtml~~~Lanka women 'will qualify for next round' ~~~Jun 15 (BBC) Sri Lanka women's cricket team skipper Chamari Polgampola says that her team will progress through to the semi finals at the women's World Twenty20 held in England. Polgampola says she is confident of defeating the hosts who currently holds the top ranking among women teams. “We are not worried about the home advantage for England. My team is confident. We just arrived at the ground. My first thought was that we will win,” she said. zzz03186197
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/sri-lanka-president-rajapaksa-holds-bilateral-talks-with-prime-minister-and-senior-ministers-of-myanmar/~~~President holds bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Myanmar~~~Jun 15 (AT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa while appreciating the warm welcome and hospitality afforded to him by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe and the Government of Myanmar during courtesy call on the latter, recalled with pleasure his previous visit to Myanmar as the then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2004 to participate at the World Buddhist Conference in Yangon. zzz03186198
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2380~~~Assessing the analysis of the University Teachers for Human Rights~~~Jun 15 (PISL) The University Teachers for Human Rights has issued yet another report on the situation in Sri Lanka which, as with its previous reports, merits serious attention. I have always admired their commitment and efforts at objectivity and, even when I disagree with what they say, I have noted their sincerity. It should also be noted that they are amongst the few such organisations to admit it when they have been mistaken, zzz03186199
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090614_vavuniya_idps.shtml~~~UN responsible for 'IDP toilets' ~~~Jun 15 (BBC) The Sri Lankan government says that the United Nations should take responsibility for not providing enough toilet facilities for the IDPs in Vavuniya camps. The UN has said that only half of the toilets and minimum facilities for bathing are available for IDPs in the camps. However, Resettlement Minister Risath Bathiuddeen told BBC Sandeshaya that the UN was offered government land and UN received international funding to provide adequate facilities. zzz03186200
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/15/nation/4118542&sec=nation~~~Group calls for trade boycott of Colombo~~~Jun 15 (TS) The Malaysian Indian Business Association has called for a trade boycott of Sri Lanka in an effort to pressure its government to address humanitarian concerns in the war-torn state, Malaysian Nanban reported. Association president P. Sivakumar expressed hope that all Indian-owned businesses in Malaysia would support the call. He said all businesses should make the stand on humanitarian grounds, zzz03186201
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/6/15/central/4108476&sec=central~~~Temple launches fund for Sri Lankan orphans~~~Jun 15 (TS) Some 400 orphans displaced in the Vavuniya district, 254km north of Colombo as a result of the recently concluded war between the Sri Lanka army and the Tamil Tigers are living in misery without basic necessities. To help them, the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, is organising a project to raise money to educate and provide assistance to these children. An initial RM30,000 has been collected to kick-start the programme.zzz03186202
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=555520980~~~Sri Lanka water utility still cannot cover costs~~~Jun 15 (LBO) National water supply and drainage board (NWS&DB) has given 34 percent of the population pipe-borne water, but it still cannot recover costs, a finance ministry report said. The unit cost of water increased to35.37 rupees a unit in 2008 from31.32 rupees a unit in 2007. The water board recovers only 22.82 rupee per unit of water. The finance ministry report said the utility, should reconsider continuing with free water supply to tenements in Colombo. zzz03186203
http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=296&page=10~~~Time to embrace the Sinhalas~~~Jun 15 (Organiser) The war is over in Sri Lanka. Peace has just begun. How should India react? Sri Lanka is the only neighbour that India can rely upon. Our links with Tamils and Sinhalas are historical. But the past is still a drag on both. Unless we overcome the unpleasant memories of the past, we cannot work out a new destiny. But, first, how do we dispel the fears of the Sinhalas? Do they still fear that we may work in favour of the Tamils? zzz03186204
http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=296&page=7~~~Clash of cultures~~~Jun 15 (Organiser) It used to be said of Henry the 8th, the corpulent Tudor king of England, that he was singularly unfortunate in his relations with his wives. He had their heads, chopped off, one after another without saying “excuse me.” The same can be said about the relations between big and small powers, for some reason, they rarely get on with one another, particularly if they happen to be neighbours. zzz03186205
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j15.shtml~~~Jaffna residents speak out over increasing military repression~~~Jun 15 (wsws) Jaffna residents in Sri Lanka’s north spoke with the WSWS last week over continuing military repression and the ongoing detention of more than 300,000 Tamils in the Vavuniya internment camps. Many had relatives or friends who were either killed or injured in the fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the separatist LTTE or who are now being held in detention camps.zzz03186206
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/rubiks-cube-why-share-power-only-with.html~~~Why share power 0nly with Tamils and not Sinhalas, Muslims, Malays, Chetties, Veddhas & Burgers?~~~Jun 15 (LG) The Indian Home Affairs Minister and many others have advised Sri Lanka to share power with Tamils. Why share power only with Tamils in a country of many other communities? What's good for the goose is good for the gander! Why discriminate? This is a puzzle that will never be solved if the simple requirement of equal rights to every individual is not implemented as it is. zzz03186207
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ic-ing-on-sri-lankas-cake.html~~~IC-ing on Sri Lanka’s cake~~~Jun 15 (LG) There is a saying in Tamil, which when translated means, “Even if it had stopped raining, the drizzles continue.” The human rights violations of the kind alleged to have been committed by the Sri Lankan armed forces in the end-game of the ethnic war could not be dismissed as mere drizzles, but then a uni-focussed international attention on those concerns weeks after the war had concluded could only impede an early return to normalcy. zzz03186208
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10156&Itemid=44~~~First ever LTTE operational submarine taken out from Vellamullivaikkal sea ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) The first ever fully-geared LTTE submarine that had been submerged in the sea waters, a few metres off the coast of Vellamullivaikkal was found by the Task Forces 8 troops Sunday (14) afternoon following information given by a terrorist in custody. The complete submarine with one seat is about 24 ft in length and 4 ft in width. It had reportedly been used by the LTTE, most probably their senior cadres,zzz03186209
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10158&Itemid=44~~~Trade and Health Ministers to Visit IDPs in Vavuniya today ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena and Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva are scheduled to visit the Welfare Camps in Vavuniya today (15) where the displaced from the Vanni are temporarily housed. They will look into the welfare of the displaced and provide immediate solutions with the assistance of the Security Forces top brass and State officials,zzz03186210
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10160&Itemid=44~~~Residential quarters for medical staff will opened today in Chettikulam ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Two Residential quarters for 48 doctors and 50 nurses will be inaugurated today at Chettikulam under the patronage of the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The Residential quarters facilities have been provided by the government with the assistance of the World Health Organization. The cost of the project is Rs.3.5 million. The provision of accommodation for doctors & nurses was a demanding issue in the Vavuniya district.zzz03186211
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10161&Itemid=44~~~Electricity for the Ratnapura district ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Six hundred and fifty families who had no access to electricity have benefited from “Lighting Ratnapura” project. With the implementation of this project, 65% of the population in the Ratnapura district now has electricity and all villages in the Ratnapura district will have access to electricity after the completion of the “Lighting Ratnapura” project which began last year,zzz03186212
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10163&Itemid=44~~~Indian Medical Team begin services in Manik Farm Zone-1 ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) The Indian Medical Team, based till recently in Pulmoddai, had relocated its Emergency Medical Unit and Field Hospital to Zone-1 of the IDP settlement in the Manik Farm area and has started services, a press release issued by the Indian embassy stated. The team, comprising eight doctors and 54 nursing, para-medical and technical staff, have already treated over 2000 patients in Zone-1, which houses over 45,000 IDPs.zzz03186213
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10172&Itemid=44~~~Continental Asian Junior Chess Championships 2009 in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Over 30 foreign players from 10 countries are expected to participate in the Asian Junior Chess Championship 2009, scheduled to be held at the Continental Hotel, Sri Lanka from July 1-8, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said. Current women's national champion Sachini Ranasingha of Museaus College will lead the Sri Lankan girls contingent at the Asian Junior Boys and Girls Chess Championship 2009 conducted by Sri Lanka Chess Federation. zzz03186214
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Fishing_restictions_in_East_coast_revised-20-1096.html~~~Fishing restictions in East coast revised~~~Jun 15 (PSM) The government has revised the fishing restrictions in the sea off the Eastern coast today after two decades as part of the process to return the Eastern Province back to normalcy, MP Basil Rajapaksa said. However, all the fishing vessels except small boats will be allowed to do fishing right throughout the day in the outer perimeters of the Trincomalee harbour. Small boats will be allowed to engage in fishing in this area from 4 a.m. till 6 p.m. only.zzz03186223
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Politiocal_parties_to__face_axe_or_name_change_-20-1098.html~~~Politiocal parties to face axe or name change ~~~Jun 15 (PSM) Recognised Political parties will soon be directed to amend their names if the names of the parties are based on ethnic identity or based against the unitary character of the country, according to reliable sources. Further, past performance and activities of the parties also will be assessed periodically and the non-active or little active political parties will be de-recognized according to a memorandum submitted by zzz03186216
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2466:100000-in-apparel-sector-have-lost-their-jobs&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~100,000 in apparel sector have lost their jobs ~~~Jun 15 (LT) The government has admitted that more than 100,000 people in the apparel sector have lost their jobs owing to the current world financial crisis and is making arrangements to take billions of rupees from unclaimed EPF and ETF funds to compensate them. Since the start of last year an estimated 200 garment factories have been closed down and the number would increase owing to the global crisis and other factors zzz03186217
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2470:500-taken-ill-after-meal-in-temple&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~500 taken ill after meal in temple ~~~Jun 15 (LT) About 500 people who partook of meals served during a Hindu festival at an estate in Wedamulla, Ramboda were taken ill and admitted to Gampola, Pussellawa, Kotmale and Wahugupitiya hospitals. They developed symptoms of vomiting and purging after a meal of rice with potatoes, dhal, brinjals and pumpkin. The patients were rushed to nearby hospitals in lorries. Six people whose condition was serious were rushed to Gampola Hospital. zzz03186218
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2469:lieutenant-apprehended-with-van-from-vanni&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Lieutenant apprehended with van from Vanni ~~~Jun 15 (LT) Three persons including an Army lieutenant and a police constable were apprehended with a van, T-56 rifle and several equipments by Habarana Police yesterday. Among the other goods apprehended were a motor bike without number plates, 30 T-56 ammunitions, a lap top and GPS communication equipment. The goods had been brought to Kebethigollawa earlier and while transporting them to Hasalaka they were apprehended at Irioya police check point at Habarana.zzz03186219
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2468:no-security-arrangements-to-engage-in-electioneering-in-jaffna--jj-complains-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~No security arrangements to engage in electioneering in Jaffna – JJ complains ~~~Jun 15 (LT) UNP MP Jayalath Jayawardene has complained to the Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dishanayake that the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense has not taken any measures to provide facilities for those who intend going to Jaffna Municipal area to organize election campaign for the forthcoming local government election. Mr. Jayawardene wrote to the Commissioner of Elections on the 29th of last month asking him to zzz03186220
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Ex--soldier-mother-fined-abandoning-newborn/2892.htm~~~Ex- soldier mother fined for abandoning newborn~~~Jun 15 (CT) A 19-year old woman, who was arrested for abandoning her newborn, was released on a Rs. 100,000 surety by the Additional Galle Magistrate, Geethani Wijesinghe. The infant was also handed back to his mother. The suspect, a soldier who deserted the Army and a resident of Thalpe in Habaraduwa, Galle, had abandoned her baby after giving birth three months earlier. zzz03186221
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2381~~~Secretary General responds to Lakbima News~~~Jun 15 (PISL) Prof Rajiva Wijesinha has written today to the editor of Lakbima News regarding an article in the 14th June 2009 issue. His letter can be found below. The Editor, Lakbima News: I write with reference to a news item you published last week entitled 'Diplomatic corps in huff over Rajiva's statement', which claims that a report in the Guardian in Britain led to diplomats in the west having 'to face mounting pressure by western countries'. zzz03186215
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44839.html~~~Sri Lanka aims self-sufficiency in fisheries~~~Jun 15 (LNP) Sri Lanka can save USD 400 million annually in foreign exchange by becoming self-sufficient in fish while providing employment to thousands of people, Chairman Maubima Lanka Foundation Ariyseela Wickramanayake said. We import 61,000 tonnes of canned fish annually despite the huge trade deficit. We are already self-sufficient in maize. With the end of the war the sea around our country is free for fishing and we can be self-sufficient in fish too, he said. zzz03186222
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44840.html~~~A war the Opposition could lead~~~Jun 15 (LNP) UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake is to be highly commended for a query he raised in Parliament the other day. He asked the government how much President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s foreign travel in his present capacity had cost the country. It was a whopping sum as Minister Dinesh Gunawardana revealed to the House. The President has travelled abroad 18 times and the expenditure incurred is 209 million rupees! zzz03186224
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/news02.asp~~~Pirates capture ship with Lankans ~~~Jun 15 (DN) At least seven Sri Lankans are believed to be on board a cargo ship hijacked by suspected Somali Pirates off the coast of the Gulf state of Oman on Saturday. According to unconfirmed sources, the Chief Engineer of the ship and several high ranking officials on board are believed to be Sri Lankans. A Foreign Ministry official confirming the incident, said they were trying to get in touch with the Lankan mission in Oman and zzz03186225
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/news03.asp~~~Bodies to be brought to Lanka, compensation for kin ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Arrangements have been made to bring the bodies of five Sri Lankans who died in a major road accident in Riyadh-Dammam Highway in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night to Sri Lanka, authorities said. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that in addition, compensation too would be paid to the next of kin. The SLBFE added that all the deceased migrant employees were insured under the stipulated scheme ‘Sahana’. zzz03186226
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/fea21.asp~~~Ira Handa Yata strikes real life ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Imagine shooting in the depths of the wilderness in the zone which had been under the LTTE for the past three decades. Devise creating a movie surrounded by dangers like wild elephants, bears, snakes and other creatures of the forest. These are exactly the prospects which greeted the media team who visited the location of Bennett Rathnayake’s latest movie Ira Handa Yata. The movie is based on a striking incident which takes place during the conflict period. zzz03186227
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/fea25.asp~~~Pilgrimage to Jaffna... ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Twenty two years have gone by since my last visit to the northern capital of Sri Lanka, Jaffna. The Jayewardene-Gandhi accord was just signed and the then government was in a severe political crisis. Its own cabinet divided over the signing of the accord; Ministers Gamani Jayasuriya and Cyril Mathew were highly critical of the accord. Prime Minister Premadasa and National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali did not pay even lip service to it. zzz03186228
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/business1.html~~~State pumped in half a billion rupees to defunct public enterprises ~~~Jun 15 (Island) The Government Treasury said Rs. 506 million was paid into defunct public enterprises in 2008 while 48 out of 92 companies the government had invested in had paid dividends at lease once during the past eight years. "Out of 92 companies, on average, 75 percent of the them have not paid dividends during the last eight years which is not an acceptable situation, given the large investments that the government has made," zzz03186241
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news6.html~~~Men who killed Thamilselvam speak~~~Jun 15 (Island) With the war against the LTTE spearheaded by the army coming to an end, the armed forces had discussed some of the operations undertaken by them, ranging from raids conducted by LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols) deep inside enemy-held territory, to bloody ground assaults in the Vanni theatre. In brief interviews with The Island, Commanding Officers of SLAF Jet Squadrons, Group Captain Sajeewa Hendawitharane (MiGs/No 12), zzz03186240
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news2.html~~~Big battle looms at Consumer Affairs Authority~~~Jun 15 (Island) Trouble is brewing again at the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) with its Chairman Rumy Marzook and Director General Mrs. R. K. Jayasooriya on a collision course. Marzook, a former Prisons Commissioner walked out of a recent meeting following a heated exchange of words with the former army officer fueling speculation that they readying for a major confrontation. zzz03186238
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news11.html~~~Buttala campus for Sinhala, Muslim students selected for Eastern, Jaffna universities~~~Jun 15 (Island) Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Gamini Samaranayake told The Island yesterday that the Z scores for the enrolment of students at national universities for the academic year of 2008/ 09 would be released shortly. The UGC is awaiting re-correction results from the Examination Department. "The Examination department is to finish the re-evaluation of results. zzz03186233
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51858~~~Rs. 928,000 to maintain each ministry~~~Jun 15 (DM) The main opposition UNP yesterday charged that a huge Rs.928,000 was spent monthly for the upkeep of each minister and his staff, and said it was high time the government thought out its strategy of rebuilding the country by reducing the giant cabinet. UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara told a news conference the government should practise what it preached and reduce the giant cabinet and thereby cut down its expenses for the sake of the nation.zzz03186234
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51864~~~Govt. seeks election deal with EPDP, DTNA~~~Jun 15 (DM) The government said yesterday it hoped to accommodate the EPDP led by Douglas Devananda and the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) led by V. Anandasangaree at the elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Municipal Council under the betel symbol. Minister and SLFP general secretary Maithripala Sirisena told Daily Mirror a final decision would be taken after President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned from Myanmar. zzz03186239
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51860~~~TNA calls for explanation from Kishor~~~Jun 15 (DM) The TNA said yesterday that it would call for explanations from its Wanni district MP Sivanathan Kishor for abstaining from voting on the extension of Emergency Regulations in Parliament last Tuesday. Mr. Kishor abstained from voting on the day despite all his party colleagues voting against the emergency as usual. TNA MP N. Sri Kantha told Daily Mirror that Mr. Kishor would be asked to give an explanation on his decision at the next parliamentary group meeting of the TNA. zzz03186235
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51901~~~UNP group wants common candidate~~~Jun 15 (DM) A group of UNP MPs are trying to work out a consensus among opposition political parties to field a common candidate at the next Presidential Election with a pledge to abolish the executive presidency within three months after the election. An MP representing this group told Daily Mirror yesterday they were now attempting to reach a consensus among all the members of the UNP parliamentary group before approaching the other parties in the opposition. zzz03186237
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6316&sec=1~~~Govt insists Prabhakaran killed in mangrove swamp~~~Jun 15 (ANN) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa dismissed a statement attributed to UTHR that the army captured LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and tortured him before killing. He said that there was absolutely no truth in claims of Prabhakaran or any other hardcore being taken alive. Army Chief Lt General Sarath Fonseka and Major General Kamal Gunarathne, too, had denied reports that Prabhakaran was taken alive. zzz03186230
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090615_01~~~President outlines two challenges: Rehabilitation livelihood renewal ~~~Jun 15 (moD) President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on a State visit to Myanmar said that his latest challenge is to rehabilitate the war torn region and bring normalcy to the lives of the people. The 30 year old cruel war against terrorism cost 100,000 lives, he said. Expressing satisfaction at being able to successfully conclude the humanitarian operation against terrorism, the President said his visit to Myanmar is the first one after the victory. zzz03186236
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2009/06/15/9797631-sun.html~~~What is Sri Lanka hiding? ~~~Jun 15 (TS) Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation. It had the right to bar Liberal MP Bob Rae and Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, from entering the country. Canada, after all, recently barred British MP George Galloway for the same reason Sri Lanka says it did Rae -- security concerns. Which just goes to show countries can act within their rights and still be wrong. Canada argued Galloway gave "material support" to Hamas. zzz03186229
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090615/wl_asia_afp/srilankaunrestmilitary~~~Sri Lanka military says rebel sub found~~~Jun 15 (AFP) Sri Lankan troops have recovered the first submarine believed to have been used by the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels, the military has said. Troops found the 24-foot submersible on the coast of the northeastern district of Mullaittivu, where the LTTE were defeated last month, ending decades of ethnic conflict. "It had reportedly been used by the LTTE, most probably by their senior cadres, for clandestine sea movements before the LTTE was wiped out," zzz03186242
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1533404425~~~Road project delayed by too expensive bids~~~Jun 15 (LBO) Government has decided to call for fresh tenders for the Greater Colombo Urban Transport Development Project as previous bids were too high. The project, meant to ease traffic jams in Colombo, is funded by a 223 million US dollar loan from Japan, the finance ministry said in a report. It listed the project as one of the under-performing projects in 2008 as 29.2 million dollars of the disbursement target of 30.5 million for the year was not used. zzz03186231
http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=16005~~~Burma-Sri Lanka Connection: Religion and Terrorism ~~~Jun 15 (TI) Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapakse paid an official visit to Burma to cement ties between the two countries. Burma was the first country to be visited by President Mahindra Rajapakse after his government defeated the Tamil Tigers guerrilla forces in May. Inside sources in Burma said that Burmese military leaders who recently launched a military offensive against Karen rebels in eastern Burma were impressed by Mahindra Rajapakse’s military strategy used against the Tamil tigers. zzz03186238.2
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78975&Itemid=39~~~Pakistan gifts ambulances to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 16 (APP) The Government of Pakistan, through its High Commission in Colombo, gifted three fully equipped and high-roof ambulances to the Health Ministry of the Government of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner, Shaheen A. Gilani, handed over the keys of the ambulances to Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. In his brief remarks, Gilani said that the gift of ambulances was only a token of the high esteem and affection of the Government and people of Pakistan for zzz03186244
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Employees-strike-work-Dehiwela-Zoo/2907.htm~~~Employees strike work at Dehiwela Zoo~~~Jun 16 (CT) Employees of the Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela briefly struck work today (June 15) to demand the elimination of their salary anomalies and granting the transfers due to them. As there was no staff to give food to the animals in the zoo, the animals had become agitated during the morning. The media had been prevented from accessing the zoo, sources said. Latest reports said the strike ended around 1.00 pm, and the animals given their food. zzz03186245
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-asks-govt.-allow-foreign-monitors-north-polls/2911.htm~~~UNP asks govt. to allow foreign monitors to north polls~~~Jun 16 (CT) Terrorism of the LTTE may have ended, but the ruling party is unleashing state-sponsored terrorism in Jaffna and Vavuniya in the north to target upcoming local government polls there, alleged UNP councilor Rohana Gamage. Mr. Gamage, who represents the north central provincial council, told the media in Colombo, Sri Lanka today (June 15) the government should immediately allow foreign election monitors access to the two areas.zzz03186246
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/14/bob-rae-the-sunday-times-and-wikipedia/~~~Bob Rae, The Sunday Times and Wikipedia~~~Jun 16 (GV) In what may be a first for a Sunday newspaper in Sri Lanka, a reference from Wikipedia is used to buttress a case for the alleged pro-LTTE bias of Canadian Liberal MP Bob Rae, recently deported from Sri Lanka after first being issued a visa to enter. The Sunday Times has a full page devoted to a rather long-winded story titled Lanka’s dual track foreign relations. zzz03186247
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/15/enigma-of-prabhakaran-and-the-tamil-tigers/~~~Enigma of Prabhakaran and the Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 16 (GV) Both in life and death, Veluppillai Prabhakaran divides rather than unites the Tamils in particular, Sri Lankans as a whole. Therein lie the enigma of Prabhakaran (Thambi Anna to me), whom I first met almost thirty years ago in August 1979, and the Tamil Tigers. “Assuming the LTTE finished is fantasy masquerading as fact”, exclaimed a self-styled ‘leftist’ academic (Sri Lankan born American), namely Qadri Ismail, on March 1, 2009. zzz03186248
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090615_lanka_twenty20.shtml~~~Sri Lanka Twenty20 'favourites' ~~~Jun 16 (BBC) Sri Lanka having qualified for the semi finals are the favourites to win the World Twenty20 currently being held in England says former Indian player and selector V B Chandrasekar. Being a "fantastic bowling side," Sri Lanka has the best possibilities of clinching the trophy with the exit of India having been beaten by England on Sunday, he says. “If at all Sri Lanka have some problems it is with their batting” zzz03186249
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090615_08~~~Two South Korean Navy ships arrive on goodwill visit to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 16 (MoD) Two ships belonging to the Republic of Korea Navy, ROKS Choi Young (DDH 981) and ROKS Dae Cheong (AOE 58), have arrived on a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka today (15th of June 2009). The two ships, belonging to the 2009 Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG) of the ROK Navy, will stay in Sri Lanka from the 15th to the 18th of June as a part of their annual cruise training programme. zzz03186250
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1796288531~~~Sri Lanka 1Q state revenues down 8.2-pct~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lanka's state revenues fell 8.2 percent to 144.9 billion rupees in the first quarter of 2009, while rising expenses have ballooned the gap in the current account of the budget to an unprecedented level. In the first two months of 2009 revenues fell 10.6 percent with tax revenues falling 12.7 percent. In the first three months to March the total revenues fall has been contained at 8.2 percent from 158.0 billion rupees and zzz03186251
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10175&Itemid=44~~~Blessings invoked on President Rajapaksa at the historic Shwedagon Pagoda ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa was warmly received at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, this afternoon by the Director General, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhist Monks, Trustee of the Pagoda, Shwedagon U Ba Shwe and area Commanders of the Army. Thereafter, the President and the Sri Lankan delegation participated in religious observances where they were blessed by the Buddhist monks who also chanted pirith.zzz03186252
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=1~~~Reconciliation needed after celebration ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) The phase of public celebration reached its climax with the victory commemoration event and military parade of last Wednesday at Galle Face Green. In a manner that accorded with the past traditions of rulership of the island, President Mahinda Rajapaksa received scrolls from the commanders of the security forces apprising him of duties well done, and of victory, the end of war and the unification of the country. zzz03186253
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=1~~~Implementing 13th amendment through elections ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) Shortly after its military victory over the LTTE in the north, the government decided to call for local government elections in the two largest northern cities of Jaffna and Vavuniya. Most of the opposition political parties have protested this urgency on the grounds that the situation in the north is far from normal and that the people are in no mood for an election. zzz03186254
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=1~~~The Diaspora created the Tigers; not vice-versa ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) While agreeing with much of what John Thompson (‘What Next for the Tamil Tigers?’, 8 June) says, I should point out that he is wrong on two counts: (1) He refers to the Tigers as a ‘guerrilla army’. In fact the LTTE has been fighting as a conventional army for at least a decade. It has used units as guerrillas for some operations, and has waged urban guerrilla war against the civilian population of the south. zzz03186255
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sinha-regiments-lionhearted-bravery.html~~~Sinha Regiment’s lionhearted bravery kills Charles Anthony ~~~Jun 16 (LG) The leadership provided by 12 Sinha Regiment (SR), to kill Prabhakaran`s son Charles Anthony, has come in for much praise. 12 SR was commanded by Major Anil Perera. The second-in-command was Major Lakshman Wedagama. At the time the Tiger hierarchy were planning to escape to the Nanthikadal lagoon from Wellamullaivaikkal, 12 SR’s Bravo Company, were guarding the camp of the second defense line,zzz03186256
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tables-turn-on-diaspora.html~~~Tables turn on the diaspora ~~~Jun 16 (LG) 1. capitalized a: the settling of scattered colonies of Jews outside Palestine after the Babylonian exile b: the area outside Palestine settled by Jews c: the Jews living outside Palestine or modern Israel 2 a: the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland b:people settled far from their ancestral homelands c: the place where these people live.zzz03186257
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090615_sunila_hooded.shtml~~~Youth 'disappear' from IDP camps ~~~Jun 16 (BBC) An international award winning human rights activist in Sri Lanka says that nearly 20-30 youth have been disappearing from camps in Vavuniya daily. But Sri Lanka government rejects the accusation. Sunila Abeysekara told BBC Sandeshaya that rights activists have received credible reports of regular abductions in the camps. "We accept that the government has the right to search the camps for security reasons. But our concern is that there is no formal registration process,"zzz03186259
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 3~~~zzz03186260
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 2~~~zzz03186261
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 1~~~zzz03186262
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/15/attacks-on-journalists-slammed/~~~Attacks on journalists slammed~~~Jun 16 (UCAN) Religious leaders, civic activists and journalists have expressed concern over attacks on media personnel reporting on violence and corruption in the country. "Stop paramilitary attacks on journalists!" shouted activists during a June 10 protest in Colombo. The event saw hundreds of people taking to the streets to highlight the plight of journalists reporting on civil-war issues and state and civil-level corruption.zzz03186263
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409033.html~~~Hot battle for spot in final four~~~Jun 16 (CI) It's quite simple - the winner goes into the semi-finals and the loser heads home. A second-round exit would be slightly unfair on the undefeated Sri Lanka, but they can avoid the trapdoor with another committed performance when they face New Zealand, who have a much healthier net run-rate despite a win and a loss in the Super Eights. Sri Lanka's first-up success against Australia was followed by wins over West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland, zzz03186264
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1065451113~~~Sri Lanka apparel maker in post-war manufacture~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Brandix, a top Sri Lankan apparel maker, is planning to boost production at a factory built in Batticaloa, a former war-torn area in the east of the island where ex-female Tiger combatants are also working, an official said. "Our current production is 20,000 pieces and we want to push it up to 50,000 pieces," Theodore Gunasekara, general manager, intimate apparels at Brandix Lanka said. zzz03186265
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10537032~~~Ambassador: Sri Lanka working to resettle Tamils~~~Jun 16 (AP) Sri Lanka's ambassador to the United States says his nation's leaders are working to resettle 300,000 ethnic Tamil civilians displaced by civil war. Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya spoke on Monday to an audience at Georgia State University. He denied allegations that ethnic Tamils are being held in welfare camps against their will and said the government is working to get the Tamils back into their homes within six months.zzz03186266
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_SyyiLFWAl_mtLokUBWpnR00Ncw~~~Kiwis rely on inside knowledge over Mendis~~~Jun 16 (AFP) New Zealand hope they can benefit from inside knowledge on Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis in their crucial World Twenty20 clash at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori has turned to teammate Brendon McCullum who played with Mendis in the Kolkata team at the IPL. "Fortunately Brendon was at Kolkata with him and saw quite a bit of him," said Vettori.zzz03186267
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/16/stories/2009061655320800.htm~~~Sri Lanka: task of livelihood rehabilitation ~~~Jun 16 (Hindu) The war has ended, but the struggle for economic survival is just beginning for the Tamil population of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Peace has come, but for it to last a union of hearts is essential. Thus the Tamil population of Sri Lanka needs both peace and bread with human dignity to become proud citizens of the beautiful country that is linked spiritually to India through Buddhism. zzz03186268
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sltn-j16.shtml~~~Sri Lankan government threatens Tamil parliamentarians~~~Jun 16 (wsws) The government last week threatened to strip four Tamil parliamentarians of their seats by turning down their request for leave. Coming in the wake of the army’s defeat of the separatist LTTE, the threat is a further sign that President Mahinda Rajapakse intends to stamp out any political opposition. The issue arose when the TNA forwarded leave applications of four of its MPs—Selvam Adaikalanathan, Selvarajah Gajendran,zzz03186269
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10188&Itemid=44~~~Special Classes for A/L students in IDP camps ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) Following a directive by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government has initiated a special educational programme for the students of displaced families, who are sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination this year(2009). He stated that under this program Minister of Resettlement and Relief Services Rishard Bathiudeen gave away reading material, uniforms and stationery to 700 A\L students in the welfare camps in Vavuniya.zzz03186270
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10187&Itemid=44~~~TID arrests pharmacist with LTTE links ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) The Terrorist Investigating Department (TID) arrested an owner of a pharmacy believed to be a supporter of the LTTE in Wellawatte this morning, Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera told www.news.lk. The suspect, Selvanyagm Balachandran is the owner of Neelam Pharmacy at Perera Lane , Wellawatta. The TID seized 32 varieties of medical items worth Rs.2.4 million which were to be handed over to the LTTE, he further said.zzz03186271
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10184&Itemid=44~~~More Facilities for welfare Camps ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala De Silva yesterday opened a State Pharmaceuticals Corporation outlet at the Ananda Coomaraswamy Welfare Centre in Settikulam, our special correspondent in the North, Chaminda Upul reported. A new hospital was opened at the Welfare Centre Zone III yesterday and a ward complex was also opened at the Settikulam Base Hospital by the Health Minister.zzz03186272
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10177&Itemid=44~~~'Sri Lanka I just visited is more dynamic'~~~Jun 16 (GDI) SL government is unwavering in civilian welfare and there are no unnecessary roadblocks to the planned resettlement of war displaced masses living in IDP welfare centers. “The government ensured speedy resettlement of these civilians to ease agonies they are undergoing living away from their own villages,” Sri Lanka ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya said. Jaliya Wickramasuriya was addressing a gathering at Georgia State University. zzz03186273
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10178&Itemid=44~~~President congratulates Dr. Ahmedinejad ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulated Dr. Mahmoud Ahmedinejad who was re-elected as President of Iran. 'The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in congratulating you on your re-election as the President of Iran and this is joyous news to us since we consider you as a close of friend of our country', the President said in his message.zzz03186276
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10182&Itemid=44~~~Dairy farming in 70 key villages of the North ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) Dairy farming will be promoted in 70 key villages across the North, and the dramatic program is expected to grow steadily, supplying more milk to the North under Vadakkin Vasantham project. The project expects dairy farmers to be major participants in the Government’s development efforts in the North, and, milk will be made part of the daily diet of the North. “We will set up 15 villages each in Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitvu. zzz03186275
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/who-really-wanted-tamil-eelam-and-why/~~~Who really wanted Tamil Eelam and why?~~~Jun 16 (AT) More and more we are made to wonder the connotations behind the quest for a Tamil Eelam. Was it an ideology that was not meant to go beyond conceptual phase, was it a past time for those who had everything in life and wanted a little excitement, was it a seed planted to create regional and sub-regional discord and friction and create the necessity for western interference,zzz03186274
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/tourism-to-boom-in-north-east-sri-lanka/~~~Tourism to boom in North East Sri Lanka~~~Jun 16 (AT) The hotel trade in Sri Lanka have earmarked tremendous opportunities in tourism in the North and East of Sri Lanka after the elimination of Velupillai Prabhakaran and the LTTESpecial emphasis is being focused on reconstruction and development of hotels in the North and East which were damaged and neglected due to LTTE terrorism. Sri Lanka Tourism authorities are expected to tour these two provinces shortly,zzz03186277
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/university-teachers-for-human-rights-report-separate-the-chaff-from-the-wheat/~~~UTHR Report – ‘Separate the Chaff from the Wheat’~~~Jun 16 (AT) The defeat of the LTTE which is a cause for universal celebration, as it uprooted the number one terrorist organization and opened up a new era in Sri Lankan history, has been marred by certain countries, Tamil diaspora, Human Rights Activists & Organizations, various interested Institutions and so on. The latest to join the line is the University Teachers for Human Rights (UTHR). zzz03186278
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=99&artid=29596~~~Breaking the deadlock through transnational governance~~~Jun 16 (TN) The need of the time now is the metamorphosis of the existing infrastructure into a democratic and inclusive transnational government of Eezham Tamils to strengthen the diaspora socially, economically and culturally; to achieve the goal of independence and sovereignty of Eezham Tamils in the home country and to meet the international challenges internationally.zzz03186279
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1930:an-eye-clinic-in-kaththankudi&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~An Eye clinic in Kaththankudi ~~~Jun 16 (LP) An eye clinic was established in Kaththankudi in Batticaloa on Sunday (14). The programme was initiated by Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said the Ministry of Defence. The eye clinic was established for the betterment of the innocent civilians of the North and east who were victims of Tsunami and terrorism. The eye clinic will be conducted till the 18th of June for 05 days. zzz03186280
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2477:police-bully-lanka-irida&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Police bully ‘Lanka Irida’~~~Jun 16 (LT) According to reports police has pressurized ‘Lanka Irida’ for its news article published in its issue of 14th June that stated the houses completed on "Api Wenuwen Api" Housing Project for war heroes were sold to them. The government collected funds from masses to construct houses for soldiers under this project and new taxes too were introduced alleging it was necessary to provide facilities to war heroes. zzz03186281
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2475:govt-should-have-a-strong-backbone-to-defeat-terrorism&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. should have a strong backbone to defeat terrorism'~~~Jun 16 (LT) “The country’s victory is not complete. Separatism has achieved a considerable victory. Separatism still exists in the country. Security Forces were able to defeat terrorism. Now the government should have a backbone to defeat separatism,” said Leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe addressing a rally held under the theme “Tiger terrorists have been defeated; this is the path to bring victory to the Motherland” zzz03186283
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2474:moonshiners-poison-buddhist-priest&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Moonshiners poison Buddhist priest ~~~Jun 16 (LT) Ven. Alahara Seelananda Thero of Alagama Abhinawaramaya at Akkaragallava, who had protested against the illicit liquor producers at Alahara, Pollonnaruwa has passed away at Kandy Hospital. He was 25 years old at the time of his death. The Buddhist priest had been offered a poison added curry of dhal on the 8th and the priest may have died of partaking of the poisoned meal suspect police. zzz03186282
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2472:biggest-racket-of-sending-artifacts-busted&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Biggest racket of sending artifacts busted ~~~Jun 16 (LT) The Bio Diversity Protection Unit of the Customs cracked the biggest ever attempt to smuggle out artifacts from this country. The 74 pieces of artifacts which included priceless Buddha statues belonging to 19th Century Kandyan era were confiscated and were sent to the Department of Archeology. Among the large stock of priceless artifacts were statues of Buddha and other deities made of brass, silver and copper, zzz03186284
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44885.html~~~Prabhakaran's diary found in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 16 (LNP) The police have recovered a Year 2008 Diary, believed to be that of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, from a bag belonging to a soldier on Sunday, police sources said yesterday. The diary contains vital information including an LTTE plan of an attack on the Independence Day celebrations in 2008. Details of all other attacks carried out by the LTTE during the year had also been recorded in the diary, investigators said. zzz03186285
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44883.html~~~Tourism industry targets tremendous growth~~~Jun 16 (LNP) The tourism industry is one of the main industries which can expect tremendous growth and most hoteliers foresee opportunities especially in the Northern and Eastern provinces to invest and capture a market share in these areas. President, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal Mitthapala told Daily News Business, that they have already signed and committed for the next season and most of the rooms have been already sold. zzz03186286
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44884.html~~~What's wrong with Sinhalese helping Tamils?~~~Jun 16 (LNP) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) seems to have lost its bearings since the decimation of the LTTE. Rudderless and adrift in the choppy seas of politics, it is now trying to align itself with New Delhi. Aware that nothing pleases India more than supplication, it is begging for India`s involvement in Sri Lanka`s rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes in a bigger way. zzz03186287
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44880.html~~~Sri Lanka must not be complacent against Kiwis~~~Jun 16 (LNP) The Sri Lankans are tipped to enter the semi-finals of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, but to make doubly certain they must beat the New Zealanders in their final Super Eight match, here tomorrow. Led by Kumar Sangakkara, the Lankans did well to beat the Pakistanis easily, but had to huff and puff to down Ireland in their second game. The Lankans trouble against Ireland started when they lost their dashing opener Tillakaratne Dilshan in the second ball of the match zzz03186288
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/16/news01.asp~~~President’s Myanmar visit pays dividends ~~~Jun 16 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a two-day state visit to Myanmar had discussions with senior leaders of Myanmar including State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister General Thein Sein. During the meeting President Rajapaksa recalled his previous visit to Myanmar as the then Prime Minister in 2004 to participate in the World Buddhist Conference in Yangoon. zzz03186290
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/16/news02.asp~~~Crackdown on visa overstayers ~~~Jun 16 (DN) Sri Lanka is set to take a tough stand on illegal immigrants on its soil, with a major crackdown in the offing to nab overstaying foreigners. Already 97 deportations have taken place in recent times, but according to sources, the number could be as high as 37,000. The Immigration and Emigration Department Investigation Unit Head, W. Devendraraja said that they had intensified raids to nab overstayers in a bid to curb the increase of illegal immigrants. zzz03186291
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/16/news36.asp~~~'Lanka can adopt Korean model'~~~Jun 16 (DN) Sri Lanka should now adopt a development model similar to the Korean model to achieve high economic growth with the end of the war, Republic of Korea Ambassador Choi Kichul said. “Korea took 60 years to develop the economy following the Korean war, Therefore, Sri Lanka has now crushed LTTE terrorism after 26 years. It is high time to adopt a strong economic model similar to the Korean model to achieve rapid growth,” zzz03186293
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/16/main_Editorial.asp~~~Reviving education in the North ~~~Jun 16 (DN) It would be an understatement to say that the three decade long ethnic conflict caused disruption to the eduction sector in the North. Not only was there no conducive climate for schools to function normally but the dislocation of civilian life was such that continuity could not be maintained in the schooling life of a child. Now that the chief cause for this disruption has been eliminated, no time should be lost in providing the opportunity to restore school life of the children of the North. zzz03186292
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6332&sec=1~~~Tigers planned to attack 2008 Independence Day celebrations ~~~Jun 16 (ANN) The police have recovered a Year 2008 Diary, believed to be that of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, from a bag belonging to a soldier on Sunday, police sources said Monday. The diary contains vital information including an LTTE plan of an attack on the Independence Day celebrations in 2008. Details of all other attacks carried out by the LTTE during the year had also been recorded in the diary, investigators said. zzz03186294
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TNA-MP-Shivanathan-Kishore-act-dependent/2935.htm~~~TNA MP Shivanathan Kishore to act independent~~~Jun 16 (CT) TNA MP Shivanathan Kishore, who refrained from voting at the vote on the emergency vote, says his party has decided to conduct a disciplinary inquiry against him. The MP has told the media that as a representative of the people elected by their vote, he would act independently hereafter. He has also said that serving the Tamil people cannot be done while staying in foreign countries.zzz03186295
no~~~British & Norwegian diplomats refused visit to Jaffna~~~Jun 16 (CT) Defence authorities have rejected a request by British and Norwegian diplomats in Colombo, Sri Lanka to allow them visit the Jaffna peninsula, 'Divaina' reports. It has been revealed that the reason behind this request was to visit IDP camps in Jaffna, the newspaper says. It adds that government has learnt that Norwegian media has recently accused the Sri Lankan government of not providing adequate facilities for the displaced persons. zzz03186296
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Suspect--8-murders-killed--shootout-police/2917.htm~~~Suspect in 8 murders killed in shootout with police~~~Jun 16 (CT) A man, wanted in connection with eight murders, has been killed in a shootout with police in Kotte this morning (June 16). According to police, the dead man has been identified as 'Bada Mahinda.' He and three of his accomplices, all armed, had been travelling in a car when they were stopped at a police checkpoint on a tip off that it was transporting weapons.zzz03186297
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news2.html~~~Susil to hand over UPFA nominations for Jaffna MC polls~~~Jun 16 (Island) UPFA General Secretary Minister Susil Premjayanth will personally hand over the list of nomination of the Alliance for the forthcoming Jaffna Municipal Council elections, at the Jaffna Kachcheri on Thursday, since the UPFA had failed to hand over the list before the deadline which was 72 hours prior to the acceptance of nominations as required by the Local Authority Elections Ordinance.zzz03186298
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news3.html~~~JCPSM ready for healthy fight~~~Jun 16 (Island) The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine warned that they would resist efforts by certain factions in the health sector to foil development efforts for them and the nursing category by preventing further intakes for courses offered by the Allied Health Sciences Faculty (AHSF). President of the JCPSM Ravi Kumudesh said yesterday that they would carry out a joint battle to safeguard the right to professional education in the fields of PSM and nursing.zzz03186299
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news1.html~~~Govt. plans survey in the North to solve land problems~~~Jun 16 (Island) The government has undertaken a comprehensive and speedy survey of lands in the North to resettle people and sort out problems relating to ownership, Government sources said yesterday. Minister of Lands and Land Development Jeevan Kumaratunga told The Island that on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa priority will be given to the distribution of agricultural land, among farmers andzzz03186300
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news15.html~~~Bloody brawl after sports meet leads to closure of two faculties~~~Jun 16 (Island) An argument at the annual inter faculty sports meet of the Sabaragamuwa University developed into a bloody brawl resulting in the faculties of Management Studies and Applied Sciences being closed indefinitely to prevent further clashes, University authorities said yesterday. Five undergraduates have been hospitalized after the clashes in which student groups used clubs and bottles of sand. zzz03186301
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52027~~~Fears of armed groups’ threat to elections~~~Jun 16 (DM) The main opposition UNP yesterday charged that certain armed groups were unleashing violence against some of its members who hoped to contest the elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Pradeshiya Sabha. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane denied the existence of such problems. He said the government had not prevented political parties from electioneering. zzz03186302
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52026~~~Vital Commission winds up half way~~~Jun 16 (DM) The much talked about Presidential Commission appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2007 to investigate serious violations of human rights wound on Sunday without completing its mandate as no more extensions was granted. The Commission which functioned from the BMICH lasted for one year and five months. The eight-member Commission headed by former Supreme Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama was set up amid zzz03186303
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52025~~~Traffic Police to strictly enforce new road rules~~~Jun 16 (DM) Based on the recently enacted Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2008 which also allows for the confiscation of vehicles, the traffic police will strictly enforce the law against those violating road rules, Traffic Headquarters Inspector Janaka Senadeera said. He said strict action would be taken against those driving or riding without a valid licence, a revenue licence and insurance certificates or those in possession of forged documents. zzz03186304
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52014~~~LTTE suicide cadres still in Colombo ~~~Jun 16 (DM) At least 26 LTTE suicide cadres who entered the Colombo City prior to the death of the LTTE leadership are still at large, while four of them were taken into custody by the special police teams. A senior police officer revealed that according to intelligence reports these cadres have entered the city few weeks before the LTTE was entirely eliminated in the North with the death of its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. zzz03186305
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090616/890/twl-canada-to-remain-involved-with-sri-l.html~~~Canada to remain 'involved' with Sri Lanka on Tamils despite visa denial~~~Jun 16 (IANS) Despite Colombo's refusal to give visa to its parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhral, Canada said Monday it will continue to engage Sri Lanka on the Tamil issue and work to rehabilitate Tamils displaced by the conflict. Indian-origin parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhrai, who was denied visa by the Sri Lankan High Commission here last week, said Canada remained committed tozzz03186308
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1358266169~~~Former golf clubhouse viable under state management: official~~~Jun 16 (LBO) The clubhouse of a golf course which was ordered in to state hands by court over corruption charges is operating as a hotel and starting to generate profits, an official said. The Water's Edge golf course in Colombo was ordered returned to the state and its clubhouse is now run by the country's Urban Development Authority. The golf course itself was being allowed to return to the wild as a water retention wetland. zzz03186307
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=86402222~~~Sri Lankans still at risk from unregulated financial firms: officials~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lankan depositors should be more vigilant as hundreds of smaller unregulated financial firms are still in existence despite the collapse of a few high profile firms, officials said. "Those who invested in unregulated companies will not get their money back because there is no money to give. Going to courts will not solve anything," chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Udayasri Kariyawasam said. zzz03186306
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1178304038~~~Central bank cut rates to boost post-war recovery~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lanka cut its main policy discount rate by 50 basis points to 11.00 percent to boost credit and support post war economic recovery, amid muted inflation, the Central Bank said. The defeat of Tamil Tigers last month has raised expectations of post war reconstruction and recovery. "The renewed business confidence and investor perceptions along with reconstruction and development work already embarked onzzz03186309
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090616/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~Sri Lanka rights abuse probe ends abruptly~~~Jun 16 (AP) A Sri Lankan government investigation into human rights abuses during its war with Tamil Tiger rebels has been disbanded with more than half of its cases unresolved, an official said Tuesday. The decision came as the government brushed off demands for an international investigation into the final ferocious battles of the war, which ended last month after the military routed the rebels in an offensive the U.N. says killed more than 7,000 civilians.zzz03186310
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aw_UaCBrQIfA~~~Tamil Tigers will form new body to pursue self-rule~~~Jun 16 (BN) Tamil Tiger rebels are creating a committee to continue a campaign for self-rule, the group’s head of international relations said today, a month after it was defeated in battle and its leader was killed. “It is time now for us to move forward with our political vision towards our freedom, bearing in mind the practical realities in our homeland,” Selvarasa Pathmanathan said in a recorded statement sent by e-mail. zzz03186305.1
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/16/content_11552222.htm~~~'Sri Lanka's east returns to normalcy'~~~Jun 16 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's once troubled Eastern Province has reached near normalcy with a drastic drop of disappearances of people and fewer security road blocks, a one-man commission reported here Tuesday. The retired judge Mahanama Thilakaratna, who heads a one-man commission of Inquiry to look into disappearances, abductions and murders, told reporters that rights violations in the Eastern Province had recorded a drop of around 90 to 95 percent this year compared with Jan-May period of 2008. zzz03186308.1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090616_probe_pararajasingham.shtml~~~MP murder probe 'inadequate' ~~~Jun 17 (BBC) Police investigations into the murder of a Tamil MP are ‘unsatisfactory’ says a presidential commission of inquiry into serious human rights violations. Former High Court Judge Mahanama Thilakaratne, president of the presidential commission of inquiry (CoI), told BBC Sandeshaya that police have filed charges against two soldiers on killing Joseph Pararajasingham, MP, without finding any evidence. zzz03186313
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10191&Itemid=44~~~I say it again, that is ‘to be rich is glorious’ – Dr. Sarath Amunugama~~~Jun 17 (GDI) For the Chinese, crisis seemed something that you shouldn’t waste. Crisis offered the essential catalyst that forced you towards innovation and it’s a sort of a concession to break your local mindset and go into the future. When the government enterprises are in deep crisis, Chinese authorities are adamant on dividends they pay back to the country. If not, the government orders to close the shop and go. zzz03186314
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10189&Itemid=44~~~FM addresses investors in Myanmar ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Addressing a high powered business delegation in Myanmar, visiting Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama stressed the need for regular interaction, especially between the business communities of the two countries in order to enhance awareness of business opportunities between the two countries. Minister Bogollagama addressing the large gathering of nearly 500 delegates noted with emphasis that zzz03186315
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10192&Itemid=44~~~'Our region is enriched with a huge human resource base'~~~Jun 17 (GDI) 'As nations that are living in the same region, the challenges and problems faced by us are similar. Collectively we have a huge human resource base which is an enormous strength. However, we have a long way to go where the level of our per capita incomes is concerned, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake inaugurating thezzz03186316
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2105573897~~~Sri Lanka's Dutch envoy intervenes over cooking gas pricing: minister~~~Jun 17 (LBO) The Netherland's envoy to Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the government pricing of liquefied petroleum gas of top Dutch firm Shell Gas, consumer affairs minister Bandula Gunewardene said. In Sri Lanka cooking gas prices are raised on a delayed bi-monthly formula which was ordered by the island's Supreme Court. Minister Gunewardene said the Dutch envoy has expressed his unhappiness at the way gas was priced. zzz03186317
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=998618717~~~Central bank delays Seylan Bank sale~~~Jun 17 (LBO) Central bank which offered a third stake of Seylan Bank to a private investor has not awarded it to the sold bidder by Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) by the previously set deadline of June 16. "The process for the selection of the strategic partner for Seylan Bank PLC is yet in progress," the Central Bank said in a statement Tuesday. "The Central Bank will make an announcement in this connection once the final decision is made by the Monetary Board." zzz03186318
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-40376820090616?rpc=401&~~~Sri Lanka detects first H1N1 flu case~~~Jun 17 (Reuters) Sri Lanka has identified its first case of the H1N1 flu virus in a young patient who arrived from Australia over the weekend, the government said on Tuesday. "We have detected the first swine flu case in Sri Lanka. He is an 8-year-old Sri Lankan living in Australia. He has come to Sri Lanka via Singapore with a family of five. Only he has tested positively for H1N1 and is being treated," zzz03186322
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/409330.html~~~Sri Lanka march to semi-finals in style~~~Jun 17 (CI) Sri Lanka's bowlers once again made up for their batsmen's inability to post a large total by slicing through New Zealand at Trent Bridge and cementing their spot in the semi-finals of the World Twenty20. New Zealand challenged the target of 159 briefly but Ajantha Mendis turned the game Sri Lanka's way by dismissing Ross Taylor and Scott Styris within the space of four balls. zzz03186321
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7868~~~A full report of the IDPs in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 17 (LeN) The total number of internally displaced persons in the temporary refugee camps is 262,632. Of them, 134,464 are women and 128,168 are men. In 2008, the number of IDPs was 1874 and the number increased to 287, 598 by May 11. Of them, 1537 have been sent to live with relatives and in homes for elders. The majority of the IDPs, 253,875, came to the government controlled area along land routes whilst 8729 came in boats.zzz03186319
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2478:destruction-govt-caused-to-petroleum-sector-is-not-second-to-destruction-caused-by-prabakaran--bimal-rathnayake-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Destruction govt. caused to petroleum sector is not second to destruction caused by Prabakaran'~~~Jun 17 (LT) The destruction the government has caused the petroleum sector through its corrupt agreements and transactions is not second to the destruction caused by Velupillai Prabakaran to this country states Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake, President of People’s Movement to Safeguard Petroleum Resources (PMSPR). Speaking at a seminar organized by PMSPR under the theme ‘Broiled Oil’ zzz03186320
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/776.htm~~~'Protecting human rights has long been an essential value in Sri Lankan culture' ~~~Jun 17 (IL) Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, assured a capacity Georgia State University library crowd that his nation’s recent victory over the LTTE terrorists will ensure human rights and prosperity for all Sri Lankans, especially those harmed by a quarter century of conflict. “Sri Lanka has no record of inflicting misery on fellow human beings for the purpose of empire building,zzz03186324
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/keep-victories-coming.html~~~Keep the victories coming ~~~Jun 17 (LG) Listening to people talk since the vote in the Human Rights Council, anybody would think that Sri Lanka’s approach to international relations was now clear. Newspapers have been full of praise for Dayan Jayatilleka and the principles he has been advocating. If they were genuinely convinced, I’d be delighted. I’ve always believed that a foreign policy based on solidarity with neighbours and zzz03186325
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/solution-part-ii.html~~~The solution (Part II) ~~~Jun 17 (LG) The British who created the Tamil ethnic group did not have a clear idea as to what a nation was. That is why they called both the Sinhalas and Tamils as nations whether majority or minority. The infamous Leghorn Minute refers to two nations the Tamils who came from present Tamil Nadu and the Sinhala nation that had origins in Siam, or Thailand. The Minute is wrong on both counts but the Tamil racists even today hang on to the two nation concept perhaps zzz03186326
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/lankan-mccarthyism.html~~~Lankan McCarthyism? ~~~Jun 17 (LG) Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, his Deputy Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha and Ambassador in Geneva Dayan Jayatilleka performed brilliantly to thwart attempts by some Western nations to drag the Sri Lanka’s President and Defence Establishment before a War Crimes Tribunal. This special session of the Human Rights Council was called solely to pillory a sovereign member state, on not credibly substantiated charges, zzz03186327
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409410.html~~~Sri Lanka take unorthodox route to success~~~Jun 17 (CI) Cricket lovers everywhere haven't had enough of Tillakaratne Dilshan's audacious scoop over the wicketkeeper yet and they are already being treated to a second unconventional shot from another Sri Lankan batsman. Mahela Jayawardene took innovation in batting to a higher plane by playing a reverse sweep with the back of his bat against Jacob Oram during the Super Eights match versus New Zealand at Trent Bridge. zzz03186328
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409407.html~~~New Zealand flounder against Mendis~~~Jun 17 (CI) With all the technology now used to analyse cricket it's amazing that anything remains a mystery, but it appears no amount of slow-motion replays and computer programmes can help batsmen unravel the skills of Ajantha Mendis. Another magical spell, this time of 3 for 9, ended a promising start to New Zealand's run-chase even though Daniel Vettori was adamant his players knew what was coming at them. zzz03186329
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news47.html~~~Private sector shuns credit, CB steps in~~~Jun 17 (BL) In a move to stem the worsening poor demand for borrowing by private sector and bring down interest rates as well as step up flow of credit thereby stimulate the economy the Central Bank yesterday cut its policy rates. Central Bank said as the private sector plays a key role in determining the economic prospects, it is imperative that sufficient credit is available to the private sector. zzz03186330
http://www.mercy.org.my/main/latestupdates/latestupdates/dr.jemilahmahmoodsinterviewonmalaysiakinionsri.html~~~Dr. Jemilah Mahmood’s Interview on Malaysiakini on Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 17 (Mercy) Recently, MERCY Malaysia conducted an email interview with online news portal Malaysiakini on our work in Sri Lanka. Please find the full Question-and-Answer session with our President, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, below: 1. How many Malaysians are working in Sri Lanka via MERCY Malaysia? At present, there are six MERCY Malaysia representatives in Menik Farm, Cheddikulam, Vavuniyazzz03186331
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news56.html~~~Buy ‘a ticket from the heart’ and book a seat to Jaffna~~~Jun 17 (BL) The government this week launched an ambitious campaign to raise Rs. 14 billion required to construct the Yal Devi railway track from Vavuniya to Kankesanthurai (KKS) within the next two years through ‘Uthuru Mithuru’ – a ticket from the heart’. The ticket which costs Rs. 1,000 each is valid for a one way trip aboard the Yal Devi from Colombo to Jaffna on any day once the train begins its 394 km journey, expected to take place within the next two years. zzz03186332
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news54.html~~~Ranil-Karu toss as UNP’s next Presidential candidate?~~~Jun 17 (BL) Despite calls from dissident quarters asking UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down from contesting any future Presidential Elections, the party would not change its stance of fielding its incumbent leader. UNP MP, Lakshman Seneviratne speaking to The Bottom Line said that there was no change in the party standing that the present Party Leader would contest as its next Presidential candidate. zzz03186333
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news43.html~~~Fear of income tax keeps rural investors away~~~Jun 17 (BL) Stating that the fear of income taxes deter the rural investors from investing in the structured financial system of the country, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa called on a simplified structure to attract them. He said that the rural dweller has funds that are left unutilised or put into the many money making schemes that are unregulated and offer no protection.zzz03186334
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/sri-lankan-envoy-in-chennai-moves-to-london-krishnamoorhty-to-succeed/~~~Sri Lankan envoy in Chennai moves to London, Krishnamoorhty to succeed~~~Jun 17 (AT) Two Sri Lankan envoys, connected with Chennai, past and present, are on transfers by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka, the posting to be effected from 1st of August. Mr. P. M. Amza, who is Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, has been cross posted to London., after his completion of three year service in Chennai. He is likely to leave soon to take on the new post of deputy high commissioner in London on August 1. zzz03186335
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/ex-voice-of-tigers-broadcaster-speaks-out/~~~Ex-Voice of Tigers broadcaster speaks out~~~Jun 17 (AT) Ramalingam Rajeev had a childhood dream – that of becoming a broadcaster, and the only opportunity he got many years later was to work for the LTTE’s radio network – the Voice of Tigers (VoT). He took it on to realise his dream but was soon a disillusioned young man in view of the manner in which this radio station operated. Rajeev is now at the Kathirgamar Transitional Relief Village in Cheddikulam, zzz03186338
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/dr-brian-seneviratne-a-humanright-ltte-activist/~~~Dr. Brian Seneviratne: A Humanright (LTTE) Activist~~~Jun 17 (AT) Dr. Brian Seneviratne, an ethnic Sri Lankan Sinhalese expatriate and a consultant physician living in Brisbane, Australia. He is, of course, a proud cousin of the former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga. He has been a so-called self-proclaimed human right activist and was a friend of Mr. Kandasamy, a human right activist who was cold bloodily killed by LTTE during its terror against the voices of human rights in Jaffna. zzz03186337
http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=62653&nav=13~~~The Ramayana trail continues to attract visitors from India~~~Jun 17 (TB) The Ramayana Trail of Sri Lanka revolves round the Ramayana, the great epic of Asia, which has an unshakable hold on the beliefs of a vast multitude of Asia’s population. Over 50 sites associated with the Ramayana, are located within Sri Lanka, with around 12 of them being sites with archeological evidence. The rest of the sites are largely based on unwavering faith and traditional beliefs. zzz03186339
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Lankan+plan+to+set+up+military+base+in+Katchatheevu+flayed&artid=b0D5u2FKrHE=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=Chief%20Minister%20M%20Karunanidhi~~~Lankan plan to set up military base in Katchatheevu flayed ~~~Jun 17 (EB) Chief Minister M Karunanidhi expressed serious concern over the proposal of Sri Lankan government to set up a military base and a watch tower in Katchatheevu. Besides, he urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take immediate steps to stop the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by Lankan Navy. The Chief Minister, in his letter to the Prime Minister,zzz03186336
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=84858~~~Finding a path to reconciliation - analysis ~~~Jun 17 (IRIN) Sri Lanka has a historic chance to heal deep ethnic rifts in the country after the civil war and the government should seize the opportunity to follow up on its promises of reconciliation, analysts say. On 19 May, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared victory over the separatist LTTE, ending a 26-year war that has left thousands dead and many thousands more displaced.zzz03186340
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h72YDOlCw6T0Suwyv7wA9e7xK96Q~~~US nominee says Sri Lanka must help Tamils~~~Jun 17 (AFP) Sri Lanka needs to reach out to its Tamil minority and improve conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced after defeating Tiger rebels, the nominee to be the next US ambassador said Tuesday. Patricia Butenis, testifying in a Senate confirmation hearing, said she would also press Sri Lanka to bring to justice those responsible for extrajudicial killings and attacks on the media.zzz03186341
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10197&Itemid=44~~~'Dividends of liberation will accrue soon to people in the North'~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman, Presidential Task Force for the Development of the North, Basil Rajapaksa, MP, said that while offering a political solution to the peoples of the North who have been liberated from the grip of terrorism, steps are being taken to develop the province according to home-grown strategy by the name of ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ (Northern Spring).zzz03186342
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt20page2/content/story/409060.html~~~The return of Blondie~~~Jun 17 (CI) Q: Why did you cut your hair? A: I was out of cricket for more than a year due as I was injured, so I cut it. But I'm growing back my hair. I miss it. I'm getting it back. Q: Anything we don't know about you? A: Before coming into the Sri Lankan team I had never been to a cricket ground to watch an international match. Q: Your knee injury was supposedly miraculously cured in five days by a mystic healer. zzz03186343
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j17.shtml~~~Government hands greater powers to Chief of Defence Staff~~~Jun 17 (wsws) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake presented a Bill to parliament on June 9 to create a new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post with substantial powers. Just three weeks after proclaiming victory over the separatist LTTE, this is another move to strengthen the military’s role, and consolidate the politico-military cabal that now surrounds President Mahinda Rajapakse.zzz03186344
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=1~~~Rebuilding relations after victories ~~~Jun 17 (SLW) The human rights heartland of Geneva was the scene of the Sri Lankan government’s latest victory. The government staved off a determined effort by Western countries to launch a formal investigation into violations of human rights and possible war crimes in the last phase of Sri Lanka’s ethnic war. At the UN’s Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka was able to draw upon the support, indignation and self-interest of the majority of country’s zzz03186345
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=1~~~Statement of a Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 17 (SLW) We appeal to all concerned to attend to the pressing needs of the time. We appeal to the government of Sri Lanka and all other concerned parties to allay the fears of the Tamil people and to address the dire needs of all those affected by the recent onslaught of war. The end of the war is most welcome, but the enormous death toll is a cause for great concern, as also the condition of very many survivors. zzz03186346
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=1~~~New Chief Justice welcomed by Bench and the Bar~~~Jun 17 (SLW) I thank you both Mr. Attorney, Mr. Dayaratne, The President of the Bar Association, for your gracious words of welcome and I thank all of you for your kind presence here today. As most of you may be aware, this is the fourth time that I am addressing you in the confines of these vast halls. First when I took office as a judge of the Court of Appeal in 1995, then as President of the Court of Appeal, then as Judge of the Supreme Court, and today, as Chief Justice.zzz03186347
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=1~~~Transnational Government: another myth is being nurtured!~~~Jun 17 (SLW) The Tamil Diaspora is of three main categories. The first one is the post-independent pre-1983 overseas settlers who searched new pastures for themselves and their motivations were purely economic and colonial-cultured lives. Usually they went for higher education and many of them opted to stay back and establish their lives there, England virtually being that destination. They shared this with their Sinhala counterparts.zzz03186348
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29601~~~Sri Lanka, unfulfilled challenge to peace mediators~~~Jun 17 (TN) A group of well-known people in the peace making profession are gathering for an annual meet in recluse in Oslo between Tuesday and Thursday to reflect on current mediation processes, according to a news release from Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva. The participants include some of those from Norway whose peace process has led Eezham Tamils to face genocide and incarceration in internment camps. zzz03186349
http://www.peacemuslims.org/President_s_home_grown_solution_must_be_inclusive-20-1100.html~~~President's home-grown solution must be inclusive~~~Jun 17 (PSM) President Mahinda Rajapaksha's home grown soultion to ethnic problem should be inclusive enough to accommodate the aspirations of all communities living in this country, commented a columnist in Lakbima this week. "Going by the happenings of the recent past, it may be noted that the aspect of inclusiveness in the government’s handling of the post-war situation has been a cause for concern for many peace-lovers. zzz03186350
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10213&Itemid=44~~~Prompt action for the release of 51 SL fishermen in India ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Discussions are in place to bring back 51 fishermen arrested during a temporary moratorium violating Indian territorial waters,a top official of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic resources said. These fishermen taken into custody along with their 9 boats on March 8th by coastal authorities in a period of 45 days temporary moratorium practiced by the Indian government during the fish breeding of the Andaman seas.zzz03186351
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10210&Itemid=44~~~Two university students excel at Microsoft Imagine Cup competition~~~Jun 17 (GDI) A software application created by two students from the University of Moratuwa has been selected by the Microsoft Corporation to compete in the Microsoft Imagine Cup student competition as one of the six finalists at the world competition to be held in Cairo, Egypt from 3rd to 8th July 2009. The software application coined "Hope for poor - Sasrutha" has been developed at the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Moratuwa.zzz03186352
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10209&Itemid=44~~~Search operations find more military items ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) A clearing operation conducted by troops in the general areas Pullayanpokkanal, Wellamullivaikkal, Chalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Kuppilankulam and Pattikkaral yesterday found arms, ammunition and explosive devices used by LTTE carders, the Army web site reported. Troops have come across multitude of weapons ranging from one 81 mm mortar launcher, four T-56 weapons, six T-56 magazines,zzz03186353
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10206&Itemid=44~~~Beware!!! Swine flue is flying ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) The Government has set up a special machine at the airport to identify swine flue infected persons. However, a person falls sick with H1N1 only a few days after contracting the virus. Therefore, anyone in initial stages of the disease will be detected by this machine and all hospitals will be alerted, and sufficient stocks of medicine were available to treat patients, Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva said.zzz03186354
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10205&Itemid=44~~~Minor decline in spread of dengue ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) The public should continue to destroy and clean mosquito breeding sites within their properties and the spread of dengue fever shows a minor decline at present but with the rains currently experienced, it may increase any moment, the Health Ministry warned. The Ministry has identified Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kegalle, Matale, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Puttalam as badly affected areas, zzz03186355
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10202&Itemid=44~~~Fewer security checks and less road blocks in the North ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) As the peace dawns, Eastern Province has been reaching normalcy by the day. Increasing numbers of people, fewer security check-ups, and less road blocks suggests war as a distant memory. “Rights violations in the Eastern Province had recorded a drop of around 90 to 95 percent this year compared with Jan-May period of 2008,” retired judge Mahanama Thilakaratna told zzz03186357
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10199&Itemid=44~~~'Prices of essential items remain the same'~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Prices of essential items will remain the same. However, we must not forget the fact that global terrorism reigned in years 2007, 2008 and 2009, prices of petroleum products went to unexpected levels, the global food crisis was at its maximum, and, simultaneously, global economic downturn affected the local economy.zzz03186360
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2485:time-to-reject-so-called-co-chairs-jvp&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Reject so-called Co-Chairs – JVP tells Govt. ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The JVP demands that the government totally rejects the so-called Co-Chairs so that any foreign country attempting to heap so-called solutions for the national question on the country could be prevented and attempts to strengthen separatism politically could be halted at a time separatist tiger terrorism has been decisively defeated states the JVP. The communiqué issued by the Political Bureau of the JVP states, zzz03186364
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2491:underworld-chief-bada-mahinda-dead&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Underworld chief ‘Bada Mahinda’ dead ~~~Jun 17 (LT) Mahinda Godage alias ‘Bada Mahinda’ said to be a leader of the underworld and accused of a number of crimes including murder, extortion and abductions was shot down by police at Ambuldeniya, Nugegoda yesterday. According to police he was accused of murdering Sanjeewa, a leader of the underworld as well as the former police officer of the Presidential Security Service and shooting at the residence of late Mr. Lasanthe Wickrematunga, Editor of Sunday Leader in 1998. zzz03186361
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2486:prisons-in-sri-lanka-overcrowded&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prisons in Sri Lanka overcrowded ~~~Jun 17 (LT) It was revealed that 6046 inmates are held in Welikade prison which has room only for 1700 prisoners. Among the inmates there are 4000 prisoners and 2046 who are on remand pending trial. According to international standards a prisoner should have an area of 540 sq. feet. However, at Welikade eight to ten prisoners occupy this area. According to reports of Ministry of Justice and Law Reform overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons is 400%. zzz03186362
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2489:a-9-opened-for-civilians&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~A-9 opened for civilians ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The A-9 main highway from Kandy to Jaffna has been opened for private sector transport from today. 20 lorries from Department of Essential Service set off to the north carrying essential items. The road was opened for private sector vehicles after 24 years when tiger terrorists closed the road. Although the A-9 road was fully liberated in January this year with the capture of Elephant Pass on 9th January, the road was used only for troop movement until zzz03186363
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2487:give-opportunity-for-jvp-to-respond-to-false-accusations-by-state-media--anura-dissanayake-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Give opportunity for JVP to respond to false accusations by state media'~~~Jun 17 (LT) Leader of the group of Parliamentarians of the JVP Anura Dissanayake has sent a letter to Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadharshan Yapa requesting an opportunity to answer false accusations published by state media against the JVP and its leaders. The letter in full: Hon. Minister, The right to respond to false accusations raised by state media.zzz03186367
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2490:entrance-to-sigiriya-go-up-by-rs10-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Entrance to Sigiriya go up by Rs.10/- ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The Central Cultural Fund has decided to increase the price of an entrance ticket for local visitors to Sigiriya by Rs.10.00. Accordingly, a ticket for a local adult would cost Rs.50.00 and a child’s ticket would be Rs.25.00. A few months ago the price of an entrance ticket was increased by Rs.20.00. The ticket that was for Rs.20.00 was increased to Rs.40.00. Since Poson Poya day it has been increased to Rs.50.00. zzz03186365
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/archbishop-malcolm-ranjith-appointed-petron-of-sri-lankan-migrants-in-italy-the-metropolitan-archbishop-of-colombo/~~~Pope names Malcolm Ranjith to Sri Lanka archdiocese~~~Jun 17 (AT) Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don — one of his most trusted collaborators in the Vatican and a forceful advocate for justice and peace — to head the archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka strong leader, he returns as head of the Sri Lankan Church in what many observers see as a particularly difficult moment.zzz03186384
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44919.html~~~Dengue and Bodhi pooja~~~Jun 17 (LNP) When flying Tigers were downed, we thought we would be able to have a good night`s sleep free from rude shocks from crude aerial bombs and stray tracer bullets. Free as we are from those dangers now, peace of mind remains a luxury we cannot still afford. For, the winged terror continues to trouble us in a different yet insidious form. Mossies are on the warpath in many parts of the country, especially the Colombo city and its suburbs spreading as they do much dreaded dengue. zzz03186358
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090617_03~~~Police nab LTTE medical supplier ~~~Jun 17 (MoD) The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) arrested a director of a leading pharmaceutical company in Wellawatte for having connections with the LTTE and seized a stock of medical items valued at around Rs.2.5 million which were prepared to be sent to the LTTE. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said the stock of drugs and medical items meant for the LTTE were recovered by the TID hidden inside a house in Perera Avenue, Wellawatte on Monday. zzz03186368
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/fea16.asp~~~'Moments in Culture' to launch ~~~Jun 17 (DN) The 10th Death Anniversary of Yogendra Duraiswamy who was a Diplomat in several parts of the world and subsequently District Secretary and Government Agent of Jaffna in April 1969 falls today. In remembrance of Yogendra Duraiswamy a Book titled 'Moments in Culture' will be launched. Mrs. Sivanandani Duraiswamy in association with the Hindu Women's Society have made arrangements to hold a remembrance and prayer meeting on zzz03186369
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news11.asp~~~Seized ship with Lankans heads to Somalian coast ~~~Jun 17 (DN) The cargo ship MV Charelle seized by Somali pirates last Friday off the Omani coast with seven Sri Lankans on board, including the captain, was heading towards the Somalian coast yesterday, reportedly with none of the crew harmed. The local agent of the New Zealand owned shipping company said the journey of the vessel is being closely monitored and the ship was expected to reach the Somalian coast within the next 48 hours. zzz03186370
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news26.asp~~~DNA tests to identify dead Lankans ~~~Jun 17 (DN) Saudi Arabian authorities will conduct DNA tests to identify the five Sri Lankans who died in a major road accident on Thursday. The accident which killed 20 people on board the SAPTCO bus, took place about 30 km east of Riyadh when a Hofuf-bound SAPTCO bus collided with a truck entering from a shoulder lane during a blinding sandstorm. The victims were burned to death as the bus caught fire after crashing into the truck. zzz03186371
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news39.asp~~~Flats for Slave Island slum dwellers~~~Jun 17 (DN) Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane toured the construction site at Dematagoda where new residential flats being constructed for Slave Island residents who lost their houses last year under Beira Lake Development project. Several beneficiary families also accompanied the Minister in the tour yesterday. This housing complex consists of 1,000 housing units and zzz03186375
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news4.html~~~Presidential Commission chief slams police over negligence~~~Jun 17 (Island) Retired Justice Mahanama Tilakaratne, Chairperson of the Presidential Commission investigating abductions, killings and disappearances, blamed the police for negligence on their part and shortcomings in investigating procedures. Commenting on the high profile assassination of TULF MP Joseph Pararajasingham, in Batticaloa a few years ago, he said that nothing could be as ridiculous as an attempt to frame two soldiers over the attack on an innocent man. zzz03186373
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news5.html~~~Decision on re-opening of Kelaniya University~~~Jun 17 (Island) The Kelaniya University administration is awaiting the outcome of police investigations into last Thursday’s clash between the undergraduates and villagers before deciding on a date to reopen the University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarath Amunugama said. Last Wednesday, residents of Dalugama attacked undergraduates of the Kelaniya University with stones and clubs on Thursday following an assault by a student on a youth from the areazzz03186374
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news9.html~~~Kandy goes dry, meatless during Esala festival~~~Jun 17 (Island) Nearly 57 liquor shops and bars within three miles from the limits of the city of Kandy will be closed during the historic Esala Perahera this year. All meat stalls within the Kandy municipality too will be closed. An announcement to this effect was made at a conference held to discuss the arrangements for the Kandy Annual Esala Perahera, chaired by the Kandy District Secretary Gotabhaya Jayaratne at the Secretariat on Tuesday 10. zzz03186381
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news12.html~~~CPC member lashes out at Provincial Teachers’ Transfer Board~~~Jun 17 (Island) The Central Provincial Council member from Nuwara Eliya District (UPFA) S. B. Ratnayake lashed out at the Provincial Teachers’ Transfer Board for arbitrarily transferring teachers out from the Nuwara Eliya district to urban areas of the Kandy district. He said that teachers appointed to rural schools in the Nuwara Eliya district for a period of 5 years had left the district even before the completion of 3 years. zzz03186376
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52121~~~Peace was almost at hand in Sri Lanka says Solheim ~~~Jun 17 (DM) Norwegian Minister and former peace envoy Erik Solheim said yesterday the Norwegian government was very close to achieving peace in Sri Lanka at the time when hostilities resumed once again. In a BBC interview he said the failure by both LTTE and the Sri Lankan government to accept federalism was the key to the breakdown of peace negotiations though federalism was a formula being implemented by several countries including India. zzz03186377
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52127~~~Judge orders to pay Rs. 57 mln~~~Jun 17 (DM) Colombo Additional District Judge delivering his judgement ordered the UNP MP Mohamed Mahroof to pay Rs. 57 million with interest to Merchant Securities and Financial Services (Pvt) Ltd. Additional District Judge Aruna Aluthge entered judgment last week against Mohamed Mahroof on a plaint filed by Merchant Securities and Financial Services Ltd. claiming a sum of Rs. 57 million with interest based on a Promissory. zzz03186378
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52132~~~Sri Lanka to get $ 2.5 B IMF loan~~~Jun 17 (DM) Sri Lanka is expected to receive a US $ 2.5 billion loan from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) this month, a top Central Bank official told Daily Mirror on condition of anonymity. The loan is more than the US $ 1.9 B that Sri Lanka had sought from the IMF, the official added, although there was no official confirmation from the IMF yet. A Reuters report, meanwhile, said Sri Lankan shares rose on Monday to a new nine-month high, zzz03186383
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52084~~~Treating political solutions with care~~~Jun 17 (DM) As the country slowly raises its head from the ashes of war, the threat forced on it, to meet the political whims and fancies of other countries, on the guise of political solutions is large. Complacency and misdirection could pose a serious threat to the sovereignty and unitary nature of the country in this context. It is in this scenario that the country needs to observe the compulsions entertained by certain elements forzzz03186380
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=482198295~~~Public sector scam vies with private sector ones: minister~~~Jun 17 (LBO) Sections of Sri Lanka's bloated public sector are stealing peoples' money in the same corrupt manner as high profile private sector scams, a senior minister said. "More than 140 state owned institutions are running at losses and have to be supported by the Treasury. Some workers don't even come to work,” deputy finance minister Sarath Amunugama said.zzz03186372
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=96322318~~~Sri Lanka economic growth slows in first quarter 2009~~~Jun 17 (LBO) Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 1.5 percent in the first quarter of the 2009, against 6.2 in 2008 and 4.3 percent in the December quarter. "The global turmoil has directly or indirectly affected the local economy," the head of the government's statistics office Suranjana Vidyaratne said. The agricultural sector grew by 3.0 percent (5.9 percent in 2008), industry by 1.9 percent (6.0 percent in 2008) and zzz03186366
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6351&sec=1~~~LTTE detainees told to accept President’s peace offer~~~Jun 17 (ANN) A senior police officer in charge of the Northern Province has told LTTE cadres, held in detention, in the Vavuniya region, that they wouldn’t get another opportunity to work out a political package with the Sri Lankan State. Addressing over 2,000 detainees, both men and women, at the Neriyakulam Technical College, Senior DIG Nimal Lewke, said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would be their only hope. zzz03186379
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF18Df02.html~~~Sri Lanka drifts closer to the East~~~Jun 17 (AT) Sri Lanka, which is under tremendous pressure from the West to put its human-rights record on track over the humanitarian crisis that emerged during the defeat of the LTTE, is turning to the East, in particular the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a grouping that represents half the global population. With uncertainty hanging over a US$2 billion standby facility that Sri Lanka is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund, zzz03186382
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090617/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaeconomygrowth~~~Sri Lanka growth slows to 1.5% in first quarter~~~Jun 17 ((AFP) Economic expansion in war-battered Sri Lanka fell to 1.5 percent during the first quarter of this year, as the global recession hurt exports, official data showed Wednesday. The slowdown contrasted with 6.2 percent growth in the first quarter of 2008, though hopes of long-term development have risen since the government's defeat of Tamil rebels last month after decades of conflict. "The global turmoil has directly or indirectly affected the local economy,"zzz03186385
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2423~~~Bad faith and apparent independence~~~Jun 18 (PISL) Having just written an article on the pronouncements of the so-called independent media, I was not entirely surprised to discover that the Associated Press had deliberately misrepresented my answer with regard to the winding up of the Commission of Inquiry into several cases of violence over the last few years. The article described the cases as those of human rights abuses, whereas they dealt with a number of high profile killings, zzz03186386
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2424~~~The Bob Rae saga~~~Jun 18 (PISL) Secretary General Prof Rajiva Wijesinha has written to The Toronto Star in response to its coverage of the decision to prevent Canadian politician Bob Rae from entering Sri Lanka last week. His letter is carried below. Dear Sir, A recent article in your columns suggested that a letter from Irangani de Silva, the former head of SLUNA, may have contributed to the decision to bar the Canadian politician Bob Rae from entering Sri Lanka. zzz03186387
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_ltte-child-soldiers-allowed-to-exchange-letters-with-parents_1265785~~~LTTE child soldiers allowed to exchange letters with parents~~~Jun 18 (PTI) Hundreds of surrendered LTTE child soldiers, who are being kept in various welfare camps in Vavuniya, have been allowed to exchange letters and telephone calls with their parents, a top commander said. "We have started allowing them to exchange letters with their parents, though they are yet not permitted to interact with them directly," Competent Authority for the IDPs Major General GA Chandrasiri said.zzz03186388
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1368414959~~~Sri Lanka pins economic recovery on post-war revival~~~Jun 18 (LBO) Sri Lanka's growth which plummeted to 1.5 percent in the first quarter may pick up later in 2009 with an agriculture and construction led recovery in former war-torn areas coupled with a global green shoots, officials said. The government defeated Tamil Tiger separatists last month in their last redoubt in the northeast of the island, after driving them out of the east of the island, much earlier. zzz03186389
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090617_journalists_exiled.shtml~~~Sri Lanka journalists 'forced into exile' ~~~Jun 18 (BBC) An international media watchdog says that Sri Lankan journalists are driven into exile for critical coverage of government military operations. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least eleven Sri Lankan journalists fled the country past year - accounting for a quarter of all such cases worldwide last year. The group says Sri Lankan reporters and editors faced severe retribution, including violence, zzz03186390
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10215&Itemid=44~~~No Petrol Diesel price hike in IOC ~~~Jun 18 (GDI) There will be no price hike in petrol and diesel marketed by Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) though the company yesterday requested the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to grant approval for a price increase, Secretary to the Ministry, W.B. Ganegala said. The LIOC made that appeal stating that the prices of fuel have now increased in the world market.zzz03186391
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2493:60-have-died-in-idp-camps-due-to-hunger-a-scarcity-of-medicine--gayanthe-karunatileke&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'60 have died in IDP camps due to hunger & scarcity of medicine'~~~Jun 18 (LT) There is information that about 60 people have died in IPD camps in the North within the last few days due to hunger and scarcity of medicine said UNP Parliamentarian Gayanthe Karunatileke in Colombo today (17th). Speaking at a media meeting Mr. Gayanthe Karunatileke expressed disappointment for not giving the opposition and the media an opportunity to see for themselves the conditions in the IDP camps. zzz03186392
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2492:govt-not-prepared-to-cast-aside-13th-amendment--lakshman-yapa-abeywardene&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. not prepared to cast aside 13th amendment'~~~Jun 18 (LT) 13th amendment cannot be ignored just because certain individuals are against it says Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene. He said the amendment has been adopted in the Parliament with a 2/3rd majority and it has been approved by the Judiciary. Hence, the government will take measures to devolve maximum powers through this amendment said Minister of Media. zzz03186393
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090617/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan_cricketers_attacked~~~First suspect in Sri Lanka cricket attack arrested~~~Jun 18 (AP) Pakistani police have made their first arrest in the attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team, and allege the assailants planned to take the athletes hostage to demand the release of jailed comrades. Pervez Rathore, police chief in the city of Lahore where the March 3 attack occurred, said the arrested suspect, Mohammad Zubair, was a member of the Punjabi Taliban, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group that is accused of having al-Qaida ties. zzz03186394
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090617/india_nm/india404044~~~Sri Lanka scoffs at new Tamil exiled government~~~Jun 18 (Reuters) The remnants of the Tamil Tigers have vowed to form a government in exile to push their separatist cause, which Sri Lanka on Wednesday called an "hallucination" and another illegal attempt to violate its unitary status. The decision came less than a month after the Sri Lankan military finally crushed the LTTE in a 25-year civil war, and President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared Sri Lanka reunified.zzz03186395
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Sri-Lanka-releases-9-Indian-fishermen/articleshow/4668603.cms~~~Sri Lanka releases 9 Indian fishermen~~~Jun 18 (PTI) Nine fishermen from here arrested on June 8 by Sri Lankan Navy have been released and were handed over to Indian Coast Guard personnel at the International Maritime Boundary line in the Palk Strait on Wednesday. The fishermen, who were lodged at the Anuradhapuram Jail in Sri Lanka, were released on the orders of a local court and handed over to the ICG along with two boats. zzz03186396
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090617/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_new_tigers~~~Sri Lanka rebels try to rise again after defeat~~~Jun 18 (AP) Tamil Tiger rebels are trying to rise from the ashes of their devastating battlefield defeat, swearing off violence and pledging to transform their internationally shunned terror group into a democratic movement for Tamil statehood. Their rebranding effort faces long odds. The Tamil Tigers' self-proclaimed new leader is a wanted arms smuggler, the group has no presence inside Sri Lanka and the government has brushed off the remaining rebels as irrelevant. zzz03186397
http://www.adventure-cornwall.co.uk/pro-surfers-off-to-sri-lanka-20090617320/~~~Pro Surfers off to Sri Lanka~~~Jun 18 (AC) The UK Pro Surf Tour has announced it will be returning to Sri Lanka in July this year for the “Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest” at Arugam Bay. Renowned as one of the best ‘point breaks’ in the world, Arugam Bay on the East coast of Sri Lanka is now a surfing hotspot and is accessible as a result of the recent end to the civil unrest in the country. The 2009 Championships, which take place on July 1-6, zzz03186398
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061855471300.htm~~~SCO dialogue partner status for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 18 (Hindu) Sri Lanka announced it had been granted the status of dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). A statement by the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat here said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced the decision on Sri Lanka’s status at the conclusion of the SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia. “The granting of the status of dialogue partner of this important international grouping concerned with security concerns, zzz03186399
no~~~Security matters and humanitarian needs~~~zzz03186400
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061853890400.htm~~~Subramanian Swamy for ‘autonomous Tamil state’ in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 18 (Hindu) The U.S., China and Israel that helped Sri Lanka have the moral responsibility to prevail upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure constitutional guarantee of equality to Tamils, said Subramanian Swamy, Janata Party leader. Dr. Swamy said India also could not shirk its responsibility as it had extended help to Sri Lanka. “Now that the LTTE is no longer in the picture we can go ahead and help the Tamils. There is a need to create an autonomous Tamil state.” zzz03186401
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/sri-lanka-to-open-embassy-in-libiya-in-july/~~~Sri Lanka to open embassy in Libiya in July~~~Jun 18 (AT) Sri Lanka is planning to open up its Embassy in Tripoli before the end of July 2009. Already the Embassy building has been located, inspected and approved. Last time when President Mahinda Rajapaksa was on a two-day official visit to Tripoli, it is learnt that he has visited the proposed Embassy building along with Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama and it has been found suitable and approved.zzz03186402
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-must-now-win-economic-war-and.html~~~'Govt. must now win economic war and hearts of all as one Nation' ~~~Jun 18 (LG) UNP M.P. Gayantha Karunatileke said, it is very clear that swindles ,Bribery and corruption allegedly in the Ministries and Government sector have reached an unprecedented high in the country. This was clearly underlined, when Vasudeva Nanayakkara, himself a Senior Presidential advisor, recently had occasion to urge the President to appoint a Committee to inquire into these problems which have hit monumental levels and rapidly spreading. zzz03186403
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/sri-lankan-foreign-minister-hails-admission-of-sri-lanka-as-dialogue-partner-of-sco/~~~Foreign Minister hails admission of Sri Lanka as dialogue partner of SCO~~~Jun 18 (AT) “The admission of Sri Lanka as a Dialogue Partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a significant victory for the pro-active and dynamic foreign policy pursued by the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government. The decision taken by the leaders of the SCO at the end of their two-day Summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, is an acknowledgment by this important inter-governmental organization of the strategic and important role that Sri Lanka can play in international affairs”.zzz03186404
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=106610262~~~Sri Lanka industry lose 96,000 jobs: official survey~~~Jun 18 (LBO) Sri Lanka's industrial sector has lost 96,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2009 with the apparel workers losing 60,000 jobs and construction workers losing 36,000 jobs, according to a government survey. Agriculture had created 203,000 fresh jobs and the services generated 129,000 jobs, Sri Lanka's statistics office said. "People who lost jobs in industry may have found employment in the agriculture sector," zzz03186405
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/17/sri-lanka-international-investigation-needed~~~Sri Lanka: International Investigation Needed ~~~Jun 18 (HRW) The Sri Lankan government's announcement that it was ending its special inquiry into conflict-related abuses underscores the need for an international commission to investigate violations of international law by government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Human Rights Watch said today. "Sri Lanka's presidential commission of inquiry started with a bang and ended with a whimper," zzz03186406
no~~~Interview with Mohamed Hisham~~~zzz03186407
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47268~~~Sri Lankan Journalists Face Severe Persecution~~~Jun 18 (IPS) At least 11 Sri Lankan journalists were driven into exile in the past 12 months amid an intensive government crackdown on critical reporters and editors, said a new survey from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released Wednesday. "Sri Lanka is losing its best journalists to unchecked violence and the resulting conditions of fear and intimidation that are driving writers and editors from their homes," zzz03186408
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aYNQnC6f.ZBM~~~Sri Lanka may become ‘Hong Kong of India’ after war, HSBC says ~~~Jun 18 (BN) Sri Lanka’s economy can bounce back from its weakest growth in six years and become the “Hong Kong of India” as the end of almost three decades of civil war boosts business opportunities, HSBC Private Bank said. Decades of fighting on the Indian Ocean island shackled its $32 billion economy, which according to figures released yesterday expanded 1.5 percent last quarter from a year earlier as the global recession intensified the slowdown.zzz03186409
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slbu-j18.shtml~~~Further signs of Sri Lanka’s shift into China’s orbit~~~Jun 18 (wsws) This week president Mahinda Rajapakse made his first trip abroad since the army’s military victory over the separatist LTTE. Significantly, it was to Burma (Myanmar) for talks with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), as the country’s repressive military junta is known. Accompanying Rajapakse on his three-day visit were foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama, two other ministers and Wimal Weerawansa, leader of National Freedom Front (NFF).zzz03186422
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=1~~~Nineteen ’til I Die ~~~Jun 18 (SLW) Last night it rained. And I stood under my parents’ porch and smoked. The deluge of water on the tin sheeting drowned out everything — traffic, the neighbours, the sound of the TV. Just me and the rain and the dark, like it had been on that first night in December 1990. I stepped out from the porch, and the rain put out my cigarette in an instant. I spat away the shreds of tobacco and let the rain soak me. zzz03186411
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/he-msgr-malcolm-ranjith-new-archbishop.html~~~H.E. Msgr. Malcolm Ranjith new Archbishop of Colombo ~~~Jun 18 (LG) His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed His Excellency Monsignor Malcolm Ranjith who presently serves as the Secretary of the Holy Father’s powerful Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments as the Archbishop of Colombo to guide the flock in his Motherland. Thus, Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith whose Vatican based Congregation is located in the precincts of the famed St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome will zzz03186412
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/chinese-minister-inspects-hambantota.html~~~Chinese Minister inspects Hambantota Port Project ~~~Jun 18 (LG) Chinese Deputy Minister of Transport, Gao Hongfeng arrived in the country by special invitation of the Minister of Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management, Chamal Rajapaksa. Mr. Gao Hongfeng made a special inspection tour on Monday of the Hambantota Port Development Project of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Chairman of SLPA, Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, receiving the Chinese Deputy Minister of Transport at the Hambantota Port Development Project, zzz03186413
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10224&Itemid=44~~~Submission of nominations for Jaffna and Vavuniya polls begins today ~~~Jun 18 (GDI) Nominations for the Jaffna Municipal Council Election and Vavuniya Urban Council polls will be accepted from today (18) and will conclude June 25. The date of the election will be announced after the nominations are accepted, according to Elections Secretariat source. The date of the election for the Uva Provincial Council will also be announced after the nominations are accepted. zzz03186416
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10225&Itemid=44~~~Wildlife sanctuaries to be re-opened in North shortly ~~~Jun 18 (GDI) The Government has decided to reopen the wildlife sanctuaries in several districts of North which had been closed due to war under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” Program in the near future, Director Operations for the Department of Wildlife H.D.Rathnayake said. He stated that after the security forces clear the lands of land mines,the Wildlife sanctuaries will re-open to the public visit.zzz03186415
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10223&Itemid=44~~~'Opposition trying to tarnish image of government'~~~Jun 18 (GDI) “The war is over now and the resettlement process has begun, but the opposition seems determined to sabotage the process and tarnish the government’s image,” Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated. He pointed out that the Government would facilitate anyone interested in assisting the displaced persons currently located in the welfare centers, but won’t let anyone capitalize on their grievances. zzz03186417
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061853870400.htm~~~Four Tamil refugees rescued by Indian Navy ~~~Jun 18 (Hindu) Four Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including an LTTE cadre, and an Indian national, spent 24 hours on an unmanned islet near Dhanushkodi before reaching Rameswaram on Wednesday. They were rescued by an Indian naval boat from 3rd islet, where a Sri Lankan boat crew had dropped them after ferrying them from Talaimannar. They claimed that they reached the islet at the early hours on Tuesday and spent the whole day without food and water. zzz03186418
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2510:jvp-names-its-chief-ministerial-candidate-for-uva&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~JVP names its chief ministerial candidate for Uva ~~~Jun 18 (LT) Former Member of Uva Provincial Council and Leader of the JVP group of Members in the Uva PC Sudath Balagalle has been named as the chief ministerial candidate of the JVP for the forthcoming Uva PC election states media unit of the JVP. He will contest representing Badulla District. Mr. Balagalle is an Economic Special graduate from Peradeniya University and has had his early education at Mahiyangana National College. zzz03186419
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2509:unemployed-in-1st-quarter-is-45-million--dept-of-census-a-statistics&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Unemployed in 1st quarter is 4.5 million'~~~Jun 18 (LT) The number of unemployed in Sri Lanka in the first quarter of this year is 4,50,000 and compared to the same period last year it is an increase of 40,000 states Department of Census and Statistics. Accordingly, the number of employed in Sri Lanka is 77,10,000. 26,13,000 of them are in agriculture sector, 18,94,000 are in the industrial sector and there are 32,02,000 in the services sector states Department of Census and Statistics. zzz03186420
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2508:kadirs-assassin-killed-in-pudumathalan&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Kadirgamar's assassin killed in Pudumathalan ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The assassin of former Foreign Minister Luxman Kadirgamar was killed in clashes that occurred at Pudumathalan says a senior defense officer. According to him a senior LTTE member who surrendered to SL forces and now in an IDP camp at Vavuniya had said ‘Champion’ a senior LTTE leader, who was the assassin of former Foreign Minister Luxman Kadirgamar was killed fighting government forces at Pudumathalan. zzz03186430
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2499:prices-of-imported-fruits-up&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prices of imported fruits up ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The prices of imported fruits have drastically gone up in price. A Chinese apple in the Pettah market is between Rs. 20 and Rs. 25 while Australian or American apples are sold for Rs.40,50 and 60. The price of an orange is between Rs.35 and 40 while a kilo of grapes is between Rs.600 and 700. In supermarkets the prices are higher. Importers of fruits say the prices are higher as adequate stocks are not received from countries and a high tax is levied for imported fruits.zzz03186410
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2495:students-union-asks-vice-chancellor-to-mediate&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Students Union asks Vice-Chancellor to mediate ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The Students’ Union of Kelaniya University has asked acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sarath Amunugama to mediate in the crisis that exists in the university, bring about a settlement and reopen the university immediately. In a letter sent to the acting Vice-Chancellor the Students’ Union states: The university has been temporarily closed down due to an unstable situation that occurred as a result of several unexpected incidents.zzz03186423
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2497:swine-flu-is-not-fatal--epidemiologist-dr-risineth-premaratne-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Swine flu’ is not fatal – Epidemiologist~~~Jun 18 (LT) Influenza A virus subtype H1N, 1commonly known as ‘swine flu’ is not fatal and people need not have unnecessary fear regarding it says epidemiologist Dr. Risineth Premaratne. Despite calling it ‘swine flu’ laboratory tests have showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in humans and birds and now it is called Novel Influenza A (H1 N1).zzz03186424
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-military-arrests-15-LTTE-doctors/3027.htm~~~Military arrests 15 LTTE doctors~~~Jun 18 (CT) The Sri Lankan military has arrested 15 doctors who were in the LTTE's medical unit, 'Lakbima' reports, citing sources from the TID and the CID. The news report by Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe, published in today's newspaper, says that the arrested doctors include five MBBS doctors and 10 doctors passed out from the Eelam school of medicine. Head of the LTTE medical unit, Selvavinayagam Kuwendraraja alias Manoj, arrested from a welfare camp in Vavunya, zzz03186425
no~~~Only president & universities can confer honorary titles~~~Jun 18 (CT) The government has decided to that only the President and recognised universities can confer honorary titles. The decision was unanimously taken last evening (June 17) at a meeting of the cabinet which considered a report submitted by a panel of six ministers headed by D.M. Jayaratne. However, this decision will not apply for the honorary titles conferred by the Buddhist clergy.zzz03186426
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Minister-laughs-request-foreign-monitors-north-polls/3006.htm~~~Minister laughs off request for foreign monitors at north polls~~~Jun 18 (CT) Media minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has laughed off a request by the opposition for foreign monitors to observe the upcoming local government elections for Jaffna and Vavuniya. The minister told the media today (Jun 17) that any party or group could take part without any disruption in the election that seeks to establish democracy in the north. The government would gain nothing by disrupting it, although zzz03186427
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10230&Itemid=44~~~'Today marks the completion of one month of the reunification of the country'~~~Jun 18 (GDI) "Today marks the completion of one month of the reunification of the country by defeating LTTE terrorism. People in the North Central Province were the happiest group who enjoyed the end of terrorism as they had been the most vulnerable people to the atrocities of the LTTE terrorists”, President Mahinda Rajapakse said while participating in a felicitation ceremony held in front of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.zzz03186429
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10232&Itemid=44~~~Next challenge: wiping out notion of ‘remote villages’~~~Jun 18 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated that citizens of this country irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity should now come together to build up the nation and recover the momentum lost due to the terrorist menace in the quarter century war. The President was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized at the scared Jayasiri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.zzz03186421
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Ne070106Militant_SR.asp~~~Militant-turned Lankan minister has murder case against him in Chennai~~~Jun 18 (Tehelka) Sri Lanka’s social services and social welfare minister and leader of EPDP Douglas Devananda was involved in a shooting incident in Chennai in 1986 which claimed a person’s life. At the time Devananda was heading the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the EPRLF military wing. Operating from Jaffna, he arrived in Chennai in early 1986 to sort out organisational issues with colleagues then based in Tamil Nadu. zzz03186433
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44961.html~~~Sri Lanka records 1.5 percent GDP growth in 1 Q, 2009~~~Jun 18 (LNP) Sri Lanka recorded a 1.5 percent GDP growth for the first quarter of 2009, the Department of Census and Statistics said yesterday. The three main sectors of agriculture, industry and services of GDP grew by 3 percent, 1.9 percent and 1 percent. This is a significant growth compared to many developed western countries where they recorded a negative growth and we could expect much improved results for the next quarter,zzz03186431
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44962.html~~~A damning indictment~~~Jun 18 (LNP) Chairman of the Presidential Commission investigating abductions, killings and disappearances and former judge Mahanama Tilakaratne`s fierce attack on the police yesterday must have warmed the cockles of many a heart. He inveighed against the police for inefficiency, negligence and dereliction of duty. How the police handle even high profile investigations is shocking. Mr. Tilakaratne has faulted the police for the haphazard manner in which TNA MP Joseph Pararajasingham`szzz03186432
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44960.html~~~Dilantha moving towards a new record~~~Jun 18 (LNP) Dilantha Malagamuwa took the top spot after the third and fourth rounds of the Aston Martin Asia Cup Motor Racing Championship held at the Sepang F1 circuit recently. Dilantha who has won the Malaysian Super Series twice is also competing in the same this year too. Dilantha also becomes the first Sri Lankan driver to run in two different championships on the same day. zzz03186428
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_17_005.html~~~“Economist” banned for article on post war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 18 (LNW) 12th June 2009 issue of Economist magazine has been held up for security reasons (!) by Sri Lanka customs. Subscribers who pay SLR 11,000 a year to Vijitha Yapa book shop in Colombo have not received their copies yet. The reason for this censorship could well be an article on Sri Lanka, which is pasted below this note. According to informed sources this is the 4th Economist issue that has been banned by customs in recent past. zzz03186434
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news04.asp~~~Second Swine Flu patient detected ~~~Jun 18 (DN) Health authorities said yesterday that a second confirmed case of Swine Flu had been detected in the country. The new patient has been identified as the brother of the first case detected on Tuesday. Health Ministry, Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Peiris said that the parents of the children had however tested negative for the virus. The residence of the family is closely monitored and has been quarantined, he added. zzz03186458
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news12.asp~~~TRO Chairman arrested and detained ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The CID informed the Colombo Magistrate's Courts yesterday that they were further detaining the Chairman and another member of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) under detention orders for questioning in their alleged involvement in raising funds for the LTTE terrorist organization. The TRO, a non Governmental Organization is charged with raising funds for the LTTE in the guise of collecting monies to help welfare activities of the displaced civilians in the North. zzz03186436
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news30.asp~~~Rs. 6.4b Nano Park to attract scientists ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The Science and Technology Ministry is looking at possibilities of attracting local and foreign scientists and researchers for the proposed Nano-Technology Park which will be constructed at Homagama, sources said. The Nano Park is a Government initiated project for local industrialists to carry out nano-technology based research and development activities, zzz03186437
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/pol03.asp~~~NIC compulsory for voters ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The National Identity Card or any other identity document with a photograph of the voter will be made compulsory for the voters to cast their ballot at the forthcoming Uva Provincial Council Election, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake said. Dissanayake said the National Identity Card issued by Persons Registration Department, a valid Passport, a valid Driving licence, a Railway Season Ticket Identity Card with valid season ticket, zzz03186438
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/vanni-tna-mp-pours-scorn-over-prabhakaran-chelvanayagam/~~~Vanni TNA MP pours scorn over Prabhakaran Chelvanayagam~~~Jun 18 (AT) Vanni TNA Member of Parliament is the surprise addition to the growing tribe of leaders who are pouring scorn over Prabhakaran and Chelvanayagam The surge of surrender of erstwhile LTTE cadres is continuing. On Wednesday alone, 9,700 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Sri Lanka Army; they were moved to temporary camps set up at Rambaikkulam Girls School, Kovil Kadavai Hindu College, Technical College,zzz03186439
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news15.html~~~Workers foil attempt to steal Sri Lanka Insurance files~~~Jun 18 (Island) The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) employees yesterday thwarted an attempt to remove some important files from the SLIC head office close on the heels of Abdeen Associates, on behalf of Vasudeva Nanayakkara, demanding that the Police, Bribery Commission, the Institute of Chartered Accounts, Securities and Exchange Commission and Controller of Exchange investigate and prosecute persons involved in the fraudulent SLIC privatisation.zzz03186435
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news5.html~~~Anyone can visit IDP camps but not for own gain~~~Jun 18 (Island) The government would allow any interested party or group to assist and help the internally displaced persons currently located in the welfare centres in the North, but won’t let anyone capitalize on their grievances, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday. He said that there were political parties and NGOs demanding access to these camps with the intention of gaining political mileage and to secure foreign funds for NGOs. zzz03186441
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news8.html~~~'No moral or legal basis to prosecute our Leaders'~~~Jun 18 (Island) Though some attempts were made to produce the leaders who decimated the LTTE terrorism before an International tribunal, there was certainly no legal or moral basis for such action, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade and Acting Minister of Posts and Telecommunications said. He was addressing a meeting held to rename Badulla Postal Complex and Auditorium zzz03186445
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/features2.html~~~A captive in the Kandyan District - Robert Knox~~~Jun 18 (Island) Robert Knox who was a captive in the Kingdom of Kandy since 1660 for 19 years, six months and 14 days, was the author of the remarkable book ‘Historical Relation of Ceylon’, which was published after his escape, disclosing a reasonable account of the kingdom and of his personal experiences. This work was widely read in European countries and was published in two editions and in Dutch, German and French translationszzz03186443
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52241~~~Health Minister not doing his duty: UNP~~~Jun 18 (DM) Referring to the new situation that has arisen in the health sector with the detection of the first swine flu case in Sri Lanka the main Opposition UNP charged yesterday that the Health Minister should have done his duty without boasting about the military victory. UNP MP Gayantha Karunatilleke told a news conference that the health sector is in shambles while the minister is become a show piece. zzz03186444
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52186~~~Time to act: not a time for excuses~~~Jun 18 (DM) The country yesterday woke up to the shocking reality of a deadly virus, sweeping the world with its cruel fatalities. The Country Representative of the World Health Organization informed the media that the first patient suffering from the H1N1 influenza (commonly known as swine flu;) an eight year old child who had arrived here from Australia on Sunday, had been detected. According to health authorities steps have been taken to isolate the patient at IDH in Angoda with special medical arrangements.zzz03186442
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52221~~~Mangala to take legal action~~~Jun 18 (DM) SLFP Mahajana Wing Leader MP Mangala Samaraweera yesterday said he had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal action against Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage against the alleged statements made by the Minister with reference to him. “Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had made several wild allegations against me at last week’s cabinet press briefing. zzz03186452
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52225~~~Lak Sathosa hits record sales at Menik Farm~~~Jun 18 (DM) The Lak Sathosa outlets set up in the Menik Farm Welfare Village in Vavuniya have hit record trade volumes running to the tune of Rs. 1.2 million on a daily basis, Trade and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardane said yesterday. The Minister said that the maximum daily trade volume recorded in an outlet in the south was only Rs. 600,000-700,000. After an observation tour in the welfare village, zzz03186447
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/462e9052-5b63-11de-be3f-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss~~~Cancelled festival unsettles Tamils ~~~Jun 18 (FT) The Sri Lankan tea plantation town of Rakwana, overshadowed by a jungle-clad mountain with a waterfall cascading down its side, is as scenic as any in this stunning tropical island. For a century, Hindu Tamil plantation workers of Indian origin have celebrated their main religious festival dedicated to deity Muththumaariyamman by parading a figurine of the powerful goddess on a chariot down the south western town’s main street.zzz03186448
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/18583/rohingya-terrorist-suspects-captured~~~Rohingya terrorist suspects captured~~~Jun 18 (BP) Security authorities have arrested three Rohingya allegedly involved in passport forgery and human and weapons trafficking, and said to be linked to the LTTE in Sri Lanka and insurgents in the far South. They were also suspected of being connected with al-Qaeda terrorists. The arrest of Mohammad Ali Hussein, Mohammad Mudbahem and Chubri Awae followed a joint operation between zzz03186449
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906181414.htm~~~Three suspected LTTE cadres shot dead in Vavuniya ~~~Jun 18 (PTI) Around three suspected LTTE cadres were shot dead by the police in a clearing operation in the former LTTE-hideout of northern Vavuniya on Thursday. According to the police, suspected LTTE cadres attacked the Vavuniya special police unit when they attempted to search a vehicle during combing operations at Nelukulam. Three rebels were killed in the encounter that ensued after police fired in retaliation, zzz03186455
http://english.farsnews.net/newstext.php?nn=8803271093~~~Iran, Sri Lanka sign $106mln power-transfer agreement ~~~Jun 18 (FNA) An Iranian private company inked a 106-million-dollar agreement with the Sri Lankan government on the transfer of electricity to 1000 villages in the South Asian country. The agreement on the project dubbed as "R&E" to bring electricity to 180,000 families in rural areas, was signed between the managing director of Iranian Sanir company and the deputy energy minister of Sri Lanka in Colombo. zzz03186451
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905360,00.html~~~Sri Lanka tourism readies for boom after war's end ~~~Jun 18 (Time) Hoteliers big and small in Sri Lanka are getting ready to cash in on what they say is the inevitable boom around the corner after last month's end to the nation's bloody quarter-century old civil conflict. Tourism in this tropical island nation was one of the industries hit hardest by the war between government forces and the LTTE. The industry, from the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa to the verdant mountains of Kandy — has endured a 25-year-old yo-yo ride with zzz03186446
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090618/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestrightsaidfrance~~~Sri Lanka says aid worker massacre probe concluded~~~Jun 18 (AFP) Sri Lanka's top rights panel said Thursday it has concluded investigations into the murder of 17 local employees of a French charity and six other high profile cases from the island's civil war. The head of the probe, however, refused to say who had been found responsible for the 2006 massacre of the aid workers, which international monitors and rights groups have blamed on Sri Lankan government forces.zzz03186453
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090618/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~Rights groups want probe into Sri Lanka war abuses~~~Jun 18 (AP) Human rights groups called Thursday for an international investigation into wartime abuses in Sri Lanka, saying the government lacks the political will to investigate the incidents on its own. Rights groups accused the government of firing heavy weapons into civilian areas in the final months of the island nation's quarter-century civil war, which ended last month. zzz03186454
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8105879.stm~~~Tamil protest ends after 73 days ~~~Jun 18 (BBC) A 73-day protest involving thousands of people demonstrating over the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka has ended. The protest featured hunger strikes, mass sit-ins blocking central London roads and people throwing themselves into the River Thames. One of those involved, Ambi Seevaratnam said: "After 73 days, nothing has worked. The Tamils have been betrayed by the international community." zzz03186457
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090618/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunresttigersprabhakaran~~~'Tamil Tiger leader fought to the death'~~~Jun 18 (AFP) A newly formed front of the defeated Tamil Tigers on Thursday rejected media reports that their former leader Velupillai Prabhakaran had surrendered or was taken alive before being killed. A group calling itself the department of intelligence of the LTTE said Prabhakaran was killed in May while trying to escape to safety. "Contradictory information are circulating that he was arrested, that he surrendered, that he was killed after interrogation and that he committed suicide," zzz03186456
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23709157-details/Violence+soars+as+police+deal+with+Tamil+protests/article.do~~~Violence soars as police deal with Tamil protests~~~Jun 18 (LES) Violence and burglary soared in London because police officers were redirected to deal with the Tamil protests, an influential report revealed today. The number of cases of serious violence leapt by nearly 30 per cent and cases of burglary increased by 7.3 per cent, according to the study by Britain's top police officer responsible for public order. The report showed how a squad usually used to tackle violent crimes and break-ins in zzz03186450
no~~~Sri Lanka rebuild its economy~~~zzz03186440
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090618/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketicct20sriwis~~~Flair all round as Sri Lanka face Windies~~~Jun 19 (AFP) West Indies are confident of chasing nearly any total in this event; Sri Lanka believe there is no score they can't defend. Clearly, something will have to give in their World Twenty20 semi-final. Friday's match at the Oval sees two exciting sides up against one another and, while Sri Lanka will start favourites, the West Indies have shown that they are not to under-estimated.zzz03186459
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090618_10~~~UK should help Sri Lanka- Lord Naseby ~~~Jun 19 (MoD) Lord Naseby in a letter, congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa for defeating LTTE terrorism that had held Sri Lanka to ransom for 26 years. Writing to the president shortly after the historic victory of the Sri Lankan armed forces against terrorism, the leading conservative member of the British House of Lords and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons has also stated that the UK should provide meaningful help to Sri Lanka for resettlement of the displaced. zzz03186460
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF19Df01.html~~~Tigers struggle to rise from the ashes ~~~Jun 19 (AT) As Colombo celebrated the one month anniversary of its military routing the LTTE, the former separatist outfit showed the first signs of rising from the ashes as it announced the setting up of a democratic movement to "peacefully" struggle for a separate Tamil homeland in Sri Lanka. In an e-mailed voice clip, the highest-ranking LTTE member believed to be alive, fugitive Selvarajah Pathmanathan - more commonly known as KP - announced the formation of zzz03186461
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200906181823.htm~~~Don't be mute spectator on Sri Lanka's plans on islet: Karunanidhi ~~~Jun 19 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday said the Centre "cannot remain a mute spectator" about Sri Lanka's reported plans to build a military base in Katchatheevu, an islet ceded by India to the island nation. Two days after writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh calling for verifying reports about Sri Lanka's "unilateral action", Mr. Karunanidhi told the state Assembly that "If such reports are true, Centre cannot remain a mute spectator to such a development." zzz03186467
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409636.html?CMP=OTC-RSS~~~Sri Lanka ahead by a nose~~~Jun 19 (CI) The Oval is shaping up as West Indies' lucky ground. In years gone by, it was the team's natural home-from-home, a place where the expat communities of Brixton and Lambeth could flood into the stands and watch the likes of Viv Richards and Michael Holding make England grovel. In more recent times, the venue has produced sharp spikes of achievement to atone for the team's general malaise, andzzz03186463
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10233&Itemid=51~~~Summary of cabinet decisions~~~Jun 19 (GDI) US$ 25 Million Credit Facility from China Development Bank: Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Acting Minister of Finance & Planning Ranjith Siyambalapitiya to provide a Guarantee Certificate by the Ministry of Finance & Planning to the China Development Bank as security for the US$ 25 Million credit facility. National Backbone Network: Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to implement the “National Backbone Network” zzz03186464
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/ltte-comes-to-terms-with-prabhakarans-death-at-last/~~~LTTE comes to terms with Prabhakaran’s death, at last~~~Jun 19 (AT) The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has at last acknowledged that its “national leader” V Prabhakaran has died in action. In a statement on Thursday, Kathirkamathamby Arivazhakan, head of the external affairs wing in the department of intelligence in the LTTE said it has now been confirmed that “Tamil Eelam National Leader…V. Pirabaharan has attained martyrdom”.zzz03186465
http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/20090618/736/tnl-sri-lanka-bourse-among-world-s-best.html~~~Sri Lanka bourse among world's best performing markets~~~Jun 19 (Reuters) Sri Lankan shares jumped 2.61 percent on Thursday to become one of the best-performing bourses among the world stock markets after a global recession, with top bluechips hitting over one-year highs. Turnover hit a record of 2 billion rupees ($17.5 million), more than four times last year's daily average of 464 million rupees, according to a bourse official. The rupee closed flat with the central bank preventing appreciation through buying dollars.zzz03186466
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7880~~~'MPs have the right to access to the welfare camps'~~~Jun 19 (LeN) Chief Justice Ashoka de Silva said today (18) that the members of the parliament had right to access to the welfare camps. The Chief Justice made this declaration when a fundamental rights petition filed by MPs Jayalath Jayawardhana, Lakshman Senevirathna, Mangala Samaraweera, Hasan Ali and Mano Ganeshan was granted leave to proceed. The petition will be considered again on July 22. zzz03186469
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409660.html~~~'No batsman has figured me out'~~~Jun 19 (CI) Three months to the day after he was discharged from a Colombo hospital, head swathed in bandages, Ajantha Mendis claimed 3 for 9 and Man-of-the-Match honours in the World Twenty20 Super Eights match against New Zealand. The wounds from the Lahore terror attack may have left physical scars, but they have done nothing to diminish his spin-bowling wizardry. zzz03186462
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409671.html~~~Sangakkara banks on team unity~~~Jun 19 (CI) They are both called island teams but the similarity ends with the terminology. While the West Indies as we know it is a collection of disparate countries coming together largely for cricketing purposes, Sri Lanka is one nation. A collection of diverse ethnicities and faiths, yes - Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim - but one unit with allegiance to one flag. It's that sense of unity that has helped Sri Lanka's cricketers cope with terrorism -zzz03186468
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=1~~~Make your choice, fellow tamilians! ~~~Jun 19 (SLW) So, Im a Tamil.and proud of it. Proud of my culture, proud of my language, proud of the achievements of many of my fellow tamilians all over the world. Born here, right here in sunny Sri lanka. And Ive finally decided to say something. I know Im going to ruffle a lot more than a few feathers here- possibly even have a few people get themselves off my facebook friends list, but then,zzz03186471
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=1~~~Fighting the PR War ~~~Jun 19 (SLW) The ongoing campaign by The Times to discredit the recent military victory by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces over the LTTE seems, at times, relentless. Not a day passes by without Jeremy Page, Marie Colvin or Catherine Philp lecturing on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka. I usually despise the shrill hysteria and the ‘me against the world’ mentality that envelops my countrymen when faced with criticism, but on this occasion I feel it is warranted. zzz03186472
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1833384611~~~Sri Lanka gets Chinese finance for bunker facility~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Sri Lanka is getting a 65 million US dollars loan from China's Exim Bank to build an oil storage facility in the Southern coastal town of Hambantota, a senior government minister said. "The objective of this project is to supply and store marine fuel, aviation fuel and LP gas and provide bunkering services for vessels passing by Sri Lanka," information minister Anura Yapa said. zzz03186473
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2012417412~~~Sri Lanka buys US218mn from forex markets in June: CB Governor~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Central bank has bought 218 million US dollars from forex markets in June on top of 160 million US dollars bought during the last two months, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said. Since a float of the rupee in March ahead of an IMF bailout, the Central Bank has so far bought 378 million US dollars. The IMF loan has been delayed amid foot dragging by the United States but following the float of the currency, zzz03186474
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1208208680~~~Sri Lanka IOC asks for fuel price increase~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Lanka IOC, a unit of the Indian Oil Corporation had asked Sri Lanka's petroleum ministry permission to raise petrol and diesel pump prices by 21 to 23 rupees a litre to stem losses amid rising oil prices, an official said. IOC managing director Suresh Kumar said his firm had lost about 15 rupees a litre on petrol last month on petrol and diesel and this month the loss had increased to between 21 to 23 rupees per litre. zzz03186475
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-orphans-inte_b_213974.html~~~In Sri Lanka: Orphans International Continues~~~Jun 19 (HP) Orphans International Sri Lanka, an affiliate of Orphans International Worldwide, was founded in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami. The organization, to help Sri Lankan children, was built in memory of Dr. Cresenta Fernando, a Sri Lankan native who worked for the World Bank in Washington and who perished in the Tsunami of 2004. For the last year, the NGO staff have worked and trained in community center of a village called Kathaluwa.zzz03186476
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/a-big-defeat-no-more-tamil-guerillas-says-victor-ivan/~~~'A big defeat, no more Tamil guerillas'~~~Jun 19 (AT) In a candid interview, former member of the JVP and founder Editor – Ravaya newspaper, Victor Ivan says that nothing can compare to the defeat of the LTTE in post independence Sri Lanka and that another Tamil guerilla movement will not surface in the country. Born to a Catholic father and a Buddhist mother, he was educated at St. Anthony’s College – Kandy, St. Anne’s College – Kurunegala and St. Aloysious’ College – Galle.zzz03186477
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8107869.stm~~~Sri Lanka war on words continues ~~~Jun 19 (BBC) One month after Tamil Tigers rebels were defeated in Sri Lanka with the death of their leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, the working environment for journalists shows no sign of improving, as this correspondent, who prefers to remain unnamed, reports from Colombo. Independent journalists in Sri Lanka say they still feel threatened and intimidated. A journalist union leader was recently abducted and assaulted on his way home in Colombo within weeks of zzz03186478
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/791~~~Reconciliation: A Sinhala “middle-class” point of view~~~Jun 19 (DBS) Hello Friends, Opening up this Blog for people to express their views on national reconciliation, ethnic amity and inter-racial justice seems to have created a vibrant forum. I am particularly heartened by the positive responses of so many people from different walks in life. Of course a web based forum in English is naturally confined to a particular socio-economic background. zzz03186485
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/794~~~The mood in Jaffna is that of being tragically marooned~~~Jun 19 (DBS) Hello Friends, A Christian clergyman who inspired many of us during our student days was the Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala Rt. Rev Lakshman Wickremasinghe. This eminent theologian known popularly as Bishop Lakshman was a practical man of action when it came to the question of human rights violations and inter-ethnic justice and unity. Bishop Lakshman was one of those who pioneered the Civil Rights Movement in Sri Lanka when zzz03186484
no~~~Memorial Service at the Washington Buddist Vihara~~~Jun 19 (IL) Washington Buddhist Vihara will hold a Memorial Service to tranfer merits to the fallen soldiers and all the people who sacrificed lives to free Sri Lanka from terrorism. The service will be held at the Washington D.C. Buddhist Vihara, on Saturday 20th June, 2009. The program will begin at 2.30 pm.zzz03186481
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/MFA+Spokesman/2009/Press+releases/Israel-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-Sri-Lanka-18-Jun-2009.htm~~~Israeli humanitarian aid dispatched to Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (MFA) A shipment of medical equipment and drugs, contributed by the MFA and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, will be delivered to the Sri Lankan health authorities. The humanitarian shipment, which was collected and organized by MASHAV, the Israel Center for International Cooperation, will be presented by MFA deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific,zzz03186483
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/War-fears-still-haunt-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/4674238.cms~~~War fears still haunt Lanka~~~Jun 19 (TOI) For a city, warweary until the other day, life couldn’t be more normal. The signs of victory are obvious in Colombo. Hundreds of colourful posters plastered on the whitewashed street walls show President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his hands lifted in a gesture of triumph. They hail him as ‘Maharajanayakek Apata’ (‘our mighty king’). Taxi drivers are thrilled to serve an Indian customer. zzz03186448
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/sustainable-energy-in-sri-lanka/~~~Sustainable energy in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (AT) “We should improve the status of transport, especially make the railway to use mostly as the mode of transport; the public bus transport in urban areas too should be improved by making it more efficient and comfortable for passengers so that flooding of private vehicles into the traffic jam could be prevented.” Professor Tissa Vitarana, Minister of Science & Technology said so addressing a seminar to discuss on the status of sustainable energy in Sri Lankazzz03186480
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/%e2%80%98off-white-blimps%e2%80%99-and-west%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98infallibility%e2%80%99/~~~‘Off-white blimps’ and West’s ‘infallibility’~~~Jun 19 (AT) A section of Sri Lanka’s Opposition and other pundits have launched a barrage of criticism on the government over what they call its “anti-Western rhetoric” They say GOSL has antagonized the ‘democracies’ on human rights issues and by refusing entry to the likes of Bob Rae. We know how the democracies attempted to secure peace and uphold human rights by trying to pressure an elected government to negotiate withzzz03186479
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31187&Cr=sri+lanka&Cr1=~~~Sri Lanka fighting over, but much work remains, says Ban~~~Jun 19 (UN) The Sri Lankan Government last month declared that its military operation against Tamil rebels has ended, but there remain a number of outstanding issues that if left unaddressed could lead more violence, stated Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban said that he has made it clear to President Mahinda Rajapaksa that though the fighting might be over, “there is much more to do.”zzz03186482
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/19/ajantha-mendis-sri-lanka-carrom-twenty20~~~Ajantha Mendis and his mystery ball follow tradition of Sri Lankan unorthodoxy~~~Jun 19 (Guardian) It took a single appearance on YouTube for Ajantha Mendis to be pronounced a mystery of the cricketing age. His six wickets against India in last year's Asia Cup final confounded everyone. Was that an off-break, a leg-break or a doosra? India's batsmen had no idea and neither did anybody else peering hopelessly at the evidence of the computer screen. A Sri Lankan lawyer based in the United States, Mahendra Mapagunaratne, spotted a chance to make history.zzz03186487
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=2~~~Blessed are the Peacemakers ~~~Jun 19 (SLW) That was Barak Obama at his brilliant best addressing the Muslim world from a podium in Cairo. His words of wisdom plus his charisma maxima combined together to make anyone listening to be all ears and frozen till the speech was over. There is little doubt he meant what he said and I am sure the world wishes him well and prays that the appropriate action will follow to bring peace among any warring factions, zzz03186488
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009061941244~~~Sri Lankan minister raises housemaid contracts issue ~~~Jun 19 (SG) Changes in the employment contracts of Sri Lankan housemaids upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia is a major issue that the Sri Lankan government wants to address in cooperation with Saudi authorities, said Keheli Rambukwella, Sri Lankan Minister of Overseas Employment Promotion and Welfare. Rambuwella, who was on a two-day unofficial visit to the Kingdom said a sizable number of Sri Lankan housemaids are forced to work on a reduced monthly basic salary of SR400 or SR450, zzz03186489
no~~~Younger generation's role in post war era~~~zzz03186490
http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/tn/News.cfm?id=24338&headline=Streatham%20family%20fear%20for%20niece%20in%20Sri%20Lanka~~~Streatham family fear for niece in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (SLP) THE aunt of a young mother trapped in a Sri Lankan refugee camp is desperately worried for her safety. Streatham shopkeeper Sudha Ragu, 40, said her niece Kanthy, 25, and six-month-old baby had been living in the camp since her husband was killed in a bomb attack on May 17. Her family were among thousands of civilians caught up in the closing stages of the civil war between ethnic separatists and the Sri Lankan government. zzz03186491
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sldc-j19.shtml~~~Two legal cases challenge mass detention of Tamil civilians~~~Jun 19 (wsws) Supreme Court this week began to hear two cases challenging the violation of the basic legal rights of Tamil civilians interned in military-controlled camps in the island’s north. Both cases argue that the detentions are illegal and in breach of “fundamental rights” guaranteed in the country’s constitution. By opposing the applications and successfully pushing for their postponement, zzz03186492
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/police-reform-core-element-in-nation.html~~~Police reform – a core element in nation building ~~~Jun 19 (LG) From 1971 until the defeat of the LTTE there has been a continuous period of violence where both rebel groups and the state engaged in an attempt to outdo each other in brutality. One of the consequences of this period was the virtual destruction of the system of civilian policing. Now, with the end of this period the nation is faced with the serious problem of recreating a system of civilian policing which could serve the needs of the community.zzz03186493
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/western-media-dirty-tricks-i.html~~~Western media dirty tricks ( I ) ~~~Jun 19 (LG) In this two part article I take a look at two reports on Sri Lanka that appeared in the British media. The first by Britain’s ITN Channel Four and the second by the London Times. These were uncritically accepted and given wide publicity by Western print and electronic media, sad to say, even by Al Jazeera TV. Foreign Minister Bogollagama vehemently rejected the allegations made by Channel 4. zzz03186494
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/bob-rae-and-universal-jurisdiction-war.html~~~Bob Rae and ‘Universal Jurisdiction’ – the War is not yet over ~~~Jun 19 (LG) Suddenly, like a dark cloud in a radiant sky, Canadian MP Bob Rae came and went. He wouldn’t have known whether he was coming or going. Neither did we, which was unfortunate. All things considered, this was not good, this sudden change of mind, indecision; for the visa had been granted and we should have welcomed him. Bob may be an LTTE-sympathiser; but he is neither an ordinary tourist, nor a Bruce Fein. zzz03186501
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/777.htm~~~Bob Rae's deportation is a slap on the face of Canada ~~~Jun 19 (IL) Regardless of whether or not the Canadians accept the decision by the Sri Lankan government, Sri Lanka's denial of entry to Bob Rae, former premier of Ontario and current liberal party foreign critic into the country, after detaining him for 12 hours and then un-ceremoniously deporting him along with two other Canadian diplomats at the International Airport in Katunayake, is shameful and a slap on the face of Canada. zzz03186496
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2099/~~~AG’s decision to represent alleged torture perpetrators undermines the rule of law ~~~Jun 19 (AHRC) Sarath Kumara went to the Supreme Court to complain that he was assaulted by several police officers, and was also abused by them. He was then forcibly taken to a police station where he was falsely charged and produced before a Magistrate's Court. Due to the attack he was seriously injured and had to be hospitalised, following his ordeal he has suffered headaches and pain for a considerable time.zzz03186497
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10247&Itemid=44~~~Further increase in dengue deaths ~~~Jun 19 (GDI) The number of patients who have died due to dengue increased to 146 and more than 10,000 dengue patients have been reported so far,hospital reports said. Most of these patients were reported from Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Kurunegala and Kegalle districts, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry claimed. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, zzz03186498
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10251&Itemid=44~~~Yal Devi to operate to Omanthai shortly ~~~Jun 19 (GDI) Moves are afoot to commence the reconstruction work of the northern railway track to be extend up to Omanthai within 90 days from now, Sri Lanka Railway disclosed. Earlier, the railway track damaged by LTTE terrorists was extended to Thandikulam and the historic Yal Devi train ceremonially made journey to that destination, a few days ago. The reconstruction work of the rail track from Thandikulam to Omanthai has already commenced. zzz03186499
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10249&Itemid=44~~~A fresh wave of tourism booms after the war's end ~~~Jun 19 (GDI) Sri Lanka, which receives about 500,000 tourists each year, aims to increase that number by at least 20 percent annually through a global campaign entitled “Small Miracle,” said Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The war discouraged travelers from the U.S. and Europe for years from visiting Sri Lanka. “In another six months, confidence may return to Sri Lanka’s leisure market,” zzz03186500
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2520:dr-mervin-engineered-kelaniya-university-incident-newspapers-reveal&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Dr. Mervin engineered Kelaniya university incident'~~~Jun 19 (LT) It has been revealed that the turmoil that occurred at Kelaniya University on the 11th was a riotous situation directed by UPFA organizer for Kelaniya Dr. Mervin Silva. It had been attempted by many quarters to pinpoint the incident as a clash between university students and the villagers. However, the involvement of Dr. Mervin was exposed with the publishing of photographs of the incident zzz0318650.1
no~~~Excise Dept. earns Rs.12000 million for the state in 5 months ~~~Jun 19 (LT) The Department of Excise has earned the government Rs.12000 million as tax during the first five months of this year. Last year Department of Excise conducted 56500 raids and suspects brought before the law. It earned Rs.2700 million as fines and this money was added to the income of local government institutes. Until May this year Department of Excise has carried out 16,000 raids and expects to earn an income of Rs.35000 million for the state. zzz03186503
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2517:politician-transports-historical-piyangala-cave-to-oluwil-port&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Politician 'transports' historical Piyangala cave to Oluwil Port! ~~~Jun 19 (LT) ‘Lankatruth’ has received reports that Piyangala cave which has tremendous historical significance is on the verge of being devastated and Sri Lanka will lose it forever. According to information we receive a group of authorities including a powerful minister of the government are carrying out a conspiracy to crush stone found in the cave into rubble and transport it to Oluwil port. zzz03186510
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45003.html~~~NGJA targets Rs 35 b on gem and jewellery exports~~~Jun 19 (LNP) The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) is targeting Rs.35 billion this year through Gem and Jewellery exports. With the dawn of peace, the gem and jewellery industry will a have positive impact. The industry in the Northern province, especially, would expand with the infusion of technology and human resources. Therefore, these areas would become a manufacturing hub to cater to the tourism industry zzz03186502
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_17_004.html~~~SL Gov. has requested to exchange 300 Tamil Refugees from India~~~Jun 19 (LNW) The Indian government, though not officially disclosed or confirmed, is said to have acceded to a request by the SL government to hand over around 300 refugees of SL Tamil origin to the SL authorities in Colombo, who are presently in the custody of the criminal investigation department of the Tamil Nadu police. Most of them have been in TN detention camps for many years with criminal charges. zzz03186505
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29610~~~Basil's Jaffna meet fails to discuss people in internment camps~~~Jun 19 (TN) The meeting meant to explore possibilities of the resettlement and rehabilitation of more than 13,000 Vanni civilians held in Sri Lanka Army (SLA) internment camps in Jaffna, held under tight security in Jaffna Public Library Thursday ended without any significant decisions regarding the issue concerned, Government officials who attended the meeting said. The venue of the meeting which was to be held in Jaffna Secretariat was changed atzzz03186504
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/swamy-writes-to-pm-put-on-hold-sethu-project-till-analysis-completes/~~~Swamy writes to PM: Put on hold Sethu project till analysis completes~~~Jun 19 (AT) Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to issue a directive putting the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP) on hold till all analysis were carried out. He claimed that the SSCP was conceived and inaugurated without the Ministry of Shipping doing the basic tectonic survey and risk analysis about the possible effects of zzz03186507
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/June/theuae_June425.xml§ion=theuae&col=~~~Paramour accused of killing woman’s husband~~~Jun 19 (KT) A 23-year-old Sri Lankan man went on trial in the Criminal Court of First Instance on Thursday in connection with the alleged murder of a compatriot, with whose wife he allegedly had an illicit relationship. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the crime. Four others, including the deceased’s wife, the defendant’s mother, a relative and a woman friend, were referred to the Court of Misdemeanours for being accessories to the crime. zzz03186508
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Court-allows-further-detention--'Thamalini'/3057.htm~~~Court allows further detention of 'Thamalini'~~~Jun 19 (CT) The Crime Investigation Division yesterday (June 18) informed the Colombo, Sri Lanka Chief Magistrate's Courts that women's political wing head of the LTTE Subramaniam Shivathai alias 'Thamilini' was being detained and questioned. Chief Magistrate, Nishantha Hapuarachchi directed the suspect to be further detained under the directives of the Defence Secretary.zzz03186506
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090619_01~~~President says : NCP people didn't flee ~~~Jun 19 (MoD) The people in the North Central Province didn't flee in fear of LTTE terrorists leaving their villages and property. Buddhist priests protected the shrines from LTTE attacks. If not for them we would have to start our war against the LTTE from another location such as Kurunegala, Matale or Negombo, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. The President was addressing priests and religious dignitaries inzzz03186530
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/news03.asp~~~President unveils restored Jethavana Stupa ~~~Jun 19 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday it was a pleasure and a meritorious deed for him to grace the occasion of offering the conserved Jetavana Stupa for worshipping to the world Buddhist community. “This colossal stupa was constructed by King Mahasena (276-313 BC) when the country was under one flag and united,” President Rajapaksa said addressing the religious gathering at the occasion zzz03186509
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/fea14.asp~~~Peace in our time and the way forward ~~~Jun 19 (DN) President Rajapaksa's speech in Parliament has to be welcomed as a pivotal turning-point in the history of our beloved Motherland. He has unequivocally destroyed the dichotomy of 'majority' versus 'minorities' when he said that there are only two kinds of people: those who love the Motherland and those mercifully few who work against her. How right he is for he is the very first Head of State to recognize that all who are born on this soil are its sons and daughters. zzz03186512
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/fea17.asp~~~Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, completes 80 ~~~Jun 19 (DN) The School of Ayurveda, Gampaha, was a dream came true on July 19, 1929. The Ayurveda School was originally named Gampaha Siddhayurveda Vidyalaya. In 1982 the name was changed to Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute when it was registered with the Government. This year 2009 it completes 80 years of yeoman service to the nation. It was in an era when there was no such institution in the island, thatzzz03186511
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/news30.asp~~~Milk production to increase by 50 percent~~~Jun 19 (DN) Sri Lanka produces only 20 percent of the country's national milk/dairy requirement and plans are afoot to increase production by 50 percent, NLDB Chairman Dr Chandrawansa Pathirajah said. At present the Government imports more than 60,000 tonnes of powdered and liquid milk and therefore we could save a lot of money if we develop the local dairy and fresh milk industry, he said. zzz03186514
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news1.html~~~LG polls: TNA contemplates suing MoD~~~Jun 19 (Island) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is contemplating legal action against the Defence Ministry for preventing it from going to Jaffna and Vavuniya to hand over nominations for the local government polls and engage in electioneering. The TNA claims the Defence Ministry has informed it that the Northern Province is not yet cleared for political activities or safe for TNA MPs.zzz03186515
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news3.html~~~Swine flu patients’ condition stable ~~~Jun 19 (Island) The condition of the two children admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) with swine influenza was stable by last morning. Nine members of the family were also kept under quarantine at the IDH to monitor their condition within the next few days. A spokeswoman for IDH said yesterday that the father of the eight-year-old patient, who had first been detected with the flu, had proved negative for the AH1N1 virus. zzz03186516
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news5.html~~~Peace returns to the Zoo~~~Jun 19 (Island) Differences between Dehiwela Zoological Gardens Director Duminda Jayaratne and Zoo employees ended yesterday when Sports and Recreation Ministry Additional Secretary H. N. B. C. Herath intervened and promised to sort out the matter within three weeks. Zoo employees told The Island yesterday that their strike on Monday had left cages not cleaned and animals not fed. "We didn’t want such an action, but we did not have a choice. zzz03186517
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news29.html~~~Free Trade Zones for Trinco, Kilinochchi~~~Jun 19 (Island) Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, yesterday said that Free Trade Zones will be inaugurated in the Trincomalee and Kilinochchi districts under the ‘Negenahira Navodaya’ and ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ programmes. He was speaking at the ceremony where an agreement was signed between the Board of Investment and APS Knitters (PVT) Ltd., to establish a fully fledged T-shirt factory here.zzz03186520
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52355~~~Airport scanners can only detect high fever~~~Jun 19 (DM) Thermal Scanners installed at the Katunayake airport are capable of only detecting patients with high fever and not necessarily those infected with H1NI virus, a medical source said yesterday. Negombo Base Hospital Medical Director Dr. Champa Aluthweera said the two thermal scanners installed at the airport could detect a swine flu patient only if and when he or she has high fever. zzz03186519
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52353~~~Cricket telecast rights only for state TV~~~Jun 19 (DM) The Cabinet has instructed Sri Lanka Cricket to offer exclusive telecast rights of international cricket matches played in Sri Lanka only to Rupavahini and have ITN as the second option. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly cabinet news briefing yesterday that the Cabinet had approved a memorandum on the matter submitted by acting sports minister Bandula Basnayake.zzz03186518
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52352~~~Restrictions on Colombo-Jaffna air route eased~~~Jun 19 (DM) The Civil Aviation Authority yesterday confirmed that the Defence Ministry had eased restrictions on domestic air routes between Colombo and Jaffna. Earlier civilian air traffic used a longer route where planes had to fly over the sea instead of over land between Jaffna and Colombo to avoid LTTE controlled areas. This resulted in longer flying time and high costs. Now with the end of the war flights can fly over land cutting short the flying time, the CAA said. zzz03186521
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52347~~~'No plans to build base in Kachchaitivu'~~~Jun 19 (DM) The Navy yesterday said it had no intention of building a tower and military base in Kachchaitivu despite claims by Tamil Nadu that there was such a plan in the making. Navy Spokesman, D.K.P Dassanayake told the Daily Mirror that the comments made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi earlier this week were incorrect. Mr. Karunanidhi had claimed that the Sri Lankan Government was building a military base on the small Island zzz03186522
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6525&Itemid=50~~~Tamil priest to RP: condemn, don’t congratulate Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 19 (MN) A Sri Lankan Catholic priest presently based in Mindanao has urged the Philippine government to “revise its foreign policies, condemn the war crimes of the government of Sri Lanka in bilateral and multilateral forum,” and “help the Western block countries of European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and Canada who are calling for an impartial international investigation into the war crimes of Sri Lanka.”zzz03186523
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=565543913~~~Sri Lankan tea production falters in May~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Sri Lanka's tea production in May dropped 22.7 percent to 25.54 million kilos from a year ago owing to the effects of drought, a Tea Board official said. Tea production in the year to May was down 26.9 percent to 105.5 million kilos but a recovery is expected in the coming months. “The unusual dry weather in the first quarter of this year in plantation areas has affected production,” zzz03186524
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1470515933~~~Sri Lanka war risk insurance rating lowered~~~Jun 19 (LBO) International underwriters in London have lowered the war risk rating for Sri Lanka following the defeat by government forces of Tamil Tigers, paving the way for reducing insurance premiums on sea and air cargo. The London market's Joint Cargo Committee (JCC) has lowered the risk rating from 3.4 to 3.0, in effect changing the status from ‘severe’ to ‘high’, the government information department said. zzz03186531
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1096707262~~~Sri Lanka repays US$125mn in foreign loans~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Sri Lanka has repaid 125 million US dollars from a dollar loan arranged by Standard Chartered Bank last year, as lenders exercised an option, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said.The Standard Chartered arranged a 150 million US dollar loan on June 13 last year, under 'club deal' priced at 250 basis points above the London Interbank Offered Rate. zzz03186525
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/9682~~~War refugees face continuing hardships~~~Jun 19 (Ekklesia) Tearfund and other relief and development agencies are warning that the condition of Sri Lankans living in refugee camps will remain a major challenge for months to come. The assessment comes in the aftermath of a bloody war in which the United Nations estimates that around 300,000 people have been displaced. Tearfund, which draws support especially from the evangelical Christian constituency, says it has been able to send £400,000 zzz03186527
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINCOL33556820090619?rpc=401&~~~Sri Lanka rubber price at record high on short supply~~~Jun 19 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's rubber prices reached a record high level of $1.87 per kg, the government said on Friday, which analysts say was due to short supply as heavy rains hindered latex collection. "Rubber prices reach(ed) a record high in the local market," the government said, quoting the Department of Rubber Development. "The rubber price has increased to 215 rupees ($1.87) per kg in the local market."zzz03186528
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=4df4d3e4-0496-405d-bded-5944c15fe3b3&Headline=Canadian+Tamils+outraged+over+email+from+Sri+Lanka~~~Canadian Tamils outraged over email from Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (IANS) An email by a Sri Lanka-based Sinhala to offer his services for a fee to Tamils to find their missing relatives has outraged the community in Canada. Thousands of Tamil Canadian families are desperately looking for their relatives who have either died in the recent conflict or become IDPs. In his email two days ago to Tamil Canadians, L. Jude Perera of Consultant IDP Services in Koswatte asked them to register with him for $25 for "professional services" to help find their missing kin. zzz03186529
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Lanka+internal+matter/1531647/story.html~~~Sri Lanka’s war is not an ‘internal matter’~~~Jun 19 (OC) Those of us living or working in downtown Ottawa have seen the effects of the war in Sri Lanka at our own front doorstep recently. Demonstrations over the past two weeks in the downtown core have featured Canada’s strong Tamil community calling on Parliament to act immediately to bring peace and protection to their people. The tens of thousands of deaths, towns and villages destroyed, and zzz03186513
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_prevail-upon-lanka-to-allow-unloading-of-aid-ship-karunanidhi-to-krishna_1266523~~~'Persuade Lanka to allow unloading of aid ship'~~~Jun 19 (DNA) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today asked external affairs minister SM Krishna to prevail upon Sri Lanka to allow the unloading of a ship carrying relief material sent by overseas Tamil diaspora for displaced people in the island nation. The vessel, the MV Captain Ali, which set sail from Britain on April 20, is currently anchored outside Chennai port after it was turned away by the Lankan Navy on June 9, after it was detained for several days.zzz03186526
no~~~Media Monitoring and Analytics~~~zzz03186495
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/19/nation/4150899&sec=nation~~~Six abandoned Lankan tanker crewmen go home~~~Jun 19 (TS) After languishing on board an abandoned oil tanker for more than six months, six Sri Lankan nationals finally left for home yesterday. Two of their countrymen will follow them later once their former employer engaged someone to oversee the vessel, which is docked at Port Klang. The ships Iranian owner Jalil Machkenechi handed over their air tickets and salary through his local representativezzz03186524.1
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1988:private-bus-owners-set-example&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Private bus owners set example~~~Jun 19 (LP) Private bus owners yesterday agreed to refrain from increasing the bus fare by 3.87 percent in line with the bus fare revision policy of the Transport Ministry. The existing bus fare should have been increased by 1st of July based on the bus fare revision policy of the Transport Ministry formulated in 2002 in consultation with private bus owners and other stakeholders. This decision was taken at a meeting held with the Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma last meeting. zzz03186524.2
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29616~~~Journalists barred from covering government meeting in Jaffna~~~Jun 19 (TN) North Ceylon Journalists’ Association (NCJA), in its media report Thursday, accused government authorities in Jaffna for barring journalists from attending a high level government meeting held Thursday by President Mahinda Rajapakse’s brother, Basil Rajapakse. Jaffna Government Agent, when contacted by journalists seeking permission to cover the meeting, had said that journalists cannot be allowed to attend the meeting for security reasons, zzz03186525.2
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1981&Itemid=51~~~Kotalawela bail refused, investigators break in to Cicilia’s cubicle ~~~Jun 19 (LP) The Mount Lavinia Chief Magistrate Harsha Sethunga, refused the bail applications for the suspects including the Chairman of Golden Key Credit Card Company. The Chairman and several Directors were remanded in connection with the alleged Golden Key Credit Card fraud till July 16. The Judge reserved the order in respect of Chairman Lalith Kotalawela for July 16, as his bail application is pending before the Colombo High Court. zzz03186525.1
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1993:swine-flu-cases-in-sri-lanka-rise-to-four&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Swine flu cases in Sri Lanka rise to four ~~~Jun 19 (LP) The number of Swine flu cases reported in Sri Lanka has climbed up to 04 as 02 more children were admitted to hospital with the infection. The children who were admitted to the IDH hospital in Angoda were confirmed positive of the H1N1 virus yesterday (18). The recently identified two patients are also relations of the previously identified patients who arrived in the island from Australia recently zzz03186538
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0619/p06s05-wosc.html~~~Sri Lanka's postwar resettlement stalls~~~Jun 20 (CSM) One month after its decisive victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels, Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftereffects of war. Among the thorniest is the fate of 280,000 displaced Tamil civilians who are living inside barbed wire in vast tent cities, unable to return home. Legal-rights advocates have challenged their detention, which Sri Lanka calls a necessary security measure while an unknown number of rebel suspects are still in the camps. zzz03186539
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/croydonnews/4442017.Man_who_bought_supplies_for_Tamil_Tigers_terrorist_organisation_jailed/~~~Croydon man who bought supplies for Tamil Tigers terrorist organisation jailed~~~Jun 20 (CG) A man who bought equipment for a banned terrorist organisation that could have been used to make a bomb has been jailed for two years. Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, aka AC Shanthan, purchased electronic and computer equipment for members of the LTTE. The 52-year-old from Norbury was found guilty of charges relating to conspiracy to receive and receiving property that could be used for terrorism, at Kingston Crown Court on April 17. zzz03186540
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15561&size=A~~~The tragedy of refugees in Sri Lanka, hidden from the eyes of the world~~~Jun 20 (AN) “Small children are suffering malnutrition and a lack of medicines. There are young girls who are pregnant, between 17 and 19 years of age, in need of care… the government has no capacity at all to handle this massive problem, no news so far has come out in the news papers in Sri Lanka, the rest of the nation is kept in dark regarding the situation of the refugees”. This is how a social worker recently describes the situation for the IDP held in zzz03186545
http://www.ifrc.org/docs/news/09/09061901/index.asp~~~Shirani’s story: Recovering from a double disaster~~~Jun 20 (IFRC) The Sri Lankan village of Sallitheevu in Vaharai, Northern Batticaloa, has been affected by a double tragedy in the past few years - devastated not only by the armed conflict but also by the tsunami that destroyed the east coast of the country on Boxing Day 2004. Sivaskaran Shirani, 27, is one of the many affected by both disasters. She has four children - two boys aged 11 and five, and two girls aged ten and eight. zzz03186542
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10259&Itemid=44~~~New vocational training center to Ramanathapuram Welfare Centers~~~Jun 20 (GDI) A new Vocational Training Center was opened today (19) at the Welfare Centers in Ramanathanpuram in Settikulam enabling the youth at these centers to follow job oriented vocational training course, Minister of Vocational and Technical Training, Piyasena Gamage told www.news.lk. Six hundred and thirty two youth were enrolled to this vocational training exercise today.zzz03186543
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10255&Itemid=44~~~Uva Provincial Council: Thousands of voters line up to get new NICs~~~Jun 20 (GDI) The Ministry of Internal Administration has been conducting a mobile service to issue National Identity Cards (NIC) in the Badulla district. This is prior to Uva Provincial Council elections, and, the number of applications submitted within the first two days simply exceeded 1000, said Internal Administration Ministry Media Secretary Asoka Piyarathna.zzz03186544
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10257&Itemid=44~~~Fishing restrictions lifted from Mullaitivu to Mannar ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) The Government has decided to ease restrictions previously imposed on fishing activities off the Northern coast from Mullaitivu to Narchchikudah, Mannar with immediate effect, Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province, Basil Rajapaksa announced at a meeting with the fishing community at zzz03186541
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINLJ71555120090619?sp=true~~~Aid gets into Sri Lanka camps, few people get out-UN ~~~Jun 20 ((Reuters) Humanitarian aid is getting into Sri Lanka's war displacement camps, but very few of the 280,000 people they house are being allowed out, the top United Nations aid official said on Friday. U.N. emergency relief coordinator John Holmes said survivors of the brutal civil war that Colombo declared over in May needed to be permitted to resume normal lives in order to ease tensions in the country's northeast.zzz03186546
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090619_unp_elections.shtml~~~UNP 'not allowed' to visit Jaffna ~~~Jun 20 (BBC) The main opposition in Sri Lanka says the party is considering legal action as authorities yet to allow them to visit Jaffna and Vavuniya despite forthcoming local elections. The UNP says it is yet to get clearance from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to visit the north despite repeated requests. Election commissioner has called elections for Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council.zzz03186547
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10260&Itemid=44~~~Sri Lanka and Maldives agree on intelligence sharing ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) Sri Lanka and the Maldives have reached agreement to share intelligence and exchange information on the flow of funds that may be linked to terrorist activities. This understanding emerged following discussions between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the visiting Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed in Colombo today (June 19).zzz03186548
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/19/the-cataract-of-errors/#more-1271~~~The cataract of errors~~~Jun 20 (GV) It is a much analysed fact that the Tamils of Sri Lanka under the guidance of its leadership have missed many historically defined opportunities, in laying the foundation towards creating a decent future for their political aspirations and self determination. The 50 – 50 representation in Parliament instead of a federal constitution, a claim that seemed rightfully unreasonable to the Sinhalese; the vote in favour of the Citizenship Act of 1948 thatzzz03186549
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-following-demo-crazy-traditions.html~~~"Govt. following ‘Demo’- crazy traditions and power- crazy ambitions" ~~~Jun 20 (LG) UNP M.P. Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena regretted that the people who patiently endured all the burdens and hardships imposed on them by the Government during the war hoping that the Govt. would after the war think of them unselfishly, and alleviate their burdens have been most dismally let down. The Govt. after the war is not thinking of the people, rather it is now thinking only of enlarging its already oversized Jumbo Cabinet of Ministers at people’s expense ,zzz03186550
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=1~~~Blessed are the Peacemakers ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) That was Barak Obama at his brilliant best addressing the Muslim world from a podium in Cairo. His words of wisdom plus his charisma maxima combined together to make anyone listening to be all ears and frozen till the speech was over. There is little doubt he meant what he said and I am sure the world wishes him well and prays that the appropriate action will follow to bring peace among any warring factions,zzz03186551
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=1~~~Can we end this cycle of hatred? ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) I am amazed at the mobilization of young people from the Tamil Diaspora around the world to protest against the Sri Lankan government’s purported human rights violations. When often the younger generation of immigrants forgets the old country to a future in the new one, it is incredibly positive that the Diaspora feels so passionate about this difficult conflict on behalf of their community. zzz03186552
http://www.unhcr.org/4a3ba4d86.html~~~Farming and fishing folk return to villages in parts of north-west Sri Lanka~~~Jun 20 (UNHCR) The coastal village of Arippu in north-western Sri Lanka has been deserted for years, but people are coming back from nearby towns with the help of UNHCR now the long war with the rebel LTTE seems to be over. The villagers of Arippu, located in Mannar district, had fled their homes over the years to escape from fighting between the LTTE and government forces.zzz03186553
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/800~~~Pro-Tiger diaspora in a post-Prabhakaran scenario~~~Jun 20 (DBS) A noteworthy feature of the LTTE has been the special manner in which it glorifies death and pays homage to dead tiger fighters. Fallen LTTE members were eulogized as martyrs and referred to as “Maaveerar” or Great heroes. The departed tigers were buried in cemeteries known as “Maaveerar Mayaanangal” (great hero cemeteries) and memorials called “Maaveerar Thuyilum Illangal” (sleeping abodes of great heroes) were constructed. zzz03186554
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/409830.html~~~Dilshan powers Sri Lanka to final~~~Jun 20 (CI) It will be an all-Asia final at the ICC World Twenty20 after Sri Lanka maintained their unbeaten record by crushing West Indies by 57 runs at The Oval. Tillakaratne Dilshan added another instalment to his breathtaking tournament with an unbeaten 96, the highest score of the event, as his team-mates struggled for momentum. Angelo Mathews then stunned West Indies with three wickets in the opening overzzz03186555
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=1~~~Sad tale of Canadian Tamil Congress ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) Note from the Sri Lanka Watch Editors in reference to the reactions of David Poopalapillai to a feature in Hindustan Times given below following their observations. Making money on the miseries of others cannot be tolerated and this self-styled so-called consultant for IDP services a certain L Jude Perera calls to question the integrity of this man especially involving a registration fee of $25. zzz03186556
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=1~~~The FP, TULF and the LTTE ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) This speech was editorially quoted in the Suthanthiran, a paper owned by Mr. Chelvanayakam. Such a speech which apparently had the blessings of the Tamil leadership was a foretaste of things to come. In the succeeding years we were taught unquestioning compliance with political authority. If the F.P. or its successor, the T.U.L.F., announced a three day hartal, we had to comply and stay at home; there was no question of discussion.zzz03186557
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=1~~~Dreams of Anoja ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) Growing up in Ceylon in the 1960s was difficult. We were growing up in a socialist experiment administered by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike who was influenced by the leading left-leaning politicians of the time, Dr. N.M Perera and Colvin R de Silva. The power behind the throne was Felix Dias Bandaranaike. In true planned economy form the consumption of rice was restricted to three days a week, sugar and milk powder were hard to come by.zzz03186558
http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/409750.html~~~Ranatunga slams BCCI over IPL scheduling~~~Jun 20 (CI) Arjuna Ranatunga, the former Sri Lankan captain, has said the BCCI "sacrificed national interest" and hurt India's chances at the ICC World Twenty20 by giving the IPL more importance. His comments come soon after India coach Gary Kirsten blamed the fatigue caused by the IPL and the minor injuries picked up during the tournament for the team's lacklustre showing at the World Twenty20. zzz03186559
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409869.html~~~Gayle and Dilshan's one-man show~~~Jun 20 (CI) The second semi-final between Sri Lanka and West Indies had several statistical highlights. Here are the important numbers from the game. Chris Gayle became the first batsman to carry his bat through an innings in a Twenty20 international, scoring an unbeaten 63 in his team's miserable total of 101. Gayle's 63 constituted 62.37% of West Indies' total, which is the highest in a complete innings.zzz03186560
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=515771365~~~Sri Lanka standby loan still not ready for board approval: IMF official~~~Jun 20 (LBO) An IMF loan for Sri Lanka is still not ready for approval for its executive board, an official said, though the country is rapidly emerging from a balance of payments crisis. IMF spokesperson Caroline Atkinson said Friday "whenever there is final agreement, then a program would go to the Executive Board." Last month Atkinson said she expected the loan of at least 1.9 billion US dollars to be approved within "weeks". zzz03186561
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409860.html~~~The fourth M~~~Jun 20 (CI) It really speaks volumes for the quality of Tillakaratne Dilshan's performances that today's masterclass was arguably the most frill-free innings he has produced thus far in the tournament. The scoop shot barely needed to be unfurled - the closest he got was the over-the-shoulder dispatching of a Jerome Taylor full-toss - because his touch was so magisterial that regulation cricket shots were all he needed.zzz03186562
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/20/2603749.htm~~~Sri Lanka fined for slow over-rate~~~Jun 20 (AFP) Sri Lanka have been fined for a slow over-rate during its 57-run win over West Indies in the World Twenty20 semi-final at The Oval, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said. Australian match referee Alan Hurst acted after Kumar Sangakkara's side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the West Indies innings when time allowances were taken into consideration. zzz03186563
http://asiantribune.com/06/20/top-ngos-face-peril-despite-country-returning-to-%E2%80%98normalcy%E2%80%99/comment-page-1/~~~Top NGOs face peril despite country returning to ‘normalcy’~~~Jun 20 (AT) Despite the end of war against LTTE and the return to ‘the normalcy’ in Colombo, some civil society outfits in Colombo continue to be on the rough ride facing peril. The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) and Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) are two such institutions reportedly facing uncertainty. Initially no less than five national level NGOs & INGOs were under ‘pressure’-CPA, zzz03186564
http://asiantribune.com/06/20/communal-riots-in-sl/~~~Communal riots in SL~~~Jun 20 (AT) Communal riots occur all over the world where ever perceptions of majorities and minorities are exploited by interested parties, not excluding the west. They are less likely to occur where there are homogenous societies. UK had its Notting Hill Gate riots; the USA has black v white riots especially in the south. India has its riots annually/regularly mainly in the searing hot summer. These racial riots justifiably bring condemnation on zzz03186565
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slca-j20.shtml~~~Tamil detainees still held in terrible conditions~~~Jun 20 (wsws) Despite legal challenges by detainees and expressions of concern by UN and international aid agencies, the Sri Lankan government is continuing to hold nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians indefinitely in huge internment camps. Not only are the detainees denied their basic legal and democratic rights, but now face growing dangers of disease. Only a handful of elderly people and young children have been released from the camps, zzz03186566
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=1~~~The LTTE: India's Prodigal Son~~~Jun 20 (SLW) Against this background, if we view LTTE's relationship with India, its somersaults and ultimate collision, a certain clarity emerges. The LTTE's sense of greatness, and the feeling that they were the bearers of the torch of Tamil nationalism, made them feel that they had the moral right to leadership. This was enhanced by the fact that they believed they had sacrificed the most to build a basis for the armed struggle. zzz03186567
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10266&Itemid=44~~~Obstacles to IDP welfare gradually being overcome – John Holmes~~~Jun 20 (GDI) Humanitarian aid is getting into Sri Lanka's war displacement camps, and the SL government has been allowing out civilians into their former homes. Last week some villagers were taken back to their former homes in a sort of ‘go-and-see’ tour and many decided to return back to their villages. Aid vehicles carrying food, health and other supplies are now gaining access to the camps zzz03186568
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10265&Itemid=44~~~Normalcy returns to schools in Vavuniya ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) SL government ordered the reopening of 34 schools in Vavuniya with immediate effect, Vavuniya Zonal Education Director, Ranjani Oswald said. The Director further explained that these schools were used as temporary shelters for civilians who fled from the North during the war. Day-to-day educational activities are already undertaken, and there’s a good turn up of students and teachers as well,” zzz03186569
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10269&Itemid=44~~~Crooks coax hundreds into a banned pyramid scheme ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) A pyramid selling scheme that has been spreading through the Kurunegala district has been detected by Sri Lanka police. The police arrested a financial racketeer who is in prowl promising with the lure of near-instant wealth. The police said "high-pressure" sales tactics were employed to coax hundreds of people to sign up for a get-rich-quick project. “This is a scam and it’s completely prohibited under civil law,” zzz03186570
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10272&Itemid=44~~~TV Lanka to transmit programmes to Vavuniya ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) The TV Lanka Television station has made all the necessary arrangements to telecast their prorgammes including a considerable amount of Tamil programmes in Vavuniya, Managing Partner of the ‘Television and Radio Networks’. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has granted the telecasting rights for the company while allocating a frequency to transmit its programmes to the region,zzz03186571
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10273&Itemid=44~~~SL Navy categorically rejects allegations of assault on Tamil Nadu fishermen ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) SL Navy has been paying its attention on recent news reports appeared in the media alleging that the Government of Sri Lanka intends on constructing a watch tower and a military base on the Katchatheevu Island. And, apart from such false allegations, concerned media reports went on to say that SL harassed Tamil Nadu fishermen. The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies about media reports and zzz03186572
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10274&Itemid=44~~~Govt declares a National Food Week from June 22 – 28 ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) With right support and technological know-how, smallholder farmers can double or triple their yields. However, a dangerous mix of the global economic slowdown combined with increasing food prices push many people into hunger and poverty, Agricultural Ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that SL Government has declared a National Food Week from June 22 to June 28 for the year 2009. zzz03186573
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/uthuru-wasanthaya-gateway-to.html~~~Uthuru Wasanthaya- a gateway to development~~~Jun 20 (LG) Basil Rajapaksa, MP and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for the Development of the North, whilst speaking at a meeting of the Task Force at the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat on June (15) said that the progress of the ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ programme was being discussed that while offering a political solution to the people of the North who have been liberated from the grip of terrorism, zzz03186574
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/what-next.html~~~What next? ~~~Jun 20 (LG) The wiping out of the LTTE by the armed forces resembles a giant tree being chopped off like nipping a tender bud. It is a historical event for Sri Lanka bearing an utmost significance and such historical events occur only once or twice in a century. The individuals who provided the leadership for such a major event inevitably become major personalities themselves. When Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected as the president of this country I thought azzz03186575
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/birthday-wish-and-tribute.html~~~A birthday wish and tribute ~~~Jun 20 (LG) Destiny of a country will be determined by those who rule. Sri Lanka is fortunate that we have a leader who has a backbone to ward off external threats and pressures. The fact that our beloved leader loves the country dearly is also our greatest endowment. He has proved over the past three years in no uncertain terms that his beloved Motherland comes first. President Rajapaksa has paid his debt to the nation. zzz03186576
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2524:rubella-poisons-girls-again&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Rubella poisons girls again ~~~Jun 20 (LT) Four students from Mahamaya Girls School at Matara have been hospitalized after they were administered the Rubella vaccine. All four students are grade eight students from the school. As there had been distrust regarding the Rubella vaccine the school authorities had asked the girls to bring a letter from their parents approving administering of the vaccine. Parents after consulting doctors have given their letters of consent. zzz03186577
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2528:president-should-reveal-government-policy-on-13th-amendment--jvp&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~President should reveal government policy on 13th amendment – JVP ~~~Jun 20 (LT) President Mahinda Rajapakse should tell the country what the government policy is on the 13th amendment says the JVP. A communiqué issued by the Political Bureau of the JVP states ministers of the UPFA government have expressed contradictory statements regarding the 13th amendment. It points out that Minister Anura Priyadharshan Yapa and Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene who crossed over from the UNP had made complicating statements. zzz03186579
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2006:bomb-carried-in-care-vehicle-for-assassination&catid=48:security&Itemid=72~~~Bomb carried in CARE vehicle for Gotabhaya assassination ~~~Jun 20 (LP) Investigations have revealed that the bomb which exploded at the Pittala Junction in Kollupitiya that targeted Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was carried by a vehicle which belonged to an INGO, CARE International from Kilinochchi to Colombo. According to the Kotahena Police the vehicle and all suspects involved in transporting the bomb have been taken into custody. zzz03186580
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7888~~~Three persons nabbed while plotting to kill the President; conspiracy uncovered~~~Jun 20 (LeN) A special police team arrested a LTTE suicide cadre who was residing in Colombo to kill the President Mahinda Rajapakse. He was arrested at the Ayurveda junction, Borella and two more persons were arrested in Valachchanai based on information divulged by him. Police sources say that these three persons are in the age group of 15 to 16 years. The special police team also recovered 25 kilos of C-4 explosives. zzz03186581
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2008:rains-to-continue-says-met-department&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Rains to continue says Met Department ~~~Jun 20 (LP) The Meteorology Department said the country could continue to experience the prevailing rainy weather in the next few days as the South West Monsoon had turned active during the past 24 hours. Fairly strong South-Westerly winds would occur over the island and over the seas especially along the Western slope of the Central Hills. Winds of betwee 30 and 40 km a hour and was likely to increase its speed to up to 50 to 60 km a hour at certain times.zzz03186582
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45031.html~~~Rs. 150m telecom tower for Kokavil~~~Jun 20 (LNP) A common telecommunication broadcasting tower with an investment of Rs. 150 million will be built shortly at Kokavil, the centre point between Jaffna and Vauniya, Director General, TRC Priyantha Kariyapperuma said. The TRC will invest this amount as a part of its telecommunication infrastructure development project. The 172-metre tall tower is a unique tower as it is shared by telecommunication operators and broadcasters,zzz03186583
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10275&Itemid=44~~~'SL President commands the courage and insights to bring prosperity to Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 20 (GDI) Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed assured his staunchest support for Sri Lanka’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. And, the Maldivian President expressed confidence that President Mahinda Rajapaksa possess the necessary courage and insights to bring economic prosperity to Sri Lanka in a shortest possible time frame.zzz03186584
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45032.html~~~Showing gratitude, the Sri Lankan way~~~Jun 20 (LNP) There seems to be no end to victory celebrations. Real warriors as well cardboard heroes who jumped the bandwagon recently after their attempts to scuttle the country`s war effort failed are going places. One may ask whether there is anything wrong with people celebrating for thirty days the defeat of terrorism which plagued them for thirty years. (One may also say that some of those who are opposing victory celebrations so vehemently did not make a zzz03186585
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/World-will-learn-from-us-how-destroy-terrorism---Army-chief/3104.htm~~~World will learn from us how to destroy terrorism - Army chief~~~Jun 20 (CT) Army commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka says the whole world will learn in the future from the Sri Lankan troops how to defeat terrorism. The Army chief was speaking to his troops at Vellamullaivaikkal coast in Mullaitivu on June 18, exactly one month after the military victory over the LTTE. Commending his troops, Gen. Fonseka said the Sri Lankan armed forces had the best of morale, skills and discipline in the whole world. zzz03186586
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Madhu-Shrine-feast-Aug-15/3097.htm~~~Madhu Shrine feast on Aug 15~~~Jun 20 (CT) The historic Madhu Shrine in Mannar, revered by Catholics, is preparing to hold its annual feast on August 15. Yesterday, Bishop of Mannar Rev. Rayappu Joseph chaired a discussion at Bishop’s House to discuss the related arrangements. It has been decided at the talks to seek patronage of the state for the event at the ancient church, said the Bishop’s House. The safety of the faithful who would be attending the church has also come under discussion.zzz03186587
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news11.asp~~~President to launch Road Map to promote English program ~~~Jun 20 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa will launch the "18 month Road Map to promote Spoken, Communicative English in Sri Lanka" on Monday, June 22 at 'Temple Trees'. This comes under the Presidential Initiative aiming to arm the younger generation with a knowledge of English, especially with communicative English. This important program is expected to result in a radical transformation of English Teaching and Learning Enterprise in the country. zzz03186588
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news14.asp~~~Govt to amend Dangerous Drug Ordinance ~~~Jun 20 (DN) The Government is planning to amend the Opium and Dangerous Drug Ordinance to prevent and control drug abuse in Sri Lanka. The report on the Amendment will be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on World-Anti-Drug Day on June 26. Addressing a media briefing on World Anti Drug Day arrangements, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said with the end of the war, the Government has now taken initiatives to prevent and control drug abuse under the Mathata Titha Program. zzz03186589
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/fea10.asp~~~'Best time for Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 20 (DN) Cuba has always been a friend of Sri Lanka. Ours is one of the first few countries to start diplomatic relations with this post revolutionary island nation in the Caribbean. At the recently held special session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission over Sri Lanka-Cuba stood firmly defending the Sri Lankan cause. Again, Cuba has extended her hands of friendship by agreeing to send to our country two Cuban experts on dengue to combat the spread of the disease. zzz03186590
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news28.asp~~~Jaffna has distinct role to play - Bishop of Colombo ~~~Jun 20 (DN) Jaffna has a distinct role to play in dismantling its ethnic isolation and encouraging the interaction of the Communities especially amongst children and youth, said Colombo Bishop Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, in a statement titled "The anxieties of the People of Jaffna - an opportunity for National growth and harmony". "There is much that imaginative persons can do for a start. zzz03186591
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/business1.html~~~Leader of the House clueless~~~Jun 20 (Island) Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said he was unaware whether or not the government would push the Bribery Commission, IGP and CID to investigate fraudulent conduct in the privatisation of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) and press charges on wrongdoers under the Penal Code. "I am unaware of anything as it is not under my purview," De Silva, who is also the Leader of the House, told the Island Financial Review. zzz03186592
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/features1.html~~~The IDPs need to be treated just like other citizens~~~Jun 20 (Island) From all available reports, the position of the civilians interned in camps in the Vavuniya District continues to be a grim one. These quarter of a million people have gone through a series of ordeals particularly during the last six months. Many of them were displaced several times over while the war was on, and since moving into the government declared no-fire zone, zzz03186598
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/news13.html~~~UNP accuses govt. of denying it entry to Jaffna, Vavuniya~~~Jun 20 (Island) How can we campaign when our movements are restricted? The UNP yesterday accused the government of preventing it and other opposition political parties from entering the North, to campaign for the forthcoming Jaffna and Vavuniya local government Elections. The party’s Gampaha District MP, Jayalath Jayawardena said at a news conference that there was a huge difference between government propaganda and ground realities. zzz03186594
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/news1.html~~~ITAK given clearance to visit Jaffna~~~Jun 20 (Island) The Defence Ministry yesterday gave written clearance to the Ilangai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), popularly known as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), permission to travel to Jaffna and Vavuniya either by road or air and to engage in election related activities. The written permission was received by the party yesterday afternoon with a copy to the Elections Commissioner.zzz03186595
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52437~~~Don't panic, but be alert - WHO~~~Jun 20 (DM) The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday cautioned Sri Lanka over two health hazards which could result in a catastrophe. WHO country representative Dr. Firdosi R Mehta, told a news conference at the health ministry auditorium that 39,626 laboratory confirmed H1N1 or swine flu cases and 167 deaths had been reported up to yesterday from 88 countries including Sri Lanka which has so far reported four cases. zzz03186596
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52434~~~UNP won’t allow one-man polls~~~Jun 20 (DM) The main opposition UNP said yesterday it would field a candidate for the next presidential election to prevent anyone being elected uncontested. UNP front-liner Lakshman Kiriella said it was essential for the presidential election or for that matter any other election to be conducted in accordance with the Constitution. He said it would be a breach of people’s democratic rights if it happened any other way. zzz03186597
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52406~~~Political solution - Missing in action ~~~Jun 20 (DM) The focus of Tamil media has shifted from people entrapped in the one time LTTE held areas in Mullaitivu to the people in camps which are called welfare camps by the Government and detention camps by the anti-government elements. Tamil media or for that matter the Tamil politicians do not seem to place much emphasis after the physical decimation of the LTTE on the political solution to the ethnic problem that was once much talked about.zzz03186593
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52481~~~Election Secretariat to set up 814 polling centres for PC polls ~~~Jun 20 (DM) The Election Secretariat will set up 814 polling centres at 12 polling divisions for 8,75,456 voters in Badulla and Moneragala districts for the forthcoming PC polls in Uva, Deputy Elections Commissioner W. P. Sumanasiri said yesterday. Voters in Uva will elect 21 members from Badulla and 11 members from Moneragala respectively at the PC polls. zzz03186599
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/004200906201543.htm~~~Jayalalithaa asks Karunanidhi to press Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu ~~~Jun 20 (PTI) Seeking to turn the tables on her arch rival and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa on Saturday asked him to immediately prevail upon the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu, ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974. "Karunanidhi has to take immediate steps to prevail upon the Centre for retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka as it is important for the livelihood of Indian fishermen," zzz03186601
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090620/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestunarrest_20090620090306~~~UN says two staff members arrested in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 20 (AFP) The United Nations said on Saturday that two of its employees working among tens of thousands of war-displaced civilians had been arrested by Sri Lankan authorities. The two men, both ethnic Sri Lankan Tamils, were reported missing eight days ago and were subsequently discovered to have been taken into custody by Sri Lankan officials, the UN office in Colombo said in a statement.zzz03186602
http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-40470420090620?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka and Pakistan emerge from Lahore horror~~~Jun 20 (Reuters) Sri Lanka and Pakistan have emerged triumphant from the horror of Lahore last March when gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan team bus to stake a place in Sunday's Twenty20 World Cup final at Lord's. Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, one of six players wounded in the attack, told reporters on Friday after his team's semi-final win over West Indies the assault had reminded his team of their own mortality.zzz03186603
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409878.html~~~Dilshan trumps in evening of solos~~~Jun 20 (CI) Chris Gayle won one battle with Tillakaratne Dilshan on Friday evening. By a whisker, he became the batsman to have scored the highest percentage of his team's total in a Twenty20 match. But that's also a damning statistic for West Indies: Gayle stood utterly and hopelessly alone while Dilshan had just enough company to be able to make the difference. Truly, it was the evening of solos. Between them, Dilshan and Gayle accounted for 159 of 259 runs scored, zzz03186600
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8110837.stm~~~Thousands march for Tamil rights ~~~Jun 21 (BBC) An estimated 20,000 people have marched in London in support of the minority Tamil population in Sri Lanka. In May government forces wiped out the Tamil Tiger leadership, ending a 26-year war between the army and rebels. More than 250,000 people are displaced from their homes in northern Sri Lanka, according to the UN. The demonstration follows a 73-day protest for peace in the country that ended on Wednesday and featured mass sit-ins blocking central London roads. zzz03186604
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4298318,00.html~~~NGOs use every means to reunite refugees with their families ~~~Jun 21 (DW) Sumathy escaped the civil war in Sri Lanka 24 years ago. Until last November she was in touch with her family by phone and mail. Then the armed conflict on the island between the Tamil rebels and the Sri Lankan army military escalated again. "This is my second sister," she said, looking through family photographs. "She fled to India but I can talk to her over the phone. "These are my sister-in-law and my niece." She pointed again. "I don’t know where they are." zzz03186607
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/waiting_for_the_command_to_gri.html~~~Waiting for the command to Grieve: Controversy over the death announcement of Prabhakaran ~~~Jun 21 (TC) Events that happened in the Vanni theatre of war in the middle of the month of May came as a shock for most of the Diaspora Tamils. Despite the fact that the LTTE was cornered in a narrow strip of land and a chance for the top level leaders to escape and regroup was minimal, many Tamils hoped for a miracle. During the peak of the fighting that resulted in carnage where thousands of civilians and tigers killed,zzz03186606
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/sri_lankan_refugees_time_to_ho.html~~~Sri Lankan Refugees: Time to honor their courage, restore their rights~~~Jun 21 (TC) June 20th marks World Refugee Day, and this affords us an opportunity to remember the 80, 000 Sri Lankan Tamils who have sought refuge in Tamilnadu over the past quarter-century. These refugee children, men and women are housed in 117 guarded camps across the state. They struggle to survive with available camp resources that range from modest to meager, and many are still traumatized by memories of the violence and zzz03186614
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1453240658~~~Sri Lankans are encouraged to be poor by politicians: minister~~~Jun 21 (LBO) Politicians are responsible for killing the entrepreneur spirit of Sri Lankans by making them believe 'capitalism' is evil and poverty is better, a senior minister has said. The Chinese a have history dating back thousands of years of working hard, creating and inventing not only in their home country, but in countries that they settled in. zzz03186608
http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/409927.html~~~Journey a triumph of human spirit~~~Jun 21 (CI) On the morning of March 3 in Lahore, the world of cricket was shaken to the core. The horrific attack on the Sri Lankan team bus, as it pulled into the Gadaffi Stadium ahead of the third day of the second Test against Pakistan, was the moment a thousand preconceptions were destroyed. Cricket's presumptions to diplomatic immunity had been mocked by the forces of evil, and zzz03186609
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=515771365~~~Sri Lanka standby loan still not ready for board approval: IMF official~~~Jun 21 (LBO) An International Monetary Fund loan for Sri Lanka is still not ready for approval for its executive board, an official said, though the country is rapidly emerging from a balance of payments crisis. IMF spokesperson Caroline Atkinson said Friday "whenever there is final agreement, then a program would go to the Executive Board." Last month Atkinson said she expected the loan of at least 1.9 billion US dollars to be approved within "weeks". zzz03186610
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/in-lanka,-the-child-in-the-soldier-died-long-ago.aspx~~~In Lanka, the child in the soldier died long ago~~~Jun 21 (AA) Fifteen-year-old Amuthavasagam Lour-thamma is one of the 94 inmates at the state-run rehabilitation centre at Abeypoosa, about 70 km on the Colombo-Kandy road, for LTTE child soldiers who have either surrendered or captured. There are 44 girls on the rolls here and what is special about Lourthamma is that her brother, older by just a year, is also there for rehab. Abhiraj was grabbed by the Tigers when his sister fled the training camp after just two days. zzz03186611
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/investigation.HTM~~~The bell tolls for Harry J.~~~Jun 21 (SL) Following the Supreme Court judgement in the fundamental rights application concerning Sri Lanka Insurance, Petitioner Vasudeva Nanayakkara and public interest litigator, Nihal Sri Ameresekere have by way of motions filed, put on notice various state agencies to investigate aspects that emerged during the proceedings. These include notices to the Bribery Commissioner, the Central Bank and zzz03186605
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/onthespot.htm~~~Vavuniya -- Mood more commercial than political~~~Jun 21 (SL) There are no election posters in Vavuniya, only images of a dead man. That leader is K. Padmanabha, former secretary general of the EPRLF, killed by the LTTE. The poster reads "Day of sacrifice for martyrs." The themes mentioned are resettlement, unity among Tamil leaders and political resolution with equal rights. It is telling that the posters are for someone who ran and became finance minister in the Northeastern Provincial Council. zzz03186613
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/interviews.htm~~~I am supporting government’s programme to develop north — Kishore~~~Jun 21 (SL) TNA Wanni District Parliamentarian, Sivanathan Kishore last week said that he would support the government’s resettlement and development processes while continuing to be a member of the party. The TNA however stated that it had not taken any decision on the matter. TNA Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran told The Sunday Leader that the party members would meet in the near future to discuss its future activities and also the issues pertaining to Kishore.zzz03186619
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/onthespot-1.htm~~~From the frying pan into the fire~~~Jun 21 (SL) Men, women, the old, the young and even the infirm gathered opposite the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court on Friday — a disparate assortment of every section of society — all united by their common loss, the millions that vanished with Golden Key. In the heat of the midday sun and then under the weight of a tropical downpour, this throng of Golden Key depositors held placards and chanted slogans urging judges at the Magistrate’s Court not to grant zzz03186615
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/finance.htm~~~Little interest to probe missing billions~~~Jun 21 (SL) The war is certainly over but there are several others wars that need to be won in Sri Lanka, a significant one being an operation to combat the country’s raging financial indiscipline. While confidence tricksters like Sakvithi Ranasinghe, Lalith Kotelawala and Piyadasa Ratnayake alias Danduwam Mudalali have collectively milked many thousands of unsuspecting depositors dry, Sri Lanka is not only a haven for unauthorised financial institutions, but zzz03186616
no~~~Interview with Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri~~~zzz03186612
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=1~~~Govt must recall its High Commissioner in Canada ~~~Jun 21 (SLW) A meeting of the Canadian Sri Lankan Diaspora called by the Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto to meet the country’s High Commissioner in Ottawa, His Excellency Daya Perera at the Telus Room, Ontario Science Centre Friday June 19 was soon in uproar even as it started. In a gathering of over 200 Canadian Sri Lankans, there appeared to be strong feelings, at least among the few who constantly held stage daring decorum, thatzzz03186617
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/epdp-practices-yoga.html~~~EPDP practices Yoga ~~~Jun 21 (LG) Yoga Patkunarajah (the wife of Patkunarajah working in the Jaffna Municipal Council) a former teacher at Hindu College, Bambalapitiya who had a notorious record sought the assistance of Minister Douglas Devananda to secure a position in the Ministry of Education. The Minister then tried to appoint her with all his power but the honest Educationalist the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr.Mohamed Thamby flatly refused the Minister and zzz03186618
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-ministry-vs-defence-ministry.html~~~Foreign Ministry Vs Defence Ministry ~~~Jun 21 (LG) Sri Lanka remains exposed over its confusing and uncoordinated international relations with international governments. It is widely reported that Sri Lanka’s foreign relations have moved towards the evil states that give scant regard to human rights and democracy. These evil states have become the bedfellows of Sri Lanka for it to procure arms and raise funds to defeat the LTTE and to extend its oppressive policy to further marginalise the minority Tamils in Sri Lanka. zzz03186620
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29623~~~Proposals for roof without foundation~~~Jun 21 (TN) M S Swaminathan is a great name in the world of agriculture. He is a pride for all Tamils all over the world. The 83-year-old veteran who is now a member of Indian parliament in the Rajya Sabha and is running his own research foundation in agricultural sciences has recently come out with a ‘roadmap’ for India to develop agriculture, livestock and fisheries in the North to facilitate the twin mantras ‘resettlement and rehabilitation’. zzz03186621
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/shame-on-you-milinda-moragoda.html~~~Shame on you, Milinda Moragoda~~~Jun 21 (LG) Milinda Moragoda crossed over from the UNP to save his skin from allegations of corruption and impropriety. The President has publicly proclaimed that, in the same way he eliminated the brutal LTTE once and for all, he is determined to wipe out corruption. Mr. President, here is a good opportunity for you to start the ball rolling by allowing the full force of the law to bear on your Minister Milinda Moragoda, who has been cited by the Supreme Court as zzz03186622
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/searching-vimanam-for-velu.html~~~Searching a Vimanam for Velu ~~~Jun 21 (LG) Our men seated in four chairs around a table in a closed room looked dead beat. In the fifth chair was Velupillai Pirapaharan in spirit. Velu in death was proving himself to be as difficult to negotiate with while he was alive. The four co-chairs had done their best to help Velu. They had made strong appeals to St. Peter to let him pass through the Pearly Gates but the answer was a firm ‘No.’ zzz03186625
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/future-use-of-migrant-worker.html~~~Future use of migrant worker remittances ~~~Jun 21 (LG) It is generally feared that many Sri Lankan migrants and their families will be the hardest hit by the current global recession, as they are paid low wages and given a low status. Domestic workers continue to be abused and exploited. Like other developing countries, we too relied on migrant remittances, to service our debt repayments, stabilize foreign exchange reserves, and spur economic growth. zzz03186623
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/uncivil-victory.html~~~Uncivil victory ~~~Jun 21 (LG) In its resolve to root out the Tiger terror, Colombo displayed an utter disregard for the plight of Tamil civilians trapped in the war zone. Totalitarian governments have learned their lessons well: where you are involved in an unpopular conflict in which your opponents can be boxed into a defined stretch of territory where access and information flow can be controlled, where excessive force can be used with impunity — you have a free hand.zzz03186624
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/20/sri-lanka%e2%80%99s-never-ending-political-deadlock/~~~Sri Lanka’s never-ending political deadlock~~~Jun 21 (GV) Sri Lanka’s present administration is a “dictatorship masquerading as democracy” observed Prof. John Neelsen from the Institute of Sociology in Tuebingen, Germany. His judgement is not far from the truth. In this paper I shall argue that a virtual ‘Sinhala-Buddhist dictatorship’ has emerged in Sri Lanka as the outcome of the brutish military campaign that resulted in a humanitarian tragedy of scandalous proportions. zzz03186626
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10280&Itemid=44~~~Army inspection teams penetrate underground arsenals within thick Wanni jungles ~~~Jun 21 (GDI) SL army weapon inspection teams are continuing to discover significant quantities of weapons and military equipment. Yesterday, continuing their daily search and clear operations, inspection teams penetrated into subterranean arsenals full of arms and explosives in the thick Wanni jungles. In Kaddawana, a village in close proximity to Trincomalee, SL Air Force soldiers recovered 15 kg of TNT explosives and two suicide jackets zzz03186627
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10281&Itemid=44~~~Inland Revenue Dept. to be partner in nation's development ~~~Jun 21 (GDI) The newly appointed Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Mahinda Medagoda plans to increase state revenue this year as a move to boost development. he said presently the Inland Revenue Department collected tax to a percentage ranging to 54 but, steps were mooted to increase it to 60 per cent to enhance revenue collection. 'I appeal to all tax payers to honor their commitment at a time the nation has been saved by gallant troops to head towards development', zzz03186628
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/spe10.asp~~~Immortalising an architectural legacy ~~~Jun 21 (SO) "Time stands still", an exhibition of photographs by Photographic Society of Sri Lanka held during Jeffrey Bawa's anniversary celebration, perhaps, for the first time captured the sublime nature of the property Lunuganga. Bawa's signature is pervasive in each and every part of the property and the artifacts in it. Bandu Gunaratne has captured a canopy of a tree. Over the years, tree has grown up spreading its shade. zzz03186631
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/spe02.asp~~~A new facelift to Avukana precincts ~~~Jun 21 (SO) Sri Lanka is famous for its rich culture and heritage among other nations in the world. Foreigners who visit at any time of the year are familiar with places of natural beauty in the country. Avukana Buddha statue is one of the most significant archaeological sites to be visited by all. The Civil Security Force of Sri Lanka launched its new landscaping project to add more beauty to the precints where the statue is situated. zzz03186629
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/new03.asp~~~'India offers Rs. 5b for displaced persons'~~~Jun 21 (SO) Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and CWC General Secretary Arumugan Thondaman who recently went to India on a goodwill mission said that the Indian centre has pledged five billion rupees assistance to the Government towards the post conflict phase in rehabilitation, resettlement and welfare measures for IDPs. zzz03186630
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/new04.asp~~~Fish production to increase in the North ~~~Jun 21 (SO) The Government said that fish production in the North was expected to increase with the lifting of fishing restrictions in the North. Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa made known the Government’s decision on lifting fishing restrictions in the North. Following the decision by the Government to lift fishing restrictions in the North fishing societies all over the country are happy that after 30 years, zzz03186633
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/news1.htm~~~DPL rewards for frontline Commanders~~~Jun 21 (NS) In addition to promised Ambassadorial postings for Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Donald Perera, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonatillake and Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, the Government has also begun rewarding frontline Commanders with Diplomatic postings. Informed Foreign Ministry sources said that, in one of the latest such postings Commander of the Army’s 57 Division,zzz03186636
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/mynation.htm~~~Tigers in exile - Where and for what?~~~Jun 21 (NS) A seemingly innocuous statement appeared in the media this week, announcing the possibility of what was termed a ‘transitional government’ for Tamils in Sri Lanka. The ‘concept’ first appeared in the pro-LTTE website Tamilnet, from where it was subsequently picked up by the wire services. The announcement, strangely, had no declared authorship; it was more of an appeal published in the form of an opinion column by the Tamilnet website, but zzz03186637
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/eyefea1.htm~~~Algae coats Gadaladeniya temple paintings~~~Jun 21 (NS) An asbestos roof which resembles a hat worn by a Samurai stands high above the Gadaladeniya temple. This roof was built earlier this decade as a ‘temporary’ solution to a leak in the temple’s roof which threatened to destroy it. Although it is now that the media and the relevant authorities seem to be taking notice of this the leak in the temples roof dates back to the late 1970s. zzz03186638
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/politics.htm~~~Provisional Eelam govt. drive & Presidential Poll disputes ~~~Jun 21 (NS) The security forces crushed the LTTE militarily, and annihilated much of its leadership within two years and ten months of the outbreak of the Eelam War IV. Yet within a month of that historic victory, the Tamil diaspora sympathetic to it, is on a drive to form a provisional Eelam government in exile under the leadership of Tiger international point man and its chief arms procurer, Selvaraja Pathmanathan, alias Kumaran Pathmanathan, alias KP, to give the LTTE a new lease of life. zzz03186639
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-elections-chief-have-duty-ensure-free-fair-polls----UNP/3123.htm~~~Govt. and elections chief have duty to ensure free fair polls - UNP ~~~Jun 21 (CT) UNP general secretary Tissa Attanayake has said that the government and the elections commissioner have a duty to ensure that upcoming elections are held in a free and fair manner. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today, Mr. Attanayake referred to the elections due in the Uva Provincial Council as well in the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Urban Council.zzz03186640
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/India-willing-help-if-IMF-avoids-granting-loan---Lankadeepa/3122.htm~~~'India willing to help if IMF avoids granting loan'~~~Jun 21 (CT) India is willing to assist if the International Monetary Fund avoids granting the Rs. 19,000 million bailout loan being sought by the Sri Lankan government since February, ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ reports quoting a senior government spokesman. New Delhi has already intimated this message at unofficial level, the spokesman has said. When the government was at war with the LTTE, countries like the US, EU and Britain had objected to granting the loan for political reasons.zzz03186641
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-sever-diplomatic-ties-any-country-recognizing-Eelam-state---Divaina/3111.htm~~~'Govt. to sever diplomatic ties with any country recognizing Eelam state'~~~Jun 21 (CT) The government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with any country that will recognize a transnational Tamil Eelam state, ‘Divaina’ reports. The newspaper says that the international network of the LTTE has formed a committee comprising 13 professors from six countries to form an Eelam. Of these, two have been supporters of an interim administration to handover an Eelam state to the Tigers, the government has found out. zzz03186642
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/news2.html~~~Shadow boxing at Lanka-Japan Friendship Association~~~Jun 21 (Island) An attempt to amend the Constitution of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Association allegedly to accommodate top lawyer Daya Wettasinghe as a vice patron of the association was thwarted at Friday’s AGM held at Sasakawa Hall. Well informed sources said that Mrs Lalitha Rajapaksa, twice past president of the association and the majority of the members had voted against a proposal to that effect on the basis it lacked clarity. zzz03186643
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/news3.html~~~TNA MPs to decide on meeting with President~~~Jun 21 (Island) With the decimation of the LTTE, TNA parliamentarians have had a change of heart and is mulling over whether they should meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ascertain his stand on the IDPs and the future of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. General Secretary of the ITAK and TNA, Mavai Senathrajah said that having considered the prevailing political situation in the country, they are to decide whether to meet with the President. zzz03186644
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/features13.html~~~Samudra Devi in a Tangle of Love!~~~Jun 21 (Island) This is not a story about a Goddess of the Indian Ocean or about a Queen of the Sea. I am referring to the mundane, jerky, metal contraption, meant for travel by mere mortals like you and me - specifically the commuter train named Samudra Devi that brings workers daily to the city of Colombo from Galle and other towns along the way. Samudra Devi is unique in many ways. Commuters on this train are known to provide, every once in a while, a newsworthy, spicy headline. zzz03186647
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/business2.html~~~Seylan boss says bank’s problems not due to deficiencies or mismanagement~~~Jun 21 (Island) The Seylan Bank’s CEO Ajita Pasqual has told shareholders that problems they faced were not due to deficiencies of Seylan or mismanagement, but due to a group company failing to honour its commitments. "As that company held a 23% stake of the bank by virtue of it coming under the group’s umbrella, the natural phenomenon was for depositors to lose confidence in the bank and begin unprecedented withdrawals," zzz03186646
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10276&Itemid=44~~~Duty of state sector employees to recover momentum lost due to conflict -- President ~~~Jun 21 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa, speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized to honour him for the bold and brave leadership offered to the security forces to wipe out terrorism and win for all citizens a nation where all could live in peace and harmony, emphasized that it is the responsibility of state sector employees to come together to rebuild the nation and recover the momentum lost over the past three decades due to the menace of terrorism. zzz03186645
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090621/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~Raring to go but not quite so~~~Jun 21 (ST) After several false starts, finally, Sri Lanka officially has a railway museum. That is the good news. The bad news is that though it was officially declared open last month, it’s still a long way from being complete or even halfway near a railway buff’s dream. Those planning the museum however are doing their best to make that dream a reality, bringing in museum pieces currently stored in stations all over the country. zzz03186648
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090621/Columns/political.html~~~Diaspora tries to regroup to stay in business~~~Jun 21 (ST) Yesterday marked the first month since Sri Lanka’s security forces won a historic victory destroying the military capability of Tiger guerrillas and paving the way for the Government’s writ to run countrywide. The triumphalism remains. Celebrations, including pinkamas arranged by the Maha Sangha to bless the troops, continue. Signs of the dividends of success are evident in many sectors.zzz03186649
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090621/News/sundaytimesnews_19.html~~~Monk’s death puzzles villagers, as police investigations continue~~~Jun 21 (ST) Mystery continues to shroud the death of a young Buddhist monk attached to a village temple in the Bakamuna police area, in Dambulla. The monk died in hospital after consuming a dish of poisoned dhal that had been sent to the temple as alms on Sunday, June 7, Poson Poya day. Some claim the monk was murdered, while others say he committed suicide. Meanwhile, police investigations continue.zzz03186650
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6429&sec=1~~~Lankan army re-deploys after the end of war~~~Jun 21 (ANN) With the end of three decades long Eelam war against the LTTE, the army has now re-deployed in the Northern and Eastern Provinces under five Security Forces Headquarters with a sizeable force in reserve to meet any eventuality. Of the five SF commands, two at Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu have been set up recently as part of post-LTTE re-deployment plan. 51 and 52 Divisions along with Task Force 7 are deployed in the northern peninsula under SF Headquarters, Jaffna. zzz03186651
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090621/sp_wl_afp/cricketicct20paksrisangakkara~~~Sangakkara wary of Pakistan in Twenty20 final~~~Jun 21 (AFP) Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara believes Pakistan's major asset ahead of Sunday's World Twenty20 final is their penchant for unpredictability. Sri Lanka have won all six matches en route to the tournament climax here at Lord's whereas Pakistan, whom they defeated in the Super Eights, have lost twice. But Pakistan also beat favourites South Africa by seven runs in Thursday's first semi-final and Sangakkara, zzz03186652
http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/409925.html~~~When entertainment met education~~~Jun 21 (CI) As Australian captain I was pleased we met West Indies in the 1975 World Cup final because it meant the two best and most aggressive sides were going to contest the decider at Lord's. In contrast this World Twenty20 has provided good cricket and plenty of surprises before throwing up two unexpected finalists. The biggest surprise in a format that's supposed to be made for batsmen is that Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the sides with the best and most varied bowling attacks, are the finalists. zzz03186653
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/cricket/news/article.cfm?c_id=29&objectid=10579693~~~Cricket: Carrom has game in a spin~~~Jun 21 (NZH) Suffering from doosra fatigue yet? Help is at hand in the form of the carrom. Ajantha Mendis, the spinning sensation from Sri Lanka, is the first person to master the delivery since Australia's Johnny Gleeson in the late-'60s. With a googly, a straight one and the devilish "carrom", Mendis is the most exciting thing to hit cricket since a blond out of Black Rock delivered the Ball of the Century to Mike Gatting. zzz03186654
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gkQDtWX9RrypQke5U5eeIKE9VOAg~~~Sri Lanka steps up hunt for rebel remnants: report~~~Jun 21 (AFP) Sri Lanka is pouring more troops into former rebel-held areas in the east of the island to hunt down remnants of the Tamil Tigers following their defeat in the north, a state-run weekly said Sunday. The military was boosting its strength in the east -- around the towns of Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara -- to where some guerrillas are thought to have fled, the Sunday Observer said.zzz03186655
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8110649.stm~~~ICC World Twenty20~~~Jun 21 (BBC) Sri Lanka and Pakistan will hope to provide a thrilling climax to the World Twenty20 when they meet at Lord's. Both sides, who will be unchanged for the final, are packed with talent and it could be as close as in 2007 when India beat Pakistan in the last over. But it will also be a reminder of the tragedy in Lahore in March when gunmen shot at Sri Lanka's team bus. Seven players were injured and five Pakistani policemen who were escorting the bus were killed. zzz03186656
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090621/News/sundaytimesnews_01.html~~~Move for President to stay on without polls~~~Jun 21 (ST) The government proposes to introduce constitutional amendments aimed at extending the term of office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, without holding a presidential election, Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon told the Sunday Times yesterday. As a prelude to the introduction of constitutional changes, an island wide campaign on gathering public support for the move had been initiated, the minister said.zzz03186657
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10282&Itemid=51~~~'President has no intention to be in power beyond peoples mandate'~~~Jun 21 (GDI) The UPFA led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believes in the peoples' mandate and the freedom of the voters' franchise rights, and has no intention to be in power beyond the period mandated by the ballot, asserted Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa today. The minister made these observations in response to a news report that the President was requested by some sections within the government to continue in office without holding a Presidential Election.zzz03186658
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/410042.html~~~Afridi fifty seals title for Pakistan~~~Jun 22 (CI) It wasn't the spectacular final that would have signed off the ICC World Twenty20 in style, but that won't matter to Pakistan who gave their nation a moment to savour amid troubled times. From the moment Tillakaratne Dilshan, the tournament's top-scorer, fell in the opening over Pakistan had a grip on the match and Shahid Afridi, who has emerged as their trump in the final stages, guided his team home in the 19th over with an unbeaten 54 zzz03186659
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/post_375.html~~~Water and sanitation in (post) conflict areas of N-East Sri Lanka~~~Jun 22 (TC) Water and sanitation are vital for human health, generates economic benefits, helps the environment and contributes to dignity and social development. Irrefutably, water, sanitation and health are interrelated. Thus access to adequate sanitation and quality water is essential for better health and overall living conditions. This is applicable in general, but above in (post) conflict situations. zzz03186660
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/10th_death_anniversary_june_22.html~~~10th death Anniversary – June 22: Mervyn de Silva and the Lankan condition~~~Jun 22 (TC) Father’s Day this year falls on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the death of my father, Mervyn de Silva, journalist and editor, literary critic and satirist, broadcaster and commentator on world affairs, or as Godfrey Gunatilleke put it in a sixth anniversary revaluation, “literary critic, intellectual, political analyst and media communicator all in one”. zzz03186661
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/prabhakaran-death-inside-work%e2%80%99-needle-of-suspicion-point-to-pottu-amman/~~~Prabhakaran death 'inside work’~~~Jun 22 (AT) New evidence is surfacing to show that the death of Prabhakaran, the LTTE supremo was a ‘retribution killing and that it was an ‘insider’ job. It negates the view held thus far that Prabhakran was killed by an army bullet. But it is still not clear who killed him and why though the needle of suspicion points to Pottu Amman. Surprisingly, Amman’s whereabouts are known. zzz03186664
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/efd-moots-a-democratic-approach/~~~EFD moots a democratic approach~~~Jun 22 (AT) The Indo Lanka Peace Accord of July 1987 was the turning point for the revolutionary group, EROS that was operated in the north and east of Sri Lanka along with similar groups – all of whom were agitating for self determination. The members of EROS decided to take a democratic approach to win their rights and demands by surrendering their arms. The group comprising Tamil and Muslim youth contested the General Election in 1988 from the north and the east, zzz03186663
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/taking-care-of-business-at-home-and-abroad/~~~Taking care of business – at home and abroad~~~Jun 22 (AT) Among the odious tactics of the naysayers in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s decisive victory over the forces of terror is the one in which they fault the Rajapakse administration for deciding to make modest homes available at affordable, slightly-below-market rates to members of the armed forces. As is usual in such instances, they will remain but a minuscule minority doomed to only provide some nuisance value in the larger scheme of things.zzz03186662
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/22/stories/2009062256821300.htm~~~Rajapaksa believes in peoples’ mandate ~~~Jun 22 (Hindu) Information Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa on Sunday said President Mahinda Rajapaksa could call a presidential election after November 19, 2009, or after he completes his first term in office in 2011. He was responding to speculative reports in a section of the media the President had been “requested by some sections within the government” to continue in office without holding a Presidential Election.zzz03186665
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/22/stories/2009062252560800.htm~~~Katchatheevu is settled ~~~Jun 22 (Hindu) Katchatheevu is a wasteland of an island on the Sri Lankan side of the International Maritime Boundary Line but political parties in Tamil Nadu have made it the focus of a surrogate campaign for establishing fishing rights for Indian fishermen. The IMBL was amicably settled through two agreements between India and Sri Lanka. It was demarcated in the Palk Strait in 1974 and in the Gulf of Mannar and Bay of Bengal in 1976.zzz03186666
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1472853224~~~Private sector credit shrinks as government borrows~~~Jun 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka's private sector credit has shrunk for the fourth straight month, while government credit continues to rocket, amid falling revenues and rising expenses, the latest official data shows. In April 2009, credit to private sector from the banking system was down 3.2 percent to 1,247.8 billion rupees from December 2008, while credit to government zoomed 27 percent to 729 billion rupees, zzz03186667
http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/6/22/sports/4168546&sec=sports~~~Sri Lanka send hosts Malaysia crashing to their first defeat~~~Jun 22 (TS) Three-time champions Sri Lanka sent Malaysia crashing to their first defeat in the Asian netball championship, winning the Group B match 72-52 at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday. Goal shooter Tharjini Sivalingam was the toast for Sri Lanka, scoring 66 points in a closely-contested match. The Sri Lankans led Malaysia by one point (33-32) at half time. Sri Lanka went on to score 39 points in the second half while zzz03186668
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=123899&d=22&m=6&y=2009~~~'Sri Lanka keen to send skilled manpower'~~~Jun 22 (AN) The growing requirement of overseas skilled manpower for Saudi Arabia despite its ongoing Saudization was in focus at a seminar held at the Sri Lankan Consulate General. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Vice Chairman Mazen Batterjee and Secretary General Mustafa A.K. Sabri, as well as businessmen and company CEOs, including Dr. Hamed Mutabagani of New Jeddah Clinic and Hospital, were among those present. zzz03186670
http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/cricket/dilshan-named-player-of-world-twenty20/2009/06/22/1245522762464.html~~~Dilshan named player of World Twenty20~~~Jun 22 (AFP) Sri Lanka batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan was on Sunday named as the player of the tournament at the World Twenty20 despite being dismissed for nought in the eight-wicket final defeat to Pakistan. Opening the innings throughout the tournament, Dilshan scored a total of 317 runs at a strike-rate of 144.74 and an average above 52. He scored three half-centuries in the tournament and zzz03186669
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/karunanidhi-jayalalithaa%e2%80%99s-war-of-words-over-katchathivu-intensifys/~~~Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa’s war of words over Katchathivu intensifys~~~Jun 22 (AT) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in his “letter to party cadre” on Sunday hit back AIADMK leader Jayalalaitha for criticising him over Katchathivu issue, and said she had done little to retrieve the islet ceded to Sri Lanka by India though she ruled the state twice. The DMK leader also said when he had moved a motion in the Assembly in 1974 to review the situation, zzz03186671
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slhr-j22.shtml~~~President dissolves human rights investigations~~~Jun 22 (wsws) On June 16, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse dissolved the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that he appointed two years ago to investigate human rights violations. This move is another demonstration by the government of its contempt for legal and democratic rights and opposition to any probe of the abuses committed by its security forces and their associated paramilitaries.zzz03186672
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=1~~~Tamil tabloids con and cheat the community ~~~Jun 22 (SLW) Unless a community is infantile and immature or exceedingly naïve the media organizations especially the publishers of tabloids would not have prospered as they appear to have done over the years among the Tamil Diaspora. This is true of the Tamil communities in their new homelands be it Canada, US, UK, France, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Australia.zzz03186673
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=1~~~The rise of the L.T.T.E. ~~~Jun 22 (SLW) In early 1985, the PLOTE, LTTE and TELO. were considered fairly evenly balanced. At the time when 7 LTTE men were killed in a quarrel with the PLOTE at Chullipuram, the LTTE preferred discretion to valour. When quarrels developed between the LTTE and the TELO, neither seldom did anything more than go out on motor bikes and take pot shots at "sentry boys" in the rival group. These sentry boys, who were youngsters with no military training and zzz03186674
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/relating-to-reality.html~~~Relating to the Reality ~~~Jun 22 (LG) Reports attributed to ‘KP’, declaring the creation of a ‘provisional transnational government” to pursue self-rule for the Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka is fraught with consequences that the world needs to take note of. The Tamil polity in the country, as also the Government in Colombo cannot overlook them either, both for obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. This is not the first time that a ‘virtual government’ transcending political borders and zzz03186675
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-moots-idp-forum.html~~~Govt moots IDP forum ~~~Jun 22 (LG) The Government is to create a new forum to discuss IDP protection issues. The forum includes key stakeholders such as senior public officers, key focal points in the UN system and representatives of the international and local Non-Governmental Organizations engaged in providing protection to IDPs. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said it was his intention to create forums in Colombo and Vavuniya where protection issues can be discussed and consensual decisions taken. zzz03186676
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lankan-diplomatic-conflict-within.html~~~Sri Lankan Diplomatic: Conflict within ~~~Jun 22 (LG) The Sri Lanka Consulate office in Toronto invited the Sri Lankan diasporas for a community meeting on the request of Mr. Daya Perera the Sri Lankan High Commissioner recently posted to Ottawa in Canada. The invitation was for a Community Meeting and did not include an agenda or was an agenda forwarded when invitees kindly requested for one. The Sri Lankan diasporas in Canada have been the most vociferous and vibrant group of Sri Lankans living abroad, zzz03186677
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/president-rajapaksha-doctrine.html~~~President Rajapaksha: doctrine of leadership~~~Jun 22 (LG) I read with much interest the press sattament released by the Governmnet of Sri Lanka. The said press statement states as follows: “The UPFA led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believes in the peoples' mandate and the freedom of the voters' franchise rights, and has no intention to be in power beyond the period mandated by the ballot, asserted Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa today(21). zzz03186678
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-ltte.html~~~Sri Lanka after the LTTE ~~~Jun 22 (LG) Strange was India’s sphinx-like silence over the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils and violation of human rights and humanitarian law of warfare during the last phase of the military offensive when the fight to finish the LTTE overrode the concern over the safety and security of civilians. This after Delhi had obtained from Colombo a commitment to ending combat operations and non-use of heavy weapons. zzz03186679
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Muslim_home_guards_irrelevant_with_end_of_LTTE-20-1105.html~~~Muslim home guards irrelevant with end of LTTE ~~~Jun 22 (PSM) "So called Muslim militancy is a loose arrangement of home gaurds set up with blessing of govt. forces for self defence against the LTTE in few Muslim villages in the East. Some people are trying make mountain out of mole hill like how late Anton Balasigham did during last Geneva talks", said a Muslim activist. Eastern Provincial Council Minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said that there is no necessity for these youths to have arms now since the LTTE is eleiminated. zzz03186680
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10284&Itemid=44~~~A new Governor to be appointed as Sabaragamuwa Governor ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) A former magistrate and a diplomat it tipped as the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province. The Governor’s chair has been vacant since former Governor Mohan Saliya Ellawala’s sudden demise last month and the President appointed Western Province Governor Alawi Maulana as the acting Governor. A decision on the appointment of a Governor to Sabaragamuwa is likely to be made at any moment. zzz03186681
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10285&Itemid=44~~~Agri exhibitions to create cultivation habit ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) Moves are afoot to hold nine agriculture exhibitions island-wide to motivate the younger generation towards agriculture. These moves are under way by the Education Ministry in line with the “Api Vavamu Rata Nagamu” food production program of the Agriculture Ministry. The aims of these exhibitions are to create a habit of cultivation which would help Sri Lanka to win the food production war ‘Waga Sangramaya’.zzz03186682
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10286&Itemid=44~~~Health checks intensified to detect A/H1N1 carriers ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) Medical staff will engage them selves at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port to check that no A (H1N1) carriers enter the country. A Health Information Declaration Form (HDF) would be compulsory for those who enter the country to declare their health status. The Ministry of Health has posted six doctors and 40 Public Health Inspectors to the BIA, Colombo.zzz03186683
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10288&Itemid=44~~~National Food Week begins today ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) The Government has declared a National Food Week from today to 28th of June. The National Food Week will certainly address and encourage people on how to cultivate and face the world's food crisis. The launch was set in motion this morning at the Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy under the patronage of Minister Maithripala Sirisena. A Ministry statement points out that the prevailing increase in hunger was not only the result of poor global harvests, butzzz03186684
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2539:mangalas-ape-jathika-peramuna-recognized&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Mangala’s ‘Ape Jathika Peramuna’ recognized ~~~Jun 22 (LT) Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dishanayake has decided to approve the application forwarded by Leader of SLFP (M) faction Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera requesting to register ‘Ape Jathika Peramuna’ (Our National Front) as a political party. Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, the Matara District MP is the president of the new party and its secretary is Ruwan Ferdinandes. zzz03186685
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2536:amnesty-period-to-hand-over-weapons-in-the-east&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Amnesty period to hand over weapons in the East ~~~Jun 22 (LT) An amnesty period ending on 2nd July has been declared by Police for extremist Tamil and Muslim organizations active in the Eastern Province to hand over weapons in their possession. Meanwhile seven members of an extremist Muslim gang, said to have had links with tiger terrorist organization, were apprehended last week with firearms and bombs at Kaththankudy in the East. zzz03186686
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2535:26-underworld-gangs-in-western-province--politicos-connected-to-many&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~26 underworld gangs in Western Province – Politicos connected to many ~~~Jun 22 (LT) 26 underworld gangs are active and carry out various crimes including contract murders, extortions, abductions and drug trafficking in Western Province with the knowledge and support of senior politicians reveal a survey carried out by the Police. The Police have identified the gangs and their active members by now and a survey conducted by the Colombo Crime Division has revealed that 13 underworld gangs are active in Colombo city.zzz03186687
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2534:separate-investment-zone-for-indians&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Separate investment zone for Indians ~~~Jun 22 (LT) Indians who hope to invest in Sri Lanka could be given special investment zones with all infra structure facilities states Ministry of Enterprise Development. A team of high level investors from India was told that at a time the war against terrorists which had been an obstacle for the development of the country had been completed the visit from the investors from India was an encouragement. zzz03186688
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2531:why-method-recommended-by-panel-of-experts-to-control-dengue-not-implemented-jvp-asks-health-ministry&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Why method recommended by experts to control dengue not implemented?~~~Jun 22 (LT) The JVP has raised concern regarding the inaction of the Ministry of Health to implement recommendations by a panel of experts to adopt a bio-control method used in Cuba to control the Dengue mosquitoes. JVP MP Vijithe Herath said his party had concerns about the non-implementation of this recommendation despite the rise of the Dengue epidemic at an alarming rate in the country. zzz03186692
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2529:war-heroes-did-not-make-sacrifice-to-strengthen-separatism-in-a-new-round-ven-dhambara-amila-thero-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'War heroes did not make sacrifices to strengthen separatism in a new round'~~~Jun 22 (LT) The heroic security Forces made tremendous sacrifices not to strengthen separatism in a new round and the President has not received any mandate to devolve power said President of Patriotic National Centre (PNC) Ven. Dhambara Amila Thero. Ven. Dhambara Amila Thero said, “The establishing of this centre is important only if we strengthen our ability to meet future challenges.zzz03186690
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/lanka-political-parties-in-the-final-stages-of-filing-nominations-for-the-northern-local-council-elections/~~~Political parties in the final stages of filing nominations for the northern local council elections~~~Jun 22 (AT) The Tamil political parties are busy making final arrangements to contest in the Jafnna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council elections. Already an independent group has filed its nomination for the Jaffna Municipal Council.V. Anandasangaree said that Tamizh Democratic National Alliance consisting of TULF, PLOTE and EPRLF (Pathmanabha) Group, will be contesting alone in the local bodies elections. zzz03186691
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7894~~~'Next is not a Prabakran but a Gandhi'~~~Jun 22 (LeN) S. Piyasena is a veteran journalist who associated many of the legendary politicians. He was also a diplomat and his son is now following his path. Eighty seven year old Mr. Piyasena was interviewed by a weekend newspaper as he was in a holiday back home. Here we post some excerpts from the interview. Question: Is it true that you advised the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara as well last week?zzz03186689
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Forged-signature-case-tuition-master-postponed/3154.htm~~~Forged signature case against tuition master postponed~~~Jun 22 (CT) Popular tuition master Upul Shantha Sannasgala has had a forged signature case filed against him postponed till October 23. Kandy additional magistrate Thanuja Jayatunga has took up the petition. Mr. Sannasgala has been accused by petitioner S.M. Jayasundara of Kandy of having forged his signature for a bogus agreement. The suspect was arrested by Kandy Police in July 2006 and granted bail by the court. zzz03186693
http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/361-individuals-barred-from-entering-the-country-without-filling-the-necessary-health-forms~~~Entry to Sri Lanka denied without health certificate~~~Jun 22 (SLBC) Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage has informed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to not allow anyone to enter the country through the Katunayake International Airport or the Colombo harbour without filling the necessary personal health forms. The relevant letter has already been sent to the Immigration and Emigration Controller. zzz03186694
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~Don’t blow the A (HINI) out of proportion~~~Jun 22 (LB) Health authorities last week cautioned against blowing the A(H1N1) influenza out of proportion, saying fear psychosis over the disease that was inappropriately named 'swine flu' might cause the public to ignore the deadly dengue virus which continues to claim lives. "Based on the latest available data on A(H1N1) infections and deaths worldwide, you can see that there is a less than 0.05 mortality rate for every 100 patients," zzz03186695
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew3.htm~~~DAYA’s journalist list that never was!~~~Jun 22 (LB) LTTE media spokesman Daya Master has not divulged names of any journalist in his confession, although the government claimed otherwise saying that Daya Master had given the names of journalists in the pay of the LTTE. Highly placed sources told LAKBIMAnEWS that during the 4½ hour confession made by Daya Master before Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi, there was no information regarding journalists.zzz03186696
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew4.htm~~~Politcians number one bribe takers ~~~Jun 22 (LB) The ‘war’ on bribery and corruption has now begun in a bid to rid the public sector of graft and bribery. Although politicians including ministers were preaching anti corruption sermons, the most rampant corruption was within the state apparatus. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption had received 79 complaints in 2008 against politicians, including ministers and MPs. zzz03186697
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/mag/mag1.htm~~~How nikkan buk became Negombo~~~Jun 22 (LB) When Maradana was Marandine, Kalutara was Caltura and Badulla was Baj ulla, Sri Lanka was part of the British Empire. Then, when one wished to send a letter to the nearest important town to Bajulla which was Bandarawela, the word Bandravel at the bottom of the envelope was accepted by the post office. Even middle class English speaking people followed the English manner and went on vacation to New Reliya, which meant Nuwara Eliya,zzz03186698
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7895~~~Prasanna Vithanage’s “Akasa Kusum” Best film in Granada, Spain~~~Jun 22 (LeN) “Akasa Kusum” (Flowers of the sky), directed by Prasanna Vithanage, has won the NETPAC award for Best Asian Film at the third Cines del Sur Festival in Granada, Spain. “Akasa Kusum” shares the award with “Before the Burial” by Iranian director Behnam Behzadi. It beat out films from such countries as India, Korea, the Palestine, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Iraq. zzz03186699
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090622_01~~~Access road to Madhu shrine before feast ~~~Jun 22 (MoD) MP Basil Rajapaksa instructed officials to complete the development of the access road to the Madhu shrine before the annual Madhu festival. Funds for the project was allocated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was Prime Minister. The total cost of the project is Rs. 95 million. He made this order when the Presidential Task Force on Northern Development chaired by him reviewed the progress of the development activities in the Mannar district zzz03186700
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090622_04~~~Navy steps up patrol in Palk Strait ~~~Jun 22 (MoD) The Navy has stepped up patrol in the Palk Straits to thwart fishermen taking advantage of the easing of fishing restrictions to engage in smuggling and other illegal activities. The naval presence had been increased in view of the lifting of fishing restrictions on June 19. They said that though the LTTE had been destroyed and was no longer capable of posing a military challenge, certain controls would be necessary to prevent zzz03186701
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2034:first-child-with-h1n1-flue-discharged-from-idh-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~First Child with H1N1 Flue discharged from IDH ~~~Jun 22 (LP) First child with H1N1 flue which was reported last week was cured of it and discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) at Angoda. The other three patients are likely to be discharged in few days and eight more awaiting clearance were isolated at Angoda. The national and international health authorities urged the public not to panic but be alert, assuring that systems were in place in Sri Lanka to face this situation. zzz03186703
no~~~Sri Lanka to build a war museum~~~Jun 22 (LP) Sri Lanka is to build a war museum soon in order to exhibit varieties of military items, Sri Lanka Army Chief said. Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka said that the proposed war museum will have military equipment that were recovered from the Tamil Tigers. General Fonseka made this comment during a visit to Mullaitivu last Friday. He said that it would be a largest one in comparison to the national museum.zzz03186704
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2037:sri-lankan-parliamentarians-demand-for-release-of-five-innocent-cubans-&catid=47:politics&Itemid=71~~~MPs demand for release of five innocent Cubans ~~~Jun 22 (LP) The President of the Sri Lanka Cuban Parliamentary Friendship Association Tissa Vitarana said that the false case against the five innocent Cubans, who were collecting information on a terrorist plan against Cuba, and their prolonged incarceration, has been condemned worldwide. It is the only US trial ever condemned by the Human Rights Commission. We are now awaiting a decision of the US Supreme Court on whether or not they will hear the appeal of these Cuban five.zzz03186705
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news01.asp~~~'Focus on innovation and growth'~~~Jun 22 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday asserted that Sri Lanka’s future economic strategies would be based on “home-grown” policies which would supplement the unique needs of the country. Addressing new recruits to the national planning service of the Finance and Planning Ministry, the President emphasised that strategies should be developed by locals who have a thorough understanding of the ground realities with the intention of projecting what’s best for the country. zzz03186706
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/fea02.asp~~~Vocational and technical training a fillip to development~~~Jun 22 (DN) Vocational and Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage briefed the Daily News on the developments in the vocational and technical training sector, especially in view of the rehabilitation process taking place following the end of the war against terrorism. He said the vocational and technical training sector plays a key role in developing the country.zzz03186707
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news14.asp~~~Great response from Northern people ~~~Jun 22 (DN) Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame yesterday said the people of the North are responding positively to develop their provinces under the 180-day accelerated development program planned for the North under the Uthuru Vasanthaya while the process of demining and clearance of unexpected objects have reached near-completion in the province. He said the public of the Mannar, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullativu districts have placed their faithzzz03186708
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news37.asp~~~'Govt will resettle displaced Muslims'~~~Jun 22 (DN) Former UNP stalwart Dr. GMS Zurfick yesterday said he is confident that the Government under the able guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will take steps to resettle all Muslims who were chased away by the LTTE terrorists from the Mullativu and Jaffna districts in the 1980s and 1990s. He said over 75,000 Muslims were living in the northern province and they were forcibly evicted from their original habitat within 24 hours by the LTTE to zzz03186709
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/features6.html~~~Police powers under the 13th Amendment: A rare example~~~Jun 22 (Island) Leo Perera’s summary essay ‘The 13th Amendment to the Constitution –– Devolution of Public Order and exercise of Police powers –– Indo-Lanka Accord has no such requirement’ (The Island News paper, 6/10/2009) explaining (1) the conflict between 13-A and 17-A, and (2) the failed past attempts during the colonial times (1892-1905) to implement police powers by Government Agents at the Province-level, is a significant contribution especially due to three new developments we see today. zzz03186710
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news11.html~~~'We won't budge unless Mahapola allowance paid'~~~Jun 22 (Island) Around 1,000 undergraduates who took over the main administrative block of the Sri Jayewardenepuara University last Thursday continue to occupy it in protest against what they term the nonpayment of their Mahapola Scholarship allowance for over one year. Students allege the university is planning to have a ceremony to be presided over by Minister Bandula Gunawardena to initiate payment of their allowance. zzz03186711
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news25.html~~~'Universities guerrilla training centres'~~~Jun 22 (Island) A leading academic says instead of producing leaders universities have become guerrilla training centres for students. Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Prof. told The Island yesterday that he was shocked by the high incidence of indiscipline in universities as evident from mobs of undergraduates depriving other students of their legitimate right to education.zzz03186712
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news23.html~~~Nurses’ strike continues, cancer patients suffer~~~Jun 22 (Island) Nurses of the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama have decided against resuming the administration of vital Cytotoxic drug treatment, as their discussions with the Health Ministry officials failed last Friday. Nurses’ Union representatives met Health Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage and Director General of Health Services Dr. Ajith Mendis. National Organiser of the All Ceylon Nurses Union, Sisira Senaratne said that the meeting had ended inconclusively and zzz03186713
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52584~~~'Nuclear energy for power generation'~~~Jun 22 (DM) Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) is in the process of exploring the possibility of using nuclear energy for future power generation, Chairman and Minister Tissa Vitharana said. He said cabinet approval would be sought shortly to initiate a programme for ‘Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Use,’. “Though the initial cost is higher than that of a coal power station, operational and maintenance cost is relatively low compared to coal power plants while carbon emission is zero,” zzz03186714
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52591~~~Extortion gang leader in police net~~~Jun 22 (DM) The leader of a gang that had extorted money from wealthy businessmen in Colombo and suburbs by posing as police and army officers, had been arrested by a police team from the Colombo Crime Division. Police sources said that he was arrested on a complaint made by a Muslim businessman in Colombo. The suspect who is also a Muslim national had met the businessman by posing as a police investigator. zzz03186715
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52585~~~Controversy over rise of Dengue~~~Jun 22 (DM) With the alarming rise of the Dengue epidemic, controversy surrounds as to why the Health Ministry did not implement recommendations by an experts panel to adopt a bio-control method used in Cuba to control the Dengue mosquitoes. The JVP which raised concern about it, said that a committee headed by Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana recommended this bio-control system to be adopted in Sri Lanka to control mosquito breeding. zzz03186716
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52565~~~Serious rights violations: Commission recommended~~~Jun 22 (DM) Setting up a permanent commission comprising local personalities to inquire into allegations of serious violations of human rights against the security forces and the police will be one of the main recommendations by the presidential commission that looked into serious violations of human rights, Chairman of the Commission, retired Supreme Court judge Nissanka Udalagama said.zzz03186717
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6453&sec=1~~~Sri Lanka-Maldives to share inteligence info~~~Jun 22 (ANN) Sri Lanka and the Maldives have agreed to share intelligence information following Maldivian concerns that money laundering and drug trafficking through its territory may be linked to Tamil Tigers activities. Visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, during talks with President and foreign minister had referred to the dual problem of money laundering and drug trafficking faced by his country and stressed the need for concrete measures to deal with the problem. zzz03186718
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/20/student-tamil.html~~~Student accused of supporting Tamil Tigers loses extradition appeal~~~Jun 22 (CP) A University of Waterloo student has lost his appeal to avoid extradition to the United States on charges he supported the Tamil Tigers, who have been declared a terrorist group. The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that Ramanan Mylvaganam, who is in his early 30s and from Malton, Ont., very likely knew he was assisting the group. Three judges said it could be "reasonably inferred" that Mylvaganam "knew he was assisting the LTTE for the prohibited purposes." zzz03186720
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20090703261302500.htm~~~Battles ahead ~~~Jun 22 (FL) The only thing constant in life is change. This universally acknowledged fact holds good for “the victors and the vanquished” of Sri Lanka’s Eelam War IV. Human history is littered with examples of role reversal. The history of post-British Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) reinforces this point. On the afternoon of May 19, the Sri Lankan military scored a comprehensive victory in its war against the LTTE. zzz03186719
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20090703261302800.htm~~~Different voices ~~~Jun 22 (FL) It was celebration time for the “victors”. On June 3, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo against the backdrop of the placid waters of the Indian Ocean, a colourful function was organised to mark the military’s rout of the LTTE. Contingents from all the three services marched past their supreme commander, President Rajapaksa. For almost three hours, singers and dancers enthralled the audience. The victory rally was telecast live. zzz03186721
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/22/lessons-from-sri-lanka/~~~Lessons from Sri Lanka~~~Jun 22 (WT) Sri Lanka recently emerged victorious from one of the world's longest-running conflicts, once termed an "unwinnable" war with the LTTE. The LTTE is considered one of the deadliest terrorist groups, having invented the concept of the modern-day suicide bomber and carried out the murder of two sitting heads of state. In addition, the Tamil Tigers pioneered use of female suicide bombers, homemade minisubmarines, ultralight aircraft and "warehouse ships" pre-positioned on the high seas to resupply terrorist operations on shore. zzz03186722
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=‘India+must+not+force+Lanka’&artid=hFfBUKDRsGQ=~~~'India must not force Lanka’ ~~~Jun 22 (EB) Sri Lanka would not like India to press it entertain the Tamil Tiger-sponsored aid ship ‘MV Captain Ali’, which vessel it had arrested and released earlier, when she tried to enter Sri Lankan territorial waters off Colombo. Reacting to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s demand that the Indian government ask Sri Lanka to allow the relief ship to land in Colombo, a senior Sri Lankan foreign ministry official said therezzz03186723
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=No+Tamils+in+Lanka+consulted+on+transnational+government&artid=EqpI|XOtIww=~~~'No Tamils in Lanka consulted on transnational govt' ~~~Jun 22 (EB) No Tamils resident in Sri Lanka was consulted when the overseas wings of the LTTE decided to form a Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (PTGTE) nor were they included in the committee to go into the nitty gritty of the formation of such a government. “We were not consulted. We learnt about this kind of government only through the media,” zzz03186726
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1395894192~~~Foreign reserves inch up in April~~~Jun 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka's official external reserves without advances to domestic banks had increased 59 million US dollars to 1,131 million US dollars in April from 1,072 million US dollars in March, the Central Bank said. With an advance to two domestic banks of 165 million US dollars, the reserve balance was 1,296 million US dollars in April, up 24 million US dollars. Last month's total reserves - with a domestic asset of 200 million US dollars - were 1,272 million US dollars. zzz03186725
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Now,+Sri+Lanka+goes+after+jihadis&artid=aWHTcGhQQzk=~~~Now, Sri Lanka goes after jihadis ~~~Jun 22 (EB) The Sri Lankan government was moving against armed jihadis, a new menace in the Eastern part of the island country, which just ended a long drawn out war against the LTTE, claimed a front-page report in the weekly Lakbimanews on Sunday. Official Indian sources told The New Indian Express that presence of jihadis had begun to cause concern to both Sri Lanka and India. zzz03186724
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601014&sid=aAW0StE3xAeE~~~Calamander Group to start Sri Lanka’s first private equity fund ~~~Jun 22 (BN) Calamander Group Pte, a Singapore- based investment company, will create the first private equity fund focused on Sri Lanka, betting the nation’s economy will prosper after the end of three decades of civil war. Calamander plans to invest between $50 million and $75 million in the island nation’s rubber, tea, timber, coconut, bank and ceramics businesses in the next 18 months, zzz03186727
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/410135.html~~~Sangakkara rises above the sting of battle~~~jun 23 (CI) Kumar Sangakkara's tenure as Sri Lanka captain is just seven Twenty20 matches old, but has already contained a lifetime's worth of heartache and drama. Since arriving in England three weeks ago, Sangakkara has taken it upon himself to serve as the team's unofficial Lahore spokesperson, sparing team-mates the angst-ridden task of regaling the media with recollections of the March terror attack, all the while risking reopening his own barely-healed emotional wounds. zzz03186728
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/toothless-but-certainly-not-spineless.html~~~Toothless but certainly not spineless ~~~jun 23 (LG) There was a beneficial reference to me in last week’s Lakbima News, weekly news paper based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Underpala, in his column, had said “Bobby Boy said later that the Sri Lanka government is “afraid of dialogue, afraid of discussion.” Is it not the Canadian government that is afraid of discussion? Is that not the reason why they stopped Galloway (and even the politically toothless Vickramabahu Karunaratne) egged on by the Jewish Defence League? zzz03186729
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/how-transnational-hate-project-and.html~~~How the transnational hate project and torture allegations are linked? ~~~jun 23 (LG) Sinhala jingoists and Tamil Eelam hate mongers are business partners. They are striving towards the same thing from two apparently opposing approaches. Second World War saw the convergence of three disparate groups trying to assert their racial ‘superiority’ in perfect harmony. They were the Axis. One would expect a clash between the Aryan German campaign and the Imperial Japanese campaign aszzz03186730
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8112522.stm~~~Pakistan celebrates cricket win~~~jun 23 (BBC) Pakistanis have been celebrating victory over Sri Lanka in Sunday's Twenty20 cricket final in the UK. Thousands of people poured onto the streets dancing and rejoicing as their team secured an eight-wicket win at Lord's cricket ground in London. Local media see the win as a boost for the country at a time when the army is locked in combat with the Taliban after a wave of suicide and other attacks.zzz03186731
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2009056&Language=en~~~France condemns Sri Lanka arrests of UN personnel ~~~jun 23 (KUNA) France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, condemned on Monday the reported arrest of two staff members of the United Nations working in Sri Lanka who were detained by security authorities there. "We condemn the arrest announced by the United Nations of two of its agents by the Sri Lankan authorities," a French Foreign Ministry statement said. "We support the demand expressed by the United Nations to obtain all necessary information on these arrests," zzz03186732
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7897~~~Cyprus Sri Lankans request President to Remove Corrupted Consul in Cyprus~~~Jun 23 (LeN) There are about 45 thousdand Sri Lankans working in Cyprus. Many of them are domestic workers. As in other countries, they also face numerious problems. Especially after Cyprus became an EU country. There is a danger of loosing jobs of those worked there more than 10 years. For many decades Sri Lankans demanded the government of Sri Lanka to open an Embassy there. Yet, it was not considered.zzz03186733
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1968908107~~~Sri Lanka's external trade contracts in April~~~Jun 23 (LBO) Sri Lanka exports fell 28.2 percent in April to 437.6 million US dollars from a year ago, imports fell 53.2 percent to 604.3 million dollars, shrinking the trade deficit 75.9 percent to 166.7 million dollars, the Central Bank said. In the 4-months to April, exports were down 16.2 percent to 2,085 million US dollars, and imports were down 36.9 percent to 2,891.1 million dollars and the trade deficit shrank 61.5 percent to 806.1 million US dollars. zzz03186734
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2545:jvp-challenges-president-to-reveal-govt-stand-on-13th-amendment&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~JVP challenges President to reveal Govt. stand on 13th amendment ~~~Jun 23 (LT) The President should immediately reveal to the country the official stand of the government regarding the 13th amendment emphasizes the JVP. General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva addressing a media meeting held in Colombo today pointed out that people in the country have distrust regarding the government policy on the 13th amendment as various ministers come out with various statements regarding it. zzz03186735
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/410117.html~~~Fab day for the fans~~~Jun 23 (CI) Cricket remains secondary in England except when it comes to The Ashes. In the years to come, though, the theory will be sternly tested. Cue the 2009 World Twenty20: the tournament went on for 16 days, spread over three venues across London and Nottingham, culminating in a final at Lord's on Sunday attended by a sellout crowd. Surprisingly, even the old traditionalists, the MCC members who had ignored most of the event, decided to turn up in strong numbers today, zzz03186736
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/808~~~Reconciliation and painful realities on ground~~~Jun 23 (DBS) Hello Friends, A harsh fact of life is the hiatus between rhetoric and reality. One is starkly reminded of the chasm between promise and performance as we see current developments unfolding. On the one hand there is the very discernible yearning of ordinary people from all ethnicities to put the past behind us and move forward to reconciliation, justice,amity and unity.zzz03186737
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090622_idps_eye.shtml~~~IDPs 'suffering from eye diseases' ~~~Jun 23 (BBC) The health ministry in Sri Lanka says that over 4000 IDPs in Vavuniya camps are suffering from eye diseases. Deputy Director of Public Health Dr. Palitha Maheepala told BBC Sandeshaya that there seems to be an increase in eye diseases among the Internally displaced in camps. "We have found that IDPs are suffering from bad eye sight, cataract and eye sore. The ministry is taking special measures to treat and advise the IDPs," zzz03186738
http://asiantribune.com/06/23/lttes-eelam-without-borders/~~~LTTE’s Eelam without borders~~~Jun 23 (AT) With the Sri Lankan armed forces having wiped out the LTTE and brought the war for an independent Eelam to an end, the rebel group’s international relations head Selvaraja Pathmanathan has announced a plan to set up a Provisional Trans-national Government of Tamil Eelam with the support of 800,000 Lankan Tamils living all over the world. Sri Lanka has laughed it off and one analyst has called it a desperate attempt by the LTTE to rise from its ashes.zzz03186739
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/22/why-are-the-vanni-civilians-still-being-held-hostage/~~~Why are the Vanni civilians still being held hostage?~~~Jun 23 (GV) Throughout the last stages of the civil war, the government of Sri Lanka claimed to be engaged in a hostage rescue mission on behalf of civilians in the Vanni who were being held against their will be the LTTE. How far are its words borne out by its actions? It is certainly true that the LTTE was keeping hundreds of thousands of civilians hostage and using them as forced labour, a source of child and adult conscripts, and zzz03186740
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/23/stories/2009062355031800.htm~~~Reasons for Lanka’s failure ~~~Jun 23 (PTI) The failure of two top performers — Tillakaratne Dilshan and Ajantha Mendis — in the final against Pakistan jolted Sri Lanka’s hopes of lifting the Twenty20 World Cup. Dilshan and Mendis cut a sorry figure as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Sri Lanka’s batting mainstay Dilshan lasted mere five balls and in-form Mendis gave away 34 runs in his four overs against the fired up Pakistanis, who seemed to have done their home work well.zzz03186741
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=802~~~Tenth UN Peace Keeping Contingent to Leave Soon ~~~Jun 23 (SLA) Passing-out parade of the tenth Sri Lankan Army contingent, designed to serve in Haiti on UN Peace Keeping mission was held at Army Cantonment in Panagoda on Saturday. The main composition consisted of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment troops while a few service personnel from service and support arms also would leave for Haiti with them. A total of 52 Officers and 697 Other Ranks are to take over duties from Gajaba Regiment troops presently performing duties in Haiti.zzz03186743
http://asiantribune.com/06/23/archbishop-malcolm-ranjith-prepares-to-go-back-to-his-native-country/~~~Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith prepares to go back to his native country~~~Jun 23 (AT) As Malcolm Ranjith prepares to go back to his native country, the pearl of the Indian ocean, to be the metropolitan Archbishop, the Catholic community at Piazza Venezia in Rome gathered together to bid farewell to this great and capable shepherd and pastor. Although Malcolm Ranjith prepares was called to Rome by the Pope to engage in work of the curia, zzz03186742
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29633~~~Lessons to be learnt about China~~~Jun 23 (TN) The ‘Himalayan’ blunder committed by Nehru and Krishna Menon in their China policy has been re-enacted by their descendants in the Indian Establishment nearly half a century later. A couple of years ago, writing on the crisis in the island of Sri Lanka, a TamilNet article quoted a saying in Tamil about the dog that allowed the squirrel to climb the tree (A’nil ea’ravidda naay). zzz03186744
http://asiantribune.com/06/23/tamil-eelam-was-israel-of-east/~~~Tamil Eelam Was Israel of East~~~Jun 23 (AT) It is a well known policy of international secret agents to grab and then nurse or destroy up and coming political, social or religious organizations that could have an impact on the society in the future. A few years after Velupillai Prbhakaran launched his so called liberation movement there was no shortage of money for him to run the organization and to procure arms ever at this moment LTTE has US$ 500 million to its credit.zzz03186745
http://asiantribune.com/06/23/forced-abortions-conducted-in-vanni-who-ltte-was-the-blacksheep/~~~Forced abortions conducted in Vanni: Who (LTTE) was the Blacksheep?~~~Jun 23 (AT) It was on 30 October 1995; the Sri Lankan army launched “Operation Sunray” in the Tiger-held Jaffna peninsula and captured it. On the orders of the LTTE, the northern towns were evacuated and about 500,000 people fled to the Vanni from the mainland. The LTTE had succeeded in patronising the Tamil community by a combination of internal terror and narrow nationalist ideology and (Prabaharan) used the civilians as cover to escape from Jaffna.zzz03186746
http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/6/23/sports/4173536&sec=sports~~~Sri Lanka too strong for India~~~Jun 23 (TS) Three-time champions Sri Lanka chalked up the biggest win in the Asian netball tournament thus far, whipping India 103-27 to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here yesterday. Goal shooter Tharjini Sivalingam top scored with 76 points. It was Sri Lanka’s third straight win in the competition after scoring convincing victories over Hong Kong (80-27) and Malaysia (72-52).zzz03186747
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0622/p47s01-lign.html~~~People making a difference~~~Jun 23 (CSM) The photo of the young man in uniform sits on a corner of a glass-fronted cabinet, facing the front door. Second Lt. Achin Tcha hasn't been home since he went missing in action Sept. 27, 1998, during a fierce battle with Tamil Tiger rebels. Visaka Dharmadasa hasn't given up hope that her son will walk through the door again. His remains, and those of over 600 other servicemen missing from the battle, were never recovered, though many unidentified bodies were later found burned in a mass grave. zzz03186748
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/forget-13th-its-all-about-17th.html~~~Forget the 13th, it’s all about the 17th Amendment ~~~Jun 23 (LG) There is a poster in the ideological wall. It has two words. ‘Political’ and ‘solution’. Now that the LTTE is gone and naked Eelam-speak is a thing of the past, separatism and Tamil chauvinism have down-graded the politics. The call is for ‘a political solution’. I agree. Where there are political problems, there should be political solutions. zzz03186749
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1317080478~~~Sri Lanka's south gets new tea factory~~~Jun 23 (LBO) A new tea factory has been set up in Sri Lanka's southern Hambantota district where high-priced low grown teas are cultivated by small farmers, the government information department and the Tea Board said. The factory in Walasmulla in Hambantota district has a capacity to make 5,000 kilos of black tea a day and was set up by the Yalta Tea company with an investment of 45 million rupees, the information department said in a statement. zzz03186750
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/whither-lanka-they-ask-in-delhi-and.html~~~Whither Lanka, they ask in Delhi and Bangkok ~~~Jun 23 (LG) While most Indians seem to think that Sri Lanka should grab the opportunity and sue for peace, others are not so sure. Professor of South Asian Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Professor Partha Ghosh seems to be so animatedly anti-devolution when it comes to Sri Lanka, that he may make S L Gunasekera want to blush. Says professor Ghosh that if the unit of devolution that is in operation in Sri Lanka — the province — is kept intact, and zzz03186751
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/to-be-diplomatic-or-not.html~~~To be Diplomatic or not... ~~~Jun 23 (LG) I am sure all of us have used or heard of the above phrases in some stage of our lives, either to reach out to someone who's unreasonable, demanding or flat out unfair. It actually rolls out of our tongues without a second's thought, but rarely given the proper respect it deserves. Here's are few explanations about the word "diplomatic" on cyber space. Diplomatic-adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or engaged in diplomacy: diplomatic officials. zzz03186752
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/lest-we-love-great-game-in-sri-lanka.html~~~Lest we love the great game in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 23 (LG) Sri Lanka’s security forces inflicted a crushing defeat on the LTTE, eliminating its leader and guiding spirit Velupillai Prabhakaran and almost the entire leadership. Their success comes after a failure to achieve decisive results in three earlier episodes of war, spread over more than two decades. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s result-oriented national leadership was the single major factor thatzzz03186753
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10325276.html~~~I am proud of my achievement: Dilshan~~~Jun 23 (Gulf) Sri Lanka's opening batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was named the player of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup at Lord's, is proud of his achievement. "I am proud of having won this award. I had a great tournament, but I am disappointed that our team could not win the cup," remarked Dilshan, who scored 317 runs at a strike-rate of 144.74 and an average above 52.zzz03186754
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/undoing-misuse-of-referendums.html~~~Undoing the misuse of referendums~~~Jun 23 (LG) There were several reports about a statement by a senior politician of the ruling regime, the Chief Minister of the North/Central Province, stating the intention of the government to obtain a two thirds majority of the parliament for a proposal to extend the term of office of the incumbent executive president. The proposal includes the carrying out of a referendum to seek the approval of the people for this move. zzz03186755
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/conflicts-and-reconciliations.html~~~Conflicts and Reconciliations ~~~Jun 23 (LG) In November 1989 the Second JVP Insurgency was defeated and its top leadership killed. What if the government of the day considered the power hunger of the JVP to be the sole cause of the insurgency? What if the existence of any systemic errors or injustices (which alienated a segment of Sinhala youth and made them susceptible to the JVP) was denied? What if the need for radical reforms was discounted andzzz03186756
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/picture-yourself.html~~~Picture yourself ~~~Jun 23 (LG) Amidst the talk of peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka the plight of the Tamil population has hardly changed according to the British Channel 4 news report [Please see below video link]. To be fair, it must be said however, that none of the reports can be verified. Fear is looming large in the minds of the Tamils. The Tamils in the IDP camps are suffering. Relatives are given only restricted access to these camps. zzz03186757
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slpr-j23.shtml~~~President seeks extended term without elections~~~Jun 23 (wsws) In an extraordinary, anti-democratic move, the ruling coalition in Sri Lanka—the UPFA—has begun to sound out amending the constitution to allow President Mahinda Rajapakse to remain in office beyond his six-year term without facing a new election. For weeks, the government has been whipping up a climate of communal triumphalism following the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE.zzz03186758
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2465~~~Secretary General responds to British Medical Journal~~~Jun 23 (PISL) The following letter was sent to the British Medical Journal in response to an article by a Dr Shiamala Suntharalingam, which provided much misleading information as to the situation in the north. Dear Sir, I write with reference to the article entitled ‘Sri Lanka: health as a weapon of war?’ by Shiamala Suntharalingam, which appeared recently in your columns. zzz03186759
http://www.peacemuslims.org/New__VC_to_South_East_University-20-1107.html~~~New VC to South East University~~~Jun 23 (PSM) New Vice Chancellor for the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) has assumed his duties today. Dr. Ismail, the new VC is from this university and hails from Sammanthurai. He was first among the three candidates elected at the Council meeting held few months back. Dr. Ismail is the third VC to this univeristy which was created by late SLMC/NUA leader MHM. Ashraff withthe blessing of the then President Chandrika Bandaranayke Kumaratunga andzzz03186760
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10296&Itemid=44~~~Fines imposed on dengue breeders ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Three persons found guilty of making breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes were imposed fines amounting Rs. 30,000 at the Tangalle courts. “Utter negligence of garbage, drains and the garden is severely punishable at this juncture when the death toll has been reaching its two hundred mark,” said Tangalle Magistrate Bandula Himburegama. While on an inspection tour, Tangalle MOH health inspectors nabbed the three offenders and produced them before courts.zzz03186763
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10293&Itemid=44~~~Invitation to all parties for APRC~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Science and Technology Minister Professor Thissa Vitharana who heads APRC extended an in invitation to UNP, JVP, MVP, Hela Urumaya, TNA, and all other parties to join in the forum to find a resolution to the ethnic crisis acceptable to people of Sri Lanka yesterday (22). He made the observation at a media briefing to educate the public on the viability of nanotechnology in national development. zzz03186762
no~~~Eight new fuel pumping stations to be set up in the North ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” program the government has taken steps to set up eight fuel pumping stations in the North (in A-9 road), Minister of Petroleum & Petroleum Resources Development A. H. M. Fowzie said. He pointed out that it was an estimated Rs.150 million cost to project and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has been given authority to work as a distributor. zzz03186761
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10298&Itemid=44~~~Solar powered phone booths in North ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) A solar powered phone booth system will be set up in the North. Since the power network is not yet properly connected in the war ravaged north, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) considered it necessary to start off with solar powered coin operated telephone booths in IDP welfare centres. “Uninterrupted and smooth communication is a must in development, and the residents of IDP villages must be able to connect with their siblings,” zzz03186764
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10299&Itemid=44~~~Minister to track tax evading plantation companies~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Plantation companies that abscond from paying due taxes will be severely dealt with, Plantation Minister D. M. Jayarathna said. “These companies must remit relevant taxes to the treasury before June 30, 2009,” the Minister warned further. The private sector owns 20 plantation companies, and the public sector owns just three. And, nine companies have duly paid taxes amounting Rs.70 million while nine are absconding. zzz03186765
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10305&Itemid=44~~~‘Rice Flour Bread’ to meet demand~~~Jun 23 (GDI) The government has made major breakthrough to tackle the global food crisis. A rice flour bread product is designed. A new rice flour milling center was opened in Anuradhpura today under this new concept of the Minister Maithripala Sirisena. ‘Rice Bread’ is a form of the wheat bread that is used commonly in the country, but incorporates rice flour instead of wheat flour.zzz03186766
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10300&Itemid=44~~~Complete power network to cover North by 2011 ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) The whole Northern Province will be connected together in a single power network by the year 2011 under a three-phase accelerated project. “The project will be at a cost of Rs. 3,750 million and the cabinet approval has already been obtained for the expansions,” CEB press statement said. Already, pylons carrying the transmission cables from Vavuniya to Chunnakkam are under construction. zzz03186767
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10297&Itemid=44~~~People commemorate President Premadasa’s 85th birthday today ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Late President Ranasingha Premadasa’s 85th birthday falls today, 23rd June, 2009. Commemorating the event, the ‘Premadasa Centre’ has organized numerous programmes in memory of the late President. A felicitation ceremony in memory of the late President Premadasa will be held today (June 23) at 5 p.m. at the Premadasa Memorial Statue in St. Sebastian Place, Hulftsdorp.zzz03186768
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090623_01~~~TNA MP with LTTE terrorist links detained ~~~Jun 23 (MoD) The CID conducting investigations into LTTE activities, yesterday, produced TNA Vanni District MP Sathasivam Kanagaratnam before the Colombo Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nisantha Hapuarachchi and said the MP is alleged to have violated the Emergency Regulations and assisted the LTTE. Kanagaratnam was arrested by the CID while he was with the people who came from the uncleared areas.zzz03186774
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2551:piyangala-hermitage-and-historical-caves-blasted-for-rubble&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Piyangala hermitage and historical caves blasted for rubble ~~~Jun 23 (LT) ‘Lankatruth’ reported on the 19th that Piyangala cave was on the verge of being destroyed and Sri Lanka will lose it forever. Despite opposition from environmental organizations, residents in the area and scholars the strongmen in the government including certain powerful ministers continue to maintain the quarry carrying out powerful blasts in the area. The ‘Organization to Protect Heritage of Digamadulla’ too carried out a protest campaign againstzzz03186769
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2555:shelton-payagala-is-no-more&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Shelton Payagala is no more! ~~~Jun 23 (LT) Mr. Shelton Payagala, renowned film director and writer passed way at 11.00 a.m. today after being admitted to ICU of Sri Jayawardene Hospital. He was 65 year old at the time of this death. Mr. Shelton Payagala was born in Hatton in 1944 and was active in literature, cinema and stage circles. In 1982 he directed ‘Malata noena bambaru’ with Chandraratne Mapitigama and in 1991 diercted ‘Golu Muhude Kunatuwa’ a film on the national question. zzz03186771
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45136.html~~~Losing to a friend is no pain~~~Jun 23 (LNP) Pakistan`s victory in the T-20 World Cup finals at the Mecca of cricket was a prayer answered for that country struggling to repair her badly damaged image following a dastardly terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last March. Her cricket will surely receive a tremendous boost from that spectacular win in these troubled times. A heroes` welcome must be awaiting them at home. Cheers! zzz03186770
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45133.html~~~Junior National Schools meet concludes on a grand scale~~~Jun 23 (LNP) St Peter`s College Bambalapitiya and St. Joseph`s Balika Vidyalaya, Kegalle with 84 and 67 points respectively carried away the Sir John Tarbat Challenge Trophies on offer for the Junior National Athletic Championships conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association at the Albert F. Peiris Stadium in Wennappuwa over the week end. A total of seven meet records were set up during the three days of activity. zzz03186773
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Policeman-wife-her-parents-found-shot-dead/3184.htm~~~Policeman's wife and her parents found shot dead~~~Jun 23 (CT) The wife of a sub inspector and her parents have been found gunned down at the policeman's home at Nikape in Dehiwela. The policeman is attached to Boralesgamuwa Police. The three had died at Colombo South General Hospital at Kalubowila. The SI, wanted for questioning in connection with the triple murder, too, has been admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds. zzz03186772
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2041:the-fifth-swine-flu-case-also-detected-in-sl&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~The fifth swine flu case also detected in SL ~~~Jun 23 (LP) The fifth AH1N1 (Swine Flu) victim was detected from Sri Lanka yesterday. The victim is a nine year old girl from Battaramulla, who arrived in the island from Australia on Sunday (21). The child was initially detected by the Thermal Scanners for high fever and was transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) where she is undergoing treatment. The newly identified swine flu patient will be treated in the same manner the zzz03186775
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2053:a-programme-test-in-to-the-standard-of-the-power-units-in-schools&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~A programme test in to the standard of the power units in schools ~~~Jun 23 (LP) The Commission for Public Utility Services has decided to look in to the safety of the electricity circuit (power units) units in over a 10,000 schools under the Education Ministry. The Commission for Public Utility Services along with the Ministry of Power and Energy will carry out the programme where insecure power circuit systems will be mended said the chairman of the Commission Dr Jayathissa De Costa.zzz03186776
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lankan-missions-abroad-criticism-minister/3172.htm~~~Sri Lankan missions abroad under criticism by minister~~~Jun 23 (CT) Minister Piyasena Gamage has said that contributions by Sri Lankan diplomatic officials serving overseas to uphold the image of the country are far from satisfactory. Mr. Gamage, who is in charge of vocational and technical training portfolio, has made the observation in an interview with Nihal Jagathchandra of 'Lakbima' in its June 23 issue. The minister has noted that despite the end of the war against terrorism in the country, zzz03186777
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/news01.asp~~~Novel way to English~~~Jun 23 (DN) The Authorities launching a road map yesterday to ensure equity in promoting spoken\communicative English as a life skill among Sri Lankans, under a Presidential initiative, said that the intention was to change the old order, where English was thought as an instrument of social oppression and the prized possession of a privileged class. The 18 month road map being worked off according to a concept by President Mahinda Rajapaksa,zzz03186778
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/news03.asp~~~Colleges of Education: Monthly allowance 100 percent up ~~~Jun 23 (DN) The monthly allowance of students who are studying in the Colleges of Education islandwide will be increased by 100 percent from next year, said Education Minister Susil Premajayantha. The Education Minister was speaking at the presentation of teacher appointments to over 2,900 students who passed out from the Colleges of Education island wide at Temple Trees yesterday. zzz03186779
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/fea01.asp~~~Anti-intellectual behaviour of university students ~~~Jun 23 (DN) This statement provides a yardstick against which the modern university education can be measured. The purpose of this article is to examine the fundamental challenges the Sri Lanka universities face in realizing the above laudable goals. As a university academic serving for over 15 years at Sri Lankan Universities and six years in international universities, I had the opportunity to read and closely observe the zzz03186780
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/fea03.asp~~~Prospects bright for tea, rubber and coconut ~~~Jun 23 (DN) Plantations Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratne said the Ministry has implemented a series of programs to elevate the cultivation of the three main export crops by providing relief and assistance. Q: What kind of measures have been taken to overcome the problems faced in the tea, rubber and coconut industries? A: At present, there are no serious problems regarding tea, rubber and coconut industries. zzz03186781
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/23/news2.html~~~Danduwam’s death leaves depositors claimless - Lawyer~~~Jun 23 (Island) Over 4,000 persons who placed deposits with Piyadasa Ratnayaka alias Danduwam Mudalali are in a quandary since he had died while the case against him was still pending in Court. Attorney-at-Law Premasiri Gunaratne, who appeared on behalf of the depositors said that since Danduwam Mudalali had died while the case against him was still pending the depositors have no legal right to his property and money, now in the custody of the Court. zzz03186782
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/23/news6.html~~~Vehicle Emission tests in Provinces too~~~Jun 23 (Island) Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Bandula Wijeratna yesterday said that special provision had been made for the convenience of all vehicle owners in the Southern, Central and North -Central Provinces to obtain their emission test certificates in their own provinces from yesterday. He said that until recently vehicles owners of these provinces had to bring their vehicles all the way to the Western Province and zzz03186783
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/23/news13.html~~~Sri J’pura u’grads claim VC unqualified~~~Jun 23 (Island) Students of the Sri Jayewardenepura University claimed yesterday that the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. N. L. A. Karunaratne is unqualified for the post. He had the patronage of the present government and his appointment is a political one, they charged. President of the Students Council Daminda Pushpakumara said that he had never held any position as a Department head, Faculty Dean, Students Counselor or disciplinary committee member. zzz03186784
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/23/news8.html~~~Youths in welfare camps to be engaged in agriculture~~~Jun 23 (Island) The government has decided to provide 1000 acres of fertile agricultural lands and inputs for agriculture purposes to youths in the IDP Relief Villages in Vavuniya to enable them to be motivated towards engaging in agriculture, Presidential Secretariat sources said yesterday. "This would prevent them from just idling" sources further said. This decision was arrived at by the Minister of Agrarian Services Hemakumara Nanayakara following zzz03186785
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52696~~~325,000 new houses to be built in North~~~Jun 23 (DM) The government is planning to construct 325,000 new houses in the north while 150,000 houses are to be repaired, under a three-year programme,, the President’s Office said. At the progress evaluation meeting of the Presidential Task Force for the Development of Kilinochchi, its Chairman, Basil Rajapaksa led the discussion on Highways, Electricity, Housing, Water Supply, Irrigation, Agriculture and Health Education treating as priority issues on Sunday. zzz03186786
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52714~~~Paediatric hospital congested: fever patients increase~~~Jun 23 (DM) Deputy Director of Lady Ridgeway Paediatric Hospital, Borella – Dr. Vijith Gunasekera said yesterday that around 3,000 children are brought daily to the OPD and the majority of them with fever. As the serious cases are admitted, all six medical wards of the hospital have become full, he said. Among the patients admitted, there have been cases of dengue as well. The biggest problem they are faced with is the lack of space in the Intensive Care Unit.zzz03186787
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52686~~~'We have to act to reduce pollution'~~~Jun 23 (DM) Every unit of nuclear waste will take more than 25 years to decay and every nation has a responsibility to act to reduce the harm on the environment, former Vice President International Court of Justice, C.G. Weeramantry said yesterday. He stressed the importance in finding the balance in local and international environment law in protecting and safeguarding the environment whilst combating polluters in a common front. zzz03186788
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52699~~~UN concerned over arrest of local staff ~~~Jun 23 (DM) The United Nations said yesterday it was looking at the legal options available to ensure the protection of its staff as the Foreign Ministry sought information from the Defence Ministry and the Police on the reported arrest of two local UN staff members serving in Vavuniya. “On being informed by the UN office in Colombo, about the arrest of two local staffers – both Tamils serving in Vavuniya -- we have requested zzz03186789
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6486&sec=2&t=6466~~~Decline in imports & exports reflected in Lanka's trade deficit~~~Jun 23 (ANN) Sri Lanka’s trade deficit continued to contract due to a drop in export earnings and reduced expenditure on imports. This trend has continued for the fourth consecutive month, Central Bank sources said. Private remittances , though marginally lower helped to build up a more favourable trade deficit. Among the export earnings which were effected were all major sectors, while tea continued to perform well. zzz03186790
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6465&sec=3&t=~~~T-20 World Cup Final: Will they ever learn from this?~~~Jun 23 (ANN) It was really great to see two cricket teams from Asia fighting it out in the 2009 T/20 World Cup Final, at Lords. Although we were the favourite to win the trophy, lady luck failed to smile on us. The main contributor to our total right along, the player of the tournament, who scored 317 runs, Tilekeratne Dilshan failed to score even a single run on this fateful day. The shrewd Pakistani captain placed a fielder right at the place his ‘Dil-scoops’ zzz03186791
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1181513270~~~Sri Lankan and Malaysia Airlines in new code share deal~~~Jun 23 (LBO) Sri Lankan Airlines has expanded its code share deal with Malaysian Airlines increasing its reach to the United States, Australia and Asia-Pacific sectors, the airline said. The agreement enables Malaysia Airlines to codeshare on SriLankan’s flights to Male in the Maldives while SriLankan Airlines will access Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through Malaysia Airlines. zzz03186792
http://www.isria.com/pages/23_June_2009_107.htm~~~EU grants 5 million euros for emergency assistance in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 23 (ISRIA) The European Commission has allocated €5 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people, mostly ethnic Tamils, placed in camps in Sri Lanka. All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel. The projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organisations and specialised UN agencies.zzz03186793
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/30300-malaysia-invited-to-rebuild-sri-lanka-war-shattered-zones~~~Malaysia invited to rebuild Sri Lanka war-shattered zones ~~~Jun 23 (MI) Sri Lanka, fresh from its success in eliminating rebels in the north and east of the island, is inviting Malaysian investors to join efforts to rebuild its war-shattered zones that need at least US$4 billion (RM14 billion) to US$5 billion in initial development. Minister Anura Priyadarshana said as Malaysian companies have vast experience in the telecommunication, construction and agriculture sectors in the country, zzz03186794
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8113242.stm~~~Sri Lanka's forgotten displaced Muslims ~~~Jun 23 (BBC) As the world focuses on displaced Tamils in northern Sri Lanka, a large group of Muslims forcibly ejected from the north by Tamil Tigers 20 years ago are finally contemplating a return home. There are more than 100,000 Muslims living as refugees across Sri Lanka. Many are in Puttalam - a small fishing town on the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. They vividly remember the day when the LTTE forced them to leave at gun point. zzz03186795
no~~~Sri Lankan Cultural Dance~~~zzz03186769.1
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-diaspora-should-lay-down-ideology.html~~~Tamil Diaspora should lay down the ideology "eelam" ~~~Jun 24 (LG) I am a Tamil living outside Sri Lanka hence by mere definition unfortunately I belong to Tamil Diaspora which I am ashamed of myself of being one of them and I am making this appeal again to the misled pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora to lay down the ideology “Eelam”. I have been very critical of the Tamil Diaspora for chasing an illusion and written articles to many websites criticizing the role played by the TD supporting LTTE terrorist outfit. zzz03186797
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10306&Itemid=44~~~Sri Lanka Tourism launches a new brand, logo and tagline ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) With the emergence of peace, the rebranding of Sri Lanka’s tourism positioning became not only time-critical, but also mission-critical. “And, Sri Lanka must be able to meet its full potential as one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world,” Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda said extending an invitation to all concerned.zzz03186798
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2556:mathata-thitha-on-the-rocks&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Mathata Thitha’ on the rocks ~~~Jun 24 (LT) It was revealed in the Parliament today that despite ‘Mathata Thitha,’ (A halt for intoxication), a programme to curb alcoholism and drug abuse under ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ is said to be implemented the ministers themselves have issued licenses to various people to open wine stores. During the question time in Parliament session today JVP MP Ranaweera Pathirana accused government MPs and ministers for issuing licenses for wine stores.zzz03186799
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090623_idps_malnourished.shtml~~~'Malnourished children' in IDP camps ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) Nearly 5000 IDP children in Vavuniya camps are malnourished, a charity that works in Menik Farm IDP camp says. Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Executive Director of Sarvodaya told BBC Sandeshaya that there are about 30,000 -35,000 children in Menk Farm. “Many of them are suffering from diseases and some still suffer from injuries,” he said. 15-20 percent of these children are also suffering from chronic malnutrition and acute malnutrition,zzz03186800
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8112619.stm~~~Why do Buddhist monks sleep upright? ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) A group of Buddhist monks recently emerged from four years in isolation in a retreat in Scotland, having spent their nights sleeping in an upright position. Why? The monks at the Samye Dechen Shing Buddhist retreat in Dumfriesshire are supposed to sleep upright in a "meditation box". For less than five hours. We've all fallen asleep in armchairs, but it seems a different proposition to sit bolt upright every night for four years. zzz03186801
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090623_captain_ali.shtml~~~Aid ship still waiting to unload ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) The crew of a ship sent by Tamil expatriates in Europe say they are still hoping they can unload a large cargo of aid for Tamil refugees, after nearly three weeks waiting in the waters off Sri Lanka and southern India. The "Captain Ali" vessel is anchored off the Indian port of Chennai having been turned away by the Sri Lankan authorities. An Icelandic crew member told the BBC that he "saluted" the people in southern India trying to let the ship into Chennai harbour, zzz03186802
http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=130&storyCode=2053382~~~Sri Lanka to get hydro, renewables support from IFC~~~Jun 24 (WPM) Efforts to develop small hydro and other renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka through private sector involvement are to be helped by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC, part of the World Bank Group, plans to help boost renewables in Sri Lanka through a package valued at US$15M to support the activities of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon. The package value is based on risk-sharing facilities,zzz03186803
http://www.metimes.com/Security/2009/06/23/tamil_issue_a_big_problem_for_sri_lanka/304c/~~~Tamil issue a big problem for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 24 (UPI) The Sri Lankan military's victory ending the 26-year Tamil Tiger rebellion is only weeks old, but already the euphoria is giving way to rising international concerns about what awaits the country's Tamil-speaking minority in the future. The plight of the minority in the predominantly Buddhist country of about 21 million is reflected in the humanitarian crisis of the about 300,000 Tamil civilians now housed in poorly supplied, zzz03186804
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/The-Sunday-Leader-lawyers-withdraw-from-case-filed-defence-secretary/3195.htm~~~'The Sunday Leader' lawyers withdraw from case filed by defence secretary~~~Jun 24 (CP) Lawyers for 'The Sunday Leader' withdrew today (June 23) from appearing for a case filed against the newspaper by defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Mount Lavinia district court judge Mohamed Mackie took up the case that alleges articles that appeared in the newspaper, claiming irregularities in the purchase of MiG-27 fighter aircraft, were defamatory of the defence secretary.zzz03186805
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/making-of-sri-lanka-canadian-matter.html~~~Making of “Sri Lanka a Canadian matter” ~~~Jun 24 (LG) With the end of Canadian position MP Bob Rae’s Sri Lanka drama we are eager to let the world know what make Bob Rae and other politicians so desperately wanted to go to Sri Lanka and why they are so unhappy when they loose that opportunity. For few decades there were some international figures that made money from the sufferings of poor Sri Lankans. Norwegian Eric Sholhaim is one of them Canada’s Bob Rae is another one.zzz03186806
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/24/content_11590608.htm~~~East to set up no-firearm zone soon ~~~Jun 24 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's once volatile Eastern Province held by various extremist groups is to be free of firearms next month, defense officials announced. The Ministry of Defense has set a rigid deadline of July 2 for all extremist groups holding firearms to surrender the weapons. "The government has asked all groups to surrender weapons," A. L. M Hisbullah, a provincial government official told the media. zzz03186807
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/post-terrorism-analysis-of.html~~~Post-Terrorism: Analysis of reconstruction & democratisation of conflict regions~~~Jun 24 (LG) Mr President, distinguished speakers, ladies and gentleman, it is indeed a great privilege for me to be here on this occasion today to address the Muslim point of view in respect of the reconstruction and democratisation of the conflict regions. I was among those who were persecuted by the LTTE, and those who fought for freedom of speech, expression and freedom of movement. zzz03186808
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:22222248~menuPK:34463~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html~~~World Bank provides more support to improve health care~~~Jun 24 (WB) The World Bank today approved a US$24 million IDA credit providing further support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s health service delivery program, with particular emphasis on the special health needs in the north and east arising out of the recent conflict. With the end of the military conflict, Sri Lanka is now facing the challenges of resettlement and reconstruction within the context of reconciliation. zzz03186809
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lanka-team-to-arrive-today-to-discuss-devolution-/articleshow/4693974.cms~~~Lanka team to arrive today, to discuss devolution ~~~Jun 24 (TOI) India will push Sri Lanka for a much faster move towards a political devolution in the country, particularly after the LTTE has been vanquished. Sri Lanka's top leadership troika -- Gotabaya Rajapakse, Basil Rajapakse and Lalith Wiretunge -- will meet India's top officials on Wednesday. The Indian delegation will be led by national security advisor M K Narayanan, foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon andzzz03186810
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/eliminated-tigers-is-victory-of-people.html~~~'Eliminated the Tigers is victory of people'~~~Jun 24 (LG) It was an interesting interview the Sri Lanka Guardian had with the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Vladimir P. Mikhaylov at the Russian Embassy in Colombo. The interview went on for about two and half hours and issues involving international bilateral relations between nationswere discussed were talked about. “Russia is a traditional friend of the Island Nation” he said. zzz03186811
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/solution-part-iii.html~~~The solution –(Part III) ~~~Jun 24 (LG) I shall not deviate too much from my main theme to respond to Mr. K. Sivakumaran, who appears to think that I am anti-Tamil or do not have a "soft corner" for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. I have more than a "soft corner" for the Tamils as well as all the other ethnic communities in Sri Lanka and I respect them as citizens of the country. However, I do not keep silent when people misrepresent "facts" especially in the interests of the British andzzz03186814
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=9d2d3931-16ae-4bd5-9c91-536475da2931&Headline=An+intra-diaspora+war+over+Prabhakaran~~~An intra-diaspora war over Prabhakaran~~~Jun 24 (HT) So what if the LTTE is military wiped out of Sri Lanka? It had control over 15,000 square kilometres of land at one point. Now only torn down sign boards remain by the road side to remind those passing by of the days of LTTE-rule. But now the new talk is of forming a “transnational government" (TNG); the territory is gone but the emotional terrain is still fertile to the keep the dream of Eelam blinking.zzz03186813
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news26.html~~~Lopsided growth confirmed~~~Jun 24 (BL) Firm signs that the world is heading towards sharply lopsided growth was confirmed by the World Bank (WB) this week, and it forecasts Lankan economy to improve by only 2.5%, whilst growth in comparison to 7.1% in 2008 Government described the 1.5% Q1 gain as commendable, midst global contraction. The Department of Census and Statistics on Monday said the Lankan economy grew by 1.5% in Q1, powered by the performance of Agriculture, Industry and Services, zzz03186817
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news28.html~~~Supermarkets in race to be the cheapest~~~Jun 24 (BL) With claims of lowest prices emanating from many of the popular super markets these days, The Bottom Line decided to put the claims to test with a visit to Keells Super and Cargills Food City this week. Among a selection of 10 items generally found in a grocery cart, it emerged that Cargills was lower in price for many of the items. However, in the wake of the price war that has taken place, many of the items during the time of study were zzz03186815
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news31.html~~~War of words over peace~~~Jun 24 (BL) In the latest development in finding a permanent solution to Sri Lanka’s three decade old ethnic conflict, the APRC, is to invite the country’s main opposition- the UNP, to build a wider consensus. “We want the country’s main opposition UNP to come into the process. Within the APRC, we have agreed on most issues and are in the process of finalising the Draft, section by section. Once we invite the UNP, it’s up to them to nominate their representatives and present their input. zzz03186816
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news30.html~~~IGP appointment illegal: JVP~~~Jun 24 (BL) Parliament erupted into a furore yesterday over the possible unconstitutional appointment of the IGP due to the delay of the conferment of the Constitutional Council (CC). JVP members in particular were vociferous in their criticism of the delay and questioned the legality of appointing an IGP at a time when the Police Commission was defunct and elections pending.zzz03186812
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C06%5C24%5Cstory_24-6-2009_pg7_36~~~Pakistan donates $70,000 for Sri Lankan IDPs~~~Jun 24 (DT) Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday directed Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka to present a cheque of $70,000 to the Sri Lankan government for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Sri Lanka. The donation would be made from the Special Assistance Programme for South Asia (SAPSA) Fund. The aid would be used for providing medical supplies to the IDPs.zzz03186818
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slcm-j24.shtml~~~Tamil detainees give eye-witness accounts~~~Jun 24 (wsws) It is now more than one month since the Sri Lankan military detained the final batch of Tamil refugees fleeing the northern war zone on May 19. They joined more than a quarter of a million civilians already incarcerated in camps set up near Vavuniya and on the Jaffna Peninsula during the last phase of the war. About 160,000 people are interned in four units in the biggest camp, known as Manik Farm.zzz03186819
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=1~~~Sri Lanka is being screwed up by some international press agencies ~~~Jun 24 (SLW) The United Press International (UPI) which boasts of one hundred years of journalistic excellence has its headquarters in Washington DC and has offices in Beirut, Hong Kong, London, Santiago, Seoul and Tokyo and that much for its selective focus and obvious discrimination. These are all capitals of great prosperity including Chile’s Santiago and are the bulwark of the west’s exploitive capitalist system. zzz03186820
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10309&Itemid=44~~~Guangzhou Asian Games Committee trace back the Silk Road spreading friendship ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, the Republic of China, in 2010 will be a grand success, Hemasiri Fernando, President of the Sri Lanka Olympic Committee (SLOC), said. SLOC President said so at a meeting with a visiting Chinese sports delegation. “I am really confident that the Chinese can make the 16th Asian Games a successful one with the experience of holding a marvelous Olympic Games in 2008,” SLOC President said.zzz03186821
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10311&Itemid=44~~~Official registration a must for Sri Lankans in UAE ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) Official registration is a crucial component is establishing a person’s identity, and all the Sri Lankans living in United Arab Emirates must be included in a single register, the Sri Lankan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said. “This special registration process will run from July t1st through 30th, from 9 AM to 3 PM,” the Embassy announced that. zzz03186822
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10313&Itemid=44~~~Fresh program to safeguard children from electricity ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The Commission for Public Utility Services has joined hands with the Ministry of Education to look in to the safety of the electricity circuit (power units) units in government schools and, as a first step the Government has launched a new guide project to check the standard of the power systems of the schools in Hambantota. Under the supervision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this project will be carried out in over 10,000 schools island-wide.zzz03186823
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10314&Itemid=44~~~Dengue fever swallow 145 lives ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The number of patients who have died due to dengue fever increased to 145 and more than 11,000 have been reported so far, hospital reports said. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, the Ministry of Health is carrying out raids on dengue mosquito breeding grounds. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has identified nearly 7,000 places as mosquito breeding grounds.zzz03186824
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10317&Itemid=44~~~President declares 2011 as 'Visit Sri Lanka Year' ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) This is a momentous phase for the Tourism Industry. With terrorism defeated after three decades, our people can now travel freely in our motherland. Tourists should have no fear to visit our attractions. And, I believe, we have ended the need for Travel Advisories that crippled Tourism, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an address to the launch of the new image of Sri Lanka Tourism. zzz03186826
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10318&Itemid=44~~~'Government to combat illicit liquor'~~~Jun 24 (GDI) An island wide program has been launched to raid illicit liquor bases under the” Mahinda Chinthana” program to combat the menace in its' entirety, Minister of State Revenue and Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He pointed out that the Government had not issued any liquor licences to open new liquor shops and all possible measures have been taken by the Government to combat the production of illicit liquor. zzz03186825
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10315&Itemid=44~~~'We take new Sri Lanka, the land of peace, to the world'~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The Ministry of Tourism unveiled a new Sri Lanka tourism brand. “This is an event we have been preparing for since 2008 after we held our initial strategic planning sessions in October and November the same year. And, it’s high time to materialize our aspirations and goals with much enthusiasm, “Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Mustapha said.zzz03186832
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10321&Itemid=44~~~Minister predicts grand victory for UPFA in Uva ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The UPFA would win the Uva Provincial Council election with a bigger majority than ever before predicted, Minister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena said at the media briefing held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo yesterday (23). He pointed out that Uva Provincial Council election will be carried out under the slogan of “Let’s protect the journey of the nation”.zzz03186828
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_24_003.html~~~Editors oppose draconian Press Council laws ~~~Jun 24 (LNW) The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and seven other media organizations, in a joint letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on the reactivation of the Sri Lanka Press Council Law, which gives powers for imprisonment of journalists, said that media culture cannot be based on slapping charges against journalists, fining them or sending them to jail. Instead, the modern world has accepted a self regulatory mechanism by media persons themselves as the way forward.zzz03186829
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2057:dwarf-hippo-at-dehiwala&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Dwarf Hippo at Dehiwala ~~~Jun 24 (LP) A rare dwarf hippopotamus was gifted to the National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala from Singapore. The hippo was given under the friendly animal exchange programme. In return Sri Lanka sent a pair of leopards and a pair of Pelicans to Singapore. The male Hippopotamus who gifted to the Dehiwala Zoo was born on the 17th of September 2006. There are two species of hippopotamuses, the Pygmy Hippo which is the smaller species, zzz03186827
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2559:chess-masters-hold-chess-tournament-for-school-children&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Chess Masters hold chess tournament for school children ~~~Jun 24 (LT) Colombo District Chess Tournament conducted by Chess Masters Chess Academy was held at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya on 20th and 21st June, 2009. More than 250 school children from Colombo District participated in the contest. The prize giving for the winners will take place at Colombo Campus Auditorium and Chess Masters Chess Academy will inform the winners the exact time and date of the prize giving. zzz03186831
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45168.html~~~A Statutory White Van!~~~Jun 24 (LNP) The government has drawn flak from eight media associations including the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka and the Editors` Guild of Sri Lanka over the re-activation of the draconian Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC) Law of 1973 in spite of the existence of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) to regulate the press. In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, those associations have accused the government of having reneged on its earlier commitment to the promotion of self-regulation of the media. zzz03186833
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45166.html~~~Ex-Sri Lanka Rugby star Hadji Omar dies~~~Jun 24 (LNP) It was with deep sorrow and shock that we came to know about the sudden demise of a Rugby colossus of Sri Lanka Nizar Hadji Omar on Monday evening. It was hard to believe that Hadji is no more as, he was a charming figure full of life with a permanent smile on his face. Hadji began his rugby career at St. Peter`s and on leaving school was an automatic choice for CR and FC. For nearly two decades Hadji played as a prop forward for CR zzz03186834
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news01.asp~~~Defence Secretary Vs Leader Publications: Defence Counsel withdraws from case~~~Jun 24 (DN) Mount Lavinia Additional District Judge Macki Mohamed yesterday issued notice on the Leader Publications and two others, Lal Wickrematunga and journalist Fredrica Jansz, to appear in Court on July 9 and to show cause why they should not be dealt for contempt of Court. At the commencement of the two cases where, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa had filed against the Leader Publications, zzz03186842
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news03.asp~~~Dengue eradication: PHIs seek police protection ~~~Jun 24 (DN) The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is seeking the assistance of 19 police stations in the city to curb the dengue menace as some of the Public Health Inspectors who had gone to inspect premises had been threatened by certain residents, Commissioner Badrani Jayawardana said. Already 58 people have been prosecuted for keeping stagnant water in their premises, breeding grounds for mosquitoes and zzz03186836
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/fea02.asp~~~Ragging and ‘teaching sessions’ ~~~Jun 24 (DN) During this time, the student union and its leaders congregate to plan for ragging and they also invite hardcore supporters several days, sometime weeks before the beginning of the term. Together they organize a series of parallel activities to be carried out often before and after the official working times on weekends and sometimes during official working times sabotaging the activities organized by the University. zzz03186837
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news04.asp~~~Rs. 1,058m worth projects for displaced children’s education ~~~Jun 24 (DN) Concurrent to the Uthuru Vasanthaya Northern Development Program launched by the Government to bring normality to the lives of people displaced from terrorism in the North, the Government has launched projects worth Rs. 1,058 million to provide higher education facilities to children of the displaced funded by the ADB and the World Bank. This follows a survey which gathered information about students who have missed their higher education due to the conflict in the North, zzz03186838
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6502&sec=2&t=~~~Depressed prices lead to downturn in coconut industry ~~~Jun 24 (ANN) President Coconut Growers’Association, (CGA) Parakrama Jayatilleke said concerns facing the industry would be discussed at the CGA AGM at the BMICH on the 27th of this month. He said there were substantial depressants causing serious dissent among coconut growers which led to dangerous consequences to the industry; more importantly that many such coconut land owners would eventually be lead to penury.zzz03186835
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news1.html~~~Sri Lanka sozzled to the gills~~~Jun 24 (Island) The local production and import of liquor had shown a marked increase since 2005, the year in which Mathata Thitha under the Mahinda Chinthana programme commenced, Parliament was told yesterday. The production of local liquor in 2006 increased by 16.9 percent, 30.2 percent in 2007 and 19.4 percent compared to 2005, State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siymabalapitiya said. zzz03186840
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news4.html~~~Limited time for University functions ~~~Jun 24 (Island) In a bid to avert violence in universities, the Ministry of Higher Education has decided to limit all university functions to one day and ban outsiders from attending them. The Ministry has notified the University Grants Commission of this decision and the UGC will circularize it to all universities shortly. Higher Education Minister Professor Wiswa Warnapala told The Island that this was an initial step to combat violence in universities. zzz03186841
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news5.html~~~The guns still talks, says TULF leader~~~Jun 24 (Island) TULF leader V. Anandasangaree has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa complaining that despite the defeat of the LTTE the ordinary citizens of the North and East still live in fear of the gun, the culture to which they have been used to for the last twenty five years. "Contrary to your expectations that Spring will dawn in Jaffna, the people here are experiencing a silent cyclone.zzz03186839
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news15.html~~~Ministry accused of attempt to force workers out of hostel~~~Jun 24 (Island) The Inter Trade Zone Employees Association has accused the Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Ministry of trying to force 76 garment workers out of a ministry-run hostel set up for the benefit of workers of the Biyagama Export Processing Zone. The union, affiliated to the JVP said that its General Secretary Janaka Adikari wrote to Minister Sumedha Jayasena urging her immediate intervention to settle the issue. zzz03186843
http://asiantribune.com/06/24/sri-lanka-ambassador-to-saudi-arabia-passes-away/~~~Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia passes away~~~Jun 24 (AT) Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the death of it’s Ambassador to Riyadh, Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen PC on 23rd, while he was on an official visit in the Republic of Yemen to attend the IOR-ARC Ministerial Meeting. He was 71 years at the time of his untimely demise. Ambassador Marleen was appointed as Sri Lanka’s envoy to Saudi Arabia on 24th March 2008. zzz03186847
http://asiantribune.com/06/24/rajapaksa-may-seek-re-election-before-the-year-end-also-call-for-general-election/~~~Rajapaksa may seek re-election before the year-end, also call for general election~~~Jun 24 (AT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his aides are considering advancing the Presidential and parliamentary elections to cash in on the euphoria created by victory in the Wanni War. The present thinking is to hold Presidential election sometime in November-December, followed by general election after a gap of couple of months, anytime after February 2010.zzz03186845
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52765~~~Our big guns never turned up at Lords~~~Jun 24 (DM) Sri Lanka may have gone into the T20 World Cup with a new Captain and a new player's kit but they also carried with them old and familiar problems to do with their batting' which has plagued their success in the shorter formats of the game for too long. Ironically it was those old and familiar problems with their batting that made them miss out on winning the T20 World Cup which should have been theirs for the taking had they just scored 15 or 20 runs more.zzz03186846
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52815~~~Tigers remain terrorists: US~~~Jun 24 (DM) The United States says it does not recognize the provisional transnational government of Tamil Eelam announced by the LTTE head of international relations S. Pathmanathan and once again listed the Tigers as a terrorist outfit following its latest review. Senior U.S. State Department official Gregg Sullivan said that although the US welcomed reports that the LTTE has renounced violence and zzz03186856
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52805~~~Tamil parties want foreign monitors~~~Jun 24 (DM) A leading polls-monitoring group in Sri Lanka said yesterday it was looking at the possibility of bringing in foreign observers for the elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Urban Council, an official of the group said. “We will have about 700 local observers for the Uva Provincial Council polls and about 100 for the Jaffna and Vavuniya polls. But Tamil political parties are calling for foreign observers to monitor the polls in Jaffna and Vavuniya,” zzz03186848
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52806~~~Failed states: Sri Lanka’s ranking improves ~~~Jun 24 (DM) Sri Lanka’s rankings have improved in the 2009 Failed State Index of the FOREIGN POLICY magazine with the country dropping down from the critical category last year to the danger category in the latest rankings. The annual report produced by the FOREIGN POLICY magazine and the Fund for Peace, ranks the world’s most vulnerable states in order from most down to least. zzz03186849
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=931949364~~~Sri Lanka hosts meet to thwart terrorist nuclear ambitions~~~Jun 24 (LBO) Sri Lanka is hosting a South Asia workshop organised with the United States to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear weapons or trafficking in nuclear materials, the foreign ministry said. The workshop, on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 dealing with non-state actors and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), is being held in Sri Lanka from 23 - 25 June 2009. zzz03186850
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1324310921~~~Sri Lanka spruces up tourist attractions~~~Jun 24 (LBO) Sri Lanka has launched an initiative to provide better access and facilities at tourist attractions in an effort to draw more visitors to the island, beginning to recover from 25 years of war. Tourism ministry secretary K A D George Michael said the government had allocated funds to improve basic infrastructure such as water and sanitation at tourist sites to cater to both foreign and domestic visitors. zzz03186853
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1007823504~~~US to "carefully assess" Sri Lanka IMF loan: official~~~Jun 24 (LBO) The United States is not blocking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to Sri Lanka but the US Treasury and State Department "will carefully assess" the program, an official has said. "We are not threatening to block the loan and we will carefully assess any program in light of the conditions in Sri Lanka at the time," Gregg Sullivan, state department director public diplomacy in South and Central Asia said zzz03186852
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=885296886~~~'Sri Lanka still negotiating IMF deal'~~~Jun 24 (LBO) Sri Lanka is still negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package, and the first tranche may come in two months, a senior minister said, indicating that an unfinished economic agenda remained to be resolved. "We are still working things out; the doors are not shut yet," Amunugama told LBO Wednesday on the sidelines of a conference on poverty zzz03186844
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Child-soldiers-fight-LTTE-ghosts-in-Lanka/articleshow/4694380.cms~~~Child soldiers fight LTTE ghosts~~~Jun 24 (TOI) Kumudha absent-mindedly fiddles with her left forefinger. Then, looking embarrassed, she hurriedly tucks it into the folds of her skirt. She often forgets that she has no forefinger. Only a stub. The finger was sliced off by a sniper's bullet while she was guarding an LTTE bunker in Konavil village in Kilinochchi in 2008. Heavy fighting had broken out as the Sri Lankan army pushed ahead in the north. zzz03186854
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/9914/jewellery-found-ltte-occupied-areas.html~~~Jewellery found from LTTE occupied areas~~~Jun 24 (PTI) Security forces have recovered 100 kgs of gold jewellery and a large amount of cash from an area in Wanni in north of the country where senior Tiger leaders were hiding. A sum of Rupees 64.91 lakh in cash and a few boxes containing about 100 kgs of jewellery were found during search operations by the troops. "On Information, received from a LTTE cadre in custody, troops on Tuesday found large amount of money and jewellery from Velamullivaikkal area in Mullaittivu zzz03186855
http://www.latimes.com/features/la-mag-june072009-turnitup,0,3719592.story~~~Turn It Up~~~Jun 24 (LAT) Maya Arulpragasam is an anomaly in many ways. As M.I.A., she has had a lightning-fast rise. From her early singles “Galang” and “Sunshowers,” which spread virally through the Web in 2004, to her 2005 debut album, Arular (named after her father), and 2007’s Kala (named after her mom), she has garnered nothing but critical acclaim. Major fame struck in 2008 with the song “Paper Planes,”zzz03186819.2
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906241540.htm~~~'Prabhakaran's surrender could have saved 500 LTTE cadres' ~~~Jun 24 (PTI) The lives of at least 500 Tiger rebels would have been saved had LTTE Supremo V Prabhakaran surrendered during the last phase of the battle after the army encircled the top rebel leaders in Nandhikadal Lagoon in Mullaitttivu, a defence ministry report said. After the special forces encircled Prabhakaran, Intelligence Chief Pottu Aman and Sea tiger chief Soosoi, who were boxed into a 100m x 100m area, the rebel chief could have avoided the battle that would have saved the lives of the Tiger fighters, it said. zzz03186857
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 1~~~zzz03186851
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10322&Itemid=44~~~Economic centers to be set up in North ~~~Jun 25 (GDI) The Ministry of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs has taken steps to set up economic centers in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Medawachchiya and Batticaloa and these centres will be inter-connected with the economic centres in Meegoda and Dambulla. It is expected to set up another five stalls of Lak Sathosa affiliated relief villages in the north, Minister of Trade Bandula Gunanwardena said.zzz03186859
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2562:rice-a-chicken-will-be-imported-if-artificial-shortage-is-created--bandula&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Rice & chicken will be imported if artificial shortage is created'~~~Jun 25 (LT) Measures would be taken to import rice and chicken if prices are increased by creating an artificial shortage says Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardene. Speaking at a media meeting held on the 22nd he said upcountry vegetables have gone up in price. He said the government is unable to control the prices of vegetables.zzz03186860
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/LTTEs-defeat-failed-ensure-peoples-rights--Ranil/3234.htm~~~LTTE's defeat failed to ensure people's rights - Ranil~~~Jun 25 (CT) The defeat of the LTTE has failed to ensure democratic and other rights of the people as should the elimination of terrorism guarantee, said opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. He made this remark while addressing a meeting organized by 'Platform for Freedom' in Negombo yesterday (June 23). Mr. Wickremesinghe noted that the people should now be brought together to win these rights for themselves. zzz03186861
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Police-arrest-underworld-gangster-Colombo-raid/3218.htm~~~Police arrest underworld gangster during Colombo raid~~~Jun 25 (CT) Police have arrested an underworld gangster along with a pistol during a raid in Maligawatte and surrounding areas of Colombo yesterday (June 23). Two hundred police and 100 Army soldiers took part in the search which followed a close monitoring of underworld figures for some time, police sources said. All access routes to the raided area remained closed for the duration of the operation. zzz03186862
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8117158.stm~~~Colombo reporters decry new body ~~~Jun 25 (BBC) The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish a body that can fine and imprison print journalists. They say that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working. Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors' Guild which groups the main newspaper editors, have written to President Rajapaksa. They say that the reactivation of the Press Council fills them with deep concern and disappointment. zzz03186863
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090624_ship_india.shtml~~~Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship ~~~Jun 25 (BBC) The Indian government says Sri Lanka has agreed to accept a cargo of relief aid brought by Tamil expatriates in Europe and meant for people displaced by the now ended war in northern Sri Lanka. Earlier this month the Sri Lankan authorities had turned away the ship carrying the aid. The news that the vessel, the Captain Ali, will after all be allowed to offload nearly 900 tonnes of food and medicine, came after talks in Delhi between India’s foreign minister, zzz03186868
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 2~~~zzz03186866
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=197942070~~~'Seylan Bank would be attractive with larger stake'~~~Jun 25 (LBO) There would be more interest in Sri Lanka's Seylan Bank if a larger equity stake than one third is offered to a strategic investor, the head of cash-rich NDB Bank which dropped out of the race said. The banking regulator, Central Bank, is selling a third stake in of Seylan’s equity after a run on deposits was triggered by the collapse of a firm in its controlling Ceylinco group.zzz03186867
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=420531~~~Asian Netball: Sri Lanka show might by whipping Pakistan 102-12~~~Jun 25 (Bernama) Three times winners Sri Lanka showed their might by whipping Pakistan 102-12 in a lop-sided Group B match of the Asian Netball Championship at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here on Wednesday. Showing their prowess right from the start, Iresha Koralagodage, 23, led the Sri Lankan charge with 41 goals while Sashika Samarasinghe added 36 while Tharjini Sivalingam scored 25 times for the victory.zzz03186864
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lanka-assures-India-Tamils-will-return-home-from-camps/articleshow/4698226.cms~~~Lanka assures India Tamils will return home from camps~~~Jun 25 (PTI) Sri Lanka on Wednesday assured India that it would ensure that Tamils, displaced during the military operations against LTTE, return to their homes after their camps are dismantled within six months. The assurance was conveyed by a high-level Sri Lankan delegation which included Basil Rajapaksa, President's Special Envoy and G B Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, which met foreign minister S M Krishna here. zzz03186869
http://news.anglican.ca/news/stories/2080~~~Primate writes PM on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 25 (ACC) What follows is the text of a letter by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Anglican Primate, to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In the letter, the Primate, writing on behalf of the House of Bishops, urges the government to "assume leadership roles in international efforts to guarantee and protect the civil liberties of Sri Lankans at this critical time." Dear Prime Minister Harper, We, the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, write to urge the Government of Canada to assume leadership roles in zzz03186870
http://asiantribune.com/06/25/thai-business-shows-enthusiasm-in-ivesting-in-sri-lanka-as-peace-returns-to-the-country/~~~Thai business shows enthusiasm in ivesting in Sri Lanka as peace returns to the country~~~Jun 25 (AT) Thailand said it “fully supports” the security measures taken by Sri Lanka to bring normalcy to the country and its foreign ministry was ready to help coordinate any assistance that Colombo may require in the reconstruction effort. Thailand’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Panich Vikitsreth said so in discussions with the visiting Sri Lankan Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok.zzz03186865
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/elmo-jayawardenas-sams-story-a-look-into-ravaged-sri-lanka/95393-40.html~~~Elmo Jayawardena's Sam's Story~~~Jun 25 (IANS) The year is 2001. And the country is Sri Lanka. Sam, a dim witted boy, ekes out an existence with his mother, brothers and sisters in a tiny village that has fallen off the map. His fortunes change when he gets a job as a houseboy in Colombo. But life is not a cakewalk as ethnic violence grips Sri Lanka. Sam is the window to the social and political landscape of Sri Lanka, ravaged by violence for 15 years, in Elmo Jayawardena's award-winning book, Sam's Story, zzz03186872
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/25/stories/2009062550150200.htm~~~Media not highlighting the human tragedy in Sri Lanka: filmmaker ~~~Jun 25 (Hindu) “The media has been generally shy of highlighting the magnitude of the human tragedy in Sri Lanka during the long civil war. Even after the defeat of the LTTE, the whole of the island nation is under military control. Human rights are violated and journalists are assaulted and imprisoned,” says S. Somatheeran, a Sri Lankan journalist participating in the ongoing International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala. zzz03186874
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=772076211~~~Asiri Hospital targets expat market~~~Jun 25 (LBO) Asiri Surgical Hospital has launched a round-the-clock emergency care service targeting expatriate Sri Lankans who have relatives in the island, an official said. Ashok Pathirage, managing director, Asiri group, said the service was aimed particularly at Sri Lankans living and working overseas who had to care for elderly parents in the island. "This service is especially targeted at expatriates," said Pathirage.zzz03186876
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090625/jsp/sports/story_11156300.jsp~~~Dilshan likes to be an opener~~~Jun 25 (AP) Tillekaratne Dilshan, whose innovative batting earned him the player of the tournament award in the recently concluded World Twenty20, says opening the innings has provided a late spark in his career. “I feel happy and proud about becoming the player of the series in a World Cup,” Dilshan told reporters on returning home on Wednesday after finishing runners-up in the tournament.zzz03186875
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/devananda-undisputed-leader-of-nation.html~~~Devananda – undisputed leader of the nation~~~Jun 25 (LG) The United Peoples Freedom Alliance is poised to win the forthcoming Municipal Council Elections due to support lended by Minister Douglas Devananda. Minister Douglas Devananda’s popularity was seen on Wedneday, June 24 when thousands of men, women and children flocked around him shouting “Amaicher Devananda Vaalga”(which means in Tamil that they support Minister Devananda). zzz03186877
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/devils-with-scriptures.html~~~The devils with the Scriptures! ~~~Jun 25 (LG) The Westminster style of government and the democratic ideals it represented, the system of dispensation of justice, the ‘audi alteram partem’ rule, fair trials, humanitarian aspects and consolidation of high standards, are all ingredients for the cake of five-star democracy which the West, particularly the Americans and the British, baked for others to taste. They were the self-appointed watch dogs in this respect for the rest of the world. zzz03186878
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-minister-rohitha-bogollagama.html~~~Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama rebuked~~~Jun 25 (LG) The Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Rohita Bogollagama received an official rebuke from the President by not allowing him to lead an important delegation visit to India. According to news reports, Sri Lanka's top leadership team comprising of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse, President’s Secretary Basil Rajapakse and Lalith Wiretunge have met the India's top officials on Wednesday. zzz03186879
http://asiantribune.com/06/25/sri-lanka-red-cross-provides-scholarships/~~~Sri Lanka Red Cross provides scholarships~~~Jun 25 (AT) Serving in Sri Lanka for the past 73 years Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) that engaged in serving the public primarily by providing first aid and emergency health services is now poised to assist students from the less privileged families who have obtained excellent results in their examinations to pursue higher education with annual grants. Deviating from their regular role, SLRCS, having met the many needs ofzzz03186880
http://asiantribune.com/06/25/tamil-tiger-mobs-attack-sri-lankan-cricket-fans-after-the-icc-twenty-20-final/~~~Tamil Tiger mobs attack Sri Lankan Cricket fans after the ICC Twenty 20 Final~~~Jun 25 (AT) Several Sri Lankans were attacked by Tamil Tiger mobs in London soon after the ICC Twenty20 Final cricket match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on 21st (Sunday) June 2009. These despicable incidents were happened near the main gate (Taverns Stand entrance) of the Lord’s Cricket ground despite the police presence. So far eight such incidents had been reported and 16 youths were injured. zzz03186881
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Move_to_implicate_Muslims___white_wash_TMVP-20-1110.html~~~Move to implicate Muslims & white wash TMVP~~~Jun 25 (PSM) Attempts are made to attribute the crimes committed by TMVP in Batticloa district to Muslims youths by vested elements. Meanwhile, Two TMVP members of Mawadivembu who were wanted by the police on robbery charges surrendered to Eravur Police yesterday morning. They had allegedly attempted to rob some houses in the area but went missing when the villagers were out to capture them. zzz03186882
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29649~~~TNA submits nomination list for local elections in North~~~Jun 25 (TN) TNA Jaffna district parliamentarian, Mavai Senathirajah submitted Thursday the list of TNA nomination list of 29 candidates contesting Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) election with Mudiyappu Remedius, a leading lawyer and a human rights activist as its principal candidate, under ‘House’ symbol of Ilangkaith Thamizh Arasuk Kadchi. The list includes one Muslim and four women candidates. zzz03186883
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29647~~~Wholesale attack on Jaffna newspapers~~~Jun 25 (TN) All the local newspapers of Jaffna that defied publishing an anonymous and defiling notice against the LTTE came under attack by an armed group in the early hours of Thursday. The notice was brought out in the name of 'Tamil Front Protecting the Country' allegedly linked to a paramilitary group operating with Colombo. Thousands of copies of the local newspapers, Valampuri, Uthayan and Thinakkural (Jaffna edition), were burnt down zzz03186884
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29651~~~SLMC, independent group lists rejected in Jaffna~~~Jun 25 (TN) The election authorities in Jaffna rejected the lists of SLMC) and an independent group headed by Arumugam Sellathurai to contest for the Jaffna Municipal Council elections as the lists were not complying with requirements of documentation, officials in Jaffna said Thursday. It is a statuary requirement that at least 12 of the candidates should be below the age of 35 and the rejected groups failed zzz03186885
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=1~~~European Commission places conditions for Sri Lanka to avail of grant ~~~Jun 25 (SLW) Five million Euros allocated by the European Commission to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people following the civil war is welcome. In the overall handling of this kind of assistance whether foreign or local, these efforts should be on a partnership basis dove-tailing into whatever the Government of Sri Lanka has undertaken on such a massive scale. zzz03186887
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10327&Itemid=44~~~Heroin haul hidden in artificial potatos ~~~Jun 25 (GDI) The Customs yesterday blew the lid off a novel method smuggle in heroin into the country when they made a raid at the Orugodawatte RSK Yard and detected over two kilos of heroin concealed in artifial potatos inside a 40 foot container. The heroin was valued over Rs.12 million. They said that the raid made a break for investigators to probe novel methods adopted by drug barons to smuggle narcotics into the country.zzz03186890
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10332&Itemid=44~~~Dengue combat program decentralised ~~~Jun 25 (GDI) Ten Deputy Directors General of the Health Ministry have been appointed to coordinate the Dengue prevention programmes in ten selected districts and it is expected to spend Rs. 6.8 million on dengue prevention programmes. This decision was taken at a discussion held last evening chaired by Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva. At the discussion, the minister commended dengue prevention programmes implemented so far and said they should be further strengthened.zzz03186889
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10334&Itemid=44~~~Promotion of National Integration through religious and cultural activities Multi Cultural show ~~~Jun 25 (GDI) National Integration programme Unit (NIPU) funtioning under the Ministry of Constitunal Affairs and National Intergration has designed a Multi Cultural Show for the Promotion of better understanding among communities through artistic and aesthetic activities. The show will be held on the 29th June 2009 at the Rehabilitation Centre for Ex-Combatants, Ambepussa.zzz03186896
http://www.upiasia.com/Politics/2009/06/24/early_fruits_of_peace_in_sri_lanka/9969/~~~Early fruits of peace in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 25 (UPI) The fruits of the government's decisive military victory over the LTTE, with regard to improving the lives of the people, are already becoming evident. The government's sweeping announcement that all restrictions on fishing in the northern seas have been removed is welcome news to the people in the north. The government also announced that the A9 Highway would open for the transport of commercial items.zzz03186891
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2577:the-police-reprimanded-for-not-apprehending-suspects-of-nandana-balage-murder&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~The Police reprimanded for not apprehending suspects of Nandana Balage murder ~~~Jun 25 (LT) The suspects of the murder of JVP member Nandana Balage were able to obtain bail within a short period of 16 days due to the bias of police officers said the counsel for the plaintiffs when the case was heard before Additional District Judge. He said failure to apprehend the driver of the double cab involved in the murder and the two vans that were present at the murder scene is good proof that zzz03186906
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2575:student-from-london-has-swine-flu-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Student from London has ‘swine flu’ ~~~Jun 25 (LT) Laboratory tests carried out in Colombo have revealed that an eighteen year old student who had arrived from London has been infected with Swine flu (New Influenza – H1N1). The student studying in London arrived in Sri Lanka on the 22nd and has got himself admited to IDH at Angoda complaining of fever. At present four patients identified with New Influenza – H1N1 are being treated at IDH, Angoda and zzz03186893
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2569:champikas-dharma-rajya-levies-tax-for-meditation&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Champika’s ‘Dharma Rajya’ levies tax for meditation ~~~Jun 25 (LT) The Department of Forest Conservation under the Ministry of Environment has introduced a new tax scheme for forest hermitages. According to this new scheme tax would be levied according to land area of the hermitage. Accordingly, if the area of the hermitage is less than two acres the assessment tax would be Rs.250.00, Rs.300.00 would be levied for every acre that is from 3 to 5 acres and Rs.500.00 for every acre when the hermitage has more than five acres. zzz03186894
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2566:citizenship-to-29489-sri-lankans-in-tamil-nadu-refugee-camps&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Citizenship to 29,489 Sri Lankans in Tamil Nadu refugee camps ~~~Jun 25 (LT) An interim report was presented to the Parliament yesterday on 29,489 Sri Lankans living in 117 refugee camps in India as “stateless” people who are to be awarded citizenship in Sri Lanka and resettle them said Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with bringing back Sri Lankans of Indian origin living in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, JVP MP Ramalingam Chandrasekar. zzz03186899
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2563:joseph-michael-perera-resigns-from-negombo&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Joseph Michael Perera resigns from Negombo ~~~Jun 25 (LT) Chief Whip of the Opposition, UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera has resigned from the post of chief organizer of the UNP in Negombo. According to reliable sources Mr. Perera has handed over the letter of resignation through Secretary General of the UNP Tisa Attanayake to party Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe who has accepted Mr. Perera’s resignation. zzz03186886
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2066:tholangamuwa-bus-van-collision-kills-six-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Tholangamuwa bus-van collision kills six ~~~Jun 25 (LP) A private bus and a van collided at Tholangamuwa, Warakapola last evening killing six people. Over 15 others have received injuries due to the accident and the conditions of 12 injured are critical. It is reported that there are 04 children among the injured. Four people have died immediately and two others succumbed to their injuries after they were admitted to hospital. Among the dead were 03 females and 03 males.zzz03186897
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090625_02~~~Undercover LTTE agent gunned down~~~Jun 25 (MoD) Soldiers gunned down an undercover LTTE cadre at Iyattalai in Jaffna last morning. According to the defence sources, troops detected the terrorist during a special search conducted in the Kodikamam area. The search operation was launched on civilian information revealing terrorists presence in the area. "As the troops passing IYATTALAI area around 8.00 a.m., troops observed one suspect hiding himself behind a bush and attempting to throw a hand grenade towards them.zzz03186898
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45207.html~~~Govt. must think of the challenges and country's problems instead of endless celebrations and self glorification~~~Jun 25 (LNP) The war victory does not give cause to the Govt. to celebrate and for the President to use it to self glorify forever. There are greater challenges and urgent burning problems of the people to solve as they made the greatest sacrifices enduring all the hardships imposed by the Govt. blaming on the war while the Forces made their sacrifices in the field , said S.B. Dissanayake zzz03186900
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45200.html~~~Our losing battle against corruption~~~Jun 25 (LNP) The main reason why Sri Lanka failed to win her war on terror for nearly three decades was that she never made an attempt to account for terrorist leaders. The military was made to launch much advertised large scale operations scores of miles away from Prabhakaran`s bunker. The country under successive governments naturally suffered more losses than victories. The inevitable outcome was that terrorism thrived and grew resistant to traditional remedies. zzz03186901
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 3~~~zzz03186904
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_24_004.html~~~Astrologer arrested~~~Jun 25 (LNW) 'Irudina' astrology columist, Chandrasiri Bandara has been arrested by the officers of the CID, yesterday night at his home at Thalawathugoda. Mr. Bandara was taken away by the CID officers, saying that they need to clarify a news article which was published in weekend sinhala news paper 'Irudina'- a sister paper of " Sunday Leader". Mr. Bandara was the key speaker of the workshop held recently, organised by the Media & Propaganda Committe of UNP, zzz03186902
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2070&Itemid=51~~~Deadly Dengue deprives a young mother of her life ~~~Jun 25 (LP) 28 year old pregnant mother, Sewwandi Agalawatta in Weligalla Udunuwara who was suffering from dengue fever died after delivering her baby at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital on 23rd of June. When contacted Preradeniya Teaching Hospital sources disclosed that the victim to Dengue the young mother of 29 had died on 23rd and death certificate received on the 24th at Teaching Hospital. zzz03186903
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15605&size=A~~~Politicians, intellectuals join forces against authoritarian presidency and dictatorial constitution~~~Jun 25 (AN) Sri Lanka is run by an authoritarian presidency under a dictatorial constitution, this according to Platform for Freedom (PFF), a group that includes opposition lawmakers, civil society groups, human rights activists and intellectuals. Some 800 representatives of the various organisations that belong to the PFF met yesterday in Negombo, north of Colombo, to express their opposition to zzz03186905
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Gotabaya+did+Defence+Studies+at+Madras+University&artid=OqjT/psPX8M=~~~Gotabaya did Defence Studies at Madras University~~~Jun 25 (EB) Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who played a pivotal role in militarily defeating the LTTE, has an MSc in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. According to the Department of Information website, Gotabaya completed a course at the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, Nilgiris, in 1983. zzz03186892
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/25/pol01.asp~~~Uva polls on August 8 ~~~Jun 25 (DN) Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake yesterday set August 8 as the date for the elections to the Uva Provincial Council. The UNP and the JVP were among the major political parties who handed in their nomination lists yesterday. All nominations had been submitted by 12 noon yesterday. Badulla Returning Officer Rohana Keerthi Dissanayake said. The UPFA had already filed their nomination papers on Tuesday.zzz03186907
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/25/fea02.asp~~~Ragging, irreparable damage to the mind ~~~Jun 25 (DN) These sessions are repeated in the morning and evening daily for almost six to seven weeks which constitute about half the 15 weeks of the first academic semester or 5.8 percent of the entire duration of stay in the University for a student following a four year special degree course. The intensity of these sessions not only create physical fatigue but also mental exhaustion often leading to a few students collapsing and having to admit to the University Health Center. zzz03186908
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/25/news21.asp~~~Twenty percent bonus interest on RFC, NRFC accounts ~~~Jun 25 (DN) The Government is seeking Parliamentary approval for a supplementary estimate of Rs. 1,500 million to meet the expenditure on the payment of 20 percent bonus interest on RFC and NRFC accounts and payment of interest premium for "Economic Resurgence Certificates." The proposal on this supplementary estimate was moved in Parliament yesterday by the Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardene. zzz03186909
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/25/news30.asp~~~Facelift for Northern archaeological sites ~~~Jun 25 (DN) A committee comprising leading archaeologists in the country, representatives of ministries and directors of Cultural and Archeology Departments, will be appointed by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka, to protect and rehabilitate archaeological sites in the North. The Prime Minister has agreed to initiate, implement and monitor projects for the management of archaeological sites and historic monuments in the Northzzz03186913
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/news2.html~~~FM’s foreign travel costs Rs 10,512,716~~~Jun 25 (Island) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has spent Rs. 10,512,716 for 25 visits abroad since January 2008 upto last month, Parliament was told. Of this amount Rs. 10,188,617 has been spent on airfaire and the balance of Rs. 324,099 had beent spent as other expenses, Foreign Minister Bogollagama told Parliament. The highest amount Rs. 19,598,79 was spent on his visit to Brazil on 12/9/2008. zzz03186916
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/business1.html~~~Hot air over USD 50 million Indian loan~~~Jun 25 (Island) State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday (24) told parliament that the National Savings Bank had borrowed US dollar 50 million from India’s ICICI Bank and had lent it to the government. Minister Siyamabalapitiya answering a question raised by UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake said the loan was borrowed on October 22, 2007.zzz03186912
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/news10.html~~~Wimal warns of Opp. bid to exploit IDP issue at Northern polls~~~Jun 25 (Island) National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, MP, on Tuesday (June 23) accused the UNP-led opposition of making a political issue out of displaced civilians accommodated in welfare camps in Vavuniya and Jaffna districts. He said that the opposition would cause a furore over the issue, thereby paving the way for international interference. zzz03186911
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/news12.html~~~Speaker regrets any pain of mind caused to Minister Siyambalapitiya~~~Jun 25 (Island) Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara yesterday said that he regretted if there was any pain of mind caused to State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya by a statement made by JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake on previous day. JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake on Tuesday made a statement in Parliament alleging that Minister Siyambalapitiya had recommended the granting permission to re-open a liquor shop shut down by the Excise Department. zzz03186914
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52922~~~Highway going at snail’s pace: DM~~~Jun 25 (DM) Taking a swipe at the slow construction work of the proposed highways Plantation Industries Minister D.M. Jayaratne said in Parliament yesterday that delays in constructing these highways were unjustifiable. “One cannot understand as to why the relevant authorities are taking so much time to build these highways,” the Minister said speaking during the debate on the Road Development Authority Amendment Bill, in the House yesterday. zzz03186910
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52918~~~VAT case: Witness remanded~~~Jun 25 (DM) A witness in the country’s biggest VAT fraud case of Rs. 3.9 billion was remanded by the Colombo High Court yesterday for allegedly giving false evidence. High Court Judge Sunil Rajapaksa remanded the prosecution witness Mohamed Housain Nirshak, following an application made by Deputy Solicitor General Buwaneka Aluvihare who complained that the witness was giving false evidence.zzz03186915
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52892~~~Lokuge holds up media manager~~~Jun 25 (DM) Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) important media manager’s post has been turned into a joke with Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge holding back the appointment of former television host Brian Thomas, the Daily Mirror learns. Thomas’ was unanimously picked by Sri Lanka Cricket as its new media manager from as many as 40 applicants but Lokuge, the virtual de facto SLC head, has put on hold approval for Thomas.zzz03186917
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52911~~~Grant Tamils, the status enjoyed before independence: William~~~Jun 25 (DM) Newly appointed TNA MP Thomas William in Parliament yesterday called on the government to grant the Tamils, the status they enjoyed before the country gained independence. Speaking during the debate on the Road Development Authority (Amendment Bill) in the House yesterday Mr. William said all communities in this country could co-exist peacefully as Sri Lankans if such status was granted to Tamils.zzz03186918
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1632953353~~~Bank of Ceylon expands services to refugees~~~Jun 25 (LBO) Bank of Ceylon has expanded its services inside camps housing nearly 280,000 refugees in the north of the island, adding mobile computerized branches housed in shipping containers. Last week the bank added four retail units to its existing branch in the Manik Farm refugee camp complex in the northern Vavuniya district. "These are fully fledged semi-permanent banking units that even have automated teller machines (ATM) facilities," zzz03186919
http://arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=124001&d=25&m=6&y=2009&pix=community.jpg&category=Features%22~~~New life after LTTE rout~~~Jun 25 (AN) Minister Keheliya Rambukwella sat down with Arab News recently to talk about government priorities following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers. “We want to give the members of the Tamil community jobs both inside and outside Sri Lanka since they have been victims of the war and they were practically immobilized in rebel-held territories in the north and east of the island for a considerable period of time,” he said. zzz03186920
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0625/1224249508242.html~~~A way out for Sri Lanka's child soldiers~~~Jun 25 (IT) Ranjendran has the acne and somewhat awkward gait of many a 17-year-old schoolboy. He has already completed is O-Levels and is studying for his A-Level examinations, the local equivalent of the Leaving Certificate. He says he would like to be a teacher in the future, an aspiration that possibly comes from having his own childhood brutally cut short. Ranjendran pulls up his sleeve to reveal a fearful scar arching down his forearm, just below the elbow. zzz03186921
no~~~Uthuru Mithuru - "Yal Devi" train~~~zzz03186923
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINCOL42369620090625?sp=true~~~Solving inequality Sri Lanka's next challenge~~~Jun 25 (Reuters) President Mahinda Rajapaksa won a 25-year war with the Tamil Tigers long viewed as unwinnable, but now faces the challenge of reducing social and economic inequality that fueled that war and other insurgencies. The effective end in May of the Tamil Tigers' rebellion is no guarantee of long-term peace unless the government can also deal with the root causes that linked the Tiger fight with two bloody Marxist uprisings, analysts say.zzz03186922
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE55O25720090625?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka sets date for first post-war polls~~~Jun 25 (Reuters) Sri Lanka on August 8 will hold elections for the first time since declaring victory over the Tamil Tigers last month, the government said on Thursday. The local government polls will take place in Jaffna and Vavuniya, two cities that were at the periphery of the territory controlled by the LTTE for most of the 25-year separatist war. The upcoming elections are aimed at entrenching a civilian administration in an area wracked by war for decades. zzz03186924
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15613&size=A~~~Six priests held prisoner and in solitary confinement in refugee camps~~~Jun 25 (AN) Six Catholic priests are kept in isolation in the camps of Sri Lanka. The bishop of Jaffna has requested their release, but has not yet received any response from the Ministry of Defense. A humanitarian worker working in the fields in which 300 thousand displaced persons live tells their story and denounces the disappearance of three government doctors who had circulated the figures of the dead during the last days of war between the army and Tamil Tigers. zzz03186897.1
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aFwdZLOy37a8~~~Sri Lanka lifts travel alerts after defeating rebels ~~~Jun 25 (BN) Sri Lanka is lifting travel alerts for the country after the defeat of the rebel LTTE as it wants to attract tourists to the South Asian island, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. “We have ended the need for travel advisories that crippled tourism,” Rajapaksa said. “With terrorism defeated after three decades, our people can now travel freely. Tourists should have no fear to visit our attractions.” zzz03186927
http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=46214~~~Depressed prices lead to downturn in Coconut industry~~~Jun 26 (FP) President of the Coconut Growers’Association, (CGA) Parakrama Jayatilleke said concerns facing the industry would be discussed at the CGA AGM at the BMICH on the 27th of this month. He said there were substantial depressants causing serious dissent among coconut growers which led to dangerous consequences to the industry; more importantly that many such coconut land owners would eventually be lead to penury.zzz03186928
http://www.isria.com/pages/25_June_2009_93.htm~~~Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral ties with Slovenia ~~~Jun 26 (ISRIA) The importance of bilateral interests as opposed to multilateral compulsions in shaping relations between two countries was underscored by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during his discussion with Miklavz Borstnik, Charge d’ Affaires of Slovenia, who is on a two day visit to Sri Lanka coinciding with the National Day of Slovenia. The Minister observed that strong bonds of friendship within the international community would be zzz03186929
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10342&Itemid=51~~~Summary of Cabinet Decisions ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Finance and Planning Mahinda Rajapaksa to extend the service of the two rating agencies namely, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) as per the advise given by the Attorney General, to authorize the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to sing agreements with the two rating agencies on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and zzz03186930
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10338&Itemid=44~~~Our Lady of Madhu feast on August 15 ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Catholics will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Madhu on August 15 under state patronage and all arrangements have been made to hold the "Annual Madhu Feast" on a grand scale, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said. The Catholic community in the country have expressed their gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government and the Armed Forces for liberating the nation from terrorism zzz03186933
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10339&Itemid=44~~~Foreign employment goes to East today ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) will open a new office in the East to promote foreign employment opportunities to the people in those areas, a news release issued by the Government Information Department said today. A centre to train personnel in vocations suitable for overseas employment will be an additional feature in this promotion scheme meant to educate the eastern people on values of zzz03186931
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2582:clandestine-trip-by-rajapakses-to-india-is-suspicious--somawansa-amarasinghe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Clandestine trip by Rajapakses to India is suspicious'~~~Jun 26 (LT) The clandestine tour carried out by Basil Rajapakse, Gotabhaya Rajapakse and other senior government officials is very suspicious says Leader of the JVP Somawansa Amarasinghe. He said this addressing a rally held under the theme “Tigers have been defeated – Here’s the path to develop the Motherland” at Anuradhapura yesterday (24th). zzz03186932
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Parliament-passes-chief-of-defence-staff-bill/3282.htm~~~Parliament passes chief-of-defence-staff bill~~~Jun 26 (CT) Parliament today (June 25) passed with amendments a bill that introduces the chief-of-defence-staff position for the armed forces. Prime minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake presented this bill 16 days ago. According to the bill, the CDS will be responsible for the coordination of activities between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry. The CDS shall, subject to the discretion of the President, hold office for a term of two years. zzz03186934
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/15-year-schoolgirl-raped-&-killed--Eheliyagoda/3260.htm~~~15-year schoolgirl raped & killed ~~~Jun 26 (CT) A 15-year old student of Ellawala Maha Vidyalaya in Eheliyagoda has been abducted, raped and killed in a jungle area in Ellawala, police say. The victim, identified as Kushani Piyumi Madhushika, was returning home after a prefects' meeting after school hours when the incident occurred. She has a twin brother as well as two other siblings. Though the assailant had hurled the dead body over a cliff, it has got stuck among tree roots of the hill.zzz03186935
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29652~~~Burning of newspapers doesn't augur well for free elections: TNA~~~Jun 26 (TN) "We do not believe that the elections are going to be free and fair. The burning of newspapers on the eve of nominations raises a big question about the circumstances under which the elections are going to be conducted," said TNA Parliamentarians Mavai Senathirajah and Suresh Premachandran at a press conference Thursday afternoon after tending nominations for the Jaffna Municipal Council elections. zzz03186936
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29655~~~Tamil woman journalist abducted, later released~~~Jun 26 (TN) Tamil journalist, Ms Krishni Kandasamy, was abducted by unidentified persons in a white van Wednesday morning from Wattala in Colombo division, and was released later in the evening the same day in Kandy in the central province after being interrogated. She had been working for a leading Tamil daily published from Colombo, Virakesari, for 10 years, according to complaints lodged with the Wattala Police. zzz03186937
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29654~~~JMC election feared to be violence-filled - TNA~~~Jun 26 (TN) ”The first election related violence of the burning of Tamil dailies in Jaffna Thursday morning heralds similar violence to be faced in the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) election,” Mavai Senathirajah and Suresh Premachandran, Jaffna district parliamentarians, said to the media after submitting TNA nomination list Thursday to the election officer at Jaffna Secretariat. zzz03186938
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200906251712.htm~~~Sri Lanka issue: TN CM calls for unity among State parties ~~~Jun 26 (PTI) Lamenting the "differences" among political parties in Tamil Nadu over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday called for "unity at least henceforth" to work for the Tamils not only in the island nation but all over the world. Mr. Karunanidhi was replying to a calling attention motion in the State Assembly on the fate of the European ship M V Captain Ali zzz03186939
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-won-win-peace-democracy-economy---Mangala/3259.htm~~~President won't win peace, democracy, economy - Mangala~~~Jun 26 (CT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa may have won the war against the LTTE, but he won’t be able to win peace, democracy, economy and the international community, said SLFP Mahajana Wing leader Mangala Samaraweera. Speaking to the media at his party head office, Mr. Samaraweera said that after the Army won the war, the country’s rulers have an unfulfilled task of creating a prosperous nation.zzz03186940
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6686613.html~~~Sri Lankan FM to visit China~~~Jun 26 (Xinhua) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will pay an official visit to China from July 1 to 5 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement here Thursday at a regular press conference. Qin highlighted the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka, noting that the two had already forged a comprehensive and cooperative partnership. zzz03186941
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/25/catholic-churches-get-government-cash-grants/~~~Catholic churches get government cash grants~~~Jun 26 (UCAN) The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has welcomed cash grants from the government to develop church facilities in the country. "The Church is thankful to the government for its donations to restore places of Catholic pilgrimage," said Bishop Anthony Leopold Raymond Peiris of Kurunegala. Two shrines have been awarded grants in his diocese. St. Anne's Shrine is to build a new hostel for priests and zzz03186942
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/25/requiem-mass-held-for-lost-generation/~~~Requiem Mass held for 'lost generation'~~~Jun 26 (UCAN) Physically and mentally battered Tamils recently attended a requiem Mass for the thousands who died in the 25-year civil war in the country. "We have lost a generation," said Rajan Seemanpillai, 69, a mourner at Jaffna cathedral. Five of his family members died in the war and he says he cannot even see surviving family members who are now in distant refugee camps. The memorial service in St Mary's cathedral in the northern city was held on June 20, zzz03186943
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Reactivation-press-council-not-curb-media---media-minister/3266.htm~~~'Reactivation of press council, not to curb media'~~~Jun 26 (CT) Media minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has stressed that the reactivation of the Press Council was not intended at curbing or censoring the media. Speaking to the media, he responded to a remark on the issue made by UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena. According to the minister, the Press Council has been reactivated on a proposal by UNP MPs to the parliamentary committee on public enterprises. zzz03186944
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=ayaxQ.buXnXs~~~Lanka IOC to spend $30 million on outlets as civil war ends~~~Jun 26 (BN) Lanka IOC Plc, a unit of India’s largest oil refiner, plans to spend $30 million to double the number of its retail outlets and benefit from a revival in the South Asian island’s economy after the end of the civil war. The Indian Oil Corp. unit aims to add 35 to 40 fuel stations annually over four years to cater to an expected rise in diesel and gasoline demand after the government declared victory over rebels zzz03186945
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 4~~~zzz03186946
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906252221.htm~~~US to press for political reconciliation in Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (PTI) Observing that a lot needs to be done in Sri Lanka, Obama Administration's point man for South Asia today said the US would continue to press for the "political reconciliation" with the ethnic Tamil community. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said there has been an improvement in access to the internally displaced persons after the end of the war between the Tamil Tigers and Lankan security forces. zzz03186947
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-25-voa14.cfm~~~Sri Lankan media groups ask Govt not to re-establish powerful media council ~~~Jun 26 (VOA) In Sri Lanka, media groups have asked the government to scrap moves to re-establish a media panel which could jail journalists. The reactivation of the Press Council is being seen as a means to control the media in a country where concerns have been voiced about intimidation and pressure on reporters critical of the government. The government's move to revive the powerful Press Council was announced by the media minister, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.zzz03186948
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/26/content_11602677.htm~~~Sri Lanka calls for defects correction in world financial system ~~~Jun 26 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka on Thursday called on the international community to correct the defects of the existing world financial system in order to support sustainable economic development and international market stability. The statement came as G.L. Peris, minister of export development and international trade, was addressing the high-level UN meeting on the current world financial and economic crisis and its impact on development. zzz03186949
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/8116689.stm~~~Cornish surfers off to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (BBC) Around 40 surfers from Cornwall are heading to Sri Lanka for a special UK Pro Surf Tour Champion of Champions contest that starts on 1 July. Surfers will travel to Aragum Bay, renowned as one of the best point breaks in the world. The event coincides with a visit from Cornish-based charity 'Surf Relief' who are going to revisit projects they have set up in the local community. Surf Relief was formed in 2005 to help people affected by the Asian tsunami. zzz03186950
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/sri-lanka-beware-of-those-who-play-a-different-tune-now/~~~Beware of those who play a different tune now~~~Jun 26 (AT) In an interview with The Sunday Island last week, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that an influential section of print and electronic media which worked overtime against the government as it battled the LTTE during the past three years, had now switched sides. According to the Defence Secretary, those who now fill pages with stories and pictures of battlefield victories did precious little when the LTTE remained strong.zzz03186951
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/sri-lanka-small-miracle-%e2%80%93-sri-lanka-tourism%e2%80%99s-new-brand-launched/~~~Sri Lanka Small Miracle – Sri Lanka Tourism’s new brand launched~~~Jun 26 (AT) Sri Lanka Tourism officially launched its new logo and tagline “Sri Lanka Small Miracle” today, ushering in a new era for Sri Lanka Tourism. The rebranding is an integral part of the repositioning strategy of Sri Lanka Tourism, and comes at an opportune time with the dawning of a new era of peace in Sri Lanka, where there are much expectations and opportunities in the tourism industry.zzz03186952
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/jackson/index.html~~~Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50~~~Jun 26 (CNN) Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed. He was 50. He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, zzz03186953
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sinhalese-tamils-and-sri-lankaneed-for.html~~~Sinhalese, Tamils and Sri Lanka:Need for a paradigm shift ~~~Jun 26 (LG) The war between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka is over. The pursuit of an independent Tamil Eelam- an illusion- initially floated by the democratic political leadership of the Tamils, thereafter passionately pursued by various militant-terrorist groups, including the LTTE and finally carried forward in a highly organized, but fatally flawed manner by the LTTE, has proved to be just what it was- just an illusion! zzz03186954
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/778.htm~~~Assistant secretary of the state calls for resettlement, elections~~~Jun 26 (IL) Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, assured a capacity Georgia State University library crowd Monday that his nation’s recent victory over the LTTE terrorists will ensure human rights and prosperity for all Sri Lankans, especially those harmed by a quarter century of conflict. Ambassador Robert Blake, new Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia told at the hearing of the Congressional Subcommittee on South Asia,zzz03186955
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/South-Asia/Once-a-Tiger-spy-18-yr-old-seeks-normal-life/articleshow/4704273.cms~~~Once a Tiger spy, 18-yr-old seeks normal life~~~Jun 26 (TOI) In the deep war-ravaged Wanni jungles in the north, he was used to the full-throated cries of ‘Puligalin Thaagam, Tamil Eelath Thayagam’ (The Tigers thirst for Tamil Eelam homeland). Today, the battle cry has been pushed into the deep recesses of his scarred mind. At a rehabilitation camp in Ambepussa, 60km from Colombo, on a scenic terrain girdled by hills, he wakes up at 5.30am every day and sings the Sri Lankan national anthem in Sinhalese, zzz03186956
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/india-agrees-to-send-more-de-mining-teams-to-northern-sl/~~~India agrees to send more de-mining teams to Northern SL~~~Jun 26 (AT) On a ‘request’ from Sri Lanka government, India has agreed to increase its de-mining teams by eight. “The Indian government earlier agreed to send four teams but now on the request made to them, they are trying to increase the number by 8”, said Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Advisor to President, who was here in Delhi along with his brother, defence secretary Gothbaya Rajapaksa and Lalith Weertunga, Secretary to the President for talks withzzz03186979
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/tna-harking-back-to-colonial-era/~~~TNA harking back to colonial era~~~Jun 26 (AT) Newly appointed TNA MP Thomas William has urged the government to restore the status Tamils enjoyed under the British. His name too sounds more British than Sri Lankan. What exactly does William mean by the ‘status’ Tamils enjoyed in the pre-independence era? All we know is the Jaffna Tamil elite – and for that matter sections of the Sinhala elite too – enjoyed privileged positions during the colonial rule. zzz03186957
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/addiction-to-drugs-major-health-problem.html~~~Addiction to drugs: A major health problem in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (LG) The United Nations, has declared " 1991 to 2000 as a decade against narcotic drug abuse." The official theme of the U.N was the need for, mobilising communities to prevent drug abuse. Politicians, Parents, Religious and Lay Leaders, the community must bond together to arrest this dangerous trend of increasing drug addiction by youth and school children.zzz03186959
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10345&Itemid=44~~~Electronic Identification: SLFP breaks into ‘Electronic Age’ ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members will be issued with electronic party identity cards. The new electronic identification system was launched on Wednesday (23) at a ceremony held at Temple Trees and SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena presented the first electronic identity card to incumbent SLFP leader President Mahinda Rajapaksa. zzz03186960
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10346&Itemid=44~~~Swine Flu on slow rise but under control ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) “Another two more Swine Flu patients have been reported in Colombo. Both patients are from Australia, and with these two patients the total number of the affected in Sri Lanka has risen to ten,” Dr. Geetani Wickremasinghe said. “There’s no reason to be panic stricken. If identified soon they could be cured. Four of the patients were cured, but six are still receiving treatments at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Angoda,” zzz03186962
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10352&Itemid=44~~~'Special Economic Centers to be set up in the North'~~~Jun 26 (GDI) 'Negenahira Udanaya’ and ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ underline northern agricultural, industrial and cultural Renaissance, and to fulfill such great aspirations, Special Economic Centers will be set up in the North to market their agricultural products, Minister Bandula Gunawardhana said. “The inflation ratio will be maintained as a single digit as it has been, and it’s a great economic victory for the government,”zzz03186961
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10353&Itemid=44~~~UK invests on Cement and Fertilizer industries ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Two British entrepreneurs expressed their interest in setting up their industrial ventures in Sri Lanka. AML Products, a UK based conglomerate, will invest money in partnership with Sterling Investments and Development Lanka Limited and D M L Holdings Limited. Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to both Sri Lankan companies to work to manufacture in collaboration with their British investor.zzz03186963
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10354&Itemid=44~~~Rs. 36.4 million allocated for tsunami orphans ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) An amount exceeding 36.4 million rupees have been spent on tsunami orphaned children who lost their parents or guardians, Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana told parliament today. He said the 'Mahinda Chinthana' concept clearly mentioned that such a fund will be established. Accordingly, 689 tsunami orphans receive concessions from the fund, the Minister added.zzz03186964
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10355&Itemid=44~~~BOI signals go ahead: Three garments project, supply chain and poly packaging set up ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) The Board of Investment granted approval for three companies go ahead with their investments amounting Rs. 171 million. Apparels, supply chain and packaging are the core expertise of the prospective companies and BOI expects more job opportunities for unemployed youth from these projects. The agreements on behalf of the BOI were signed by BOI Chairman Dhammika Perera and zzz03186965
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/34518/2009/05/25-155455-1.htm~~~Not a pretty sight: the row over Sri Lanka's camp toilets ~~~Jun 26 (AN) Ever since the final days of Sri Lanka's offensive against the Tamil Tigers sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing, aid agencies have been struggling to cope with the needs of the displaced. Add to that the operational restrictions imposed by the authorities, and it has been a challenging environment to work in. Not helping matters is a standoff between the government and the NGO community that is manifesting itself in the local media. zzz03186966
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00281.htm~~~Sri Lanka - The World Has Moved On~~~Jun 26 (Scoop) As with other dramatic and often bloody developments that capture the world’s major media players, (and thereby our own attention), from time to time, the short-lived but intense focus on events in the tiny island state of Sri Lanka has subsided. We should not expect the media to continue to supply us with further developments ,following the violent end to a bloody civil war which has racked the country since zzz03186971
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=1~~~New Zealand parliamentarian Honourable Locke is anything but honourable ~~~Jun 26 (SLW) On June 16, the Honourable Keith Locke, Member of Parliament representing the Green Party rose from his bench and made a speech that was everything a South Island Kea (Nestor notabilis) would have uttered had it flown to Wanni or had conversations with the pro-LTTE Diaspora in New Zealand. He had certainly not made his research before reflecting whatever that was told to him obviously from the pro-LTTE Diaspora and zzz03186968
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2585:lets-cultivate-project-eats-up-159-billion-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~“Let’s cultivate…” project eats up 159 billion ~~~Jun 26 (LT) In the year 2008, the year “Api wawamu – Rata nagamu” (Let’s cultivate and build Motherland) project was implemented the government has spent Rs.159.34 billion to import food stuff. In 2007, when the project was introduced, only Rs.101.46 billion had been spent to import food. Accordingly in 2008 the year the government intended to fully implement the project Rs.57.87 billion more was spent which is an increase of 57%.zzz03186971
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2587:special-discussion-held-at-temple-trees-yesterday-25th-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Make use of Cuban technology to suppress dengue – The Presidednt ~~~Jun 26 (LT) The President has instructed officials of the Ministry of Health and local government institutions to take immediate measures to get down the bacteria used in Cuba to suppress dengue spreading mosquitoes. As many local government councils did not have proper places to dump garbage the President instructed the relevant officials to take over the lands that are used at present to dump garbage. zzz03186970
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 5~~~zzz03186969
no~~~4 more LTTE submarines hidden in M'tivu seas~~~Jun 26 (CT) The military has received information about four more submarines of the LTTE hidden in the seas off Mullivaikkal in Mullaitivu, reports said. Tiger cadres who had surrendered to the Army from welfare camps in Vavuniya had revealed about the existence of these submarines. The Navy is planning to use its divers to search for these submarines. One LTTE submarine was found in Mullaitivu on information provided by an arrested Tiger cadre.zzz03186972
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/fea11.asp~~~Environmental crisis - Root of the global economic downturn ~~~Jun 26 (DN) According to these tired systems the chief indicate of development is the growth of the GDP. Engaging in unchanging industrial jobs, shifting away from labour intensive jobs, pending large amounts of time in physically non-taxing activities, constructing homes and establishments that far exceed actual requirements, building and using larger and larger vehicles, constructing wider and wider roads to run them on, zzz03186973
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/news01.asp~~~Govt takes over garbage grounds ~~~Jun 26 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ordered officials to take over all garbage dumping grounds maintained by the Local Government institutions under Government supervision in terms of the Emergency Regulations. The President made this Order at a meeting with health authorities to discuss Health Ministry initiatives to control the dengue menace. zzz03186993
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/bus02.asp~~~Sri Lanka should strike oil soon ~~~Jun 26 (DN) It is expected that Sri Lanka will strike oil in the near future as Cairn Lanka (Pvt) Limited is in the process of completing the detailed study to facilitate its efforts, a senior official from Cairn India said. “The support given by the Government in this endeavour is very encouraging. We received its fullest cooperation and we are happy with the progress,” he said. zzz03186975
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/news11.asp~~~Organic fertilizer to the fore ~~~Jun 26 (DN) The Government is now in the process of promoting organic fertilizer for agriculture and plantation sectors to cut down chemical fertilizer imports by 25 percent in the next three years. This is an initiative taken by the Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Ministry. Sri Lanka imports Rs 6 billion worth of chemical fertilizer to the country annually and the Government plans to curtail chemical imports by 25 percent in the next three years,zzz03186976
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/26/news3.html~~~Irate nurses drop their uniforms: Protest a flop, says Ministry~~~Jun 26 (Island) Nurses attached to five government hospitals yesterday reported for duty in casuals to protest against the government’s failure to provide them with their annual uniform allowance on time. Anura Jayamanna, General Secretary of the ACNU yesterday said that nurses at the National Hospital, the Ragama Teaching Hospital, the Eye Hospital and Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children joined yesterday’s protest. zzz03186977
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/26/business1.html~~~Samurdhi benefits politicians more than the poor~~~Jun 26 (Island) In Sri Lanka, while a small shock can push many to below the poverty line and those already poor below to extreme poverty, the social safety net programme designed to lift them up is actually a safety net for politicians, a recent conference of academics and economists highlighted. The Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies, Dr. Saman Kelegama said that a small shock to Sri Lanka’s economy, zzz03186978
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/26/features1.html~~~'We are not living in the Elara - Dutugemunu era'~~~Jun 26 (Island) Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been a consistent advocate of the devolution of power throughout his political career. A political activist since his university days, Senaratne, over a career spanning four decades, has been both on the political left as well as the political right. But what has never changed is his attitude towards the devolution of power. zzz03186958
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/26/news1.html~~~Dealing with media: Speaker regrets repeal of draconian laws~~~Jun 26 (Island) Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara yesterday said Parliamentarians’ decision to repeal laws necessary to take punitive action against misbehaving journalists had been one of the most foolish moves on their part. He said that their decision to relinquish parliamentary powers had been wrong and it had caused an erosion of the supreme powers of the House.zzz03186980
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6552&sec=3&t=6545~~~Time’s ripe for a more co-operative South Asia~~~Jun 26 (ANN) A matter for relief among those advocating a more cooperative and positively-oriented South Asia, is the relative absence of ‘India -bashing’ among volatile sections in Sri Lanka, despite India figuring prominently in Lankan affairs, in the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent military effort to crush the LTTE and the issues arising from it. This is a far cry from the mid eighties, for instance, when wanton criticism of India in Sri Lanka, reached a shrill crescendo.zzz03186981
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1525328422~~~Seylan to be bailed out by public institutions~~~Jun 26 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Seylan Bank will be bailed out with the help of money from state institutions while a bid from a private investor was rejected because it did not meet ownership limits, the Central Bank said. The Central Bank, which is the banking regulator, said in a stock exchange filing that Seylan will issue shares to raise 3.0 billion rupees with support from state institutions. zzz03186982
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53012~~~SLIC scam: Vasu wants action against VIPs ~~~Jun 26 (DM) Consequent to the landmark judgment to return the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to the government, the petitioner in this case and presidential adviser Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday urged relevant state institutions to take legal action against those responsible for the controversial transaction. Mr. Nanayakkara’s attorneys Abdeen Associates in letters to the Deputy Inspector General, the CID,zzz03186986
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53009~~~UNP foresees danger~~~Jun 26 (DM) The main opposition UNP said yesterday the newly passed Chief of Defence Staff Bill would deprive those from the civil service the opportunity of being appointed as Defence Secretary. UNP front-liner John Amaratunga told parliament that the Chief of Defence Staff post which already exists would be given legal status through this legislation. He said the person who held this post would be answerable to the Defence Secretary, and zzz03186985
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53013~~~Police hunt for killer ~~~Jun 26 (DM) Four police teams from Ehiliyagoda and Ratnapura were deployed by Ratnapura SSP Kithsiri Ganegama to arrest the person or the persons responsible for the brutal murder of Pumi Madhushika Jayasinghe (a Grade 10 student of Ellawala Maha Vidyalaya, Eheliyagoda) that sent a shock wave across the area last Wednesday. Pumi, the youngest in her family, was a bright student of Ellawala Maha Vidyalaya and a prefect of the school. zzz03186984
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53011~~~FR filed to cancel oil hedging payments ~~~Jun 26 (DM) A fundamental rights application was filed in the Supreme Court opposing the payments being made to five banks on the controversial petroleum hedging deals entered into by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). The well-known public interest litigant Nihal Sri Ameresekere filed this application citing the CPC, Treasury Secretary Sumith Abeysinghe, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commercial Bank and People’s bank, and zzz03186987
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1417381548~~~Sri Lanka new port cargo assured by Indian growth: official~~~Jun 26 (LBO) A contract to build a new container terminal in Sri Lanka's Colombo port, despite delays, will be awarded before the year-end, and the facility will be assured of cargo given Indian growth, a senior official said. Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrama said that although India had begun expanding her own ports, Colombo's new port would still get enough cargo as only a small share of India's trade was still containerized. zzz03186988
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29659~~~Jaffna GA seeks contesting parties' cooperation in JMC election~~~Jun 26 (TN) ”If the contestants in Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) election need security measures for their safety they can request the Jaffna Secretariat authorities and the requests, if deemed genuine, will be considered favourably in consultation with the Election Commissioner,” Jaffna Government Agent, K. Ganesh, informed in the press meet held Thursday evening following the submission of nomination lists. zzz03186989
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2590:sangaree-hakeem-rejected-in-northern-polls&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Sangaree, Hakeem Rejected in Northern Polls ~~~Jun 26 (LT) The nomination lists of two main parties, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) headed by V. Anandasangaree and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) for Northern polls have been rejected. According to the Additional District Elections Commissioner in Vavuniya, S. Karunanidhi, the nomination list for TULF in Vavuniya District was rejected due to a discrepancy in a signature of a nominee. zzz03186990
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090626/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_astrologer~~~Police arrest Sri Lanka astrologer for prediction~~~Jun 26 (AP) Sri Lankan police say they have arrested a popular astrologer for publicly predicting President Mahinda Rajapaksa's imminent ouster from office. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera confirmed Friday that Chandrasiri Bandara has been arrested so police could investigate the source of his prediction. Bandara has a popular weekly television show and writes a column for a pro-opposition newspaper. zzz03186991
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8120427.stm~~~Post-war Sri Lanka vote date set ~~~Jun 26 (BBC) The first elections since the end of Sri Lanka's war will take place in two cities of the war-ravaged north on 8 August, the government has confirmed. The municipal polls in Jaffna and Vavuniya will be their first local vote in more than a decade. They are being billed as another step towards normal life, but there are still many security problems there. In May Sri Lanka's army defeated Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for the ethnic Tamil minority. zzz03186992
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 6~~~zzz03186974
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/aiadmk-mdmk-stage-walk-out-over-sri-lankan-tamil-issue_100209878.html~~~AIADMK, MDMK stage walk out over Sri Lankan Tamil issue~~~Jun 26 (IANS) The opposition AIADMK and MDMK Friday staged a walk out from the Tamil Nadu assembly protesting the speaker’s decision to not allow them to speak on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. When AIADMK’s Jayakumar said the island nation had violated international war norms by killing around 50,000 people in the final assault phase of the ethnic war, Speaker R. Avudaiappan intervened and said the notice to discuss the issue was given to him only Thursday. zzz03186978.2
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slel-j26.shtml~~~Government stages sham local elections~~~Jun 27 (wsws) The government is preparing to hold local council elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya, two towns in the island’s north where, until last month, the army was fighting a communal war against the separatist LTTE. Having destroyed the last pockets of LTTE resistance, President Mahinda Rajapakse has called the elections for August 8 to provide a democratic façade for a permanent military occupation andzzz03186995
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/656957~~~On the hunt for Tamil Tigers' new leader~~~Jun 27 (TS) Sri Lanka's government spent much of the past quarter-century on the hunt for Velupillai Prabhakaran, the short, stocky leader of the Tamil Tigers whose death last month seemed to herald an end to the island country's on-again, off-again civil war. Yet weeks after his shattered corpse was shown on TV, Sri Lankan authorities remain on the prowl, searching for Prabhakaran's shadowy successor, a man of whom there are few photographs and zzz03186996
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121198.stm~~~Sri Lanka camp young 'malnourished' ~~~Jun 27 (BBC) The high rate of malnutrition reported among children in camps for displaced people in Sri Lanka is a cause for concern, a senior UN official says. The UN's representative on children and armed conflict told the BBC's Sinhala service that the government should set up special feeding programmes. Her comments come after a Sri Lankan charity said 5,000 children in the camps are malnourished. zzz03187001
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10358&Itemid=44~~~Rice millers to get further concessions ~~~Jun 27 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa instructed the Chairmen of People's Bank and the Bank of Ceylon to lower the interest rate for temporary loans extended to rice millers across the country from the present rate of 22.5%. The President made this decision subsequent to a meeting with representatives of the Rice Millers' Association today. The President also promised that the Nation Building Tax levied on rice millers will be reduced from 3% to 1.5%. zzz03186998
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10359&Itemid=44~~~'Press Council legislation can be adopted in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 27 (GDI) It’s highly expedient for us to adopt contemporary press council legislation enacted in other countries, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament. Though journalists enjoy unlimited rights in reporting, it naturally becomes counterproductive when they employ their rights to harm the reputation of others. In the light of this danger, there must be an institution regulating such injustices.zzz03186999
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10360&Itemid=51~~~New Chairman and Board of SLIC appointed by President~~~Jun 27 (GDI) In a bid to strengthen the insurance sector in the country, and to streamline insurance for the benefit of citizens, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today appointed a high caliber Board of Directors to the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation that comprised top professionals in both the state and private sector. The seven member board comprises top caliber professionals ranging from Economists,zzz03186997
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/779.htm~~~Be genuine in your wish for peace~~~Jun 27 (IL) The recently released Special Report #32 of the University Teachers for Human Rights (Jaffna) UTHR(J) A Marred Victory and a Defeat Pregnant with Foreboding, is comparable to Monday morning quarterbacking, as they say in the US. The UTHR(J) report's ostensible purpose is to expose and highlight the "wrong" or "questionable" techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) implemented by the Government and the Security Forces in zzz03187000
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=552253278~~~Sri Lanka drafts new rules for marine tourism~~~Jun 27 (LBO) Sri Lanka is drafting new rules to protect the marine environment with tourist ventures such as whale and dolphin watching expected to become big business with the end of the war, a senior official said. Tourism ministry secretary K A D George Michael said the government was aware of the importance of safeguards to protect the marine habitat and ensure sustainable tourism practices. zzz03187002
http://www.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/410589.html?CMP=OTC-RSS~~~Sri Lanka Cricket plans tri-series~~~Jun 27 (CI) Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand are set to play a triangular series in Sri Lanka during August, ahead of the Champions Trophy. The tournament, which would be an unscheduled one in Sri Lanka's cricket calendar, is expected to take place from August 4 or 6 as New Zealand's tour draws to a close. The tournament is the result of discussions with Indian and New Zealand officials during the ICC meeting at Lord's this week.zzz03187003
http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/410569.html~~~Maharoof picked for Pakistan tour opener~~~Jun 27 (CI) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 13-man squad to face Pakistan in a three-day warm-up game in Colombo starting June 29. The squad includes ICC World Twenty20 discards Farveez Maharoof, Chamara Kapugedera, Upul Tharanga and Dilhara Fernando. Maharoof was a part of the Twenty20 squad in England but did not get a game. Kapugedera, Tharanga and Fernando have been in Sri Lanka's ODI squad over the past few years but were overlooked for the Twenty20. zzz03187004
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-appoints-committee-decide-policies-opposition-alliance/3324.htm~~~UNP appoints committee to decide policies for opposition alliance~~~Jun 27 (CT) The UNP has appointed a seven-member committee to formulate policy decisions of the party towards the creation of a wider opposition alliance. The politburo of the party has approved the formation of such a union for a new programme for the betterment of the country. The politburo met under the chairmanship of deputy UNP leader Karu Jayasuriya at ‘Sirikotha’ today (June 26).zzz03187005
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Doctors-not-returning-from-overseas-training-be-prosecuted/3317.htm~~~Doctors not returning from overseas training to be prosecuted~~~Jun 27 (CT) The Health Ministry has decided to initiate legal action against specialist doctors who have not returned from advanced training overseas at the expense of the state. Quoting deputy director general of health services Dr. Terrance de Silva, ‘Ravaya’ reports that 30 doctors are accordingly to be brought to book. Doctors failing to return from overseas training are required to pay Rs. 400,000 per year of the training period to the state. zzz03187007
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sinhalese-majority-should-apologize-Tamil-minority---Lakshman-Seneviratne/3326.htm~~~Sinhalese majority should apologize to Tamil minority - Lakshman Seneviratne~~~Jun 27 (CT) UNP MP Lakshman Seneviratne says the majority Sinhalese community should tender an apology in brotherhood to the Tamil minority for the wrongs committed against them in the past.He made this remark at a media briefing at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo today (June 26). Mr. Seneviratne said that the Tamils would likewise apologize to the Sinhalese for their wrongs. zzz03187006
http://www.upiasia.com/Human_Rights/2009/06/26/sri_lanka_authorities_complicit_in_torture/2896/~~~Sri Lanka authorities complicit in torture~~~Jun 27 (UPI) The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is recognized annually on June 26, devoted to the promotion of a torture-free world. It is also a day when achievements to eliminate torture are evaluated. In the case of Sri Lanka, the practice of torture has increased rather than being reduced. Some might argue that the increase was due to the intensification of the conflict between the LTTE and the government, thereforezzz03187009
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/27/stories/2009062754581100.htm~~~A move to gag press, say Sri Lankan media ~~~Jun 27 (Hindu) The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish Press Council with powers to fine and imprison print journalists and argued that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working. Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors’ Guild, have written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa saying media culture should not be based on charging, fining and jailing journalists.zzz03187010
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/australian-jurist-dowd-exposed-as-tiger.html~~~Australian jurist, Dowd, exposed as a Tiger propagandist ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Dear Sir, Your litany of complaints against the Sri Lankan government, reproduced predictably in the TamilNet (June 25,2009) -- the leading propaganda medium of the Tamil Tigers -- indicate to me that you have fallen for the “big lie” (your phrase) propagated by the rag-tag remnants of the defunct Tamil Tigers in Australia, some of whom have been the primary sources that had financed the Tiger killing machine responsible for zzz03187011
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-minister-addresses.html~~~Foreign Minister addresses international conference on trade ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama was the Chief Guest at the International Conference on Trade Facilitation held today (26) by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Minister Bogollagam in his remarks highlighted that the Sri Lanka Government, by defeating LTTE terrorism, has brought about an environment that is conducive for the greater growth of the economy. zzz03187012
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/misfired-great-game-of-norwegian.html~~~Misfired “ Great Game” of the Norwegian foreign office ?(UD) ~~~Jun 27 (LG) From hindsight, 1999 year was an ill-fated one for Lanka. That’s when; the Norwegian Dy. Foreign Minister Vidar Helgersen surfaced in Colombo, and offered Norway’s unstinted support to the natives, so they can resolve their problems. The 24th January 1999 issue of ‘The Sunday Observer’ relayed his joyful massage to the dense Lankans.(External Link)zzz03187013
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40633820090626?sp=true~~~Sri Lanka says critical juncture for IMF loan~~~Jun 27 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's post-war reconciliation process needs international financial support, its trade minister said on Friday, urging swift action on Colombo's request for a $1.9 billion International Monetary Fund loan. G.L. Peiris, Sri Lanka's minister of export development and international trade, said it would be "wholly counterproductive" to deny Colombo resources as it moves to heal wounds zzz03187014
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/27/stories/2009062754390800.htm~~~Misapplying R2P in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 27 (Hindu) Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, was one of the most incisive legal minds of his generation. A former president of the Oxford Union, he made significant contributions to the ILO and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, among other entities. Whoever met him, as I did, could not help but be impressed with his knowledge of international affairs, his passion for peace in his homeland, and his razor-sharp intellect.zzz03187015
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=1~~~Father Don Camillo and Mayor Peppone enigma of Tiger terror politics ~~~Jun 27 (SLW) Asia News, a website that has a selective focus on events and happenings around the world with a heavy leaning on the Vatican takes a strong exception to four Catholic priests from the Diocese of Jaffna and two Oblate missionaries of Mary Immaculate being held for inquiry. They were among the very last of those who joined the final batch of evacuees from the No Fire Zone. zzz03187016
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=185100~~~Sri Lanka sees scope for trade expansion~~~Jun 27 (TIN) Sri Lankan High Commissioner Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Jayalath Weerakkody has said in the presence of a free trade agreement, there is a vast scope for expansion of two-way trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Business opportunities with Sri Lanka under the Free Trade Agreement’, jointly organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on Friday. zzz03187017
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/sinhala_and_tamils_where_do_we.html~~~Sinhala and Tamils: Where do we go from here?~~~Jun 27 (TC) All that was predicted and feared/anticipated depending where you are standing has come to pass. The ‘Dutugemunu Principle’ has peaked and the policy of 60 years has come to fruition. The Sinhalese have come a full circle and stand victorious and united with their writ running from North to South, East to West, as was in the time of the great king 2000 years ago. History has repeated itself in eerie fashion.zzz03187018
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/26/trial-of-the-potato-farmer/#more-1274~~~Trial of the Potato Farmer~~~Jun 27 (GV) A trial takes place in a tent at the foot of the mountain. It is me, your potato farmer on trial. Accused of being an intellectual who failed to play a role in stemming the growth of nationalism; thereby contributing to crimes committed on potato soil. This is no ordinary trial. There is only one participant: prosecutor, accused, judge and jury are all the same — me.zzz03187019
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/27/the-politics-of-post-war-sri-lanka/~~~The Politics of Post-War Sri Lanka~~~Jun 27 (GV) As Paul Berman once wrote, “somewhere in the world it is always 1941”. There comes a time in the life of every society when it is faced with an existential threat or challenge. It is the social forces or elements that rise up to this challenge and successfully overcome this threat that then have the power as well as the legitimacy to place their stamp on what comes after.zzz03187020
no~~~Mother Lanka patriotic poem~~~zzz03187021
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-buddhists.html~~~The Tamil Buddhists ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Today, the Palk Strait which lies between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan land masses, is seen as a divider, separating two different distinct ethnicities, religions, cultures and political entities but there was a phase in history when Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka enjoyed very close ties, thanks to a shared interest in Buddhism. During the early period, the Palk Strait was not seen as a divider but it was a unifier. zzz03187022
http://asiantribune.com/06/27/industrial-technology-institute-plays-a-significant-role-in-sri-lanka%e2%80%99s-future-economic-development/~~~Industrial Technology Institute plays a significant role in economic development~~~Jun 27 (AT) “The scientists in the ITI should take the challenge of using the relevant type of research and technology and forge ahead to be the leader in the world. This journey cannot be taken in isolation; we must merge and work in harmony with the society to ensure maximum results”. Professor Tissa Vitarana, Minister of Science & Technology said so at the ceremony held at Thalahena, Malabe, to lay foundation stone tozzz03187023
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090626/bs_wl_afp/ussrilankaeconomyimfrefugees~~~Sri Lanka accuses IMF of playing politics~~~Jun 27 (AFP) Sri Lanka on Friday accused the International Monetary Fund of politicizing financial aid following the fund's delay in considering a 1.9 billion dollar bailout for the war-ravaged economy. "Never ever has the IMF taken political factors into account. Now, it seems for the first time they are doing that -- indirectly," Sri Lanka?s trade minister G.L. Peiris told AFP in Washington ahead of talks with fund officials.zzz03187024
http://calcoastnews.com/news.php?viewStory=172186~~~Local lawyer runs questionable charity~~~Jun 27 (CCN) A local attorney takes out more than 60 percent of monies donated to a nonprofit he oversees before sending the remaining monies to a self declared cleric alleged to have defrauded donors from throughout the world, according to tax documents and news sources. Founded in 2001 by San Luis Obispo attorney Eric Parkinson, VeAhavta’s stated mission is to “lovingly nurture the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of orphans and zzz03187025
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slcm-j27.shtml~~~The tragic journey of a displaced Tamil family~~~Jun 27 (wsws) On June 24, Supreme Court held a second hearing in a case challenging the violation of the basic legal rights of Tamil civilians interned in military-controlled camps in the island’s north. The case has been filed on behalf of five members of the same family who were separated in detention. The government of President Mahinda Rajapakse has incarcerated almost 300,000 Tamils who faced intense army shelling and zzz03187026
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/silent_majority_must_raise_the.html~~~Silent majority must raise their voices loudly and clearly~~~Jun 27 (TC) The tragedy of Sri Lanka has been the growth, since the mid fifties, of ethno-religious nationalism and the consequent destabilisation of our pluralist society. Over the years, our political leadership, even though perhaps realising the perils of it, went along this slippery road for political gain. It was only the Left, the old Left of Samasamajists and Communists, who initially refused to succumb to these vocal yet obscurantist forces. zzz03187027
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Forces_behind_paper_Jihad-20-1111.html~~~Forces behind paper Jihad~~~Jun 27 (PSM) Need and necessity for Muslim home guards in the East arose in 1990. It was the worst year of ethnic cleansing of Muslims both in North and in East. After ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the North by the LTTE, Muslim political leaders made representations to the govt. and introduced the home guards system to protect vulnerable and isolated Muslim villages from the LTTE and other Tamil militants. zzz03187028
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Negombo_Dy_Mayor_post_denied_to_Muslim-20-1112.html~~~Negombo Dy Mayor post denied to Muslim~~~Jun 27 (PSM) Deputy Mayor position of Negombo Municipal Council is denied for a Muslim although it was promissed to him and he was next in line in terms of preferential votes obtained at the last MC election. It was agreed before the recently concluded election to Western Provincial Council that, if the sitting Mayor Mr. Nimal Lansa is elected to the WPC, the the sitting Dy Mayor Mr.Sepala Morawaka would be appointed as Mayor andzzz03187029
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10367&Itemid=44~~~Special education program for Students in Vavuniya ~~~Jun 27 (GDI) Under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” program, the Ministry of Education is scheduled to conduct a special program focus on school children on June 30 in Vavuniya,the Education Ministry said. It is expected to provide text and pass papers to GCE A/L students and to grade 5 scholarship students in IDP welfare camps.zzz03187030
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10363&Itemid=44~~~A/Ls kicks off on August 11 ~~~Jun 27 (GDI) The GCE Advanced Level Examination 2009 starts on August 11 with 240,000 candidates sitting the examination that would go on till September 5 and the Grade 5 scholarship examination will be held on August 23 with 300,000 candidates sitting. More than 2000 examination centres throughout the island excluding Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts and 1,000 candidates from the IDP villages of the North are also among the candidates. zzz03187033
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10366&Itemid=44~~~Dengue fever swallows 153 lives ~~~Jun 27 (GDI) The number of patients who have died due to dengue fever increased to 153 and more than 12,388 have been infected so far, hospital reports said. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, the Ministry of Health is carrying out raids on dengue mosquito breeding grounds. The Ministry has appointed 10 officials to supervise the dengue control program in 10 districts where the identified 68 MOH areas are located. zzz03187034
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10373&Itemid=44~~~Search Operations in Wanni continue to recover more LTTE items~~~Jun 27 (GDI) Army troops on continuous search and clear operations in the general areas of Vellamullivaikkal, Pattikkarai, Periyamadu, Jayapuram, Selamaddukulam, Tharakulam and Pulliyanpokkanai yesterday (26) uncovered some more stocks of LTTE items including arms and explosives. Ten T-56 weapons, one compass, three Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) links, three hundred rounds of MPMG ammunition, twelve RPG bombs, zzz03187035
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7918~~~Army Commander reviews latest security situation in Wanni~~~Jun 27 (LeN) Commander of the army General Sarath Fonseka with view to reviewing the present security situation in the area flew to Vavuniya this morning (26) and met Senior Officers in the Wanni area. Commander Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) Major General Jagath Jayasuriya received the Commander at the airstrip before the Army Commander was guided to the SFHQ auditorium.zzz03187036
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45289.html~~~Repression, thy colour is white! ~~~Jun 27 (LNP) There seems to be no end to the much dreaded `white van` operations against the media. The latest victim is journalist Krishni Ifham, wife of one of The Island staffers. She was waylaid near her residence in Wattala on Wednesday morning, bundled into a white van and taken all the way to Kandy. She was interrogated on her professional work for hours before being released in the evening. zzz03187048
http://asiantribune.com/06/27/regional-confab-on-local-economic-development/~~~Regional Confab on Local Economic Development~~~Jun 27 (AT) A two day conference on The South and South-East Asia Conference on Local Economic Development (LED), organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with 170 participants concluded successfully. It was supported by ILO Enter-Growth, ILO International Training Centre, the Ministry of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, USAID funded CORE project, The Asia Foundation and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ),zzz03187038
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/27/news03.asp~~~Rs. 780 m for Badulla, Moneragala rural infrastructure development ~~~Jun 27 (DN) The accelerated development programs started in 20 backward villages in Uva Province this year would improve the living standard of the villagers. The Government has allocated Rs. 780 million in 2009 for the Moneragala and Badulla districts for the development of rural roads, drinking water supply projects, minor irrigation schemes, rural electrification, health, education and other social development programs. zzz03187037
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/27/news20.asp~~~Farmers should be saved from vicious circle - Minister ~~~Jun 27 (DN) Farmer will linger in poverty unless and until he is saved from the clutches of the mudalalis, said Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon. He said the village mudalali supplied chemicals, fertilizer and agricultural advice to the local farmers and ultimately the farmer has to sell his produce to the mudalali. This is a vicious circle which keeps the farmer under the clutches of the mudalali. zzz03187040
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/27/fea04.asp~~~Deliberate creation of chaotic events ~~~Jun 27 (DN) Another subtle strategy practiced by the student union and its leaders to achieve its dominance is the deliberate creation of chaos in the University. As the country knows well by now, creating chaos and thriving on commotions thus created both in the Universities and the country at large has been the hallmark of JVP politics since 1971. The JVP ideology is fundamentally conflict driven and reactive. So is the JVP student politics in the University. zzz03187042
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/27/fea25.asp~~~Give an ear to those who can't hear ~~~Jun 27 (DN) Niroshan asks me to describe how my bangles look like as he touches my wrists, feeling the beads and ridges on it. Nearby, Senuri asks animatedly about where I come from and if I have brought a brother or sister for her to play with. One of the supervisors Neluka told me that usually people come to visit the children only to admit their children with disabilities to school. "Not many come purposely to spend time with the children at the school", Neluka said. zzz03187043
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/27/features1.html~~~It’s trendy to shed tears for IDPs here~~~Jun 27 (Island) A £1m government scheme to help failed asylum seekers and their children return home resulted in just one family leaving Britain – BBC Headline. Could the British Government be so generous about asylum seekers and their children? Nothing like it; this is just the cost of a dismal failure. And the story reveals something more that is good for us, and BBC that ran the story, to chew on.zzz03187044
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/27/business1.html~~~Workers get raw deal from lack of defined rules ~~~Jun 27 (Island) A recent ILO study on the impact of the global economic crisis on labour and industrial relations in Sri Lanka shows that the traditional unequal bargaining power of workers has been sharply skewed in favour of employers while structural deficiencies of labour authorities has further widened the gap. "There are institutional problems at the Department of Labour. zzz03187045
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/27/news6.html~~~With white van culture, draconian media control laws not needed - Hakim~~~Jun 27 (Island) SLMC leader Rauff Hakim told Parliament yesterday that there was no need to bring in draconian legislation to suppress the media as the journalist fraternity practices self regulation. He jokingly added that there was no immediate need for press council law since there is a white van culture, obviously referring to the abduction of Inter News Journalist Krishni Ifham who was abducted in a white vanzzz03187049
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/27/news8.html~~~Profusion of imported food ads, hinders local food drive~~~Jun 27 (Island) Boosting imported food through various means will be a challenge to the local food drive. Measures should be taken to curtail the intensive publicity campaign carried out to promote imported food items, said Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa at a workshop held at the Ayurvedic Hospital of the Central Provincial Council at Pallekele on the importance of local food consumption for students.zzz03187047
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53101~~~Maj. Gen. Dias gets diplomatic appointment ~~~Jun 27 (DM) The 57-division’s Commanding officer Jagath Dias has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s Deputy Ambassador to Germany. A government official told the Daily Mirror that Major General Dias would leave the country to take over his duties soon. Major General Dias led his Division from the beginning of the Wanni operation three years ago and directed the capture of vital LTTE held areas such aszzz03187039
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53099~~~Arnold misses the Mike~~~Jun 27 (DM) Retired batsman Russel Arnold will have to wait until the end of August to secure any television contract as he is presently on a three month “cooling down” period after Sri Lanka Cricket decided to lift a ban on players who took part in the Indian Cricket League, the Daily Mirror learns. Arnold, who became a television commentator after he retired in 2007, sought a stint with Ten Sports for Sri Lanka’s home series with Pakistan and zzz03187046
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53133~~~Nimal defends curbs on media freedom~~~Jun 27 (DM) House Leader and senior Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday the media should not be allowed to enjoy unbridled freedom, claiming that Press Councils existed in most countries and should be looked at in a wider perspective. “We have seen journalists practicing their profession with so much freedom. We must also look at it from the side of the aggrieved party.zzz03187054
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53061~~~Unawatuna tourist village is gradually fading away~~~Jun 27 (DM) A coastal village of Unawatuna, a few miles off Galle, located in a lovely and attractive countryside with a beautiful sea front which has been a popular tourist destination is declining today. Thousands of people who depended on tourism and while the business community made representations in this regard to the relevant authorities is of no avail. They expressed concern for ignoring their request to restore the past glory of Unawatuna tourist village. zzz03187050
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUqDoJjF5N0tUHIqHxYRzZuFfZ9QD991T5V82~~~Analysis: Why do politicians cheat?~~~Jun 27 (AP) What is it with philandering politicians? Why do men in power — the ones on pedestals — think they are above us and can get away with cheating on their spouses, particularly when media scrutiny is so intense and peccadilloes are arguably more politically damaging than in the past? There's a long list of those who thought they could jet off to Argentina, or cruise on the Monkey Business, or check into a hotel under an assumed name orzzz03187052
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121441.stm~~~Dark tales of Tamil ex-child soldiers ~~~Jun 27 (BBC) At a camp situated on top of a hill overlooking scenic rubber and coconut plantations in Sri Lanka, more than 100 former Tamil Tiger child soldiers are undergoing a year-long rehabilitation course. Bala, who is now 17 years old, was one of the child soldiers who swelled the ranks of the feared LTTE. "LTTE cadres took me away when I was 13. First I found it hard to carry the rifle. Then I got used to it. I went to the frontline and fired at the troops," he said. zzz03187055
http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1246089615227840.xml&coll=1~~~Little Sri Lanka gets a big boost~~~Jun 27 (Silive) Manhattan has its Little Italy and now Staten Island has its Little Sri Lanka. The city plans to promote the Tompkinsville enclave during an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging residents to visit the city's "exotic" locales as a cheaper alternative this summer to out-of-town -- or even out-of-the-country -- vacations. To drive home that point, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) lunched yesterday at Dosa Garden,zzz03187051
http://www.middleeastevents.com/site/pres_dtls.asp?pid=7081~~~An adventurous tropical island getaway beckons summer fun seekers~~~Jun 27 (MEE) This summer Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holiday maker an exciting array of options. The Indian Ocean island is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for those who want a stimulating vacation to recharge their batteries and energise their outlook. Whether it's wandering calmly over the lush central highlands, hanging in a wicker basket as you gaze over the breathtaking views passing lazily beneath you, or zzz03187053
http://asiantribune.com/06/27/five-boats-25-lankan-fishermen-arrested-off-chennai/~~~Five boats, 25 Lankan fishermen arrested off Chennai~~~Jun 28 (AT) Five Sri Lankan fishing boats illegally fishing in Indian waters, about 35 nautical miles northeast of Krishnapattinam, near Andhra Pradesh, was arrested on Wednesday, and fish catch impounded. The 25 Lankan in the boats were produced before a city magistrate and were remanded to Puzhal jail. They all are Singala fishermern. The Indian coast guard ship ‘Sarang’ in coordination with a coast guard dornier aircraft while on patrol, spotted the boats. zzz03187056
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1768176026~~~People's Bank gets adequate capital, rating lifted by Fitch~~~Jun 28 (LBO) Fitch Sri Lanka has upgraded state-run People's Bank's (PB) long term rating by one notch to 'A(lka)' from 'A-(lka)' and changed its outlook to 'stable' from 'positive' at the new level, after reaching minimum capital requirements. The bank's individual rating has been revised to 'D/E' from 'E'. Its support rating has been confirmed at '4'. PB's national long-term rating has been upgraded after achieving minimum capital adequacy ratios and zzz03187057
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_turn_against_the_rapacious.html~~~The turn against the ‘rapacious West’ and the re-turn of communalism~~~Jun 28 (TC) “The rapacious West” was the epithet Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike flung at the West, feeding off the anti-imperialist fodder of the 1960s. That was during her first stint as PM and she chose the occasion of a State Banquet in Beijing to deliver the insult. J.R. Jayewardene, famous for his after dinner wit, would have cracked a few Chinese jokes. zzz03187058
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/government-in-exile-gateway-to-global.html~~~A Government in Exile the Gateway to a Global Community ~~~Jun 28 (LG) The situation in Sri Lanka has changed dramatically. Now, the Tamils are without leadership. They are victims of greater oppression with about 300,000 Tamils in internment camps. Access to the camps is denied to the world community and even to local NGOs and media by Sri Lanka. While the LTTE fought on behalf of Tamil freedom militarily, the Tamils in Sri Lanka and elsewhere faced difficult times. zzz03187059
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090628x3.html~~~Kandy, Sri Lanka: Highland jewel in an enchanted isle~~~Jun 28 (JT) The war is over, peace-building is under way, and Sri Lanka is one of the most enchanting islands you could ever imagine. There are very few destinations in the world that offer so much in such close proximity. The ancient temples, Buddhist statues and ruins are magnificent; the beaches are superb; the people are probably the most hospitable on earth; and the food is to die for.zzz03187060
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\06\28\story_28-6-2009_pg5_7~~~‘Collective efforts needed to enhance trade under FTA’~~~Jun 28 (DT) Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Jayalath Weerakkody has said there is a wide scope of expanding bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan but the current volume of trade is at the lowest ebb. Addressing a seminar on 'Business opportunities with Sri Lanka', he said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan were enjoying highly cordial relations and these ties would further be strengthened with the passage of time. zzz03187062
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/sri-lanka-western-province-governor-speaks-out/~~~Western Province governor speaks out~~~Jun 28 (AT) Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana – the fifth governor of the province since Provincial Councils were set up in the late 1980s is an outspoken man. A past student of St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4 and Zahira College, Colombo 10, he reminisced about the days when the youth were disciplined, when proper values were inculcated in children, when the young respected the elders, zzz03187061
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/u-s-state-department-travel-warning-sri-lanka-similar-to-a-police-state/~~~U.S. State Department travel warning : Sri Lanka similar to a Police State~~~Jun 28 (AT) When a volatile situation erupts in a foreign land with uncontrollable atmosphere due to political turmoil or terrorist activity the United States Department of State reserves the right to provide a travel warning to American citizens who intend travel to such foreign territories. In Sri Lanka, the US State Department warns even Anuradhapura, has been declared a ‘No Travel Zone’ for American citizens. zzz03187063
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/face-the-threat-from-rump-tigers-in-the-west-politically/~~~Face the threat from rump Tigers in the West politically~~~Jun 28 (AT) The Rajapaksa Government is seriously considering mobilizing the Sri Lankan diaspora through a governmental organization. Asian Tribune has suggested long ago that a separate ‘Ministry for Sri Lankans abroad, be set up to look after the interest of the Diasporas in the Western Countries. Already the President has appealed to the diaspora to return home and work for the development of the country. zzz03187064
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=299638&version=1&template_id=41&parent_id=23~~~Pakistan signs $2mn deal to put Lanka rail on track~~~Jun 28 (GT) The Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS) has signed a $2mn agreement with Sri Lanka for rehabilitation of railway tracks damaged in the civil war, training of railway employees and modification of the rolling stock. Under the agreement revealed yesterday, Pakistan Railway will help Sri Lanka rebuild a 250km track and 600 passenger coaches damaged in the civil war, Managing Director Mahmood Rashid said zzz03187065
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/POLITICS.HTM~~~Local authority elections in Jaffna ~~~Jun 28 (SL) There are many priorities that weigh on the minds of the people of Jaffna. The A9 road has to be opened and passenger movements to Colombo and rest of the country normalised, so as to reduce the currently experienced exorbitant costs of travel by air and sea; transport of goods must be regularised with minimal processes of security so as to avoid undue delays and the consequent rise in the prices; clearance procedures for every traveler, zzz03187066
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/investigation.HTM~~~Playing pandu with People’s money~~~Jun 28 (SL) In a fresh Supreme Court action, the public interest litigator Nihal Sri Ameresekere has petitioned the Supreme Court asking for the payments in connection with the "Hedging" deals to be cancelled. The new action cites the fresh values, having taken into account the interest that the foreign banks are seeking from international arbitrators and the High Court in London. zzz03187067
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/economy.htm~~~Caught in the debt trap~~~Jun 28 (SL) In the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s mounting debt, both domestic and foreign that had increased manyfold, the issue of financial discipline in borrowing patterns has resurfaced yet again. The Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have repeatedly highlighted Sri Lanka’s mismanagement of public funds and associated corruption while lending organisations such as the World Bank and zzz03187069
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/economy.htm~~~‘CM will not be allowed free reign’~~~Jun 28 (SL) Western Provincial Council Opposition Leader, Rosy Senanayake in an interview with The Sunday Leader spelt out the difficulties she is facing in carrying out her duties for and on behalf of those who elected her. Having garnered 80,000 votes at the last provincial council election, Rosy, says she is determined to work towards a new political culture despite zzz03187068
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009062842114~~~Availability of Sri Lankan manpower underscored ~~~Jun 28 (SG) The Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Promotion & Welfare, organized a seminar last week in the premises of the consulate that aimed at involving Saudi government and companies to enhance Sri Lankan manpower and to introduce the new policies of the Sri Lankan ministry. zzz03187070
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew1.htm~~~Govt for ‘lucky 13’~~~Jun 28 (LB) In an effort to streamline the government and give it broader scope , the government is attempting to sideline extremist elements such as the NFF and JHU in order to implement the 13th Amendment as a solution to the North and East problem, LAKBIMAnEWS reliably learns. In such a scenario the NFF headed by firebrand politician Wimal Weerawansa is likely to be deprived of the Ministerial portfolios which the government pledged to offer them, zzz03187071
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/columns/col5.htm~~~Astrologer nuts, police stark raving mad~~~Jun 28 (LB) Policing in this country is so first-rate, I tell you, that they even know what the astrologers are saying in various corners. True, the police may be quite foggy about a slew of other crimes perpetrated by real criminals but one must admit that it takes immeasurable talent to keep track of what the astrologers are saying (whilst also trying to catch real criminals). Firstly, we have so many astrologers around that Sri Lanka is practically swarming with them.zzz03187072
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~HEDGING CROOKS: Gambling and living it up...~~~Jun 28 (LB) A public interest activist has asked the Supreme Court to direct Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) to remit back to Sri Lanka more than US$ 100 million transferred out between December 2008 and April 2009 in violation of a Central Bank directive barring SCB from making such remittances in relation to the controversial hedging agreement. In a petition filed on Thursday, Nihal Sri Ameresekere says SCB had ignored directions given by the Monetary Board of the Central Bankzzz03187073
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe8.htm~~~MP protect Colombo’s rapists and murderers~~~Jun 28 (LB) “Farji” was the most talked about underworld figure during the recently concluded Western provincial council election. Maligawatta is the headquarter the gang. Farji was very much in news during elections for his unbridled terror campaign. In all his efforts, he was aided and abetted by politicians. He was travelling in and around Colombo in luxury vehicles and was fully armed. But the police, though aware, did not take any action to stop him. zzz03187074
no~~~Elephant Transit Camp~~~zzz03187075
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=171016194~~~Sri Lanka trade bemoans lack of Customs automation~~~June 28 (LBO) Sri Lankan freight forwarders have complained that the lack of Customs automation is a serious obstacle to improving efficiency of trade and achieving the island's aim of becoming a logistics hub. "Progress in the implementation of Customs automation is rather disappointing," said Ruwan Waidyaratne, the outgoing chairman of the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association. zzz03187076
http://tamilweek.com/news-features/archives/1592~~~Abducted Tamil journalist tells of mother’s anguish~~~June 28 (TW) Yet another a journalist was kidnapped last week near her home in the capital Colombo. She was held for a day by people claiming to be the police. Krishni Ifham, a mother of two children is a Tamil reporter who works for media development NGO Internews. She said the kidnappers had warned her to give up journalism altogether, according to BBC. Krishni’s remarks about her ordeal, published in the Sunday Times of June 28th tell the zzz03187078
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/pol01.asp~~~‘Election fever’ in Jaffna ~~~June 28 (SO) Jaffna is caught up with election fever after many years with political parties holding several public rallies. For more than a decade Jaffna based political parties were unable to engage in any form of election-related activities due to LTTE threats in Jaffna. Following the submission of nomination papers, the political parties in the fray have begun their campaigns, holding meetings with loud speakers echoing for long hours in the night. zzz03187080
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/spe01.asp~~~Fighter pilots flirted with danger ~~~June 28 (SO) It was a bright and yet another usual day for all except the two `top guns’ of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Knowing that they were flying to bomb an important location, Group Captain Sajeewa Hendawitharane was air borne from Katunayake sharp at 5.30 am. Within 25 minutes they came closer to the `prey’. The MiG 27, the `weapon’ that flew at 1,000 km per hour and 18,500 feet above the ground took a surprise move. zzz03187079
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/imp01.asp~~~Fallow lands to come under plough ~~~June 28 (SO) A recent Agriculture Ministry survey has revealed that a large number of uncultivated lands is still existing due to the negligence of the owners. The Government has decided to grant the temporary ownership of such lands to people who are interested in turning them into cultivable lands. Agriculture Minister Maithripala Sirisena, when interviewed on the progress of the “National Food Week”,zzz03187077
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/new13.asp~~~MRI probes cranes' deaths ~~~June 28 (SO) The National Medical Research Institute resumed investigations on the deaths of the cranes around the Hambegamuwa Tank. The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry with the MOH Office of Thanamalwila under the supervision of the Veterinary Surgeon of the area has resumed investigations following the sudden deaths of a few cranes in the Hambegamuwa Tank in Moneragala recently. On hearing about the incident, the Public Health Unit took steps to inform the Health Minister. zzz03187081
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7927~~~Eelam 2.0 the transnational government~~~June 28 (LeN) With the fall of the final pocket of land under LTTE control and the death of the organisation’s founder and leader, the LTTE’s visions of a separate state seem to have been consigned firmly to history. Sri Lanka’s separatists have proved themselves time and time again to be eternal optimists predicting a sudden resurgence of the LTTE just days before Pirapaharan’s body was pulled out from the Nandikadal Lagoon.zzz03187084
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7926~~~Grave threat to DEMOCRACY~~~June 28 (LeN) In 1973 when the draconian Press Council Bill was passed in Parliament an independent English language newspaper headlined it—“ Mephistopheles claims the soul”—referring to the evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul in the 19th century German legend. Last week this law was reactivated setting off alarm bells as to whether Sri Lanka was going back to the era of the infamous D. E.M.O’ CRACY. obituary, and the cremation of the father of Truth and Liberty.zzz03187083
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/13th-amendment-indo-lanka-sovereignty.html~~~The 13th Amendment, Indo-Lanka, Sovereignty ~~~June 28 (LG) Prof Senaka Bandaranaike discerns a pattern in Sri Lankan history of being ahead of the rest of the subcontinent but never being able to achieve a decisive breakthrough and sustain it. This happened at least three times, he once said in a lecture I attended. We now have a second chance. It is as if we have obtained a second Independence, when we were ahead of the game in the rest of Asia but we then blew it. Let’s not blow it yet again. zzz03187085
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/viva-devolution-13-plus.html~~~Viva devolution 13 plus! ~~~June 28 (LG) Maha Rajano issued a decree sometime back forcing a simple division in society. We were told that there should be only two types of humans here: patriots and non-patriots. Accordingly a patriot was a person who stood for the war, and those who wanted peace and a political solution to the Tamil national problem, were non-patriots. On the side of the so-called patriots were chauvinists, communalists, liberals, democrats, rationalists, Che Guevarists, zzz03187087
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-are-best-and-greatest-through.html~~~We are the best and greatest through conning! ~~~June 28 (LG) For more than two years we have been wondering whether the Mahinda Chinthanaya (Mahinda’s Philosophy), has been more successful than that of great philosophers and founders of great religions to stop people from drinking. It was presumably the heavy consumption of liquor that induced Mahinda Rajapakse to inaugurate the ‘Mathata Titha’ (Full stop to intoxication) campaign soon after taking office, zzz03187086
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10377&Itemid=44~~~New Archbishop to be inducted on Aug 5 ~~~June 28 (GDI) The newly appointed Archbishop of Colombo, Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Rangith, an ardent mover to promote inter-faith in Sri Lanka will assume the Holy See as Head of the Catholic Church, Sri Lanka on August 5. The installation ceremony of the new Archbishop will take place at St.Lucia's Cathedral, Kotahena,Colombo at 9.00 am before the distinguished gathering of devotees and invitees.zzz03187082
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10374&Itemid=44~~~A programme to regulate land administration at district level ~~~June 28 (GDI) The Government has taken steps to implement a programme to regulate land administration at district level with district secretariats placed in charge. Measures will be taken to protect data recorded at district secretariats regarding all lands, Minister of Public Administration, Dr. Sarath Amunugama announced. He pointed out that a number of problems have surfaced pertaining to gem lands. zzz03187088
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10375&Itemid=44~~~National energy development ~~~June 28 (GDI) The Ministry of Power and Energy has designed a National energy plan for the development of wind and bio mass energy resource to reach 10% by the year 2016. In this move the government has approved a proposal by minister W.D.J. Seneverathane for Sri Lanka to be come a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The development of indigenous renewable energy is the key solution to zzz03187090
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10376&Itemid=44~~~'Mathata Thitha' on a successful journey ~~~June 28 (GDI) The 'Mathata Thitha' (Halt to Drug Menace) program initiated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to rid the nation of the drug menace,looked to proceed in a positive and effective direction,according statistics on drug related arrests in 2008. Drug related offences indicated a 35 per cent decrease in 2008 compared to figures of the previous year 2007. 61 per cent of total arrests made in 2008 were at 30 year age group and zzz03187092
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/the-surreal-island/~~~The Surreal Island~~~June 28 (AT) Arresting an astrologer for making a prediction – that was another First for the Rajapakse administration! According to media reports, Chandrasiri Bandara, a well known astrologer, is being questioned by the CID for predicting the imminent ouster of President Rajapakse. Are we to conclude that, henceforth, only predictions favourable to the Rajapakses will be allowed? In Sri Lanka astrologers have been predicting everything and its opposite, politically, forever. zzz03187091
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45311.html~~~Still active prominant leader `Col. Ram` operating from the forests: KP~~~June 28 (LNP) The LTTE`s new chief Selvaraja Padmanathan says the group is giving up violence and adopting a non-violent agenda to secure the political rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka. In an exclusive email interview to Indian News media, Padmanathan said one of the priorities of the Tamil Tigers would be to push for revoking the international ban on it. Excerpts from the interview: zzz03187089
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/18-extremist-Muslim-groups--Kattankudy/3366.htm~~~18 extremist Muslim groups in Kattankudy~~~June 28 (CT) Police have gathered information that indicates the existence of 18 extremist Muslim groups operating at Kattankudy in Batticaloa, ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ reports. Quoting a senior police official, the newspaper said these groups have been identified by their names, and details of the weapons they are also known to the police. Among the firearms they use are around 400 T-56 rifles, between 40 and 50 AK-47 rifles, around 50 pistols, zzz03187093
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2598:dengue-breeding-pattern-has-changed&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Dengue’ breeding pattern has changed ~~~June 28 (LT) In a communique issued by the Ministry of Health it is stated that dengue mosquitoe has changed its pattern of breeding. According to this communique instead of coconut shells, plastic utensils and gutters where rain water gets collected, the new tendency is to use building sites. concrete roofs and slabs as breeding grounds. As these places cannot be conveniently inspected the campaign to eradicate dungue has been made impossible state ministry sources. zzz03187096
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2599:politician-from-central-province-bolts-when-link-to-ltte-was-revealed&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Politician from Central Province bolts when link to LTTE was revealed ~~~June 28 (LT) A politician from the Central Province has bolted the country even before his links to the tiger terrorist organization were revealed say reports. The politican who was always with a senior politicaan of the government forcefully owned Hingurana Sugar factory. The governemnt intelligence unit has received information that the relevant politician has supplied arrack produced at Hingurana factory to tiger controlled areas without zzz03187095
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/news1.htm~~~Jaffna products reach Colombo~~~June 28 (NS) In a clear sign of growing North-South commerce 28 lorry loads of northern produce, including two freezer truck loads of famed crabs and prawns were dispatched to Colombo from there early this week. Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganesh revealed last night that because of the growing demand they have now decided to keep the road open for private goods convoys every other day compared to every ten days earlier.zzz03187097
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/news2.htm~~~NFF gets ministerial posts this week~~~June 28 (NS) Ending months of speculation, the National Freedom Front sources said yesterday that NFF MPs Nandana Gunathilake and Piyasiri Wijenayake will be sworn in as ministers next week. However they ruled out the possibility of their Chairman Wimal Weerawansa accepting any ministerial portfolios. “We have been offered a Cabinet and a non cabinet post and MPs Nandana Gunathilake and Piyasiri Wijenayake have been nominated by the party. zzz03187099
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/mynation.htm~~~Election time is here again!~~~June 28 (NS) It is elections galore as the country comes to terms with the end of the Eelam war and the latest contest up for grabs is the Uva provincial council, elections which will be held on August 8, perhaps not co-incidentally the same day on which polls are being held for the local authorities in Jaffna and Vavuniya. It is perhaps fair to pose the question as to whether any purpose will be served by the Uva provincial poll,zzz03187098
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/eyefea1.htm~~~IDPs get a second chance ~~~June 28 (NS) Last week I had the opportunity of visiting Kadiragamar Transitional Relief Village (KTRV) attached to the Menik Farm IDP camp. In the last few months I had read hundreds of news stories and saw thousands of pictures that gave me the notion that these relief villages were no better than concentration camps and I went there to see misery and suffering. But to my surprise I did not see starving children and miserable mothers who were totally dependant on government aid but zzz03187100
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/inter3.htm~~~'Devolution of power within a unitary state'~~~June 28 (NS) With the military defeat of the LTTE now the debate over devolution of power has taken a different turn. The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) though it was not literally an all party body due to the conspicuous absence of some of the main political parties in it has already come up with some proposals aimed at a political solution to the north and east.zzz03187094
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news1.html~~~Insurance Corp, BOC and NSB to take Seylan equity~~~Jun 28 (Island) The Insurance Corporation of Sri Lanka (ICSL), now back in government hands following a Supreme Court judgment, will join the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and the National Savings Bank (NSB) in infusing new capital into the Seylan Bank further stabilizing that institution which successfully weathered a run on its deposits following the Golden Key collapse, authoritative official sources said yesterday.zzz03187102
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news3.html~~~AG slams Parliament’s disregard for financial procedures~~~Jun 28 (Island) A mega UNDP funded project to modernize Sri Lanka’s Parliament has been severely criticized by Auditor General S. Swarnajothi, who has also commented adversely on a range of other questionable ‘transactions’ involving the House. The AG also targeted the Foreign Relations and Protocol Division of the legislature for failing to submit payment vouchers relating to contributions and other expenses of zzz03187101
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/features8.html~~~Ekamath Eka Rateka: Conceived in France, Born in Lanka ~~~Jun 28 (Island) I greatly enjoyed Sanath Gunatilake’s maiden film, Ekamath Eka Rateka, which is based on Emil Zola’s short story "Pour une nuit d’amour" For a night of love. I write this mainly to figure out for myself why I found this film aesthetically pleasing, emotionally stimulating and even intellectually challenging. I admit freely that not being a professional film critic, I don’t have the technical knowledge about the art of the film to judge its intrinsic merits, if any. zzz03187103
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news4.html~~~Krishni says she was told ‘don’t make trouble’~~~Jun 28 (Island) Internews employee, Krishni Ifham, yesterday said that though she earlier believed her abductors took her to Kandy (town), they may have actually taken her to a spot about 40 to 45 minutes driving distance away from the town where they questioned her regarding her work. At the end of a 45 minute ‘interview’, she had been warned and told that there wouldn’t be any further warnings. zzz03187106
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news10.html~~~Positive developments on re-paying Golden Key depositors~~~Jun 28 (Island) The Central Bank last week reported positive progress in the ongoing process of identifying and valuing the properties and assets of the Golden Key Credit Card Company and its directors to be auctioned to re-pay depositors of this collapsed Ceylinco subsidiary. "The first lot of assets is already being valued for disposal to meet depositors’ liabilities", a senior Central Bank official said. zzz03187105
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090628/Columns/political.html~~~Focus now on ‘political solution’ ~~~Jun 28 (ST) The first-high level contacts between Sri Lanka and its friendly neighbour India, since the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), took place on Wednesday. Three of the country's most powerful personalities -Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga - flew to New Delhi for this purpose. zzz03187104
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090628/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~“Pata”, “pata”, and a bloody tragedy unfolds~~~Jun 28 (ST) A toddler has just woken up from his sleep and his heart-rending lisp of “Amma” rises above the hushed whispers of a crowd gathered at his home and the twitter of a large number of exotic birds. What the little one in his childish ignorance is oblivious to is that his mother is dead, as also his beloved “Apochchi” and his step-grandmother, allegedly killed by his own father who is now in remand. zzz03187107
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_02.html~~~President has not told me to stop my campaign, says minister~~~Jun 28 (ST) Provincial Council and Local government Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon yesterday vowed to carry on his campaign for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to continue as the President without fresh elections. Mr. Tennakoon was reacting to comments by other ministers that President Rajapaksa had no intention of remaining in power without facing a Presidential election. zzz03187114
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_05.html~~~Lanka furious over Lord’s attacks~~~Jun 28 (ST) The Sri Lankan High Commission in Britain has formally lodged a protest with the Home Office in London over what it termed ‘lethargy’ by the local police in dealing with pro-LTTE elements who physically attacked more than two dozen Sri Lankan cricket fans , including women, after the T20 World Cup final at Lords last Sunday. Victims, including women, said they were kicked and punched in the face by these persons inside the precincts of Lord's, zzz03187109
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_09.html~~~The blackboard is blank for A/L English students~~~Jun 28 (ST) Many schools island wide are facing problems in providing English medium instruction for A/L classes. Nearly 400 new English medium teachers are needed to cater to the current needs of the schools which have started English medium classes. “The largest group of English medium students, over 6,000, sat the O/L exam in 2008. The schools which many of these students are attending are not in a position to provide A/L stream English medium lessonsfor them.zzz03187110
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/28/content_11613993.htm~~~Military: no room for Tamil Tiger militancy ever again in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 28 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels defeated by the government troops would never be able to regroup, a local radio station quoted defense officials as saying on Sunday. Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the military spokesman was quoted by the radio station Sri FM that the LTTE would not be left any room by the authorities to regroup in order to revert to their campaign for a separate state. zzz03187111
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/28/content_11613975.htm~~~Sri Lanka to pardon lower level rebels~~~Jun 28 (Xinhua) Guidelines for a structured amnesty to former Tamil Tiger rebels and their sympathizers are being drawn up by the government's legal departments, but only lower level rebels will be included in the scheme, a local English newspaper reported on Sunday. The reprieve would apply to only lower level Tamil Tigers because the leadership and middle rung cadres have died in the war, the Sunday Times quoted government officials close to the process as saying. zzz03187112
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090628/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankateacommoditieseconomy~~~Trouble brewing for Sri Lanka tea farmers~~~Jun 28 (AFP) World tea prices have rocketed but along misty tea-growing mountain slopes in Sri Lanka's central hills, farmers are facing disaster. Despite production shortfalls coupled with increased demand making the daily cuppa dearer, the men and women who toil the land have little reason to cheer, for they must uproot tea bushes desiccated by a severe drought. Tea farmer N. K. Atapattu picked a crop of nearly 2,000 kilograms of tea leaves from his small plot last year but zzz03187108
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/06/28/9960246-sun.html~~~Tamils desperate to help homeland~~~Jun 29 (ES) The Tamil community in Edmonton met with human rights experts yesterday for a forum to discuss the dire conditions in which nearly 300,000 displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka have been living, a spokesman said. More than 350 people gathered at a southside conference room to hear a professor, lawyer and non-profit human rights group representative, among others, speak about the unstable situation in Sri Lanka and how the international community can help. zzz03187115
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29672~~~Veteran Kavignar Murugaian passes away~~~Jun 29 (TN) Well-known Kavignar (Poet) E. Murugaian, veteran Tamil scholar, passed away in Colombo Saturday and his funeral is to be held Sunday evening at Borella general cemetery. He was seventy five years of age when he died. Murugaian was conferred with the honorary title of Doctor of Literature (Ilakkia Kalanithi) some years ago by Jaffna University for his immense services to Tamil Literature and Tamil Language. zzz03187116
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29671~~~‘Final Warning’ issued to Jaffna Tamil daily Uthayan staffers~~~Jun 29 (TN) A group calling itself ‘Tamil Front Protecting the Country’ allegedly linked to a paramilitary group operating with Colombo issued Saturday a notice titled ‘Final Warning’ to Uthayan Tamil daily office in Jaffna warning that Uthayan staffers will be killed if they do not officially relinquish their posts with effect from 30 June 2009, sources in Jaffna said. Thursday, all the local newspapers of Jaffna that defied publishing an anonymous and zzz03187121
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=299776&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16~~~Three expats jailed for stealing safe~~~Jun 29 (GT) Three Sri Lankans have been sentenced to three years imprisonment and subsequent deportation for stealing from the safe of a government department last summer. The men were caught and brought to justice with the help of the footage recorded by a camera installed in the department’s building. The CCTV photos showed them carrying the safe away. A clerk told the court that the safe in his office was found missing when he came to the office on August 3 last year.zzz03187118
http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/27102/Maldivian_man_transferred_to_Maldives_from_Sri_Lanka_prison_arrested_on_Court_order~~~Maldivian man transferred to Maldives from Sri Lanka prison ~~~Jun 29 (HO) A Maldivian man imprisoned in Sri Lanka who was transferred to Maldives during a prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries and then released to house arrest has been arrested by the Police on Court orders. Inspector Mohamed Jinah, Head of Drug Enforcement Department, said on Saturday that Ibrahim Adam Manik had been arrested in connection to the crime he had been sentenced to in Sri Lanka. zzz03187119
http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2516909.0.now_the_bloodshed_is_over_can_the_tigers_children_ever_find_peace.php~~~Now the bloodshed is over can the Tigers’ children ever find peace?~~~Jun 29 (SH) Jeeva Jothy girls' home in Batticaloa, eastern Sri Lanka, 21-year old Thurka Devi is helping with the younger girls. An enthusiastic cricket player, she has also represented Batticaloa in karate tournaments and says she would like to become a social worker. The Jeeva Jothy charity offers shelter and education for orphaned and indigent girls and young women, but there are also a few ex-child soldiers, girls like Devi.zzz03187120
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=421418~~~Sri Lanka clinch their fourth Asian Netball title~~~Jun 29 (Bernama) The Sri Lankan netball team put up a commanding display to outclass Singapore 77-48 in the final of the 7th Asian Netball Championship at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here today. It was Sri Lanka's fourth title in eight years after last winning it in 2001. They also won the competition in 1990 and 1997 and were the runner-up in 1985 and 1993. The victory came as sweet revenge for the team who zzz03187123
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/29/yehey/opinion/20090629opi3.html~~~A priestly wolf in Tamil Tigers’ clothing ~~~Jun 29 (MT) We don’t think the Philippines needs lessons on diplomacy and good governance from an obvious supporter of a defeated terrorist outfit that was a ruthless killing machine and serial human rights violator. AS the post-war era dawns in Sri Lanka it appears that the first casualty of the newly secured peace is the truth. For while the Tamil Tigers’ terrorist outfit may have been dispatched to the bowels of hell and the pages of infamy,zzz03187119
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090628/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestus~~~US warns travellers of Sri Lanka terror attack risk~~~Jun 29 (AFP) The United States issued Sunday a warning for its nationals travelling to or in Sri Lanka about the risk of possible terror attacks despite the recent crushing of Tamil Tiger separatists. Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tigers last month but rebel remnants still posed a threat and could carry out assaults, the state department said in the latest travel advisory on its website.zzz03187124
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/28/sri-lanka-is-the-war-really-over/~~~Is the war really over?~~~Jun 29 (AFP) The end of the conventional war in the north and the east of Sri Lanka witnessed the almost total annihilation of the LTTE including its leadership. However, the Government forces are still carrying out clearing up operations throughout the island. Tens of thousands have been slaughtered; many thousands wounded; hundreds of thousands expelled from their habitats and many hundreds of thousands interned into camps. zzz03187122
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hMHErDirz9dGCvoheI6UlumpvcmQ~~~Fitness will be key against Sri Lanka, says Alam~~~Jun 29 (AFP) Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said his players' fitness will be the key on their tour of Sri Lanka as the 15-man Pakistan team set off on Saturday. Alam, who led the team to the World Twenty20 title in England last week, warned that the biggest problem for the tourists will be the hot climate. "Fitness is very important on the tough and long tour of Sri Lanka," said Alam before heading for Dubai and then Colombo.zzz03187125
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090628/926/tsp-foolproof-security-cover-for-pak-tea.html~~~Foolproof security cover for Pak team during Sri Lanka tour~~~Jun 29 (ANI) The Sri Lanka cricket authority has made foolproof security arrangements for the visiting Pakistan cricket team, as it does not a repeat of the Lahore terror attack in which six Sri Lankan players were injured. Spokesman of the Sri Lanka team, Charith Senanayake said military security have been hired by the board to safeguard the visitors. "As many as 100 security men will be deployed for the Pakistan team security. zzz03187126
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090628_slat_march.shtml~~~'March for peace' in London ~~~Jun 29 (BBC) Thousands of Sri Lankans representing all major nationalities and religions took part in a peace march in London, say organisers. The organisers handed over a petition to British PM Gordon Brown at Downing Street after marching in London on Saturday. “We wanted to express our gratitude to British people for their support in defeating terrorism and urge UK to take concrete steps to prevent terrorism re-emerging in Sri Lanka,” zzz03187127
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090628_uva_elections.shtml~~~NIC 'impediment' for elections ~~~Jun 29 (BBC) Election monitors in Sri Lanka say that there is a danger of people being prevented of voting as a result of the need for an identity card to qualify for voting. Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) media spokesman Keerthi Tennakoon told BBC Sandeshaya that over 25 percent of voters in Uva province do not possess any alternative identity cards recommended by the authorities. zzz03187128
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121385.stm~~~Sri Lanka's expanding peacetime army ~~~Jun 29 (BBC) It is just over a month since Asia's longest civil war in modern times came to an end, with the government's declaration that it had finally defeated the LTTE on the battlefield and killed nearly all their leaders. Yet the army chief says he wants the army, already 200,000, to increase in size by 50%. To see what the military means to many Sri Lankans, I visited the peaceful bungalow home of Leelawathi Mahagamaralalage, zzz03187129
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/29/stories/2009062955411200.htm~~~Shock over journalist’s abduction ~~~Jun 29 (Hindu) The abduction and subsequent release by unidentified persons of a senior woman Internews journalist in Sri Lanka last Wednesday, after several hours of detention and a 45-minute “interview” on her work, has sent shockwaves among the media community here. The California-based Internews describes itself as an international NGO that fosters independent media and disseminates information worldwide and the abducted staffer based in Colombo, Krishni Ifham, is a journalist for 13 years. zzz03187130
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/whistle-blowing-will-it-work.html~~~Whistle-blowing: Will it work? ~~~Jun 29 (LG) Lawyers, accountants and auditors met this week at a seminar to discuss the merits of whistle-blowing as a means of ending corruption in Sri Lanka. Speaker after speaker on the panel extolled the virtues of whistle-blowing and the need for such a mechanism but it was also pointed out that Sri Lanka is yet to have a whistle-blowing culture. What is whistle-blowing? It’s ‘blowing the whistle (like a sports referee does in halting play when an infringement has been spotted)’ when zzz03187131
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/resettlement-stagnation-defeats.html~~~Resettlement: Stagnation defeats credibility ~~~Jun 29 (LG) The internal displacement from Jaffna after Riviresa was roughly equal in number to the current displacement from the Vanni. The displaced Jaffna population returned to the peninsula on foot, despite obstruction by the LTTE, over a period of two weeks. They were about 250,000 in number. The returnees were first led to Vembady where a round the clock kitchen was in operation. zzz03187132
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/referendum-or-re-election.html~~~Referendum or Re-election? ~~~Jun 29 (LG) The ruling party has done itself and the Sri Lankan nation a service by nipping in the bud, early initiatives for having President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term extended through a referendum, and not re-election. It is another matter if the President should advance re-election by full two years when the going is still good, and when there is no real competition in the foreseeable future. zzz03187133
http://asiantribune.com/06/29/prisl-launch-journal-on-%E2%80%9Cplastics-and-rubber-sri-lanka%E2%80%9D/~~~PRISL launch journal on “Plastics and Rubber Sri Lanka”~~~Jun 29 (AT) Plastic and Rubber Institute Sri Lanka (PRISL) in a bid to link with industries in Sri Lanka and to serve the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) launched its journal “Plastic and Rubber in Sri Lanka”. The President of PRISL Sunil Liyanage together with other officials presented thr first copy to Minister of Industrial Development Kumara Welgama. At the ceremony, Minister Welgama said that this is a timely move, zzz03187134
no~~~Dengue-carrying mosquito killer from Cuba this week~~~Jun 29 (CT) Sri Lanka will bring down mosquito-killing bacteria from Cuba this week to curb the dengue epidemic, the Health Ministry announced. According to director general of health services Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage, two Cuban specialist doctors will also be arriving in the island to provide necessary advice. Discovered in 1982, BTI bacteria has proven to be a successful deterrent against the mosquito that carries dengue.zzz03187135
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=124125&d=29&m=6&y=2009&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom~~~Lankans mourn death of envoy~~~Jun 29 (AN) A large number of Sri Lankan expatriates gathered on their embassy’s premises on Friday to mourn the death of Ambassador Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen. Marleen, 73, was found dead on Tuesday in his hotel room in the Yemeni capital Sanaa where he was attending a regional conference. His body was flown to Colombo where he was buried on Friday. Yemeni authorities said Marleen died in his sleep of natural causes. zzz03187136
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sljf-j29.shtml~~~Sri Lankan military maintains fishing restrictions in the north~~~Jun 29 (wsws) The Colombo media bogusly reported on June 20 that the Sri Lankan government had removed the decades-long, wartime fishing restrictions imposed on northern fisherman. The reports followed announcements by Basil Rajapakse, at a meeting with northern fishermen. Rajapakse, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force for resettlement, development and security in the Northern Province, told the fishermen that all restrictions would be lifted. zzz03187137
http://www.peacemuslims.org/79_Muslim_families_resettled_in_Musali-20-1115.html~~~79 Muslim families resettled in Musali~~~Jun 29 (PSM) 79 Muslim families are resettled out of 521 total number of families who are resettled in the 2nd stage of Rehabiliation and Reconstruction program in Mannar district recently. The Tamil families were displaced from Mannar in 2004 and the Muslis were expelled in 1990. Muslim civil societies made joint appeal to the govt. to resttle both Tamils and Muslims together and the govt. seems to be having in heeding to this request.zzz03187138
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-took-some-tea-as-symbol.html~~~“We took some Tea as a symbol” ~~~Jun 29 (LG) Monday, October 22, 1984, 05:04am. Most of Colombo, the capitol of Sri Lanka, was dark. Birds announced the dawn, and a few vehicles, headlights lit, began puttering through the streets. In an ear-tearing roar the city woke up to a nightmare. A corner of a church was lifted from the ground and sagged back onto the street, instantly burying a Tamil man underneath the rubble. Cement shards and pieces of glass rained down for almost a full minute afterward. zzz03187139
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/stop-forcing-sinhalese-and-tamils-to.html~~~Stop forcing Sinhalese and Tamils to learnt each other’s language ~~~Jun 29 (LG) It is very popular in Sri Lanka to say Sinhalese should Tamil and Tamils should learn Sinhalese. Those pundits promoting this unthoughtful “solution” are incapable of appreciating what it entails although they may find it easier to understand 1956. In short they are trying multiple 1956s. Sinhala is a national language and the fluency of it should be sufficient for all individuals who use it.zzz03187140
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/13th-amendment-remedy-or-problem.html~~~13th amendment — remedy, or problem? ~~~Jun 29 (LG) What’s militating against the implementation of the 13th amendment, is that it’s a direct import from India, and that it was moreover conceived in a shotgun arrangement. However what is left unsaid largely is that after decades of Prabhakaran driven separatism, the 13th amendment to a vast swathe of the Sri Lankan polity, seems too closely tied to the events of our separatist era. zzz03187141
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10379&Itemid=44~~~Jaffna campaign in full swing in a 'new born' freedom ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) After three decades or more of trauma,agony,fear and death threats,the people of Jaffna seem to experience a new life at this election time, with candidates and supporters of political parties engaged in a free move of campaign for the forthcoming municipal poll to the Jaffna Municipal Council. Election related activities have begun quite early and its' a hive of campaign with political party supporters running around to zzz03187143
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10383&Itemid=44~~~'A nation free from terrorism needs inner-self development'~~~Jun 29 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believed that a nation free from terrorism,needed not only physical development but also inner-self development of human beings and it was his aim to create a drug free just society where children respected elders. He made these observations on Saturday (27) while addressing a gathering after the re-opening of the Handugala Tea Factory.zzz03187146
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10380&Itemid=44~~~Tourism to gain momentum in North and East ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) The scenic tourist attractions and the picturesque hotel locations in the North and East will be brought back to life again by the Tourism Ministry to attract thousands of tourists before the end of the year, Ministry sources revealed. New hotels too are earmarked in locations pleasing tourists, in addition to the existing locations that were rendered redundant due to a three decade old terrorist war.zzz03187145
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10381&Itemid=44~~~President appoints Competent Authority for Laksala ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed the Commissioner of Public Utilities, Prasad Galhena as the Competent Authority of Laksala in a move to restructure the loss making institution into a more viable and profit making venture. The Laksala, in the recent past had been experiencing financial losses, and the President has made this move to ensure stability of this indigenous venture of local production that market handicraft and zzz03187144
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10382&Itemid=44~~~Elephant Pass railway station to turn "Affection Port" ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) The Ministry of Education has decided to gift the Elephant Pass railway station to the northern as an 'Affection Port' with the contribution from all Sri Lankan students and teachers under the 'Uthuru Mithuru Yal Devi Train Concept'. The decision was arrived at by the ministry to inculcate the vital ingredient of patriotism in the minds of the student population in the country and thereby lead them towards the transformation of the theme of one country, one people.zzz03187147
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10384&Itemid=44~~~Health sector boost in Eastern Province ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Several projects initiated by the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition targeting the healthcare development in the eastern province will be vested in the public tomorrow and Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva will declare open the Outdoor Patients Department’s building at the Batticaloa General Hospital tomorrow (30). According to the Ministry, 200 million rupees were spent on this project. zzz03187148
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10385&Itemid=44~~~US$ 891 million Chinese grant for Norachchalai coal power project~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Phase II and Phase III of the Norachchalai power project will kick off soon. The government is scheduled to sign agreements with the Chinese government in this regard today. Norachachalai Coal Power project is one of the massive projects launched by the SL government among other projects recently. The total investment for phase II and phase 3 of the project will be US$ 891 and it is scheduled to be completed by the year 2013. zzz03187149
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10387&Itemid=44~~~Special teams deployed to protect child rights in IDP welfare villages~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Special teams will be deployed to protect children and their rights in IDP welfare villages. “Such child protection teams will be given special training and the respective teachers will also be trained to build an environment conductive to learn,” National Child Protection Authority Chairman, Jagath Wellawattha said. He also said that more than 10,000 children have been screened so far and zzz03187150
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10386&Itemid=44~~~Yashushi Akashi again in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) The most popular Japanese special envoy, Yashushi Akashi, arrived in Sri Lanka again today. The special envoy was warmly welcomed this morning at the Colombo International Airport by the Japanese Ambassador and other representatives from the Japanese Embassy. Yashushi Akashi visited Sri Lanka to participate in the Sri Lanka Economic Summit scheduled to begin tomorrow zzz03187151
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10390&Itemid=44~~~It’s highly unethical for politicians to bask on reflected glories ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) With the dawning of peace, military victories have become braveries of SL armed forces in the recent past, and SL government has no any time to bask on the reflected glories of the past. “And, fighting in the frontlines of the economic battle, SL government will shun from quoting military victories in the upcoming polls,” Director of the Media Centre for National Security said in press statement.zzz03187180
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2617:trip-to-zoo-end-up-in-horror&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Trip to zoo end up in Horror ~~~Jun 29 (LT) An education tour turned out to be a nightmare for a group of preschool children from Hasalaka yesterday morning, when the bus they were travelling in skidded off the road at a bend along the Mahiyangana-Kandy main road and went down a twenty feet precipice in Udadumbara. They were on their way to the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens. About twenty children sustained injuries in the mishap and were rushed to the Ududumbara hospital.zzz03187153
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2616:schoolgirl-killing-suspect-is-a-shepherd&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Schoolgirl killing: Suspect is a shepherd ~~~Jun 29 (LT) The suspect arrested in connection with the killing of a 15 year schoolgirl in Eheliyagoda has made a confession before the Eheliyagoda Magistrate. Police says the suspect is a Sheppard. The police said that the 24-year-old suspect had come to the area in search of cattle and abducted the girl while she was returning home after school. The police said that the suspect had admitted that he dragged her to the jungle and raped her before strangling her to death.zzz03187154
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2618:lanka-disappointed-by-us-travel-warning&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Lanka Disappointed by US travel warning ~~~Jun 29 (LT) The United States issued Sunday a warning for its nationals travelling to or in Sri Lanka about the risk of possible terror attacks despite the recent crushing of Tamil Tiger separatists. Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tigers last month but rebel remnants still posed a threat and could carry out assaults, the state department said in the latest travel advisory on its website.zzz03187155
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29675~~~Vavuniyaa Tamil Christian teacher reported missing in Colombo~~~Jun 29 (TN) A Christian teacher, Rasalingam Naguleswaran, father of two children, has been reported missing since 6 June afternoon after he boarded a bus bound for Vavuniyaa from Gunasinghapura bus halt in Colombo, according to complaints made by his wife Geethanjali with the Vavuniyaa police, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).zzz03187156
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2141&Itemid=70~~~“Maga Neguma” has a pivotal role to meet the needs of People held by LTTE~~~Jun 29 (LP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed Finance Ministry and Highways Development Ministry Secretaries to pay their main concern over the Maga Neguma program when initiating road development projects in the country. President has taken this decision to provide qualitative service to the public. The President made these instructions when the Board of Directors of Maga Neguma program met him to zzz03187157
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2615:mediate-to-get-reasonable-salary-for-estate-workers--ramalingam-chandrasekar&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Mediate to get reasonable salary for estate workers'~~~Jun 29 (LT) The President of All Ceylon Estate Workers Union, JVP MP Ramalingam Chandrasekar in a letter to Minister of Labour Relations and Manpower Athauda Seneviratne has asked him to mediate to ensure a reasonable salary for estate sector workers by accelerating the estate sector collective agreements. Mr. Chandrasekar, in his letter, has emphasized that the period of the collective agreement terminated last March andzzz03187159
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2135&Itemid=51~~~'LTTE government in exile futile exercise'~~~Jun 29 (LP) A Former confidante of Vellupilai Prabakaran and now a Minster Vinayagamurthy Muralidaran has rejected efforts to form a ‘LTTE government in exile’ as a futile exercise. Attending the inauguration of the first regional branch of the Foreign Employment Bureau in Batticaloa Minister Muralidaran has made reference to a statement to this effect while rejecting any attempt by a now defunct LTTE to reorganize itself. zzz03187158
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45355.html~~~Uva PC polls: Contradictions and discrepancies~~~Jun 29 (LNP) How the Opposition parties are trying to cope with the postwar developments on the political front is interesting. Pitted against a government preening itself on a spectacular victory over terrorism, they have had to look for new issues or recycle the old ones which they failed to market at previous elections. Their problem is that their fervent hope that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would commit political hara-kiri on the military front was dashed. zzz03187160
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2610:a-conspiracy-to-fake-terror-situation-in-sri-lanka--defense-secretary&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'A conspiracy to fake terror situation in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 29 (LT) A conspiracy to give publicity for a fake terror situation in Sri Lanka is being hatched says Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse. He says the propaganda regarding this fake terror situation is intended to stop tourists arriving here and drive away would be investors from the island. The Defense Secretary said despite the war situation being completely eradicated, there is talk about abductions from white vans. zzz03187161
http://asiantribune.com/06/29/sri-lanka-defense-secretary-rajapaksa-opens-dialogue-with-expatriates-in-u-s/~~~Defense Secretary Rajapaksa opens dialogue with expatriates in U.S.~~~Jun 29 (AT) Unprecedented in the history of overseas diplomacy undertaken by Sri Lanka since its independence in 1948, this South Asian nation’s defense secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa who was one of the main strategists to annihilate the ruthless terror outfit LTTE last month, reached to the Sri Lankan expatriates in the United States opening a much needed dialogue.zzz03187162
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/news02.asp~~~Dengue cases rise to over 12,000 ~~~Jun 29 (DN) Latest Health Ministry statistics show that the number of dengue cases had risen to over 12,300 with 152 deaths. The Ministry was specially concerned with the situation in 68 divisional secretariats and was continuing with its ongoing measures to eradicate dengue and other mosquito borne diseases. The first consignment of BTI predator bacteria ordered from Cuba to destroy dengue larvae will reach the country this week. zzz03187165
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/fea03.asp~~~Anti-intellectual behaviour of university students: Remedial measures ~~~Jun 29 (DN) One of the central problems of our University education is giving it free to the recipient and never expecting anything in return. Even in India and Bangladesh - our neighbours University education is not free. Here is Sri Lanka, not only university education is free, but the students are paid for their food and lodging during their stay at the University. zzz03187164
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-requests-govt.-a-new-beginning-the-country/3370.htm~~~UNP requests govt. for a new beginning for the country~~~Jun 29 (CT) The UNP has requested the government to avail the opportunity after end of the war for a new beginning for the country. The call by party MP Lakshman Kiriella came at a media briefing today. He said the government was certain to receive foreign aid and support if it properly implemented the international conventions it has signed for the strengthening of democratic institutions.zzz03187163
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/fea20.asp~~~Lak Roo: Lanka’s uniqueness at the fingertips ~~~Jun 29 (DN) Preserving our heritage To put things simply, “Yesterday is history and today will form part of our history for tomorrow”, that is all what Lak Roo is all about. When other television channels are on a popularity race, the latest television channel which transmits through PEO TV, SLT VisionCom, a fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC, had come up with the timely need of preserving the treasures of the isle of the past and re-visualizing it on screen. zzz03187166
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/news30.asp~~~Over 5,000 want to adopt children ~~~Jun 29 (DN) There are about 5,000 Sri Lankan couples and 600 foreign couples in the waiting list to adopt Sri Lankan children. Annually around 1,000 children are for adopted by locals and about 50 children are adopted by foreigners, Probation and Child Care Services Commissioner Sarath Abeygunasekara said. he said that usually the children below the age of five who had been rejected by parents and abandoned are given for adoption. zzz03187167
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news1.html~~~Now, US tries to undermine Lanka tourism revival plan~~~Jun 29 (Island) The Sri Lankan government yesterday said that a US State Department travel advisory aimed at discouraging US citizens from visiting Sri Lanka was part of US strategy to undermine the country. A senior Foreign Ministry official told The Island that nothing could be as bad as the US warning of potential for continued instability and possible terrorist attacks a month after the end of war.zzz03187168
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news18.html~~~Veddhas shift from caves to houses with govt. assistance~~~Jun 29 (Island) The Veddha community had proved that permanent houses could be established with small financial assistance from the government, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff said recently. Attending a ceremonial handing over of newly built houses to the Veddha community at Hennanigala, Dehiattakandiya in Ampara, Minister Ferial Ashraff said that the main objective of the Janasevana National Housing Programme zzz03187169
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news9.html~~~Killer couple picked their victim through newspaper ~~~Jun 29 (Island) The police said that a couple held in connection with the recent killing of businesswoman Beatrice Veronika in the Kurunegala police area had been employed by her a few months before she was killed on June 7. The police said that Veronika had hand picked them after interviewing several persons who responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking a couple. The suspects had told police that they had found Veronika, a divorcee through a newspaper advertisement. zzz03187175
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/features4.html~~~‘Our losing battle against corruption’ – response~~~Jun 29 (Island) Adverting to your commendable editorial today (25th June ’09) in The Island, the easiest way to win the battle against corruption is in my humble opinion, by the reduction of so called government in this country to the barest minimum. Though the easiest, it is by no means an easy task given the propensity of our politicians to make Constitutions and Laws to perpetuate themselves in office obviously for their private gain.zzz03187171
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53192~~~Jacko fans in Lanka seek visas for funeral~~~Jun 29 (DM) The U.S. Embassy in Colombo had inquiries about Pop King Michael Jackson’s death, with callers asking if fans seeking visas to attend the funeral would get special consideration for their applications, the New York Times said in one of its reports over the weekend. A spokesman for the US Embassy in Colombo confirmed there were a couple of inquiries though not inundated as was reported by New York Times. zzz03187172
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53191~~~Navi Pillai makes talks difficult for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 29 (DM) Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillai was making it difficult for Sri Lanka to engage in dialogue with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “Her statements have not made it easier for us to gather the support of the people of this country to work closely with her office, which I want to do,zzz03187170
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53194~~~Cuban bacteria to fight Dengue~~~Jun 29 (DM) Cuba will airlift a stock of BTI (Bacillus Thuringenesis Israelensis) - a bacteria species, today to control the rapidly spreading dengue epidemic that has claimed 155 lives while the number of dengue cases reached a staggering 12,800 mark by yesterday. ‘This came as a result of a discussion Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had with the Cuban ambassador on Friday at which he requested the ambassador to help controlzzz03187176
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53196~~~How, when, and with whom can I make it?~~~Jun 29 (DM) The war as variously described was over. Mopping up the remnants of terror mongers in nooks and corners, looking after thousands of innocent Tamil bystanders crammed into camps were in the hands of a relieved government. The thrust of charges of various kinds levelled by the agents of the defeated terrorists against the government and the armed forces were also being deftly countered by the government.zzz03187173
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1695848641~~~Make Sri Lanka’s North and the East special economic zones~~~Jun 29 (LBO) Massive investment is needed in the North and the East to allow these war-torn regions to catch up with the progress they missed because of the LTTE. The likelihood of obtaining these funds from Sri Lankan tax-payers or from foreign donors is not very good. The former because we spend all government revenues on salaries and debt repayments and the latter because the success of Eelam War IV on the ground was not matched by success in the external propaganda war. zzz03187152
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=13th+amenedment+nothing+more++than+‘legal+arrangement’:+PDK&artid=zUBtN|vG|OQ=~~~13th amenedment nothing more than ‘legal arrangement’: PDK ~~~Jun 29 (EB) The 13th Constitutional amendment that is being proposed as the panacea for the woes of Tamils in Sri Lanka could be nothing more than a ‘legal arrangement’ to crush the legitimate aspirations of the minority Tamils, general secretary, Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (PDK), Viduthalai Rajendran said on Sunday. He was Speaking at a conference on the current situation of Tamils in Sri Lanka zzz03187177
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090629/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketaussrit20sangakkara~~~NSW eye Sangakkara for T20 series~~~Jun 29 (AFP) New South Wales have Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara in their sights to play in Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition early next year, officials said on Monday. Cricket NSW is yet to finalise its playing roster for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India in October and the domestic T20 competition in the new year.zzz03187174
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20090629.aspx~~~War And Peace~~~Jun 29 (SP) While the LTTE has been defeated in Sri Lanka, the organization still exists among Tamils elsewhere. Many of the two million Tamils in Sri Lanka still support the LTTE, as do many Tamils in southern India (the ancient homeland of the Tamils) and overseas. There are about 77 million Tamil speakers worldwide, most (nearly 80 percent) of them living in southern India (Tamil Nadu). zzz03187179
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF30Df01.html~~~A small but significant post-Tiger vote~~~Jun 29 (AT) A little over a month after the end of the war between the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE, political parties are gearing up for another fight in Sri Lanka. Elections to the Vavuniya Urban Council and the Jaffna Municipal Council in the island's war-ravaged Northern Province are scheduled for August 8. Although the polls are just for local councils, they are significant and will be closely watched. zzz03187178
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/5683376/Sri-Lanka-targets-north-and-east-for-tourist-expansion.html~~~Sri Lanka targets north and east for tourist expansion~~~Jun 29 (Telegraph) Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have unveiled plans for a substantial new resort development in the previously off-limits north of the country. The development, the first of its kind to be announced since the end of the civil war, will include hotels and a marina and will extend over the 14-island archipelego of Kalpitiya, about 100 miles north of the capital, Colombo. zzz03187181
http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/31677-Sri-Lanka-Tourism---Quo-Vadis-~~~Sri Lanka Tourism - Quo Vadis ?~~~Jun 29 (TDN) Srilal Miththapala is the current President of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). He also is the Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Leisure Management Ltd. He has been associated with tourism industry for over two decades and has represented the industry and his company at various international and national forums. In this article he analyses the state of the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka, and its potential, zzz03187171.1
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/story/410884.html~~~Pakistan made to toil in tour opener~~~Jun 30 (CI) Pakistan began their tour of Sri Lanka the hard way as a defiant Sri Lanka Cricket XI ended at 278 for 3 on the first day of their three-day practice match. Lahiru Thirimanne and Chamara Kapugedera put on 170 for the third wicket on a rain-interrupted day at the Colts Cricket Club ground in Colombo. SLC XI, who chose to bat, lost opener Tharanga Paranavitana with the score on 27. zzz03187183
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10393&Itemid=44~~~Railway Construction to be expedited from Colombo-Jaffna ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The construction of the Colombo-Jaffna rail track will be expedited soon. The rail road will be constructed northward from Vavuniya and southward from Kankesanthurai as the first phase of railway track program under the “Uthuru Mithuru” project, Media Spokesperson for the Minister of Railways and Transport Thissa Bandara Wasala told www.news.lk today (29).zzz03187184
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10391&Itemid=44~~~Resettlement and development commended-Minister ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The international community has commended the government’s resettlement and development programmes in the North and as a result, Sri Lanka will receive more benefits in the future, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said today. He pointed out that the international community has also accepted that Sri Lanka was the only country that successfully defeated terrorism in the present era.zzz03187185
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10394&Itemid=44~~~Myanmar to attend 'facets-Sri Lanka' gem and jewellery show ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The bilateral trade relations have strengthened between Sri Lanka and Myanmar following the recent visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Myanmar. A contingent of nearly 40 entrepreneurs in the Gem and Jewellery trade in Myanmar will participate at the annual gem and jewellery show to be held in Sri Lanka from 3rd to 6th September 2009. All arrangements have been finalized on their participation andzzz03187186
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1093246267~~~Sri Lanka Insurance to take bulk of Seylan shares: report~~~Jun 30 (LBO) Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation may take up the bulk of risk capital in bailing out Seylan Bank, while state-run Bank of Ceylon and National Savings Bank may take smaller stakes, a media report said. SLIC was recently returned to state ownership and management following a court order. NSB will take up the least volume of shares at it already has 3.47 percent of its voting shares and 3.67 percent of its non-voting shares. zzz03187190
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2624:a-kelaniya-university-student-abducted&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~A Kelaniya University student abducted ~~~Jun 30 (LT) It has been reported that a student of Kelaniya University has been abducted by a gang of thugs today (29th) evening. The student had come to the university for some need and a gang of thugs who had come near the entrance to the university threatened the student with weapons and abducted him say residents in the area. Several members of the academic staff of the university who had witnessed the incident have telephoned the police. zzz03187188
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2622:all-should-rally-against-unfair-charges-imposed-by-the-government--anura-dissanayake&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~All should rally against unfair charges imposed by the government – JVP~~~Jun 30 (LT) The government is imposing unfair charges by devious ways from the public and all should rally against such exorbitant rates says Parliamentarian of the JVP Anura Dissanayake. He said, “The government makes various levies from the people. There is no regularity in these levies. The increase in prices of essential items has inconvenienced the people immensely. These irregular levies would inconvenience masses more. zzz03187189
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/410914.html~~~Mathews earns Test call-up~~~Jun 30 (CI) Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lankan allrounder who impressed during the ICC World Twenty20, is among three new players named in a 15-man squad for the first Test against Pakistan. Mathews has been picked ahead of Chaminda Vaas, while wicketkeeper-batsman Kaushal Silva and fast bowler Suranga Lakmal are also in the squad for the Galle Test starting June 4. zzz03187187
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090629_tna_mp.shtml~~~Tamil MP further detained~~~Jun 30 (BBC) The judiciary in Sri Lanka has granted a request by police to further detain a Tamil parliamentarian arrested on suspicion of helping the LTTE. Colombo chief magistrate who visited the police headquarters in Colombo has ordered to detain Vanni MP Sathasivam Kanagaratnam for a further 90 days. The magistrate has made the order upon considering an appeal by police Criminal Investigation Department (CID). zzz03187191
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090629_tamil_army.shtml~~~'Tamil regiment' for Sri Lanka army ~~~Jun 30 (BBC) The Sri Lanka army (SLA) is to establish a Tamil regiment for the first time in Sri Lankan history, a Tamil government minister has said. Minister Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan, widely known as Karuna Amman, told BBC Sandeshaya that he was informed of the new unit by SLA commander General Sarath Fonseka a few days ago. The minister said hundreds of former followers were already integrated into the SLA. zzz03187192
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=823676509~~~Sri Lanka public enterprises eating development capital: minister~~~Jun 30 (LBO) Sri Lanka's state enterprises are eating capital that could have been used for the country's growth, while some workers are getting a salary and not even reporting to work, a senior government minister said. "For almost 50 years our state enterprises have stolen from the treasury," deputy finance minister Sarath Amunugama told a seminar on poverty organized by the Institute of Policy Studies, zzz03187193
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Jathika-Hela-Urumaya-threatens-pull-over-13th-amendment/3409.htm~~~Jathika Hela Urumaya threatens to pull out over 13th amendment~~~Jun 30 (CT) The JHU warns that it will pull out of the government as a principled party in the event of the full implementation of the 13th amendment to the constitution. JHU strongman and minister Patali Champika Ranawaka described this constitutional amendment as a clear threat to the unitary status of Sri Lanka, said a statement issued by the party.zzz03187194
http://www.thehindu.com/holnus/000200906292240.htm~~~Sri Lanka not doing enough to rehabilitate displaced Tamils: Chidambaram ~~~Jun 30 (PTI) India on Monday said Sri Lanka has not done enough to rehabilitate displaced Tamils and asked Colombo to allow the Red Cross to take up relief and give media access to refugee camps in the strife-torn areas. India had allocated Rs 500 crore for rehabilitating Lankan Tamils, but the rehabilitation plan was not ready in Sri Lanka, Union Home Minister P Mr. Chidambaram said.zzz03187202
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25710557-2702,00.html~~~Tougher screening for Tamils over fears of an influx of ex-Tigers fleeing Sri Lanka~~~Jun 30 (TA) Fears that ex-Tamil fighters may be passing themselves off as refugees will lead to the latest boatload of unauthorised arrivals - believed to be Tamils - being subjected to a particularly rigorous security screening process. The recent defeat of the Tamil Tigers in their stronghold in northeastern Sri Lanka has led to concerns Tamil fighters may seek to flee the island amid fears of government retribution. zzz03187197
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/LSGZ-7TGDVZ?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=lka~~~YMCA Sri Lanka supports war-affected children and youth~~~Jun 30 (RW) Since early April 2009, YMCA Sri Lanka has been providing much needed emergency support to internally displaced children and youth affected by the armed conflict. Though the conflict officially ended on 19th May 2009, the situation remains desperate; according to government reports the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) exceeds 280,000 across four districts. zzz03187198
http://www.hindu.com/br/2009/06/30/stories/2009063050041200.htm~~~Book Review: Sri Lankan stories ~~~Jun 30 (Hindu) Padma Somakanthan; Kumaran Publishers, 3, Meykai Vinayakar Street, via Kumaran Colony 7th Street, Vadapalani, Chennai-600026. Rs. 90. THE COVER tells all. An army man with his gun stuck on the back of a prone man, the tear-stained face of a woman. These 30 stories from Sri Lanka torn by an atrocious civil war are reflections of reality, and there lies their strength and appeal. Truth is always stranger than fiction.zzz03187199
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/29/tsunami-mission-ends-but-journey-continues/~~~Tsunami mission ends but 'journey continues'~~~Jun 30 (UCAN) The Sri Lankan Catholic Church recently closed its tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation program four and a half years after killer waves ravaged the island's coastal areas. The occasion was marked by an emotional ceremony on June 23 where Father Damian Fernando, the national director of Caritas Sri Lanka, said he would "push his team toward other works." While the major rebuilding phase may have ended, zzz03187200
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ieFedl5h2U9R6FXwsWAZexKEhrsA~~~Ethnic Tamil nationalist group threatens to kill newspaper staff in northern Sri Lanka~~~Jun 30 (AP) An ethnic Tamil group has threatened to kill anyone working for or distributing a Tamil nationalist newspaper in northern Sri Lanka, accusing the paper of supporting the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. The group calling itself the Tamil Front Protecting the Country said in a note sent to newspaper dealers that reporters and other staff, must quit the Uthayan newspaper by Tuesday.zzz03187201
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=433207433~~~Sri Lanka mulls shipyard, manufacturing plans for southern port~~~Jun 30 (LBO) The Sri Lankan government wants to attract investments for ship building, and cement and fertilizer manufacturing at a new port being built in southern Hambantota, a senior official said. Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Priyath Wickrama said construction work on the harbour, less than half-an-hour's deviation from the main shipping route across the Indian Ocean, is ahead of schedule. zzz03187196
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-Lanka-undersea-power-cable-pact-soon/articleshow/4718266.cms~~~India-Lanka undersea power cable pact soon~~~Jun 30 (TOI) India and Sri Lanka are set to energise their relations. Literally. The two neighbours will soon sign an MoU to study the feasibility of laying an undersea cable — which will be one-of-its-kind in Asia when completed — to connect their power networks. Sources said the MEA has approved the draft agreement which is to be signed shortly. An interlink between India and Sri Lanka will also firm up the idea of establishing a South Asian energy grid zzz03187203
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47419~~~Journalists laying aside pens once again~~~Jun 30 (IPS) Sri Lankan journalists are laying aside their pens once again and bracing for renewed confrontation with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government after the revival of the repressive Press Council and fresh attacks on the media. The abduction and release of a journalist and the torching of newspapers by an unknown group last week exacerbated the crisis facing the media in Sri Lankazzz03187204
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/819~~~What does the future hold for Sri Lanka and all its citizens?~~~Jun 30 (DBS) Hello Friends, “Can the Tamils Seize a new opportunity” ? was the heading given by Ajith Ratnarajah to his well-written piece on the future of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Though lengthy the post evoked a lot of constructive discussion and debate on this blog. Ajith had written it from a Tamil perspective and outlined certain ideas and proposals envisaging a bright future for the Tamils of Sri Lanka who at the moment face bleak prospects. zzz03187205
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=61&Itemid=1~~~Shared waters that will bind North, East and the South ~~~Jun 30 (SLW) The search for peace, unity and harmony is vigorously on in Sri Lanka and this feature by the learned Professor C.M Maddumabandara is an example of it. Sri Lanka has a wonderful example of how our people in the ancient of times were masters of water technology and built tanks in all the rich agricultural regions. The Giant’s Tank in Mannar is considered one of the earliest and best ever constructed in the world, virtually a pioneer in tank irrigation. zzz03187206
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090630/jsp/frontpage/story_11176612.jsp~~~India to fund Siddha faculty on erstwhile Tiger terrain ~~~Jun 30 (TT) If symbolism can heal wounds, this one should rank top. India plans to open a centre for the ancient Tamil medicine system, Siddha, in a Sri Lankan university whose growth was stunted by the civil war. As New Delhi prepares to firm up ties with Colombo post-LTTE, it has decided to foot the entire bill for the establishment of the faculty, to be located on the Trincomalee campus of Eastern University. zzz03187208
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/starting_point_of_realistic_re.html~~~Starting point of realistic reform is implementation of the 13th amendment~~~Jun 30 (TC) We have a once –in-generations chance to re-found Sri Lanka, to build Sri Lanka anew. To do so, we must be both hard and soft; and vigilant as hawks and as conciliatory as doves. We must be hard enough to obliterate what is left of the LTTE as an organization and surgically pre-empt any attempts at re-emergence, be they local or Diaspora-based and originated. zzz03187207
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/29/the-idp-situation-in-sri-lanka-let%e2%80%99s-keep-things-real-and-a-response-to-rohini-hensman/~~~The IDP situation in Sri Lanka: Let’s keep things real~~~Jun 30 (GV) Editors note: This article was published in The Sunday Island on 28 June 2009. Groundviews does not usually reproduce content first published elsewhere in print or online. In this case however, given that the Island's website has no mechanism to feature reader generated comments and because Rohini Hensman's article was exclusively published on this site, Malinda's response is republished with the expectation ofzzz03187209
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/South-Asia/This-Rajni-clears-mines-in-Lankas-killing-fields/articleshow/4718426.cms~~~This Rajni clears mines in Lanka's killing fields~~~Jun 30 (TOI) In this once lush cashew belt, sandwiched between a lagoon and the sea on Sri Lanka’s eastern coastal district of Batticaloa district, the guns fell silent in early 2007. But even now in the warscarred Vakarai landscape, one of the last eastern redoubts captured by the army from the LTTE, there is an eerie stillness. The only sounds that break the uneasy calm are the beeping of mine detectors and zzz03187210
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slhl-j30.shtml~~~Dengue epidemic claims scores of lives~~~Jun 30 (wsws) An outbreak of dengue fever in Sri Lanka has led to 151 deaths and is continuing to spread. To cover up its own responsibility for the erosion of public health care, the government has blamed ordinary people for the epidemic and imposed punitive measures on those who fail to comply with its regulations. Since the beginning of January, 12,300 persons have contracted dengue hemorrhagic fever—a viral mosquito-borne disease for which there is no vaccine. zzz03187211
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29683~~~Ploy of Buddhism in nullifying Tamil nationalism~~~Jun 30 (TN) The North and East of the island of Sri Lanka should first be subjected to ‘archaeological’ investigation to prove the land’s Sinhala ownership, before its ‘resettlement’, is the demand of the National Front of Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka, reported Virakesari a few days ago. If archaeology has any say, the entire island having microlithic sites of prehistoric period has to be resettled by Veddas, and zzz03187212
http://www.peacemuslims.org/North_East_land_details_to_be_tabled_in_Parliament-20-1116.html~~~North East land details to be tabled in Parliament~~~Jun 30 (PSM) The government is collecting data of all the state lands in the Northern and Eastern provinces, these lands include all the lands coming under the central government and both under Northern and Eastern provincila Council. This was disclosed by Minister of Land Development Mr. Jeevan Kumaranathungha answering an oral question in Parliament recently. The UNP MP Ravi Karunanayaka raised an oral question with regard to the state lands under the control of zzz03187213
http://www.slembassyusa.org/press_releases/summer_2009/sl_trade_min_29jun09.html~~~Sri Lankan trade minister predicts investment growth during U.S. visit ~~~Jun 30 (SLE) Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade visited New York and Washington DC last week to encourage United Nations and U.S. government support for the post-conflict economic projects and foreign investment. Prof. Peris met with Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative and the Acting Under Secretary of the Department of Commerce. zzz03187214
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/english-as-lifeline-skill.html~~~English as a lifeline skill ~~~Jun 30 (LG) English has become the main E-Com, Commercial and link language of many Nations due to availability, simplicity, clarity and sheer necessity due to colonisation as a result of Navel Power of the west and resulting exploration of the Globe. A Sinhala trader in Pettah is compelled to have a working knowledge of Tamil for his survival. Though originated in an Island the ownership is shared by the entire world today. zzz03187215
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/rebuilding-sri-lanka.html~~~Rebuilding Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 30 (LG) Now that the Sri Lankan army has claimed victory in the war against the LTTE, it’s time to rebuild the Sri Lankan economy and reconstruct infrastructure. And the most important and basic to a permanent solution to the Tamil issue is to address it by a political resolution. It calls for concrete steps beginning with measures to resettle the vast number of internally displaced people, especially in the wake of the war to regain Tamils’ confidence.zzz03187216
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10403&Itemid=44~~~Passenger transport for the public sector ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) State sector employees will be facilitated with government transport from July 01st, said the Ministry of Transport in a press statement today. The statement further revealed that the new transport service is the brainchild of Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma. The new public sector transport service will be launched by Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma at the Transport Ministry at 4.30 pm tomorrow.zzz03187217
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10397&Itemid=44~~~A museum on pre-historic era at Embilipitiya shortly ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) New museum is to be set up in historically important Ranchamadama area in Embilipitiya and it will exhibit the pre-historic era, Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa province Mahipala Herath said. According to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Archaeologists have uncovered nine tombs in Ranchamadama school premises. It has been proved that the tombs had been built over 3000 years ago. zzz03187218
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10399&Itemid=44~~~Norochchalai - a massive project in Mahinda Chinthana ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) 'The Norochchalai coal power project was earmarked as a massive power project that would be set up to fulfill Sri Lanka’s energy expectations in the industrial, commercial and social sectors under the 'Mahinda Chintana' and President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his visit to China, requested the Chinese President to help Sri Lanka materialize such grand hopes, and the Chinese government responded positively by fully funding the entire project,”zzz03187219
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10400&Itemid=44~~~China, pleasing partner in progress for Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) China’s association is so respectable, cordial and progressive for Sri Lanka. The Chinese community stood by Sri Lanka at the worst of times with a steady supply of arms and ammunition in the battle fronts. And, the moral support they extended in the international arena is incomparable. Now, battling in the economic fronts, China’s assistance towards uplifting our economy is invaluable, zzz03187220
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10402&Itemid=44~~~Exams Chief visit IDP students ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ jin colloboration with the Department of Examination will accomodate internally displaced students to sit the G. C. E. (A/L) examination in August.. “This will be a big boon for ambitious students taking their academic examinations as a step into the future,” said Commissioner of Examinations Anura Edirisingha to www.news.lk, zzz03187221
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2627:unp-dissidents-made-slfp-electoral-organizers&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~UNP dissidents made SLFP electoral organizers ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Awarding posts of SLFP electoral organizers to a batch that crossed over from the UNP will take place today morning at Temple Trees under the auspices of President Mahinda Rajapakse. Minister Bandula Gunawardene is the new electoral organizer of the SLFP for Homagama, while Minister Gamini Lokuge with be the SLFP organizer for Kesbawa. Minister P. Dayaratne will be awarded Ampara while Dedigama will go to Minister Mano Wijeratne.zzz03187222
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2631:gas-up-again&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Gas up again ~~~Jun 30 (LT) The price of gas would be increased from tomorrow. The price of gas was increased thrice this year and was decreased only once. The data necessary to increase the price of gas every two months according to the formula was provided to the authority at the beginning of the month say Shell Gas and Laugfs Gas companies. The price increase would be based on the price increase in the world market in the months of April and May. zzz03187223
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2634:landslides-a-hurricanes-in-the-island-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Landslides & hurricanes in the island ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Incidents of landslides have been reported from many areas in the island states the National Building Research Organization (NBRO). A land slide of about half an acre area occurred on the 28th at Ahaliyagoda. About 55 people in 15 houses have been evacuated from the area states NBRO. However, the government has not taken any measures to find relief to these people who have temporarily taken shelter in their relatives homes. zzz03187224
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2156:pensioners-to-get-more-benefits-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Pensioners to get more benefits ~~~Jun 30 (LP) Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister and Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said that salaries of public servants and pensioners will be increased simultaneously by government .More than 500, 000 pensioners will benefit from this increase. Addressing the eighth Annual General Meeting of Public Service Pensioners' Trust Fund recently he said that public servants should understand that they are being paid by public money andzzz03187226
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45386.html~~~Why could we not defeat LTTE for 25 years?~~~Jun 30 (LNP) All members of the security forces, past and present, and all citizens of this country no doubt are happy and celebrating the defeat of the LTTE, the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, that had been a scourge not only to our country but the world for the past three decades. Some Western nations must be unhappy that the lever they utilized to destabilize our nation is no more available for them. zzz03187253
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45393.html~~~'Oceania', here we come!~~~Jun 30 (LNP) A bad workman, it is said, never finds a good tool. So do politicians and their top bureaucrats. They are never short of excuses for their failure. It was only the other day that Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama urged the media to expose frauds in the public sector as if the fault lay in the failure of the media to do their duty. Close on the heels of that ministerial exhortation comes the news that Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga has suggested that the State intelligence services be used to tackle corruption in public institutions. zzz03187227
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45391.html~~~Positive cricket should bring back spectators - Sangakkara~~~Jun 30 (LNP) Newly appointed Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara vowed to produce result oriented entertaining cricket during the forthcoming home test series against Pakistan. He made these observations during the launching ceremony of the Mobitel Cup three Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sangakkara said that it will be a tough task for his team to readjust themselves from Twenty20 cricket to the longer version of the game in a short period of time.zzz03187228
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2559~~~Sri Lankan expatriates engage in first post-war business symposium~~~Jun 30 (PISL) Around 30 expatriate Sri Lankan investors looking to get involved in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), along with nearly 100 local investors and 40 heads of regional business chambers gathered last week to explore investment and business partnerships. BizPAct ‘Invest in Sri Lanka Symposium’ which kicked off on Thursday (25th) attracted tremendous interest both locally and internationally. zzz03187229
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/news02.asp~~~Disaster assessment must for future projects ~~~Jun 30 (DN) The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) will make the Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) report compulsory for all future development projects. This system will help identify suitable land for development projects and will also help to mitigate and prevent disasters to a greater extent. “Therefore, a national level risk atlas for different hazards in Sri Lanka will be released on line and off line covering areas where droughts prevailed,zzz03187230
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/fea01.asp~~~Ways and means of tackling Tamil Diaspora ~~~Jun 30 (DN) Finding a lasting solution based on constitutional amendments to address the grievances of the Tamil people and drawing more investments into the country will strengthen the military victory over terrorism and rooting out any possibilities of resurfacing of the LTTE terrorism, the High Commissioner said. His remarks came in response to a news item that the Tamil Diaspora has formed an International Tamil Association, as a long term plan. zzz03187235
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=840~~~French Joint Forces Commander calls on Army Chief ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) COMMANDER of the French Joint Forces in Indian Ocean Region Vice Admiral Gerard Valin paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka Monday morning at his office in the Army Headquarters, Colombo. The Senior French Naval Commander, accompanied by French Ambassador Mr. Michel Lummaux during his meeting with General Sarath Fonseka exchanged views with regard to security and matters of bilateral interest.zzz03187231
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=854~~~Troops led to unearth two more LTTE torpedoes ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) A METICULOUSLY pre-planned LTTE sea battle that was to be staged against Security Forces by terrorists during the just-ended Eelam War-IV was exposed Monday evening when Task Force-8 troops unearthed two big LTTE torpedoes with their launcher from PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU area on information provided by a former LTTE cadre. The two torpedoes, each 26 ft in length and 5 ft 7 inches in circumference remained neatly wrapped in polythene when the troops made this startling recovery. zzz03187233
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=851~~~Nine Indicted with Funding LTTE ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) THE Attorney General has filed indictment against nine persons for granting Rs. 35 million to the LTTE from the funds of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation in 2006. The Attorney General filed indictment against Velupillai Sivanadiar, Murugesu Shanmugarajah, Kanthilingam Prem Raj, Kathirakesu Ganeshalingam, Sinnaiyah Shanthilingam, Eliyathambi Nadarajah, Krishna Kutti Sukumaran alias Udayan, Balasubramunium Sri Scandarajah, and Kamalias Prabakaran before the Colombo High Court.zzz03187234
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/fea13.asp~~~Wimal Abhayasundera: Remembering a poet~~~Jun 30 (DN) Reminiscence of by-gone three years of a person’s birthday celebration held September 17, 1996, a man born to this land, not with a silver spoon in his mouth but breast-fed by his mother and nurtured in healthy environment, and endowed with a masterly clarion call with the force of his pen, in a multifaceted arena to push forward a dormant culture, drives me to write this short note not to praise him, insteadzzz03187225
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/News30.asp~~~Beira restoration project in progress ~~~Jun 30 (DN) The Urban Development Authority (UDA), undertook the Beira Lake restoration project to give a facelift to the City of Colombo and to improve the living conditions of the people is now progressing smoothly, sources said. The purpose of this project was to develop the water front in the City of Colombo , improve tourism and other recreational facilities. Therefore the Government has allocated Rs 1.2 billion for the entire project, zzz03187236
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2626:jvp-asks-president-to-mediate-in-building-national-unity&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~JVP asks President to mediate in building national unity ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Even after one and a half months since the defeat of tiger terrorist organization the government has not taken adequate measures to provide relief to IDPs and build national unity says the JVP. In a letter to the President the JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has asked the President to take immediate measure regarding this. He, in his letter, has complained that the government was hindering attempts made by the JVP to provide relief to IDPs in the North.zzz03187238
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/30/news6.html~~~JVP accuses Edu. Authorities of charging fees from A/L students in Govt. schools~~~Jun 30 (island) The JVP yesterday accused the Education authorities of illegally charging fees from students in government schools for entry to Advanced Level classes. They claimed that the amount was half of what was levied by private schools for the same purpose. This was tantamount to the State converting government schools into private schools, the JVP told a press conference yesterday.zzz03187237
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/30/business1.html~~~Highest disbursement of foreign aid results in Infrastructure Development on fast track~~~Jun 30 (island) Commitments of foreign aid by bilateral donors, multilateral agencies and export credit agencies reached a high of US$ 2067 million in 2008 exceeding the previous committment of US$ 1740 million in 2005, in the aftermath of the tsunami, sources at the Ministry of Finance and Planning said. Disbursement in 2008 reached US$ 1226 million up from the previous highest of US$ 1146 million in 2006.zzz03187239
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/30/news7.html~~~'Bright prospects for Eastern youth to get employed abroad'~~~Jun 30 (Island) Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) Kingsley Ranawaka said that he would do his utmost to ensure that the people of the Batticaloa district who had been starved of all forms of employment over the years would be given priority in granting foreign employment opportunities, including quotas for vacancies in South Korea in the future. He said that he would also ensure that all services and zzz03187240
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/30/news8.html~~~Markets full of imported goods - Sirisena~~~Jun 30 (Island) Sri Lankan market began to be filled with imported consumer goods due to ambitious politicians who promised the people to provide food at cheap prices in order to gain power, observed Agriculture Development and Agrarian Service Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the presentation of awards to the winners of a Home Gardens competition conducted for residents in the Victoria and Kotmale Mahawela sector.zzz03187241
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53296~~~Sri Lanka fears ghost attack~~~Jun 30 (DM) Sri Lankan cricket officials fear a ghost attack on the visiting Pakistani team and have taken unprecedented security precautions not seen even during the reign of the LTTE, it has been revealed. In the first outing of the Pakistan team, hundreds of armed guards virtually cordoned off any unauthorized entry into the venue at Havelock Park where an unofficial three-day match began yesterday and zzz03187242
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53319~~~Govt. divided over 13th Amendment ~~~Jun 30 (DM) The JHU which is an ally of the ruling UPFA yesterday threatened to pull out of the government if it went ahead with the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and devolved police powers to the provincial councils. Environment Minister and JHU front-liner Champika Ranawaka said the party was in no way prepared to accept the 13th Amendment as it had no legitimacy. zzz03187255
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53317~~~PM reiterates need to ban Sunday tuition classes ~~~Jun 30 (DM) Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake yesterday stressed on the need to strictly enforce the ban on tuition classes on Sundays so that children would be able to attend ‘Daham Pasal’ on that day. The call for the ban came from the Prime Minister despite a claim by the Attorney General that such a ban cannot be enforced. The Premier made this point addressing a ceremony which was held to mark the awarding the title of ‘Mahopadyaya Abisambawana’ to zzz03187243
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53323~~~Pattipola shaken by triple tragedy~~~Jun 30 (DM) A triple tragedy left the picturesque village of Pattipola in shock and anguish after an elderly woman, her daughter and granddaughter were found dead inside a store room close to their house at Osu Uyana in Nuwara Eliya last morning, police said. They said the bodies of T.G.A. Somawathie (60), H.M. Mallika (28) and R.M. Himnimi Pumali (10) were found in the room while Mallika’s 3-year-old son Rohitha Bandara was nowhere to be found. zzz03187245
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6602&sec=1~~~Tiger leader, deputy arrested~~~Jun 30 (ANN) An LTTE leader and his deputy were arrested by the anti-terrorist unit of the Vavuniya Police, while they were in the company of a young pregnant girl, according to reports from Vavuniya Police. Identified as Keenan and Kannawan, they were arrested at Pesalai in Mannar. When Police arrested them they were in possession of two claymore mines, two T-56 weapons, five magazines and 142 rounds of ammunition.zzz03187246
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1136949875~~~Sri Lanka June inflation at 0.9-pct~~~Jun 30 (LBO) Consumer prices in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo rose 0.9 percent in June from a year earlier, down from 3.3 in May, while prices during the month moved up 1.3 percent, the government's statistics office said. The Colombo Consumer Price Index moved up to 207.8 point in June from 205.8 percent in May. The seasonally adjusted average, which is a lagging number moved down to 12.5 percent to 14.7 percent, zzz03187247
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=303356052~~~Sri Lanka recovery to be driven by domestic factors: economist~~~Jun 30 (LBO) Sri Lanka's economic recovery will be driven largely by domestic reconstruction flowing from an end of a three decade long war with some support from an external pick up, a regional economist said. "A lot of domestic factors, the end of war, rehabilitation, re-construction and improvement from agriculture will drive growth," HSBC Singapore economist Prakriti Sofat said at a business forum in Colombo Tuesday.zzz03187254
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29686~~~Government decides to abolish Peace Secretariat~~~Jun 30 (TN) The Presidential Secretariat Monday directed the closure of the Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) at the end of July. “We have not been told any specific reason for the decision. However we have been discussing such a scenario since last week,” SCOPP Director General, Professor Rajiva Wijesinghe, told media persons. He declined to comment on the government’s decision to close down the SCOPP. zzz03187248
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200906301211.htm~~~AIADMK members evicted en masse from TN Assembly~~~Jun 30 (PTI) Opposition AIADMK members were on Tuesday evicted en masse from the Tamil Nadu Assembly as they disrupted the proceedings by raising slogans to demand passage of a resolution on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. Speaker R. Avudaiyappan ordered the eviction following a request from Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi who said raising slogans inside the House was "uncultured". zzz03187250
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/658589~~~New coalition to press case of refugees in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 30 (TS) The Tamil Canadian Conference, human rights and labour groups say they have joined forces to pressure Ottawa to try to expedite aid for refugees in Sri Lanka. The new coalition, calling itself Canadians Concerned about Sri Lanka, will hold a news conference today urging the federal government to step up its advocacy and aid on behalf of about 300,000 displaced people occupying about 20 refugee camps in Sri Lanka.zzz03187251
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/658543~~~Sri Lanka's ethnic conundrum~~~Jun 30 (TS) It won the war, but has Sri Lanka lost its mind? After declaring total victory over the Tamil Tigers, Sri Lanka remains as combative as ever. Weeks later, it still sees enemies everywhere – and silences them. The government is overcome by post-traumatic triumphalism syndrome: Its president behaves like a Buddha, gliding across the land of Lanka erecting stupas (shrines) commemorating his victory. Music videos sing the praises of Mahindra Rajapaksa. zzz03187252
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/30/content_11625970.htm~~~Captain Ali to unload in Chennai ~~~Jun 30 (Xinhua) A cargo ship carrying humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka's war-affected civilians has been allowed to unload its goods in southern India after it was turned back by the Sri Lankan navy, a local English newspaper said on Tuesday. The Daily Mirror said the ship would be allowed to unload its goods in Chennai from where the supplies will be transferred to Sri Lanka through the Indian Red Cross. zzz03187232
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1907849,00.html~~~Around the world, young Tamil voices not quieted by war's end~~~Jun 30 (Time) Sri Lanka's 26 years of civil war effectively ended on May 19 with a single image. Televisions across the globe broadcast a government-issue photo of slain Tamil Tiger head, Velupillai Prabhakaran, lying on a muddy patch of ground with wide eyes and a fractured skull. His life's end terminated the LTTE's decades-long fight for an independent homeland for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority - about ten percent of the population zzz03187249
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090630/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketsrijayasuriya~~~Age-defying Jayasuriya eyes next World Cup~~~Jun 30 (AFP) Sri Lanka's veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya turns 40 on Tuesday, with a vow to carry on until the 2011 World Cup despite being the oldest cricketer still playing at the top level. "Age is not a problem, it is how you stay mentally and physically fit to remain on top of the game, to try out new variations with the bat and ball," Jayasuriya told AFP.zzz03187244
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906301564.htm~~~Sri Lanka to take action against former rebels ~~~Jun 30 (AP) Sri Lanka plans to take legal action against a small group of hardcore rebel fighters, and rehabilitate the majority of former Tamil Tiger insurgents, a government minister said on Tuesday. The government is currently holding about 10,000 former rebel fighters, after declaring victory in the nation's quarter century civil war in May.zzz03187256
http://www.himalmag.com/Repugnant-fillip-(Sri-Lanka)_nw3093.html~~~Repugnant fillip (Sri Lanka) ~~~July 1 (Himal) Mahinda Rajapakse has had a good few months. First, he resoundingly defeated the LTTE, ending a war that had raged for almost three decades. Then, just as calls for an international investigation into his government’s excesses during the final days of fighting were gaining strength, the United Nations essentially gave him a clean sheet. On 27 May, during a special session called to discuss Sri Lanka, the UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC) passed a resolution praising Colombo’s war policy, and zzz03187257
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/twenty_20_championship_well_do.html~~~Twenty 20 Championship: Well done, Sri Lanka~~~July 1 (TC) The Sri Lankan squad had a wonderful tournament, though the gloss was reduced by their comprehensive loss to Pakistan at the final hurdle. This disappointment should not be permitted to deny striking successes: (a) the comprehensive victories they secured over Australia (one of the favourites), West Indies (twice) and Pakistan in earlier rounds; and (b) the selection of Tillekeratne Dilshan as Player of the Tournament.zzz03187258
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/411187.html~~~Pakistanis fail to capitalise on fine start~~~July 1 (CI) Pakistan got some valuable batting practice on the second day of their practice game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, with openers Khurram Manzoor and Salman Butt both scoring half-centuries. Three wickets towards the end of day's play pegged the tourists back, as the Pakistan middle order failed to drive home the advantage after a great start. SLC XI started the day at 278 for 3, and added 67 to their overnight total to declare on 345 for 5. zzz03187259
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKCOL512100._CH_.2420?rpc=401&~~~Sri Lanka says will boost size of post-war armed forces~~~July 1 (Reuters) Sri Lanka plans to add at least 50,000 people to its security forces to help control territory won back from Tamil Tiger separatists in the 25-year war that ended in May, the government said on Tuesday. The move could further complicate the country's efforts to get an International Monetary Fund loan seen as an important sign of foreign support and a boost for its economy and markets.zzz03187261
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/411309.html~~~'Playing as a batsman a bigger challenge'~~~July 1 (CI) Mahela Jayawardene has said Sri Lanka's home series against Pakistan from Saturday will be a bigger challenge for him after giving up the team's captaincy early this year because he now wants to push himself "to the limit" as a batsman. Jayawardene has discussed his new role with Kumar Sangakkara, his successor, and will focus on holding Sri Lanka's batting together and improve its disappointing home record against Pakistan.zzz03187262
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090630_susil_champika.shtml~~~JHU 'will not leave' Govt.~~~July 1 (BBC) A senior leader of Sri Lanka's government says, he is confident that a key coalition partner will not leave the government despite a threat by a Sinhala nationalist party. Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) will leave the coalition if the government fully implements the 13 amendment to the constitution, a senior JHU leader warned. zzz03187263
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090630/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankachinaeconomy~~~Sri Lanka carves out economic zone for China~~~July 1 (AFP) Sri Lanka granted Chinese companies a separate economic zone on the island which has just ended nearly four decades of ethnic bloodshed. China's Huichen Investment Holdings Limited will manage and bring new investments into the Mirigama zone, some 55 kilometers north of Colombo, for a period of 33 years, officials said. Over the next three-years, Huichen will invest 28 million dollars to develop roads, power and sewerage facilities in the zone,zzz03187260
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=85068~~~Rains raise fears of malaria setback ~~~July 1 (IRIN) Health experts warn that the arrival of monsoon rains in July could increase the risk of waterborne diseases for tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps in northern Sri Lanka. More than 280,000 people who fled fighting between government forces and the now defeated LTTE are staying in some 35 government camps in four northern districts - Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee. zzz03187265
http://blogs.wsj.com/privateequity/2009/06/29/new-pe-firm-says-sri-lanka-is-cinderella-story-of-asia/~~~New PE firm says Sri Lanka is Cinderella story of Asia~~~July 1 (WSJ) Private equity investors wax poetic about Asia, but for the most part, by Asia, they mean established economies like Japan, or up-and-comers like China or India. Sri Lanka tends to be an area that gets a lot less focus, but one firm, Singapore-based Calamander Capital Ltd., hopes to change that. Calamander, headed by Chairman Roman Scott, is looking to raise $150 million to invest in the South Asian island nation. zzz03187266
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8127128.stm~~~Security tight for Pakistan's tour~~~July 1 (BBC) Just a week after Pakistan beat their South Asian friends and rivals, the Sri Lankans, in the Twenty20 World Cup final at Lord's cricket ground in the UK, they have embarked on a tour of the island which will take in three test matches and five one-day internationals culminating in a Twenty20 finale. Because of the militant attack on Sri Lanka as they toured Pakistan last March, security is a big issue. zzz03187267
http://www.livemint.com/2009/06/30211543/Sri-Lanka-winning-the-war-on.html?h=B~~~Sri Lanka: winning the war on two fronts~~~July 1 (LM) When television channels across the globe began beaming visuals of Velupillai Prabhakaran’s body on 19 May, there was shock first and then, disbelief. Dressed in battle fatigues, his dog tag and his favourite revolver still on him, Prabhakaran’s skull was partially blown off, his eyes wide open even in death. Was he surprised? Shocked? Or simply frozen in fear when death came? No one will know for sure the exact circumstances under which he was killed. zzz03187268
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10409&Itemid=44~~~President pledges to protect nation freed by brave Armed Forces ~~~July 1 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa today pledged to protect and safeguard the nation freed by gallant troops and stressed that he would not allow anyone to disturb the freed country again."I will uphold and execute all what is contained in the 'Mahinda Chintana' with sacrifice', the President asserted. The President made these observations addressing the newly appointed SLFP Organisers and District Organiserszzz03187269
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-turning-peoples-sacrifices-to-win.html~~~"Govt. turning peoples sacrifices to win war into nightmare and hopes into despair" ~~~July 1 (LG) It is a pity that people are increasingly beginning to realize that the end of the war after all is not reaping for them the benefits they expected and deserved despite the monumental sacrifices they made and sufferings they faced when the Government during the war went on ruthlessly imposing hardships on them by taxation , price hikes, tariff hikes and soaring cost of living burdens while taking refuge under the war expenditure. zzz03187270
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2635:elections-are-held-to-extend-hegemony-of-the-family--vijithe-herath-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Elections are held to extend hegemony of the family'~~~July 1 (LT) The government instead of establishing economic development and good governance in the country after defeating terrorism holds elections to extend the hegemony of the family of those who are in power says JVP MP Vijithe Herath. He said, “After the war that continued for nearly three decades ended the people expected the government to establish the economy, development and good governance.zzz03187271
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/30/content_11628684.htm~~~Govt allows elderly refugees leave camps for relatives ~~~July 1 (Xinhua) Some 9,000 IDPs camped in northern Sri Lanka who are 60 years old or above will be allowed to leave the camps and join their relatives, the police said Tuesday. They are to be released to the care of their relatives who are living outside the camps after a due documentation process. "We have identified about 9,000 of them and they will be allowed to leave camps and be with their relatives," zzz03187272
http://asiantribune.com/07/01/sri-lanka-appoints-a-career-diplomat-to-head-its-only-mission-in-latin-america/~~~Sri Lanka appoints a career diplomat to head its only mission in Latin America~~~July 1 (AT) Sri Lanka appoints for the first time a career diplomat to head its Embassy in Brazil. Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Brazil is the country’s only diplomatic outpost in the Latin America and already the Ambassador designate A. M. J. Sadiq has left for Brasilia to head the country’s mission. After the opening up of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil, General Rohan de S. Daluwatte, former army commander was its first Ambassador. zzz03187273
http://asiantribune.com/07/01/ltte-comeback-trail/~~~LTTE: Comeback Trail~~~July 1 (AT) The distance between the IDP sheltered in the camps in search of a new life and the Externally Displaced Diaspora engaged in a self determining exercise of rediscovering themselves while competing with fractions within the fractured LTTE in exile, is a bridge too far to cross. Both are presently homeless and in search of identities. IDPs have a home to go back; but the Diaspora once hopeful of welcome return for the prodigal sons by the LTTE, will have no welcoming team on arrival in Sri Lanka. zzz03187274
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6186&l=1~~~Sri Lanka’s judiciary: Politicised courts, compromised rights~~~July 1 (ICG) Sri Lanka’s judiciary is failing to protect constitutional and human rights. Rather than assuaging conflict, the courts have corroded the rule of law and worsened ethnic tensions. Rather than constraining militarisation and protecting minority rights, a politicised bench under the just-retired chief justice has entrenched favoured allies, punished foes and blocked compromises with the Tamil minority.zzz03187275
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=1~~~Charity funds are sacred - Father Jeyanesan must submit his accounts~~~July 1 (SLW) Father Sellathurai Jeyanesan gets a third of what VeAhavta in the US raises as donations to charity and his US colleague Eric Parkinson, an attorney, gets two-thirds for operating this charity founded by him in 2001. It is claimed this charity is one of the few NGOs functioning in Sri Lanka to provide aid to those affected by the war claiming that more than 300,000 people are being held in detention camps against their will. zzz03187276
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2116/~~~Criminal gangs and the failure to invest in the administration of justice~~~July 1 (AHRC) About a hundred criminals have been shot dead either in gun battles with the police or in mysterious circumstances like trying to attack police officers, even when handcuffed. This was revealed in an article published in the Sunday Lakbimanews, written by Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe. The article goes on to enumerate many criminal gangs operating around Colombo. These are the Farji gang, the Anamalu Imtiaz gang, the Diga Faizer gang, the Baiyya gang and zzz03187277
no~~~World Refugee Day 2009~~~zzz03187278
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/07/01/news40.html~~~New Committee of all parties set up under President ~~~July 1 (BL) In the latest development in creating a conducive environment for finding a political solution to the ethnic issue the new Development and Reconciliation Committee, comprised of representatives of all parties was set up with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as its chair. Even though the specific functions of the Committee were not immediately available the appointment follows hot on the heels of two political parties, namely the JHU and NFF, being vociferous in their condemnation of the APRC. zzz03187279
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/07/01/news16.html~~~Minor floods in Ratnapura: DMC ~~~July 1 (BL) The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported yesterday that there was danger of low lying areas of the Kalu Ganga being flooded, particularly in Ratnapura. This is due to upper areas of the river being deluge with over 120mm of rain, prompting the warning. The people have been cautioned and relevant officials have been notified. Water levels had reached 19 feet by evening as well. zzz03187281
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/07/01/news18.html~~~TNA to shun pro-LTTE and pro-Govt. MPs? ~~~July 1 (BL) The TNA is to decide on the fate of four of its Parliamentarians, who have failed to be present for Parliament sessions for the last three months. The TNA is to decide the future of four of its members- S. Jayananthamurthi from Batticaloa, Selvam Addaikalanathan from Vanni, Selvarajah Kajendran and M K Sivajilingam from Jaffna, who have failed to present themselves in Parliament during the last three months, allegedly due to security threats to their lives.zzz03187282
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/07/01/news35.html~~~Sri Lanka can do it says Akashi ~~~July 1 (BL) Japan’s Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi last night called on all Sri Lankans to draw strength from its greatness to overcome challenges in the highly favourable post-war era. “I am not aware of any other developing country that has faced such a dire challenge and emerged with significant results,” Akashi said commenting on the Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in the North at a premier business forum yesterday.zzz03187283
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/825~~~The I.D.P. Experience: Do I know what it means?~~~July 1 (DBS) Hello Friends, The troubles and travails faced by the displaced civilian population of the Northern mainland, Wanni is indeed a tragedy of our times. I have in the past written extensively about the Wanni civilians who lived in tiger-controlled territory and described them as the wretched of the Wanni earth. These people are now uprooted from their homes and compelled to live as “Internally Displaced Persons” in various camps described as welfare centers. zzz03187284
Jun 1 (LG) I am pleased to be back here at the Shangri-La Dialogue for the 3rd successive year. On the previous two occasions I came before you to share our engagement with the LTTE and how we were hoping to counter its terror tactics effectively. At the outset, let me delineate for purpose of clarity the structure of my address this morning. zzz03185215
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/pros-and-cons-of-pirabakarans-death.html~~~Pros and Cons of Pirabakaran’s death ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Sri Lanka says Pirabakaran is dead. Majority of the LTTE support base says Pirabakaran is alive. A section of the LTTE says Pirabakaran is dead. Anti- LTTE support base says Pirabakaran is dead. The international opinion contends Pirabakaran is dead. Within this divide, who is right and who is wrong? For Sri Lanka, Pirabakaran is the most wanted man in the country.zzz03185214
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/burning-memories.html~~~Burning memories~~~Jun 1 (LG) Remembering the sad saga of Tamils in Sri Lanka, the burning down of the Jaffna library is a one of the biggest and finest in Asia, on the night of May 31, 1981. On that fateful night Sri Lankan paramilitary forces set ablaze this grand library as part of the pogrom against Tamils of Jaffna. Some 97,000 volumes of books, excluding rare and important Ola manuscripts, went up in flames. zzz03185216
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/four-historic-conjunctures-where-tamil_31.html~~~Four historic conjunctures where Tamil thinking tumbled in to "Tappitam"- II ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Pulip Padai was a rather unsuccessful precursor to the many militant youth groups sponsored by the ITAK and later, by the TULF which prided itself on its "boys". The leaders probably believed that they could control the "boys" in much the same way that Cinnamon Garden housewives control their low-caste Tamil domestic help ("servants"). By then, due to a series of racial riots that zzz03185217
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/05/why-mix-up-nationalism-with-racism.html~~~Why Mix-up Nationalism with Racism? ~~~Jun 1 (LG) Never did I think a friend would pick up the phone, dial me and ‘request’ me to stop writing; but it happened. Some are prepared to change my surname because I support Sri Lanka instead of Tamil Elam. In their book, only Sinhalas support Sri Lanka and all Tamils must support Tamil Eelam! This is just one more myth like the myth of Tamil Eelam itself; the nation that never was and never will be. However, this is a vast area worth exploring.zzz03185218
no~~~Interview with Deepa Ollapally~~~zzz03185208
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Lankan+Tamil+conflict+on+celluloid&artid=T4pFpynszA8=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=LTTE%20chief%20Velupillai%20Prabhakaran,~~~Lankan Tamil conflict on celluloid ~~~Jun 1 (EB) Inspired by LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, ace filmmaker K Bharathiraja will make a film on the Sri Lankan conflict highlighting the plight of Tamils caught in the war. “The film will focus on the role of LTTE... against the Sinhala regime,” Bharathiraja told The New Indian Express. The maker of superhits said the script is yet to be finalised and that he would be using fresh faces for the film.zzz03185220
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Return+of+the+talking+parrot&artid=r2DZVtfbxmw=&SectionID=d16Fdk4iJhE=&MainSectionID=HuSUEmcGnyc=&SectionName=aVlZZy44Xq0bJKAA84nwcg==&SEO=~~~Return of the talking parrot~~~Jun 1 (EB) Iran into Killi, the talking parrot from Killinochi again on Thursday. Killi was in a talkative mood. I was in a mood to drink. We adjourned home, and I carefully overlooked the bottle of Famous Grouse and opened Black Dog instead. While I knocked back a few Killi half-heartedly pecked at birdseeds. She bitterly blamed Vaiko and Nedumaran for “comprehensively misleading” the (erstwhile) LTTE chief Prabhakaran on a daily basis therefore leading him to his debacle. zzz03185221
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/srilanka/5417553/Kumar-Sangakkara-and-Sri-Lanka-aim-to-act-as-a-unifying-force-for-nation.html~~~Kumar Sangakkara and Sri Lanka aim to act as a unifying force for nation~~~
Jun 1 (Telegraph) Sangakkara, one of cricket's most eloquent speakers, touched on the realities of playing cricket again for players who only three months ago were targeted by terrorist bullets and grenades in Lahore. This tournament is Sri Lanka's first trip together overseas since seven of their players, including Sangakkara, suffered minor injuries andzzz03185222
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8075779.stm~~~Sri Lanka rules out outside probe~~~Jun 1 (BBC) Sri Lanka has dismissed calls for an independent inquiry into claims of human rights abuses by the military, saying its own courts will investigate. Foreign minister Rohita Bogollagama said the claims that heavy weaponry was used in civilian areas during the war with Tamil rebels were "fictional". He said the claims were being used to boost accusations of genocide against the country's Tamil minority. zzz03185223
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25564955-25837,00.html~~~Tamils fear bout of ethnic cleansing~~~Jun 1 (TA) It is one of many triumphant pro-government posters in the Sri Lankan capital's skyline, but the message on this hoarding is an ominous sign of things to come. The Government is seeking to purge separatist "sleeper cells" and sympathisers. In the wake of President Mahinda Rajapakse's declaration of victory over the LTTE last month, Sinhalese Sri Lankans danced and waved the national flag, which bears the Sinhalese lion. zzz03185224
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/31/sri-lanka-british-medic~~~Sri Lanka may release British medic held in internment camp~~~Jun 1 (Guardian) The Sri Lankan government was tonightconsidering the release of a British medic held in an internment camp in the north of the country after she fled the fighting there. On Saturday the Guardian revealed that Damilvany Gnanakumar, 26, was detained after spending months helping the wounded at temporary hospitals inside the so-called no-fire zone. Today a Sri Lankan government official said her case had been taken up by the human rights minister,zzz03185225
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6401557.ece~~~India accused of complicity in deaths of Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 1 (Times) India was accused yesterday of complicity in the killing of an estimated 20,000 civilians in the last stages of Sri Lanka’s 26-year war against the Tamil Tigers. Major-General Ashok Mehta, a former commander of Indian peacekeeping forces in Sri Lanka, said that India’s role was “distressing and disturbing”. Two international human rights groups said that India had failed to do enough to protect civilian lives.zzz03185226
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6401262.ece~~~Sri Lanka's crucial role in Indian Ocean power struggle ~~~Jun 1 (Times) For a tiny, teardrop-shaped fragment in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka punches far above its weight. Its location off the southeastern coast of India may have put it right in the line of the 2004 tsunami, but it also puts it in pole position to exploit the growing geopolitical struggle unfolding in the Indian Ocean. China’s role in the Sri Lankan civil war is well known.zzz03185227
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article6401819.ece~~~Time for Witness~~~Jun 1 (Times) Ban Ki Moon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Sri Lanka last week. He knew from his officials that at least 20,000 civilians had been killed by Sri Lankan troops in the offensive against the Tamil Tigers. Mr Ban never mentioned this figure to his Sri Lankan interlocutors. He saw, while travelling by air over a supposed “no-fire” zone, the evidence of a massacre of thousands of Tamil civilians caught between the army and the insurgents. zzz03185228
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124364194412468073.html#mod=todays_asia_economy_and_politics~~~Sri Lanka stirs an economy racked by war ~~~Jun 1 (WSJ) The end to a long war has come just in time for Sri Lanka's economy, according to the country's central bank chief, who is now taking steps to lift low foreign-exchange reserves and spur growth. "For 30 years, whenever investors spoke of Sri Lanka, the refrain was, 'If only it wasn't for the war,' " said Central Bank of Sri Lanka Gov. Ajith Nivard Cabraal in an interview. "Today, it's not the next word. A huge change has taken place."zzz03185231
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/01/stories/2009060153671100.htm~~~'India an important partner'~~~Jun 1 (Hindu) The Sri Lankan government looks upon India as “an important partner” in shaping the island nation’s future following the defeat of the LTTE. Indicating this, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told The Hindu that “India has been always a part of the home-grown [political] process” in his country. He did not, however, specify any role that India could perhaps play in helping Sri Lanka formulate or fast-forward its post-LTTE initiatives. zzz03185230
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/01/stories/2009060158971100.htm~~~Mystery shrouds presence of British woman in Tiger territory ~~~
Jun 1 (Hindu) A British woman citizen, Damilvany Gnanakumar, – known as Vani – being questioned by the Sri Lankan authorities after she fled along with the last batch of civilians from the LTTE’s clutches has raised two vital questions. How did she land in the island nation and how did she stay on in the Tiger-controlled territory for nearly 15 months?zzz03185229
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/1/nation/4020764&sec=nation~~~Revoke Lankan envoy’s immunity, says MIC Youth~~~Jun 1 (TS) The MIC Youth has vowed to write to the Foreign Ministry to ask that the Sri Lanka High Commissioner’s diplomatic immunity be revoked, reports Tamil Nesan. The wing has expressed its disappointment over Dr D.D. Ranasinghe’s refusal to apologise over his remark that anti-Sri Lankan protesters at a rally in Batu Caves on May 24 were “jokers”. Its adviser S. Vell Paari said he would write to the ministry asking zzz03185232
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/05/post_366.html~~~The battle of Geneva was revelation of Lanka's true friends~~~Jun 1 (TC) Was Geneva the last battle of the Thirty Years (hot) war, the first battle of the next war – a long Cold War against Sri Lanka -- or was it a combination? Only future history will tell. When we aren’t involved, our arithmetic goes awry. We speak of four Eelam wars when there were five, because we omit the important one fought between the LTTE and the IPKF. There were five Eelam wars fought on the soil of our island:zzz03185233
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2050/~~~Dengue fever and dysfunctional democracy ~~~Jun 1 (AHRC) 80 persons have died of dengue fever recently. Over 5,000 people are infected and there are fears that of further spread of the virus. The president has asked the authorities to pay more attention to the issue. Diseases happen in all societies. However, the way diseases are dealt with depends on the efficiency of countries' political as well as societal systems.zzz03185237
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2117217208~~~Ideas to win the war: Give phones to Sri Lanka IDPs~~~Jun 1 (LBO) I was away from the country during the historic events of May 2009. One good thing was that I was able to hear a moving presentation by Patrice Buzzanell, a scholar who had made it her life’s work to study human resilience in multiple contexts, mostly individual and organizational. As I listened to her, all that went through my mind was the unfolding human tragedy in the Vanni. zzz03185235
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/05/post_367.html~~~Pictorial: Roadside Hopper Makers in Maamangam, Batticaloa~~~Jun 1 (TC) While traveling to Batticaloa, it’s very refreshing to witness the firewood carriers, trying to manage a whole load of firewood on their bicycles, and ride through the wind against them. Likewise while being in Batticaloa, we do not fail to catch the images of women making hoppers on the roadside at dusk. Most of us are used to stop by the hopper sellers to taste the instant milk hoppers.zzz03185236
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/55943/2009/04/29-150246-1.htm~~~Plight of children stuck in Sri Lankan camps~~~
Jun 1 (AN) I visited Vavuniya in early May, one of the towns in the north of Sri Lanka where lots of people uprooted by fighting between troops and rebels have arrived over the last few months. Since my previous visit in March, the number of displaced had really grown. In addition to the camps, transitional welfare villages have been set up to accommodate up to 800 families each. zzz03185234
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-MP-fears-north-polls-will-not-be-democratic/2999.htm~~~UNP MP fears north polls will not be democratic~~~Jun 1 (CT) UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena says he fears the upcoming local government elections in the north will be far from democratic, given that his party is denied access to the province even to inquire into the wellbeing of war-displaced people. He said the government should demonstrate its genuine intentions by allowing the main opposition and other parties to do politics in Vavuniya and Jaffna.zzz03185238
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Head-Norwegian-NGO-deported/2993.htm~~~Head of Norwegian NGO deported~~~Jun 1 (CT) The head of Norwegian NGO FORUT was deported last night (May 30) for her involvement with the LTTE and indulging in activities inimical to the sovereignty and independence of Sri Lanka, "Ada Derana" online reports quoting defense sources. The website says it appears that Ranvei Tvetenes, who was a law unto herself, had ordered the removal of the national flag of Sri Lanka that was hoisted by the local staff to mark the win of the war by the armed forces on May 20. zzz03185239
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29493~~~Potent Tamil voice for European Parliament~~~Jun 1 (TN) June 4th elections will determine if Tamils in the London electoral region have the political muscle, organizational acumen and seasoned campaigning skills to attract broader British voters to elect Ms Janani (Jan) Jananayagam, a British, French educated young professional, who is contesting as an Independent candidate to the European Parliament. Ms. Jananayagam’s educational credentials, demonstrated communications skills, andzzz03185240
no~~~Fallen Heros & their families~~~zzz03185241
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9922&Itemid=44~~~A new IDP Village to be set up in the North ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Another relief village is to be established for the people displaced in the north due to terrorist activities. Preparatory work on this village to be set up at Manik Farm Vavuniya, commenced yesterday, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Re-settlement U.L.M Haldeen told www.news.lk today (01). He pointed out that this will be the fifth relief village to be constructed on behalf of the displaced people and zzz03185242
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9919&Itemid=44~~~Mega water supply scheme for Settikulam ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Minister of Resettlement and Relief Services, Rishard Badhiutheen commissioned a mega water supply scheme yesterday (31) to supply water to the displaced civilians in Settikulam. This project estimated at Rs. 400 million was co- funded by the UNICEF and the Government. The construction of the project was completely handled by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.zzz03185243
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9923&Itemid=44~~~New Identity Cards to IDPs by Friday ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) The Government has taken steps to issue Identity Cards to the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) who arrive from conflict areas before Friday (05), Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Re-settlement U.L.M Haldeen told www.news.lk today (01). He stated that, this will be done in order to establish the identity of those arriving and to streamline the Government’s welfare program. zzz03185244
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9925&Itemid=44~~~President pays last respects to Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his last respects to late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda today (01) in Parliament. The procession carrying the remains of late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda arrived at the Parliament around 10.00 am and the President, Speaker, ministers and members of parliament were in waiting to receive the remains at the parliament square. zzz03185245
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9926&Itemid=44~~~New transport zone set up in Pettah ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) The Transport Ministry has taken steps to transform the areas covering the Fort railway station, Pettah bus stand and Bastian Mawatha private bus stand as a transport zone, a press release issued from the ministry stated. The National Transport Commission will take the management of the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand and all the long distance bus services commencing from Colombo will begin from this bus stand.zzz03185246
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9927&Itemid=44~~~Dengue can send you to Jail ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) Strict action will be taken by the Health Ministry against anyone who has an environment conducive for the breeding of mosquitoes from today and the Ministry has directed all Medical Officers of Health(MOH) to be alert to combat the menace, Media Secretary to the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition W.M.D Wanninayeka said. He said that relevant laws have been formulated with regard to the prevention of breeding of mosquitoes.zzz03185247
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9929&Itemid=44~~~Power and water to the North ~~~
Jun 1 (GDI) The Government has implemented a fresh program to provide electricity to all areas in the north shortly and the objective of the program is to ensure that electricity is provided to all government institutions and the displaced who would be resettled in the area, Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne said.zzz03185249
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9930&Itemid=44~~~LTTE fired at civilians-claims IDPs ~~~Jun 1 (GDI) International organizations calling for investigations on human rights violations act in sheer desperation, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeyawardene said yesterday. The minister dismissed demands for independent investigations into SL armed forces behaviour in the final round of battle against LTTE separatists. Refuting allegations from international bodies on charges of civilian casualties, zzz03185248
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2318:deaf-to-get-driving-licenses-from-dulles&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Deaf to get driving licenses from Dulles ~~~Jun 1 (LT) Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said he would take measures to issue driving licenses for the deaf. He made this assurance at the Annual Convention of the Association for Deaf held at the auditorium of the Public Library. He said though numerous requests for driving licenses for the deaf had been made since the formation of the association in 1984, both politicians and officials had turned a blind eye. zzz03185250
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2315:from-sir-with-love&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~From sir with love! ~~~Jun 1 (LT) The gynecology and obstetrics question paper set for the final year students of Colombo, Peradeniya and Ragama medical faculties has been cancelled. A spokesman for the Colombo Medical Faculty said the question paper was cancelled due to complains received stating that it had been set without adhering to proper standard set by the university and an alternative question paper would be set and the examination held soon. zzz03185251
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2313:50-of-students-in-colombo-struck-dengue-at-least-once&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~50% of students in Colombo struck dengue at least once ~~~Jun 1 (LT) 50% of students under the age of 12 in Colombo city have been struck with dengue fever at least once reveals a survey carried out by the Epidemiology Unit in collaboration with several other institutions. About 1500 dengue patients have been treated in Colombo District during the five months of this year and a large number of them were school children. A person can get dengue fever several times and zzz03185252
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2312:son-in-law-to-fill-dodangodas-vacancy&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Son-in-law to fill Dodangoda’s vacancy ~~~Jun 1 (LT) Mr. Chandima Weerakkody, a lawyer has been appointed to the UPFA Parliamentary seat that was created vacant by the demise of Minister of Justice Amarasiri Dodangoda. Mr. Weerakkody is the next in line in the list of preferential votes. Mr. Weerakkody, a son-in-law of Mr. Dodangoda contesting the General Election in 2004 from the UPFA received 52,791 preferential votes and was placed seventh in the zzz03185253
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2310:two-army-hqs-in-mullaithivu-a-killinochchi&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Two Army HQs in Mullaithivu & Killinochchi ~~~
Jun 1 (LT) Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka said that SL Army has established two Security Forces Headquarters in Mullaithivu and Killinochchi to oversee the overall security plan of the two districts. These two head quarters hare being established in addition to the one that exists in Vanni at present. Major General Nandana Udawatta, presently the Overall Operations Commander, Anuradhapura has been appointed as zzz03185256
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2309:pcs-to-get-police-land-health-a-education-under-13th-amendment&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~PCs to get police, land, health & education under 13th amendment ~~~Jun 1 (LT) A group appointed by UPFA government to present proposals for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has finalized their proposal and will be submitting them to President Mahind Rajapakse on Wednesday. According to the proposals provincial councils will get land, police, health and education powers. Police powers will be limited to minor offences and councils would also retain powers for the acquisition and requisition of lands. zzz03185255
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/05/30/normalising-the-exception-the-state-of-emergency-in-peacetime/~~~The state of emergency in peacetime~~~Jun 1 (GV) In response to a call by the Opposition and civil society to lift the state of emergency and to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in consequence of the end of the war, the Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva informed Parliament last Tuesday, 26th May 2009, that the Government has no intention of doing so at present. The stated reasons are that the threat of terrorism continues, zzz03185254
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2228~~~The attempted resolution against Sri Lanka - a Western perspective~~~Jun 1 (PISL) First we must insist that everything we did was transparent and above board. Unlike Sri Lanka, which requested support from countries that no self-respecting Westerner would talk to, unless we had something to sell to them, we spoke only to countries with a solid track record of concern for human rights, except in Iraq and Afghanistan.zzz03185257
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/21-Colombo-schools-closed-3-days/3004.htm~~~21 Colombo schools closed for 3 days~~~Jun 1 (CT) Twenty one schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka will be closed from today (June 01) for three days in view of war victory celebrations to be at Galle Face Green, says the Government Information Department. The schools that will remain closed in order to facilitate arrangements for the event are: Royal College, Thurston College, Mahanama College, Yashodara Balika Vidyalaya, Mahamathya Vidyalaya, Polhengoda,zzz03185258
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/7-top-senior-LTTE-leaders-arrested-from-welfare-camps/3011.htm~~~7 top senior LTTE leaders arrested from welfare camps~~~Jun 1 (CT) Seven top ranked leaders of the LTTE are among several senior cadres of the outfit who have been arrested by defence authorities from welfare camps in the north. According to 'Dinamina', they include political and administrative leaders Karikalan, Yogaratnam Yogi, Lawrance Thilakar, Elilan, B. Balakumar, Ilamparithi and Thangam. Karikalan was one time eastern political leader of the LTTE, and zzz03185259
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18103~~~Fishing restrictions relaxed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 1 (AT) Fishermen from the North West and South of Sri Lanka are overjoyed today because after nearly 20 years, fishermen are now allowed to engage in fishing in the seas off Mannar and Pesalai. Ministry of Fisheries said that now that the war with the LTTE is over, the fishermen from the west could engage in fishing using 28 ft to 30 ft boats. “The Ministry is confident that the fish harvest of the southern fishermen would be better after relaxing of restrictions. zzz03185260
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18102~~~Anandasangaree’s DTNA to contest alone~~~Jun 1 (AT) The Democratic Tamil National Alliance led by veteran Tamil Leader V.Anandasangaree will be contesting in the forthcoming local Government elections in the Northern Province. Already the Gazette notification is out regarding holding elections for the Jaffna Municipal Council, as well as to the Vavuniya Urban Council. A political alliance comprising three important anti-LTTE parties, it is popularly known as the DTNA is zzz03185261
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44359.html~~~HP targets Sri Lankan market~~~Jun 1 (LNP) HP has a strong commitment to the Sri Lankan market. With peace and stability in the country there is tremendous growth potential, Senior Vice President, Personal Systems Group (PSG) Asia Pacific and Japan See Chin Teik told Daily News Business. Based in Singapore, Chin Teik, an HP veteran of 18 years drives HP s sales and marketing efforts in the high-growth South-East Asian and Taiwan Markets. zzz03185262
no~~~Interview with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: Part 2~~~zzz03185264
no~~~Interview with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu: Part 1~~~zzz03185265
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/news03.asp~~~Work begins on road connecting Mannar with main lagoon ~~~Jun 1 (DN) Work on the three and a half kilometre new road connecting Mannar with the mainland across the lagoon is in progress these days. This will herald development activities in Mannar district immediately after the end of the war, residents in Mannar said. This 157.10 metre bridge with four lanes is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,900 million with Japanese aid.zzz03185263
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/news19.asp~~~New tyre factory at Ampara ~~~Jun 1 (DN) When four previous leaders who governed the country entered the history books as defeated leaders, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has succeeded in defeating the most ruthless terrorist group in the world, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said. The Minister made these remarks when participating at the opening ceremony of a new tyre factory targeting to produce the required tyre demand for buses of the SLTB in Ampara on Saturday. zzz03185266
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/fea22.asp~~~A Visual 'Cinema' of Sanath Gunatilake ~~~Jun 1 (DN) Due to constraints in space on this page this week's column too would be brief. Professional film critics and erudite and seasoned cinemagoers would analyze the film in depth in the coming weeks in the media. I would concentrate on some the salient features in the film as I experienced it. The film concerned is the newest Sinhala film that is also the maiden venture of the versatile Sanath Gunatilake as a creative director in film making.zzz03185267
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/news2.html~~~Prabhakaran handled colonel of SLA~~~Jun 1 (Island) Acting on information elicited from a Lt. Colonel who had been on the Tigers’ payroll, the police have taken into custody his handler, identified as Prabhakaran. Police told The Island that the army officer had accompanied Prabhakaran to Malaysia recently, where they met with a senior LTTE operative. The colonel had received Rs. 100,000 from the LTTE operative now identified as Nawaz, they said. zzz03185268
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/news10.html~~~Pera produces cheap alternative to petrol from straw~~~Jun 1 (Island) The Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya has successfully experimented with producing fuel from straw. The fuel named Butanol is similar to petrol. butyl alcohol (also called biobutanol when produced biologically) is a primary alcohol belonging to the higher alcohols and branched-chain alcohols. Prof. Athula Perera, Director, PGIA, University of Peradeniya announcing the outcome of zzz03185269
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/01/editorial.html~~~Now, photographs as fig leaves~~~Jun 1 (Island) Now that the western governments, save a few, have failed to burn Sri Lanka at the stake for war crimes, their propaganda hacks are trying to dupe the world into believing that in the run-up to the final battle in Mullaitivu, over 20,000 civilians perished in the army's artillery fire. They are subjecting Sri Lanka to a media trial on the basis of some post-war aerial pictures and analysis thereof. zzz03185270
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7782~~~Mangala’s National Congress in crisis; new party to be registered~~~
Jun 1 (LeN) SLFP People’s Wing leader Mathara district MP Mangala Samaraweera has submitted a fresh application to the Election Commissioner to register a new political party. When MP Samaraweera broke away from SLFP with late MP Sripathi Suriyaarachchi, they formed a new party in the name ‘National Congress.’ But a court case is underway regarding some malpractice behind this registration.zzz03185272
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50574~~~Lankan refugees in India to return after IDPs are resettled~~~Jun 1 (DM) The government said yesterday it would facilitate the return of some 100,000 Sri Lankan war refugees living in India only after the thousands of war affected civilians living in refugee camps in the North and East were resettled. Minister Rizad Bathiyudeen told Daily Mirror the civilians who fled the country to escape the 26-year war were living as refugees in several parts of India. zzz03185271
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50559~~~Scientists discuss initiatives to eradicate the ‘Bug’ ~~~Jun 1 (DM) Scientists from all agricultural research institutions, universities and the private sector involved in the field of agriculture, sat together recently to discuss and formulate a policy for the eradication of the ‘Mealy Bug’ or ‘Piti Makuna’, that has created a crisis in the country. This is the first time that such a gathering of scientists came together to discuss a crisis of this nature. zzz03185273
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50499~~~The land that belongs to no one~~~Jun 1 (DM) The issue as to whether the government should go ahead and devolve land powers to the provinces as per the Provincial Councils Act is making rounds these days for two reasons. Firstly there is an attempt by a handful of government ministers to insist that the provincial councils should wrest the control of land powers given to them by the Constitution. Secondly because Sri Lanka’s resolution to the UNHRC last week specifically said that zzz03185274
http://thecitizen.co.tz/newe.php?id=12836~~~Uganda stuck with six rescued Sri Lankans~~~Jun 1 (TC) Police are stuck with six Sri Lanka natives it recently rescued from suspected human traffickers. The six were rescued after police stormed a residence in the outskirts of Kampala where suspected traffickers were keeping their victims on the pretext of getting them jobs in Uganda and abroad. The six were identified as Mr Nadarasa Jegatheeswaran, Mr Muras Abdul Mohamed, Mr Ratnam Jeevtharan Velupillal, Mr Kiritharan Suntharalingam,zzz03185275
http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/16107.htm~~~TNA seeks amnesty for surrendered LTTE~~~
Jun 1 (ANI) R Sambandan, a lawmaker of Sri Lanka now on a visit to India has sought amnesty for surrendered LTTE. The leader of Tamil Nationalist Alliance said this while speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday. Sambandan said that the Tamil rebels should be provided with opportunities so that they can lead normal life in the mainstream of society.zzz03185277
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8076407.stm~~~Sri Lanka Tamils 'facing misery'~~~Jun 1 (BBC) A senior Sri Lankan Tamil political leader has urged the government to resettle civilians back to their homes as early as possible. V Anandasangaree described conditions in camps for civilians displaced by the country's war as "horrible". The head of the TULF said hundreds of thousands faced misery and hardship. He said there were food, health and sanitation problems in camps set up for Tamil civilians in northern Sri Lanka. zzz03185276
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/5419206/India-complicit-in-killing-of-20000-civilians-in-Sri-Lanka.html~~~India 'complicit' in killing of 20,000 civilians~~~Jun 1 (Telegraph) Human rights groups have claimed India did not do enough to protect civilians in the war zone and a former commander on Indian peacekeeping forces in Sri Lanka has said India's role in the conflict was "distressing and disturbing". "We were complicit in this last phase of the offensive when a great number of civilians were killed," Major General Ashok Mehta, who is now retired, told The Times. zzz03185278
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=123123&d=1&m=6&y=2009~~~Sri Lanka conflict: The diaspora factor~~~Jun 1 (AN) The war is not going to end soon," said Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara, the Sri Lankan Army's spokesman, last month. "It will take some time to completely eradicate terrorism from the country - we think about two years." In the euphoria over the recent military victory that ended the conventional war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ("Tamil Tigers") and wiped out most of their leadership, most people in Sri Lanka have forgotten that prediction, but it remains likely. zzz03185279
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6050&sec=3&t=~~~Jettisoning Tamil aspirations~~~Jun 1 (ANN) The talk of the town last week was Sri Lanka’s epic victory at the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution brought by Switzerland against Sri Lanka at a special session of the UNHRC convened especially to discuss Sri Lanka, backfired against its Western European sponsors. What this victory showed was that the world community was becoming aware that this tendency to use human rights issues by certain western nations to zzz03185280
http://www.asianewsnet.net/epaper.php?id=1019~~~Tigers sowed seeds of their own destruction~~~Jun 1 (ANN) In early 2006, shortly after he took charge as Sri Lanka’s defence secretary in his brother’s Cabinet, Gotabhaya Rajapakse submitted a long list of expensive war equipment he wanted to purchase. Many, including newly installed President Mahinda Rajapakse, were surprised. “All of you will start with hopes of talking peace with the Tigers and when you realise it is futile, you will come to me,” the defence secretary responded, referring to the separatist LTTE.zzz03185281
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6046&sec=1~~~Pakistan pilots carry out all 3,000 missions in eelam war ~~~Jun 1 (ANN) SLAF Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetilike Sunday denied Pakistani media reports that some of the missions against the LTTE had been carried out by Pakistan Air Force pilots. "There is absolutely no truth in this claim," Goonetilike said. Responding to our queries, he said that during Eelam war IV the SLAF had conducted over 3,000 missions against some 1,900 targets in the northern and eastern theatres over the past three years. zzz03185282
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23701964-details/Aunty+to+female+Tamil+Tigers+runs+London+protests+from+New+Malden/article.do~~~‘Aunty’ to female Tamil Tigers runs London protests from New Malden~~~
Jun 1 (ES) A Tamil terror chief who allegedly handed cyanide pills to child soldiers is living in a London suburb, the Standard can reveal. Sri Lankan intelligence officials believe Adele Balasingham, 59, is one of the most senior figures in the remains of the terror group which fought a 26-year war for independence on the island and was defeated last month.zzz03185283
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20090601.aspx~~~Sri Lankan smugglers strive to survive~~~Jun 1 (SP) Sri Lanka recently defeated ethnic separatist Tamil rebels, after nearly three decades of fighting. The rebel organization, the LTTE, had built a large international weapons smuggling organization. The government is hustling to try and prevent this smuggling operation from surviving the LTTE defeat. In the wake of that defeat, police found and arrested one of the lieutenants of LTTE weapons smuggling chief Kumaran Pathmanadan, hiding out in a Tamil refugee camp.zzz03185270.1
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF02Df01.html~~~Missing Tiger spy chief spells trouble~~~Jun 1 (AT) A little over a week after the Sri Lankan government triumphantly announced the elimination of the entire top brass of the LTTE, there is some unease in Colombo over the fate of one of the most powerful Tigers, the LTTE's intelligence chief Shanmugalingam Sivashankar, better known as Pottu Amman. The failure of the government to produce his body has triggered speculation that Pottu Amman might not be dead after all and zzz03185281.2
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Defencewire/~3/h7XEGe6Jedg/poddu-calls-from-beyond-grave.html~~~Poddu calls from beyond the grave?~~~Jun 2 (DW) Some of DefenceWire's readers have asked us again about the fate of Poddu Amman. The reason for this new-found doubt is due to newspaper (local and foreign) articles indicating a) Poddu's body has not been recovered b) Army was still searching for his remains, c) he may have escaped and d) he is now in SLA custody and revealing identities of remaining LTTE spies. While the first two points, that his body was never found and zzz03185286
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/01/gm-mosquitoes-unleashed-in-sri-lanka-multinational-company%e2%80%99s-involvement-suspected/~~~GM mosquitoes unleashed in Sri Lanka?~~~Jun 2 (GV) Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes may have been released in the Greater Colombo area this year and can wreak havoc on public health, scientists and activists warn. These mosquitoes are larger in size, and far more resistant to insecticides and other repellents. “They will not be deterred by mosquito spray or coils – in fact, these methods will have no effect on these new breeds,” a top entomologist, who did not wish to be named, said.zzz03185287
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/01/will-the-tamil-aspirations-be-buried-by-the-diaspora%e2%80%99s-memories/~~~Will the Tamil aspirations be buried by the Diaspora’s memories?~~~Jun 2 (GV) I was just watching a past episode of the ‘Riz Khan’ show which is available on YouTube and the subject for discussion was what the future holds for the Tamil people. The three panelists consisted of the former Sri Lankan ambassador to the US and Mexico, a human rights activist and a spokesperson (Ms. Janani Jananayagam) for London based ‘Tamils against Genocide’. Ms. Jananayagam is also in the running for the European Parliament elections zzz03185288
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9932&Itemid=44~~~A massive Northern cultivation and resettlement program ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) The Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a massive cultivation program in the North after 30 years. Although the North is blessed with appropriate geographical advantages for coconut cultivation, the LTTE was a major threat, Minister of Agriculture Hema Kumara Nanayakkara told our special correspondent in Vavuniya during a visit to the welfare centers in Vavuniya.zzz03185289
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sinhalese-wife-LTTE-operative-arrested/3029.htm~~~Sinhalese wife of LTTE operative arrested~~~Jun 2 (CT) A special unit from Mt. Lavinia Police three days ago arrested the Sinhalese wife of an LTTE intelligence wing operative identified as Thawarasa Madan. According to police, the two had met while Madan had been employed at a printing press at Nedimala in Dehiwela. While in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he had often traveled to Kilinochchi. Madan had got injured in a clash with the Army and is now in Vavuniya, police said.zzz03185290
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906011920.htm~~~Pro-LTTE demonstrations cost UK Police 8 million pounds~~~Jun 2 (PTI) Metropolitan Police spent a whopping 8 million pounds to control the 43-day long demonstration outside the British Parliament by pro-LTTE supporters, a top police official said. The supporters of Tamil Tigers were demanding an end to the war between LTTE and Sri Lankan Army and justice to the Tamilians in the island country. Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said that the demonstration had "extraordinarily stretched" the police force. zzz03185292
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/01/fishermen-hope-to-return-to-sea/~~~Fishermen hope to return to sea~~~Jun 2 (UCAN) Fishermen in northern Sri Lanka are hoping to ply their trade again, now that the war against Tamil separatists is over. However, much depends on the government ending its fishing restrictions, they said at a recent meeting. Members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce from Colombo joined fishermen's representatives at the Bishop of Jaffna's residence on May 26 and 27 to discuss attempts to bring normality back to the region.zzz03185295
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/34518/2009/05/1-160511-1.htm~~~Working in Sri Lanka's camps calls for creative thinking ~~~Jun 2 (AN) These days, it's a question of survival of the most creative. In response to the challenges we face working in camps for internal refugees in Sri Lanka's north, we have to be innovative to overcome operational obstacles. And there are many! Take, for example, the recent news of the end of the war and the death of the Tamil Tiger rebel leader, which brought euphoria to the streets of Colombo and some other parts of the country.zzz03185294
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8077794.stm~~~Sri Lankan journalist assaulted ~~~Jun 2 (BBC) A Sri Lankan journalist is in hospital after being abducted and beaten by unidentified attackers. Poddala Jayantha received head and leg injuries in the attack near his home in the Colombo suburb of Nugegoda. Mr Jayantha campaigns for media freedom and is seen by government supporters as an opponent of the authorities. Critics in Sri Lanka's local media have come under extreme pressure in the past few years. zzz03185297
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090601/876/twl-sri-lanka-pushes-ahead-with-resettle.html~~~Sri Lanka pushes ahead with resettlement plans for displaced ~~~Jun 2 (DPA) Brushing aside sweeping allegations of widespread killings of civilians in the final stage of their campaign to crush Tamil rebels, Sri Lankan officials said Monday they will press ahead with plans to care for thousands of war refugees who will eventually be sent back to their homes. Colombo made no official response to allegations by British newspapers and human rights organisations of human rights abuses in the final days of the conflict.zzz03185296
no~~~Media monitoring and analytics~~~zzz03185293
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/EDITORIAL-COMMENT--After-The-War/articleshow/4604711.cms~~~After The War~~~Jun 2 (TOI) The ghosts of war have come to haunt Colombo. A respected UK-based newspaper has accused the Sri Lankan government of massacring 20,000 Tamil civilians during the last phase of the fight against the LTTE. Colombo has rubbished the news report as a figment of imagination and has refused to investigate the allegations. This is contrary to the reconciliatory gestures made by Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa towards the Tamil community since the war ended. zzz03185298
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/01/Nations-compete-to-gain-Sri-Lankas-favor/UPI-91271243858060/~~~Nations compete to gain Sri Lanka's favor~~~Jun 2 (UPI) China, India and Pakistan are competing to win the favor of Sri Lanka and gain better access to the Indian Ocean, The Times of London reported Monday. In a commentary, the newspaper, without naming sources, said it is well-known that China supplied arms to Sri Lanka in its war against Tamil rebels in a deal to build a major port at Hambantota. But, it said, less well-known is that India was first approached over the Hambantota deal but turned Colombo down.zzz03185299
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=280484448~~~Supreme court appoints auditors, auctioneers to Golden Key~~~Jun 2 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has appointed a chief executive, an auctioneer and auditors to the collapsed Golden Key Credit Card Company to liquidate assets and pay back depositors, lawyers said. The chief executive would be an officer from Sri Lanka's central bank. Golden Key Credit Card, a member of the Ceylinco group, was not originally a registered finance company. zzz03185300
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18113~~~Advantages and disadvantages of the New Electricity Law~~~Jun 2 (AT) It is ridiculous and meaningless that certain groups discuss conservation of electricity, in broad day time with hundreds of electric lights on, and in shivering cold where the air-conditioners are on, whereas these discussions could be held under natural light and without air-conditioning, which saves lots of energy. This was stated by Y P Dassanayake, Coordinating Officer, Viduli Paaribhogika Samithi Sammelanaya zzz03185301
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iYxymw7l59m0UoVtxwBJ6ej-UuJQ~~~'UN did not underestimate Sri Lanka death toll'~~~
Jun 2 (AFP) UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday categorically rejected allegations the world body had deliberately underestimated the death toll in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. "I categorically reject -- repeat categorically -- any suggestion that the United Nations has deliberately underestimated any figures," he told the UN General Assembly. zzz03185302
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18110~~~Malaysia, largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for the fourth year consecutively~~~Jun 2 (AT) "Malaysia was the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for the fourth consecutive year last year, with leading Malaysian companies playing a major role in key sectors of the Sri Lankan economy". As of last year, there were 18 Malaysian commercial projects in Sri Lanka, which was valued at RM3.2 billion (US$910 million) Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Rosli Ismail told the media yesterday. zzz03185303
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/02/stories/2009060254971500.htm~~~CPA receives threat ~~~Jun 2 (Hindu) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), an independent Colombo-based think-tank critical of the government on Eelam War IV, said it had received an anonymous letter threatening the worst if the organisation did not mend its ways. The CPA posted a copy of the letter written in Sinhala online. Extracts from the translated version, under the title “Notice to the traitors [deshadrohis]”, read: “The wretched war that lasted throughout 30 years has now come to an end zzz03185304
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6410718.ece~~~Britain sold weapons to help Sri Lankan army defeat Tamil Tigers ~~~Jun 2 (Times) Britain and other EU countries sold military equipment worth millions of pounds to the Sri Lankan Government in the last three years of its bloody civil war with the Tamil Tigers, The Times has learnt. Britain approved commercial sales of more than £13.6 million of equipment including armoured vehicles, machinegun components and semiautomatic pistols, according to official records. zzz03185305
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=99&artid=29504~~~Setting the hands of the clock right~~~Jun 2 (TN) The Eezham Tamils and their political representatives have no obligation to anyone now, to engage in the deliberations of fruitless alternatives. But the world has an obligation now to tell the Tamils whether its opposition is to what it has perceived as 'terrorism' or to Tamil nationalism. The Eezham Tamil mainstream has a historic responsibility on its shoulders to be performed right now. zzz03185306
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/681~~~Sinhala and Tamil: Let’s get together and reconcile~~~Jun 2 (DBS) These are troubling times for Tamils worldwide and many are either in a state of shock or denial. The situation is made worse by the chauvinist, triumphalist crowing by some (NOT ALL) Sinhalese on the one hand and equally chauvinistic, unrealistic utterances by some (NOT ALL) Tamils. In a noteworthy departure from this trend there was an email being circulated that spoke a different language. A language of realism and reconciliation.zzz03185307
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18118~~~Time to reap the peace dividend~~~Jun 2 (AT) Even as the end of the Cold War brought a global sigh of relief, it raised expectations of a peace dividend. And the peace dividend was mentioned like a mantra after some other hot wars -- such as the world's longest-running civil war in the Sudan -- ended. Such expectations have been, at best, only partially met. That need not be the case for Sri Lanka. A nation that had so much going for it soon after independence from British rule in 1948,zzz03185308
http://www.zenit.org/article-26049?l=english~~~Sri Lanka Bishop: My diocese is destroyed~~~
Jun 2 (Zenit) The Bishop of Jaffna is reporting that his diocese is torn apart and many parishes are destroyed after the recent fighting between government forces and the rebel Tamil Tigers. Aid to the Church in Need reported today the words of Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka, who wrote a letter describing the situation of his people.zzz03185309
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200906020051.html~~~EDITORIAL: Cease-fire in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 2 (Asahi) President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared victory in the country's civil war after government forces hunted down the rebel LTTE in the northern coastal area. However, it is too early to rejoice. Many civilians were killed in the crossfire, and even after the cease-fire, the humanitarian crisis continues. Reconciliation between the majority ethnic group Sinhalese and the Tamils, who constitute less than 20 percent of the population, is not an easy undertaking. zzz03185310
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j02.shtml~~~Tamil detainees kept in appalling conditions~~~Jun 2 (wsws) Despite considerable international pressure, the Sri Lankan government is continuing to block free access for the media and aid agencies to the military-run internment camps where more than 275,000 Tamil civilians have been detained under shocking conditions since fleeing the military’s final offensive against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the country’s north.zzz03185311
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/walking-extra-mile-other-half.html~~~Walking the Extra Mile, the Other Half ~~~Jun 2 (LG) It is heartening to note that the Tamil Nationalist Alliance (TNA) has proposed to join the electoral process in the North, starting with the local government poll for the municipal council in Jaffna and the pradesiya sabha in Vavuniya. Taken to its logial conclusion, the TNA’s decision would contribute to the strengthening of the democratic process, stifled as it was by the LTTE, and zzz03185312
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-struggle-and-challenges-of.html~~~The Tamil struggle and the challenges of solidarity ~~~Jun 2 (LG) Throughout more than two decades of war, much has been said about the Tamil nationalist struggle in Sri Lanka. The crucial debate for those concerned about the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils has focused on the question of whether the LTTE have served to advance or exploit the interests of those they have purported to represent. Since the end of colonial rule in 1948, it has been clear that the Sri Lankan state has marginalized and oppressed the Tamil minority. zzz03185313
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9950&Itemid=44~~~Thailand offer Golden Buddha Statue to SL ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) Thailand has sent to the Kotikawatte Nagarukkaramaya Temple a magnificent 14ft high and 7ft in width, beautifully decorated very valuable Buddha Statue to propagate Buddhism, on a request made by Ven. "Saddharma Keerthi Shree" Badulle Mahanama Thero. The opening ceremony of the Golden Buddha Statue is scheduled for 6th Saturday, June 2009 & Relics will be exposed for three days starting from June 7th to 9th at the Temple.zzz03185315
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/president-rajapaksahomage-to-greatness.html~~~President Rajapaksa:Homage to greatness ~~~
Jun 2 (LG) After nearly 30 years of a most destructive war, against an elusive and wily Terrorist Organisation which, the international community has not hesitated to name as ‘the world’s most virulent terrorist outfit’, the last gun on the battlefield has fallen silent on every front. The chief architect of the terror and everyone in his cohorts of criminals have been exterminated like the beasts they were. zzz03185317
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7784~~~Karuna attempts to tear off the Eastern part of the TNA~~~
Jun 2 (LG) Minister of National Integration Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman is reportedly in a bid to tear off the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs and to organize them separately. Minister Muralitharan’s argument is that the MPs cannot appear as TNA following the defeat of the LTTE. Karuna was the LTTE’s armed wing and the head of the Eastern Province.zzz03185322
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9952&Itemid=44~~~Media Minister condemns attack on Poddala Jayantha ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) “I vehemently and unequivocally condemn the attack on the the General Secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association, Poddala Jayantha who has been admitted to hospital yesterday with leg injuries after being assaulted by an unknown group”, The Minister of Media Laxman Yapa Abewardana said. He pointed out that the Police have been directed to conduct the m investigation to bring to book any and all persons responsible for this act of brutality, with maximum speed.zzz03185318
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9948&Itemid=44~~~Two new tyre factories to be established in Matale and Ekala ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) The monthly tyre requirement of the SLTB is around 12,000 and it is planned to establish another two new tyre factories in Matale and Ekala to meet 50 percent of the tyre requirements for SLTB buses and this new tyre rebuilding factory has the latest machinery installed at a cost of Rs.10 million. It can produce 2,000 tyres monthly, Minister of Transport Dullas Alahapperuma said at the opening ceremony of the new tyre rebuilding factory in Ampara.zzz03185319
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9940&Itemid=44~~~The caravan moves on ~~~Jun 2 (GDI) Amid allegations and adverse propaganda, SL government is fast progressing with the resettlement of the displaced civilians. Consequently, the government announced a wide range of programmes in which it hopes to improve welfare facilities at camps where an estimated 300,000 civilian refugees are being housed. “A fifth village will be added to accommodate another 40,000 displaced civilians,”zzz03185320
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090602_01~~~Sri Lanka: Too small to be divided and large enough for all ~~~Jun 2 (MoD) A statement found in The Island editorial of 19th May 2009 -- "This country is too small to be divided along ethnic lines but certainly large enough for all communities" -- prompted the title for this article. Essence of this wisdom was of no consequence at the time of independence as it was anticipated that parliamentary type of government would suit the plural society of this country. zzz03185316
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2331:-police-question-editor-lanka-e-news-regarding-assault-on-poddala-jayanthe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Police question Editor 'Lanka E-news' regarding assault on Poddala Jayanthe~~~Jun 2 (LT) The Mirihana Police has been questioning Editor of ‘Lanka E-news’ Benet Rupasinghe since last night regarding the abduction and assault on Mr. Poddala Jayanthe, the General Secretary of Free Media movement. It was Mr. Bennet Rupasinghe who had first complained to the IGP that Mr. Poddala Jayanthe had been abducted by an unknown group of people at Embuldeniya area at about 4.30 p.m. yesterday. zzz03185321
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2323:tro-bought-us70-million-worth-of-weapons&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~TRO bought US$70 million worth of weapons~~~Jun 2 (LT) Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) that posed as an organization to get relief for Tamils have bought US$70 million worth of weapons. This has been revealed when its chief Lawrence Thilakar was arrested. The heads of the network that assisted Thilakar to procure arms were ‘Waterloo’ Suresh of the USA and Erik ‘Waterloo,’ a former General of Indonesian Marines. This has been confirmed by Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of the USA. zzz03185323
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18123~~~Who should the President listen to - Can Federalism or Devolution elevate the people?~~~Jun 2 (AT) The very people whose formulas failed to bring decades of terror to a close are now pressurizing the Government to implement a solution. These “experts” have little right to demand anything of the Government for their peace formulas failed and Sri Lanka’s loss through 3 decades is estimated at a whopping USD200billion worth of opportunities. The President has solved the primary problem – zzz03185324
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18127~~~Colombo to officially record end of war~~~Jun 2 (AT) Colombo will officially record the end of a 30 year war against separatist LTTE terrorism at a national ceremony at the historic Galle Face Green tomorrow morning. The event will be the last of a series of celebrations on the victory over LTTE terrorism that began on May 18. This colorful ceremony will witness the Tri- Service Commanders who led the battle against the LTTE to a successful completion,zzz03185325
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Army-&-STF-fight-drug-&-alcohol-menace/3048.htm~~~Army & STF to fight drug & alcohol menace~~~Jun 2 (CT) After engaging in a successful war to eradicate LTTE terrorism, the Army and police STF commandos have now taken over the task of eradicating the illicit drug and alcohol menace from several areas of the island. A news report by Ajith Alahakoon says they had ordered alleged drug racketeers and dealers in Colombo, to stop drug dealing. Welcoming the move, people of these areas have said the Army and the STF should continue these efforts.zzz03185326
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-thanks-Pakistan-military-assistance/3054.htm~~~Sri Lanka thanks Pakistan for military assistance~~~Jun 2 (CT) The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad has expressed his government’s gratitude over full technical and other services rendered by Pakistan Air Force to suppress the LTTE. Air chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody thanked PAF for its technical and logistics support, especially training and technical support for Chinese F-7 jet fighters and C-130 aircraft. He said that both Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced similar circumstances,zzz03185329
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7783~~~One person shot and killed in foiled escape bid~~~Jun 2 (LeN) One prisoner was shot and killed today (01) at Colombo Chief Magistrate court as a group of robbery suspects attempted to escape as they were being escorted out of the court. The deceased K. W. Sisira Kumara is a suspect of several robbery cases. People were not harmed although the prison guard shot the escaping prisoner at the crowded Dam Street. Another suspect named Suranga sustained gun shot injuries in his leg and admitted to national hospital.zzz03185328
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2230~~~What the West does not say~~~Jun 2 (PISL) For many years we indulged the LTTE, in part because we felt sorry for the Tamils of Sri Lanka and believed the LTTE slogan that Tigers were Tamils and Tamils were Tigers, in part because we thought the Tigers would win out and would provide us with a useful base to extend our influence in South Asia. Even though present in profusion in Tiger controlled areas, we kept quiet about their forced recruitment of one person per family. zzz03185337
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2229~~~Big Lies from the Big Boys~~~Jun 2 (PISL) Last week the Times of London announced that 20,000 civilians had died altogether in the course of this year because of the operations in the North. This claim was not surprising since, as I had just pointed out, the British were determined to crucify us and had already begun to inflate the figure. Six thousand had gone to seven and then to eight, in rapid succession, so more was inevitable, though the speed of the escalation was remarkable, even for the Brits. zzz03185330
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44393.html~~~A crown and emperor`s clothes for a president ~~~Jun 2 (LNP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are to be given honorary doctorates by the University of Colombo in recognition of their service to the country. They, no doubt, deserve such honours, where defeating terrorism is concerned, but the problem is that even ace racketeers responsible for bilking the gullible public out of billions of rupees have been honoured in the same manner.zzz03185331
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44391.html~~~Nearly 500 North East athletes to compete~~~Jun 2 (LNP) The 52nd Junior Athletic championships one of the major events of the athletic calendar organised by the Sri Lanka Athletic Association is scheduled to be conducted at the Sugathadasa Stadium on June 4, 5 and 6 commencing at 8 a.m. each day. This was disclosed by Athletic Association President General Palitha Fernando. He said that this is the stepping stone for young athletes to enter the national level pools to represent the country at the international arena.zzz03185332
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Case_against_Nuriacholai_500_post_Tsunami_houses___FR_violated___SC_-20-1083.html~~~Case against Nuriacholai 500 post Tsunami houses - FR violated : SC~~~Jun 2 (PSM) The Supreme Court today held that the fundamental rights of the Petitioners were violated and ordered the state to pay Rs150,000/= in the fundamental rights case filed by the JHU against 500 houses built for Tsunami victims in Nuraicholai, Akkaraipattu. Chief Justice Sarath N Silva presided the bench with Jusitce K.Sirpawan and Justice Shirani Bandaranayka. Incidentally today is the last working day for the Chief Justice.zzz03185333
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/PSLG-7SMCDY?OpenDocument~~~UNICEF supports Sri Lanka's child friendly primary schools~~~Jun 2 (RW) Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNICEF, today launched the 'Child Friendly Schools' concept as the official framework to address disparities in quality and access in primary schools in Sri Lanka. In a presentation to national, provincial and zonal education authorities, along with other key partners, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education outlined an approach which seeks to improve the quality of education and zzz03185336
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/news01.asp~~~Unemployment down ~~~Jun 2 (DN) The country’s unemployment ratio which stood at 8.3 percent in 2008 had come down to 5.2 percent today, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. “Today five harbours are coming up in the country simultaneously while mega-electricity projects too have been initiated. Infrastructure too is being developed fast with rural villages being given priority in achieving equity in development,” he said addressing 1,000 newly appointed graduate teachers at Temple Trees yesterday. zzz03185335
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/news34.asp~~~Sri Lanka Week in Melbourne ~~~Jun 2 (DN) Lankans domiciled in Australia have organized a four-day long program to educate the international community on how Sri Lanka is being rebuilt after terrorism that has ravaged the country's progress for more than three decades was wiped out by the Security Forces. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha will elaborate on how the Government expects to rebuild the war ravaged North and the East under the Uthuru Wasanthaya and Negenahira Navodaya programs during the Sri Lanka Week beginningzzz03185338
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/02/fea01.asp~~~'No more wars for Sri Lanka'~~~
Jun 2 (DN) Housing and Common Amenities Minister and National Unity Alliance Leader Ferial Ashraff in an interview said we do not need any more wars. What ended was the last war. We need a revolution of mind. We have responsibilities towards the country as countrymen. We should think like one nation and one country, if we are to change the destiny of Sri Lanka. Q - How could Muslim aspirations be met in a political solution that follow the defeat of the LTTE? zzz03185327
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/features1.html~~~"The ‘Gota Kalliya’ is calling the shots"~~~
Jun 2 (Island) Mangala Samaraweera is no stranger to controversy. In this interview, he speaks to C.A.Chandraprema about the reasons that led to him falling out with the Rajapakse government, his views on the manner in which the LTTE was crushed, and his own political future. Q. There is a question in many people’s minds as to why you, who did so much to bring the present government into power, ultimately left azzz03185334
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/news7.html~~~Children below 12, housewives most hit by dengue~~~Jun 2 (Island) The Health Ministry said that fifty percent of the confirmed dengue cases in Colombo were children below the age of 12 years. Twenty two percent of them were those who had been infected by the virus a second time. Spokesman for Health Ministry said that another 34.5 percent of confirmed dengue cases were house wives who had been affected a second time. Getting dengue a second time causes complications ending in death in most cases, he said.zzz03185341
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/02/news11.html~~~LTTE feared Ranil’s diplomatic and military strategy – UNP~~~Jun 2 (Island) The LTTE, fearing the diplomatic cum military strategy of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, prevented northern voters from casting their ballots at the November 2005 Presidential Election, which eventually led to Mahinda Rajapaksa being elected President, the UNP said yesterday. Akila Kariyawasam MP, said that the LTTE which was averse to peace talks, realised belatedly that the Ceasefire Agreement it signed with the Ranil Wickremesinghe government, was a peace trap overseen by the international community. zzz03185340
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50673~~~Controversial vessel expected this week~~~Jun 2 (DM) The controversial aid-carrying vessel ‘Captain Ali’ has decided to go ahead with its mission to Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive at the perimeter of Sri Lanka’s territorial waters this week despite the government not giving it clearance to do so. A former Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission member Kristjan Guðmundsson -- who is onboard the vessel which is reportedly carrying essential items including food and medicines for the displaced people in the northzzz03185343
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50687~~~Forget all differences and develop the country: Ranil~~~Jun 2 (DM) The Opposition Leader said yesterday that one should follow the example of the security forces and forget all differences to take up the task of developing the nation. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe made this point after attending a Bodhi Pooja organized by the UNP to invoke blessings on the security forces at Gangaramaya last evening. “The security forces did not think of any political party when they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow and we must follow that example and get together to achieve much needed development,”zzz03185342
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50678~~~Will not bow down to conditions: President ~~~
Jun 2 (DM) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday the government would never agree to receive assistance from donor agencies and the international community if they called for conditions that compromised the dignity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. “Unlike the previous UNP regime, we will not bow down to conditions laid down by international donor agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.zzz03185339
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6080&sec=3&t=6075~~~The paradox of Swiss policy~~~Jun 2 (ANN) The general impression in this country was that Switzerland had refrained from taking sides in the conflict between the Sri Lanka State and the LTTE because of a long standing policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. After all the first steps relating to Swiss neutrality were taken as far back as 1515. It was thought that neutrality with regard to foreign conflicts was the reason that Switzerland persistently refused to join most of the western international community in declaring the LTTE a terrorist organisation zzz03185344
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6079&sec=1~~~Lanka asks for extradition of Malaysia-based LTTE top representative~~~Jun 2 (ANN) Sri Lanka is confident that Malaysia would expel LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s successor Kumaran Pathmanathan aka ‘KP’ wanted on terrorism charges. Although no formal announcement has been made, ‘KP’ has been recognised by various LTTE fronts as their top representative. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama May 29 requested Malaysian Defence Minister to hand over ‘KP’ to facilitate ongoing investigations into LTTE operations overseas.zzz03185345
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/01/sri-lanka-prabhakaran-tamil-tigers~~~The idealist I once knew became the Tamils' Pol Pot~~~
Jun 2 (Guardian) The bloody end came in a sliver of nondescript coastline near the fallen garrison town of Mullaitivu in Sri Lanka's north-east. Velupillai Prabhakaran, the founder and supremo of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – one of the world's most feared extremist organisations – had made a last stand that had pointlessness writ all over it. zzz03185346
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jva7jKa65T6o_5FefYWYyQB2HbCw~~~Sri Lankan media activist recovers after attack~~~Jun 2 (AFP) A Sri Lankan journalist was recovering in hospital Tuesday after being beaten up near the capital Colombo as rights groups expressed renewed concern for the safety of the island's media. Poddala Jayantha, secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists' Association, was abducted near his home and severely attacked with sticks before being dumped in a suburb of Colombo, his colleagues said.zzz03185353
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202400.htm~~~Some pillars for Lanka’s future ~~~Jun 2 (FL) “One can win the War, but lose the Peace.” A cliche this may be, but it is also a hoary truism that looms over the post-war scenario in Sri Lanka. The triumphant Sri Lankan government now has to address the human terrain rather than the fields of battle. In facing this challenge, both government and people concerned must attend to another truism: as Sinnappah Arasaratnam pointed out long ago, extremisms have been feeding off each other and zzz03185348
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261200400.htm~~~The war is over ~~~Jun 2 (FL) For the first time in 30 years, the Sri Lankan government can proudly claim that its writ prevails on every inch of the island nation. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been fighting for a separate Tamil homeland in the emerald island, stands decimated as a military force, and its top brass, including the supremo Velupillai Prabakaran, revered by some as the “Sun god”, have been physically eliminated.zzz03185352
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261200900.htm~~~An eyewitness account of the last 70 hours of Eelam War IV~~~
Jun 2 (FL) The Frontline issue dated June 5, carried a report containing the observations of this correspondent inside the war zone between May 13 and 16. The Hindu group got embedded with the military for the first time in Eelam War IV, which began in August 2006, and was attached to 58 Division of the Sri Lanka Army. The division, headed by Brigadier Shavendra Silva, was in the forefront of the war in zzz03185354
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261201600.htm~~~Prabakaran was the heart and soul of the LTTE~~~Jun 2 (FL) THE acknowledgement of the death of V. Prabakaran by the LTTE on May 17 came from Selvarasa Pathmanathan, the organisation’s international representative, a week after the Sri Lankan security forces announced it. This is not surprising as the LTTE under the monolithic leadership of Prabakaran had always wished away information he found either uncomfortable or inconvenient. zzz03185351
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202100.htm~~~Democracy deficit & two movements ~~~
Jun 2 (FL) Hours after the Sri Lankan military announced the recovery of the bullet-ridden body of Velupillai Prabakaran, the AHRC put out an analysis under the title “Sri Lanka: Wijeweera and Prabakaran – rebels within a dysfunctional democracy". Made in the form of a statement, it provides insights into the militant politics pursued by the JVP chief Rohana Wijeweera and zzz03185349
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261202800.htm~~~New Delhi shares some of the apprehensions of the West~~~Jun 2 (FL) The Indian government may find it difficult to deal with a Sri Lankan government flush with a historic victory under its belt. Senior Indian officials who recently visited the island nation fear that there is a danger of Sinhala “chauvinism” running amok once again after the heady military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the death of Velupillai Prabakaran. zzz03185347
http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090619261203000.htm~~~Tamil Nadu parties for U.N. role ~~~Jun 2 (FL) In the days following the death of V. Prabakaran and the United Nations estimating that 7,000 Tamil civilians were killed between January and May in the conflict between the Sri Lanka Army and the organisation he headed, the LTTE, political parties in Tamil Nadu demanded that Sri Lanka’s President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and its Army commander, Lt Gen. Sarath Fonseka, should be tried for war crimes in an international court of law. zzz03185350
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9956&Itemid=44~~~Vavuniya Police uncovers massive haul of LTTE weaponry ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) The Vavuniya Police uncovered massive haul of LTTE weaponry following a confession made by four LTTE cadres who surrendered through the ICRC, Police said. Among the detected items were 24 night vision cameras, 8claymore mines, 5 LTTe manufactures bombs, C-4 Explosives, Four T-56 assault rifles, 1180 rounds of live ammunition, Penicillin injections and other medicines, 12 Rifle Magazines, camouflaged military uniforms and other military implements.zzz03185355
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Death-penalty-treason!---Divaina-editorial/3065.htm~~~Death, penalty for treason! - Divaina editorial ~~~Jun 3 (CT) The editorial of today's issue of 'Divaina' newspaper says death would be the penalty for journalists and professionals in Colombo, Sri Lanka who are in the LTTE's pay directly or indirectly. It says some of these persons had fled overseas while others who could not make it on time are still in the island. Quoting an old Sinhalese saying, the newspaper editorial says every bunker that had belonged to Prabhakaran had exposed secrets.zzz03185356
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-grants-7-million-to-develop.html~~~Govt. grants 7 million to develop Catholic churches~~~Jun 3 (LG) The government has granted Rs.7 millions to develop the facilities of Catholic churches in the Kurunrgala and Kalutara districts under the programme to develop religious establishment. This grant was made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The grant specially focused on the development of churches in Kurunegala and Kalutara areas. Rs.3.4 million was given to build a hostel for priests at St. Anne’s church, Udubaddava, Kattimahana.zzz03185357
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-war-part-i.html~~~Sri Lanka after the War – Part I ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Undoubtedly Sri Lanka, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has scored an unprecedented military victory in the Eelam War IV with the near total elimination of the entire leadership of the LTTE. After that the LTTE’s military struggle has been turned into an existential struggle. It will be a long haul for the LTTE to get back into some shape as the Sri Lanka war machine grinds on relentlessly in the name of taming the Tamil Tigers. zzz03185358
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/peace-brings-new-boost-for-tourism.html~~~Peace brings new boost for Tourism ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Sri Lanka is looking forward to a new boost for Tourism, which has for long been one of the major revenue earners for the country. The end of the thirty year long war, which saw many ups and downs in the tourism industry, and brought it to very low levels in the past few, has given considerable hope of an a new increase in tourist arrivals. Official and trade source say that inquiries by independent visitors and tour operators are reportedly on the rise,zzz03185359
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/02/let%E2%80%99s-just-be-sri-lankan-men/~~~Let’s just be Sri Lankan men!~~~Jun 3 (GV) There’s a lot more to being Sri Lankan than koththu and cricket. But I have to say, they are really high up on my list of all that’s great about us! These days, when emotions are high and discussions are plenty, I feel that I too should add my two cents worth of what it is to be Sri Lankan. And to do that, I’m going to hold up my favourite poster boys of national unity – our cricket team.zzz03185360
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407057.html~~~ICC World Twenty20 warm-up: Nervy Sri Lanka overcame scare to seal win~~~Jun 3 (CI) Sri Lanka threatened to squander what appeared an easy chase against a charged-up Bangladesh attack, but came through by four wickets with two balls to spare at Trent Bridge. Mahela Jayawardene, with a classy 43, kept his cool after Sri Lanka's openers failed to ignite but it was left to Chamara Silva and Angelo Mathews to steady the nerves before a wide sealed the match.zzz03185361
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1757939218~~~Sri Lanka 'core' inflation 15.8-pct~~~Jun 3 (LBO) A controversial core inflation index of selected items in Sri Lanka was at 13.5 percent in May 2009, the central bank said, while the country's headline index rose 3.3 percent, from 2.9 percent. Core inflation is claimed by central banks to better reflect their monetary policy actions, and drops food and energy. Critics of paper money central banking say when loose policy from reserve currency central banks like the Fed pushes up commodity prices, zzz03185362
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30990&Cr=Sri+lanka&Cr1=~~~UN scaling up efforts to facilitate return home of displaced Sri Lankans~~~Jun 3 (UN) The United Nations refugee agency and its partners are working to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of people who were uprooted by clashes between Sri Lankan Government forces and Tamil rebels are able to return to their homes. Last month, the Government declared that its military operation against the LTTE was over, ending more than two decades of fighting. Some 300,000 IDPs are living in 40 emergency shelter sites. zzz03185364
no~~~Covering a War Zone~~~zzz03185363
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906022311.htm~~~Sri Lanka says Army's caution prolonged war ~~~Jun 3 (AP) Sri Lanka's human rights minister claimed on Tuesday his country's Army took over two months longer to defeat the Tamil Tiger rebels because it avoided using heavy weapons and aerial bombardments. The Army suffered heavy casualties in the final phase of Sri Lanka's civil war because it was constrained to use light weapons, Mahinda Samarasinghe told the U.N. Human Rights Council. zzz03185365
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18141~~~The LTTE: Chapter Closed~~~Jun 3 (AT) "This was a humanitarian mission, a mission where our soldiers went forth with gun in one hand and the Human Rights Declaration in the other, carrying hostages on their shoulders and with the unbounded love for children in their hearts. They were armed with compassion, kindness, equanimity and the ability to rejoice in the happiness of others." There are time when people dig deep within to draw reserves of self-belief, zzz03185366
http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3415/html/economy.htm#s383478~~~Assistance for Lanka power plan~~~Jun 3 (ID) The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a plan submitted by Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne to launch rural electrification with financial assistance from Iran. Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said Iran has provided $95.5 million for the promotion of rural electrification in Sri Lanka and this project would boost the rural community, zzz03185367
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/02/priests-detained-in-refugee-camps/~~~Priests detained in refugee camps~~~Jun 3 (UCAN) Five Tamil Catholic priests who were trapped in the war zone remain detained in refugee camps in northern Sri Lanka. Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna confirms this. "They were rescued by the military from the war zone," he told UCA News. "They worked for the people. They should be sent to Jaffna." The bishop said he had written to the Ministry of Defense five days earlier asking for the release of the priests. zzz03185368
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/03/stories/2009060353441500.htm~~~Assault on journalist condemned ~~~Jun 3 (Hindu) The police on Tuesday were yet to make any breakthrough in identifying the culprits behind the brutal attack on journalist and secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) Poddala Jayantha. According to the police, Mr. Poddala was kidnapped by a gang that came in a vehicle around 7.10 p.m. on Monday. “He was admitted to the hospital after he was dumped on the road in the Mirihana Police Division,” said the police.zzz03185369
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6418015.ece~~~Aid workers forced to leave Sri Lanka under strict new visa rules~~~Jun 3 (Times) Sri Lanka is hampering international relief efforts by forcing dozens of British and other foreign aid workers to leave the country because it considers them sympathetic to the defeated Tamil Tigers, The Times has learnt. Aid organisations say that the policy is costing them tens of thousands of pounds of donors’ money as they struggle to help 280,000 Tamil civilians in internment camps. zzz03185372
http://www.mawbimanews.com/2009/06/history-lesson-for-western-powers.html~~~A history lesson for the “Western Powers” ~~~Jun 3 (MN) History is a funny animal. Like a pet dog it can be loved, rubbed, groomed, fed, made to obey, ignored, forgotten, punished, or locked up – depending on the owner’s proclivities and prevailing mood. As long as the animal is fed, it is usually cooperative. In a rare moment, however, it can bite back if provoked or mistreated. I think this might be just one of those moments when the dog takes a nip out of his owner’s hide. Let me explain.zzz03185371
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18143~~~Amaradeva - The greatest musical genious of the nation ~~~
Jun 3 (AT) Shantha Mae Rae Yaame the song resonating at the apex of its popularity among young and old in every household, musical function and school excursion reminds the immortal name of the world acclaimed Sri Lanakn music maestro Amaradeva the national treasure of Sri Lanka. Pandith Dr W.D. Amaradeva is regarded as the legendary musical genius of the era. zzz03185370
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18154~~~New Sri Lanka Ambassador present credentials to the King of Norway~~~Jun 3 (AT) Career Diplomat E. Rodney M. Perera, the new Sri Lanka Ambassador to Norway, presented his credentials to King Harald V, at the Royal Palace in Oslo. At the simple ceremony, the new Sri Lankan Ambassador explained to the Norwegian Head of State the aim of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government to the timely and effective action of the security forces to launch the largest hostage rescue mission in history, zzz03185373
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18157~~~'Now it’s a time for reconciliation'~~~Jun 3 (AT) "The brutal war which suffocated our country for the last three decades is over and now is the opportunity to be reconciled and to be united under a one flag. Let us learn from the past mistakes and mishaps. We have to take the extremists in both sides to the middle path if we are really and truly interested in building a new Sri Lanka. There will be terrible and unprecedented repercussions if we do not make use of this golden opportunity to join hands". zzz03185374
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18161~~~The Times report of the numbers killed raise new questions ~~~Jun 3 (AT) The LTTE gave the world not only the suicide vest but also the art of perpetuating a lie until it becomes accepted as the truth. Now the "Times" has taken it to new heights. On 29 May the Times reported that evidence gathered by it has revealed that at least 20,000 Tamils were killed mostly by army shelling on the beach as the army closed in on the Tigers. The paper blamed the UN for underestimating the death toll. zzz03185375
http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSCOL111150~~~Stark warnings for those seen traitors~~~Jun 3 (Reuters) A Sri Lankan rights group said on Tuesday it had received a threat accusing it of treason, the day after a media activist was beaten up in the latest episode in the country's long history of politically tinged violence. Press rights groups have warned that journalists seen as sympathetic to the defeated separatist LTTE were at risk, and on Monday, media activist and journalist Poddala Jayantha was abducted and beaten. zzz03185376
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL21017354~~~'Sri Lanka on guard for separatist revival'~~~
Jun 3 (Reuters) Sri Lanka is keeping a close eye for signs of separatism among the hundreds of thousands of people made homeless by its civil war, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's minister of disaster management and human rights stressed that work is under way to root out remaining insurgents who may jeopardise the Indian Ocean island's fragile peace.zzz03185377
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/news33.html~~~Govt extends olive branch to UNP~~~Jun 3 (BL) On the eve of Victory Day celebrations, the government has extended an invitation to the UNP, to join in developing the country, assuring that an opening still remained for their support. Insisting that the government’s top priority remained the resettlement of IDPs and the establishment of democracy in the North, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene reiterated the importance of a national effort, and urged for unity from Opposition ranks.zzz03185378
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/as_i_see_it_col.htm~~~Anyone can buy property in Jaffna~~~Jun 3 (BL) I wish to broaden the scope of this column to include discussion about issues concerning the Sri Lankan Tamil problem raised by the readers. Till now I took note of the comments the readers mailed and dealt with them in the column. From now, I will interact directly/ Vipulanda Sivakumaran, a journalist from Bharain who called last week’s column excellent and timely hoped that decision makers would take note of it and build up the unity of the country, zzz03185379
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/defence_col.htm~~~"I’m a professional soldier. No politics"~~~
Jun 3 (BL) Perhaps the most lucrative positions in Sri Lanka today, are those of politicians. Any person who rides a wave of popularity will, no doubt, turn that popularity to advantage, and not hesitate to enter politics. But, we found a person, an officer and a gentleman, who refuses to take the massive wave of popularity he currently rides, to entertain any political ambitions. zzz03185384
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/03/news8.html~~~Govt. refuses to comment on Poddala attack~~~Jun 3 (BL) While police yesterday questioned two senior journalists over the attack on Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Secretary, Poddala Jayantha the government refrained from making any comments regarding it, and instead said that they would make their stance known once the journalists allegedly in the pay of the LTTE were revealed. Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene noted they would await the conclusion of Police investigations on Jayantha’s attack,zzz03185381
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sc-grants-interim-order-in-oil-hedging.html~~~SC grants interim order in oil hedging case ~~~Jun 3 (LG) The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the interim order cited in the fundamental rights petition on the oil hedging contracts filed by accountant and former PERC Chairman Nihal Sri Ameresekere. The oil hedging deals were entered into by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and five banks, those being Standard Chartered, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Commercial Bank and People’s Bank. zzz03185380
http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/4414163.Tamils_and_Buddhists_come_together_for_cultural_festival/~~~Tamils and Buddhists perform at Queensbury Eco-Cultural festival~~~Jun 3 (HT) Buddhist and Tamil children will perform on the same stage at a Queensbury festival this weekend. Organisers of the Queensbury Eco-Cultural Festival have brought together children from the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Temple and the Tamil Cultural Arts Centre, based in Kingsbury High School, to perform on the same stage. They are hoping the move will bring cohesion between the two communities,zzz03185383
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29513~~~Jaffna University pays last respects to Prof. Krishnarajah~~~Jun 3 (TN) Students, faculty deans and lectures gathered in Kailasapathy Auditorium in Jaffna University Tuesday noon to pay their last respects to the remains of Prof. Somasuntharam Krishnarajah in an event presided by Prof. N. Shanmugalingan, Vice-chancellor of Jaffna University. Prof. Krishnarajah died Friday in a private hospital in Colombo Friday and his remains were interred in Jaffna Tuesday,zzz03185382
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/697~~~Let’s get together and reconcile: Two Sinhala responses~~~Jun 3 (DBS) Hello Friends, Mohan Sekaram’s private e-mail to some of his friends that I posted on this blog with his permission has evoked a tremendous response. I am extremely happy about posting it because of the very positive vibes from people of Sri Lanka and of Sri Lankan origin. For too long we the silent majority have kept quiet while extremists on either side of the ethnic divide have hogged the megaphone. zzz03185385
http://newsblaze.com/story/20090602091220iwfs.nb/topstory.html~~~A Sri Lankan Refugee Provides Refuge~~~Jun 3 (NB) "It is true that at one point in life every woman wants to get married, set up a home, become a mother. But until that moment comes along, my life revolves around these refugees from my country," says V. Thenmozhi, 38. Thenmozhi is not exaggerating when she says that her life is dedicated to working for Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu. This activist and counsellor has spent nearly two decades working with Sri Lankan Tamils who have fled by zzz03185386
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/colonial-mindset.html~~~Colonial mindset ~~~Jun 3 (LG) Some in the British Government seem to believe that the sun has not set over the empire. How does one otherwise view British Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s officious attempt to meddle in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, an erstwhile colony? Possibly in the same way that his lapse on Kashmir was condemned by Indian foreign office sources after he proclaimed that the Kashmir ‘issue’ needed to be resolved in order to curb Islamist terrorism.zzz03185387
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2340:more-powers-for-pcs-13th-amendment-should-be-fully-implemented--aprc-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~More powers for PCs, 13th amendment should be fully implemented – APRC ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) has recommended that the 13th amendment should be totally implemented and provincial councils given more powers say political sources. According to these sources the provincial council is accepted as the unit of devolution and the present concurrent list would be abolished. Provincial councils would be given police, land and monetary powers. zzz03185388
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2345:jvp-deplores-attack-against-poddala-jayanthe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~JVP deplores attack against Poddala Jayanthe ~~~Jun 3 (LT) At a time security forces have completely defeated tiger terrorism the government, instead of taking measures to re-establish law and order in the country, allowing media to be attacked time and time again has drastically endangered democracy in the country states the JVP. Issuing an announcement deploring the attack on the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayanthe the Political Bureau of the JVP states zzz03185389
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2342:unp-to-form-alliance-to-contest-uva&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~UNP to form alliance to contest Uva ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The UNP has begun discussions with its allies in the Parliament to jointly contest Uva PC election. The discussions are being held with the participation of UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe. UNP Secretary General Tissa Attanayake said already official level discussions have been held with SLMC, Democratic People’s Front and United Lanka Democratic Front. zzz03185390
no~~~Lands in North for original owners ~~~Jun 3 (LT) The government has decided to hand over the lands in the North to their genuine owners once the ownership of the lands is established says Minister of Land and Land Development Jeewan Kumaratunga. He said the decision was taken at a discussion held at Menik Farm to resettle the people in the North in their villages and find a solution for land issues in the North. zzz03185393
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18163~~~INGOs, NGOs and the Government continuously feed the IDPs~~~Jun 3 (AT) Despite allegations food scarcity among the Internally Displaced Peoples in the north, the Government of Sri Lanka is working together with local and international NGOs to provide cooked food for the IDPs. A number of local NGOs, like Sewalanka Foundation and Sarvodaya, and international NGOs, like ZOA, Forut, Norwegian Refugee Council, DRC, and others are feeding the IDPs daily. zzz03185392
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9965&Itemid=44~~~'There’s no reason why deaf people cannot be good drivers'~~~
Jun 3 (GDI) Driving comes down to paying attention and do away with roade side distractions, and there should be no reason why the deaf cannot drive, said Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma. “And, most importantly, research shows that deaf drivers do not meet more accidents or fines than drivers with perfection,” the Minister said.zzz03185391
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9968&Itemid=44~~~Villagers back in Konarpannai after 19 years ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) After an interval of 19 years, residents of Konarpannai in Mannar returned home yesterday (02). In 1990, LTTE separatists ordered them to leave their ancestral homes within 24 hours, and they fled. “Konarpannai village population numbers 155 persons from 55 households. And, dry rations are given for a period of two weeks, which gives them time to get back on their own feet,”zzz03185394
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9969&Itemid=44~~~Dengue eradication week from June 08 - 15 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) The Education Ministry will hold a school based Dengue Eradication Week from June 8 to 15 to combat the dengue menace. Under this program, mosquito breeding places will be identified and steps will be taken to destroy them. In addition to the Dengue prevention activities, the Principals are advised to conduct a 'School environment cleaning program' on every Friday from 7.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. considering it as a National task.zzz03185395
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9972&Itemid=44~~~25 schools in Anuradhapura and Mihintale closed from June 4 - 9 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) On the request of the Police and the Poson Steering Committee the Provincial Education Ministry has consented to reserve 25 schools in Anuradhapura and Mihintale for accommodation of nearly 7,000 police and civil security sleuths being detailed for the protection of devotees flocking in Anuradhapura and Mihintale during Poson celebrations. The schools being closed from June 4 to June 9 inzzz03185398
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9970&Itemid=44~~~Environment Day on June 05 ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) World Environment Day which falls on June 5 will be commemorated under the theme “Your Planet Needs You - Unite to Combat Climate Change”. The Ministry of Environment has arranged to celebrate the World Environment Day (WED) at the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka. The celebrations begin on June 5 at 10 am, zzz03185397
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9976&Itemid=44~~~Two major northern irrigation tanks to be rehabilitated ~~~Jun 3 (GDI) A master plan to revive two partly abandoned major irrigation tanks in the North is under discussion at the Irrigation Department. And, irrigation engineers are already in the process of drafting the plan. These tanks, in the heart of the Northern Province, will be rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 635 million on the instructions of Ports, Aviation and Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.zzz03185403
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44426.html~~~Telecommunication subscriber network records 36 percent growth~~~Jun 3 (LNP) There was outstanding growth in the Telecommunication sector during the past few years, according to the Central Bank report. Extraordinary growth was recorded in technological development, capacity and coverage. The growth in the telecommunication sector was due to the increased competitiveness among new service providers, while expanding their coverage and reducing the initial costzzz03185399
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44427.html~~~A craven act of terror ~~~Jun 3 (LNP) The dastardly attack on Secretary of the Working Journalists' Association Poddala Jayantha must be condemned unreservedly by one and all. He was waylaid on Monday in full view of the public at the Embuldeniya junction and bundled into a white van according to eyewitnesses. Tonsured and injured at the hands of his assailants, he is now receiving treatment at the National Hospital. zzz03185400
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news01.asp~~~Education of IDP children: Task Force spends Rs. 137m~~~Jun 3 (DN) In a bid revive the education of over 60,000 children of displaced families in the North, the Education Ministry yesterday started the Nenasa Sathkaraya program under which a consignment of school textbooks, additional reading material, uniforms, stationery, desks and chairs for teachers and children worth over Rs. 137 million were dispatched to Vavuniya in 20 lorries. zzz03185401
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news11.asp~~~Let Lanka tackle its issues - China ~~~
Jun 3 (DN) China firmly believes that the Sri Lankan Government and its people should be allowed to tackle its internal affairs and the international community can make concrete efforts to improve the humanitarian condition of the country, Assistant Foreign Minister of China Hu Zhengyue said. However, China will continue to support Sri Lanka in bringing in stability, peace and development, he said. zzz03185396
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/03/news13.asp~~~Nearly 30,000 children under 18 in welfare villages ~~~Jun 3 (DN) There are nearly 30,000 children under the age of 18 staying in welfare villages and transit centres. Around 850 have lost one or both parents. The Probation and Child Care Services Department and Provincial Departments hold the responsibility of caring for those children, Probation and Child Care Services Commissioner D.M.S. Abeygunawardana told the Daily News yesterday. zzz03185406
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news1.html~~~Govt. promises 13th A sans merged N&E~~~Jun 3 (Island) The government yesterday said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s recent pledge to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution wouldn’t mean a re-merger of the Eastern Province with the North as envisaged under the July 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said though the government was committed to the implementation of the 13th Amendment there would have to be two separate Provincial Councils. zzz03185404
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news23.html~~~'Stop celebrations, country has no money'~~~
Jun 3 (Island) The UNP while ungrudgingly giving credit to all who contributed to defeating the LTTE, said yesterday that the country cannot afford to go on having unending celebrations at enormous costs to the taxpayer. UNP MP S. B. Dissanayake said that the Treasury coffers were virtually empty and the government which was heavily in debt, both locally and internationally, is spending huge sums on victory parades and rallies. zzz03185402
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/03/news2.html~~~'Mahinda won’t follow Mandela or Mugabe'~~~
Jun 3 (Island) Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena challenged the UNP to canvass for the urgently needed USD 1.9 billion loan facility if it genuinely appreciated the armed forces’ triumph over the LTTE. The minister urged the UNP to throw its weight behind the SLFP-led coalition. Recalling an earlier UNP bid to block a USD 500 million loan from the HSBC, he asked the UNP to back Sri Lanka’s call for USD 1.9 billion facility from the IMF.zzz03185405
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50811~~~Lanka to acquire new oil bed~~~Jun 3 (DM) Sri Lanka is hoping to acquire its own oil resources with the expansion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the eastern part of the country which is now pending approval by the United Nations (UN). A spokesman for the Fisheries Ministry which took part in formulating the report to the UN said the expanded sea area that Sri Lanka was now claiming contains sedimentation thickness from some 20 kilometres to four kilometres which will have hydrocarbon or oil. zzz03185407
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50809~~~Two journalists questioned~~~Jun 3 (DM) Two journalists who were alleged to have been involved in the assault on veteran journalist Poddala Jayantha were released on personal bail of Rs. 500,000/ each by Nugegoda Chief Magistrate Vasantha Jinadasa, yesterday. Poddala Jayantha, the general secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association, had been assaulted Monday evening at Embuldeniya, Nugegoda.zzz03185408
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50810~~~Lanka to seek Adele's arrest~~~
Jun 3 (ANN) The National Patriotic Movement yesterday said that following the demise of the LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran, some NGOs have started directing their funds to a Cabinet Minister. PNM Chairman Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera accused a particular Minister who crossed over to the Government ranks of being behind the NGO funding and promoting separatism. zzz03185410
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9977&Itemid=44~~~'I am the proudest Head of State who delivered a unitary nation'~~~
Jun 3 (GDI) “The last breath of our heroic troops must be blowing in the wind where the national flag I hoisted today, flies proudly. Therefore, with every breath we take we must remember these heroic sons and daughters of our land. I also offer my respect to the high morale of our valiant troops who have been disabled but courageously participated in this event on their wheel chairs.zzz03185415
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/4416031.WALTHAMSTOW__Murdered_woman_was_strangled/~~~Sri Lankan woman beaten to death in UK~~~Jun 3 (GS) A Sri Lankan woman found dead in a Walthamstow park was strangled, police have revealed. The partially clothed body of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, was discovered by a passerby in a park in Queens Road, near to Kelmsctott Leisure Centre, at 5.50am on Saturday, May 30. Police are still trying to establish whether she was sexually assaulted before being killed. Police initially withheld the cause of death 'for operational reasons'. zzz03185412
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090603/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~President calls for outreach to Tamils~~~Jun 3 (AP) Sri Lanka's president urged the military on Wednesday to win over the Tamil people and to ensure they live without "fear or suspicion" in the wake of the army's victory over Tamil separatist rebels. President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed a military parade and victory ceremony that commemorated the government's defeat of the Tamil Tiger separatists last month after more than a quarter-century of conflict.zzz03185411
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jun/03/world-twenty20-india-pakistan-sri-lanka~~~Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis give Sri Lanka Twenty20 edge~~~Jun 3 (Guardian) The greatest sporting rivalries are broad canvases coloured by loss, pain and redemption. Would the 5–1 victory against Germany in Munich in 2001 have meant so much to England's football fans without the tears at the Stadio Delle Alpi in 1990 and at Wembley in 1996? Would victory in the Karachi one-dayer of 2004 have been such a milestone for Indian cricket supporters without the trauma of Javed Miandad's last-ball six at Sharjah in 1986?zzz03185405.7
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8080626.stm~~~Sri Lanka president thanks allies ~~~Jun 3 (BBC) The Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has praised Asian, African and Arab countries for their support in defeating Tamil Tiger rebels. He said that Sri Lanka had been "pressurised" by other governments which he did not name. The president was speaking at a vast military parade to celebrate the victory which was achieved last month. In a TV address, he told soldiers who fought the rebels that they now needed to win over the hearts of Tamil people. zzz03185413
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18170~~~'No more referendums in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 3 (AT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa fresh from a historic victory over terrorism has turned down a proposal by a section of his cabinet to hold a referendum to extend the life of Parliament and to marry the second Presidential Election due in 2011 to that referendum as the people were now in favour of Rajapaksa following the victory over LTTE terrorism, highly placed authoritative sources disclosed today.zzz03185406.1
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Conspiracy-EU-exposed---'Divaina'/3103.htm~~~Conspiracy by EU exposed - Divaina~~~Jun 3 (CT) 'Divaina' says there had been a conspiracy by Britain and other countries of the European Union to rescue LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran through a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on May 14. The June 03 issue of the newspaper, in an article by defence correspondent Keerthi Warnakulasuriya, says Sri Lanka's permanent representative at the UN Dayan Jayatileke had confirmed that such an attempt had been made by the EU nations.zzz0318540.2
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/CJ-pardons-Veddah-convict/3091.htm~~~CJ pardons Veddah convict~~~Jun 3 (CT) A member of the veddah community who had been sentenced to death and kept imprisoned, after ten appeals were not considered, was pardoned by Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva yesterday. The CJ, who attended the opening of the new lawyers' office compound near Kandy Judicial Complex, thus pardoned Uruwarige Seneviratne, using the power vested in him after Kandy Chief Magistrate, Sumudu Premerathne brought the issue to his attention.zzz03185409.1
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/28-day-England-tour-D.S.-de-Silva-250-dollar-allowance/3073.htm~~~28-day England tour for D.S. de Silva with 250 dollar allowance~~~Jun 3 (CT) Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee D.S. de Silva is preparing for a tour of England this month that comes with a daily allowance of 250 dollars, SLC sources said. His 28-day visit coincides with the twenty-20 world cup to be staged in that country from June 05. Both the chairman's tour and the allowance have been approved by the interim committee at its meeting this afternoon (June 02).zzz03185409.2
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090603-703616.html~~~'IMF emergency loan approval close'~~~Jun 3 (WSJ) Trade minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris said Wednesday that the government expects the International Monetary Fund to soon approve its application for an emergency loan. "We have every expectation that the first tranche will be delivered in the near future," Peiris said at a press conference in Tokyo during a trip to Japan. Peiris' comments come as the government holds talks with the IMF for a $1.9 billion loan to zzz03185403.1
http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/invoke.cfm?objectid=A5086FCD-15C5-F00A-251037496737FB08&component=toolkit.article&method=full_html~~~Treating the wounded and medical emergencies remains a priority~~~Jun 3 (MSF) Over the last few weeks, while tens of thousands of people have emerged from the Vanni, the former conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, MSF teams have been working alongside Sri Lankan Ministry of Health staff providing surgical and medical care to people who were caught up in the fighting. The situation remains extremely worrying inside the hospitals and among the 269,000 displaced people in Vavuniya District. zzz03185403.2
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090603/wl_afp/srilankaunrestdiplomacy_20090603073223~~~Sri Lanka seeks 'new era' in foreign relations~~~Jun 3 (AFP) Sri Lanka's president called for a "new era" in foreign relations as the island staged a military parade to mark its victory over separatist Tamil Tiger rebels. President Mahinda Rajapakse, whose government has been threatened with a possible war crimes probe over the manner of its military success last month, said it was time to launch a fresh diplomatic strategy.zzz03185414
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1766568578~~~Sri Lanka should drop popular politics to boost economy: President~~~Jun 3 (LBO) Sri Lanka should cut the budget deficit, drop popular politics and ideologies in meeting the challenge of developing the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. "Reducing the budget deficit, investment promotion and economic development is possible after defeating terrorism," President Rajapaksa said in a nationally televised speech at a ceremony in Colombo.zzz03185406.11
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407053.html~~~New captain, new beginning~~~Jun 4 (CI) The ICC World Twenty20 represents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to put behind them the miseries of the last few months. The attack on their team bus in Lahore in March and the armed conflicts in the country have meant the team and the nation have had little to cheer recently. Kumar Sangakkara and Co have the chance to give the country some happy moments over the next couple of weeks. zzz03185424
http://content.cricinfo.com/wwt202009/content/story/407163.html~~~Sri Lanka's new captain hopes for fresh start~~~Jun 4 (CI) Sri Lanka go into the ICC World Women's World Twenty20 under a new captain, with Chamari Polgampola taking over the reins from the long-serving Shashikala Siriwardene. She feels the tournament can be a launchpad for the team's future successes. "The Sri Lanka captaincy is not what I expected to get, but having got it does not surprise me. I'll do my best in my capacity as captain. zzz03185425
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1908848042~~~Sri Lanka offered investment by Canadian business council~~~Jun 4 (LBO) Two bilateral business councils promoting trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Canada have offered their support to revive the island's economy with the end of the ethnic war. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, which represents the Sri Lanka-Canada business councils, said they had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa offering support especially in infrastructure. zzz03185426
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g1riYmWcQldQ7pQgr7LGe-BXnVWA~~~Sri Lankan minister seeks Japanese aid~~~Jun 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka's trade minister on Wednesday sought Japan's help for its recovery from ethnic conflict, while reiterating his government's rejection of any probe into alleged human rights violations. Colombo has faced allegations that thousands of civilians perished in the final battle last month against Tamil Tiger separatists, as the island starts its recovery from three decades of fighting.zzz03185427
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=231055530~~~Economics of War (and also peace)~~~Jun 4 (LBO) Wars have always been fought with one objective. That is to take forced possession of economically valuable assets belonging to the enemy. The list may vary from time to time, but a typical set of such coveted assets goes on as follows: land including right to water; young women including children; treasure; and able-bodied men as slaves. Since it is ‘forced possession’, wars do not come within the ambit of standard economic theory which is based on ‘voluntary exchange’. zzz03185428
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/03/catholics-raise-money-for-refugees/~~~Catholics raise money for refugees~~~Jun 4 (UCAN) Parishioners of Colombo cathedral have been busy fundraising for war refugees by selling hot foods, home-made pickles and household items at an evening family fiesta here. Cries of "pancakes," "kokis," "kevum," "pot curries" and "country rice" resounded along the line of 15 stalls in St Lucia's cathedral as part of a Marian feast and procession on May 31, attended by about 5,000 people.zzz03185429
http://content.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407208.html~~~Steyn and Gibbs set up six-wicket win~~~Jun 4 (CI) South Africa made heavy weather of chasing down Sri Lanka's disappointing total of 109 for 9 in their final warm-up match at Lord's ahead of next week's ICC World Twenty20, but they eventually eased home with five balls and six wickets to spare, thanks largely to a third-wicket stand of 70 between Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers. Having been drawn in the toughest group, alongside West Indies and Australiazzz03185430
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/03/sri-lanka-human-rights-protests-tamils~~~Sri Lanka team targeted by protests~~~Jun 4 (Guardian) Not for the first time, Lord's has become the scene of a political protest. Sri Lankan protestors have been picketing the ground, calling for the country's cricket team to return home and for other nations to boycott matches against the side. About 50 London-based Sri Lankans gathered outside the Wellington Road entrance, armed with placards condemning the Sri Lankan government's "human rights abuses". zzz03185431
no~~~'I was fighting India's battle'~~~zzz03185432
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10576262&pnum=0~~~Sri Lanka needs to address Tamil grievances ~~~Jun 4 (NZH) The Sri Lankan Army's spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara has said "[The war] is not going to end soon. It will take some time to completely eradicate terrorism from the country - we think about two years." In the euphoria over the recent military victory that ended the conventional war against the LTTE and wiped out most of their leadership, most people in Sri Lanka have forgotten that prediction, but it remains likely.zzz03185433
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/01/finding-lasting-peace-sri-lanka.html~~~Finding lasting peace for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (JP) It was with sighs of relief that we heard news of the surrender of the Tamil insurgents a few days back. Indeed, the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka had been a major concern for the international community because so many civilian lives were lost unnecessarily in the conflicts between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. However, this defeat is also poses questions as to what extent “peace” can be sustained, and what to do next after the victory? zzz03185434
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18174~~~Philippines congratulates Sri Lanka’s military defeat of the LTTE~~~Jun 4 (AT) The Secretary of National Defence of Philippines, Gilberto C Teodoro congratulated Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Sri Lankan Government on the military defeat of the LTTE at a meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri – La Dialogue held in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama briefed Secretary Teodoro on recent political developments in Sri Lanka, zzz03185435
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18176~~~Sri Lanka faces Economic terrorism~~~Jun 4 (AT) Although Sri Lanka’s shooting war against LTTE terrorism is over the country now faces a greater threat. It is the war against economic blackmail and economic terrorism. And the terrorists of course are the Western powers who have not yet given up trying to tighten screws on Sri Lanka over human rights issues despite suffering a humiliating defeat at the special sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on May 26. zzz03185436
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18177~~~Chapter Closed : The ‘International Factor’, bleeding-heart NGOs and cross-eyed media ~~~Jun 4 (AT) Sri Lanka is not an island in terms of overall political economy and as such cannot and does not operate as though the outside world does not exist nor has no impact on domestic matters. As a member state of the United Nations and a signatory to many important bilateral agreements, not to mention a recipient of foreign assistance, Sri Lanka’s political decisions are to a lesser or greater degree influenced by zzz03185439
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18180~~~US Deputy Secretary of State appraised on the current situation of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (AT) Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the newly appointed US Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, on the current situation of Sri Lanka at a meeting last week on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore. He explained to Mr. Steinberg the latest political developments in the country and thanked the US Government for its assistance and cooperation in combating terrorism.zzz03185438
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090604/FOREIGN/706039850/1002~~~Tamil Tigers’ child conscripts bid farewell to arms~~~
Jun 4 (National) Suresh has a sweet face and gentle manner. His skinny body and the downy fuzz on his upper lip mark him out as boy who is still a couple of years away from becoming a man. But in January, that transformation was brutally accelerated. As fighting between Sri Lanka’s army and the Tamil Tigers intensified in what would turn out to be the final stages of a 26-year-long civil war,zzz03185437
http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sri-Lanka-hope-to-sing-Jaya-ho/articleshow/4614565.cms~~~Sri Lanka hope to sing Jaya ho~~~Jun 4 (TOI) By the time the World Twenty20 event in England comes to an end, Sanath Jayasuriya will only be a month away from his 40th birthday. It will, in all probability, be the last world event the left-hander might play. Today, Jayasuriya might be a much older man with slower reflections and instincts a bit rounded. But, if Sri Lanka would as much as dare to win the trophy in England, he’s their biggest hope once again. zzz03185440
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40073320090603~~~Rebels free Sri Lankan captive in Philippine south~~~Jun 4 (Reuters) Muslim rebels freed on Wednesday a Sri Lankan aid worker held captive for nearly four months in the southern Philippines, but continued to hold an Italian Red Cross engineer on a nearby island, a senior navy commander said. Omar Jaleel was turned over by his captors from the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf to local officials and members of the Belgium-based Nonviolent PeaceForce in Tipo-tipo town on Basilan island,zzz03185441
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articlelist/articleshow/4614066.cms~~~Whose war was it?~~~Jun 4 (TOI) The killing of the LTTE chief V Prabhakaran by Sri Lankan forces recently has not only brought to an end the reign of one of the world's greatest living terrors, but has also given some reprieve to millions of people. That includes those who lost their dear ones in an unwise battle that the Indian government fought against the LTTE for many years from 1987 onwards through its Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). zzz03185442
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1860017876~~~Sri Lanka extends deadline again for port project bids~~~Jun 4 (LBO) The Sri Lankan government has extended for the second time the deadline for proposals from investors to build and operate a new deep-water container terminal in Colombo port. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) officials said the deadline for bids is now July 8. Previously, the government had extended the deadline to June 16 from May 19 after prospective bidders asked for more time. zzz03185443
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5htjX_c3SIjO1aDBCeljKZI3Tb2MgD98JB48O2~~~Sri Lanka leader hailed as king for beating rebels~~~
Jun 4 (GDI) Japanese envoy Yasushi Akashi is scheduled to visit Colombo again. The Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka will visit Colombo and New Delhi from June 8th to 12th, Japanese Foreign Ministry sources revealed. Akashi expects to meet with government officials during his stay and zzz03185451
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9995&Itemid=44~~~Permit is must for drug transport - NDCA ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The National Drugs Control Authority (NDCA) warned it would grab any vehicle transporting medical drugs without a medical permit under the cosmetics device and drugs act. The vehicles should meet necessary standards to transport medical drugs and those which don’t possess necessary requirements will be fined and the drugs in the vehicle will be seized. Private companies should renew the permit to transport drugs annually. zzz03185462
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9997&Itemid=44~~~Fuel train jumps rails at Talawa ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) An Anuradhapura bound fuel train jumped rails at Talawa this morning causing the engine to catch fire and three fuel tanks. The engine was damaged by the derailment that occurred close to the Talawa railway station and subsequently the engine caught fire, the Media Head of the Railway Department Vijaya Samarasinghe told www.news.lk today(04). He pointed out that the fire brigade was called in to douse the fire.zzz03185468
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9996&Itemid=44~~~No liquor, beef in Anuradhapura from June 05 - 10 ~~~Jun 4 (GDI) All liquor and meat outlets in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Sri Lanka will be closed during the Poson week beginning tomorrow and will remain closed till June 10. The Police has launched a special programme to raid liquor and meat outlets that violate the directive during the Poson week, the Department of Excise revealed.zzz03185464
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9990&Itemid=44~~~'Massive foreign investment flow'~~~
Jun 4 (GDI) Sri Lanka has worked out a US dollar one billion direct foreign investment by the year end as foreign investment proposals have begun to pour in with the restoration of peace, Media Minister, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly cabinet briefing. He said the Government last year had an investment of US & 865 million that included the telecom sector investment with new ventures like Airtel coming into Sri Lanka.zzz03185458
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2348:india-to-make-use-of-idp-issue-to-dampen-chinese-influence-in-lanka&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~India to make use of IDP issue to dampen Chinese influence in Lanka ~~~Jun 4 (LT) India is considering various options to pressurize Sri Lanka to accept its terms. India has been concerned regarding interest many other countries, specially China, have shown in Sri Lanka and has considered appointing a special envoy to ‘stop foreign powers trying to fish in Sri Lanka's troubled waters.’ India has in very strong terms expressed its concern regarding zzz03185466
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2356:farmers-in-mahaweli-c-zone-agitate-demanding-solutions-for-farmer-issues&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Farmers in Mahaweli ‘C’ zone agitate demanding solutions for farmer issues ~~~Jun 4 (LT) An agitation organized by the Binthennapaththu United farmers Association affiliated to All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation demanding solutions for the critical issues confronted by the famer community in Mahaweli ‘C’ zone was held with the participation of a large number of farmers at Dehiaththakandiya yesterday (3rd). The main demands of the agitation were supply of adequate water for cultivations,zzz03185467
no~~~350 parentless children in IDP camps ~~~Jun 4 (LT) There are 350 children under the age of 10 years living in IDP camps without any parents or guardians. Their nutrition and security is being looked after by the officers of District Secretariat and supervised by relief service officers in the camps said the minister. Meanwhile, there are 250 university students said the Minister adding arrangements have been made to send them to other universities. zzz03185469
no~~~Schools timetable amended~~~Jun 4 (GDI) The second school term of Sinhala and Tamil schools will end on August 7, the latest schedules of Education Ministry revealed. Accordingly, the third term of Sinhala and Tamil schools will begin September 7 and end on December 9. Earlier, the Education Ministry had scheduled to end the second term on July 31, while the third term was to start on August 31.zzz03185474
no~~~Mahinda Wijesekara fully recovers~~~Jun 4 (CT) Minister of Posts Mahinda Wijesekara has now fully recovered from the injuries he had suffered in a suicide bomb attack in Akuressa in March. After undergoing treatment at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and Colombo, Sri Lanka National Hospital, he has now retuned home, said a statement issued by his ministry. Mr. Wijesekara is expected to resume his official functions after a short vacation, it added.zzz03185471
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TID-probes-key-fundraiser-and-spy-LTTE/3133.htm~~~TID probes key fundraiser and spy of LTTE~~~Jun 4 (CT) The Terrorist Investigation Division is conducting an extensive probe into the activities of one Gunasundaram Jayasundaram, considered a key fundraiser and operative of the LTTE's international intelligence wing. The TID informed Colombo, Sri Lanka chief magistrate Praharsha Ranasinghe yesterday that the suspect was being detained for further interrogation in connection with his international connections.zzz03185472
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-file-action-British-woman-Thamilvany---Divaina/3136.htm~~~Govt. to file action against British woman ~~~
Jun 4 (LeN) UNP Kurunegala district MP Dayasiri Jayasekara says that the government that ended the terrorism in north has launched state terror in south to abduct media persons and to break their limbs. He said that Sri Lanka is the country where the most unfortunate media persons live as some state media personnel write the death warrants to other journalists.zzz03185470
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2284~~~Secretary General replies to NGOs~~~Jun 4 (PISL) In response to comments by NGOs in the dialogue on the reports of Special Rapporteurs, Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha intervened at the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday. He was speaking as Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights. His statement is carried below. Mr President, having been summoned to Geneva last week to pay our ever increasing tribute to the Swiss hotel industry, zzz03185484
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2283~~~Secretary General replies to Alston and Ertuk~~~Jun 4 (PISL) As Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha made another intervention at the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday. These remarks were made in response to the reports by Special Rapporteurs Alston and Ertuk. Sri Lanka welcomes the reports of Prof Alston and Prof Erturk. zzz03185486
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7802~~~'Media persons that tried to save my life were produced in court; it is a crime'~~~Jun 4 (LeN) The secretary of the Working Journalists’ Association Poddala Jayantha says that manipulating his abduction case to intimidate more journalists instead of bringing the culprits into books is very distressing. He mentions thus in a letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police. The complete letter is as follows: “I write this letter to bring to your notice a shocking incident that I came to know while zzz03185476
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/news02.asp~~~Pageantry of valour ~~~Jun 4 (DN) It was a sight to behold when the Security Forces and the Police, in full ceremonial dress marched past the dais saluting the Commander-in-Chief, with precision, timing and coordination that would be the envy of all. In a synchronized display the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy joined the fiesta in the sky and the sea blending the whole into a majestic pageant of colour and valour. zzz03185487
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/bus01.asp~~~Fast track NE development~~~Jun 4 (DN) The development of the North and East should be fast tracked along with the rest of the country to ensure that the benefits of the victory against the LTTE filter down to the people. The process should be reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, Chairman Hatton National Bank (HNB) Rienzie Wijetilleke said. He outlined certain proposals which can be implemented utilizing the internal resources which will yield quick results.zzz03185488
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/04/news03.asp~~~Defeat of terrorism accelerates development ~~~Jun 4 (DN) The decisive defeat of terrorism now removes the factor which slowed down the country’s economic progress and makes it possible to harness Sri Lanka’s natural advantages and the creative energies of her people to accelerate development in the economic and social sectors, said Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, addressing the plenary session of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commercezzz03185489
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/business1.html~~~'Govt. needs to spend more on science and technology'~~~Jun 4 (Island) With the war over, a senior Minister said Sri Lanka must spend more on science and technology, particularly in research and development, if the country is to achieve higher levels of economic growth and eradicate poverty. "Sadly, governments have not spent as much as they should have on science and technology and this is most unfortunate," Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Minister of Science and technology said. zzz03185490
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/news2.html~~~Cash robbed from Agrarian services centre~~~Jun 4 (Island) Rs 680,000 locked in a cupboard at the Agrarian Services Centre at Lunama in Hungama has been stolen while another sum of Rs 1,080,000 kept in another cupboard had remained untouched. A complaint in this regard was lodged with the Hungama Police on Monday by the Agrarian Services Development Officer of the Centre. He said the watcher of the Centre had been gagged and tied up before the robbers forced their way into the Centre. zzz03185491
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/04/news7.html~~~Weapons that won the War: Untold story~~~
Jun 4 (Island) Sri Lankan Armed Forces’ yesterday marked their unprecedented triumph over the LTTE with a striking show of fighting forces and military assets ranging from Czechoslovakian-built RM 70 mobile multiple launch rocket systems, movable Indian radar (Indra Mark II) to a fleet of Israeli, US and locally made Fast Attack Craft (FACs) built with Japanese collaboration.zzz03185485
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50920~~~‘Eelam Bank’ deposits found~~~Jun 4 (DM) The military has found Rs. 13 million in the possession of the manager of ‘Eelam Bank’ run by the LTTE in Kilinochchi , and is now looking for the depositors to hand over these monies to them. Quoting military officers based in Vavuniya overlooking the welfare of the displaced civilians, Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne told the Daily Mirror yesterday this manager had arrived in Vavuniya along with other people.zzz03185493
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50909~~~An LTTE Intelligence Unit head detained till June 9~~~Jun 4 (DM) Colombo Additional Magistrate Ms. G. Punarsha S. Ranasinghe yesterday further detained an LTTE intelligence unit head till June 9 in the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for allegedly supplying firearms and ammunition on a large scale to the LTTE movement. The TID officer said the suspect Gunasundaram Jayasundaram who owned business establishments in zzz03185494
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=50905~~~British HC refutes allegations of corruption ~~~Jun 4 (DM) The British High Commission yesterday refuted allegations by the general public accusing it of a corrupt and inconvenient Visa processing service through its commercial partner VFS. The Daily Mirror received complaints from the General Public regarding the British High Commission’s Visa processing system. We were informed that persons had to go through much difficulty in order to obtain a visa. zzz03185495
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htwin/articles/20090604.aspx~~~War Crimes In Sri Lanka~~~Jun 4 (SP) The UN, and many European nations, are very angry at Sri Lanka for defeating the separatist Tamil rebels, after nearly 30 years of fighting. The UN, and particularly Norway, were trying hard to work out a peace deal. The Tamils, represented by the LTTE (an organization eventually recognized as an international terrorist group) refused to budge on their demand for partition of the island. zzz03185496
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906041502.htm~~~South Asia media associations condemn attack on Sri Lanka scribe ~~~Jun 4 (PTI) Two prominent media associations of South Asia on Thursday expressed shock at the kidnapping and beating of a prominent Sri Lankan journalist and asked Colombo to resolve issues relating to freedom of the media. Condeming the incident, the South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) and South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) said it was a "blatant violation of freedom of expression and independence" of media. zzz03185497
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aEKicFVyijz8~~~Sri Lanka aims to increase tourist arrivals by 20% as war ends ~~~Jun 4 (BN) Sri Lanka aims to increase tourist arrivals by at least 20 percent each year, using a $20 million worldwide advertising campaign to promote the island’s attractions after the end of almost three decades of civil war. “The main task we have is that of image building,” Dileep Mudadeniya, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said in an interview in the capital Colombo.zzz03185498
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1342453323~~~Sri Lanka Insurance Corp sale reversed by court~~~
Jun 4 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court said a 2003 privatization of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to listed Distilleries group was illegal and ordered the firm to be returned to the government and the purchase price refunded. Court ordered the government to repay 6.0 billion rupees originally paid by the private firm to gain control of SLIC. zzz03185499
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/D0DFC2315B6C432E652575CB003AEECB?OpenDocument~~~China to help rebuild Lankan economy after LTTE war ~~~Jun 4 (PTI) As Sri Lanka works out ways to accelerate development after defeating the rebel LTTE, China has pledged its full cooperation in reconstruction of the Island nation's economy after 30 years of ethnic war. "Prevalence of peace will strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka and China will continue to be a part of the economic reconstruction of the Island country," Deputy Director General of the Asian Affairs, Commerce Ministry, China Liang Wentao said.zzz03185500
no~~~What next after military defeat of LTTE? ~~~zzz03185492
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-world/australians-in-sri-lanka-refugee-camps-20090604-bx84.html~~~Australians in Sri Lanka refugee camps~~~June 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka has identified six foreign nationals, including Australians, among tens of thousands of war displaced civilians held in state-run camps in the island's north, a minister said on Thursday. Three Australians and one each from Britain, the Netherlands and Norway had crossed over to government-held areas after escaping from the war zone in the island's northeast after the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels last month.zzz03185502
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090604/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestshipcivilians~~~Sri Lanka seizes ship with supplies for war-hit civilians~~~Jun 4 (AFP) Sri Lanka's navy Thursday seized a foreign-owned ship loaded with medical, food and other supplies for war-hit civilians, saying the vessel had entered its territorial waters illegally. The supplies, arranged by supporters of the Tamil rebel cause, were loaded onto a ship in the English port of Ipswich in April -- just weeks before the government declared victory in the ethnic conflict, a navy spokesman said.zzz03185503
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9998&Itemid=51~~~Summary of cabinet decisions~~~Jun 5 (GDI) Purchase of 20 ambulances: Cabinet approved a Memorandum submitted by the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva to purchase 20 ambulances from the Micro Cars, a local industry at the rate of Rs.4,950,000.00 including VAT per unit to meet the present requirement of ambulances services of this country. It is essential that these vehicles are purchased deploy services immediately. zzz03185504
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10002&Itemid=44~~~Indian mobile hospital moved to Chettikulam ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The make shift hospital donated by the Government of India with a team of Indian medical staff has been shifted from Pulmudai to Chettikulam in order to provide a better medical service to the civilians who are temporarily housed in the relief villages. The functions of the mobile hospital are being carried out with the full strength of the Indian Medical staff deployed here.zzz03185511
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10000&Itemid=44~~~New plan to promote coconut cultivation in North ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The ministry of Plantation Industries has drawn up a number of schemes to promote coconut cultivation in the North. The Minister D.M.Jayarathne said that this will be introduced parallel to the other development plans that have being undertaken in North. Hence the north is blessed with a better soil that suits the coconut cultivation, the LTTE terrorism prevented coconut cultivation in the north for the past 30 years. zzz03185506
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=3653&cat=field-news&ref=home-sidebar-right~~~War-wounded patients receive post-operative care and rehabilitation~~~Jun 5 (MSF) Ramachandra was wounded in January during fighting in the Vanni, the former conflict zone in northeastern Sri Lanka. The 18-year-old underwent amputations at a hospital there, and eight days later, was evacuated by an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ambulance to the main hospital in Vavuniya, about 50 miles south. The young woman is missing her left hand and left leg, and half of her right foot.zzz03185507
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8083505.stm~~~Sri Lanka doctors 'to be tried'~~~Jun 5 (BBC) A group of doctors who worked in Sri Lanka's rebel-held war zone are being held on suspicion of collaborating with Tamil rebels, the government says. The doctors could be in detention for a year or more before being tried. With journalists banned from the conflict zone, they became an important source of news about the fighting during the final bloody months of war. Last month the Sri Lankan government defeated Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland. zzz03185508
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7804~~~'I have no list of journalists that were in LTTE payroll'~~~Jun 5 (LeN) Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says that he has not received a list of the journalists that have been under LTTE pay list although he had heard about such list. He says that he cannot point finger at anybody until the investigations are conducted. At the cabinet press briefing, a journalist pointed out that state-owned and some other media had announced that around 50 journalists had been in LTTE payroll assisting them.zzz03185509
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-coordinating-secretary-rebukes-jounalist/3145.htm~~~President's coordinating secretary rebukes radio jounalist~~~Jun 5 (CT) Kumarasiri Hettige, a coordinating secretary to the president, has reportedly rebuked a radio journalist over the exposure of an alleged influencing to prevent the transfer of a school principal related to him. Sameera Manju of Neth FM has recorded the telephone call he had received from the president's top official, and played it in the presence of journalists and media minister Anura Priyadarshana zzz03185510
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7806~~~Is informing about abduction to the family of the victim offence? Ranil asks~~~
Jun 5 (LeN) Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe says that abduction and assault of Working Journalists’ Association secretary Poddala Jayantha is an attack against the media freedom that is considered a basic requirement for national unity. Addressing a special media briefing held in official residence, Wickramasinghe said, “Poddala Jayantha is a journalist that never shared our political views.zzz03185505
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40097320090604~~~'U.N. ready to support Sri Lanka war inquiry'~~~
Jun 5 (Reuters) The United Nations stands ready to support an inquiry into abuses in Sri Lanka's civil war, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Thursday. Addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council, which last week avoided launching an investigation into the Sri Lankan conflict, the former war crimes judge stressed that reconciliation would be impossible without a full reckoning of transgressions.zzz03185512
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18205~~~First MMI- sponsored free Tamil language course for police officers~~~Jun 5 (AT) A ceremony distribute certificates to the first batch of police officers who completed a six-month Tamil language course was held recently under the patronage of Milinda Moragoda, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Wickram Nishri, Deputy High Commissioner of India; and IGP Mr. Jayantha Wickramaratne at the Police Welfare Centre, Colombo. The language-training course was organised by the Milinda Moragoda institute in collaboration with zzz03185513
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18195~~~Indian Tamils warn Diaspora against MEP candidate Jan Jananayagam~~~Jun 5 (AT) Many community leaders of South Asian origin persons in the United Kingdom appealed to their constituents not to vote for candidates sponsored by ‘terrorist organizations or their proxies’. South Indian Tamil lobby in UK said that Jan Jananayagam should be shunned by voters as she represents ‘the terrorists who killed our bellowed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’.zzz03185514
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ltte-property-rush-has-begun-in-canada.html~~~LTTE property rush has begun in Canada ~~~Jun 5 (LG) Recently Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogolagama has said that war with LTTE is over in Sri Lanka and he said now time to dismantle LTTE net work and financial power internationally. As we every one knows that LTTE has collected large sums of money for their war from Canadian Tamils. Most of this money was collected by extortion or by force but LTTE has not used this full money for war or to upgrade the Tamils civilians who lived under their rule.zzz03185515
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13794780&fsrc=rss~~~Too many heroes~~~Jun 5 (Economist) Alongside some of the government’s finest military hardware at a ceremonial parade in Colombo on June 3rd were dozens of disabled soldiers in gleaming wheelchairs. Sri Lanka has paid a heavy price for its recent rout of the rebel LTTE. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the defence secretary and brother of the president, has admitted that 6,261 soldiers were killed and 29,551 wounded in three years of fighting. zzz03185516
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=When+the+system+works&artid=P5Ufsky2Q/4=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&SEO=Union+Minister+of+State+for+External+Affairs+and+l&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts~~~When the system works ~~~Jun 5 (EB) The four fishermen who landed in Vizhinjam on Wednesday after being freed from a prison in Colombo will tell you the story of a rare kind of cooperation between politicians of different parties and bureaucrats. The rescue operation, coordinated by George Mercier MLA, had Union Minister of State for External Affairs and local MP Shashi Tharoor, Foreign Affairs Secretary Shivsankar Menon and Fisheries Minister S. Sarma in the leading roles.zzz03185517
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/688679~~~Auction will help build a school in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (TJ) Martha is a seven-year-old Sri Lankan girl who cannot go to school. Instead, she collects water to support her family. Saint John High School's Youth in Action group, a branch of Free the Children, was inspired by Martha's story and determined to change the lives of Sri Lankan children who are prevented from getting educated. Free the Children was founded by Craig Kielburger in 1995 and zzz03185518
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/religious-leaders-bless-soldiers-in-military-parade/~~~Religious leaders bless soldiers in military parade~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) Christian leaders joined over 10,000 well-wishers in blessing soldiers during a National Victory parade in Colombo on June 3. "The Christian community in this country has co-existed peacefully with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims communities and lived amongst them, so we cannot keep ourselves apart from others," said Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, one of four vicar generals in Colombo archdiocese, who watched the parade.zzz03185521
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/old-churches-struggle-to-squeeze-in-worshippers/~~~Old churches struggle to squeeze in worshippers~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) For Catholic churches in Colombo, size matters. Many are bursting at the seams during Sunday Masses, and feast days see a tripling of attendance with crowds spilling onto the streets. The country's capital has grown in modern times and often there is no land available for churches to expand. Virtually all of Colombo's churches date back to the 17th or 18th centuries. Considered large churches at the time, they now struggle to accommodate their congregations.zzz03185520
no~~~Post-conflict peace-building~~~zzz03185519
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/04/government-directive-solves-catholic-students-woes/~~~Government directive solves Catholic students' woes~~~Jun 5 (UCAN) Catholics have welcomed a government directive stipulating that state-run schools have to include marks scored by Christian students at Sunday school examinations as part of their grades. This is in cases where the state-run schools themselves do not teach Christianity as a subject. The directive, issued on May 27, comes as a relief to priests and Catholic parents.zzz03185522
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2009/06/un-on-sri-lanka-comedy-of-errors.html~~~UN on Sri Lanka: A comedy of errors~~~Jun 5 (DW) These days, talking about Sri Lanka means talking about the Sri Lankan military, its elite politicians and diplomats and…oh yes…The UN. Are we trying to single-out the UN or the “West” here? Not really. The UN is singling its own self out. In fact, the UN looks more ridiculous now than it did when it allowed the Tutsis to be killed in 1994. If you want proof, read the news items in the world press about ‘leaked’ UN reports where zzz03185523
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/03/the-aid-game-and-the-politics-of-humanitarianism/~~~The aid game and the politics of humanitarianism~~~Jun 5 (GV) The US government, which wields considerable influence at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has sought to delay Sri Lanka’s USD 1.9 billion loan appeal. Washington’s hesitance is tied to the context of the humanitarian crisis that preceded the defeat and destruction of the LTTE and the killing of its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. Sri Lanka needs the IMF loan to service its external debt, zzz03185524
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090604_ceejay.shtml~~~'IDPs not protected by law' - CJ ~~~Jun 5 (BBC) Over two hundred thousand people in refugee camps are not treated according to the law of the land, says the Chief Justice (CJ) of Sri Lanka. CJ Sarath Nanda Silva says that the war displaced are living under appalling conditions. The chief justice was speaking at the ceremonial opening of the new court complex in Marawila. "While we build new courts, ten people live in one tent in these camps. zzz03185525
no~~~Sri Lanka rejects conflict criticism~~~zzz03185526
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18212~~~A new theme song for Sri Lanka tourism~~~Jun 5 (AT) The new theme song for Sri Lanka was presented to Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda, on Tuesday 2 June, by Tourism Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Alston Koch. The song will be launched with the new branding and communication campaign, scheduled for inauguration later this month by Sri Lanka Tourism. The song is written with passion only Koch can muster, and depicts attractions of Sri Lanka. zzz03185527
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/04/sri-lanka-civilians-tigers-battle~~~Sri Lanka says up to 5,000 civilians died in Tigers battle~~~Jun 5 (Guardian) A senior Sri Lankan official today estimated the civilian death toll from the last stages of the war with the Tamil Tigers as 3,000 to 5,000 and defended the use of mortars in a government-designated "no-fire zone". Rajiva Wijesinha, permanent secretary in Sri Lanka's ministry of disaster management and human rights, rejected reports that 20,000 civilians were killed as the army overran the Tigers.zzz03185528
http://www.worldconcern.org/srilanka/~~~How World Concern is helping in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 5 (WC) The 25-year civil war is over, but thousands of people still need help - and need it immediately. The injured continue to come, many by foot now. They walk for miles though they are malnourished and sometimes injured. We have worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross to bring thousands in by boat from the war zone. Those escaping the hard-hit area are heading to hospitals and makeshift medical facilities. zzz03185529
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_03~~~Tamil business community hail President's leadership ~~~Jun 5 (MoD) Leaders and representatives of the Tamil business community from Colombo and several regions of Sri Lanka hailed the leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in achieving peace in the country and unifying a divided nation. Hindu religious leaders and prominent and influential leaders and representatives of the large Tamil business community in Sri Lanka were highly appreciative of zzz03185530
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slpr-j05.shtml~~~President’s speech: another warning to working people~~~Jun 5 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government organised a huge military parade on Wednesday to mark the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE. President Mahinda Rajapakse heaped praise on the military in a jingoistic speech lasting 40 minutes that also contained a veiled threat to the working class. The ceremony took place on Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade in Colombo, as the “grand finale” of 16 days of celebrations since Rajapakse announced victory in parliament on May 19. zzz03185531
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/is-ban-ki-moon-heading-uns-demolition.html~~~Is Ban ki Moon heading the UN’s demolition squad? ~~~Jun 5 (LG) The peoples of the world are now witnesses to the disappointing actions of the United Nations (UN) in their duty to stop hostilities, prevent human rights abuses and to bring peace to any member states. The most recent events in Sri Lanka are the latest example of the UN’s inability to intercede and require member nations to follow the international law which they have to safeguard. zzz03185532
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-diaspora-should-stop-financing.html~~~The Tamil Diaspora should stop financing demised LTTE~~~Jun 5 (LG) I have been pleading through the print media over the last few years for the Tamil Diaspora to stop helping LTTE financially, logistically and politically and prolong the war between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE. I have tried to convince the Tamil Diaspora that they were chasing a mirage of a mythical Eelam created by now dead Prabhakaran but was unsuccessful.zzz03185539
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/after-tigers-defeatedwhat-next.html~~~After Tigers defeated,what next? ~~~Jun 5 (LG) The news that journalist Poddala Jayantha had been abducted by a group in a white van, severely assaulted and dumped on a roadside was shocking and depressing. According to the web journal Colombo Today, the attack took place around the time that Victor Ivan and the convener of Free Media Movement Chulawansa Sirilal were holding talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse about an alleged hit list of journalists.zzz03185534
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/abiding-harmony-of-hindu-dharma-bauddha.html~~~Abiding harmony of Hindu Dharma-Bauddha dhamma in India and Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 5 (LG) Shared values of civilization and historical experiences unite India and Sri Lanka. The eternal ethic that binds the two nations together is dharma (Sanskrit) or dhamma (Pali, Sinhala). The Sinhala language is close to many Prakrits and many languages of India. Sinhala script is based on Brahmi, the foundation for many scripts of Indian languages. Some very early inscriptions in Brahmi script have reportedly been found in Sri Lanka. zzz03185535
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10006&Itemid=44~~~Gama Neguma marry Uthuru Wasanthaya ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) In the bid to speed up development in the country, among major national projects, the Gama Neguma and the newly set up Uthuru Wasanthaya have engaged in a permanent bond up to produce better results. The Ministry of Nation Building and Infrastructure Development has allocated 14 billion rupees to carry out a special programme to develop remote areas under the Gama Neguma programme. zzz03185536
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10008&Itemid=44~~~Mobile service to issue NICs to Uva Province voters ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) The Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake has decided to conduct mobile services in the relevant districts with the help of Department of Registration of Persons to issue NIC to all those persons who do not posses a NIC. The program will target the Uva Province mainly and those who are above 18 years of age and those who have not obtained NICs and who lost theirs NIC will be able to get a new NIC under this new scheme. zzz03185537
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10010&Itemid=44~~~Sathjana Sathkara first step kick off ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) This Sathjana Sathkara program organized by artistes to bestow merits on war heroes and civilians displaced which plagued the country for the 30 years will be held today (5) at the Vihara Maha Devi Park at 4.00 p.m. The pinkama would be attended by a number 100 monks to invoke blessings on wounded soldiers, war heroes and the civilians in north. Also this event would give pleasure to the civilians in North,zzz03185540
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10009&Itemid=44~~~'War displaced civilians well treated'~~~
Jun 5 (GDI) “I congratulate the Sri Lankan government on their victory against terrorism, and, I also commend the remarkable work and efforts of the government of Sri Lanka in putting together the camps in such a short period of time,” said US Representative Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville a statement released by his office yesterday (04).zzz03185533
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_02~~~'LTTE violated rights of millions of Lankans'~~~Jun 5 (MoD) The LTTE violated the rights of millions of Sri Lankans over three decades, Don Randall of the Liberal Party speaking during the debate on a Private Member's motion on Sri Lanka in the Australian Parliament said. "Having had a long association with the Australian - Sri Lankan community and having watched closely the atrocities committed by the LTTE over many years, few were more thrilled at the prospect of Sri Lankan peace and unity than me when I saw that the Tigers were defeated recently," Randall said. zzz03185546
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18217~~~Now mini polls time in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (AT) As the dust settled on a thirty year terrorist war, all political parties in Sri Lanka are once again geared to test the pulse of the people at another mini election at provincial level. This time, the mini election is due in the Uva Province, in the hill country which covers three districts. The ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa goes to this poll with confidence after defeating the LTTE terrorism. zzz03185541
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/04/fighting-the-pr-war/~~~Fighting the PR War~~~Jun 5 (GV) The ongoing campaign by The Times to discredit the recent military victory by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces over the LTTE seems, at times, relentless. Not a day passes by without Jeremy Page, Marie Colvin or Catherine Philp lecturing on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka. I usually despise the shrill hysteria and the ‘me against the world’ mentality that envelops my countrymen when faced with criticism, but on this occasion I feel it is warranted. zzz03185542
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2282~~~Why the West will not give up~~~Jun 5 (PISL) The appalling behaviour of the West since we started to succeed in our war against terror has been deeply upsetting. In order to deal with it successfully however, we must cease to be sentimental about our old friends and patrons, and analyse why they are now being so horrid. I believe there are six types of rationale, some of which shade into each other, not all of which are all bad. zzz03185543
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2295~~~Pioneering initiative to engage Sri Lankan business expatriates~~~Jun 5 (PISL) Now that peace has finally dawned in Sri Lanka, the business community is stepping forward to make its contribution to the economic development of the country and the wellbeing of our people. Investing in small and medium sized enterprises in the regions is one way of doing so, and it is good business too. The Business for Peace Alliance launched a groundbreaking initiative in this field last week, zzz03185544
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/sky_news_videomia_hits_out_at.html~~~Sky News Video: MIA hits out at 'Concentration Camps'~~~Jun 5 (TC) MIA, who used to live in Sri Lanka and experienced the war, told Sky News: "Three hundred thousand people have been put into concentration camps and they (the authorities) have taken all the rights away from these people. "They have no food and access to the media and aid. No freedom of speech or freedom of press." She said the European council has been "undecided on the issue" and zzz03185553
no~~~Sri Lanka: What next?~~~zzz03185538
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10012&Itemid=44~~~The World Environment Day celebrated ~~~Jun 5 (GDI) Two environmental friendly books written by the Minister of Environment, Patali Champika Ranawaka was launched to mark the World Environment Day which fell today. The World Environment Days’ celebrations began at the Vihara Maha Devi Park this morning with the participation of Minister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena,the Media Secretary to the ministry said.zzz03185547
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_01~~~Physician heal thyself, hand over that nurse!~~~Jun 5 (MoD) Will a person with a skin disease ever want to consult, let alone follow the advice of, a dermatologist with a massive rash, scratching himself like mad? We don't think so. (We hope good skin specialists won't take umbrage; we are only trying to drive a point home.) Likewise, champions of global democracy with a deplorable human rights record cannot expect others to take them seriously. zzz03185548
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-support-13th-Amendment/3180.htm~~~UNP to support 13th Amendment~~~Jun 5 (CT) The United National Party says it will support the 13th amendment or a broader devolution of power if the government would solve all its internal problems surrounding the issue. The only solution for the crisis in the northeast region is the full implementation of the 13th amendment, the party adds. Noting that government ally þþþþPatriotic National Movement is accusing supporters of this amendment as opportunists, zzz03185549
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Census-IDPs--Vavuniya/3161.htm~~~Census on IDPs in Vavuniya~~~Jun 5 (CT) A census being conducted among the IDPs sheltered in the welfare villages in Vavuniya, will conclude this week, Minister of Mass Media, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. The Minister said that there are 227,000 displaced civilians being sheltered in 26 welfare villages in Vavuniya. Objectives of the census are to unite families, identify the problems of the IDPs and seek solutions and collect accurate data on them.zzz03185552
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Indian-president-says-political-solution-needed--Sri-Lanka/3153.htm~~~Indian president says political solution needed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 5 (CT) Indian president Pratibha Patil has pledged to support initiatives aimed at finding a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka to ensure equal rights to the Tamil minority. “We will support initiatives in Sri Lanka which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there, and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect,” zzz03185551
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UN-human-rights-office-will-not-be-allowed/3168.htm~~~'UN human rights office will not be allowed'~~~
Jun 5 (CT) Sri Lanka will not allow the UN Human Rights Commission to set up an office in the country, human rights minister Mahinda Samarasinghe has told the commissioner of the UNHRC at a meeting. Speaking to the media, Mr. Samarasinghe said he had also told commissioner Navi Pillai that she should first consult Sri Lanka before making any recommendations on the island.zzz03185545
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/fea01.asp~~~Rebel Catholic priest and patriot ~~~
Jun 5 (DN) The birth anniversary of Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, the well-known Catholic priest, musician, poet, lyricist, author, journalist and patriot fell on June 3. A household name in our country; no other Catholic prelate or priest in our country has touched the hearts and lives of people of our times like him. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody led an eventful life replete with ups and downs. zzz03185550
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/fea20.asp~~~Today is world environment day: Save our rainforests! ~~~Jun 5 (DN) Now that Sri Lanka has officially declared the end of terrorism, we must now make serious decisions on ending the destruction of Mother Nature. Today, Sri Lanka celebrates World Environment Day (WED) under one flag and it is imperative that we formulate a policy to prevent the illegal encroaching, deforestation and wildlife threat that is taking place right under our noses.zzz03185554
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news3.html~~~Parents’ should be on electoral list to admit children to G I~~~Jun 5 (Island) Parents who seek to admit their children to Grade I would have to have their names on the latest electoral register, the Ministry of Education said. When admitting children to Grade I classes in the year 2010, if the parents find it difficult to trace their names in the last electoral register they could contact the Grama Sevaka or the Divisional Secretary and get them to fill the particulars at the allocated place in the application form and zzz03185556
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news8.html~~~Former COPE Chief on anatomy of a corrupt deal~~~
Jun 5 (Island) Commenting on the Supreme Court ruling on the SLIC transaction, Wijedasa Rajapaksa, MP, told The Island that the SC had endorsed findings made by Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) a few years ago. At the time of the COPE revelation, the parliamentary watchdog committee had been under Rajapakshe’s authority. He said that recent SC rulings on questionable deals including zzz03185558
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/05/news2.html~~~'Politicians cannot be punished only on COPE, PAC findings'~~~Jun 5 (Island) Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa yesterday said that people couldn’t be punished entirely on the basis of findings of two parliamentary watchdog committees, COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) and PAC (Public Accounts Committee). He asserted that it wouldn’t be right to expect punitive action taken against politicians and officials named by COPE and PAC. zzz03185557
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51017~~~Thamilselven’s kids prefer fast foods~~~Jun 5 (DM) In what has now transpired as the luxurious life styles of LTTE leaders, the two children of the late S.P. Thamilselvan the former LTTE political wing leader are said to partake of fast foods like pastries and biscuits instead of rice and curry. Minister Rajitha Senaratne who met Mr. Thamilselvan’s wife at a welfare camp in Vavuniya told Daily Mirror yesterday these two kids -- one in Grade five and the other in Grade 1 do not eat rice and curry. zzz03185559
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51035~~~JVP promises to ‘fight’ the government’s 13th Amendment ~~~Jun 5 (DM) The JVP said yesterday it would be compelled to wage war against the government if it continues to betray the nation by ignoring the opportunity that has been presented after victory over the LTTE. “We cannot fight like the security forces but will be compelled to wage war against the government if it betrays the victory gained by the forces,” JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe told a rally zzz03185560
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51039~~~‘Yal Devi’ leaves Colombo tomorrow for Thandikulam ~~~Jun 5 (DM) A train will travel beyond Vavuniya for the first time after 20 years when ‘Yal Devi’ express train leaves Fort Railway station tomorrow morning for Thandikulam which is situated approximately 3 kilometres to the north of Vavuniya. Tomorrow’s trip to Thandikulam heralds reconstruction of the Northern Railway line up to the last railway station on the northern most tip of the Jaffna peninsula, the station at KKS which is 11 kilometres away from Jaffna. zzz03185561
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1845260237~~~Sri Lanka gets Chinese loan for low cost housing~~~Jun 5 (LBO) Government is to take a 500 million dollar 20-year loan from China to build 100,000 low cost houses for state sector employees, shanty dwellers and people affected by disasters, the Cabinet office said. A Cabinet memorandum on the project said the loan is to be arranged by state-owned China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Corporation (CSYIC) which will commence construction work on November 2009 on 10,000 houses initially. zzz03185562
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=860766309~~~Sri Lanka showcase 'private' hospital in state hands~~~Jun 5 (LBO) Control of a showcase Sri Lankan fee-levying privately built hospital has passed to state hands after courts reversed the privatization of an insurance firm which held its majority stake. Lanka Hospitals Corporation, owners of Colombo's Apollo Hospital, is more than 54 percent controlled by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), which was ordered back into state hands Thursday, by the island's Supreme Court. zzz03185563
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_04~~~'Sri Lanka does not believe in any attempt to equate the two sides involved in the armed conflict'~~~
Jun 5 (MoD) Madam High Commissioner welcomed last week's Human Rights Council Special Session - may I echo that with a slight modification - Sri Lanka welcomes the outcome of last week's Human Rights Council Special Session. We hope it was as good for the co-sponsors of the Special Session as it was for us in Sri Lanka, though zzz03185568
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=18235~~~UN Security Council must demand immediate access and accountability~~~Jun 5 (AI) As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today briefs the Security Council on his visit to Sri Lanka, Amnesty International is urging the Security Council to demand that Sri Lanka provides full access to humanitarian organisations and establish an international inquiry into possible war crimes committed by all sides to the conflict. Yvonne Terlingen, Head of Amnesty International's Office at the UN, said:zzz03185565
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906051482.htm~~~President hands over three-wheelers to disabled war heroes ~~~Jun 5 (PTI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over 200 three-wheeler vehicles to disabled soldiers here, as part of welfare schemes for former military men who suffered serious injuries in the last three decades of conflict with the LTTE. The three-wheelers, modified to suit the needs of the physically disabled, were distributed under an interest free loan scheme, in recognition of the former soldiers' contribution towards the country's peace and stability. zzz03185566
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/05/news25.asp~~~Bar bids farewell to CJ ~~~
Jun 5 (DN) The Official and Unofficial Bar yesterday bid farewell to Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva PC, who is due to retire from June 7, 2009, after delivering the judgement in two Fundamental Rights cases against the privatisation of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga read out the 80-page judgement for over nearly three hours. zzz03185555
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-a-look-at-th_b_210501.html~~~In Sri Lanka: A Look at the Refugee Camp~~~Jun 5 (HP) In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism, there are many tears. The Tamil Tigers have been defeated, but 280,000 Sri Lankan Tamils are now Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) - in short, refugees in their own country. The world is beating a path to the camps, first United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, followed by a U.S. Congressman from North Carolina. zzz03185564
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1903022,00.html?xid=rss-world~~~Why doctors from Sri Lanka's combat zone may face jail~~~Jun 5 (Time) The veil of secrecy over the whereabouts of three doctors who worked in Sri Lanka's shrinking war zone last month has finally been lifted. On Thursday, Colombo announced that three doctors, all of whom were treating patients in LTTE-held areas in the final days before they were gained by Sri Lankan government forces, are now in government custody and face court action for collaborating with the Tigers. zzz03185569
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/05/stories/2009060553811300.htm~~~'Military pact with Colombo in limbo' ~~~
Jun 5 (Hindu) With the LTTE having been militarily defeated by the Sri Lanka army, New Delhi and Colombo have put their defence cooperation pact on the backburner. “It was negotiated for quite some time. We had put it aside and haven’t gone back,” Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon told reporters. Admitting that both countries at one point of time were “very close” to finalising the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Agreement,zzz03185562.1
http://www.webnewswire.com/node/456854~~~Trekking in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (WNW) Trekking in Sri Lanka is nothing new, although of course in former times it was not a recreational activity. For instance, in 1679 Robert Knox escaped the Kandyan Kingdom by walking to Arippu on the north west coast, while in 1783 Jacob Haafner walked from Jaffna to Colombo and back to accompany a cooper looking for work. Knox’s and Haafner’s accounts of these adventurous treks make for fascinating reading, as does the modern Trekkers’ Guide to Sri Lanka (1994). zzz03185571
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10015&Itemid=44~~~No electricity price revision in the offing - CEB ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) The Ministry of Power and Energy while rejecting reports in certain sections of the media announced that the Ceylon Electricity Board had not made any decision over a price revision on the current electricity billing system. During the past couple of weeks certain media reports claimed predictions of a possible price revision in the current electricity billing system.zzz03185572
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10016&Itemid=44~~~A sigh of relief for IBSL ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) The civil war has been dragging on for the past three decades, and insurance premiums went sky-high for prospective businessmen in a region of war. However, against all odds, present SL government comprehensively defeated separatist LTTE terrorists and Sri Lanka is no more a war risk zone. "Impending terrorist threats have slowly been fading away and it's time to consider additional risk premiums now,"zzz03185573
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0605/p12s01-woap.html~~~The fate of Sri Lanka's Tamils after the Tigers~~~Jun 6 (CSM) The Tamils are a minority with deep roots in the north of the island nation of Sri Lanka and kinship ties to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which lies across a narrow sea channel. A separate group of Tamils arrived later from India as laborers during British rule and are known as Indian Tamils. Together they make up around 18 percent of Sri Lanka's 20 million people, with the Sinhalese majority making up 74 percent. zzz03185576
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-war-part-ii.html~~~Sri Lanka After the War – Part II~~~Jun 6 (LG) Tamil speaking politicians are there in almost all parties including the two major political parties of Sri Lanka. Though most of the Tamil politicians talk of equitable rights for Tamils, they have never managed to make a united pitch for Tamil rights in recent times. That is how successive governments have continued to drag their feet on the issue of devolution of powers to Tamils. zzz03185575
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/do-ten-year-olds-in-idp-camp-need.html~~~Do ten year olds in IDP camp need identity cards? ~~~
Jun 6 (LG) I am perturbed over the decision of the Government to issue Identity Cards to children over 10 years old. No parent whether in-side the camp or outside the camp, be they Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims from any part of Sri Lanka will welcome this move. One can’t be either wrong all the time or right all the time. Whether what I say is palatable to you or not, zzz03185574
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25594964-2703,00.html~~~Aussies in for long haul as Sri Lanka stands firm~~~Jun 6 (TA) Three Australian nationals caught in Sri Lanka's overcrowded refugee camps could face more than a year in detention after the Government in Colombo yesterday ruled out any special treatment or early release. The Australian high commission in Sri Lanka said yesterday it was trying to gain consular access to the three people, who are believed to be dual Sri Lankan/Australian nationals. zzz03185577
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=84722~~~Growing concern over nutrition of displaced children ~~~
Jun 6 (IRIN) Concerns are growing that the number of malnourished children is higher than earlier estimated among thousands of recently displaced in Sri Lanka. Some 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDP), many of them children, live in more than 40 government camps in the north, after fleeing fighting between government forces and the defeated LTTE. zzz03185581
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=4562c9b1-635f-47cb-89c1-410dd4ee4be0&Headline=US+Senator+asks+Lankan+Prez+to+address+needs+of+Tamils~~~US Senator asks Lankan Prez to address needs of Tamils~~~Jun 6 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa needs to take steps to show a "serious commitment" towards achieving a political solution to the decades-long ethnic problem and to genuinely addressing the needs of the minority Tamils following the defeat of LTTE, an influential US Senator has said. "I urge President Rajapaksa to take steps now to demonstrate a serious commitment to a political solution, the rule of law, and most importantly,zzz03185579
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906052022.htm~~~Sri Lanka conducting search on 'LTTE' vessel bound for Wanni ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) The Sri Lankan Navy is conducting a search on board a suspected LTTE cargo vessel that was seized and now anchored in Panudura coast near here. The vessel, said to be carrying 884 metric tonnes of medical and food supplies reportedly for the LTTE cadres was seized by Sri Lankan Navy patrol craft off the Colombo seas on Thursday. The Syriyan vessel 'Captain Ali' had set off from United Kingdom on April 20, 2009 "under the pretext of a mercy mission" zzz03185580
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ambassador-of-india-responds-to-ms-navi.html~~~Ambassador of India responds to Ms Navi Pillay's remarks on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (LG) Ambassador Gopinathan Achamkulangare of India, responding yesterday to the remarks on Sri Lanka included in the statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay said, "...it will be prudent to adhere to the outcome of the special session and be sensitive to the concerns expressed already, rather than take a position on contested proposals or controversial issues and ideas, which did not find eventual acceptance in the outcome of the special session." zzz03185578
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-explaining-t_b_211249.html~~~In Sri Lanka: Explaining the Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 6 (HP) The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are considered a terrorist organization by 32 countries. Their soldiers wore cyanide vials for consumption upon capture. They invented the suicide belt and pioneered the use of suicide bombing as a tactic. They also pioneered the use of women in suicide attacks and forcibly kidnapped and inducted child soldiers. Over 5,000 child soldiers have been reported.zzz03185582
http://www.wfp.org/stories/sri-lanka-easier-reach-hungry~~~Sri Lanka: "Easier to reach the hungry"~~~Jun 6 (WFP) The final stages of the long conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE Tamil Tiger rebel movement saw thousands of families flee their homes in the conflict-affected northern region. Most of these IDPs are now in temporary transit camps set up by the government. They are dependent on humanitarian aid. As well as providing food for 290,000 people in the camps, WFP has also scaled up the delivery of fortified food to zzz03185583
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1272419888~~~Sri Lanka Seylan gets one bid: Central Bank~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) is the sole bidder for a 33 percent stake in Seylan Bank offered by the Central Bank to a strategic partner that can inject equity to the firm, market sources said. "In response to the invitation for fresh bids by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to be a strategic partner of Seylan Bank PLC, one bid has been received," the Central Bank said in a statement. zzz03185584
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18223~~~Sri Lanka’s future depends on first dissecting the notions promoted by LTTE terror & accepted by other interested groups~~~Jun 6 (AT) The President has been consistently conveying some key messages. The unitary status of the country, the need to emerge from ideological differences and his intent to replace populist politics with policies that are important and correct. Essentially, we need to look back to see what ideologies, policies and theories Sri Lanka had been forced to accept beneath the façade of ending a conflict with the LTTE.zzz03185585
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/06/stories/2009060655131300.htm~~~“Grant Tamils protection” ~~~Jun 6 (Hindu) Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, due to retire on Sunday, told a news conference here on Friday it was time to build a nation with one people, irrespective of religion, colour and race. The Daily Mirror, quoted him as saying if there were no proper judicial and social mechanisms to grant Tamils their due protection by law, there was the possibility of another uprising, though not an armed struggle.zzz03185586
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/05/bishop-chief-justice-fear-for-northern-tamils-future/~~~Bishop, chief justice fear for northern Tamils' future~~~Jun 6 (UCAN) The bishop of Jaffna fears the needs of Tamils in the north of the country could be forgotten amid scenes of jubilation that have marked the end of 25 years of civil war. "Though the government won the war, it should concentrate on the Tamil problems and find a solution that provides them equal rights and opportunities," Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna told UCA News on June 3.zzz03185587
no~~~Ban Ki Moon to visit Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185588
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18235~~~Sri Lanka Post-LTTE~~~Jun 6 (AT) common joke nowadays in Tamil Nadu is that ‘puligal’ (Tigers—short for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) have been reduced to ‘eligal’ (Rats) because they (the LTTE) have to hide in holes in the ground to escape being hunted. Now, the LTTE has been irretrievably decimated much as the Nazis were after World War II. But does the end of LTTE mean the end of the sixty one year human rights crisis of Sri Lanka? zzz03185589
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18229~~~House of God-Kalmunai 1981~~~Jun 6 (AT) In January 1981 having served as Officer Commanding Troops Jaffna in 1980 (the only year there were no terrorist related deaths there since 1978), I was appointed the first Commandant of the Combat Training School (CTS) at Konduwattuwan, Ampara.(Before then I had a dramatic interview (one of several) with the Army Commander about my opposition to an attempt to post me to Colombo to take over a non combat unit). zzz03185590
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18236~~~Using the theory of Relationship Marketing to win the Hearts of Tamils~~~Jun 6 (AT) The great humanitarian operation that unified our motherland under a single national standard has opened the path to our nation that is eager to step forward to a future of greatness and distinction, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the Nation from Galle Face Green after receiving the scrolls from the Three Forces’ Commanders and the IGP informing him about the victorious conclusion of the humanitarian mission of defeating terrorism. zzz03185591
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090606TDY16001.htm~~~Deep scars left in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (DY) Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war has left the nation deeply scarred. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 260,000 internally displaced people have been staying at refugee camps established in Vavuniya, northern Sri Lanka, since the civil war ended in May. The refugees, who include many children, reportedly were used by the LTTE as human shields.zzz03185592
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Tiger-free-Lanka-may-lure-BPOs/articleshow/4623507.cms~~~Tiger-free Lanka may lure BPOs~~~Jun 6 (ET) Is Sri Lanka the new Philippines? India’s outsourcing fraternity is staring at this billion-dollar question as the island nation, confident after wiping out the Tamil Tigers, sets about reinventing its civil war-ravaged economy. Top Indian BPO companies already have their presence in Sri Lanka, and the biggest of them, Genpact is about to launch its operations there.zzz03185593
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=181479~~~Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan improves~~~Jun 6 (IN) Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, V S Sidath Kumar, has said that Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC region and total trade between the two countries increased by 169 per cent from $158 million in 2005 to $265 million last year. While Sri Lanka’s exports increased from $43 million in 2005 to $73 million in 2008, Pakistan’s exports rose from $115 million to $192 million, he said.zzz03185594
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18247~~~New U.S. Envoy Butenis: Balancing interests between U.S. and Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (AT) Diplomatic law governs the conduct of relations between representative organs of a state operating within the territory of another state, and the receiving state. Its purpose is to facilitate international diplomacy, balancing the pursuit of the foreign policy interests of the sending state with respect for the territorial sovereignty of the receiving state. Diplomatic immunity is an exception to the general rule of territorial jurisdiction. zzz03185595
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/human-rights-vs-state-sovereignty.html~~~Human rights vs. state sovereignty ~~~Jun 6 (LG) I attended the United Nations Human Rights Council's special session on Sri Lanka in Geneva last week in hopes of ensuring that the plight of the 300,000 Tamil refugees confined in camps was not forgotten. With aid organizations denied full access and civilians not allowed to leave the camps, I thought the international community would be compelled to make some gestures to ensure a postwar Sri Lanka would be in line with international human rights norms. I was wrong.zzz03185596
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090605/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestun~~~UN chief warns Sri Lanka against 'triumphalism' ~~~
Jun 6 (AT) President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament’s lower and upper houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha when they meet for the first time after a general election and in the first session of every calendar year. The address is a general statement of government’s intents and a broad review of its plans and planks. zzz03185602
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10021&Itemid=44~~~NASA breakthrough: ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka~~~Jun 6 (GDI) As NASA cameras pored over now defunct No-Fire-Zone, it only detected SL armed forces extending their arms of friendship to their northern brethren. It was of no avail to many cynical rumour mongers. However, NASA cameras came out with a rare breakthrough. It revealed a mysterious ancient bridge in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The bridge, made up of a chain shoals, is currently named as Adam´s Bridge and nearly 30 km in extent.zzz03185606
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10022&Itemid=44~~~IDP children education continues uninterrupted ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) Text and story books worth over Rs. 137 million have been sent to Menik Farm and other IDP welfare centers to be distributed among war displaced children. “This was the first stock of books scheduled to be distributed among the displaced children,” Education Ministry official said. Even though displaced, the Ministry is of the view that education must continue unhindered as children may get disoriented without schooling. zzz03185607
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10026&Itemid=44~~~Dengue mosquitoes on rampage:More deaths ~~~Jun 6 (GDI) In a most tragic turn of events, the death toll caused by dengue epidemic crossed over the mark 100 since January this year. “The Health Ministry is doing its utmost to take the menace into control, but, still, the public corporation for the cause is minimal,” lamented the officials. "We have already seen 108 deaths with over 7,000 cases of dengue fever, and launched a number of empowerment programmes for the public but their response is really poor," zzz03185608
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10020&Itemid=44~~~Yal Devi crosses over Vavuniya ~~~
Jun 6 (GDI) Alter a lapse of two decades, North will be connected with the South by rail for the first time as the refurbished railway link opens today. Yal Devi crosses over Vavuniya for Thandikulum, approximately 3 kilometers from Vavuniya, and it will be again hopes and great expectations towards social harmony between North and the South, Transport Minister Dulles Alahapperuma said.zzz03185605
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18227~~~Outgoing Chief Justice calls for a Sri Lanka with one people~~~Jun 6 (AT) Sri Lanka's outgoing Chief Justice, Sarath N.Silva due to retire on Sunday(7) which marks his 65th birthday, today held his first and final press conference to bid goodbye to the media and called for the need to build a Sri Lanka with one people. Chief Justice Sarath N.Silva has held the highest legal office for the past decade and delivered several landmark judgements. zzz03185612
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2374:maskeliya-road-closed-due-to-earth-slip&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Maskeliya road closed due to earth slip ~~~Jun 6 (LT) A large landslide occurred at 13th mile post on the Maskeliya – Nallathanniya road for the second time yesterday (5th) completely disrupting transport says Nallathanniya Police. Upcountry experiences heavy rains these days and a large mass of earth that was above the road slipped down with large boulders. Another crack on the earth above the hillock next to the area that slipped down could be observed.zzz03185611
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2371:no-one-would-be-allowed-to-be-taken-to-war-tribunals-for-defeating-terrorism--somawansa-amarasinghe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'War crime charges over our dead bodies'~~~
Jun 6 (LT) The JVP would thwart all attempts to take those who have acted to defeat terrorism to any war tribunal said its leader Somawansa Amarasinghe. “Anybody who tried to take the leaders who led the war against terrorism to a war tribunal could do so only over our dead bodies,” said Mr. Amarasinghe. Speaking at a rally held under the theme ‘Tigers are vanquished – Let’s bring victory to Motherland’ zzz03185610
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2373:13th-amendment-doesnt-suit-sri-lanka--chief-justice&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'13th amendment doesn’t suit Sri Lanka'~~~
Jun 6 (LT) The 13th amendment is not at all suitable for Sri Lanka says Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. He said this at a press conference to divulge details of a ‘Judicial Map.’ He said, “The 13th amendment is not a document that was formulated with much thought. It is one that was put together in haste to go with the Indo-Lanka accord. This amendment compiled by taking parts of the Indian constitution doesn’t suit Sri Lanka at all. zzz03185613
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7810~~~LTTE associates reject giving assets worth billions of rupees to KP~~~Jun 6 (LeN) Sri Lankan intelligence bureaus have learnt that the present owners of the LTTE’s assets world wide have rejected handing over them to the self-proclaimed LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP. LTTE purchased property world wide with the wealth collected as ransom from the Tamil diaspora except buying weapons. They were run under the names of the LTTE’s trusted associates and they transferred a large portion of the profit to the LTTE’s account.zzz03185614
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44551.html~~~'Human networking will boost business'~~~Jun 6 (LNP) Human networking in reconciliation is the way for Sri Lanka to hold the banner of Ready for Business in a short period of time, HR Consultant, Bangalore, India S. Ramesh told Daily News Business on Wednesday. Ramesh is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL) to conduct two seminars on Power of Human Networks and Coaching for Managers for junior, middle and senior level managers in Sri Lankan companies in Colombo. zzz03185615
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44552.html~~~Battling corruption Take a cue from the SC~~~Jun 6 (LNP) Years ago it was mistakenly believed that Sri Lanka`s war against terrorism was `unwinnable`. That myth has been blown sky high. All is quiet on the northern front and nothing remains of Prabhakaran`s terror empire but earth bunds. We, as a nation, achieved that great feat because we got our act together at long last and battled terrorism with a single-minded resolve to eliminate the scourge. zzz03185616
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/news11.asp~~~Britain to assist in NE reconstruction ~~~Jun 6 (DN) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is currently visiting the UK for bilateral consultations, met with wide ranging political personalities on Thursday. Minister Bogallagama met with William Hague, MP, and Shadow Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Conservative). At the outset of the meeting, the Foreign Minister provided a detailed account on the final days of the LTTE. zzz03185617
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/fea24.asp~~~A joy ride to Minneriya ~~~Jun 6 (DN) Venturing out in a jeep on a dusty gravel road amidst the thick jungle and thorny bushes, it was excitement all the way within the Minneriya National Park as we were finally going to get up close and personal with wild elephants. Home to nearly 1000 elephants, Minneriya is the great location for the popular elephant-gathering ritual that has been tipped as one of the world's amazing wildlife spectacles. zzz03185618
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/06/news02.asp~~~Do not use media to disturb communal harmony - President ~~~
Jun 6 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the media in an inter-active session with the owners and Chief Editors of print and electronic media made an earnest request not to use the media to disturb communal harmony in the new era that has begun with the defeat of LTTE terrorism and the unification of the Motherland. zzz03185620
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/news15.html~~~UPFA, UNP pay tributes to President and armed forces ~~~Jun 6 (Island) A motion tabled by Sabaragamuwa Provincial Minister of Road Development, Rural Infrastructure and Tourism, Janaka Wakkumbura, at the recently held PC meeting to congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the armed forces and the police, for crushing the LTTE, ending a 30 year-old war, was passed with the full support of the Opposition.zzz03185619
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/business1.html~~~Public must be willing to make sacrifices now, ~~~Jun 6 (Island) A senior economist said Sri Lankans will have to make sacrifices now in order to realize greater benefits in the future and the government will have to move away from the political-economic path governments have traversed on for decades. Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne said the rest of Sri Lanka will need to make a big sacrifice to develop the North and East so that communities can be meaningfully integrated andzzz03185621
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/06/news4.html~~~Residents asked to clean up~~~Jun 6 (Island) From today onwards residents of all households, especially in the Western Province, should keep thier environment clean to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitos, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. Addressing a ceremony to mark the World Environment Day yesterday at the SOBA exhibition at the Vihara Mahadevi Park in Colombo he said mosquitoes breed rapidly during the months of May, June, July and August and zzz03185622
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51128~~~'Distribution of houses should be impartial'~~~
Jun 6 (DM) The JHU called on the government to distribute houses built in Deegawapi sacred area in a fair manner and not to one community alone. JHU Leaders made this point welcoming the judgment given by the Supreme Court which said giving 500 houses in Deegawapi to Muslims only was improper. JHU MP Ven. Atureliye Ratana Thera said that the party would not call the government to punish any Minister. zzz03185625
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51089~~~Sri Lankan born elected CIMA global president~~~Jun 6 (DM) The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has elected its first Asian-born President. Aubrey Joachim, FCMA, was elected President at the 90th CIMA AGM held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, on 6 June. Aubrey Joachim was born in Sri Lanka and is now an Australian citizen. Having commenced his working career at Unilever Sri Lanka in 1973,zzz03185624
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51133~~~Treasury Secretary directs SLIC to start normal tasks ~~~Jun 6 (DM) The Treasury Secretary has directed the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) which was handed over to the government following a Supreme Court judgment last Thursday, to carry out its ordinary functions from Monday. Deputy Finance Minster Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that Treasury Secretary Sumith Abeysinghe had informed the present SLIC management in writing to limit its functions to ordinary activities zzz03185623
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906061622.htm~~~Rajapaksa invites Lankan Editors to visit refugee camps ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) Seeking to dispel apprehensions about restricted access to Tamil refugee camps, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited Sri Lankan Editors to visit these welfare centres for a first hand account of the situation, but warned them against "provocative" writing that could give rise to "another terrorist movement" post-LTTE. During an interactive session with the owners and Chief Editors of the print and electronic media yesterday, zzz03185631
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1998978219~~~Sri Lanka port still hit by delays~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Ships calling at Colombo port are still experiencing delays owing to problems in a new computerised terminal management system, shipping agents said. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) introduced the new system to replace the existing aging system in order to modernise port infrastructure and speed up cargo handling and vessel operations at Colombo main transhipment facility, the Jaya Container Terminal. zzz03185627
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=844660594~~~Sri Lanka tea exports fall sharply in April~~~Jun 6 (LBO) Sri Lanka's shipments of tea, its main commodity export, fell sharply in April compared with a year ago, as production was hit by severe drought earlier in the year, brokers said. Tea exports fell 44 percent to 14.5 million kilos in April 2009 from 26.1 million kilos in the same month in 2008. "This is the lowest quantity since 2005, when 14.8 million kilos were shipped," zzz03185628
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/10061220.htm~~~Lanka should start process of devolution: US ~~~Jun 6 (PTI) The Sri Lankan government should move towards “devolution of power” to provinces in war-ravaged north and east of the country to address the “longstanding and legitimate grievances of the Tamil population,” an influential US lawmaker has said. “This and other steps are needed to demonstrate that all Sri Lankans can live without fear and participate freely in the political process,” Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont,zzz03185629
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906061421.htm~~~Sri Lankan commandos kill two rebels~~~Jun 6 (AP) Sri Lankan police commandos flushing out Tamil Tiger remnants killed two rebel fighters hiding in jungle in the east of the island, the military said Saturday. Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said the commandos confronted the guerrillas from the defeated separatist group in Ampara district on Friday. After an exchange of fire, the commandos recovered the two bodies, assault rifles, ammunition and food stocks, zzz03185630
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090606/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestunbritain~~~FM denies 20,000 Tamils killed in onslaught~~~
Jun 6 (AFP) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has denied claims that more than 20,000 Tamil civilians were killed during the government's final onslaught against rebels, a report said Saturday. Bogollagama told The Times that the newspaper was wrong to report last week that so many civilians had died in the island's so-called no-fire zone, most of them from Sri Lankan army shelling. zzz03185632
http://news.smashits.com/392360/Dream-of-independent-Tamil-state-in-Lanka-is-still-very-strong-CSM.htm~~~Dream of independent Tamil state in Lanka is still very strong: CSM~~~Jun 6 (ANI) Tamil intellectuals say the dream of an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka is still strong, but decades of war and upheaval have soured many ordinary Tamils on the idea. The realization of this dream, they say is dependent on a properly managed devolution of power and a retreat by Sinhalese extremists, who insist that Sri Lanka should be a Sinhalese Buddhist island. zzz03185626
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906061521.htm~~~China asks Colombo to focus on national reconciliation~~~Jun 6 (PTI) While committing to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, China has asked Colombo to focus on "national reconciliation" after wiping out the LTTE from the country. Pledging full cooperation in rebuilding efforts in the war-ravaged country, China has said it will support Sri Lanka in bringing in stability, peace and development. zzz03185612.1
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15446&size=A~~~Refugees and reconciliation: Sri Lanka ponders its future~~~Jun 6 (AN) “Is it a celebration of victory of peaceful, peace loving people over those who were violent or those who were terrorist? Or is it a celebration of the victory of one group over another. Will this victory lead to a dominant and suppressive authority in the hands of one group over another group who will be made refugees or internally displaced for long years or for eternity?”. zzz03185612.2
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/media_in_sri_lanka_battered_br.html~~~Media in Sri Lanka: Battered, bruised, cowed and polarised~~~Jun 7 (TC) A battered, bruised, cowed and polarized media is all that is left of the profession in Sri Lanka. That is the result of three years of relentless attacks on reporters and media institutions that dared to uphold professional standards and protect the “publics' right to know”. Since 2006, Sri Lanka's media and rights activists have been braving a ruthless campaign to silence them. As the battle against the LTTE intensified, zzz03185635
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10027&Itemid=44~~~Restoration of Yal Devi train service the beginning of restoring dignity to Tamil people - President ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) ‘The restoration of the Yal Devi train service signifies an important step in the restoration of dignity and self respect to Tamil people who had been denied many freedoms for twenty years thanks to the activities of the LTTE,’ President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today. The Yal Devi train service which had been disrupted for 20 years due to LTTE terrorism has was restored up to Thaladikulam today. zzz03185636
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ten-ways-of-making-merit.html~~~Ten ways of making merit ~~~Jun 7 (LG) The general desire of all beings throughout life is to escape painful and undesirable experiences and seek circumstances giving rise to happiness. Many people ignorant of the true ways of gaining genuine happiness look for it only in the round of sensual pleasures. That only brings happiness in the short-term – at best – and suffering will follow sooner than later. Indulgence will not bring happiness nor will abstinence. zzz03185637
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/privatisation-under-scrutiny.html~~~Privatisation under scrutiny ~~~Jun 7 (LG) The judgment in the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) privatisation case is opening the doors to possibly other fundamental rights against earlier privatisation of state companies. Coming on the back of the other landmark judgments against John Keells Holdings (JKH) and its directors in the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services where the Supreme Court slated former Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake, and zzz03185638
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/its-not-only-pro-ltte-diaspora-thats-in.html~~~It’s not only pro-LTTE Diaspora that’s in denial ~~~Jun 7 (LG) There is a certain degree of denial in certain sections of the Tamil community, especially those living outside Sri Lanka. They just can’t accept the fact that the LTTE is no more. They could take a cue from Janani Jayanayagam, that wide-eyed, hate-mongering, ill-educated politician who wants to be a member of the European Parliament, for example, publicly claimed that she is in mourning. zzz03185639
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18267~~~The new war in the post-war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 7 (AT) Post-war Sri Lanka is in thrall to a dichotomous worldview, consisting of ‘patriots’ and ‘anti-patriots’. Lankan politics is being redefined as an unceasing struggle between these two camps, a holy war by the ‘patriots’ for the protection of the nation from the ‘machinations’ of ‘anti-patriots’. This Manichean worldview has made certain issues taboo, depicting them as ‘psychological enemy territory’ and thus no go areas for all ‘patriots’. zzz03185640
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7815~~~LTTE respected our courts; they did not fire a single shot at our courts -CJ~~~
Jun 7 (GDI) National war heroes’ day will be commemorated today (07) and the main event will take place at the parliament ground in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte this afternoon and war heroes’ month also begins today. The commemoration pays special tribute to war heroes who laid down their lives or received injuries over the past three decades in the fight against terrorism. zzz03185660
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10035&Itemid=44~~~Beware! Now outbreak of Hepatitis ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) Even before the Health authorities could combat the vast spreading of the dengue fever epidemic which is affecting the population countrywide, a Hepatitis virus has broken out in Badulla, hill country. Health Ministry sources, from the Epidemiology Unit disclosed that several persons living in the 5th mile post in Badulla District are affected by the virus hepatitis.zzz03185663
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10034&Itemid=44~~~Third phase of resettling the IDPs soon ~~~Jun 7 (GDI) The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services has taken steps to commence the third phase of resettling the displaced in north of Mannar and 500 families will be resettled during the third phase, the Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement U. L. M. Haldeen said. The resettlement includes a programme, through which the displaced would be provided with dry rations for the next six months.zzz03185664
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44564.html~~~Sri Lankan teens beat French in losing virginity~~~Jun 7 (LNP) It could at best be called a dubious distinction Lankan teenagers are ahead of their French counterparts in making their sexual debut. While a French teenager would dabble in sex at the mean age of 17.5 (boy) and 17.2 (girl), Sri Lankan boys are doing it at the age of 15.3 and girls at 14.4. Lankan society cannot be called coy by any standard. That holds true, even if comparatively, for every ethnic group in the country.zzz03185665
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Joseph-Asoka-N.-de-Silva-be-chief-justice/3217.htm~~~Joseph Asoka N. de Silva to be chief justice~~~Jun 7 (CT) Justice Joseph Asoka N. de Silva is to succeed Sarath N. Silva as chief justice, after the latter retired from service today after reaching the retirement age of 65 years, reports said. According to the reports, he is due to take oaths at 2.00 pm tomorrow. Justice de Silva is an expert on Sri Lankan as well as international law. After graduating from the University of Ceylon, he was enrolled as an advocate of the Supreme Court in December 1972. zzz03185666
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Call-from-Sri-Lanka-revision-travel-advisories/3216.htm~~~Call from Sri Lanka for revision of travel advisories~~~Jun 7 (CT) Sri Lanka has requested the European Union to consider revising the negative travel advisories to the island they have issued to their citizens. Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has called for the change, taking into account the significantly changed security situation in the island, 'Daily Mirror' online reported. The Sri Lankan government has also asked EU nations to encourage trade and investment by their business sectors. zzz03185669
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/'Captain-Ali'-organizer-sists-Lanka-was-formed/3207.htm~~~Full story'Captain Ali' organizer insists Lanka was informed~~~Jun 7 (CT) The organizers of the ship 'Captain Ali' have insisted that the Sri Lankan government was informed in advance of the arrival of the ship with humanitarian supplies to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The vessel sent by Mercy Mission UK, was detained by the Navy this week claiming it did not have clearance. It said that on 22 April, a letter addressed to the Sri Lankan president describing the Mercy Mission Project was presented to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. zzz03185668
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7817~~~'I was always confident' ~~~
Jun 7 (LeN) Defence Secretary (Ret) Colonel Gotabhaya Rajapaksa RWP, RSP, Psc is the one man credited for co-ordinating the successful 'war effort' against the LTTE. In a wide ranging Col. Rajapaksa says how he was convinced that only a military solution will work; how a troika outside the Foreign Ministry kept India in the loop during the fighting; and dismisses the need for any investigations into the conduct of the 'war'. zzz03185667
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18281~~~Tamil division, Sinhalese and Sri Lanka’s future…~~~Jun 7 (AT) The LTTE terror war is over. Tamil political parties yet stand divided. A resolution to the ethnic problem stands at a distance. Can the Tamil politicians blame the government in such a scenario? Tamils have to blame themselves for the division amongst them. The infamous Vadokkodai resolution mooted by the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) seeking a separate state caused division among the Tamils. zzz03185670
http://www.peacemuslims.org/North_East_Development_Bond_to_fast_track_projects_-20-1088.html~~~North East Development Bond to fast track projects ~~~Jun 7 (PSM) A Bond titled the ‘North East Development Bond’ is to be created along with the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA) to fast track the development of the North and East in colloboration with the govt. The SLBA is a guaranteed public company and marketed to the private sector. This mlove will attract investors and guarantee efficient management of the fund invested with a definite return on the investment. zzz03185671
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Nuraicholai_Houses__JHU_twists___720_houses_short_for_homeless_Muslims-20-1089.html~~~Nuraicholai Houses- JHU twists~~~Jun 7 (PSM) "We have 720 houses short for the Tsunami affected homeless Muslims in Ampara district. 110 houses were built in Lahugala for Sinhala Tsunami victims in Ampara although only 10 Sinhala families lost their homes. In Tamil areas of the district we have got 300 houses surplus. The JHU has twisted the facts and as a result, the 500 benficiaries are unable to occupy the houses and still languishing in makeshift camps" zzz03185674
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/new01.asp~~~Tourist arrivals to hit all-time record ~~~Jun 7 (SO) The number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka will hit an all-time record high in two years due to permanent peace in the country, said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Bernard Goonetilleke. He said that with the war ending, tourism would be one of the first industries to recover completely. The current tourist arrival figures were very low mainly due to the conflict which followed adverse travel advisories against Sri Lanka.zzz03185673
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/spe01.asp~~~Unique cultural renaissance ~~~Jun 7 (SO) Over the years, Sri Lankan Buddhists have been celebrating Poson Full Moon Poya day with much devotion and spirit. Devotees will observe sil, engage in religious activities, make Poson pandals, arrange `dansalas’ and reach out to the needy. Poson processions will parade through the streets and as usual people would line the streets to have a glimpse of it. Thousands of articles and books have been written on the significance of Poson Poya, but still there’s a lot more to say. zzz03185678
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/imp01.asp~~~Ruling the sky ~~~Jun 7 (SO) Every mission was equally daring for them. Be it either a close air support, dropping bombs on targets causing maximum attrition to the enemy or evacuating injured Army personnel, obviously they were clear targets of the enemy. They, great warriors of the Sri Lanka Air Force are ready to face any enemy, challenge or threat to save their motherland; they are not ready to compromise the sovereignty of the country and for ever their wings will protect the country and its people. zzz03185675
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/07/new23.asp~~~Adult population on the increase ~~~Jun 7 (SO) The adult population in Sri Lanka will increase by 27.6 percent of the total population in 2050. It is increasing rapidly due to the ageing process and decrease of fertility. That was revealed at a national symposium on senior elders held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organized by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. A person over 60 years of age is accepted as an elder. zzz03185676
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/news1.htm~~~TNA extends olive branch to TULF, PLOTE, EPRLF~~~Jun 7 (NS) In a strange turn of events, the TNA, which was earlier firmly behind the LTTE, has now made overtures to the moderate Tamil parties like the TULF, the PLOTE and the EPRLF (Padmanabha wing) in the run-up to the Municipal elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya. TNA Parliamentarian N. Srikantha told The Nation yesterday, that they have already held informal discussions with the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), comprising the TULF, PLOTE and the EPRLF, to arrive at a common position, on zzz03185677
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090607_06~~~'No youths have disappeared from IDP camps'~~~
Jun 7 (MoD) Brushing off all the allegations that the IDPs in the Northern refugee camps live under squalid conditions, the Chief of Staff and the Competent Authority of the resettlement of the Northern Province Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri reiterated that no youth had disappeared from the camps. He said that things in the camps were `progressing speedily' and the government would introduce more programs to make the lives of these civilians, zzz03185672
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/news2.htm~~~TMVP meets to decide whether to be SLFP tomorrow~~~Jun 7 (NS) A crucial meeting of the TMVP is likely to take place tomorrow to decide whether or not the party should accept SLFP membership. It is speculated that some of the senior TMVP members had mounted pressure on the party leadership to accept SLFP membership like their former leader Karuna Amman, who is now a non-Cabinet Minister in the UPFA government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. zzz03185681
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/mynation.htm~~~As they sow, so shall they reap? ~~~Jun 7 (NS) Terrorism sponsored by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the scourge that haunted Sri Lanka for the past 30 years, has, overnight, become a threat to the West, and it is a development that brings a new dimension to the Sri Lankan ethnic issue. At the height of the war with the Tigers in mid-May, there was unprecedented pressure on the government in Colombo, to let go of the stranglehold they had on the LTTE. zzz03185680
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/07/newsfe2.htm~~~Minister thrilled with success at UN~~~
Jun 7 (Island) The UNP yesterday accused the government of denying it an opportunity to prepare for forthcoming elections for Vavuniya Urban Council and Jaffna Municipal Council. The main opposition party said the government shouldn’t take advantage of the situation in the North to obstruct legitimate political opposition.zzz03185684
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/Columns/political.html~~~Victory parade and diplomatic charade~~~Jun 7 (ST) The glamour and glitter of a military parade at the Galle Face Green on Wednesday evoked the sentiments of two different generations in two different ways. To the old, it was reminiscent of an event on February 4, 1948, when Sri Lanka won Independence from the yoke of colonialism. Then, national leaders hoisted the lion flag at the same venue to mark the birth of a free, independent nation. To the new, it was witnessing history in the making. zzz03185687
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~On your feet, wounded soldier~~~
Jun 7 (ST) Pyjama-clad, on crutches, others on wheelchairs and still others in groups playing carrom or draughts or just chatting – all of them injured soldiers in various stages of rehabilitation. Despite their injuries there is an air of relaxed camaraderie at Ranaviru Sevana, the spacious main rehabilitation centre of the Sri Lanka Army at Ragama, where battle scarred soldiers are cared for and rehabilitated. zzz03185688
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/News/sundaytimesnews_13.html~~~Billions moved out in hedging money despite CB order~~~Jun 7 (ST) Banks involved in the controversial oil hedging deals involving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have been making payments to overseas counterparts (banks) despite an order not to do so by the Central Bank (CB), The Sunday Times reliably understands. It is learnt that Standard Chartered Bank, seen as the lead bank in the transactions, has paid at least $100 million (Rs. 11.5 billion) to a counterpart bank in recent weeks while at least one other local bank has also made payments. zzz03185689
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090607/News/sundaytimesnews_30.html~~~'Detained Tamil aid ship may be released'~~~Jun 7 (ST) The Government is set to release the Syrian flagged MV Captain Ali that is currently detained by the Navy after it illegally crossed into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters with a shipment of humanitarian aid meant for the displaced people in the north, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. He said the ship and its crew would most likely be asked to leave once investigators were convinced that the shipment did not include any subversive material but had only humanitarian items. zzz03185690
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8087713.stm~~~Aussies to up game for Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 7 (BBC) Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed his side to bounce back strongly in their must-win World Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka. Ponting's side lost their opening game against West Indies and another defeat would put them out of the competition. "We'll have two weeks in Leicester if we have an early exit here - that won't be good for anybody," joked Ponting. Sri Lanka won one and lost one of their warm-up games but have dangerous batsmen and a varied bowling attack. zzz03185691
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090607/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestamnestyprison~~~Sri Lanka grants amnesty to military deserters~~~Jun 7 (AFP) President on Sunday marked a key Buddhist celebration by granting a pardon to 585 jailed military deserters, officials said. The pardon applied to deserters serving up to a year in jail after being convicted by a military court. The amnesty announcement coincided with Boson, the celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years ago. "They were released from the main prison in Colombo and several other jails across the country," zzz03185694
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/7EA6BBEE357C0D5F652575CE0039B011?OpenDocument~~~Pottu Amman dead but body could not be identified: Gotabhaya~~~Jun 7 (PTI) Sri Lanka is "100 per cent" sure that its forces killed LTTE intelligence chief during the last phase of army offensive against the rebels, but admitted that Pottu Amman's body could not be identifed as the troops were busy with search and destroy operation, a top official said. "We found the body of LTTE sea tiger chief Soosai. We have identified the bodies of all the leaders except Pottu Amman.zzz03185693
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/06/07/9703091-sun.html~~~Defending Tamil Canadians~~~Jun 7 (TS) Since Mark Steyn, writing in Maclean's, calls me one of the "least soft-headed of Canadian columnists," before complaining I was soft-headed about recent protests by Canadian Tamils, allow me to return the favour. Steyn's a good columnist. That said, I wish he would spend more time disagreeing with what racists say and less time defending their right to say it. In his column: "Tamil questions that can't be asked -- That's because professional ethnic grievance mongers cry 'Racist!' at the drop of a turban," zzz03185692
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090607/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestjapan~~~Japan envoy to discuss Sri Lanka war victims~~~
Jun 7 (AFP) Japan will send a special envoy to Sri Lanka this week to discuss the plight of nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians displaced by recent fighting, according to diplomats. Japan, Sri Lanka's largest single aid donor, was sending Yasushi Akashi on a three-day visit starting Monday to assess Colombo's moves to re-settle the war-displaced civilians, a diplomat said.zzz03185695
http://www.mawbimanews.com/2009/06/right-and-wrong-pertaining-to-poddala.html~~~The right and wrong pertaining to Poddala Jayantha ~~~Jun 8 (MB) Poddala Jayantha, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association was abducted and assaulted on June 1, 2009. The ‘who’ and the ‘why’ of this attack is yet to be determined and I believe it is of little use to engage in conjecture. On the other hand, this attack is not the first on a journalist. Over the years many journalists have been abducted, attacked and even killed. zzz03185696
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090607_cj_demerger.shtml~~~Sinhala heritage 'basis of demerger' ~~~Jun 8 (BBC) The Supreme Court ruled to demerge the north and east after considering the Sinhala heritage in the provinces, the country's chief justice said. Sarath Nanda Silva told a gathering in Trincomalee that the carefully studied the Sinhala heritage in the region before making the judgment. The Supreme Court ruled in October 2006 that the merger of the north and east provinces in 1987 under the Indo-Lanka accord was against the country's constitution. zzz03185697
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090607_ship_food.shtml~~~'Only aid' in captured ship ~~~Jun 8 (BBC) The Sri Lankan navy says it has found only food, medical items and similar goods on board a ship anchored offshore, which was sent by Tamil expatriate groups in Europe. The vessel was intercepted by the navy late on Thursday and the government said the expedition, which started out in two legs from Britain and France in April and May, was intending to help the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. But a Tamil spokesman denies this.zzz03185698
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18287~~~Sri Lanka calls for the revision of travel advisories ~~~Jun 8 (AT) Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxemburg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has called on Governments of EU Member States, to facilitate change of perception on Sri Lanka through an early revision of travel advisories, taking into account the significantly changed security situation in Sri Lanka. He also called on them to encourage trade and investment with Sri Lanka by their business sectors,zzz03185699
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Chidambaram-Karuna-meet-over-Lanka/articleshow/4629191.cms~~~Chidambaram, Karunanidhi meet over Lanka~~~jun 8 (TOI) Union home minister P Chidambaram on Sunday demanded speedy rehabilitation of war-displaced Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka and asked Colombo to decide early on devolution of powers to Tamil-majority areas. Chidambaram called on Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi at the latter's residence here and said after the meeting that they had had discussed steps that ought to be taken now to address the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils. zzz03185700
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060856351600.htm~~~Rajapaksa may visit India after Myanmar ~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa is all set to make an official visit to Myanmar ‘shortly,’ possibly the first foreign country he would be visiting in the post-war scenario. In a message addressed to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Mr. Rajapaksa said: “My visit to the Union of Myanmar this month and the numerous other activities planned to take place in our two countrieszzz03185701
no~~~UN permanent representative of Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185702
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/407923.html~~~Sri Lanka aim to finish what West Indies started~~~Jun 8 (CI) Sri Lanka's campaign in the World Twenty20 will be the last to get underway when they play Australia in Nottingham on Monday. The contest is significant because it is Sri Lanka's first international since the players survived the Lahore terror attacks and it's Kumar Sangakkara first game as captain since he took over the leadership from Mahela Jayawardene. The biggest draw of the match, though, is the precarious position Sri Lanka's opponents are inzzz03185703
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47126~~~Will Tamils have a say in reconstruction?~~~Jun 8 (IPS) For people in Sri Lanka’s war-torn North, for many years life has meant virtually living out of a suitcase while moving from place to place to escape the rigours of war and bloody combat. In the late 1980s when government troops were battling Tamil separatist rebels for control of the northern capital of Jaffna, journalists from the Tamil daily newspaper Udayan - who themselves were fleeing the fighting - printed the newspaper, virtually on the run. zzz03185704
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060860140500.htm~~~Indian IT professionals, students take out rally on Sri Lanka issue ~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) Demanding that the world community and the United Nations intervene on behalf of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka, IT professionals and students from medical and engineering colleges took out a procession here on Sunday. More than a hundred people participated in the ‘Rally for Justice’ holding placards condemning the Sri Lankan government and criticising the Indian Government’s inaction. zzz03185705
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060857731400.htm~~~'Sri Lanka must rehabilitate Tamils'~~~Jun 8 (Hindu) The Sri Lankan government should take steps immediately to help the displaced Tamils in the island nation and devolve powers to them at an early date, said Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday. Talking to reporters soon after meeting Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, he said that the Lankan government should take steps immediately to house the Tamils in safe places, send them to their respective places and provide houses to those who had lost them. zzz03185706
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/international/gotabhaya-lanka-kept-india-updated-on-war.aspx~~~'Lanka kept India updated on war'~~~Jun 8 (PTI) India was kept updated about the situation in Sri Lanka’s north "from day one" of the security forces’ final assault against the Tiger rebels till the eventual defeat of the LTTE, the powerful defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse has revealed. "From the very beginning, from day one, we kept India very well briefed and we prevented any suspicion being created whether it was because of our relationship with China or Pakistan or anybody else,"zzz03185707
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18290~~~"India President’s address, did not address Sri Lankan Tamils problem"~~~Jun 8 (AT) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, who is alliance partner of the Congres-led UPA government at the Centre, said he was disappointed with the President’s address to Parliament. Addressing the media persons here, Thirumavalavan said the address lacked solutions to Sri Lankan Tamils problem and the fate of the Sethusamudram project.zzz03185708
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18292~~~Minister Thondaman revived the invitation to Karunanidhi to visit Sri Lanka~~~
Jun 8 (AT) Minister Arumugam Thondaman revived the President Mahinda Rajapaksha’s invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi to visit Colombo, with all-party representatives to review the Tamils’ situation, when he met the latter on Sunday at his residence in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister responded that he will be able to consider such an invitation ifzzz03185709
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/720~~~Chauvinist fever following military defeat of LTTE~~~Jun 8 (DBS) U.N.Secretary-General Ban Ki moon has warned of the risk of rising triumphalism in Sri Lanka following the military defeat inflicted upon the LTTE by the Sri Lankan armed forces. It is quite understandable that people suffering from what they perceived as terrorism would be relieved at the prospect of such acts ceasing and would celebrate what they think is an “end to terrorism”.zzz03185710
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2385:no-kits-to-test-dengue-in-govt-hospitals-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~No kits to test dengue in Govt. hospitals ~~~jun 8 (LT) Hospitals don’t have kits to carry out instant tests for dengue fever say doctors in government hospitals. As a result only blood tests are carried out to determine whether a patient is suffering from dengue and the delay in getting result of these tests hinder proper treatment of patients causing many deaths point out these doctors. The normal cost of a test kit to identify dengue fever is Rs.300. zzz03185711
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2386:govt-instead-of-cracking-down-on-epidemics-nurture-them-dr-gisanthe-dasanayake&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. instead of cracking down on epidemics nurture them'~~~Jun 8 (LT) The Ministry of Health does not have a programme to crack down on epidemics and as a result of the failure and inconsistency of the programme carried out regarding dengue fever the country is confronted with the menace of the epidemic spreading throughout the island states President of All Ceylon Government Medical Officers Union Dr. Gisanthe Dasanayake. He said dengue is an epidemic that spreads with the monsoon season and zzz03185712
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2388:14-new-police-stations-in-vanni-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~14 new police stations in Vanni ~~~Jun 8 (LT) 14 new police stations would be established in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts and a DIG would be appointed to run police operations in the newly liberated areas said IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne. He said the police personnel deployed in the area would be from all three communities. The IGP said the screening process of IDPs is continuing and so far about 400 LTTE cadres who had taken refuge among civilians at welfare centers in the Vavuniya District have been taken into custody. zzz03185713
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2390:president-willing-to-implement-13-plus-1-thondaman&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~President willing to implement 13 plus 1 – Thondaman ~~~Jun 8 (LT) Minister Arumugam Thondaman has told Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi that Sri Lankan President was willing to implement the 13th Amendment plus 1. Elaborating on ‘plus 1’ he had said that it was restoration of the upper house of Parliament. Minister Arumugam Thondaman invited Karunanidhi to visit Sri Lanka to discuss the current situation when he met the Chief Minister in his residence in Chennaizzz03185714
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2392:ministry-tightens-grip-on-dengue-breeders&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Ministry tightens grip on dengue breeders ~~~Jun 8 (LT) With the dengue epidemic continuing to engulf the country victimising more and more people, the Health Ministry tightened its grip on errant residents who ignored repeated requests to keep their environment clean, thereby breeding vector borne diseases. The Government Epidemiology Unit put the death toll from dengue at 110 and number of patients detected up to yesterday over 8,000.zzz03185715
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1785&Itemid=51~~~Britain’s shadow defence secretary hails Sri Lanka’s military victory ~~~
Jun 8 (LP) The British Shadow Defence Secretary, Dr. Liam Fox congratulated Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Sri Lankan Government on the military victory against the LTTE terrorist group. This was conveyed to the Minister on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri – La Dialogue in Singapore last week. Dr. Liam Fox pointed out that the defeat of the LTTE proved to the world that terrorism could be eliminated.zzz03185716
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10045&Itemid=44~~~LTTE downfall is a happy ending - Commonwealth Sec. Gen. ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) Highest priority has been given to uplift the living conditions of the civilians who fled from LTTE terror grips in the now defunct No-Fire-Zone, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said. Minister Bogollagama was elaborating on Sri Lanka IDP welfare to Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma on June 05. “Improved living conditions, resettlement, and reconciliation are central in IDP rehabilitation,” Bogollagama said. zzz03185717
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10039&Itemid=44~~~Two Foreign Employment Centers to be launched ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The Foreign Employment Bureau plans to launch a programme to create foreign employment opportunities for those residing in welfare centers in the north and two offices will be set up in the north-east for this purpose with the first office set to commence operations in Batticaloa this month. The programme would include the creation of awareness on foreign employment and provide employment opportunities for those who wished to seek employment overseas.zzz03185718
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10041&Itemid=44~~~Esala perahera in Kandy to be begins on July 27 ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The Kandy Annual Esala Perahera will begin to parade the streets of the Hill Capital on July 27 and the Kumbal Perahera, the first phase of the pageant will commence on July 27 till July 31 at night. The water cutting ceremony will take place at the Getambe ferry with the participation of the devale chiefs, on August 26. The commencement of the historic pageant and the making of the 'Kap' at the main devales of Kandy will take place at dawn on July 22.zzz03185719
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10049&Itemid=44~~~Pro-LTTE Janani badly defeated, Deva Aditya in grand victory in EU polls ~~~Jun 8 (GDI) The pro-LTTE Janani Jananayagam, who contested the European Union election was badly defeated obtaining only 29 per cent votes, reports reaching Colombo from London stated a short while ago. Janani, known as 'Jani' among pro-LTTE tamil diaspora, only obtained a few votes though the LTTE's vocalist 'MIA' came to her rescue during the campaign to urge Tamils to vote for her.zzz03185720
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1787:hidden-weapons-of-the-ltte-recovered-from-mullaittivu&catid=48:security&Itemid=72~~~Hidden weapons of the LTTE recovered from Mullaittivu ~~~Jun 8 (LP) In search operations conducted in the Palleikuduirippu area in Mullaittivu yesterday, troops of the 53 division recovered several war items. A Micro pistol, a magazine, 04 pistol ammunitions, 03 GPS, a night vision device and 03 “Silva” compasses were among the recoveries made. Troops attached to the 57 division of the SL Army also recovered several other war items from the Vishwamadu area the same day. zzz03185721
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18301~~~Is 13th Amendment to the Constitution practicable?~~~Jun 8 (AT) At his last official press briefing at the Ministry of Justice last week, outgoing Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva described that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as ill-conceived and hurriedly pieced together by picking bits and pieces of the Indian Constitution in keeping with the Indo-Lanka Accord and hence was not practicable. Since India was a large country, devolution of power was essential for her but zzz03185722
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7821~~~'War dragged for 30 years because of corruption'~~~
Jun 8 (LeN) Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda says that the war dragged for thirty years due to corruption in mass scale. He emphasizes, “The biggest issue of the war was the corruptions that took place in mass scale. That was why the war dragged for thirty years.” He expressed these views in an interview with a weekend newspaper. Following are the causes for the victory as pointed out by the Navy Commander. zzz03185723
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18303~~~New born in Jaffna not named 'Prabhakaran' ~~~Jun 8 (AT) The name 'Prabhakaran' is likely to fade away from the Register of Births in the Jaffna peninsula and other parts of the Northern Province. According to hospital sources from the peninsula, no male child born after May 18,the day Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed had been given the name Prabhakaran. In Tamil, language experts say that 'Prabhakaran' is a name without a proper meaning though LTTE supporters attempted to indicate that 'Prabha' was referred to as the 'Sun'. zzz03185724
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Britain-will-not-shed-tears-LTTE---Milliband/3225.htm~~~Britain will not shed tears for LTTE - Milliband~~~Jun 8 (CT) The defeat of the LTTE was a massive achievement by the Sri Lankan government and none in the British Government would shed any tears for these terrorists, foreign secretary David Milliband has told visiting Sri Lankan foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama. Foreign secretary Miliband has said that after 28 years of armed conflict, time was now opportune to reflect on the basis for rebuilding and reconstructing of the war ravaged areas of Sri Lanka. zzz03185725
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44606.html~~~Twaddle of a ventriloquist s dummy~~~Jun 8 (LNP) That the UN is a rubber stamp of the US is only too well known but the current UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has proved he is a puppet of the West. With him and UN human rights chief Navi Pillai around, the LTTE rump may not feel the loss of Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman so much. Vilification of Sri Lanka seems to be Ban`s raison d` tre. His day is not complete unless he calls for a probe into what he makes out to be `war crimes` in Sri Lanka. zzz03185726
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_04~~~Bangladesh and Sri Lanka discuss impact of terrorism ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister Bogollagama, who met with his counterpart from Bangladesh, Dr. Dipu Moni on the margins of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore last week, discussed the scourge of terrorism and the economic and human destruction caused by terrorist groups in the region. Dr. Moni congratulated the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and the Government of Sri Lanka on the military defeat of the LTTE. zzz03185727
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_07~~~Australian Defence Minister briefed on current developments in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the Minister of Defence of Australia, Joel Fitzgibbon on current political developments in Sri Lanka at a meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri - La held in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama highlighted the need for bi-lateral assistance for economic development of Sri Lanka, particularly for the development of the Northern Province, zzz03185728
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_03~~~FM updates Japan on developments in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama briefed Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mitoji Yamanaka on political developments of Sri Lanka on the margins of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore last week. Minister Bogollagama explained to the Japanese Vice Minister, the measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government to rehabilitate and resettle the rescued civilian hostages. zzz03185729
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090608_01~~~National war heroes' day commemorated ~~~Jun 8 (MoD) The ceremony to mark the National (War Heroes) Ranaviru Day was held to commemorate the war heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the motherland near the Ranaviru monument at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, yesterday. President Mahinda Rajapakse, the speaker Mr. W.J.M. Loku Bandara, Presidential Secretary Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse, zzz03185731
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-Rajapaksa-corrected-S.W.R.D.-historic-mistake---Dallas/3244.htm~~~'President Rajapaksa corrected S.W.R.D.'s historic mistake'~~~
Jun 8 (AT) Justice Ashoka de Silva has been sworn in as the 32rd Chief Justice, by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees, Colombo, this Morning. Justice Asoka N. de Silva, is one of the most senior Judge of the Supreme Court and he is an expert on Sri Lankan as well as international law. He succeeded the outgoing controversial Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva,zzz03185737
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18296~~~Tamil parties divided over Jaffna mini poll~~~Jun 8 (AT) Many Tamil political parties representing the Northern people are yet undecided over the formation of a political pact to contest the forthcoming mini poll to the Jaffna Municipal Council, known as the key political body of local administration in the peninsula. With ten days to go for nominations, the EPRLF, PLOTE and TULF are still engaged in discussion to form a pact while the TNA led by veteran Tamil politician, R.Sampanthan now overseas, stand undecided whether or not to go for the mini poll. zzz03185739
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51215~~~Judicial areas to be demarcated soon~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Justice and Law Reforms Ministry is in the process of demarcating the territorial limits of judicial areas in Sri Lanka for the first time in the country’s 200-year judicial history, Chief Justice Sarath N Silva said during a news conference on the eve of his retirement. The Chief Justice said the absence of officially demarcated boundaries for High Courts, Magistrates Courts and District Courts Sri Lanka andzzz03185740
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51211~~~Congestion causing major crisis in Colombo~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Colombo Municipal Council yesterday warned that 50 per cent of the city’s residents were living in congested settlements and this is causing a major crisis. “The environmental burden on the city is particularly felt due to these congested settlements,” the CMC said in a statement. The CMC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said the congestion could be a probable reason for the spread of dengue in the city. zzz03185748
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51208~~~Gas emission level test a must in 3 more provinces~~~Jun 8 (DM) The Department of Motor Traffic said producing a gas emission certificate would be made compulsory from June 22 to obtain revenue licences for motor vehicles in the Southern, Central and North Central Provinces. However brand new vehicles originally registered for a period of three years and vehicles registered prior to 1975 as well as all agricultural and land vehicles would be exempted from obtaining this certificate.zzz03185741
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6165&sec=1~~~400 Tigers masquerading as IDPs arrested~~~Jun 8 (ANN) Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne yesterday said that about 400 LTTE cadres taking refuge among civilians at welfare centres in the Vavuniya District had been taken into custody. The suspects had been identified following screening of internally displaced persons. IGP told The Island that the suspects had revealed the identities of their contacts, some of them living in the South.zzz03185747
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slcm-j08.shtml~~~Inside the Manik Farm detention centre~~~Jun 8 (wsws) The following report was provided by an elderly person who visited several relatives being held in one of the internment camps set up by Sri Lankan authorities to house nearly 300,000 civilians who fled during the final weeks of fighting between the army and the LTTE. Manik Farm is about 30 kilometres from the northern town of Vavuniya. It is the biggest camp established by the army, housing more than 160,000 Tamil refugees. zzz03185744
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200906081252.htm~~~Sri Lanka should devolve power to Tamils: Congress ~~~Jun 8 (PTI) The Congress on Monday demanded that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa should fulfil his promise of devolution of power to minority Tamils and end their "discrimination" to bring lasting peace in the island. Jayanthi Natarajan (Cong) said it was absolutely vital for the Sri Lankan government to ensure immediate relief to Tamils displaced due to the war with LTTE so that they can return to their homes. zzz03185745
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=555090254~~~Central bank collects US$160mn since float~~~Jun 8 (LBO) Sri Lanka's central bank has bought 160.25 million US dollars from foreign exchange markets since a float of the currency in late March 2009, with 123.0 million collected in the month of May. In April the monetary authority collected 37.25 million dollars, after floating the currency and breaking a cycle of 'sterilized intervention' in the last week of March as prior action ahead of an International Monetary Fund bailout. zzz03185746
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=648230575~~~SriLankan Airlines to carry heart machines~~~Jun 8 (LBO) SriLankan Airlines said its long-haul flights will carry an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) or 'heart start machine' for medical emergencies. The AED will monitor and evaluate heart rate and rhythm when attached to a patient. Through voice commands the machine recommends immediate actions such as cardio pulmonary resuscitation CPR, and if a patient’s condition is serious, it can also discharge an electric shock to stimulate the heart. zzz03185743
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090608/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestshipcivilians_20090608090420~~~Sri Lanka turns back Tamil aid ship~~~
Jun 8 (AFP) Sri Lankan authorities Monday ordered a foreign-owned ship carrying aid for Tamil civilians to leave the island without unloading its cargo. The Syrian-registered ship, Captain Ali, was seized last week, and the Sri Lankan defence ministry said the cargo of food and other supplies had been destined for the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. "The ship had tried to enter Sri Lankan waters without following the proper procedure," zzz03185749
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=All-party+team+to+visit+Lanka&artid=plr6W2BKbkU=~~~All-party team to visit Lanka~~~
Jun 8 (EB) An all-party delegation might visit Sri Lanka to study the present situation and help the Tamil there, DMK MP Kanimozhi indicated on Sunday. Asked about the possibility of such a visit by an Indian delegation, Kanimozhi told reporters that there are chances for it to happen. She was speaking to newspersons after a Sri Lankan delegation comprising ministers,zzz03185742
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt20page2/content/current/story/407996.html~~~Cold comfort~~~Jun 9 (CI) I don't get why the English eat cold food in their icy weather - cold salmon, cold chicken, cold salad - even though I like it. They probably don't get how Indians eat hot and spicy food in our already sweaty climate. I realise I've been whining about the weather every day since arriving in Nottingham, but I haven't seen the sun for three days. Sunday was the worst of the lot. It was miserably cold, and the wind toyed with my umbrella - I haven't used one in years. zzz03185750
http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=2217~~~President to visit Burma soon~~~Jun 9 (NN) Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapakse will pay a three day visit to Burma in the near future to boost bilateral ties between the two countries, government sources said. The visit is a first by the Sri Lankan President abroad after its troops conquered the Tamil Tigers guerrilla force in May 2009. Both countries have been facing long-term insurgency in their territories, after independence from the British. zzz03185751
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060850310900.htm~~~Misguided meddling ~~~Jun 9 (BL) From the time the military operations undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government against the LTTE reached its concluding stages, some of the countries of the EU, principally Britain, France and Germany, which are also members of the UNHRC, had launched a strident campaign to institute an investigation under UN auspices into allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the course of the hostilities ‘in accordance with international standards’. zzz03185752
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/betrayals-and-transcending-beyond-ltte.html~~~Betrayals and Transcending beyond LTTE ~~~Jun 9 (LG) “The world without the LTTE is a good place to live in”, deceptively deceitful bellicose of a phrase that booms out of the abyss created by the killers on both sides, and their apologists in the land of serendipity, Sri Lanka. Deceptive, because it gnaws into our senses totally destroyed by the cruelty of the LTTE, offering a false sense of security. Deceitful, because the Tamils as a people are totally defeated in every sense and zzz03185753
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/resettlement-issues-in-northern-and.html~~~The Resettlement Issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces ~~~Jun 9 (LG) “Tamil Tigers are among the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world. For more than three decades, the group has launched a campaign of violence and bloodshed in Sri Lanka, the island republic off the southern coast of India.” said a report of The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is now past history. The LTTE has been convincingly defeated by our Security Forces, under the leadership of its Commander in Chief President Mahinda Rajapakse. zzz03185754
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-the-basics-f_b_212286.html~~~In Sri Lanka: The Basics for Americans~~~Jun 9 (HP) As I travel through Sri Lanka, covering the nation as it seeks reconciliation among its diverse population after decades of conflict, I am receiving e-mails from my friends at home asking me to review the basics for them. Here we go: Sri Lanka is an island nation off the southern tip of India in South Asia. It was populated mostly by Buddhists called Sinhalese until Europeans took over. zzz03185755
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tna-will-not-go-after-mayors-office.html~~~The TNA will not go after Mayor’s office ~~~
Jun 9 (CI) Sri Lanka began their World Twenty20 campaign by ending Australia's stay in the competition. Their captain Kumar Sangakkara, leading the side for the first time, remained unbeaten and secured victory but reserved special mention for Ajantha Mendis, who revelled in his first outing against Australia in any format. Ricky Ponting concurred, calling Mendis a "unique bowler" whom they had studied butzzz03185770
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/way-forward.html~~~The Way forward ~~~Jun 9 (LG) I used to call Balasingham Nadesan, the late political commissar of the LTTE, Mahendran mama. He was a soft spoken and a very gentle man. Mahendran mama used to come to our flat on Park Road often to talk politics with my father over a couple of drinks. I and my brother used to sit on his lap and listen to politics. Balasingham Nadesan was then a constable of the Sri Lanka Police and a member of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party. zzz03185771
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/dutugemunu-strategy-and-ellalan.html~~~Dutugemunu strategy and Ellalan response ~~~Jun 9 (LG) The battle in which an ambitious and aggrieved young Sinhala Prince ‘Dutu’ Gemunu defeated the ageing Tamil King Ellalan (Elara-in Sinhalese) to become King in ancient Sri Lanka, has underscored Sri Lankan ethnic politics in the past sixty years. The anguished cry of a restless ‘Dutu’ Gemunu that he was unable to sleep because of being hemmed in by the Tamils on one side and the deep ocean on the other resonates in most Sinhala hearts to this day. zzz03185772
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/education-in-our-country-mostly-charade.html~~~Education in our country, mostly a charade and a fraud ~~~Jun 9 (LG) I received this morning a very good piece of writing by Harsha Aturupana with the title The Pearl of Great Price: Achieving Equitable Access to Primary and Secondary Education and Enhancing Learning in Sri Lanka. It is the expanded version of a lecture delivered by Aturupana in November 2008 at the Institute of Education in London. It contains a very useful summary of data on the process in Sri Lanka over the last 60 years and a clear write up of the data. zzz03185773
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/riri-yakas-curse-on-uk-rulers.html~~~Riri Yaka’s curse on the UK rulers~~~Jun 9 (LG) The British Government, the specialists in Sri Lankan internal affairs is in complete disarray. While I am writing this the BBC says that a leading Labour Party minister has rung the warning bells saying that the more Prime Minister Brown attempts to carry on regardless the less will be the chances for them to get re-elected! As if a curse has befallen on them, the British ruling party is on the verge of being dumped into a bottomless pit zzz03185774
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10056&Itemid=44~~~SLBFE appeals migrant workers for assistance to the North~~~Jun 9 (GDI) Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) expects to call on the 1.6 million strong Sri Lankan migrant community for assistance in supporting the development drive in the North. “Migrant workers are one of our strongest economic strengths, they would certainly make a significant contribution to boost economic survival in the North,” SLBFE Chairman Kingsly Ranawaka said today. (09)zzz03185775
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10055&Itemid=44~~~Two new MPs take oath ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) UPFA's Nandimitra Ekanaya and Chandima Weerakody representing the Matale and Galle districts of the ruling UPFA were sworn is as Members of Parliament before Speaker WJM Lokubandara in Parliament this morning. They filled the vacancies created by the deaths of Justice Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda and UNP senior parliamentarian, Alick Aluvihare. Ekanayake contested the last general election on the UNP ticket and was placed next in the list. zzz03185776
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10060&Itemid=44~~~University of Sri J’pura to confer honorary degrees to President & Defence Secretary~~~
Jun 9 (GDI) The Sri Jayewardenepura University Senate has decided to confer honorary degrees on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Security Forces Chiefs, the IGP and the Civil Security Service Director General, the Registrar of the university Mr. J. Muththettuwegedara said. These honorary degrees will be conferred in appreciation of the leadership given andzzz03185777
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10061&Itemid=44~~~China happy with the end of LTTE menace ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaoping, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army, the People's Republic of China, expressed his satisfaction with the military defeat of the LTTE. He said that he is well informed of the latest developments in Sri Lanka. "We have been considering Sri Lanka and its development goals on the margins of 8th Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore last week," Lt. Gen Ma said.zzz03185778
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10063&Itemid=44~~~Measures to fortify Northern Passenger Transport Service~~~Jun 9 (GDI) The Ministry of Transport has taken measures to streamline the northern transportation service while adding another 125 passenger transport buses to the existing fleet. The Ministry is also expecting contributions from the private passenger transportation for the A9 and A32 routes. Sri Lanka Transport Board will immediately commence the Jaffna-Colombo -A9 passenger transportation service when the route permission is granted for passenger transportation.zzz03185779
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10067&Itemid=44~~~The government to set up court complexes in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) The government is taking steps to set up court complexes in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts shortly, the Secretary to the Judicail Services Commission Chandra Jayatilleke told www.news.lka short while ago. He noted that there was a need of a judiciary system parallel to the new development plans to consolidate security and to resettle people in the areas.zzz03185780
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10068&Itemid=44~~~Night time Passenger Transport Service- ‘Nisi- Saeriya’ revamped ~~~Jun 9 (GDI) National Transport Commission (NTC) has taken several urgent measures to strengthen the existing public transportation services named ‘Nisi-Saeriya’, introduced as a remedial measure to the scarcity of passenger buses during the night time. These services are implemented with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Transport Board, and it is operated by individual bus depots. zzz03185781
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2398:80000-have-lost-jobs-during-past-5-months-wasanthe-samarasinghe&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'80,000 have lost jobs during past 5 months'~~~Jun 9 (LT) 80,000 employees in the private sector in Sri Lanka have lost their jobs within the last five months and the National Centre for Disemployed (NCD) was founded to fight for their rights said its convener Wasanthe Samarasinghe, President of Inter Companies Employees Union. He said, “During the past five months 80, 000 have lost direct jobs in the private sector. More than 300,000 people have lost indirect jobs as a result of this. zzz03185782
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2408:bimal-gets-ministers-to-raise-their-hands&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Bimal gets ministers to raise their hands ~~~Jun 9 (LT) During the debate on emergency regulations the ministers present in the Parliament had raised their hands in answer to a question posed by the JVP Member Bimal Rathnayake during his address. Participating in the debate on emergency regulations Mr. Rathnayake has stated the country had been liberated from terrorism as efficient commanders including the commanders of the three services had served the country with dedication.zzz03185783
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/North-resettlement-be-based-1983-electoral-register---Jeevan/3286.htm~~~'North resettlement to be based on 1983 electoral register'~~~
Jun 9 (CP) The government has decided to use the electoral register of 1983 for the resettlement of displaced civilians in the north, said lands minister Jeevan Kumaratunga. The minister has told the media that this measure would prevent any injustice being done to original Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim settlers of villages in the province.zzz03185784
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/3,100-expectant-mothers--IDP-camps/3260.htm~~~3,100 expectant mothers in IDP camps~~~Jun 9 (CP) There are 3,100 unmarried expectant mothers in welfare camps in the North, 'Dinamina' reports. A news article written by Ramani Premathillake Bogoda says the 60 percent of them are between 16 and 17 years of age. On the directions of presidential advisor and chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Basil Rajapaksa, Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has taken steps to provide them with health facilities. zzz03185785
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-fulfills-vow-Kataragama-Devale/3256.htm~~~President fulfills vow at Kataragama Devale~~~Jun 9 (CP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the historic Kataragama Devale on June 06 to fulfill a vow he had made prior to the war to defeat the LTTE. Accompanied by defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, commanders of the three armed forces and the IGP, president Rajapaksa offered golden jewelry to the Devale. They also paid floral tributes to the statue of King Mahasen and offered pooja at other places of religious worship there. zzz03185786
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UDA-returns-Russian-Embassy-land/3291.htm~~~UDA returns Russian Embassy land~~~Jun 9 (CP) The Urban Development Authority yesterday (June 08) returned a land owned by the Russian Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka that had illegally been occupied by a group led by a powerful political figure. All unauthorized constructions in the more than four-acre prime plot at Bauddhaloka Mawatha have now been dismantled. The embassy had recently asked the government to return the land where it expects to build an office complex. zzz03185787
http://www.vijayvaani.com/FrmPublicDisplayArticle.aspx?id=624~~~Lankan Buddhists take on Church ~~~Jun 9 (Vijayvaani) Little lion-hearted Lanka leads by example once again. It was the first nation in the post-Second World War era to elect a woman prime minister; then it became the first nation to spurn ineffective external intermediaries in a fratricidal war and launch a concerted armed effort to end violent secessionism once and for all. Now, the island’s Buddhist religious leadership has risen to redeem the Indic tradition byzzz03185788
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Musali_resettlement_to_recommence-20-1090.html~~~Musali resettlement to recommence~~~Jun 9 (PSM) The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement has taken steps to commence the third phase of resettling the displaced in north of Mannar which was postponed last month on account of the final face of the humaniitarian operation in Mullaithivu. However, the LTTE expelled Mulsims from the Mannar disitrict in 1990 had made an appeal to commence the resettlement of the Muslims as well together with the Tamils. zzz03185789
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18328~~~The LTTE’s Bruce Fein and the IMF Loan~~~Jun 9 (AT) During my recent visit to Sri Lanka I had the occasion to meet with many government officials in many ministries. I also met with several distinguished members of the business community in Colombo. At all of my meetings I asked the question, “Have any of you ever heard of Bruce Fein?” The answer I always received, along with blank expressions, was "No." I couldn’t believe it. zzz03185790
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18332~~~LTTE made mistakes says Anti War expert ~~~
Jun 9 (AT) Dr. Kumar Rupasinghe an anti-war expert and a rights activist and Chairman of the Foundation for Co-Existence claimed that the LTTE made a big mistake when it tried to use civilians as a human shield to pressure the international community to intervene in Sri Lanka. However the government was able to defeat their objectives. he said at present the government has a vital responsibility to resettle the IDPs within its 180 days programme. zzz03185792
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44651.html~~~Ruining Lanka`s chances of finding a solution~~~Jun 9 (LNP) Prabhakaran is dead and an LTTE rump is limping along overseas. It is sure to suffer some splits before long. There may be internecine clashes among the surviving senior Tigers staking claims for leadership. Prabhakaran died intestate, so to speak, and the LTTE`s unaccounted for wealth in many hands may cause the aspiring leaders to fall out and break ranks. So, the LTTE s revival as a military outfit in this country is out of the question. zzz03185793
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea03.asp~~~The eyes, the ears and the power from the skies ~~~Jun 9 (DN) Never before in its history has the SLAF been tested to its limits of performance, and strengths and never before has it performed with so much vigour and commitment and achieved this amount of success. The journey from Mavil Aru to Pudumathalan for the SLAF was long and arduous but fulfilling, and the team kept the ensign flying at dizzying heights. At the commencement of the humanitarian operations, zzz03185794
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea23.asp~~~‘Our heritage to the world!’ ~~~Jun 9 (DN) Who wants to be the authority on culture and heritage in our land? For those interested, Hema Nalin Karunaratne is set to floor the gas pedal with his Heritage TV channel on Dialog TV - available free of charge 24/7. Following his trails along the hallways of Rupavahini and Swarnavahini for quarter of a century, Nalin now heads a satellite channel, a meeting place for culture and nature. Heritage TV has been broadcast on Sri TV since September, 2008 two hours a day. zzz03185795
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/fea26.asp~~~‘Prathibha 2009’: A ‘photographic’ success ~~~Jun 9 (DN) The Arts Society of the Science Faculty, University of Colombo held a photographic exhibition recently and it was called ‘Prathibha 2009’. With an aim of bringing out the artistic talents of their students, the message of Art is prevalent with the first photographic exhibition held at the university recently. “We wanted to show people that the Science faculty were not studious bookworms but they have talents too”.zzz03185796
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/09/news26.asp~~~Temporary garbage dumping site at Kolonnawa ~~~Jun 9 (DN) A two acre extent of land called " Pothuvil Kumbura" in Kolonnawa received from the Urban Development Authority is now being temporarily used by the CMC to dump garbage collected from Colombo City, Municipality Solid Waste Management Director P. Thangamyle said. Thangamyle added that this land is the only alternative found by the CMC to dispose garbage after objections raised against the Grandpass dumping site. zzz03185797
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news2.html~~~PLOTE chief amused at news of a DTNA~~~Jun 9 (Island) The Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) has decided to contest the Polls to Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC, political sources said yesterday. Ex- Vanni Dist MP and Leader of the Peoples Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam, Dharmalingham Siddharthan, told The Island that only after reading media reports yesterday that he found to his amusement that there was an alliance between the DTNA and the TNA and zzz03185798
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/APRC-agrees-devolve-powers-unitary-state/3285.htm~~~APRC agrees to devolve powers within unitary state~~~
Jun 9 (CT) The APRC chaired by minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana has reached consensus on key issues of a political solution, 'Divaina' reports. The June 09 issue of the newspaper says there is a proposal for the establishment of two governing units as a central government and provincial councils. The central government would retain ports, airports, other key installations and natural resources while zzz03185799
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news18.html~~~Robbers kill businessman’s driver, make off with Rs 1.6 mn~~~Jun 9 (Island) The driver of a businessman’s car was shot dead by gunmen who made their escape with Rs 1.6 million at the entrance to a private bank in Rawathawatte yesterday. Samson Fernando, a petrol shed owner had gone to the bank to deposit his money when two gunmen attacked him killing the driver, Govinda Saman Kuruppu (41). Samson Fernando told police that the two armed men with their faces covered had arrived on a motor bike and zzz03185800
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/news21.html~~~Politicians, public officials and businessmen connive to fleece public property ~~~Jun 9 (Island) Politicians would have continued to turn a blind eye to the illegal privatization of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation if the fundamental rights application against the deal had not been filed, Nihal Sri Ameresekere and Vasudeva Nanayakkara told journalists yesterday at a special media conference to discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment. The landmark Supreme Court judgment that zzz03185801
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/09/features6.html~~~Of that Bacterium to destroy Dengue mosquito...~~~Jun 9 (Island) Now that Dengue has reached unprecedented epidemic levels, one naturally has to ask the question, what happened to that Govt. decision to use Bacillus thurengiensis popularly known as Bt to control Dengue menace a few years ago. Bacillus thurengiensis is an insecticidal bacterium marketed world wide for control of many important plant pests mainly caterpillars of butterflies and moths. zzz03185802
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51352~~~Goons disrupt proceedings at key handing over ceremony~~~Jun 9 (DM) The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRC) urged the Police Chief to carry out an impartial investigation into an incident where a group of men had disrupted an event to organize the key handing over ceremony to house holders in Ratmalana. The letter to the Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne states: “In response to the Governments Tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation programme the SLRC embarked on a programme to build l5,000 houses for the tsunami effected people.zzz03185803
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51333~~~Senaka: His final story~~~Jun 9 (DM) Senior Daily Mirror journalist Senaka de Silva who earned a name for himself as a crime reporter passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Senaka was known for compiling the ‘Police Log’ which was exclusively published in Daily Mirror for more than ten years. His colleagues came to know Senaka as a committed and dedicated journalist with a great sense of duty and a similar sense of humour. zzz03185805
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51333~~~Mervin offers seat to Gotabhaya~~~
Jun 9 (DM) Labour Minister Mervin Silva has offered to resign from parliament to enable Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to be appointed as an MP. Minister Silva told the Daily Mirror he had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing his desire to resign from parliament but said he was yet to receive a response from the UPFA leadership. zzz03185806
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51344~~~Millionairess found killed in her home~~~Jun 9 (DM) The dead body of Violet Mallika Yatawara, the mother of two children, and one of the wealthiest women in Kurunegala, was found on Sunday in her house on Sumangala Mawatha, Police sources said. Mrs. Yatawara was the proprietress of Red Rose Textiles and several other enterprises. She was 50 years of age. Police believe she had been killed, in broad daylight, on the same day. zzz03185804
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=940760835~~~Sri Lanka May tourist arrivals slump~~~Jun 9 (LBO) Tourist arrivals in to Sri Lanka slumped 20.6 percent in May 2009 to 24,739 from a year ago as a global travel slowdown and fierce fighting that ended the Tamil Tiger insurgency deterred visitors. According to figures put out by Sri Lanka's tourism office, arrivals from south Asia, the main source of visitors in May, fell 31 percent to 8,576. This was mainly because of a sharp downturn in Indian visitors, who come both for tourism as well as business. zzz03185807
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6193&sec=2&t=~~~Plans afoot to promote tourism in the North~~~Jun 9 (ANN) The Tourism Ministry has come up with nine new tourist promotional projects for the North. The projects are specially aimed at attracting the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, presidential secretariat sources told The Island yesterday. These projects, scheduled to be completed within 180 days, would be launched under the Uthuru Vasanthaya programme. An 18-member Presidential task force would implement the projects aimed to attract tourists, zzz03185808
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6203&sec=3&t=6167~~~Possible futures in post-war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 9 (ANN) Post-war, Sri Lanka is a country of symbols. Cheering crowds and lion flags, mammoth cut-outs of President Rajapakse (often hailing him as Maha Raju) and pictures of servicemen dominate the landscape, embodying the hope of a future better than the past. There are other symbols too, less visible, though no less relevant – camps in which masses of civilians are held, a plan to expand the military to three hundred thousand, a journalist abducted and beaten up. zzz03185809
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=5790536~~~Sri Lanka activist targets 40 privatizations~~~Jun 9 (LBO) A left-oriented politician who has successfully returned a large insurer back into state hands through court action says there about 40 other privatizations that need to be re-examined. "There is a list of 40 transactions where there are corrupt reasons (dooshiter hethu)," Vasudeva Nanayakkara, a left-oriented politician who filed the main plaint that resulted in Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation being taken back to the state, said. zzz03185810
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8090763.stm~~~More Sri Lankan displaced go home~~~Jun 9 (BBC) Two thousand people are being resettled in their villages in Sri Lanka's north-west after being displaced by the civil war, which ended in May. The group is the third and largest batch resettled so far as part of an ongoing programme in Sri Lanka's north. Although they are returning to their original home areas in the Mannar district, some of their homes would be rebuilt, officials told the BBC. zzz03185811
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Demand-for-all-party-meet-on-Lanka-govt-says-will-respond/articleshow/4635400.cms~~~Demand for all-party meet on Lanka, govt says will 'respond'~~~Jun 9 (PTI) Several MPs today expressed worries in Rajya Sabha over the plight of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka, prompting the government to assure that it would give an "appropriate response" to the concerns of the members. The assurance came after a number of MPs demanded an all-party meeting on the issue. "Government will respond appropriately once the feeling of the House is conveyed to the Prime Minister on the issue,"zzz03185812
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906091501.htm~~~'Tamils' problem larger than that of LTTE'~~~
Jun 9 (PTI) Declaring the Tamil problem as "larger than that of the LTTE", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday hoped that Sri Lanka would show courage in meeting their legitimate concerns. "The Tamil problem is larger than that of the LTTE. We hope Sri Lanka will show imagination and courage in meeting the legitimate concerns and aspirations of Tamil people to live their lives as equal citizens and with dignity and self-respect," zzz03185813
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090609/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestsecuritylaw~~~Sri Lanka extends anti-terror laws~~~Jun 9 (AFP) Sri Lanka's government on Tuesday extended tough anti-terror laws, arguing that remnants of the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels could still try to stage a comeback. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told parliament that the government wanted to extend the state of emergency by a month despite last month's defeat of the LTTE and the deaths of their leaders. "There could be fire beneath the embers," he said. zzz03185814
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29561~~~Political personages out to exploit trade opportunities in Jaffna~~~Jun 10 (TN) The minister of Industrial Development, paid a sudden visit to Jaffna Monday where he visited the CEYNOR fishing net production unit in Kurunakar and explored schemes to reactivate Kaangkeasnaththu’rai Cement Factory, sources in Jaffna said. Sri Lanka government has announced that the transport of goods to and from Jaffna through A9 road by lorries will be commencing from 16 June zzz03185815
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29560~~~IDPs occupying railway properties in Jaffna to be evicted~~~Jun 10 (TN) Jaffna Government Agent has instructed all IDPs presently occupying railway stations and other railway properties including living quarters and the railway track areas from Thellippazhai to Kodikaamam to vacate them before 20 June, sources in Jaffna said. The government decision to resume train service from Vavuniya to Kaangeasanththu’rai soon and its directive to the GA is the reason for the urgent eviction order. zzz03185816
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15466&size=A~~~Christians and Buddhists to rebuild post-war Sri Lanka together~~~Jun 10 (AN) “Christians and Buddhists must work together to promote ahimsa, the doctrine of non-violence, so as to reduce the suffering of all those who have experienced the brutality of war,” said Fr Sarath Iddamalgoda, a priest involved in defending human rights and promoting cooperation among Christians and Buddhists as a way to rebuild the country. The day Buddhists celebrate Poson, which marks the beginning of Buddhism on the island nation,zzz03185817
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/9600~~~Anglican bishop seeks crisis aid for Sri Lanka war refugees~~~Jun 10 (Ekklesia) The Anglican Bishop of Kurunagala in Sri Lanka, the Rt Revd Kumara lllangasinghe, has written to Anglican churches throughout the world to appeal for crisis aid for refugee casualties following the bloody end to the war there. Explaining that the situation in Northern Sri Lanka has reached crisis point, the bishop writes from the the North Western Province of the country:zzz03185818
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/004200906091501.htm~~~Take steps to rehabilitate Tamils: Jayalalithaa ~~~Jun 10 (PTI) AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday asked the Centre to expedite immediate measures for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sri Lanka. "India should expedite immediate measures for the rehabilitation of IDPs in Sri Lanka as well as ensure equal status for them on the lines of the majority Sinhalese in the island nation," she said in a statement here. zzz03185819
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/prabhakaran-was-obstacle-for-tamils-future-sl-minister/473767/0~~~'Prabhakaran was obstacle for Tamil's future'~~~
Jun 10 (IE) Velupillai Prabhakaran was an "obstacle" for the future of Tamils in Sri Lanka and with his death the road is now clear for the government to address the "genuine political" grievances of the community by devolving powers to northern region, a senior Tamil leader said. Minister Douglas Devananda said the government should now hasten the process of resolving the decades-old ethnic conflict by implementingzzz03185826
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lankan-tamils-feel-humiliated-by-india/473592/~~~'Lankan Tamils feel humiliated by India'~~~Jun 10 (ANI) Sri Lankan Tamils are unhappy with India's stand on Sri Lankan military action against the LTTE in the island nation. These were the views expressed by a team of Sri Lankan journalists of Tamilian origin at a meeting hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi on Monday. They contended that Sri Lankan Tamils feel India cooperated with the Sri Lankan government rather than doing something for them. zzz03185821
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slwr-j09.shtml~~~Sri Lankan workers comment on victory celebrations~~~Jun 10 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government has been conducting an intense victory campaign since the army’s defeat of the LTTE. There have now been weeks of rallies, parades and special Buddhist religious festivals that again demonstrate the Sinhala supremacist nature of the war. At the local level, small-scale celebrations have been organised by ruling party MPs and local politicians to honour even colonels, majors and captains. zzz03185822
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/58861/2009/05/9-095652-1.htm~~~Grief and despondency in Sri Lanka's camps ~~~Jun 10 (AN) She stood in the door frame of a former clothing factory in northern Sri Lanka. A tiny little woman with long, slightly grey hair pulled back in a ponytail. In her hand she held a small plastic photo album. She showed it to everyone who passed. There was no way I could understand what she said in Tamil but as I looked at the photos of three children, I understood the tone. It was one of absolute grief. zzz03185824
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8089744.stm~~~Tamil campaigner Euro vote boost ~~~
Jun 10 (BBC) A Tamil rights campaigner won more than 50,000 votes in the European elections - making her one of the most successful independent candidates ever. Jan Jananayagam gained more votes than some political parties in the London region and more than all the other independents in the UK put together. The student, a spokesman for the Tamils Against Genocide campaign, was backed by some Sri Lankan community groups. zzz03185820
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090609_poddala_injuries.shtml~~~Attacked journalist still in hospital ~~~Jun 10 (BBC) The journalist union leader who was brutally assaulted in Colombo last week says he still feels severe pain and headaches and still unable to walk as a result. Poddala Jayantha, the Secretary of SLWJA, was abducted and assaulted by unknown assailants on 01 June. He is still being treated in Colombo General Hospital. The journalist has underwent a surgery on his ankle and he says he still feel pain in the right leg that was burnt by the assailants. zzz03185825
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sri-lanka-launches-massive-manhunt-to-recover-ltte-weapons/64199/on~~~Sri Lanka launches massive manhunt to recover LTTE weapons ~~~Jun 10 (PTI) Having vanquished the LTTE, the Sri Lankan Army has launched a massive manhunt to recover their weapons, especially claymore mines and other destructive explosives, in the northern areas to facilitate the early resettlement of displaced Tamils in their towns and villages. "The army fears that LTTE has buried stockpiles of explosives and weapons in the thick jungles of Wanni," military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara told visiting Indian journalists here.zzz03185827
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Local-poll-Displaced-SL-Tamils-to-vote/articleshow/4635579.cms~~~'Displaced Tamil civilians can vote in local elections'~~~Jun 10 (PTI) For the first time, displaced Tamils and Muslims currently living in relief camps in northern Sri Lanka will be able to vote in the Jaffna and Vavuniya local elections to be held in August. The civilians displaced due to the 30-year-old civil war will be able to vote in the local elections as earlier they were eligible to vote only in the presidential and parliament elections. zzz03185828
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TMVP-mayoress-Batticaloa-joins-SLFP/3314.htm~~~TMVP mayoress of Batticaloa joins SLFP~~~Jun 10 (CT) The mayoress of Batticaloa, Sivagita Prabhakaran has joined the SLFP, leaving the TMVP with several others. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who is TMVP leader and chief minister of eastern province, will remain in the party. Their decisions were announced after a meeting of the central committee of the party. Three others, including Kanakasabey Prabhakaran who is husband of the mayoress, have also become members of the SLFP. zzz03185829
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Lets-find-Pillay-another-job---Divaina-editorial/3311.htm~~~"Let's find Pillay another job" - Divaina editorial~~~Jun 10 (CT) The editorial of 'Divaina' newspaper in its June 09 issue, titled "Let's find Pillay another job", stresses that Navanetham Pillay is not suitable to hold the position of UN human rights commissioner. It says the conduct of UN human rights commissioner Navanetham Pillay shows to what extent the concept of communalism has spread in the international arena. zzz03185830
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10070&Itemid=44~~~Breaking news for budding journalists – new vistas in financial journalism ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Finances and economics are measurable, quantifiable and qualitative, and, one plus one is definitely two in financial journalism. “If you are not comfortable with such qualitative concepts, then you have to get comfortable and you have to do what it takes to get comfortable,” said Channa de Silva, Director General Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in a press statement.zzz03185831
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090609_04~~~Our release a miracle says escaped POW~~~Jun 10 (MoD) Our release from LTTE clutches is really a miracle. There are no words to express our joy, G. H. Chaminda Kumara Hewage of the Sri Lanka Navy who was among the five servicemen freed after three years in LTTE custody told the Daily News. "On November 9, 2006 there was a threat of an LTTE attack on the Green Ocean ship. We became captives when we went to defend the ship. "On that day we went in a Dvora gun boat. We had to abandon it due to an engine failure. zzz03185832
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 1~~~zzz03185833
no~~~Postal services in north will be developed soon ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) Sri Lanka government is to expand the postal services in the Northern Province with immediate effect, Postal Department sources said. As the first step of this scheme, a new post office will be set up at same locations where there were post offices earlier. The Postal Department expects to develop the service as soon as possible to provide a more efficient service to the Northern Province, sources said.zzz03185834
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090609_02~~~The passing out parade of 19th basic Airborne course~~~Jun 10 (MoD) The passing out parade of 19th Basic Airborne Course was held colorfully at the Parachute Training School Air Force Base Katunayake. On 09th June 09 Air Vice Marshal PB Premachandra grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while other Sri Lanka Army Sri Lanka Navy Sri Lanka Air Force and special task force senior Officers were also among the distinguish guests. The proud parents of the trainees were also present with great honour to witness the function. zzz03185835
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jf_UiT7rYG5VZMiDgHjYdTvDK1FQ~~~Sri Lanka, Windies look ahead to the Super Eights~~~Jun 10 (AFP) Sri Lanka and the West Indies will enjoy a contest without pressure when they clash in their last group C league match of the World Twenty20 here on Wednesday. What should have been a virtual knock-out game in the group will hold nothing more than academic interest after both teams knocked mighty Australia out of the tournament. "This was the only group that had three Test-playing nations in it, so to come out it pretty well is a huge bonus," zzz03185836
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18338~~~Political and cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and Portugal reminded~~~Jun 10 (AT) Sri Lankan Ambassador Lionel Fernando presented his credentials to Portugal President Anibal Cavaco Silva at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon. Ambassador Fernando, who is the Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, and is also concurrently accredited to Portugal and Spain. The ambassador Lionel Fernando, during his discussion with President Silva recalled the zzz03185837
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/10/stories/2009061055881500.htm~~~'A calamity is an opportunity'~~~
Jun 10 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday urged M.S. Swaminathan, father of the Indian Green Revolution, to help the nation finalise a road map for early rehabilitation and resettlement of the war displaced in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. In the course of a meeting at his office, Mr. Rajapaksa told Prof. Swaminathan the need of the hour was to give hope to the people who had suffered immensely under the “tyranny” of the LTTE and zzz03185838
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF10Df01.html~~~Battle for top Tiger spot begins~~~Jun 10 (AT) With the entire top brass of the LTTE eliminated in the final stages of the Sri Lankan government's military offensive last month, a succession struggle for the leadership of the LTTE is underway among Tigers abroad. The LTTE's chief of international relations, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, believed to be the senior-most Tiger alive, is the frontrunner for the top job. It was Pathmanathan who, in the days preceding the military defeat of the LTTE,zzz03185839
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/cricket/12-criminal-proceedings-against-sri-lanka-attack-culprits-recommended--bi-01~~~Prosecution proposed against Sri Lanka attack culprits ~~~Jun 10 (Dawn) The National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports on Monday recommended criminal proceedings against all those security officials who showed incompetence and negligence while performing their duties at the time when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked. The members also asked the Interior Ministry to speed up their investigations to arrest all those terrorists who were involved in the attack. zzz03185840
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/2486799/Tamils-want-Black-Caps-cricket-tour-called-off~~~Tamils want Black Caps cricket tour called off ~~~Jun 10 (Stuff) New Zealand-based Sri Lankan Tamils want the Black Caps' cricket tour of their home country this year cancelled. They point to reports that at least 20,000 civilians were killed in the Sri Lankan military's final offensive against the separatist Tamil Tigers last month. They say about 300,000 people are being detained, with thousands still missing. Led by the Wellington Tamil Society, they wrote to Prime Minister John Key asking zzz03185841
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news1.html~~~India steps up support for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (BL) India is stepping up political, financial, social and moral support for Sri Lanka to successfully win the challenge of creating lasting peace following the successful crushing of terrorism. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday pledged in Parliament that the Indian Government will immediately extend a fresh US$ 110 million, or Indian Rupees 5 billion (over 12 billion Sri Lanka rupees),zzz03185842
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news17.html~~~Kerawalapitiya LNG plant caught up in power struggle~~~Jun 10 (BL) Although the newly proposed 1,000 Mega Watt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant at Kerawalapitiya is expected to generate cheap electricity, the project may not take off the ground due to regulatory barriers. In its latest development, Ministry of Power and Energy has ruled out against the setting up of the LNG power plant as a private venture, stating that such a project would be inconsistent with provisions of the newly enacted Sri Lanka Electricity Act no 20 of 2009, zzz03185843
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news4.html~~~UNP admits “we are weak” but insists it will keep fighting~~~Jun 10 (BL) The UNP is yet to decide whether it will contest at the Local Government elections in the North as a single party or by forming a coalition admitting that at present they are weak as an opposition due to the politicisation of the war. “We admit we are weak as an opposition,” UNP MP Johnston Fernando said yesterday, “And that is because the war was turned into a nationalistic movement and anyone who spoke against it was suppressed.” zzz03185844
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/10/news2.html~~~APRC must be dissolved: Wimal~~~
Jun 10 (BL) The National Freedom Front (NFF) claimed yesterday that the devised final set of proposals of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) is unethical and therefore, requested the government to dissolve the group immediately. NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa stated that the committee has no right to suggest political changes within the country as their mandate is no longer relevant.zzz03185845
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/embassy-launches-tamil-classes-for-its.html~~~SL Embassy in USA launches Tamil classes for its staff ~~~Jun 10 (LG) The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC has recently commenced Tamil language classes for its staff in order to improve their language skills and, thereby, facilitate a closer interaction with the Tamil Diaspora. This initiative will also help enhance mutual understanding between the Embassy officials and the expatriate community and share their cultural commonalities.zzz03185846
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/solution.html~~~The solution ~~~Jun 10 (LG) Finally what is the solution we offer to the so called ethnic problem? In order to have a solution it is necessary to have a problem. The so called ethnic problem is nothing but a problem due to the unwillingness of the English speaking Jaffna Vellala Tamils to recognise the significance of the Sinhala Buddhist culture, instigated by the British. The Vellalas inspired and instigated by the British wanted to become the leaders of the country by creating a mythical history going back to thousands of years. zzz03185847
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/734~~~Can Tamils Seize a new opportunity ?~~~Jun 10 (DBS) Ajith Ratnarajah is one of the enthusiastic readers of this blog. Apart from posting some pertinent comments under pseudonyms Ajith also sends me e-mails frequently. I discovered to my delight that he and I had similar thoughts on matters concerning the long term future of Tamils in Sri Lanka. I have gone on record that the destiny of Sri Lankan Tamils is inextractably inter-twined with that of the Sinhalese.zzz03185848
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18342~~~A national research centre on countering human trafficking opens in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (AT) The Immigration and Emigration Department (IED) of Sri Lanka has opened a National Resource Centre to counter human trafficking with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The centre, which is housed at the IED, is to offer comprehensive training to IED staff, promote research and enhance information sharing among stakeholders on human trafficking.zzz03185849
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18352~~~Tamils conference: ‘forget differences; create public opinion for devolution of powers’~~~Jun 10 (AT) The Sri Lankan Tamils’ rehabilitation conference, organised by International Tamil Centre ("Pannattu Thamizh Naduvam") here on Monday, dwelt on the future of the Eelam henceforth, and urged the Lankan Tamils to forget differences and create public opinion in favour of devolution of powers to the Tamils in Lanka. Dr. Boyle, professor of international law at University of Illinois College of Law, saidzzz03185850
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/739~~~“Api” (us)-”Owun” (them): A pictorial tugging at heartstrings~~~Jun 10 (DBS) Hello Friends, Several people both known and unknown have been forwarding a particular e-mail to me the last few days. It consists of some moving pictorial images contrasting the pathetic existence of internally displaced Tamils on the one hand and the comfortable lifestyle of some Sinhala people on the other. The pictures have Sinhala captions. I tried to trace the origin of this mail and nobody seems to know including those who forwarded it to me.zzz03185851
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 2~~~zzz03185852
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-ltte-foreign-terrorist/~~~Four plead guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the LTTE~~~jun 10 (PRN) Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, defendants Karunakaran Kandasamy, Pratheepan Thavaraja, Murugesu Vinayagamoorthy, and Vijayshanthar Patpanathan pled guilty to, among other crimes, conspiring to provide material support to the LTTE, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The guilty plea proceedings were held before Chief United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie. zzz03185853
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/media-bytes-on-sri-lanka.html~~~Media bytes on Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 10 (LG) [Here are my answers to some of the recent questions relating to Sri Lanka from media representatives.] 1. Are you surprised at the decimation of the LTTE? Was it coming for them? No; it comes as no surprise. In the last three years of operation, the LTTE never regained military initiative. They could not launch a sizeable counter offensive. The army was bent upon causing maximum casualties; and the liquidation and decimation of [LTTE] leadership in the end was the only surprise. zzz03185854
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/michael-robertss-article-finally.html~~~Michael Roberts’s article finally arrived in time for North-South dialogue ~~~Jun 10 (LG) Michael Roberts’s article finally arrived. With the sole representative of the Tamils unceremoniosly removed from the theatre it was unavoidably refreshing to read the acknowledgement by Roberts of the probability of a dialogue between the north and the south. That we lived to see that come out of his mouth is enough to send the barometer of hope spiraling towards a favorable level. zzz03185855
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2081/~~~ASIA: Human rights in Sri Lanka and Pakistan ~~~Jun 10 (AHRC) Thank you Mr. President, Firstly, we regret that NGO speaking times in this most substantive section of discussions are again being sacrificed due to unfortunate time management. The Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) is gravely concerned that the Human Rights Council is abdicating from its mandate to protect individuals’ human rights, notably by failing to address impunity.zzz03185856
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2009statements/2085/~~~Crimes, dengue fever, attacks on journalists, problems of toilets and food and euphoric celebrations~~~Jun 10 (AHRC) Ankubura Seelaratne is a 25-year-old Buddhist monk who with youthful exuberance was engaged in campaigns to eliminate the sale of illicit liquor. Last week he was hospitalised in a critical condition after being poisoned. Some of his dayakayas (donors) poisoned the food given to him as part of the Buddhist traditional practice of providing food to monks.zzz03185857
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10081&Itemid=44~~~"Small Miracle” tourism re-branding strategy introduced in Hague~~~Jun 10 (GDI) “Having successfully defeated terrorism, the Government of Sri Lanka is in the process of devising dedicated plans to address the post conflict issues to create a prosperous nation for all Sri Lankan citizens to live in harmony” said Ambassador to The Netherlands Grace Asirwatham. She made that observation at a function organized to brief the travel operators and travel writers on zzz03185858
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10074&Itemid=44~~~'UNP lauds President and heroic soldiers for LTTE defeat'~~~Jun 10 (GDI) United National Party never down plays government's great war victories, or hesitates to present with due honours to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and heroic soldiers for wiping out terrorism and to end the three-decade long brutal war, MP Lakshman Senevirathna said at the Parliament yesterday(09). MP Lakshman Senevirathna was addressing parliament while discussion the move to extend the State of Emergency. zzz03185861
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10078&Itemid=44~~~Ranaviru Commemoration Day celebrated in Beijing ~~~Jun 10 (GDI) The Sri Lankans living in China jointly with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing celebrated the "Ranaviru CommemorationDay" on 7th June 2009 at the Embassy premises. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Karunatilake Amunugama stressed on the historic importance of this year's Ranaviru Commemoration Day as the dreams of the war heroes have finally become a reality today.zzz03185860
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10075&Itemid=44~~~Akashi happy with welfare progress of IDPs ~~~
The UNP has strongly condemned what it calls the use of the "law of the jungle to mete out barbaric punishment" to silence proponents of people?s rights. Speaking to the media in Colombo, party MP Johnston Fernando said his party would no longer allow the government to continue with such acts, which it had done under the cover of the war.zzz03185866
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TNA-MP-requests-release-detained-colleague/3326.htm~~~TNA MP requests release of detained colleague~~~Jun 10 (CT) Tamil National Alliance MP S. Kishore has requested the release of colleague Sathasivam Kanagaratnam who remained with civilians in the former 'no fire zone' during final stages of the military offensives in the North. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (June 09), MP Kishore said Kanagaratnam was not a terrorist and requested his release after investigations.zzz03185867
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Media-groups-protest-Poddala-assault/3317.htm~~~Media groups to protest Poddala assault~~~Jun 10 (CT) Several media groups are organizing a sit-down protest in Colombo, Sri Lanka this afternoon (June 10) against the abduction and assault of secretary of the Working Journalists Association Poddala Jayantha. The Platform for Freedom, Movement Against Media Suppression and several other organizations are taking part in the ‘Satyagraha’ opposite Viharamaha Devi Park, starting at 3.00 pm.zzz03185868
no~~~UNP seeks committee to probe media assaults~~~Jun 10 (CT) UNP MP, Palith Range Bandara yesterday requested the government to appoint a parliamentary select committee to probe the murders and assaults targeting journalists. He said that the government would appoint a committee if it does not have a hand in such incidents. He said that if the government took measures to appoint a parliamentary committee, it would have the full support of the UNP on the matter.zzz03185869
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Rathnasiri-Wickremanayake-presents-bill-appoint-Chief-Defence-Staff/3340.htm~~~PM presents bill to appoint Chief of Defence Staff~~~Jun 10 (CT) Prime minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday (June 09) presented a bill in Parliament that would provide for the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff. According to the bill, the CDS will be responsible for the coordination of activities between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry. The CDS shall, subject to the discretion of the President, hold office for a term of two years. zzz03185870
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18362~~~Govt to speed of resettlement of IDPs as family units~~~Jun 10 (AT) Following representations made to the Government through respective Government Agents in the North and Divisional Secretaries on the desire of displaced families, now in welfare centres to return home, a high level government team will meet in Colombo tomorrow (11), to discuss modalities of resettling those persons as family units at the earliest, well informed sources disclosed.zzz03185871
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2425:aprc-proposals-will-be-definitely-implemented--luxman-yapa-abeywardene&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'APRC proposals will be definitely implemented'~~~Jun 10 (LT) The government has no intention of shelving the APRC proposals and it would take measures to definitely implement them said Minister of Media Luxman Yapa Abeywardene. He said Minister Tissa Vitharana is due to present the final draft of the APRC proposals and once it is presented the government would take measures to act according to what has been proposed said the Minister. zzz03185872
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 3~~~zzz03185873
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090610_04~~~Medical facilities enhanced at Welfare Centers in Vavuniya ~~~Jun 10 (MoD) Ministry of Health (MoH) has mobilized its resources to a maximum to provide medical facilities to the civilians in welfare centers in Vavuniya. Additional 232 Medical officers have been permanently posted to the Northern Province and Padaviya hospitals. With this reinforcement, 304 medical officers (doctors) and the nurses to 986 are now working in hospitals and welfare centers in the North and Padaviya. zzz03185874
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44687.html~~~Needed: A different war~~~Jun 10 (LNP) It is heartening that a project has been launched to rehabilitate street children living in appalling conditions. Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera yesterday spelt out measures to be adopted to deliver those unfortunate ones from their suffering. This noble cause deserves public support and State assistance. IGP Jayantha Wickrameratna flanking Ven. Gunawansa at a media briefing yesterday viewed the rehabilitation of street children as an effective way of starving the underworld of recruitment in the future. zzz03185875
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44685.html~~~Get Gayle early - Sanga tells his team~~~Jun 10 (LNP) To get West Indies batting juggernaut Chrys Gayle early would be the orders that captain Kumar Sangakkara would have given his troops when they play the cricketers from the Caribbean in a Group C match here today. Both West Indies and Sri Lanka have entered the Super Eight and the teams would now be wanting to win to go top of the group. Also they would want to remain unbeaten and gain the psychological advantage. zzz03185876
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/news02.asp~~~Musali Divisional Secretariat Division: Resettlement 90 percent completed ~~~Jun 10 (DN) The Government has allocated Rs. 800 million for the development of Musali Divisional Secretariat Division on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and 90 percent of resettlement process in the division was completed by the Government, said Presidential Senior Advisor and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Northern Development Basil Rajapaksa. zzz03185877
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/news35.asp~~~School for street children opens in Gothamipura ~~~Jun 10 (DN) The first school for street children will be opened in Gothamipura, Borella by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne tomorrow. Chief incumbent of Dharmayathanaya Colombo Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said the country has successfully eradicated terrorism and it’s now time to unite to fight against crime. “Considering future security of the Colombo city and the country, zzz03185878
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/fea18.asp~~~Wickramasinghe's masterpiece in English ~~~Jun 10 (DN) It took a long time coming but finally it is now available on the shelves of book stores. Sri Lanka's leading figure in literature Martin Wickramasinghe's most profound work, Gamperaliya had finally been translated into English for the English speaking public to meet a timely need. Though more than 65 years have passed since the landmark novel had been penned by the veteran writer, the pictures, idioms and characteristics he paintszzz03185879
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/10/fea21.asp~~~Transcreating part of 'Kantha Puranam' ~~~Jun 10 (DN) Going back to the genre of the ancient 'Purana' literature in Thamil, one finds Kachchiappa Sivachariar's Kanthapuranam holding a prestigious place particularly among the Thamilians of Yaalpaanam. In fact a scholar from that region the late Pandithamani Kanapathillai eluded that "Kanthapurana Kalasaram" (The Culture of Kantha Puranam) is the Culture of the people in the North. zzz03185882
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news27.html~~~Gemunu does a Oliver Twist~~~Jun 10 (Island) The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) chief Gemunu Wijeratne yesterday rejected the annual 4 per cent increase in bus fares effective July 1. Addressing a press conference at the Women’s Bureau, Narahenpita, he said that the association had unanimously decided to refuse the proposed increase. He warned of trade union action unless the government implemented at least 7 per cent increase.zzz03185881
http://www.defence.lk/pdf/DefSec-BusinesstodayJune.pdf~~~Defence secretary's interview with Business Today ~~~
Jun 10 (BT) The Humanitarian Operations have been completed and the LTTE, the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world has been destroyed. The strength behind the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defence Force has been none other than Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His planning has been immaculate and precise. President Mahinda Rajapaksa had the will and confidence to zzz03185880
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/features8.html~~~Cut off the telephone~~~Jun 10 (Island) Like the majority of people in Sri Lanka, I felt genuinely happy when Prabhakaran’s death was announced. This wasn’t because I am the bloodthirsty type. I was pleased because of what I perceived to be the implications. Sri Lankans could look forward to a brighter future now that such a ruthless and uncompromising group had been decapitated, I thought to myself. This is what made last week’s attack on Poddala Jayantha so depressing. zzz03185883
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news4.html~~~New fish market project accelerated~~~Jun 10 (Island) Work on the Fish Market Complex at Peliyagoda is being accelerated in order to shift the present St. John’s Market there at the end of 2009 instead of December 2010, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources G. Piyasena said. He said that the new fish market complex was scheduled to be completed by December 2010 but on advise of President Mahinda Rajapaksa construction has been expedited. zzz03185884
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/10/news26.html~~~Bank elbowed out last king and queen of Lanka ~~~
Jun 10 (Island) JVP Colombo District MP Lakshman Nipunarachchi yesterday (9) told Parliament that the portraits of the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe and his queen had been removed from the Colombo National Museum and replaced with an advertisement of a private bank. He demanded that the government take remedial action.zzz03185885
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51461~~~Major fire at ammo dump in Vavuniya~~~Jun 10 (DM) A major fire broke out in an ammunition dump at the Wanni Army Headquarters in Vavuniya last evening, destroying a large quantity of outdated ammunition, the army said. “A stock of unserviceable artillery ammunition, kept aside in one corner of the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters in Vavuniya, caught fire yesterday evening at about 5.45 pm while soldiers were removing them to be taken to a more secured area before disposal,” zzz03185886
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51458~~~Lanka will not beg for aid: Central Bank Chief~~~Jun 10 (DM) Sri Lanka would never go after donor countries or agencies with a begging bowl for aid hereafter, despite the fact that the IMF could approve at any moment the first trance of the US$ 1.9 billion loan that Sri Lanka has negotiated, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. He said the World Bank, ADB and several other friendly countries had responded positively for assistance for the reconstruction and resettlement process, zzz03185887
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51457~~~Police fire at alleged child killer ~~~Jun 10 (DM) The police yesterday shot at a man allegedly responsible for the abduction, abuse and killing of a six-year-old girl who went missing in Mihintale last week. The body of the victim Warshanika Lakshani Gunaratne, a resident of Kasamaduwa in Ihalagama, Mihintale was found in a forest last morning. The little girl was abducted from her home last Thursday night when she was asleep.zzz03185888
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51450~~~Lanka at crucial juncture: Japan~~~Jun 10 (DM) Sri Lanka is at a crucial juncture for overcoming conflict among ethnic groups and achieving national reconciliation, Japan told the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Japanese representative Osamu Yamanaka who spoke at the debate on promoting and protecting human rights -- civil, political, economic, social and cultural, including the right to development said the Sri Lankan government must take swift action to implement measures zzz03185889
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/csis-beefs-up-screening-for-tamil-tigers/article1175622/~~~CSIS beefs up screening for Tamil Tigers ~~~Jun 10 (G&M) Canada is boosting its immigration screening in Sri Lanka – shifting overseas CSIS agents from New Delhi to Colombo in a bid to keep defeated Tamil Tiger terrorists from landing here. In addition to moving agents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Canada Border Services Agency from their posts in India, the federal immigration department is adding staff to manage the growing backlog of Sri Lankan visa requests. zzz03185890
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF11Df01.html~~~India blasts rivals' role in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 10 (AT) India is not happy with the important military role it says China and Pakistan played in the Sri Lanka's government decisive offensive against the LTTE. Top government officials in New Delhi have told Asia Times Online that India believes Colombo stockpiled arms and even sought help from military commanders from China and Pakistan before the offensive that decimated the LTTE and eventually killed Tiger chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran in May. zzz03185891
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE5591KQ20090610?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka deports Canadian legislator~~~
Jun 10 (Reuters) Sri Lanka on Wednesday deported a Canadian legislator it views as sympathetic to the Tamil Tiger separatists, the latest foreign official it has sent out of the country at the end of a 25-year war. Bob Rae, a Liberal party legislator, said Sri Lanka's government had reached "ill-conceived and defamatory conclusions about me," and said his record showed he had spoken out against the Tigers during his prior involvement in the peace process.zzz03185892
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18360~~~Where in the world is there no Discrimination?~~~Jun 11 (AT) Sri Lanka has become an unfair pastime for some world leaders who are taking their condemnations against Sri Lanka a little too far. A country that has managed to eliminate the world’s worst terrorist outfit – its entire 3-tiered leadership deserves more respect than it is getting and it is a shame that even the UN and some of its heads are taking a personal vendetta against Sri Lanka and this needs to stop. zzz03185893
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18359~~~Sri Lanka India to launch campaign to promote Chinese tourists to Indian sub continent~~~Jun 11 (AT) For the first time in the history of Sri Lankan Tourism industry, Sri Lanka and India have decided to launch a joint extensive tourism promotion programme to promote Chinese Tourist market attraction more and more tourists to Indian sub continent. Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda and Nirupama Rao current Indian Ambassador in Beijing had a discussion on this proposal and zzz03185894
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18358~~~Colombo welcomes Indian stand on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (AT) The Sri Lankan government today appreciated sentiments expressed by Indian Foreign Secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon who had claimed in New Delhi, that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was "in a way right", when the Sri Lankan President has said he had fought India's war since the LTTE killed Rajiv Gandhi. Menon has said that it was a welcome statement from the Sri Lankan President because the security of Sri Lanka was interlinked with that of India.zzz03185895
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1495585137~~~Sri Lanka to get AirAsia low fare flights~~~Jun 11 (LBO) AirAsia said it will launch daily flights from Sri Lanka from August 15 offering promotional all-in fares as low as 4,090 rupees one way between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia-based carrier, known as Asia's largest low fare, no frills airline, said Colombo is an important destination for AirAsia to break into the south Asian market. "The low fares AirAsia is offering will create new demand and stimulate travel," zzz03185896
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=957571149~~~Sri Lanka open source firm starts free 'summer school'~~~Jun 11 (LBO) WSO2, a Sri Lankan software firm, is starting a free 'summer school' this month on open source software and service oriented architecture (SOA), the company said. The eight week program will help at enterprise IT architects and developers to become more familiar with SOA concepts, technologies and best practices, the company said. WSO2 says the developer community has been hit by the global economic downturn. zzz03185897
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1548219590~~~Sri Lanka regional chamber wins global award~~~Jun 11 (LBO) A regional Sri Lankan business chamber has won a top global award for its work after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in a competition which had entries from 33 countries, the organization said. The Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, its UK partner had won the award for the best networking project at the sixth World Chamber Congress in Malaysia. zzz03185898
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=613452979~~~Sri Lanka Finlay teas sell well in Iraq~~~Jun 11 (LBO) Sri Lanka's James Finlay group said tea exports to Iraq did well in 2008 despite the strife and that it expanded its marketing and launched a new product with higher profit margins. Chairman Kumar Jayasuriya said that Finlays Colombo made big investments on marketing in Iraq last year. " . . . Iraq was once again our single largest market, in spite of the difficulties faced by marketers due to the conditions prevailing there,"zzz03185900
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSCOL430797~~~Central bank sees $1.9 bln IMF deal end June~~~
Jun 11 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's request for a $1.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan is expected to be approved by the end of June, the central bank governor said on Wednesday. "The indication that we have received overall is, before the end of this month, it will happen,"Ajith Nivard Cabraal told Reuters.zzz03185899
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/post_369.html~~~Statement of Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (TC) We appeal to all concerned to attend to the pressing needs of the time. We appeal to the government of Sri Lanka and all other concerned parties to allay the fears of the Tamil people and to address the dire needs of all those affected by the recent onslaught of war. The end of the war is most welcome, but the enormous death toll is a cause for great concern, as also the condition of very many survivors. zzz03185902
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408309.html~~~Jayasuriya and Dilshan set up victory~~~Jun 11 (CI) Sanath Jayasuriya may be turning 40 at the end of the month but his demolition of the West Indian attack, which paved the way for Sri Lanka's 15-run victory at Trent Bridge, was as violent as any innings played during his heydays. In the absence of Chris Gayle, Jayasuriya ensured that the crowd had its fill of massive hits, blitzing 81 off only 47 balls, and his occupation of centre stage was so complete that Tillakaratne Dilshan's second half-century of the tournament zzz03185903
http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13812566&fsrc=rss~~~Where next for Sri Lanka's Tamils?~~~Jun 11 (Economist) With the government's defeat of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil Tigers) and the end of the civil war, attention in Sri Lanka is turning to the future. Beyond the need for economic development in former war zones, and humanitarian support for civilians displaced by the conflict, the peacetime political role of the country's large Tamil minority is of key importance. zzz03185905
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/11/stories/2009061155511400.htm~~~A9 highway to be opened soon ~~~Jun 11 (Hindu) The A9 Highway, the only land route linking Jaffna peninsula to the rest of Sri Lanka, is to be opened shortly for commercial use by private traders. The peninsula is home to an estimated six lakh people. The A9 Highway was closed at the Omanthai checkpoint in the second week of August 2006,within days of the commencement of Eelam War IV, by the government on the ground that it had become a cash cow for the LTTE to sustain its war machinery.zzz03185906
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10091&Itemid=44~~~'No regulations implemented to control media'~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The government has no intention to control media freedom by enforcing such laws and no regulation has been implemented to control media in the country.The Government has given full freedom for media personnel to express their views for and against the government,the Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told Parliament today (10).zzz03185907
no~~~Historical heritage of Sri Lanka - Part 4~~~zzz03185908
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18385~~~Karunanidhi lists out the contradictions Jayalalithaa is on Lankan Tamils issue ~~~Jun 11 (AT) For the AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is "only at the time of elections" affair. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi slammed his arch rival so on Wednesday. In his usual letter to his party cadre in Murasoli, he alleged Jayalalithaa had justified killings of Tamils in Sri Lanka during the armed conflict by saying civilian deaths were common in a conflict zone. zzz03185909
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18381~~~Winning The Peace ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The territorial battle between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE is at an end. The entire leadership is no more, killed or has taken their lives. Over two hundred and eighty thousand people have come into government controlled areas with fear and anxiety in their eyes, some maimed and injured and some separated from their kith and kin. The mass exodus of the people held by the LTTE is a humanitarian catastrophe. zzz03185910
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18379~~~Private sector partner with the govt to remove plastic wastes from the IDP camps ~~~Jun 11 (AT) A local plastic recycling company –Kalhari Enterprises Heiyanthuduwa which accepted government offer to remove plastic waste from the IDP camps in Manikfarm, Vauniya says the plastic collection project was launched last week to provide better environment for the IDPs. The Solid Waste Management Unit of the Western provincial council made this offer which was accepted by zzz03185911
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124466281725103177.html#mod=todays_europe_economy_and_politics~~~Sri Lanka Targets Tamil Tigers' Overseas Support Network ~~~Jun 11 (WSJ) After routing the Tamil Tigers at home, the Sri Lankan government has set its sights on destroying the group's network overseas -- an effort that involves working closely with countries that were critical of Sri Lanka's tough tactics during the war. In recent weeks, Sri Lankan officials have been sifting through computer files, business cards and daily schedules taken from Tamil Tiger offices in the country's northzzz03185912
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/200906/2595099.htm?desktop~~~Sri Lanka pressures Australia over Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 11 (ABC) The Sri Lankan government wants Australia to follow through with secret plans made last year to declare the Tamil Tigers a terrorist group. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation understands the Australian government planned in secret to declare the Tamil Tiger rebels a banned terrorist group in November last year. This was despite opposition from the local Tamil community. zzz03185913
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Four+pro-LTTE+MPs+refused+leave+by+Sri+Lankan+parliament&artid=/xvj9sJ4qtQ=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=lanka,+mp,+leave,+ltte,+tamils&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~Four pro-LTTE MPs refused leave by parliament ~~~Jun 11 (PTI) Sri Lankan parliament today refused to grant leave to four pro-LTTE Tamil MPs from the house, accusing them of acting against the national interest and constitution by spreading false propaganda against the country abroad. The ruling United People Friend Alliance MPs expressed reservations against a proposal submitted by the four TNA MPs requesting three months leave from the Parliament.zzz03185914
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/06/10/bob-rae-on-being-banned-from-sri-lanka.aspx~~~Bob Rae on being banned from Sri Lanka ~~~
Jun 11 (NP) On the evening of June 9, 2009, I arrived on a flight from Delhi to Colombo, Sri Lanka. I had successfully applied to the Sri Lankan High Commission for a visa and had discussed my visit with the Sri Lankan Commissioner, the Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.zzz03185915
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/243423--ottawa-expresses-dismay-and-displeasure-to-sri-lanka-for-booting-rae~~~Ottawa expresses 'dismay and displeasure' to Sri Lanka for booting Rae~~~Jun 11 (MN) The federal government expressed "dismay and displeasure" to the Sri Lankan government Wednesday after Liberal MP Bob Rae was detained and booted out of the country. Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Emma Welford called it "unacceptable treatment of a Canadian parliamentarian" and said it's absurd for anyone to suggest the former Ontario premier represented a security threat or is a supporter of the Tamil Tigers. zzz03185916
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090611/FOREIGN/706109848/1103/rss~~~Only peace can bring Tamils back to Sri Lanka~~~Jun 11 (National) At the Swiss Embassy in Colombo, an old Tamil woman fumbles with a flashy mobile phone as it rings. For several seconds, she does not know how to switch it on or off until a younger woman, seated next to her, shows how it is done. The old woman grins sheepishly, flashing a frustrated expression. For many years now, thousands of people, young and old, have crowded in front of European embassies in Colombo,zzz03185917
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/failed-imperialist-attempts-to-vanquish.html~~~Failed imperialist attempts to vanquish Sri Lanka - Part I ~~~Jun 11 (LG) In our two and half years of solid, unwavering and firm liberation war against thirty years of brutal terrorism, against the worst and ruthless terrorists of the world, so branded as the hyprocratic and double-tongued world’s #1 bandit nation, we were forced to fight not only in the war theatres of the Eastern and Western Provinces but also against the dollar-slavery vultures of zzz03185918
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/11/2595158.htm?section=justin~~~Australian govt scrapped plans to ban Tamil Tigers~~~
Jun 11 (ABC) The ABC has seen evidence the Federal Government last year backed away from plans to declare the Tamil Tigers a terrorist organisation. The Sri Lankan Government has all but destroyed the Tamil Tigers but it wants Australia to help deliver the knockout blow by following the US and the UK in banning the group. zzz03185920
http://uthr.org/SpecialReports/spreport32.htm~~~A marred victory and a defeat pregnant with foreboding~~~Jun 11 (UTHR) This report covers key issues arising from the recently concluded war. It begins by examining current political prospects, and then moves on to a sketch of the last two months of the war primarily from the standpoint of civilians. While being frank about the LTTE’s cynical use of civilians, the report raises questions about the Government’s relentless move to crush the LTTE leadership while placing the civilians it held hostage at unacceptable risk. zzz03185919
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090610_womencricket.shtml~~~"We will defeat Pakistan" ~~~Jun 11 (BBC) The captain of Sri Lanka women’s team, Chamari Polgampola, says her team will win their first World Twenty20 game against Pakistan. “We have played much against Pakistan before and are aware of their strength. We must and we will win against Pakistan,” she told BBC Sandeshaya. Sri Lanka meets Pakistan on Friday at Taunton and it is Polgampola’s first international game as the Sri Lanka skipper.zzz03185921
http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?id=4932~~~Sri Lanka in crisis~~~Jun 11 (ACN) CATHOLIC charity Aid to the Church in Need is providing emergency aid to Sri Lanka after an urgent appeal for help from a bishop acting on behalf of people desperate for clean water, food and clothing. More than 250,000 people pouring out of the areas worst affected by the fighting in the north of the country are in critical need of basic help, with the Government struggling to keep pace with the demand for shelter and medical care.zzz03185922
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Four+pro-LTTE+MPs+refused+leave+by+Sri+Lankan+parliament&artid=mtKGld2lhlk=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=university,+human,+rights,+prabhakaran,+ltte&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~'Prabhakaran was tortured before being killed' ~~~Jun 11 (IANS) Tamil Tigers leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was tortured by the Sri Lankan military before being killed, a leading human rights body said in a report. The University Teachers for Human Rights (UTHR) quoted high-level military sources as saying that Prabhakaran was tortured in the presence of "a Tamil government politician and a general". The torture, it said, took place probably at the headquarters of the army's 53 Division,zzz03185923
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10096&Itemid=44~~~Banks to expand services in NP ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Central Bank has over the past 3 weeks granted approval to 67 new banking service outlets in the Northern province. Following the liberation of the entire Northern Province, banks have shown a considerable interest in resuming normal banking operations in the Northern Province. This has resulted in many licensed Commercial Banks and Licensed Specialized Banks seeking approval to open new branches and other banking outlets in the Northern Province,zzz03185924
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10097&Itemid=44~~~Northern development through rail link ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The railway line leading to Jaffna will help to forge strong economic, social and cultural ties which would strengthen north-south relations and even countries which acted against Sri Lanka have, praised the welfare programme launched by the government for the people in the north. The removal of landmines on the A-9 road and the reconstruction of the A-32 road are taking place. zzz03185925
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10101&Itemid=44~~~PM HR service providers' exhibition 2009 from June 23-24 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (IPM) will hold its annual Human Resource Conference and HR Service Providers' Exhibition from June 23-24 at the BMICH. The theme for 2009 is "People Drive Business"; 700 HR professionals will participate, the organizers said. With an impressive 55 stalls from various services, the exhibition will cover the many facets of HR professionals and service providers. zzz03185926
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10099&Itemid=44~~~Dengue bury 126 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The number of patients who have died due to dengue increased to 126 and more than 8,900 dengue patients have been reported so far,hospital reports said. Most of these patients are reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Kurunegala and Kegalle districts. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, the Ministry of Health is carrying out raids on dengue mosquito breeding grounds.zzz03185929
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10104&Itemid=44~~~Plan to involve IDPs in redevelopment process ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) “A majority of internally displaced persons are capable in assisting in the redevelopment of the North after resettlement. We would be able to involve them in the redevelopment process”, The Minister of Nation Building and Development S. M. Chandrasena said at a ceremony in the premises of the Government Food Stores, Orugodawtte, to hand over new garments for IDPs.zzz03185928
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10105&Itemid=44~~~'China to speed up Hambantota harbour project'~~~
Jun 11 (GDI) The Chinese government has decided to accelerate the development work of the Hambantota harbour and it was a myth that the international community had been hostile to Sri Lanka, Export Development and International Trade Minister G. L. Peiris said. He pointed out that China and Japan showed a keen interest in Sri Lanka at this hour during his meetings with zzz03185927
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10106&Itemid=44~~~The First ever sport museum to be opened in Ratnapura ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) Island's first ever museum depicting beliefs and history of sports in Sri Lanka will be ceremoniously opened on June 15 under the patronage of Minister of Youth Affairs Pavithra Wanniarachchi in Ratnapura, Media Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs Viraj Abesinghe said. The Museum is housed in the Kuruwita, Delgamuwa, area and it is sponsored by National Youth Services Council zzz03185930
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10108&Itemid=44~~~A National Institute on Health ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) The Government has decided to set up a national institute on health in order to create healthy and a strong labour force in the country. Such a force is essential for the development. National Institute on Vocational Security is to prevent accidents in the working places, Minister of Labour Relations and Manpower Athauda Seneviratne said in Parliament today (11).zzz03185931
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10100&Itemid=44~~~World Blood Donor Day 2009 ~~~Jun 11 (GDI) Millions of people around the world owe their lives to individuals they will never meet – people who donate their blood to help others. But millions more still can’t get safe blood when they need it. World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14 every year, provides a unique opportunity to thank those very special people that help and to raise awareness about the need for more support.zzz03185932
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-israel-relations-emerging.html~~~Sri Lanka-Israel relations: The emerging trend of principled diplomacy ~~~Jun 11 (LG) Concerns raised and votes cast, this way or that, for or against us, help dispel doubts which linger concerning inter-state relations or affairs between states. If we needed a counter-response to our response on Israel’s recent war in Gaza, we received it during the recently concluded Special Session on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva – when Israel called for a human rights probe in Sri Lanka. zzz03185933
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-harass-visiting-tamils-at.html~~~Sri Lanka harass visiting Tamils at the Colombo airport~~~Jun 11 (LG) Tamils visiting Sri Lanka are being selectively taken into custody by the Sri Lankan intelligence officials and put under tormenting interrogation for several hours before they are allowed entry. The Tamils visiting from the European countries, Canada and USA are subject to humiliating investigations by the authorities. According to a victim, 15 Tamils arrived from UK were taken into custody and zzz03185938
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ethnic-cohesion-need-of-hour.html~~~Ethnic Cohesion – the need of the hour ~~~Jun 11 (LG) The Chairman while introducing me said that I belonged to a party that gave up the armed struggle and joined the democratic mainstream after the Indo-Lanka accord of 1987. But he had failed to mention one important point; in that process the party I belonged to have paid a very high price. More than seventy of our party members, most of them senior members, were assassinated by the LTTE. zzz03185935
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2436:shirani-bandaranayake-appointed-to-jsc-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Shirani Bandaranayake appointed to JSC ~~~Jun 11 (LT) Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as a member of the Judicial Service Commission by President Mahinda Rajapakse. The vacancy created in the presidency of the Judicial Service Commission with the retirement of former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has been filled by the present CJ Ashoka de Silva and Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was appointed to the vacant post in the commission.zzz03185936
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2432:consumer-affairs-authority-gives-permission-to-increase-flour-prices-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Consumer Affairs Authority gives permission to increase flour prices ~~~Jun 11 (LT) The Consumer Affairs Authority has given permission to Prima Company to increase prices of flour. As such the price of a packet of ‘Stella’ type flour would be increased by Rs.2.25. The price of a packet of flour that was Rs.63.75 would now be sold for Rs.66.00. This flour is used for making rotty. The Consumer Affairs Authority has also given permission to Prima Company to increase the price of ‘Penguin’ wheat flour by Rs.3.00.zzz03185937
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j11.shtml~~~JVP vehemently opposes any concessions to Tamils~~~
Jun 11 (wsws) In a speech last Thursday, the leader of the opposition JVP, Somawansa Amarasinghe, stridently warned the Sri Lankan government not to “betray” the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE by making concessions to the island’s Tamil minority. President Mahinda Rajapakse has not the slightest intention of modifying the Sinhala supremacist character of the Sri Lankan state, zzz03185934
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2435:prices-of-vegetables-eggs-a-fish-up&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prices of vegetables, eggs & fish up ~~~Jun 11 (LT) Consumers have been greatly inconvenienced due to sky rocketing prices of vegetables, fish and eggs in the market. 500 grams of vegetables such as bean, carrot, beet is sold in the market for about Rs.80.00. Sri Lankan potatoes is Rs110.00 a kilo while B- onions is Rs.70.00. The price of eggs has gone up to Rs.12.00 an egg. Due to poor harvest in the sea around Sri Lanka and this being the beginning of the monsoon zzz03185939
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2434:kelaniya-university-tense&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Kelaniya University tense ~~~Jun 11 (LT) A tense atmosphere exists at University of Kelaniya due to an incident between students and residents in the area. Our reporter states all academic activities in the university have been stopped and residents are seen assembled outside the university premises. After an exchange of words that had occurred yesterday outsiders had entered the university premises and destroyed decorations that had been put up for “Bihidora Abiyasa,’ zzz03185940
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18391~~~Clash over LTTE property in Canada~~~Jun 11 (AT) Following the demise of LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, LTTE's known Financial Controller, K.Pathmanathan alias KP and the Collector of ransom from Tamils in Canada identified as Thava Eliyathambi have clashed last week over the LTTE's properties and share market investments over there, reports reaching Colombo from Toronto revealed. Eliyathambi is reported to have been a close trusted associate of late Prabhakaran and zzz03185943
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18390~~~A Tamil thanks Mahinda for bringing an end to the war~~~Jun 11 (AT) For decades, I grew up with the Tamil and Sinhala politics. I went through high and low emotions with the political and military events that took place in my country. I experienced people divided Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims. Finally, I have seen the war, violence, destruction, human loss and loss of the Tamil humanity through the Eelam wars. Always, in my inner mind, I was asking myself a question, that is,zzz03185942
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18389~~~SL Foreign Minister to brief Canadian counterpart on Bob Rae deportation~~~Jun 11 (AT) Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogallagama will today contact his counterpart in Canada to brief him on Sri Lanka's stand to refuse entry to Canadian Liberal Party member Bob Rae, Foreign Ministry disclosed this morning. Rae was briefly detained at the Colombo Airport Katunayake yesterday following information by intelligence authorities that the Canadian MP was a LTTE sympathiser.zzz03185946
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18388~~~The great federal controversy resurrected ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The great federal debate began long before Prabhakaran was born. But it was Prabhakaran who committed the Sri Lanka government to accept it as a matter that requires examination as the solution to the problem in the Oslo Declaration We did so in a state of feebleness before the Norwegians just as when we signed the 13th amendment before the Indians. The UNP is more servile and subjugated to international opinion than any other political party except the Communist Party.zzz03185944
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18376~~~China and Japan to expand business, investment in conducive sri Lanka climate ~~~Jun 11 (AT) The military defeat of the LTTE and the resultant post-war climate have aroused foreign interest in expanding business and investment in Sri Lanka, a Sri Lankan minister said. Prof GL.Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade who was returning from visits to Japan and China said that there was genuine interest to further business opportunities and investment now that earlier uncertainties had ended with the defeat of the LTTE.zzz03185945
no~~~Bob Rae kept of Sri Lanka~~~zzz03185941
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/New-chief-justice-is-full-praise-predecessor/2761.htm~~~New chief justice is full of praise for predecessor~~~Jun 11 (CT) Chief justice Joseph Asoka N. Silva is full of praise for his predecessor, from whom he took over just two days ago. The new CJ says he will try to emulate Sarath N. Silva in carrying out his functions as the head of the Sri Lankan judiciary. He was speaking today (June 10) at the Judicial Services Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where a reception was held in his honour.zzz03185947
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Poddalaya-Jayantha-attack-denounced-media-supporters/2762.htm~~~Poddalaya Jayantha attack denounced by media supporters~~~Jun 11 (CT) Supporters of the media gathered in their numbers in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday (June 10) to denounce the abduction and assault of Poddala Jayantha, secretary of the Working Journalists Association. Media professionals, journalists, trade unionists and civil society activists held a protest in front of Viharamaha Devi Park and then met for a discussion at J.R. Jayewardene Centre.zzz03185949
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44729.html~~~Sarath Fonseka to be appointed as the Chief of Defense Staff with more powers~~~
Jun 12 (BBC) Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has told Sanath Jayasuriya to continue his return to form against Pakistan in their Super Eight game on Friday. Jayasuriya struck 81 off 47 balls in the win over West Indies on Wednesday. "As a side, we have never had questions over what he can do," said Sangakkara. "We were just waiting till he made his way into the tournament. zzz03185980
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10115&Itemid=44~~~Ambassador Gunaratna lauds Myanmar for being a "friend indeed" ~~~Jun 12 (GDI) While receiving the donation of US$ 50.000 of the Union Government of Myanmar to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Myanmar, Newton Gunaratna said that the friendship between the two nations grows day by day. The Government Union of Myanmar donated US$ 50,000 to Sri Lanka as humanitarian assistance today (11) which will be utilized for the welfare activities of the IDPs in the North.zzz03185988
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=84805~~~"Too many people" at huge IDP camp - UN ~~~
Jun 12 (IRIN) Conditions at a huge government-run camp for IDPs in Sri Lanka are still unsatisfactory, the UN’s top official in the country told IRIN, despite some improvements. “The fundamental issue is that there are too many people in too small a place,” said Neil Buhne, the UN resident coordinator in Sri Lanka, adding: “We think it is the largest IDP camp in the world.” zzz03185987
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13829429&fsrc=rss~~~Victory's rotten fruits~~~Jun 12 (Economist) The defeat of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan army should be cause for almost universal celebration—whatever its manner. The foreign governments that had banned the Tigers as terrorists and from whose Tamil minorities some of the Tigers’ funds had been extorted are glad to see them beaten. So too are Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese majority, after a 26-year civil war. But Sri Lankan Tamils should also rejoice. zzz03185990
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=TTN&artid=162842~~~Sri Lanka ‘ideal getaway’~~~Jun 12 (TA) Sri Lanka is an ideal getaway for regional travellers being only three and a half hours flying time away from the Gulf, says a regional director of a tourism promotion bureau. “The island nation is one of the most exciting places to visit this summer with peace finally prevailing,” said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. This summer Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holiday maker an exciting array of options.zzz03185991
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/11/letters-sri-lankan-ambassador-clarifies.html~~~Letters: Sri Lankan Ambassador clarifies~~~Jun 12 (JP) I wish to refer to the article which appeared in The Jakarta Post of June 6 titled "IOM takes over case of Afghan and Pakistani immigrants". The article quoted embassy official Kapila Ubeysekera saying that "Kapila said there was no guarantee of their safety when they returned home, despite the country's victory over the Tamil rebel forces." The embassy official categorically denies the above statement was made by him.zzz03185992
http://www.livemint.com/2009/06/12001636/India8217s-seabed-claim-may.html?h=B~~~India’s seabed claim may lead to dispute with Sri Lanka~~~Jun 12 (LM) Even as the general election was on in May, India quietly staked claim to nearly half a million sq. km of seabed that contains potentially large reserves of oil, minerals, metals and gas hydrates. In the next few weeks, it’s likely to vie for another half a million sq. km, some of which may conflict with a similar claim by Sri Lanka on the unmarked seabed. “There could be some dispute with Sri Lanka,” said a top government official involved in preparing India’s claim,zzz03185993
no~~~Students 'Living in fear' after attacks~~~zzz03185994
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-untamed-tiger/475115/0~~~The untamed Tiger~~~Jun 12 (IE) On May 18, 2009, the Sri Lanka Armed Forces (SLAF) overran the last defences of the LTTE and, in the process, killed its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and most of his closest aides. This, in turn, has presented Sri Lanka with a golden opportunity to heal wounds and usher in peace. Prabhakaran raised the LTTE in 1972 with just 10 other students, dropouts like him, and first came to public notice at the age of 18, when he assassinated the Mayor of Jaffna, Alfred Doriappa.zzz03185995
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7843~~~Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy tries to bag entire credit of Api Wenuwen Api~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Api Wenuwen Api programme in Italy was one of the most successful events in terms of participation and collection of funds. It has also become one of the most controversial events. Around 18,000 people have participated in the event simply because they wanted to contribute to a worthy project. According to a budget released by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome, the entire collection after deducting the cost is Euro 276,989.zzz03185996
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_wanni_idpsthe_path_to_reco.html~~~The Wanni IDPs-The path to reconciliation and reintegration~~~Jun 12 (TC) Today we are told that there are 300,000 internally displaced persons from what is called the Vanni regions of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, who are in camps which are surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. The Government has stated that they will be kept in these camps and resettled in their original towns and villages after a period of six months and that security concerns i. e. screening and registration,zzz03185997
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/784~~~'LSSP did not promote separatism'~~~Jun 12 (DBS) The thoughtful letter on the rise of triumphalism in Sri Lanka written by “podi seeya” Upali Cooray to his grand nephew was posted on this blog under the heading “Chauvinist fever following military defeat of LTTE”. The piece was well-received and evoked a wide range of responses. Most of them if not all appreciated the analytical advice proffered by Upali Cooray a veteran leftist with a Trotskyite background.zzz03185999
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/775.htm~~~Is the Sri Lankan Tamil nation moving towards extinction? ~~~Jun 12 (IL) Although many countries around the world urge the Sri Lankan government to fulfill the political demands of Tamils through peaceful means, these countries have shown little interest to jump into the conflict to make a deal between the warring Tamils and Sinhalese. All question the legitimacy of the global governments who once said that Sri Lanka should be brought to court of justice, but then changed their tone saying that Sri Lanka should embrace the Tamils,zzz03185998
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18397 ~~~Estate workers fight against to eliminate use of alcohol~~~Jun 12 (AT) Forty Five year old married estate woman A.Logamma who was addicted to alcohol since her 19 yrs says alcohol is a dangerous family burner. Logamma who resides at Sirinivasa Watta in Kosgama said she spent Rs.150.00 [over 1 US$] per day for alcohol. "I have friends in nearby villages. They asked me to enjoy alcohol. One day I used alcohol with them," she said.zzz03186000
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408487.html~~~Sri Lanka favourites against rusty Pakistan~~~Jun 12 (CI) Is there a team more fascinating to watch than Sri Lanka? Of all the teams that have come into the Super Eights undefeated, none has done it as beautifully as Sri Lanka. South Africa have been too efficient to love, India too imposing (and under-tested) to admire. But Sri Lanka? They have made art in comprehensively defeating Australia and West Indies in the group of death. zzz03186003
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/12/stories/2009061255091300.htm~~~Colombo’s plea to Co-Chairs ~~~Jun 12 (Hindu) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday announced it was ready to help in facilitating the surrender of remaining LTTE cadre even as Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama urged the Sri Lanka Co-Chairs (U.S., EU, Japan and Norway) to “revise” their role in the post-conflict scenario. The Minister told visiting Japanese Special Envoy Yashushi Akashi, that the Co-Chairs needed to broaden their agenda and shift focus to development.zzz03186002
no~~~Media right groups protest~~~zzz03186001
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/AMMF-7SWRAB?OpenDocument~~~End of mission for French field hospital in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 12 (AFP) The French field hospital treating Sri Lanka's war wounded closed down after caring for nearly 2,500 civilians, a diplomat said Thursday. The 100-bed hospital in the northern town of Cheddikulam, 90 kilometres southwest of the final battle, carried out 250 surgeries before ending its work on Wednesday. "The aim of the mission was to provide a temporary help for the treatment of IDPs during the end of the conflict," he said.zzz03186004
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63274~~~Okinawa soldiers ready Sri Lanka aid ~~~Jun 12 (S&S) The Army garrison here has responded to cries for help from Sri Lanka, which has been torn apart by a bloody civil war. In response to reports that some hospitals in the island nation were destroyed in recent fighting, soldiers with the 87th Quartermaster Detachment joined with Japanese warehouse workers from the garrison to load 26 containers of health care, nutritional supplies and vehicles for shipment to Sri Lanka. zzz03186005
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1504562884~~~Sri Lanka private sector, UNHCR pave the way for returning refugees~~~Jun 12 (LBO) A United Nations agency is getting private sector support to help re-settle a part of the 660,000 refugees in the country who are starting to return to their former homes, officials said. Sri Lanka defeated Tamil Tiger separatists in a two and a half year campaign with first the East, then the Northwest and finally the Northeast areas under Tiger control being re-taken. "In Sri Lanka now we have 660,000 displaced persons," zzz03186006
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124476890772308673.html~~~Sri Lanka begins painful reconciliation~~~Jun 12 (WSJ) Sinnathamby Raja, once a cog in this country's brutal war, is now trying to be part of its shaky peace. When he was 26 years old and already a 13-year veteran of violence with the Tamil Tiger rebels, Mr. Raja led a hit squad that detonated a bomb inside the office of a political party allied with the government. Then he gunned down those who survived the blast. Soon after the 2006 attack, which he says killed 10 people, he tossed out his cyanide tablet zzz03186007
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10119&Itemid=44~~~A new programme to issue land Ownership Certificates~~~
Jun 12 (LeN) Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse is reportedly to be appointed as a SLFP electoral organizer of Kurunegala district. He is likely to contest the general election to be held at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. A dialogue is underway to bring him to direct politics, sources say. The Defense Secretary repeatedly said in media discussions that he had no idea to enter politics.zzz03186025
no~~~Comedian Anesley Dias passed away~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Legendary comedian Anesley Dias passed away this morning (12) in his house in Kelaniya. He became popular as ‘Hamu Mahaththaya’ in ‘Vinoda Samaya’ comic radio drama. Later, he acted roles in a number of TV programmes. Mr. Dias was a past student of St. Alosius College, Dalugama and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. He was 81 years old by the time he passed away. He was a father of six children. His remains are now placed in his house No: 378, Old Kancy Road, Kelaniya.zzz03186024
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7844~~~850 children that have lost both parents live in welfare villages~~~Jun 12 (LeN) Minister of Child Development and Women’s Welfare Sumedha Jayasena says that among 50,000 children that live in welfare villages 850 have lost both parents. She revealed these facts addressing the cabinet press briefing held yesterday afternoon (11) in the parliamentary premises. Mrs. Jayasena said that her Ministry is still looking for if either of the parents of these children is living in the camps. zzz03186026
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/New-TNA-MP-sworn-/2795.htm~~~New TNA MP sworn in~~~Jun 12 (CT) Tamil National Alliance’s T. Thangathurai William was sworn in as a parliamentarian this morning (June 12). He took oaths before Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara in Parliament. He filled the vacancy created following the death of K. Pathmanathan. Meanwhile, the House is due to debate a possible expulsion of four TNA MPs on the grounds that they had not attended sessions for lengthy periods. zzz03186027
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18411~~~An appeal to PM Kevin Rudd about growing racial violence: Nip it in the bud!~~~Jun 12 (AT) Violence against students from India has now spread to Sri Lankan students. Some incidents have occurred in Canberra, the Australian capital. It is not certain whether these students were attacked because the attackers thought they were Indians, or whether Sri Lankans were deliberately targeted. It is also possible that this may have been a stray incident that has received publicity because of the backdrop of violence against Indian students.zzz03186028
http://www.uthr.org/Statements/StatementBobRae.htm~~~Deportation of Bob Rae: Some fundamental questions for the future of minorities~~~Jun 12 (UTHR) The recent denial of entry to the Canadian Parliamentarian Bob Rae, a long time champion of democracy, requires particular attention by those who care about the future of Lanka. His deportation reflects the paradox of continuing internal repression and unhealthy xenophobia despite the end of the war. It reflects a mindset that bodes ill for the minorities and the democratic rights of Sinhalese. zzz03186031
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2366~~~Creating a crisis to resolve~~~Jun 12 (PISL) I have just been at a course on the Law of Internal Displacement organised by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, along with the Brookings Institute, which is the leading think tank in the field. Together with Walter Kalin, the Special Representative on the rights of the Displaced of the UN Secretary General, it produced the Guiding Principles on the subject, a manual that is now widely accepted as definitive.zzz03186030
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Court-calls-death-certificate-LTTE-leader/2804.htm~~~Court calls for death certificate of LTTE leader~~~Jun 12 (CT) Sri Lanka High Court ordered the attorney general yesterday (June 11) to produce before court the death certificate of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. High court judge Kumuduni Wickremesinghe was taking up the case relating to the assassination of foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. Prabhakaran is the first accused in the case, while the other accused are intelligence leader Pottu Amman, Charles alias Charles Master, zzz03186029
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18413~~~LTTE Seniors Balakumaran, 8 other hardcore in police custody ~~~
Jun 12 (AT) LTTE Senior Balakumaran and seven other hardcore Tigers are in the police net, Asian Tribune learns. They are Yogaratnam Yogi, former LTTE spokesman, Baby Subramaniam, LTTE stalwart of long years, Lawrence Thilakar, a former head of the LTTE’s International Secretariat, Ilamaparithi, Jaffna political leader, Karikalan of the Eastern Province and three others whose names are not immediately available.zzz03186032
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea02.asp~~~Time to look beyond Yal Devi ~~~Jun 12 (DN) The last time I traveled by train from Jaffna to Colombo was in July 1975. I was returning after covering for the Observer Lake House, the Northern scene just after Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah’s assassination - Velupillai Prabhakaran’s first terrorist act. Travelling with me on the night mail was the late Stanley Premaratne then staff reporter for the now-defunct Lake House Sinhala daily, Janatha. zzz03186033
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea26.asp~~~Program to increase passes in English Language G.C.E. O/L exam ~~~Jun 12 (DN) This is a saying which comes in testing and evaluation. When questions or testing tools are prepared, this important factor should be considered to make the testing tools valid. Several feature articles appeared in newspapers highlighting that the results of some core-subjects at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination 2008, have drastically gone down. Results of English language 2008 have declined by 8 percent. zzz03186034
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea27.asp~~~Historical glimpses of Holy Cross College - Kalutara ~~~Jun 12 (DN) Perusal of the historical annals of the inception of the Holy Cross College, Kalutara reveals that in an era as far back as the latter half of the 19th century, a Burgher national named Brohier had taken the initiative to start a private school. This private school was functioning in a rented house in close proximity to the Holy Cross Church. Since then a number of educational luminaries both foreign and local took the reins of Holy Cross College and . zzz03186035
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/12/fea32.asp~~~Textile development in the East ~~~Jun 12 (DN) Designer Senaka de Silva in association with Vinitha Seneviratne of the Ministry of Textile Industry Development conducted a 5-day workshop on Colour and Design Training Program for Maradamune weavers. Maradamune In the Ampara district of Kalmunai A.G.A. Division, Weaving is a way of life. Over 700 weavers earn a living by producing hand woven fabrics as a livelihood. zzz03186036
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18415~~~Our Colombo correspondent and four other scribes under threat~~~Jun 12 (AT) According to an alleged confession of a personal security officer,himself a Naval officer, of a very 'high ranking' Naval officer, five journalists, including the Asian Tribune Colombo Correspondent and Bottom Line newspaper defence columnist, Ruwan Weerakone are reported to be under threat for reportage during war times, well informed intelligence sources revealed.zzz03186037
no~~~Parliament leave approved for 3 TNA MPs~~~Jun 12 (CT) Three MPs of the TNA have been granted three months leave by parliament. Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara announced the decision today after considering the medical certificates submitted by the three parliamentarians. Two days ago, the TNA sought leave for these MPs, but the request was vehemently opposed by ruling party members. They alleged the leave was being applied for them to go overseas and campaign against the Sri Lankan nation and the constitution.zzz03186038
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news1.html~~~Kelaniya University closed following violent clashes~~~Jun 12 (Island) The Kelaniya University, except its Medical faculty, was closed indefinitely yesterday following a clash between students and the residents in the area. Residents of Dalugama went berserk at noon yesterday and attacked undergraduates with stones and clubs following an assaulted by a student on a youth from the area in a tea boutique near the campus on Wednesday.zzz03186040
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news2.html~~~Govt. unlikely to allow LIOC open more sales points~~~
Jun 12 (Island) The Lanka India Oil Company (LIOC) had sought permission to open 300 more filling stations in Sri Lanka, but the Government is very unlikely to comply with the request, Petroleum Resources Minister A. H. M. Fowzie told Parliament. He said that according to the agreement with the LIOC, it should be allowed to open a new filling station each time the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) opens one.zzz03186039
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/features4.html~~~'The Tamils have now been left on the road'~~~Jun 12 (Island) TNA MP Sivanathan Kisshor entered politics in 2004, after serving as an official of the Red Cross for fourteen years. He raised eyebrows on both sides of the political divide this week, by participating in the Yaldevi run from Vavuniya up to Thandikulam and by abstaining from voting at the extension of emergency on Tuesday. In this interview, Kisshor speaks to C.A.Chandraprema on the reasons that led to his decision to strike out on an independent path. zzz03186041
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/12/news9.html~~~Gota: what matters is the man at the controls of armaments ~~~Jun 12 (Island) Nothing could be as accurate as Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s assertion that it was the man at the controls of whatever the armaments at the SLAF’s disposal, who made a difference in the battlefield. He said that he always believed that given the correct leadership, the fighting forces could have defeated the LTTE. He said that expensive armaments would be ineffective in the absence of a capable military leadership to spearhead forces. zzz03186042
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44756.html~~~Protecting journalists~~~Jun 12 (LNP) One may wonder whether attacks on journalists in this country are being carried out by ghosts. For, not even the entire khaki brigade has been able to nab a single assailant. The only problem with this spooky theory may be that the violent eidolons pursuing poor scribes and threatening their earthly existence are capable of operating even during daytime, considered anathema to incorporeal beings. zzz03186043
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44754.html~~~Sri Lankans target semi berth~~~Jun 12 (LNP) The Sri Lankan cricketers are overjoyed that they have entered the Super Eight round of the International Cricket Council s World Cup Twenty20 tournament and have now set their sights on entering the semi-finals. When the Lankans arrived here, they faced an uphill task. They were in the toughest group with Australia and the West Indies. Australia and the West Indies are tough sides and beating them was not going to be easy. zzz03186045
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Bob-Rae-deporting-shows-govt.-has-backbone---'Divaina'-editorial/2817.htm~~~'Bob Rae deporting shows govt. has backbone'~~~
Jun 12 (AFP) The Sri Lankan government faced renewed demands Friday to free nearly 300,000 war-displaced civilians, who fled Tamil Tiger rebel territory, from tightly guarded state-run camps. New York-based Human Rights Watch said the squalid camps, which are ringed with barbed wire, were a "national disgrace" and violated international law. zzz03186055
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090612/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunresteconomyaidimf_20090612083021~~~Sri Lanka won't beg for aid: central bank chief~~~Jun 12 (AFP) War ravaged Sri Lanka will not beg for foreign aid even as a 1.9 billion dollar bailout from the IMF has been delayed, the island's central bank chief said on Friday. "We will never go after donors or lending agencies with a begging bowl. We are capable of standing on our own and raise funds through capital markets," Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor, Nivard Cabraal, told AFP.zzz03186056
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Devolution+the+only+way&artid=aqMR%7Cc3XFx4=&SectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo=&MainSectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo=&SectionName=m3GntEw72ik=~~~Devolution the only way ~~~Jun 12 (EB) The battle for the control of territory between the armed forces of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has come to an end with virtually the entire leadership of the Tigers, including Prabhakaran, being killed. The victory represents an end to a fratricidal ethnic conflict, which brought about death, destruction and untold suffering to thousands of people, which include Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims. zzz03186021
no~~~A new era has began~~~zzz03186050.1
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906121678.htm~~~Lankan troops recover over 1.5 million landmines in North~~~Jun 13 (PTI) Sri Lankan troops have so far recovered over 1.5 million landmines from the region captured from the LTTE and have expedited the process of demining the areas to facilitate the early resettlement of displaced civilians in the northern region. The army has launched massive searches to recover the weapons of LTTE, especially claymore mines and other destructive explosives, in the northern areas. zzz03186059
http://www.gemidiriya.org/~~~Makaldeniya water project, A symbol of ethnic unity ~~~Jun 13 (GD) Now we have water, K.Kandasami (61) a Tamil estate laborer murmured with utmost happiness looking at the children who are playing splashing water. The new water tap in his compound pours water on the parched land making the air smell as if a rain has fallen on the sand. Kandasami, a casual laborer said that this is like a dream. We never even dreamt of pipe borne water to our huts, but Gemidiriya made that dream a reality, he said.zzz03186060
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSCOL40299520090612?sp=true~~~Bourse at 9-mo high on foreign interest~~~Jun 13 (Reuters) Sri Lankan shares jumped on Friday to a nine-month high led by foreign buying of bluechips after the central bank said an IMF loan will be approved before end-June and local purchases of plantation and hotel shares. The rupee closed flat as a state bank bought dollars. The Colombo All-Share Price Index rose 1.55 percent or 34.51 points to 2220.11, its highest close since Sept. 17 last year. zzz03186061
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/649649~~~Was expat behind Bob Rae's woes?~~~Jun 13 (Star) The seeds of a decision to bar Bob Rae's entry to Sri Lanka may have been planted with the pen of a Sri Lankan expatriate from London, Ont., with advance knowledge of the trip and a grudge against the federal Liberal party. Days before Rae was turned away at Colombo's main airport late Tuesday night, allegedly for his sympathies toward the Tamil Tiger separatists, Irangani de Silva had one of the many articles and letters she has written zzz03186062
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/12/sri-lanka-war-crimes~~~Humanity failed in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 13 (Guardian) Sri Lanka is a country where abductions, disappearances, killings and general human rights violations happen with impunity. Law and order is applied selectively. Racists are promoted to higher ranks and government allegedly colludes with armed paramilitary in abductions and disappearances. In recent times, Sri Lanka has taken a step further in breaching international law, Geneva conventions and UN charters that it is signed up to.zzz03186063
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10126&Itemid=44~~~Bush fires devastate Bandarawela jungles ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Precincts of Bandarawela have been hit by a bush fire and, unfortunately, the fire has proved disastrous for many villagers living in the vicinities of Aluthgamagama, a village adjacent to Bindunuwewa. At least, 10 households are in the danger of being displaced so far. “Prevailing weather conditions, temperatures well above the average, are so warm and it’s rather a difficult task to take these fires into control,” zzz03186064
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=791963319~~~Sri Lanka forgoes Rs10bn in revenue on public servants cars~~~Jun 13 (LBO) Import duty concessions for Sri Lankan public servants to buy cars has caused the government a loss of over 10 billion rupees in revenue in 2008, a report by the finance ministry said. The import of motor vehicles under a concessionary duty structure was implemented under different government circulars in 2008, the finance ministry annual report just released said. zzz03186065
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408642.html~~~Sri Lanka maintain winning ways~~~
Jun 13 (CI) Sri Lanka survived a shocking mid-innings slump and a threatening 66-run partnership between Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq to ease to a 19-run win in their first game of the Super Eights at Lord's. Chasing a modest 151 - after Sri Lanka were shackled by some superb bowling from the spinners - Pakistan's fight was led by their captain, who made a well-paced 50, but three wickets in eight balls, including those of Younis and Shahid Afridi, sunk the chase. zzz03186066
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/13/stories/2009061356351400.htm~~~Three attempts were made on Rajapaksa’s life: Army ~~~Jun 13 (Hindu) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa escaped “by a whisker” at least three assassination attempts by LTTE suicide squads, thanks to “tightened security arrangements”, said the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) on Friday. In a report posted on its website, the Army said the information came to light in the course of a court inquiry into the Wellawatte (Tamil dominated area in Colombo) suicide bomber’s death.zzz03186067
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408729.html~~~Indiscplined Pakistan gift game away~~~Jun 13 (CI) Pakistan could have been undone by several factors beyond their control at Lord's - an unfavourable D/L situation, a blitz from Sanath Jayasuriya, or a mesmeric spell from Muttiah Muralitharan for instance. But the weather was fair, Jayasuriya fell for 26 and Murali took only 2 for 28. Instead, their defeat was down to issues within their grasp: wayward bowling - Sohail Tanvir was the most culpable - and their notoriously slack fielding, both facets vital to Twenty20s. zzz03186068
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408744.html~~~Courageous Sri Lanka put the past behind~~~Jun 13 (CI) The last time these two nations met on a cricket field, Sri Lanka left by helicopter gunship. A scenic bus journey through the tree-lined streets of St John's Wood on Friday no doubt served as a contrasting - and, perhaps, cathartic - experience for those concerned, but the preceding three hours at Lord's proved, in pure cricketing terms, just how little had changed for Sri Lanka in the intervening three months. zzz03186069
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/failed-imperialist-attempts-to-vanquish_12.html~~~Failed imperialist attempts to vanquish Sri Lanka - Part.II ~~~Jun 13 (LG) It was not only in the recent war theater that the British Government and British authorities opposed Sri Lanka and made every effort to undermine the legitimate aspirations of Sri Lankan masses. When the people’s resurgence took place in the 1950s, shattering Britain’s hidden objectives of remote controlling Sri Lankan affairs through their proxies differing only in the colour of skin, Britain had been hostile to Sri Lanka whenever it became possible. zzz03186070
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18420~~~Public assistance tremendous for IDPs, says Competent Authority ~~~Jun 13 (AT) Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army – Major General G.A. Chandrasiri who is also the Competent Authority, Northern Region, for the Resettlement of IDPs in a candid discussion on the prevailing situation in the relief villages set up to accommodate IDPs said that assistance from the public has been tremendous with both public and private sector, social service and non-governmental organsiations and individuals across the country zzz03186071
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18425~~~Wars & Civilian Deaths~~~Jun 13 (AT) The world has seen civil wars, revolutions, coups, insurrections, global wars and now terrorism. All throughout civilians have been affected in some way or the other. What makes modern terrorism more lethal than the varying types of conflicts we have faced historically is that terrorism is almost invisible and the terrorist without the gun becomes more dangerous than the terrorist holding the gun. zzz03186072
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18428~~~Govt’s reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts going on apace for IDPs~~~Jun 13 (AT) Sri Lanka Government’s efforts to reconcile, rehabilitate and reconstruct is going on apace in the Vavuniya district, as the IDPs settle down to a normal life, albeit with some difficulties and shortcomings, considering that more than 223,000 persons are provided accommodation, healthcare and education, in addition to every of their need met as far as possible, day in day out. zzz03186073
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18433~~~Diplomatic Impropriety of (soon to be) U.S. envoy to Sri Lanka Butenis~~~Jun 13 (AT) Patricia Butenis’ role as American ambassador in Bangladesh during her 14-month tenure in 2006/07 provoked widespread controversies and questions about diplomatic propriety. Nevertheless, she continued to be outspoken. Sensing the outrage in many quarters in Bangladesh she however said 'Many may be annoyed by what I am doing or saying, but I shall carry on, as whatever I am doing is for democracy in Bangladesh.'zzz03186074
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/13th-amendment-why-non-implementation-is-a-non-option/~~~13th Amendment: Why non-implementation is a non-option~~~Jun 13 (AT) The warning about the risk of triumphalism came days before the 65th anniversary celebration of D Day, by the leaders of the US, UK and France. In the USA there are annual re-enactments of the battles of the American Revolution – the War of Independence against Britain —and of the Civil War against the Secessionist Confederacy. While the risk of triumphalism does indeed exist and must be cautioned against, zzz03186075
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrI0YyKHRAdFjfM1qHYICDIFf6JQ~~~Court jails Tamil leader for helping Tigers~~~
Jun 13 (AFP) A British Tamil leader convicted of supplying bomb-making equipment to Tamil Tiger rebels was jailed for two years by a court in London Friday, but the judge described him as a "thoroughly decent man." The judge said Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar -- also known as "Shantan" -- had broken the law for a cause he passionately believed in, supplying equipment which he did not necessarily know would be used for military purposes.zzz03186076
no~~~Exotic Holidays in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186071.5
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/13/stories/2009061360950800.htm~~~Mechanism needed to monitor aid given to Sri Lanka: CPI ~~~Jun 13 (Hindu) A mechanism should be evolved to monitor the financial assistance provided by the Centre to the Sri Lankan government for rehabilitating Tamils, said D. Raja, Communist Party of India national secretary, here on Friday. Mr. Raja said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced that Rs. 500 crore would be provided to the Sri Lankan government to help rehabilitate the Tamil civilians in the post-war scenario.zzz03186071.6
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=1~~~Wanni: Scourge of deadly landmines lie ahead ~~~Jun 13 (SLW) Whoever shows interests in working in Wanni or any institution or organization committed to this task must give serious consideration to the scourge of landmine blasts, an evil reality of the war that has just come to an end; hopefully peace will be sustained. The primary immediate factors are the return of the Wanni families to their homes, farms and the activities of the community as early as possible. zzz03186071.7
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=2~~~Wanni’s primary need: Committed Rural Social Leaders ~~~Jun 13 (SLW) The Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) of the College of Agriculture of Xavier University in the Philippines trains every year rural social workers to promote sustainable development through leadership formation from the grass roots in South, Southeast and East Asia as well as from some countries in Africa and the Pacific Island nations.zzz03186071.4
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_aftermaths_of_the_war.html~~~The aftermaths of the war~~~Jun 13 (TC) In the beginning, the Rajapakse government characterized its war against the LTTE as part of the global war on terrorism. In the middle, and muddle, it became the war to liberate the Tamil civilians from the clutches of the LTTE. In the end, the war morphed into a despotic assertion of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty against Western interference. In the aftermath of the war, the plight of the Tamil civilians in the Vanni has not improved in spite of their liberation, and zzz03186081
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sldr-j13.shtml~~~Police interrogate doctors who witnessed war crimes~~~Jun 13 (wsws) The Sri Lankan government is continuing to detain and interrogate three doctors—Dr Thurairajah Varatharajah, Dr Thangamuttu Sathyamurthi and Dr V. Shanmugarajah—who risked their lives to provide medical care to thousands of Tamil civilians caught in fighting between the army and the separatist LTTE. With journalists and most aid workers barred from the war zone, the government-appointed medical officers provided a glimpse into the horrific conditions facing zzz03186082
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/art-war-and-politics-in-sri-lanka-an-interview-with-jagath-weerasinghe/~~~Art, War and Politics in Sri Lanka: An interview with Jagath Weerasinghe~~~Jun 13 (GV) Jagath Weerasinghe is one of Sri Lanka best known and most influential artists (see bio here). He was commissioned by the Sri Lankan government to design the monument ‘Shrine for the Innocent’ as a remembrance for the innocent victims of the ruthless violence that the southern part of the country experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s and was completed in 1999.zzz03186083
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/13/13th-amendment-why-non-implementation-is-a-non-option/~~~13th Amendment: Why non-implementation is a non-option~~~Jun 13 (GV) The warning about the risk of triumphalism came days before the 65th anniversary celebration of D Day, by the leaders of the US, UK and France. In the USA there are annual re-enactments of the battles of the American Revolution – the War of Independence against Britain —and of the Civil War against the Secessionist Confederacy. While the risk of triumphalism does indeed exist and must be cautioned against, zzz03186084
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10141&Itemid=44~~~Office workers: stop whatever you are doing on June 19 ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Jun 19 has been declared as the ‘official cleaning day’. However, it’s not just to stop, start with the papers on the floor and, then, on the papers on your desk sort of another humdrum task. Launching an ardent campaign to take hold of the deadly dengue mosquito, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) expects office workers to go a bit further. This time CMC expects them to start with the garbage and proceed towards litter strewn gardens.zzz03186085
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10135&Itemid=44~~~ADRA Contributes to Tsunami Warning System ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Tangalle Tsunami Warning Towers (TTWT) project has been completed recently. TTWT is expected to monitor seismological and tidal stations to evaluate potentially tsunami-genic earthquakes and disseminating tsunami warning information. Located in Tangalle, TTWT would provide tsunami warning information to the public and other relevant authorities. TTWT has been implemented by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Sri Lanka.zzz03186086
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10139&Itemid=44~~~'Every citizen has his right to own land'~~~
Jun 13 (GDI) Each individual has his right to own land, enjoy ownership and the economic benefits that flow from it. Such rights are constantly respected by the SL government. And, it’s high time that the estate worker break the mindset of living in estate owned land forever, Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratna said. The Minister was addressing a land distribution ceremony handing over zzz03186087
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10140&Itemid=44~~~Farmer exchange program ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Sri Lankan farmers will be provided with opportunities to improve their agricultural expertise while working with diverse agricultural groups giving them much exposure to new developments in the sector, Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara said initiating a farmer exchange program between Sri Lanka and Israel. Agritech Israel 2009 served as a platform to bring together more than 7,000 foreign visitors zzz03186088
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10138&Itemid=44~~~Crooks dupe Libyan job seekers ~~~Jun 13 (GDI) Many ambitious youth were promised non-existent jobs in Libya on payment of large sums of money as deposits. Hundreds of such job seekers have already been duped in an alleged job scam, according to Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment authorities. They claim that they received complains from a large number of youth who handed over big cash deposits to such crooks.zzz03186089
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2581211/Article/index_html~~~Mercy Malaysia in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 13 (NST) The number of internally-displaced people in Sri Lanka is increasing every day. Mercy Malaysia president Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood said in March, Mercy Malaysia had deployed a two-member team to the country to establish a working relationship and conduct an assessment. An assessment carried out at Menik Farm located in the Cheddikulam District registered more than 270,000 internally-displaced people.zzz03186090
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-private-and-public-sector-together.html~~~We (Private and Public sector) together can restore North and East ~~~Jun 13 (LG) The real victims of the war that ravaged in the country are/were the innocent civilians of all communities. Whatever the political solution if given will only benefit few people who will come to power and not the civilians in the north and east. In my belief the government could get extensive support and participation of the private sector and the private individuals to expediently bring the normalcy to the civilians in the NE who had suffered immensely. zzz03186091
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/calls-for-boycott-of-sporting-and.html~~~Calls for boycott of sporting and economic ties with Sri Lanka will not work ~~~Jun 13 (LG) We have seen recent news reports that a section of New Zealand Tamils supporting the international terrorist organization LTTE has suggested that the New Zealand Government should cancel the Black Caps’ Sri Lankan cricket tour and should also boycott Sri Lankan goods as a retaliation for defeating terrorism within Sri Lanka in the recently concluded war.zzz03186092
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-are-traditional-friends-russian.html~~~We are traditional friends - Russian envoy ~~~Jun 13 (LG) It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you – representatives of every community, faith, profession and age, citizens of friendly state. Today the Russian Federation celebrates its National Day. During many centuries of its history the Russian nation passed various stages: from ancient clan community to feudal and then bourgeois state, great empire, three revolutions, civil war, totalitarian regime and Soviet style society.zzz03186093
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7851~~~UNP politburo rejects platform for freedom~~~Jun 13 (LeN) The politburo of the UNP rejected leader Ranil Wickramasinghe’s proposal to form an alliance of political parties led by UNP. The blueprint submitted by UNP General Secretary Thissa Aththanayaka proposed to evelop Platform for Freedom as a political alliance. UNP National Organizer S. B. Disanayaka said after peruse the document that it was an alliance in which Mangala Samaraweera was the secretary and protested it but still emphasized the need of an alliance.zzz03186096
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1886&Itemid=51~~~Repeated death threats in Oslo journalist by LTTE ~~~Jun 13 (LP) More than 12 youngsters, subjected to LTTE extortions and death threats in Norway, were to seek an urgent meeting with Norway's Director of Police Ingelin Killengren since the Norwegian Police have so far failed to take LTTE threats and atrocities with deserving seriousness. The disclosure on Norwegian National Television (NRK) on Wednesday came in the wake of an interview given by the Oslo-based Tamil journalist, Nadaraja Sethurupan, who zzz03186095
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1882:unmanned-ariel-vehicle-to-the-fore-&catid=48:security&Itemid=72 ~~~Unmanned Ariel Vehicle to the fore ~~~
Jun 13 (LP) The UAV (Unmanned Ariel Vehicle) of the Sri Lanka Air Force will be used to safeguard the coastal line and for other security purposes of the country said Air Force Commander Chief Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilake. Accordingly the UAV will be used to inform the public about the traffic jams and diversions which will be implemented in the future said the Air Force Commander. zzz03186094
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2367~~~Secretary General intervenes in HRC sessions in Geneva~~~Jun 13 (PISL) Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, in his capacity as Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, spoke on behalf of Sri Lanka in the General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva today. His statement is carried in full below. Sri Lanka wishes, Mr President, to express its appreciation of the UPR process, both as it has been conducted under your leadership this year, and in general. zzz03186097
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2378~~~Secretary General responds to UN Watch~~~Jun 13 (PISL) Responding to an intervention by United Nations Watch in the General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review Process in Geneva today, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights Prof Rajiva Wijesinha commented on the dangers of allowing unaccountable organisations to denigrate the work of the Human Rights Council. His remarks are carried below.zzz03186098
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2379~~~The Western Use of Toilets~~~Jun 13 (PISL) The saddest aspect of the war of attrition that some prospective donors are conducting against the Sri Lankan government is that its main victims will be the poor civilians who were rescued from the Tigers. It will be remembered that their prolonged captivity was also due in part to the connivance of some Western interventionists in the Tiger strategy of dragging them along with the terrorist forces as they retreated. zzz03186099
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44786.html~~~NDB Bank pledges Rs. 9 m to Moratuwa varsity~~~Jun 13 (LNP) NDB Bank has pledged nearly Rs.9 million to the University of Moratuwa to sponsor Sri Lanka`s first endowed Professor/Senior Fellow in Entrepreneurship. NDB Bank believes an entrepreneurial culture is essential for sustainable development of the country, said the Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, Eran Wickramarathne after signing an MoU at the Cinnamon Grand yesterday. zzz03186100
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090613_04~~~More weapons, ammo & explosives emerge as clearing operations continue ~~~Jun 13 (MoD) Troops conducting search and clear operations in the Wanni areas on Friday (12) uncovered some more LTTE weapons, ammunition and explosives from different locations in Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya. Sixteen Light Machine Guns (LMG), forty-eight T - 56 weapons, four T - 81 weapons, one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG), three pistols, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), seven RPG bombs, zzz03186103
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090612_03~~~Never the machines, but the men behind them .... ~~~Jun 13 (MoD) As the world is abuzz with the resounding triumphs of current military maneuvers against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and allegations against the Sri Lankan Government and its Armed Forces for 'violations of human rights,' Nilakshi Gunatillake speaks to officers of the Armed Forces and all underscore that Professionalism as the key to the colossal wins.... zzz03186102
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090613_01~~~President lauds STF role in terror fight ~~~
Jun 13 (MoD) Terrorists of all countries start their operations against the democratic state by killing police personnel. The LTTE terrorists who have been completely defeated by Armed Forces started their campaign of terror by killing four members of the Police Force at Velvettithurai Road in Point Pedro in 1984. Yet the Special Task of the Police Force had proved that they were capable of instilling zzz03186101
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/United-National-Party-proposes-creation-united-Sri-Lankan-nation/2835.htm~~~UNP proposes creation of united Sri Lankan nation~~~Jun 13 (CT) The UNP has proposed that all citizens should get together to create a united Sri Lankan nation. A special proposal adopted by the party says time has come for the unity and the progress of the nation of one identity. Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Right Hon. D.S. Senanayake, who founded the party in 1946, the UNP says this Sri Lankan nation should respect and protect the different religions, languages and cultures of all citizens. zzz03186104
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Ravi-Vaidyalankara-appointed-head-CID/2844.htm~~~Ravi Vaidyalankara appointed head of CID~~~Jun 13 (CT) Senior SP Ravi Vaidyalankara has been appointed director of the CID. A past pupil of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, he is a law graduate. SSP Vaidyalankara is a recipient of specialist intelligence training in the US, Britain and India. A senior officer of the CID, he had led several high profile cases including the attack on the air force camp in Katunayake and the attempt on the life of the Army Commander. zzz03186105
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-has-30,000-foreigners-visas/2833.htm~~~Sri Lanka has 30,000 foreigners without visas~~~Jun 13 (CT) The Department of Immigration and Emigration says there are around 30,000 foreigners staying in the country without valid visas. Most of them have been staying on tourist visas, normally granted for nationals of 84 countries for a 30-day period on arrival at the airport, Department sources said. Most of these foreigners staying illegally are Indians, Pakistanis and Chinese, who are engaged in various professions.zzz03186106
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/18434~~~New Delhi turns down TNA demand to interfere in Sri Lankan affairs~~~Jun 13 (AT) India's new Foreign Minister S.M.Krishna has reportedly turned down a request from Tamil National Alliance delegation led by R.Sampanthan to urge Colombo to stop the restoration of military camps in the North, and to merge the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the island nation, reports from New Delhi said. Sampanthan had told Krishna that Colombo was in the process of setting up military camps in the North and zzz03186107
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/fea15.asp~~~A wealth of Wildlife ~~~Jun 13 (DN) Being one of the small luxury hotels in the world, the secret to Jetwing's 'Vil Uyana' is definitely its vibrant and astounding wildlife. Tucked comfortably just a few kilometres from the 'World's 8th Wonder' Sigiriya's Lion rock fortress, 'Vil Uyana' is one of the world's first hotels to construct a wetland system to create its very own nature reserve. Nearly 30 species of birds of which 16 are endemic and about 40 species of dragonflies and butterflies call 'Vil Uyana' home. zzz03186110
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/fea21.asp~~~Ekamath Eka Rateka: Love and affection in reflection ~~~Jun 13 (DN) What Emile Zola in his short story 'For a Night of Love' conveys matters not in appreciation of Sanath Gunatilake's Ekamath Eka Rateka as a movie. What inspired him is Zola's short story and what inspirited the filmgoer is Sanath's cinematic work. What the film reflects in its subtle refined cinematic language is an intrinsic conflict between love and affection. zzz03186109
no~~~Human elephant conflict in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186108
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/news04.asp~~~Decline in hydrophobia cases ~~~Jun 13 (DN) Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday that over one million hydrophobia (rabies) cases have been reported during the past four years and 235 patients had died from the disease. The Minister said 380,662 patients had been reported in 2005, 351,092 in 2006, 274,000 in 2007 and 176,000 in 2008. According to the Minister 58 patients had died in 2005, 73 in 2006, 56 in 2007 and 51 patients in 2008. zzz03186111
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/13/news13.asp~~~School term tests: Ministry reverts to old formula ~~~Jun 13 (DN) The mechanism of conducting school term tests and year-end tests, which was introduced by the Education Ministry last year has come to a halt by now. Under that system the question papers were prepared for the whole country by the Education Ministry. The Education Ministry commenced carrying out the term tests last year considering weaknesses that prevailed in the then term test system. zzz03186112
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news37.html~~~George Master makes confidential statement to Court~~~Jun 13 (Island) Former interpreter for the LTTE, George Master yesterday gave a long, confidential statement to Court. George Master, born Velupillai Kumar Pancharathnam, was produced before Courts yesterday morning by the Criminal Investigation Department and sought permission to make a confidential statement. On being granted permission he made a three-hour-long statement in Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi’s office. zzz03186113
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news38.html~~~Law enforcement politicized – UNP~~~Jun 13 (Island) In the absence of an independent Police Commission, law enforcement has been further politicized, as seen by recent promotions granted to certain officers, the UNP alleged yesterday. UNP MP, Lakshman Kirialle said that promotions and transfers of policemen, other than the IGP, have to be effected by the Police Commission in terms of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, but President Mahinda Rajapaksa was deliberately delaying constituting the Constitutional Council, zzz03186114
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news23.html~~~'COPE report saved country one half of GDP'~~~Jun 13 (Island) Former COPE Chairman Wijedasa Rajapakshe, PC, yesterday said he was happy that thanks to a damning COPE report exposing a number of questionable public sector deals the country had been able to save a colossal amount of money equivalent to one half of its GDP or 300 billion rupees. Rajapakse paid a glowing tribute to the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara, without whose assistance, he said, the COPE report at issue would not have entered the public domain zzz03186116
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/13/news24.html~~~President’s 18 foreign trips cost over Rs. 209.3 mn – Dinesh~~~
Jun 13 (Gulf) Sri Lankan opener Tillekaratne Dilshan won the man of the match award against Pakistan for his quick 46 off 39 balls to provide a breezy start. His innovative shots have stunned the bowlers. All captains are finding it hard to set the field for him. When asked about his innings against Pakistan, he remarked, "It was important we get to a good start.zzz03186124
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Access-into-Sri-Lankan-relief-camps-improves-UN/articleshow/4651553.cms~~~Access into Sri Lankan relief camps improves: UN~~~Jun 13 (PTI) United Nations humanitarian wing has said that access to camps in Vavuniya housing thousands of civilians displaced by the recently ended conflict in Sri Lanka has improved, though some delays are still being experienced. In addition, work on an additional camp in the area has begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps. zzz03186125
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Rajapaksa+committed+to+power+sharing,+feels+Japan&artid=BeoHrtJ94Ew=&SectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SEO=lanka,+rajapaksa,+united,+nations,+japan&SectionName=VfE7I/Vl8os=~~~Rajapaksa committed to power sharing, feels Japan ~~~Jun 13 (IANS) President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to sharing power with the minorities, now that he has crushed the Tamil Tigers. This is the feeling of Japan, whose Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi held extensive discussions with the president this week. Rajapaksa told Akashi over breakfast that he realizes that defeating the LTTE does not automatically amount to ending the long-standing Tamil grievances that fuelled the ethnic conflict at the first place.zzz03186126
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Terror-campaign-sex-attack-student/article-1073901-detail/article.html~~~Terror campaign of sex attack student~~~Jun 14 (TIS) Sex offender Achala Dadallage groped female students walking back to their university digs in the early hours of the morning. The 27-year-old Sri Lankan struck three times at Keele University campus between November and January, grabbing his victims' breasts from behind. Dadallage, of Keele Road, Newcastle, also followed two girls round a church in Newcastle on December 23 before groping a 17-year-old's breasts on the stairway to a car park.zzz03186127
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/408809.html~~~Sri Lanka approaching top gear~~~Jun 14 (CI) There are signs that Sri Lanka are beginning to find the sort of form which makes them so dangerous in one-day cricket. South Africa and India may have started as pre-tournament favourites, but Sri Lanka's 19-run win over Pakistan contained plenty in it to suggest they're about to hit their straps. Tillakaratne Dilshan scorched 46 from 39 to give them another flying start, an innings which contained his absurdly audacious flip-flick over the wicketkeeper's head. zzz03186128
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=9d4cddc2-cdf7-428c-ba31-33fab06062db&Headline=Military+officer+taught+LTTE+cadre+assassination+tricks%3a+Lanka+court~~~Military officer taught LTTE cadre assassination tricks: Lanka court~~~Jun 14 (HT) The LTTE had made suicide assassination attempts on President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the help of a military officer on their payroll in the last six months, a criminal court was told on Friday. The revelations came after a suspected LTTE suicide cadre was arrested from Colombo. According to the army, the suspect received training in Kilinochchi for assassinating VIPs. By the army’s own admission, the attempts failed by a "whisker."zzz03186129
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7855~~~'We will have no regrets if UNP decides to reject the idea of political alliance'~~~jun 14 (LeN) Mangala Samaraweera’s name was never discussed for the post of Secretary of any alliance with UNP. On the contrary there is unanimous agreement during the discussion that the posts of Leader, General Secretary and Organizer of the proposed alliance at national, district and local levels should be reserved only for the UNP. Assuming LeN news on UNP politburo on alliance matter correctly reflects what actually happened at the UNP politburo meeting,zzz03186130
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/uae-foreign-minister-visits-sri-lanka/~~~UAE Foreign Minister visits Sri Lanka~~~Jun 14 (AT) United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan visited Sri Lanka today (Saturday) – the first high level visit from that country since his father, the then Foreign Minister visited Sri Lanka in 1976. Addressing a media conference in Colombo, Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that this is a unique event in view of the highest level of engagement taking place between the two countries after nearly 35 years. zzz03186133
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/lord-buddha%e2%80%99s-preaching%e2%80%99s-reverberated-in-the-scottish-parliament/~~~Lord Buddha’s preaching’s reverberated in the Scottish parliament~~~Jun 14 (AT) On 3rd June 2009, Venerable K.Sri Rewatha Thero (Bhante), addressed the Scottish Parliament by leading Time for Reflection before the main business of the day. Although monks are members of the Sri Lankan parliament, this is the first time that a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk has had the opportunity and great honour of addressing a European parliament. Bhante Rewatha chose teachings of the Buddha as the foundation of his talk.zzz03186132
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2449:well-rally-the-progressive-masses-in-the-country-to-defeat-the-attempt-to-implement-13th-amendment-tilvin-silva&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'We’ll rally the masses to defeat the attempt to implement 13th amendment'~~~
Jun 14 (AT) “The war is over now. Some ask us why we don’t come forward to share the booty. We don’t want to that as there are devolution proposals underneath the booty. Hence we say if there is an attempt to implement the 13th amendment with maximum devolution of powers it should be defeated. We would join all progressive and patriotic masses in this country to defeat such a sinister attempt,”zzz03186131
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8098586.stm~~~Family appeals over killer rapist~~~Jun 14 (BBC) The family of a woman raped and strangled in east London has appealed for help to find her attacker. The partially-clothed body of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, of Walthamstow, was found by a passer-by in Queens Road Park in the early hours of 30 May. Her older sister Ann Chandradasa, 37, said the family was in pieces and sickened by the manner of her death. She urged any other rape victims to come forward after police said the same man may have attacked other women. zzz03186134
http://asiantribune.com/06/13/sri-lanka-the-war-that-the-west-thought-was-a-picnic/~~~Sri Lanka: The war that the West thought was a picnic~~~Jun 14 (AT) From a Western perspective and the likes of New York based Human Rights Watch, Sri Lanka’s war should have been fought like a picnic outing. Innocent civilians should have been asked to get to a side so that the Sri Lankan Forces and the well armed LTTE cadres could have shot at each other without harming any civilians. The LTTE personnel should also have worn T shirts or some other garment that clearly identified them as LTTE so that zzz03186135
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/14/stories/2009061455671200.htm~~~Petition seeks freedom of movement for displaced ~~~Jun 14 (Hindu) The Centre for Policy Alternative (CPA), a Colombo based think-tank, has filed a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the restrictions on the free movement of the 2.8 lakh war-displaced sheltered in government-run camps spread across three districts in the north of Sri Lanka. In its petition, the CPA said restriction of free movement of IDPs was a violation of their fundamental rights. zzz03186136
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8095055.stm~~~Tiger prisoner describes end of the war ~~~Jun 14 (BBC) A former prisoner of war of the Tamil Tigers who managed to escape days before their final defeat says there was no offer from the LTTE leadership to surrender. Chaminda Kumara Hewage of the Sri Lankan navy was captured by the LTTE with six others in November 2006. The group managed to escape with fleeing civilians and Tamil Tigers early in the morning of 17 May. "Many Tamil Tigers had already surrendered and the unit guarding us also decided to give themselves up so we made use of the opportunity to flee," zzz03186137
no~~~The disappearing act in Sri Lanka~~~zzz03186138
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-tigers-last-battle.html~~~The Tamil Tigers last battle~~~Jun 14 (LG) The Tamil Tigers fought to the last ditch- or, more precisely, a section of swampy beach along Sri Lanka’s Northeast coast. The bloody end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year old civil war is tragic and appalling. But it may also have been the only way to end that nation’s bitter civil war. Large numbers of sick, starving, shell-shocked Tamil refugees are being herded into government security compounds. Some estimates put the number at 100,000. zzz03186139
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/wars-civilian-deaths.html~~~Wars & civilian deaths ~~~Jun 14 (LG) The world has seen civil wars, revolutions, coups, insurrections, global wars & now terrorism. All throughout civilians have been affected in some way or the other. What makes modern terrorism more lethal than the varying types of conflicts we have faced historically is that terrorism is almost invisible & the terrorist without the gun becomes more dangerous than the terrorist holding the gun. zzz03186140
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-ten-actions.html~~~Sri Lanka : ten actions ~~~Jun 14 (LG) Every unpunished massacre in history always spawns a dozen more as those who carry out new carnages are confident they will never be condemned.“Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Adolf Hitler was supposed to have said in a speech in August 1939, on the eve of Nazi Germany's invasion of neighbouring Poland. Hitler was reminding his generals of how the Ottoman Empire annihilated over zzz03186141
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/china-diagnoses-ti-lakkhanaanicca.html~~~China diagnoses ti-lakkhana—anicca, dukkha, and anatta ~~~Jun 14 (LG) China, the emerging superpower, has achieved its success through the pragmatic application of its three-pronged cultural inheritance based on a hybrid of Buddhist, Confucian, and Daoist principles. Pragmatism, defined so elegantly by the illustrious Deng Xiaoping—“It does not matter whether a cat is black or white; if it catches mice, it’s a good cat”—illustrates the crux of Chinese multi-dimensional thinking, zzz03186142
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/pressure-to-implement-devolution-as.html~~~Pressure to implement devolution as promised ~~~Jun 14 (LG) Internationally, the presence of the old Left (Ministers Dew and Tissa with Vasu) in the government is very useful to Mahinda Rajano. In fact, in the UN Human Rights Council debate, the fact that the government document stood for devolution as a solution to the Tamil national problem helped the government immensely to get the votes of countries such as Cuba. zzz03186143
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/investigation.HTM~~~The Deal of the century~~~Jun 14 (SL) Harry Jayawardena must have been ecstatic back in 2002: By purchasing the controlling interest of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation for Rs. 6 billion he got for himself control of a fund worth Rs. 50 billion – nearly eight times the amount he paid! They don’t call him Goldfinger for nought. His earnest efforts to control the blue chip commercial elite in Sri Lanka came to an ignominious end when a Supreme Court bench headed by zzz03186144
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/interviews.htm~~~‘Well-wishers will fund northern development’~~~
Jun 14 (SL) Government Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella believes that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) would require an additional 50,000 soldiers to maintain law and order and to secure the territory once under LTTE control. Rambukwella claimed that some 16,000 sq kms were lost to the government together with two thirds of the sea but following the unification, zzz03186145
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/onthespot.htm~~~Killing that shocked Kurunegala~~~Jun 14 (SL) It is a sweltering hot afternoon in Kurunegala. The town is buzzing with activity and noise. All around us, we see shop fronts and factories, the normal signs of a busy, urban area. Winding through the streets, we come at last, to our destination — a large house, painted a pale orange. Black trellised iron gates open to show a well-tended garden, complete with paved walkways, bowers, and colourful flora. It is an idyllic scene. zzz03186146
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090614/Issues.htm~~~60,000 IDPs held hostage… by INGOs…~~~Jun 14 (SL) Senior members of major local NGOs have accused major INGOs operating in the north of the country, of deliberately denying facilities to IDPs in the Wanni refugee camps, in order to humiliate and discredit the government. By limiting their cooperation with the government it is alleged that prominent INGOs are working to ensure that conditions in the camps remain as unsanitary as possible – allowing the international community to heap condemnation on zzz03186147
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew2.htm~~~One horse race for Rajapaksa~~~Jun 14 (LB) Close confidantes of UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe have asked him not to contest against President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the next presidential election so that he could win. This, they say is, in recognition of the fact that he rid the country of the scourge of terrorism. They have proposed that negotiations be held for Wickremesinghe to be prime minister. However, Wickremesinghe has vehemently objected to the proposal stating that he zzz03186148
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe1.htm~~~No room for extremist fanaticism~~~Jun 14 (LB) India last week acknowledged that no foreign country had any role to play in Sri Lanka in terms of finding a political solution to the country’s protracted national conflict. The official website of the Government of Sri Lanka quoted Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon as telling a group of Sri Lankan editors visiting India at the invitation of Indian Government that “a political solution for the National Question is a zzz03186149
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~Guidelines by UGC ignored to confer honorary degrees~~~Jun 14 (LB) Carried away by the government’s decisive victory over the LTTE, several universities have ignored new guidelines set out by the University Grants Commission specifying conditions under which these institutions may grant honorary degrees. The University of Colombo has decided to offer honorary doctorates to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in recognition of services they renderedzzz03186150
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew10.htm~~~MCNS must give okay for defence news~~~Jun 14 (LB) The Defence Ministry issued a communique last week stating that media institutions should first get approval from the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) before telecasting, broadcasting or publishing any defence related news. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa signed the letter which states: “At a time the Security Forces and the law enforcing authorities are fully engaged in limited defensive military actionzzz03186151
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=6ff81745-1253-4e4a-814b-b5628ac68161&Headline=China+and+Pak+armed+Lanka%2c+India+will+feed+it~~~China and Pak armed Lanka, India will feed it~~~
Jun 14 (LeN) “Two and half lakhs of Tamil civilians are held in camps. Over 1000 were killed. A large number was injured. Children have no parents. Mothers have lost children. Wives have lost husbands. Pregnant mothers and others lack healthcare. No houses; no water. Bathing is limited once in four days. No food; no toilets. One cannot go out since a Sinhala Army has surrounded them.zzz03186159
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/five-tamil-national-alliance-to-crack-soon/~~~Five Tamil National Alliance to crack soon~~~Jun 14 (AT) In a dramatic turn of events in post-war politics in Sri Lanka, the once strong Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that feared the LTTE leadership, is set to crack before the next sitting of Parliament, sources close to the TNA revealed. A group of TNA MPs are reported to be disillusioned over the current state of the party and the leadership of R.Sampanthan whom they claim do not give a hearing to junior members in the alliance. zzz03186160
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/new01.asp~~~Private lorries to ply on A-9 highway ~~~Jun 14 (SO) The Kandy-Jaffna A-9 highway will be opened for the first time in several years. Private traders will be permitted to operate their lorries and other convoys to the Northern peninsula from Thursday, a well-informed Government source said. Up to now only State-owned vehicles were operating services on the A-9 highway transporting food, medicines and other essential items to the North. With this new arrangement, the prices of essential commodities are likely to come down sharply in the North. zzz03186161
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/new04.asp~~~Talks to defuse tense situation at Kelaniya varsity~~~Jun 14 (SO) Higher Education Minister Prof. Visva Warnapala yesterday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and officials of the Kelaniya University to initiate discussions between students and residents living in the outskirts of the Kelaniya University to defuse the tense situation, following the clash that took place opposite the University premises on Thursday. zzz03186162
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/spe01.asp~~~Sinhala Literature: Need for establishment of standards ~~~Jun 14 (SO) Prof. Wimal Dissanayake is one of the brilliant academics Sri Lanka has ever produced. He is the author of a vast number of books and academic papers on cultural studies, literary studies and cinema. Currently Prof. Dissanayake teaches at the Academy of Creative Media of the University of Hawaii and is also the Director of the Cultural Studies Program at the East-West Centre, Hawaii. zzz03186163
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/pan03.asp~~~‘Shed your differences for a better tomorrow’ ~~~Jun 14 (SO) Geetha Kumarasinghe, well-known in the film industry for her forthright and outspoken views, in an interview with Panorama, said that she is all for helping the Security Forces, but will never give her consent to any venture which uses the brave and noble soldiers’ name, to fatten personal wallets. She said that having come to know of one such project recently, the veteran actress had almost been taken for a ride, but zzz03186167
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/asoka-de-silva-sri-lankas-32nd-chief.html~~~Asoka de Silva, Sri Lanka’s 32nd Chief Justice~~~Jun 14 (LG) The appointment of Justice Asoka de Silva (P.C.) to the highest position in the judiciary is carefully thought of and well timed appointment by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when the country is going through the most turbulent and decisive era in the annals of history. The appointment is compatible with the 17th amendment, the seniority and all other requirements demanded for this highest and powerful position which zzz03186166
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090614_02~~~One-time media critics of war against LTTE, 'playing a different tune now'~~~
Jun 14 (MoD) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that an influential section of print and electronic media which worked overtime against the ruling SLFP-led coalition as it battled the LTTE during the past three years, had now switched sides. "They are playing a different tune now," he said, accusing them of being a critical element of the overall strategy directed against the state. zzz03186164
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/mynation.htm~~~What next with the Tigers’ extinct?~~~Jun 14 (NS) The dust is slowly, but surely, settling on the victory celebrations that erupted throughout the nation, in the aftermath of the defeat of the LTTE. However, it is almost a certainty now, that this will be followed by the hustings- the only question being what type of major election will come first. For now, though, the election-hungry masses will have to be satiated with two appetisers-the Provincial Council (PC) poll in the Uva Province and the Local Government elections in Jaffna.zzz03186168
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/eyefea5.htm~~~Down to earth artist, literally~~~Jun 14 (NS) Sometimes, as a journalist, meeting artists is almost an everyday occurrence, but it’s not often that one encounters an artist who makes his own paint out of clods of soil. Pradeep Indika is one dedicated person who does it, and indeed paints with such colours. The shy 28-year-old artist from Bulathkohuwita in Kegalle, travels around the country regularly, in search of various soil samples to obtain colours for his paintings. zzz03186169
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/politics.htm~~~TNA dilemma, Thondaman’s mission & UNP’s Grand Alliance plan ~~~Jun 14 (NS) TNA displacement within the Sri Lankan political landscape since the defeat of the LTTE, was noted in these columns last week. Their political bankruptcy has now been proven by the fact that several TNA MPs stand to lose their seats, following a discussion that ensued in Parliament last Wednesday. TNA Parliamentarian Shivasakthi Anandan presented a motion in Parliament on Wednesday (10) to request leave of absence for MPszzz03186170
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/14/inter2.htm~~~'All must be grateful to Govt.'~~~
Jun 14 (NS) The UNP stalwart and former Interior Minister John Amaratunga has said that the UNP will support any form of a political package if that was aimed at resolving the long standing problems of the Tamils of the North and East and also helped rebuild the country. While paying a glowing tribute to the government and especially the armed forces for eliminating the LTTE, Amaratunga said it is high time the government placed before the nation a suitable proposal to meet the aspirations of all citizens.zzz03186172
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news2.html~~~'UPFA nominations list will be finalized this week'~~~Jun 14 (Island) UPFA General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayanth said yesterday the list of candidates for the forthcoming Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC local elections will be finalized by this week after talks with Tamil and Muslim political parties in the Government are concluded. Political sources said that the Government is attempting to persuade these Tamil and Muslim parties to contest the poll under the UPFA banner. zzz03186171
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news4.html~~~'Revival of national economy emerging as priority'~~~Jun 14 (Island) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said now that the LTTE had been militarily crushed, there couldn’t be any further delay in reviving the national economy. The armed forces’ triumph over LTTE terrorism, he said, had given the country a tremendous opportunity to revive all sectors ranging from tourism and fisheries to education. He said that the country could now exploit its full potential as the main impediment to Sri Lanka’s progress had been removed. zzz03186173
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news13.html~~~UPFA and UNP members propose extension of President’s term to 8 years~~~Jun 14 (Island) Both the ruling faction and Opposition members of Dambulla and Galewela Pradeshiiya Sabhas have unanimously passed a resolution last week proposing that if the term of office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who commands the support of the overwhelming majority of the people in the country be extended by 8 years the country could save Billions of rupees spent for such elections,zzz03186174
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/14/news7.html~~~Dengue reaches alarming proportions: 128 deaths, 9,100 affected so far ~~~Jun 14 (Island) There have been around 500 confirmed dengue cases reported from the Colombo Municipal Council area since the beginning of this year, CMC’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said. As the public health department battled to bring the situation under control, the number of cases for the month of June has so far reached 95. Among the victims were five foreigners working at the Havelock City building complex, which is still under construction. zzz03186175
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/Columns/political.html~~~Lanka’s dual track foreign relations~~~Jun 14 (ST) It was less than an hour to midnight signalling the dawn of Thursday. Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 196 had touched down at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from New Delhi. Moments after the cabin door connected to the air bridge, weary passengers emerged to walk past equally weary security officials. One of them in a trouser and jacket was greeted by consular officials of the Canadian High Commission in Colombo. zzz03186176
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~They make the world a better place~~~Jun 14 (ST) “When you save a life of a person the contentment is everlasting and you truly feel like a hero. Words are not enough to explain how I feel when I see the four youngsters now enjoying their youth to the fullest,” says Thambirajah Vinayagamoorthy. Vinayagamoorthy from Karaithivu was awarded the Budal Na Gold Award, the highest award bestowed on a civilian at the National Civilian Bravery Awards 2009 for saving four youngsters struggling zzz03186180
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/News/sundaytimesnews_01.html~~~EPF, ETF billions to the rescue ~~~Jun 14 (ST) The authorities are set to take billions of rupees from unclaimed EPF and ETF funds to compensate some 100,000 apparel workers who have been laid off owing to the current world financial crisis, government and union officials said yesterday. They said a tri-partite committee made up of representatives from trade unions, employers and the Government is set to hammer out a final draft later this month to work out the modalities of payments to these workers.zzz03186183
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/FinancialTimes/ft300.html~~~Harry: ‘I was re-offered SLIC’ ~~~Jun 14 (ST) Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena, smarting from the stinging Supreme Court (SC) judgment on Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), has told directors at SLIC’s former parent company Distilleries Company (DCSL), of which he is the chairman, that the insurance company was offered to him for a second time. At the DCSL board meeting on Wednesday specially called to inform the board about the SC decision, Mr. Jayawardena had said that SLIC was ‘offered’ to him again. zzz03186179
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10149&Itemid=44~~~President arrives at Nay Pyi Taw airport in Myanmar ~~~
Jun 14 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka delegation arrived at the Nay Pyi Taw airport this morning. President Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa were welcomed by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe. President Rajapaksa was accorded a guard of honour on his arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw airport.zzz03186177
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906141012.htm~~~Prabhakaran waited for Indian election results~~~
Jun 14 (PTI) Velupillai Prabakaran was waiting for the results of Indian elections to plan his next strategy in the civil war in Sri Lanka and was apparently hoping that either the NDA or the Third Front would come to power in New Delhi, but the Army there had different plans. It has now emerged that the slain guerrilla leader was waiting till May 16, the day results of Lok Sabha elections were known,zzz03186184
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/10141606.htm~~~Lanka seeks international help to capture Padmanathan ~~~Jun 14 (Hindu) Having wiped out the LTTE leadership from northern Sri Lanka, the government is now seeking international help to nab its fugitive leader K Padmanathan, believed to be active in carrying out the Tigers' operations overseas. The Sri Lankan government has forwarded details to other countries seeking arrest of Padmanathan, Foreign Minister, Mr Rohitha Bogollagama said. zzz03186181
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090614/808/tnl-lanka-will-keep-its-tamil-welfare-pr.html~~~Lanka will keep its Tamil welfare promise: Chidambaram~~~Jun 14 (ANI) Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be told by New Delhi to fulfill his promise to rehabilitate displaced Tamils and grant equal rights to the minority community in the island-nation. "New Delhi believes that President Rajapaksa will fulfill his promises and that India will have to wait and see," Chidamabram said here.zzz03186182
http://ashin-mettacara.com/buddhism/news/537-sri-lanka-president-urged-to-hold-world-buddhist-council-in-2011~~~President urged to hold World Buddhist Council in 2011 ~~~Jun 14 (AM) Thanks to the eradication of terrorism, people in the country celebrated Poson in an atmosphere of peace and harmony after a long tome, observed Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa in Hambantota last week. Rajapaksa said that Poson was an ideal occasion to remember King Asoka`s message of Dhammavijaya and renew our commitment to peace, harmony and national unity.zzz03186178
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/future-of-privatisation.html~~~Future of privatisation ~~~Jun 15 (LG) With the euphoria over recent judgments in the Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) and Lanka Marine Services (LMS), public interest activists are now setting their sights on challenging other cases where state companies were privatised. Among them are plantation companies. Politician Vasudeva Nanayakkara, petitioner in both the SLIC and LMS cases in which both companies reverted back to the state, is calling for a commission of inquiry to go into these past privatisations and zzz03186185
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/john-murphy-and-sri-lanka-bashing.html~~~John Murphy and Sri Lanka bashing ~~~Jun 15 (LG) John Murphy , the Australian Labour Party Parliamentarian now a Dy Minister had been in the forefront of the supporters of Tamil separatist /LTTE campaign in Australia. During the last 11 years, in fact John Murphy represented the LTTE agenda in the Australian Parliament whenever Sri Lanka came up for discussion. While JM made the LTTE supporters proud and elated in his contributions to the Parliament debates and discussions on Sri Lanka by his constant Sri Lanka bashing,zzz03186186
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/instant-historians-and-their-history.html~~~Instant historians and their history ~~~Jun 15 (LG) In recent weeks we have been confused about reportage of ‘historic events’ from Colombo and abroad. Not being professional historians and being only mere journalists we have tended to regard newspapers, radio and TV reports as contemporary history. And we are told daily that we are living in ‘historic times.’ Naturally historic figures keep jumping out from these contemporary records of Sri Lankan history. zzz03186187
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/lady-ga-at-the-helm/~~~Lady GA at the helm~~~Jun 15 (AT) Coordinating humanitarian assistance to the people in the Wanni, the Government Agent and District Secretary for Vavuniya, Piencia S.M. Charles set to work almost from day one to clear jungle areas on the instructions of the government to resettle the hundreds of thousands of IDPs who the government had correctly envisaged would need accommodation in the aftermath of the conflict that raged in the northern part of Sri Lanka. zzz03186188
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/sri-lanka-and-india-both-watch-out/~~~Sri Lanka And India : Both Watch Out?~~~Jun 15 (AT) When the Ministry of Youth Development was created in Sri Lanka and the pen that created it was given to the daughter of the minister, it caused me amusement but when I saw in the media that Mr. Yasushi Akashi has created peace courses in Japan for youth for which a few LTTE cadres may be eligible it sent a shock wave down my spine because we have I understand about 400 hard core LTTE cadres in rehabilitation camps. zzz03186189
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1926076210~~~Galleon fund founder Raj Rajaratnam invests in Sri Lanka broking firm~~~Jun 15 (LBO) New York based Galleon group founder Raj Rajaratnam; Rusi Captain, a top local investor and Priyani Ratnagopal, former head of Asia Securities, are buying into Lanka Orix Securities. Lanka Orix Leasing Company which held a 30 percent in the stock broking firm and Ishara Traders which had 40 percent, are selling out. Chief Executive Tushan Wickramasinghe said he is increasing his stake to 50 percent from the current 30 percent. zzz03186190
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/408924.html~~~Jayawardene saves Sri Lanka's blushes~~~
Jun 15 (CI) Mahela Jayawardene saved his team's blushes with 78 from 53 balls, as Sri Lanka moved a step closer to the semi-finals with an awkward but ultimately comfortable nine-run victory over the unfancied Irish at Lord's. After winning the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka were restricted to a modest total of 144 for 9 by a disciplined Ireland bowling performance in which the medium-pacer Alex Cusack excelled with 4 for 18 in three overs. zzz03186191
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/international/lanka-army-grills-ltte-cemetery-keeper.aspx~~~Lanka Army grills LTTE cemetery-keeper~~~Jun 15 (PTI) A LTTE cemetery keeper in Wanni who was recently attacked by fellow inmates of a Tamil relief camp, is being interrogated by the Sri Lankan Army to dig out information about dead Tamil Tigers, whose records he used to maintain.Pon Thiyagam, was once the caretaker of the well-known "Martyrs cemetery" of the LTTE was attacked by some fellow occupants of IDP’s relief camp at Vayunia in northern Sri Lanka. zzz03186192
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=1~~~New LTTE crooner wears petticoats ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) For reasons which can only be subject to educated guesses, fingers have been pointed at the country from the west; not the east, north or south; just the west by certain characters associated with that hemisphere. And the government has had their hands full in dealing with such types of intruders, who after whirlwind tours of the ‘war affected areas’ refugee camps and ‘no fire zones’ carry back half baked views which they splash about in gay abandon all over the world.zzz03186193
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=1~~~Decoding media’s war against a Military ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) Fourth Generation warfare (4GW) in the 21st century in simplest of terms is warfare between a legitimate armed force and a non-state violent actor. The essence of 4GW is its protracted nature of violence, use of asymmetry attempting to attain parity politically as well as psychologically. Since the first bullets fired in 1981 in Jaffna the Tigers fought a protracted 4GW campaign against the Sri Lankan Government Military morally, zzz03186194
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=1~~~Lies and a Tiger: How a diaspora is killing its own ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) As the war against the LTTE grinds inexorably towards certain defeat for the self-proclaimed representatives of the Tamil nation, there seems to be no great fanfare, no glorious last stands. This revolution dies not with a bang, but with whimpers and cowardice. And lies. For a year the Tamil Diaspora, spread from Tamil Nadu to Toronto, watched open-mouthed with disbelief as the iron fist of the Sri Lankan infantry divisions cut the Tiger formations to pieces,zzz03186195
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=1~~~Kandasamy, Sri Lanka’s forgotten trade union martyr ~~~Jun 15 (SLW) Sixty two years ago June 5 a young Velupillai Kandasamy a Clerical Officer of the Department of Health and Sanitary Services was killed by police firing ordered by the British Police Superintendent Robins on an orderly march of the members of the Government Clerical Services Union (GCSU). The main contention of the marchers totaling 50,000 public servants was that the proposed Soulbury Constitution for an independent Sri Lanka failed to guarantee workers’ rights.zzz03186196
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090614_women_cricket.shtml~~~Lanka women 'will qualify for next round' ~~~Jun 15 (BBC) Sri Lanka women's cricket team skipper Chamari Polgampola says that her team will progress through to the semi finals at the women's World Twenty20 held in England. Polgampola says she is confident of defeating the hosts who currently holds the top ranking among women teams. “We are not worried about the home advantage for England. My team is confident. We just arrived at the ground. My first thought was that we will win,” she said. zzz03186197
http://asiantribune.com/06/14/sri-lanka-president-rajapaksa-holds-bilateral-talks-with-prime-minister-and-senior-ministers-of-myanmar/~~~President holds bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Myanmar~~~
Jun 15 (AT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa while appreciating the warm welcome and hospitality afforded to him by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe and the Government of Myanmar during courtesy call on the latter, recalled with pleasure his previous visit to Myanmar as the then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2004 to participate at the World Buddhist Conference in Yangon. zzz03186198
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2380~~~Assessing the analysis of the University Teachers for Human Rights~~~Jun 15 (PISL) The University Teachers for Human Rights has issued yet another report on the situation in Sri Lanka which, as with its previous reports, merits serious attention. I have always admired their commitment and efforts at objectivity and, even when I disagree with what they say, I have noted their sincerity. It should also be noted that they are amongst the few such organisations to admit it when they have been mistaken, zzz03186199
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090614_vavuniya_idps.shtml~~~UN responsible for 'IDP toilets' ~~~Jun 15 (BBC) The Sri Lankan government says that the United Nations should take responsibility for not providing enough toilet facilities for the IDPs in Vavuniya camps. The UN has said that only half of the toilets and minimum facilities for bathing are available for IDPs in the camps. However, Resettlement Minister Risath Bathiuddeen told BBC Sandeshaya that the UN was offered government land and UN received international funding to provide adequate facilities. zzz03186200
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/15/nation/4118542&sec=nation~~~Group calls for trade boycott of Colombo~~~Jun 15 (TS) The Malaysian Indian Business Association has called for a trade boycott of Sri Lanka in an effort to pressure its government to address humanitarian concerns in the war-torn state, Malaysian Nanban reported. Association president P. Sivakumar expressed hope that all Indian-owned businesses in Malaysia would support the call. He said all businesses should make the stand on humanitarian grounds, zzz03186201
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/6/15/central/4108476&sec=central~~~Temple launches fund for Sri Lankan orphans~~~Jun 15 (TS) Some 400 orphans displaced in the Vavuniya district, 254km north of Colombo as a result of the recently concluded war between the Sri Lanka army and the Tamil Tigers are living in misery without basic necessities. To help them, the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, is organising a project to raise money to educate and provide assistance to these children. An initial RM30,000 has been collected to kick-start the programme.zzz03186202
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=555520980~~~Sri Lanka water utility still cannot cover costs~~~Jun 15 (LBO) National water supply and drainage board (NWS&DB) has given 34 percent of the population pipe-borne water, but it still cannot recover costs, a finance ministry report said. The unit cost of water increased to35.37 rupees a unit in 2008 from31.32 rupees a unit in 2007. The water board recovers only 22.82 rupee per unit of water. The finance ministry report said the utility, should reconsider continuing with free water supply to tenements in Colombo. zzz03186203
http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=296&page=10~~~Time to embrace the Sinhalas~~~Jun 15 (Organiser) The war is over in Sri Lanka. Peace has just begun. How should India react? Sri Lanka is the only neighbour that India can rely upon. Our links with Tamils and Sinhalas are historical. But the past is still a drag on both. Unless we overcome the unpleasant memories of the past, we cannot work out a new destiny. But, first, how do we dispel the fears of the Sinhalas? Do they still fear that we may work in favour of the Tamils? zzz03186204
http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=296&page=7~~~Clash of cultures~~~Jun 15 (Organiser) It used to be said of Henry the 8th, the corpulent Tudor king of England, that he was singularly unfortunate in his relations with his wives. He had their heads, chopped off, one after another without saying “excuse me.” The same can be said about the relations between big and small powers, for some reason, they rarely get on with one another, particularly if they happen to be neighbours. zzz03186205
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j15.shtml~~~Jaffna residents speak out over increasing military repression~~~Jun 15 (wsws) Jaffna residents in Sri Lanka’s north spoke with the WSWS last week over continuing military repression and the ongoing detention of more than 300,000 Tamils in the Vavuniya internment camps. Many had relatives or friends who were either killed or injured in the fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the separatist LTTE or who are now being held in detention camps.zzz03186206
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/rubiks-cube-why-share-power-only-with.html~~~Why share power 0nly with Tamils and not Sinhalas, Muslims, Malays, Chetties, Veddhas & Burgers?~~~Jun 15 (LG) The Indian Home Affairs Minister and many others have advised Sri Lanka to share power with Tamils. Why share power only with Tamils in a country of many other communities? What's good for the goose is good for the gander! Why discriminate? This is a puzzle that will never be solved if the simple requirement of equal rights to every individual is not implemented as it is. zzz03186207
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/ic-ing-on-sri-lankas-cake.html~~~IC-ing on Sri Lanka’s cake~~~Jun 15 (LG) There is a saying in Tamil, which when translated means, “Even if it had stopped raining, the drizzles continue.” The human rights violations of the kind alleged to have been committed by the Sri Lankan armed forces in the end-game of the ethnic war could not be dismissed as mere drizzles, but then a uni-focussed international attention on those concerns weeks after the war had concluded could only impede an early return to normalcy. zzz03186208
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10156&Itemid=44~~~First ever LTTE operational submarine taken out from Vellamullivaikkal sea ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) The first ever fully-geared LTTE submarine that had been submerged in the sea waters, a few metres off the coast of Vellamullivaikkal was found by the Task Forces 8 troops Sunday (14) afternoon following information given by a terrorist in custody. The complete submarine with one seat is about 24 ft in length and 4 ft in width. It had reportedly been used by the LTTE, most probably their senior cadres,zzz03186209
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10158&Itemid=44~~~Trade and Health Ministers to Visit IDPs in Vavuniya today ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena and Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva are scheduled to visit the Welfare Camps in Vavuniya today (15) where the displaced from the Vanni are temporarily housed. They will look into the welfare of the displaced and provide immediate solutions with the assistance of the Security Forces top brass and State officials,zzz03186210
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10160&Itemid=44~~~Residential quarters for medical staff will opened today in Chettikulam ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Two Residential quarters for 48 doctors and 50 nurses will be inaugurated today at Chettikulam under the patronage of the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The Residential quarters facilities have been provided by the government with the assistance of the World Health Organization. The cost of the project is Rs.3.5 million. The provision of accommodation for doctors & nurses was a demanding issue in the Vavuniya district.zzz03186211
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10161&Itemid=44~~~Electricity for the Ratnapura district ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Six hundred and fifty families who had no access to electricity have benefited from “Lighting Ratnapura” project. With the implementation of this project, 65% of the population in the Ratnapura district now has electricity and all villages in the Ratnapura district will have access to electricity after the completion of the “Lighting Ratnapura” project which began last year,zzz03186212
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10163&Itemid=44~~~Indian Medical Team begin services in Manik Farm Zone-1 ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) The Indian Medical Team, based till recently in Pulmoddai, had relocated its Emergency Medical Unit and Field Hospital to Zone-1 of the IDP settlement in the Manik Farm area and has started services, a press release issued by the Indian embassy stated. The team, comprising eight doctors and 54 nursing, para-medical and technical staff, have already treated over 2000 patients in Zone-1, which houses over 45,000 IDPs.zzz03186213
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10172&Itemid=44~~~Continental Asian Junior Chess Championships 2009 in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 15 (GDI) Over 30 foreign players from 10 countries are expected to participate in the Asian Junior Chess Championship 2009, scheduled to be held at the Continental Hotel, Sri Lanka from July 1-8, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said. Current women's national champion Sachini Ranasingha of Museaus College will lead the Sri Lankan girls contingent at the Asian Junior Boys and Girls Chess Championship 2009 conducted by Sri Lanka Chess Federation. zzz03186214
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Fishing_restictions_in_East_coast_revised-20-1096.html~~~Fishing restictions in East coast revised~~~
Jun 15 (PSM) The government has revised the fishing restrictions in the sea off the Eastern coast today after two decades as part of the process to return the Eastern Province back to normalcy, MP Basil Rajapaksa said. However, all the fishing vessels except small boats will be allowed to do fishing right throughout the day in the outer perimeters of the Trincomalee harbour. Small boats will be allowed to engage in fishing in this area from 4 a.m. till 6 p.m. only.zzz03186223
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Politiocal_parties_to__face_axe_or_name_change_-20-1098.html~~~Politiocal parties to face axe or name change ~~~Jun 15 (PSM) Recognised Political parties will soon be directed to amend their names if the names of the parties are based on ethnic identity or based against the unitary character of the country, according to reliable sources. Further, past performance and activities of the parties also will be assessed periodically and the non-active or little active political parties will be de-recognized according to a memorandum submitted by zzz03186216
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2466:100000-in-apparel-sector-have-lost-their-jobs&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~100,000 in apparel sector have lost their jobs ~~~Jun 15 (LT) The government has admitted that more than 100,000 people in the apparel sector have lost their jobs owing to the current world financial crisis and is making arrangements to take billions of rupees from unclaimed EPF and ETF funds to compensate them. Since the start of last year an estimated 200 garment factories have been closed down and the number would increase owing to the global crisis and other factors zzz03186217
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2470:500-taken-ill-after-meal-in-temple&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~500 taken ill after meal in temple ~~~Jun 15 (LT) About 500 people who partook of meals served during a Hindu festival at an estate in Wedamulla, Ramboda were taken ill and admitted to Gampola, Pussellawa, Kotmale and Wahugupitiya hospitals. They developed symptoms of vomiting and purging after a meal of rice with potatoes, dhal, brinjals and pumpkin. The patients were rushed to nearby hospitals in lorries. Six people whose condition was serious were rushed to Gampola Hospital. zzz03186218
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2469:lieutenant-apprehended-with-van-from-vanni&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Lieutenant apprehended with van from Vanni ~~~Jun 15 (LT) Three persons including an Army lieutenant and a police constable were apprehended with a van, T-56 rifle and several equipments by Habarana Police yesterday. Among the other goods apprehended were a motor bike without number plates, 30 T-56 ammunitions, a lap top and GPS communication equipment. The goods had been brought to Kebethigollawa earlier and while transporting them to Hasalaka they were apprehended at Irioya police check point at Habarana.zzz03186219
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2468:no-security-arrangements-to-engage-in-electioneering-in-jaffna--jj-complains-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~No security arrangements to engage in electioneering in Jaffna – JJ complains ~~~Jun 15 (LT) UNP MP Jayalath Jayawardene has complained to the Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dishanayake that the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense has not taken any measures to provide facilities for those who intend going to Jaffna Municipal area to organize election campaign for the forthcoming local government election. Mr. Jayawardene wrote to the Commissioner of Elections on the 29th of last month asking him to zzz03186220
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Ex--soldier-mother-fined-abandoning-newborn/2892.htm~~~Ex- soldier mother fined for abandoning newborn~~~Jun 15 (CT) A 19-year old woman, who was arrested for abandoning her newborn, was released on a Rs. 100,000 surety by the Additional Galle Magistrate, Geethani Wijesinghe. The infant was also handed back to his mother. The suspect, a soldier who deserted the Army and a resident of Thalpe in Habaraduwa, Galle, had abandoned her baby after giving birth three months earlier. zzz03186221
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2381~~~Secretary General responds to Lakbima News~~~Jun 15 (PISL) Prof Rajiva Wijesinha has written today to the editor of Lakbima News regarding an article in the 14th June 2009 issue. His letter can be found below. The Editor, Lakbima News: I write with reference to a news item you published last week entitled 'Diplomatic corps in huff over Rajiva's statement', which claims that a report in the Guardian in Britain led to diplomats in the west having 'to face mounting pressure by western countries'. zzz03186215
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44839.html~~~Sri Lanka aims self-sufficiency in fisheries~~~Jun 15 (LNP) Sri Lanka can save USD 400 million annually in foreign exchange by becoming self-sufficient in fish while providing employment to thousands of people, Chairman Maubima Lanka Foundation Ariyseela Wickramanayake said. We import 61,000 tonnes of canned fish annually despite the huge trade deficit. We are already self-sufficient in maize. With the end of the war the sea around our country is free for fishing and we can be self-sufficient in fish too, he said. zzz03186222
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44840.html~~~A war the Opposition could lead~~~Jun 15 (LNP) UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake is to be highly commended for a query he raised in Parliament the other day. He asked the government how much President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s foreign travel in his present capacity had cost the country. It was a whopping sum as Minister Dinesh Gunawardana revealed to the House. The President has travelled abroad 18 times and the expenditure incurred is 209 million rupees! zzz03186224
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/news02.asp~~~Pirates capture ship with Lankans ~~~Jun 15 (DN) At least seven Sri Lankans are believed to be on board a cargo ship hijacked by suspected Somali Pirates off the coast of the Gulf state of Oman on Saturday. According to unconfirmed sources, the Chief Engineer of the ship and several high ranking officials on board are believed to be Sri Lankans. A Foreign Ministry official confirming the incident, said they were trying to get in touch with the Lankan mission in Oman and zzz03186225
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/news03.asp~~~Bodies to be brought to Lanka, compensation for kin ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Arrangements have been made to bring the bodies of five Sri Lankans who died in a major road accident in Riyadh-Dammam Highway in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night to Sri Lanka, authorities said. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that in addition, compensation too would be paid to the next of kin. The SLBFE added that all the deceased migrant employees were insured under the stipulated scheme ‘Sahana’. zzz03186226
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/fea21.asp~~~Ira Handa Yata strikes real life ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Imagine shooting in the depths of the wilderness in the zone which had been under the LTTE for the past three decades. Devise creating a movie surrounded by dangers like wild elephants, bears, snakes and other creatures of the forest. These are exactly the prospects which greeted the media team who visited the location of Bennett Rathnayake’s latest movie Ira Handa Yata. The movie is based on a striking incident which takes place during the conflict period. zzz03186227
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/15/fea25.asp~~~Pilgrimage to Jaffna... ~~~Jun 15 (DN) Twenty two years have gone by since my last visit to the northern capital of Sri Lanka, Jaffna. The Jayewardene-Gandhi accord was just signed and the then government was in a severe political crisis. Its own cabinet divided over the signing of the accord; Ministers Gamani Jayasuriya and Cyril Mathew were highly critical of the accord. Prime Minister Premadasa and National Security Minister Lalith Athulathmudali did not pay even lip service to it. zzz03186228
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/business1.html~~~State pumped in half a billion rupees to defunct public enterprises ~~~Jun 15 (Island) The Government Treasury said Rs. 506 million was paid into defunct public enterprises in 2008 while 48 out of 92 companies the government had invested in had paid dividends at lease once during the past eight years. "Out of 92 companies, on average, 75 percent of the them have not paid dividends during the last eight years which is not an acceptable situation, given the large investments that the government has made," zzz03186241
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news6.html~~~Men who killed Thamilselvam speak~~~Jun 15 (Island) With the war against the LTTE spearheaded by the army coming to an end, the armed forces had discussed some of the operations undertaken by them, ranging from raids conducted by LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols) deep inside enemy-held territory, to bloody ground assaults in the Vanni theatre. In brief interviews with The Island, Commanding Officers of SLAF Jet Squadrons, Group Captain Sajeewa Hendawitharane (MiGs/No 12), zzz03186240
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news2.html~~~Big battle looms at Consumer Affairs Authority~~~Jun 15 (Island) Trouble is brewing again at the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) with its Chairman Rumy Marzook and Director General Mrs. R. K. Jayasooriya on a collision course. Marzook, a former Prisons Commissioner walked out of a recent meeting following a heated exchange of words with the former army officer fueling speculation that they readying for a major confrontation. zzz03186238
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/15/news11.html~~~Buttala campus for Sinhala, Muslim students selected for Eastern, Jaffna universities~~~Jun 15 (Island) Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Gamini Samaranayake told The Island yesterday that the Z scores for the enrolment of students at national universities for the academic year of 2008/ 09 would be released shortly. The UGC is awaiting re-correction results from the Examination Department. "The Examination department is to finish the re-evaluation of results. zzz03186233
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51858~~~Rs. 928,000 to maintain each ministry~~~Jun 15 (DM) The main opposition UNP yesterday charged that a huge Rs.928,000 was spent monthly for the upkeep of each minister and his staff, and said it was high time the government thought out its strategy of rebuilding the country by reducing the giant cabinet. UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara told a news conference the government should practise what it preached and reduce the giant cabinet and thereby cut down its expenses for the sake of the nation.zzz03186234
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51864~~~Govt. seeks election deal with EPDP, DTNA~~~Jun 15 (DM) The government said yesterday it hoped to accommodate the EPDP led by Douglas Devananda and the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) led by V. Anandasangaree at the elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Municipal Council under the betel symbol. Minister and SLFP general secretary Maithripala Sirisena told Daily Mirror a final decision would be taken after President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned from Myanmar. zzz03186239
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51860~~~TNA calls for explanation from Kishor~~~Jun 15 (DM) The TNA said yesterday that it would call for explanations from its Wanni district MP Sivanathan Kishor for abstaining from voting on the extension of Emergency Regulations in Parliament last Tuesday. Mr. Kishor abstained from voting on the day despite all his party colleagues voting against the emergency as usual. TNA MP N. Sri Kantha told Daily Mirror that Mr. Kishor would be asked to give an explanation on his decision at the next parliamentary group meeting of the TNA. zzz03186235
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=51901~~~UNP group wants common candidate~~~Jun 15 (DM) A group of UNP MPs are trying to work out a consensus among opposition political parties to field a common candidate at the next Presidential Election with a pledge to abolish the executive presidency within three months after the election. An MP representing this group told Daily Mirror yesterday they were now attempting to reach a consensus among all the members of the UNP parliamentary group before approaching the other parties in the opposition. zzz03186237
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6316&sec=1~~~Govt insists Prabhakaran killed in mangrove swamp~~~
Jun 15 (ANN) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa dismissed a statement attributed to UTHR that the army captured LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and tortured him before killing. He said that there was absolutely no truth in claims of Prabhakaran or any other hardcore being taken alive. Army Chief Lt General Sarath Fonseka and Major General Kamal Gunarathne, too, had denied reports that Prabhakaran was taken alive. zzz03186230
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090615_01~~~President outlines two challenges: Rehabilitation livelihood renewal ~~~
Jun 15 (moD) President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on a State visit to Myanmar said that his latest challenge is to rehabilitate the war torn region and bring normalcy to the lives of the people. The 30 year old cruel war against terrorism cost 100,000 lives, he said. Expressing satisfaction at being able to successfully conclude the humanitarian operation against terrorism, the President said his visit to Myanmar is the first one after the victory. zzz03186236
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2009/06/15/9797631-sun.html~~~What is Sri Lanka hiding? ~~~Jun 15 (TS) Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation. It had the right to bar Liberal MP Bob Rae and Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, from entering the country. Canada, after all, recently barred British MP George Galloway for the same reason Sri Lanka says it did Rae -- security concerns. Which just goes to show countries can act within their rights and still be wrong. Canada argued Galloway gave "material support" to Hamas. zzz03186229
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090615/wl_asia_afp/srilankaunrestmilitary~~~Sri Lanka military says rebel sub found~~~
Jun 15 (AFP) Sri Lankan troops have recovered the first submarine believed to have been used by the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels, the military has said. Troops found the 24-foot submersible on the coast of the northeastern district of Mullaittivu, where the LTTE were defeated last month, ending decades of ethnic conflict. "It had reportedly been used by the LTTE, most probably by their senior cadres, for clandestine sea movements before the LTTE was wiped out," zzz03186242
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1533404425~~~Road project delayed by too expensive bids~~~Jun 15 (LBO) Government has decided to call for fresh tenders for the Greater Colombo Urban Transport Development Project as previous bids were too high. The project, meant to ease traffic jams in Colombo, is funded by a 223 million US dollar loan from Japan, the finance ministry said in a report. It listed the project as one of the under-performing projects in 2008 as 29.2 million dollars of the disbursement target of 30.5 million for the year was not used. zzz03186231
http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=16005~~~Burma-Sri Lanka Connection: Religion and Terrorism ~~~Jun 15 (TI) Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapakse paid an official visit to Burma to cement ties between the two countries. Burma was the first country to be visited by President Mahindra Rajapakse after his government defeated the Tamil Tigers guerrilla forces in May. Inside sources in Burma said that Burmese military leaders who recently launched a military offensive against Karen rebels in eastern Burma were impressed by Mahindra Rajapakse’s military strategy used against the Tamil tigers. zzz03186238.2
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78975&Itemid=39~~~Pakistan gifts ambulances to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 16 (APP) The Government of Pakistan, through its High Commission in Colombo, gifted three fully equipped and high-roof ambulances to the Health Ministry of the Government of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner, Shaheen A. Gilani, handed over the keys of the ambulances to Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. In his brief remarks, Gilani said that the gift of ambulances was only a token of the high esteem and affection of the Government and people of Pakistan for zzz03186244
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Employees-strike-work-Dehiwela-Zoo/2907.htm~~~Employees strike work at Dehiwela Zoo~~~Jun 16 (CT) Employees of the Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela briefly struck work today (June 15) to demand the elimination of their salary anomalies and granting the transfers due to them. As there was no staff to give food to the animals in the zoo, the animals had become agitated during the morning. The media had been prevented from accessing the zoo, sources said. Latest reports said the strike ended around 1.00 pm, and the animals given their food. zzz03186245
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-asks-govt.-allow-foreign-monitors-north-polls/2911.htm~~~UNP asks govt. to allow foreign monitors to north polls~~~Jun 16 (CT) Terrorism of the LTTE may have ended, but the ruling party is unleashing state-sponsored terrorism in Jaffna and Vavuniya in the north to target upcoming local government polls there, alleged UNP councilor Rohana Gamage. Mr. Gamage, who represents the north central provincial council, told the media in Colombo, Sri Lanka today (June 15) the government should immediately allow foreign election monitors access to the two areas.zzz03186246
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/14/bob-rae-the-sunday-times-and-wikipedia/~~~Bob Rae, The Sunday Times and Wikipedia~~~Jun 16 (GV) In what may be a first for a Sunday newspaper in Sri Lanka, a reference from Wikipedia is used to buttress a case for the alleged pro-LTTE bias of Canadian Liberal MP Bob Rae, recently deported from Sri Lanka after first being issued a visa to enter. The Sunday Times has a full page devoted to a rather long-winded story titled Lanka’s dual track foreign relations. zzz03186247
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/15/enigma-of-prabhakaran-and-the-tamil-tigers/~~~Enigma of Prabhakaran and the Tamil Tigers~~~Jun 16 (GV) Both in life and death, Veluppillai Prabhakaran divides rather than unites the Tamils in particular, Sri Lankans as a whole. Therein lie the enigma of Prabhakaran (Thambi Anna to me), whom I first met almost thirty years ago in August 1979, and the Tamil Tigers. “Assuming the LTTE finished is fantasy masquerading as fact”, exclaimed a self-styled ‘leftist’ academic (Sri Lankan born American), namely Qadri Ismail, on March 1, 2009. zzz03186248
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090615_lanka_twenty20.shtml~~~Sri Lanka Twenty20 'favourites' ~~~Jun 16 (BBC) Sri Lanka having qualified for the semi finals are the favourites to win the World Twenty20 currently being held in England says former Indian player and selector V B Chandrasekar. Being a "fantastic bowling side," Sri Lanka has the best possibilities of clinching the trophy with the exit of India having been beaten by England on Sunday, he says. “If at all Sri Lanka have some problems it is with their batting” zzz03186249
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090615_08~~~Two South Korean Navy ships arrive on goodwill visit to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 16 (MoD) Two ships belonging to the Republic of Korea Navy, ROKS Choi Young (DDH 981) and ROKS Dae Cheong (AOE 58), have arrived on a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka today (15th of June 2009). The two ships, belonging to the 2009 Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG) of the ROK Navy, will stay in Sri Lanka from the 15th to the 18th of June as a part of their annual cruise training programme. zzz03186250
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1796288531~~~Sri Lanka 1Q state revenues down 8.2-pct~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lanka's state revenues fell 8.2 percent to 144.9 billion rupees in the first quarter of 2009, while rising expenses have ballooned the gap in the current account of the budget to an unprecedented level. In the first two months of 2009 revenues fell 10.6 percent with tax revenues falling 12.7 percent. In the first three months to March the total revenues fall has been contained at 8.2 percent from 158.0 billion rupees and zzz03186251
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10175&Itemid=44~~~Blessings invoked on President Rajapaksa at the historic Shwedagon Pagoda ~~~
Jun 16 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa was warmly received at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, this afternoon by the Director General, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhist Monks, Trustee of the Pagoda, Shwedagon U Ba Shwe and area Commanders of the Army. Thereafter, the President and the Sri Lankan delegation participated in religious observances where they were blessed by the Buddhist monks who also chanted pirith.zzz03186252
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=1~~~Reconciliation needed after celebration ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) The phase of public celebration reached its climax with the victory commemoration event and military parade of last Wednesday at Galle Face Green. In a manner that accorded with the past traditions of rulership of the island, President Mahinda Rajapaksa received scrolls from the commanders of the security forces apprising him of duties well done, and of victory, the end of war and the unification of the country. zzz03186253
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=1~~~Implementing 13th amendment through elections ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) Shortly after its military victory over the LTTE in the north, the government decided to call for local government elections in the two largest northern cities of Jaffna and Vavuniya. Most of the opposition political parties have protested this urgency on the grounds that the situation in the north is far from normal and that the people are in no mood for an election. zzz03186254
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=1~~~The Diaspora created the Tigers; not vice-versa ~~~Jun 16 (SLW) While agreeing with much of what John Thompson (‘What Next for the Tamil Tigers?’, 8 June) says, I should point out that he is wrong on two counts: (1) He refers to the Tigers as a ‘guerrilla army’. In fact the LTTE has been fighting as a conventional army for at least a decade. It has used units as guerrillas for some operations, and has waged urban guerrilla war against the civilian population of the south. zzz03186255
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sinha-regiments-lionhearted-bravery.html~~~Sinha Regiment’s lionhearted bravery kills Charles Anthony ~~~Jun 16 (LG) The leadership provided by 12 Sinha Regiment (SR), to kill Prabhakaran`s son Charles Anthony, has come in for much praise. 12 SR was commanded by Major Anil Perera. The second-in-command was Major Lakshman Wedagama. At the time the Tiger hierarchy were planning to escape to the Nanthikadal lagoon from Wellamullaivaikkal, 12 SR’s Bravo Company, were guarding the camp of the second defense line,zzz03186256
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tables-turn-on-diaspora.html~~~Tables turn on the diaspora ~~~Jun 16 (LG) 1. capitalized a: the settling of scattered colonies of Jews outside Palestine after the Babylonian exile b: the area outside Palestine settled by Jews c: the Jews living outside Palestine or modern Israel 2 a: the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland b:people settled far from their ancestral homelands c: the place where these people live.zzz03186257
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090615_sunila_hooded.shtml~~~Youth 'disappear' from IDP camps ~~~Jun 16 (BBC) An international award winning human rights activist in Sri Lanka says that nearly 20-30 youth have been disappearing from camps in Vavuniya daily. But Sri Lanka government rejects the accusation. Sunila Abeysekara told BBC Sandeshaya that rights activists have received credible reports of regular abductions in the camps. "We accept that the government has the right to search the camps for security reasons. But our concern is that there is no formal registration process,"zzz03186259
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 3~~~zzz03186260
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 2~~~zzz03186261
no~~~Hard Talk with Erik Solheim: Part 1~~~zzz03186262
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/15/attacks-on-journalists-slammed/~~~Attacks on journalists slammed~~~Jun 16 (UCAN) Religious leaders, civic activists and journalists have expressed concern over attacks on media personnel reporting on violence and corruption in the country. "Stop paramilitary attacks on journalists!" shouted activists during a June 10 protest in Colombo. The event saw hundreds of people taking to the streets to highlight the plight of journalists reporting on civil-war issues and state and civil-level corruption.zzz03186263
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409033.html~~~Hot battle for spot in final four~~~Jun 16 (CI) It's quite simple - the winner goes into the semi-finals and the loser heads home. A second-round exit would be slightly unfair on the undefeated Sri Lanka, but they can avoid the trapdoor with another committed performance when they face New Zealand, who have a much healthier net run-rate despite a win and a loss in the Super Eights. Sri Lanka's first-up success against Australia was followed by wins over West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland, zzz03186264
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1065451113~~~Sri Lanka apparel maker in post-war manufacture~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Brandix, a top Sri Lankan apparel maker, is planning to boost production at a factory built in Batticaloa, a former war-torn area in the east of the island where ex-female Tiger combatants are also working, an official said. "Our current production is 20,000 pieces and we want to push it up to 50,000 pieces," Theodore Gunasekara, general manager, intimate apparels at Brandix Lanka said. zzz03186265
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10537032~~~Ambassador: Sri Lanka working to resettle Tamils~~~Jun 16 (AP) Sri Lanka's ambassador to the United States says his nation's leaders are working to resettle 300,000 ethnic Tamil civilians displaced by civil war. Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya spoke on Monday to an audience at Georgia State University. He denied allegations that ethnic Tamils are being held in welfare camps against their will and said the government is working to get the Tamils back into their homes within six months.zzz03186266
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_SyyiLFWAl_mtLokUBWpnR00Ncw~~~Kiwis rely on inside knowledge over Mendis~~~Jun 16 (AFP) New Zealand hope they can benefit from inside knowledge on Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis in their crucial World Twenty20 clash at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori has turned to teammate Brendon McCullum who played with Mendis in the Kolkata team at the IPL. "Fortunately Brendon was at Kolkata with him and saw quite a bit of him," said Vettori.zzz03186267
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/16/stories/2009061655320800.htm~~~Sri Lanka: task of livelihood rehabilitation ~~~
Jun 16 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulated Dr. Mahmoud Ahmedinejad who was re-elected as President of Iran. 'The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in congratulating you on your re-election as the President of Iran and this is joyous news to us since we consider you as a close of friend of our country', the President said in his message.zzz03186276
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10182&Itemid=44~~~Dairy farming in 70 key villages of the North ~~~Jun 16 (GDI) Dairy farming will be promoted in 70 key villages across the North, and the dramatic program is expected to grow steadily, supplying more milk to the North under Vadakkin Vasantham project. The project expects dairy farmers to be major participants in the Government’s development efforts in the North, and, milk will be made part of the daily diet of the North. “We will set up 15 villages each in Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitvu. zzz03186275
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/who-really-wanted-tamil-eelam-and-why/~~~Who really wanted Tamil Eelam and why?~~~Jun 16 (AT) More and more we are made to wonder the connotations behind the quest for a Tamil Eelam. Was it an ideology that was not meant to go beyond conceptual phase, was it a past time for those who had everything in life and wanted a little excitement, was it a seed planted to create regional and sub-regional discord and friction and create the necessity for western interference,zzz03186274
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/tourism-to-boom-in-north-east-sri-lanka/~~~Tourism to boom in North East Sri Lanka~~~Jun 16 (AT) The hotel trade in Sri Lanka have earmarked tremendous opportunities in tourism in the North and East of Sri Lanka after the elimination of Velupillai Prabhakaran and the LTTESpecial emphasis is being focused on reconstruction and development of hotels in the North and East which were damaged and neglected due to LTTE terrorism. Sri Lanka Tourism authorities are expected to tour these two provinces shortly,zzz03186277
http://asiantribune.com/06/16/university-teachers-for-human-rights-report-separate-the-chaff-from-the-wheat/~~~UTHR Report – ‘Separate the Chaff from the Wheat’~~~Jun 16 (AT) The defeat of the LTTE which is a cause for universal celebration, as it uprooted the number one terrorist organization and opened up a new era in Sri Lankan history, has been marred by certain countries, Tamil diaspora, Human Rights Activists & Organizations, various interested Institutions and so on. The latest to join the line is the University Teachers for Human Rights (UTHR). zzz03186278
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=99&artid=29596~~~Breaking the deadlock through transnational governance~~~Jun 16 (TN) The need of the time now is the metamorphosis of the existing infrastructure into a democratic and inclusive transnational government of Eezham Tamils to strengthen the diaspora socially, economically and culturally; to achieve the goal of independence and sovereignty of Eezham Tamils in the home country and to meet the international challenges internationally.zzz03186279
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1930:an-eye-clinic-in-kaththankudi&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~An Eye clinic in Kaththankudi ~~~Jun 16 (LP) An eye clinic was established in Kaththankudi in Batticaloa on Sunday (14). The programme was initiated by Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said the Ministry of Defence. The eye clinic was established for the betterment of the innocent civilians of the North and east who were victims of Tsunami and terrorism. The eye clinic will be conducted till the 18th of June for 05 days. zzz03186280
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2477:police-bully-lanka-irida&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Police bully ‘Lanka Irida’~~~Jun 16 (LT) According to reports police has pressurized ‘Lanka Irida’ for its news article published in its issue of 14th June that stated the houses completed on "Api Wenuwen Api" Housing Project for war heroes were sold to them. The government collected funds from masses to construct houses for soldiers under this project and new taxes too were introduced alleging it was necessary to provide facilities to war heroes. zzz03186281
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2475:govt-should-have-a-strong-backbone-to-defeat-terrorism&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. should have a strong backbone to defeat terrorism'~~~
Jun 16 (DN) Sri Lanka should now adopt a development model similar to the Korean model to achieve high economic growth with the end of the war, Republic of Korea Ambassador Choi Kichul said. “Korea took 60 years to develop the economy following the Korean war, Therefore, Sri Lanka has now crushed LTTE terrorism after 26 years. It is high time to adopt a strong economic model similar to the Korean model to achieve rapid growth,” zzz03186293
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/16/main_Editorial.asp~~~Reviving education in the North ~~~Jun 16 (DN) It would be an understatement to say that the three decade long ethnic conflict caused disruption to the eduction sector in the North. Not only was there no conducive climate for schools to function normally but the dislocation of civilian life was such that continuity could not be maintained in the schooling life of a child. Now that the chief cause for this disruption has been eliminated, no time should be lost in providing the opportunity to restore school life of the children of the North. zzz03186292
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6332&sec=1~~~Tigers planned to attack 2008 Independence Day celebrations ~~~Jun 16 (ANN) The police have recovered a Year 2008 Diary, believed to be that of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, from a bag belonging to a soldier on Sunday, police sources said Monday. The diary contains vital information including an LTTE plan of an attack on the Independence Day celebrations in 2008. Details of all other attacks carried out by the LTTE during the year had also been recorded in the diary, investigators said. zzz03186294
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/TNA-MP-Shivanathan-Kishore-act-dependent/2935.htm~~~TNA MP Shivanathan Kishore to act independent~~~Jun 16 (CT) TNA MP Shivanathan Kishore, who refrained from voting at the vote on the emergency vote, says his party has decided to conduct a disciplinary inquiry against him. The MP has told the media that as a representative of the people elected by their vote, he would act independently hereafter. He has also said that serving the Tamil people cannot be done while staying in foreign countries.zzz03186295
no~~~British & Norwegian diplomats refused visit to Jaffna~~~Jun 16 (CT) Defence authorities have rejected a request by British and Norwegian diplomats in Colombo, Sri Lanka to allow them visit the Jaffna peninsula, 'Divaina' reports. It has been revealed that the reason behind this request was to visit IDP camps in Jaffna, the newspaper says. It adds that government has learnt that Norwegian media has recently accused the Sri Lankan government of not providing adequate facilities for the displaced persons. zzz03186296
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Suspect--8-murders-killed--shootout-police/2917.htm~~~Suspect in 8 murders killed in shootout with police~~~Jun 16 (CT) A man, wanted in connection with eight murders, has been killed in a shootout with police in Kotte this morning (June 16). According to police, the dead man has been identified as 'Bada Mahinda.' He and three of his accomplices, all armed, had been travelling in a car when they were stopped at a police checkpoint on a tip off that it was transporting weapons.zzz03186297
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news2.html~~~Susil to hand over UPFA nominations for Jaffna MC polls~~~Jun 16 (Island) UPFA General Secretary Minister Susil Premjayanth will personally hand over the list of nomination of the Alliance for the forthcoming Jaffna Municipal Council elections, at the Jaffna Kachcheri on Thursday, since the UPFA had failed to hand over the list before the deadline which was 72 hours prior to the acceptance of nominations as required by the Local Authority Elections Ordinance.zzz03186298
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news3.html~~~JCPSM ready for healthy fight~~~Jun 16 (Island) The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine warned that they would resist efforts by certain factions in the health sector to foil development efforts for them and the nursing category by preventing further intakes for courses offered by the Allied Health Sciences Faculty (AHSF). President of the JCPSM Ravi Kumudesh said yesterday that they would carry out a joint battle to safeguard the right to professional education in the fields of PSM and nursing.zzz03186299
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/16/news1.html~~~Govt. plans survey in the North to solve land problems~~~
Jun 16 (IANS) Despite Colombo's refusal to give visa to its parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhral, Canada said Monday it will continue to engage Sri Lanka on the Tamil issue and work to rehabilitate Tamils displaced by the conflict. Indian-origin parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhrai, who was denied visa by the Sri Lankan High Commission here last week, said Canada remained committed tozzz03186308
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1358266169~~~Former golf clubhouse viable under state management: official~~~Jun 16 (LBO) The clubhouse of a golf course which was ordered in to state hands by court over corruption charges is operating as a hotel and starting to generate profits, an official said. The Water's Edge golf course in Colombo was ordered returned to the state and its clubhouse is now run by the country's Urban Development Authority. The golf course itself was being allowed to return to the wild as a water retention wetland. zzz03186307
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=86402222~~~Sri Lankans still at risk from unregulated financial firms: officials~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lankan depositors should be more vigilant as hundreds of smaller unregulated financial firms are still in existence despite the collapse of a few high profile firms, officials said. "Those who invested in unregulated companies will not get their money back because there is no money to give. Going to courts will not solve anything," chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Udayasri Kariyawasam said. zzz03186306
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1178304038~~~Central bank cut rates to boost post-war recovery~~~Jun 16 (LBO) Sri Lanka cut its main policy discount rate by 50 basis points to 11.00 percent to boost credit and support post war economic recovery, amid muted inflation, the Central Bank said. The defeat of Tamil Tigers last month has raised expectations of post war reconstruction and recovery. "The renewed business confidence and investor perceptions along with reconstruction and development work already embarked onzzz03186309
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090616/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_civil_war~~~Sri Lanka rights abuse probe ends abruptly~~~Jun 16 (AP) A Sri Lankan government investigation into human rights abuses during its war with Tamil Tiger rebels has been disbanded with more than half of its cases unresolved, an official said Tuesday. The decision came as the government brushed off demands for an international investigation into the final ferocious battles of the war, which ended last month after the military routed the rebels in an offensive the U.N. says killed more than 7,000 civilians.zzz03186310
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aw_UaCBrQIfA~~~Tamil Tigers will form new body to pursue self-rule~~~Jun 16 (BN) Tamil Tiger rebels are creating a committee to continue a campaign for self-rule, the group’s head of international relations said today, a month after it was defeated in battle and its leader was killed. “It is time now for us to move forward with our political vision towards our freedom, bearing in mind the practical realities in our homeland,” Selvarasa Pathmanathan said in a recorded statement sent by e-mail. zzz03186305.1
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/16/content_11552222.htm~~~'Sri Lanka's east returns to normalcy'~~~Jun 16 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's once troubled Eastern Province has reached near normalcy with a drastic drop of disappearances of people and fewer security road blocks, a one-man commission reported here Tuesday. The retired judge Mahanama Thilakaratna, who heads a one-man commission of Inquiry to look into disappearances, abductions and murders, told reporters that rights violations in the Eastern Province had recorded a drop of around 90 to 95 percent this year compared with Jan-May period of 2008. zzz03186308.1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090616_probe_pararajasingham.shtml~~~MP murder probe 'inadequate' ~~~Jun 17 (BBC) Police investigations into the murder of a Tamil MP are ‘unsatisfactory’ says a presidential commission of inquiry into serious human rights violations. Former High Court Judge Mahanama Thilakaratne, president of the presidential commission of inquiry (CoI), told BBC Sandeshaya that police have filed charges against two soldiers on killing Joseph Pararajasingham, MP, without finding any evidence. zzz03186313
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10191&Itemid=44~~~I say it again, that is ‘to be rich is glorious’ – Dr. Sarath Amunugama~~~Jun 17 (GDI) For the Chinese, crisis seemed something that you shouldn’t waste. Crisis offered the essential catalyst that forced you towards innovation and it’s a sort of a concession to break your local mindset and go into the future. When the government enterprises are in deep crisis, Chinese authorities are adamant on dividends they pay back to the country. If not, the government orders to close the shop and go. zzz03186314
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10189&Itemid=44~~~FM addresses investors in Myanmar ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Addressing a high powered business delegation in Myanmar, visiting Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama stressed the need for regular interaction, especially between the business communities of the two countries in order to enhance awareness of business opportunities between the two countries. Minister Bogollagama addressing the large gathering of nearly 500 delegates noted with emphasis that zzz03186315
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10192&Itemid=44~~~'Our region is enriched with a huge human resource base'~~~
Jun 17 (GDI) 'As nations that are living in the same region, the challenges and problems faced by us are similar. Collectively we have a huge human resource base which is an enormous strength. However, we have a long way to go where the level of our per capita incomes is concerned, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake inaugurating thezzz03186316
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2105573897~~~Sri Lanka's Dutch envoy intervenes over cooking gas pricing: minister~~~Jun 17 (LBO) The Netherland's envoy to Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the government pricing of liquefied petroleum gas of top Dutch firm Shell Gas, consumer affairs minister Bandula Gunewardene said. In Sri Lanka cooking gas prices are raised on a delayed bi-monthly formula which was ordered by the island's Supreme Court. Minister Gunewardene said the Dutch envoy has expressed his unhappiness at the way gas was priced. zzz03186317
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=998618717~~~Central bank delays Seylan Bank sale~~~Jun 17 (LBO) Central bank which offered a third stake of Seylan Bank to a private investor has not awarded it to the sold bidder by Lanka Orix Leasing Company (LOLC) by the previously set deadline of June 16. "The process for the selection of the strategic partner for Seylan Bank PLC is yet in progress," the Central Bank said in a statement Tuesday. "The Central Bank will make an announcement in this connection once the final decision is made by the Monetary Board." zzz03186318
http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-40376820090616?rpc=401&~~~Sri Lanka detects first H1N1 flu case~~~Jun 17 (Reuters) Sri Lanka has identified its first case of the H1N1 flu virus in a young patient who arrived from Australia over the weekend, the government said on Tuesday. "We have detected the first swine flu case in Sri Lanka. He is an 8-year-old Sri Lankan living in Australia. He has come to Sri Lanka via Singapore with a family of five. Only he has tested positively for H1N1 and is being treated," zzz03186322
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/409330.html~~~Sri Lanka march to semi-finals in style~~~
Jun 17 (Mercy) Recently, MERCY Malaysia conducted an email interview with online news portal Malaysiakini on our work in Sri Lanka. Please find the full Question-and-Answer session with our President, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, below: 1. How many Malaysians are working in Sri Lanka via MERCY Malaysia? At present, there are six MERCY Malaysia representatives in Menik Farm, Cheddikulam, Vavuniyazzz03186331
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news56.html~~~Buy ‘a ticket from the heart’ and book a seat to Jaffna~~~Jun 17 (BL) The government this week launched an ambitious campaign to raise Rs. 14 billion required to construct the Yal Devi railway track from Vavuniya to Kankesanthurai (KKS) within the next two years through ‘Uthuru Mithuru’ – a ticket from the heart’. The ticket which costs Rs. 1,000 each is valid for a one way trip aboard the Yal Devi from Colombo to Jaffna on any day once the train begins its 394 km journey, expected to take place within the next two years. zzz03186332
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news54.html~~~Ranil-Karu toss as UNP’s next Presidential candidate?~~~Jun 17 (BL) Despite calls from dissident quarters asking UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down from contesting any future Presidential Elections, the party would not change its stance of fielding its incumbent leader. UNP MP, Lakshman Seneviratne speaking to The Bottom Line said that there was no change in the party standing that the present Party Leader would contest as its next Presidential candidate. zzz03186333
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/17/news43.html~~~Fear of income tax keeps rural investors away~~~Jun 17 (BL) Stating that the fear of income taxes deter the rural investors from investing in the structured financial system of the country, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa called on a simplified structure to attract them. He said that the rural dweller has funds that are left unutilised or put into the many money making schemes that are unregulated and offer no protection.zzz03186334
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/sri-lankan-envoy-in-chennai-moves-to-london-krishnamoorhty-to-succeed/~~~Sri Lankan envoy in Chennai moves to London, Krishnamoorhty to succeed~~~Jun 17 (AT) Two Sri Lankan envoys, connected with Chennai, past and present, are on transfers by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka, the posting to be effected from 1st of August. Mr. P. M. Amza, who is Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, has been cross posted to London., after his completion of three year service in Chennai. He is likely to leave soon to take on the new post of deputy high commissioner in London on August 1. zzz03186335
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/ex-voice-of-tigers-broadcaster-speaks-out/~~~Ex-Voice of Tigers broadcaster speaks out~~~Jun 17 (AT) Ramalingam Rajeev had a childhood dream – that of becoming a broadcaster, and the only opportunity he got many years later was to work for the LTTE’s radio network – the Voice of Tigers (VoT). He took it on to realise his dream but was soon a disillusioned young man in view of the manner in which this radio station operated. Rajeev is now at the Kathirgamar Transitional Relief Village in Cheddikulam, zzz03186338
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/dr-brian-seneviratne-a-humanright-ltte-activist/~~~Dr. Brian Seneviratne: A Humanright (LTTE) Activist~~~Jun 17 (AT) Dr. Brian Seneviratne, an ethnic Sri Lankan Sinhalese expatriate and a consultant physician living in Brisbane, Australia. He is, of course, a proud cousin of the former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga. He has been a so-called self-proclaimed human right activist and was a friend of Mr. Kandasamy, a human right activist who was cold bloodily killed by LTTE during its terror against the voices of human rights in Jaffna. zzz03186337
http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=62653&nav=13~~~The Ramayana trail continues to attract visitors from India~~~Jun 17 (TB) The Ramayana Trail of Sri Lanka revolves round the Ramayana, the great epic of Asia, which has an unshakable hold on the beliefs of a vast multitude of Asia’s population. Over 50 sites associated with the Ramayana, are located within Sri Lanka, with around 12 of them being sites with archeological evidence. The rest of the sites are largely based on unwavering faith and traditional beliefs. zzz03186339
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Lankan+plan+to+set+up+military+base+in+Katchatheevu+flayed&artid=b0D5u2FKrHE=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=Chief%20Minister%20M%20Karunanidhi~~~Lankan plan to set up military base in Katchatheevu flayed ~~~
Jun 17 (EB) Chief Minister M Karunanidhi expressed serious concern over the proposal of Sri Lankan government to set up a military base and a watch tower in Katchatheevu. Besides, he urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take immediate steps to stop the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by Lankan Navy. The Chief Minister, in his letter to the Prime Minister,zzz03186336
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=84858~~~Finding a path to reconciliation - analysis ~~~Jun 17 (IRIN) Sri Lanka has a historic chance to heal deep ethnic rifts in the country after the civil war and the government should seize the opportunity to follow up on its promises of reconciliation, analysts say. On 19 May, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared victory over the separatist LTTE, ending a 26-year war that has left thousands dead and many thousands more displaced.zzz03186340
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h72YDOlCw6T0Suwyv7wA9e7xK96Q~~~US nominee says Sri Lanka must help Tamils~~~Jun 17 (AFP) Sri Lanka needs to reach out to its Tamil minority and improve conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced after defeating Tiger rebels, the nominee to be the next US ambassador said Tuesday. Patricia Butenis, testifying in a Senate confirmation hearing, said she would also press Sri Lanka to bring to justice those responsible for extrajudicial killings and attacks on the media.zzz03186341
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10197&Itemid=44~~~'Dividends of liberation will accrue soon to people in the North'~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman, Presidential Task Force for the Development of the North, Basil Rajapaksa, MP, said that while offering a political solution to the peoples of the North who have been liberated from the grip of terrorism, steps are being taken to develop the province according to home-grown strategy by the name of ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ (Northern Spring).zzz03186342
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt20page2/content/story/409060.html~~~The return of Blondie~~~
Jun 17 (CI) Q: Why did you cut your hair? A: I was out of cricket for more than a year due as I was injured, so I cut it. But I'm growing back my hair. I miss it. I'm getting it back. Q: Anything we don't know about you? A: Before coming into the Sri Lankan team I had never been to a cricket ground to watch an international match. Q: Your knee injury was supposedly miraculously cured in five days by a mystic healer. zzz03186343
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sril-j17.shtml~~~Government hands greater powers to Chief of Defence Staff~~~Jun 17 (wsws) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake presented a Bill to parliament on June 9 to create a new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post with substantial powers. Just three weeks after proclaiming victory over the separatist LTTE, this is another move to strengthen the military’s role, and consolidate the politico-military cabal that now surrounds President Mahinda Rajapakse.zzz03186344
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=1~~~Rebuilding relations after victories ~~~Jun 17 (SLW) The human rights heartland of Geneva was the scene of the Sri Lankan government’s latest victory. The government staved off a determined effort by Western countries to launch a formal investigation into violations of human rights and possible war crimes in the last phase of Sri Lanka’s ethnic war. At the UN’s Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka was able to draw upon the support, indignation and self-interest of the majority of country’s zzz03186345
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=1~~~Statement of a Group of Concerned Tamils of Sri Lanka~~~Jun 17 (SLW) We appeal to all concerned to attend to the pressing needs of the time. We appeal to the government of Sri Lanka and all other concerned parties to allay the fears of the Tamil people and to address the dire needs of all those affected by the recent onslaught of war. The end of the war is most welcome, but the enormous death toll is a cause for great concern, as also the condition of very many survivors. zzz03186346
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=1~~~New Chief Justice welcomed by Bench and the Bar~~~Jun 17 (SLW) I thank you both Mr. Attorney, Mr. Dayaratne, The President of the Bar Association, for your gracious words of welcome and I thank all of you for your kind presence here today. As most of you may be aware, this is the fourth time that I am addressing you in the confines of these vast halls. First when I took office as a judge of the Court of Appeal in 1995, then as President of the Court of Appeal, then as Judge of the Supreme Court, and today, as Chief Justice.zzz03186347
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=1~~~Transnational Government: another myth is being nurtured!~~~Jun 17 (SLW) The Tamil Diaspora is of three main categories. The first one is the post-independent pre-1983 overseas settlers who searched new pastures for themselves and their motivations were purely economic and colonial-cultured lives. Usually they went for higher education and many of them opted to stay back and establish their lives there, England virtually being that destination. They shared this with their Sinhala counterparts.zzz03186348
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=29601~~~Sri Lanka, unfulfilled challenge to peace mediators~~~Jun 17 (TN) A group of well-known people in the peace making profession are gathering for an annual meet in recluse in Oslo between Tuesday and Thursday to reflect on current mediation processes, according to a news release from Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva. The participants include some of those from Norway whose peace process has led Eezham Tamils to face genocide and incarceration in internment camps. zzz03186349
http://www.peacemuslims.org/President_s_home_grown_solution_must_be_inclusive-20-1100.html~~~President's home-grown solution must be inclusive~~~Jun 17 (PSM) President Mahinda Rajapaksha's home grown soultion to ethnic problem should be inclusive enough to accommodate the aspirations of all communities living in this country, commented a columnist in Lakbima this week. "Going by the happenings of the recent past, it may be noted that the aspect of inclusiveness in the government’s handling of the post-war situation has been a cause for concern for many peace-lovers. zzz03186350
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10213&Itemid=44~~~Prompt action for the release of 51 SL fishermen in India ~~~Jun 17 (GDI) Discussions are in place to bring back 51 fishermen arrested during a temporary moratorium violating Indian territorial waters,a top official of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic resources said. These fishermen taken into custody along with their 9 boats on March 8th by coastal authorities in a period of 45 days temporary moratorium practiced by the Indian government during the fish breeding of the Andaman seas.zzz03186351
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10210&Itemid=44~~~Two university students excel at Microsoft Imagine Cup competition~~~Jun 17 (GDI) A software application created by two students from the University of Moratuwa has been selected by the Microsoft Corporation to compete in the Microsoft Imagine Cup student competition as one of the six finalists at the world competition to be held in Cairo, Egypt from 3rd to 8th July 2009. The software application coined "Hope for poor - Sasrutha" has been developed at the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Moratuwa.zzz03186352
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10209&Itemid=44~~~Search operations find more military items ~~~
Jun 17 (GDI) Prices of essential items will remain the same. However, we must not forget the fact that global terrorism reigned in years 2007, 2008 and 2009, prices of petroleum products went to unexpected levels, the global food crisis was at its maximum, and, simultaneously, global economic downturn affected the local economy.zzz03186360
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2485:time-to-reject-so-called-co-chairs-jvp&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Reject so-called Co-Chairs – JVP tells Govt. ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The JVP demands that the government totally rejects the so-called Co-Chairs so that any foreign country attempting to heap so-called solutions for the national question on the country could be prevented and attempts to strengthen separatism politically could be halted at a time separatist tiger terrorism has been decisively defeated states the JVP. The communiqué issued by the Political Bureau of the JVP states, zzz03186364
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2491:underworld-chief-bada-mahinda-dead&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Underworld chief ‘Bada Mahinda’ dead ~~~Jun 17 (LT) Mahinda Godage alias ‘Bada Mahinda’ said to be a leader of the underworld and accused of a number of crimes including murder, extortion and abductions was shot down by police at Ambuldeniya, Nugegoda yesterday. According to police he was accused of murdering Sanjeewa, a leader of the underworld as well as the former police officer of the Presidential Security Service and shooting at the residence of late Mr. Lasanthe Wickrematunga, Editor of Sunday Leader in 1998. zzz03186361
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2486:prisons-in-sri-lanka-overcrowded&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prisons in Sri Lanka overcrowded ~~~Jun 17 (LT) It was revealed that 6046 inmates are held in Welikade prison which has room only for 1700 prisoners. Among the inmates there are 4000 prisoners and 2046 who are on remand pending trial. According to international standards a prisoner should have an area of 540 sq. feet. However, at Welikade eight to ten prisoners occupy this area. According to reports of Ministry of Justice and Law Reform overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons is 400%. zzz03186362
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2489:a-9-opened-for-civilians&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~A-9 opened for civilians ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The A-9 main highway from Kandy to Jaffna has been opened for private sector transport from today. 20 lorries from Department of Essential Service set off to the north carrying essential items. The road was opened for private sector vehicles after 24 years when tiger terrorists closed the road. Although the A-9 road was fully liberated in January this year with the capture of Elephant Pass on 9th January, the road was used only for troop movement until zzz03186363
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2487:give-opportunity-for-jvp-to-respond-to-false-accusations-by-state-media--anura-dissanayake-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Give opportunity for JVP to respond to false accusations by state media'~~~
Jun 17 (LT) Leader of the group of Parliamentarians of the JVP Anura Dissanayake has sent a letter to Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadharshan Yapa requesting an opportunity to answer false accusations published by state media against the JVP and its leaders. The letter in full: Hon. Minister, The right to respond to false accusations raised by state media.zzz03186367
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2490:entrance-to-sigiriya-go-up-by-rs10-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Entrance to Sigiriya go up by Rs.10/- ~~~Jun 17 (LT) The Central Cultural Fund has decided to increase the price of an entrance ticket for local visitors to Sigiriya by Rs.10.00. Accordingly, a ticket for a local adult would cost Rs.50.00 and a child’s ticket would be Rs.25.00. A few months ago the price of an entrance ticket was increased by Rs.20.00. The ticket that was for Rs.20.00 was increased to Rs.40.00. Since Poson Poya day it has been increased to Rs.50.00. zzz03186365
http://asiantribune.com/06/17/archbishop-malcolm-ranjith-appointed-petron-of-sri-lankan-migrants-in-italy-the-metropolitan-archbishop-of-colombo/~~~Pope names Malcolm Ranjith to Sri Lanka archdiocese~~~
Jun 17 (AT) Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don — one of his most trusted collaborators in the Vatican and a forceful advocate for justice and peace — to head the archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka strong leader, he returns as head of the Sri Lankan Church in what many observers see as a particularly difficult moment.zzz03186384
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44919.html~~~Dengue and Bodhi pooja~~~Jun 17 (LNP) When flying Tigers were downed, we thought we would be able to have a good night`s sleep free from rude shocks from crude aerial bombs and stray tracer bullets. Free as we are from those dangers now, peace of mind remains a luxury we cannot still afford. For, the winged terror continues to trouble us in a different yet insidious form. Mossies are on the warpath in many parts of the country, especially the Colombo city and its suburbs spreading as they do much dreaded dengue. zzz03186358
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090617_03~~~Police nab LTTE medical supplier ~~~Jun 17 (MoD) The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) arrested a director of a leading pharmaceutical company in Wellawatte for having connections with the LTTE and seized a stock of medical items valued at around Rs.2.5 million which were prepared to be sent to the LTTE. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said the stock of drugs and medical items meant for the LTTE were recovered by the TID hidden inside a house in Perera Avenue, Wellawatte on Monday. zzz03186368
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/fea16.asp~~~'Moments in Culture' to launch ~~~Jun 17 (DN) The 10th Death Anniversary of Yogendra Duraiswamy who was a Diplomat in several parts of the world and subsequently District Secretary and Government Agent of Jaffna in April 1969 falls today. In remembrance of Yogendra Duraiswamy a Book titled 'Moments in Culture' will be launched. Mrs. Sivanandani Duraiswamy in association with the Hindu Women's Society have made arrangements to hold a remembrance and prayer meeting on zzz03186369
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news11.asp~~~Seized ship with Lankans heads to Somalian coast ~~~Jun 17 (DN) The cargo ship MV Charelle seized by Somali pirates last Friday off the Omani coast with seven Sri Lankans on board, including the captain, was heading towards the Somalian coast yesterday, reportedly with none of the crew harmed. The local agent of the New Zealand owned shipping company said the journey of the vessel is being closely monitored and the ship was expected to reach the Somalian coast within the next 48 hours. zzz03186370
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news26.asp~~~DNA tests to identify dead Lankans ~~~Jun 17 (DN) Saudi Arabian authorities will conduct DNA tests to identify the five Sri Lankans who died in a major road accident on Thursday. The accident which killed 20 people on board the SAPTCO bus, took place about 30 km east of Riyadh when a Hofuf-bound SAPTCO bus collided with a truck entering from a shoulder lane during a blinding sandstorm. The victims were burned to death as the bus caught fire after crashing into the truck. zzz03186371
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/17/news39.asp~~~Flats for Slave Island slum dwellers~~~Jun 17 (DN) Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane toured the construction site at Dematagoda where new residential flats being constructed for Slave Island residents who lost their houses last year under Beira Lake Development project. Several beneficiary families also accompanied the Minister in the tour yesterday. This housing complex consists of 1,000 housing units and zzz03186375
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news4.html~~~Presidential Commission chief slams police over negligence~~~Jun 17 (Island) Retired Justice Mahanama Tilakaratne, Chairperson of the Presidential Commission investigating abductions, killings and disappearances, blamed the police for negligence on their part and shortcomings in investigating procedures. Commenting on the high profile assassination of TULF MP Joseph Pararajasingham, in Batticaloa a few years ago, he said that nothing could be as ridiculous as an attempt to frame two soldiers over the attack on an innocent man. zzz03186373
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news5.html~~~Decision on re-opening of Kelaniya University~~~Jun 17 (Island) The Kelaniya University administration is awaiting the outcome of police investigations into last Thursday’s clash between the undergraduates and villagers before deciding on a date to reopen the University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarath Amunugama said. Last Wednesday, residents of Dalugama attacked undergraduates of the Kelaniya University with stones and clubs on Thursday following an assault by a student on a youth from the areazzz03186374
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news9.html~~~Kandy goes dry, meatless during Esala festival~~~Jun 17 (Island) Nearly 57 liquor shops and bars within three miles from the limits of the city of Kandy will be closed during the historic Esala Perahera this year. All meat stalls within the Kandy municipality too will be closed. An announcement to this effect was made at a conference held to discuss the arrangements for the Kandy Annual Esala Perahera, chaired by the Kandy District Secretary Gotabhaya Jayaratne at the Secretariat on Tuesday 10. zzz03186381
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/17/news12.html~~~CPC member lashes out at Provincial Teachers’ Transfer Board~~~Jun 17 (Island) The Central Provincial Council member from Nuwara Eliya District (UPFA) S. B. Ratnayake lashed out at the Provincial Teachers’ Transfer Board for arbitrarily transferring teachers out from the Nuwara Eliya district to urban areas of the Kandy district. He said that teachers appointed to rural schools in the Nuwara Eliya district for a period of 5 years had left the district even before the completion of 3 years. zzz03186376
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52121~~~Peace was almost at hand in Sri Lanka says Solheim ~~~Jun 17 (DM) Norwegian Minister and former peace envoy Erik Solheim said yesterday the Norwegian government was very close to achieving peace in Sri Lanka at the time when hostilities resumed once again. In a BBC interview he said the failure by both LTTE and the Sri Lankan government to accept federalism was the key to the breakdown of peace negotiations though federalism was a formula being implemented by several countries including India. zzz03186377
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52127~~~Judge orders to pay Rs. 57 mln~~~Jun 17 (DM) Colombo Additional District Judge delivering his judgement ordered the UNP MP Mohamed Mahroof to pay Rs. 57 million with interest to Merchant Securities and Financial Services (Pvt) Ltd. Additional District Judge Aruna Aluthge entered judgment last week against Mohamed Mahroof on a plaint filed by Merchant Securities and Financial Services Ltd. claiming a sum of Rs. 57 million with interest based on a Promissory. zzz03186378
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52132~~~Sri Lanka to get $ 2.5 B IMF loan~~~Jun 17 (DM) Sri Lanka is expected to receive a US $ 2.5 billion loan from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) this month, a top Central Bank official told Daily Mirror on condition of anonymity. The loan is more than the US $ 1.9 B that Sri Lanka had sought from the IMF, the official added, although there was no official confirmation from the IMF yet. A Reuters report, meanwhile, said Sri Lankan shares rose on Monday to a new nine-month high, zzz03186383
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52084~~~Treating political solutions with care~~~Jun 17 (DM) As the country slowly raises its head from the ashes of war, the threat forced on it, to meet the political whims and fancies of other countries, on the guise of political solutions is large. Complacency and misdirection could pose a serious threat to the sovereignty and unitary nature of the country in this context. It is in this scenario that the country needs to observe the compulsions entertained by certain elements forzzz03186380
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=482198295~~~Public sector scam vies with private sector ones: minister~~~
Jun 17 (LBO) Sections of Sri Lanka's bloated public sector are stealing peoples' money in the same corrupt manner as high profile private sector scams, a senior minister said. "More than 140 state owned institutions are running at losses and have to be supported by the Treasury. Some workers don't even come to work,” deputy finance minister Sarath Amunugama said.zzz03186372
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=96322318~~~Sri Lanka economic growth slows in first quarter 2009~~~Jun 17 (LBO) Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 1.5 percent in the first quarter of the 2009, against 6.2 in 2008 and 4.3 percent in the December quarter. "The global turmoil has directly or indirectly affected the local economy," the head of the government's statistics office Suranjana Vidyaratne said. The agricultural sector grew by 3.0 percent (5.9 percent in 2008), industry by 1.9 percent (6.0 percent in 2008) and zzz03186366
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6351&sec=1~~~LTTE detainees told to accept President’s peace offer~~~
Jun 17 (ANN) A senior police officer in charge of the Northern Province has told LTTE cadres, held in detention, in the Vavuniya region, that they wouldn’t get another opportunity to work out a political package with the Sri Lankan State. Addressing over 2,000 detainees, both men and women, at the Neriyakulam Technical College, Senior DIG Nimal Lewke, said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would be their only hope. zzz03186379
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF18Df02.html~~~Sri Lanka drifts closer to the East~~~Jun 17 (AT) Sri Lanka, which is under tremendous pressure from the West to put its human-rights record on track over the humanitarian crisis that emerged during the defeat of the LTTE, is turning to the East, in particular the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a grouping that represents half the global population. With uncertainty hanging over a US$2 billion standby facility that Sri Lanka is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund, zzz03186382
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090617/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaeconomygrowth~~~Sri Lanka growth slows to 1.5% in first quarter~~~Jun 17 ((AFP) Economic expansion in war-battered Sri Lanka fell to 1.5 percent during the first quarter of this year, as the global recession hurt exports, official data showed Wednesday. The slowdown contrasted with 6.2 percent growth in the first quarter of 2008, though hopes of long-term development have risen since the government's defeat of Tamil rebels last month after decades of conflict. "The global turmoil has directly or indirectly affected the local economy,"zzz03186385
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2423~~~Bad faith and apparent independence~~~Jun 18 (PISL) Having just written an article on the pronouncements of the so-called independent media, I was not entirely surprised to discover that the Associated Press had deliberately misrepresented my answer with regard to the winding up of the Commission of Inquiry into several cases of violence over the last few years. The article described the cases as those of human rights abuses, whereas they dealt with a number of high profile killings, zzz03186386
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2424~~~The Bob Rae saga~~~Jun 18 (PISL) Secretary General Prof Rajiva Wijesinha has written to The Toronto Star in response to its coverage of the decision to prevent Canadian politician Bob Rae from entering Sri Lanka last week. His letter is carried below. Dear Sir, A recent article in your columns suggested that a letter from Irangani de Silva, the former head of SLUNA, may have contributed to the decision to bar the Canadian politician Bob Rae from entering Sri Lanka. zzz03186387
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_ltte-child-soldiers-allowed-to-exchange-letters-with-parents_1265785~~~LTTE child soldiers allowed to exchange letters with parents~~~Jun 18 (PTI) Hundreds of surrendered LTTE child soldiers, who are being kept in various welfare camps in Vavuniya, have been allowed to exchange letters and telephone calls with their parents, a top commander said. "We have started allowing them to exchange letters with their parents, though they are yet not permitted to interact with them directly," Competent Authority for the IDPs Major General GA Chandrasiri said.zzz03186388
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1368414959~~~Sri Lanka pins economic recovery on post-war revival~~~Jun 18 (LBO) Sri Lanka's growth which plummeted to 1.5 percent in the first quarter may pick up later in 2009 with an agriculture and construction led recovery in former war-torn areas coupled with a global green shoots, officials said. The government defeated Tamil Tiger separatists last month in their last redoubt in the northeast of the island, after driving them out of the east of the island, much earlier. zzz03186389
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090617_journalists_exiled.shtml~~~Sri Lanka journalists 'forced into exile' ~~~Jun 18 (BBC) An international media watchdog says that Sri Lankan journalists are driven into exile for critical coverage of government military operations. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least eleven Sri Lankan journalists fled the country past year - accounting for a quarter of all such cases worldwide last year. The group says Sri Lankan reporters and editors faced severe retribution, including violence, zzz03186390
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10215&Itemid=44~~~No Petrol Diesel price hike in IOC ~~~Jun 18 (GDI) There will be no price hike in petrol and diesel marketed by Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) though the company yesterday requested the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to grant approval for a price increase, Secretary to the Ministry, W.B. Ganegala said. The LIOC made that appeal stating that the prices of fuel have now increased in the world market.zzz03186391
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2493:60-have-died-in-idp-camps-due-to-hunger-a-scarcity-of-medicine--gayanthe-karunatileke&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'60 have died in IDP camps due to hunger & scarcity of medicine'~~~Jun 18 (LT) There is information that about 60 people have died in IPD camps in the North within the last few days due to hunger and scarcity of medicine said UNP Parliamentarian Gayanthe Karunatileke in Colombo today (17th). Speaking at a media meeting Mr. Gayanthe Karunatileke expressed disappointment for not giving the opposition and the media an opportunity to see for themselves the conditions in the IDP camps. zzz03186392
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2492:govt-not-prepared-to-cast-aside-13th-amendment--lakshman-yapa-abeywardene&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Govt. not prepared to cast aside 13th amendment'~~~
Jun 18 (GDI) The Government has decided to reopen the wildlife sanctuaries in several districts of North which had been closed due to war under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” Program in the near future, Director Operations for the Department of Wildlife H.D.Rathnayake said. He stated that after the security forces clear the lands of land mines,the Wildlife sanctuaries will re-open to the public visit.zzz03186415
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10223&Itemid=44~~~'Opposition trying to tarnish image of government'~~~Jun 18 (GDI) “The war is over now and the resettlement process has begun, but the opposition seems determined to sabotage the process and tarnish the government’s image,” Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated. He pointed out that the Government would facilitate anyone interested in assisting the displaced persons currently located in the welfare centers, but won’t let anyone capitalize on their grievances. zzz03186417
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061853870400.htm~~~Four Tamil refugees rescued by Indian Navy ~~~Jun 18 (Hindu) Four Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including an LTTE cadre, and an Indian national, spent 24 hours on an unmanned islet near Dhanushkodi before reaching Rameswaram on Wednesday. They were rescued by an Indian naval boat from 3rd islet, where a Sri Lankan boat crew had dropped them after ferrying them from Talaimannar. They claimed that they reached the islet at the early hours on Tuesday and spent the whole day without food and water. zzz03186418
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2510:jvp-names-its-chief-ministerial-candidate-for-uva&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~JVP names its chief ministerial candidate for Uva ~~~Jun 18 (LT) Former Member of Uva Provincial Council and Leader of the JVP group of Members in the Uva PC Sudath Balagalle has been named as the chief ministerial candidate of the JVP for the forthcoming Uva PC election states media unit of the JVP. He will contest representing Badulla District. Mr. Balagalle is an Economic Special graduate from Peradeniya University and has had his early education at Mahiyangana National College. zzz03186419
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2509:unemployed-in-1st-quarter-is-45-million--dept-of-census-a-statistics&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Unemployed in 1st quarter is 4.5 million'~~~Jun 18 (LT) The number of unemployed in Sri Lanka in the first quarter of this year is 4,50,000 and compared to the same period last year it is an increase of 40,000 states Department of Census and Statistics. Accordingly, the number of employed in Sri Lanka is 77,10,000. 26,13,000 of them are in agriculture sector, 18,94,000 are in the industrial sector and there are 32,02,000 in the services sector states Department of Census and Statistics. zzz03186420
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2508:kadirs-assassin-killed-in-pudumathalan&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Kadirgamar's assassin killed in Pudumathalan ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The assassin of former Foreign Minister Luxman Kadirgamar was killed in clashes that occurred at Pudumathalan says a senior defense officer. According to him a senior LTTE member who surrendered to SL forces and now in an IDP camp at Vavuniya had said ‘Champion’ a senior LTTE leader, who was the assassin of former Foreign Minister Luxman Kadirgamar was killed fighting government forces at Pudumathalan. zzz03186430
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2499:prices-of-imported-fruits-up&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Prices of imported fruits up ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The prices of imported fruits have drastically gone up in price. A Chinese apple in the Pettah market is between Rs. 20 and Rs. 25 while Australian or American apples are sold for Rs.40,50 and 60. The price of an orange is between Rs.35 and 40 while a kilo of grapes is between Rs.600 and 700. In supermarkets the prices are higher. Importers of fruits say the prices are higher as adequate stocks are not received from countries and a high tax is levied for imported fruits.zzz03186410
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2495:students-union-asks-vice-chancellor-to-mediate&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Students Union asks Vice-Chancellor to mediate ~~~Jun 18 (LT) The Students’ Union of Kelaniya University has asked acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sarath Amunugama to mediate in the crisis that exists in the university, bring about a settlement and reopen the university immediately. In a letter sent to the acting Vice-Chancellor the Students’ Union states: The university has been temporarily closed down due to an unstable situation that occurred as a result of several unexpected incidents.zzz03186423
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2497:swine-flu-is-not-fatal--epidemiologist-dr-risineth-premaratne-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Swine flu’ is not fatal – Epidemiologist~~~Jun 18 (LT) Influenza A virus subtype H1N, 1commonly known as ‘swine flu’ is not fatal and people need not have unnecessary fear regarding it says epidemiologist Dr. Risineth Premaratne. Despite calling it ‘swine flu’ laboratory tests have showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in humans and birds and now it is called Novel Influenza A (H1 N1).zzz03186424
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lanka-military-arrests-15-LTTE-doctors/3027.htm~~~Military arrests 15 LTTE doctors~~~Jun 18 (CT) The Sri Lankan military has arrested 15 doctors who were in the LTTE's medical unit, 'Lakbima' reports, citing sources from the TID and the CID. The news report by Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe, published in today's newspaper, says that the arrested doctors include five MBBS doctors and 10 doctors passed out from the Eelam school of medicine. Head of the LTTE medical unit, Selvavinayagam Kuwendraraja alias Manoj, arrested from a welfare camp in Vavunya, zzz03186425
no~~~Only president & universities can confer honorary titles~~~Jun 18 (CT) The government has decided to that only the President and recognised universities can confer honorary titles. The decision was unanimously taken last evening (June 17) at a meeting of the cabinet which considered a report submitted by a panel of six ministers headed by D.M. Jayaratne. However, this decision will not apply for the honorary titles conferred by the Buddhist clergy.zzz03186426
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Minister-laughs-request-foreign-monitors-north-polls/3006.htm~~~Minister laughs off request for foreign monitors at north polls~~~Jun 18 (CT) Media minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has laughed off a request by the opposition for foreign monitors to observe the upcoming local government elections for Jaffna and Vavuniya. The minister told the media today (Jun 17) that any party or group could take part without any disruption in the election that seeks to establish democracy in the north. The government would gain nothing by disrupting it, although zzz03186427
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10230&Itemid=44~~~'Today marks the completion of one month of the reunification of the country'~~~Jun 18 (GDI) "Today marks the completion of one month of the reunification of the country by defeating LTTE terrorism. People in the North Central Province were the happiest group who enjoyed the end of terrorism as they had been the most vulnerable people to the atrocities of the LTTE terrorists”, President Mahinda Rajapakse said while participating in a felicitation ceremony held in front of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.zzz03186429
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10232&Itemid=44~~~Next challenge: wiping out notion of ‘remote villages’~~~
Jun 18 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated that citizens of this country irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity should now come together to build up the nation and recover the momentum lost due to the terrorist menace in the quarter century war. The President was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized at the scared Jayasiri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.zzz03186421
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Ne070106Militant_SR.asp~~~Militant-turned Lankan minister has murder case against him in Chennai~~~
Jun 18 (Tehelka) Sri Lanka’s social services and social welfare minister and leader of EPDP Douglas Devananda was involved in a shooting incident in Chennai in 1986 which claimed a person’s life. At the time Devananda was heading the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the EPRLF military wing. Operating from Jaffna, he arrived in Chennai in early 1986 to sort out organisational issues with colleagues then based in Tamil Nadu. zzz03186433
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44961.html~~~Sri Lanka records 1.5 percent GDP growth in 1 Q, 2009~~~Jun 18 (LNP) Sri Lanka recorded a 1.5 percent GDP growth for the first quarter of 2009, the Department of Census and Statistics said yesterday. The three main sectors of agriculture, industry and services of GDP grew by 3 percent, 1.9 percent and 1 percent. This is a significant growth compared to many developed western countries where they recorded a negative growth and we could expect much improved results for the next quarter,zzz03186431
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44962.html~~~A damning indictment~~~Jun 18 (LNP) Chairman of the Presidential Commission investigating abductions, killings and disappearances and former judge Mahanama Tilakaratne`s fierce attack on the police yesterday must have warmed the cockles of many a heart. He inveighed against the police for inefficiency, negligence and dereliction of duty. How the police handle even high profile investigations is shocking. Mr. Tilakaratne has faulted the police for the haphazard manner in which TNA MP Joseph Pararajasingham`szzz03186432
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/44960.html~~~Dilantha moving towards a new record~~~
Jun 18 (LNP) Dilantha Malagamuwa took the top spot after the third and fourth rounds of the Aston Martin Asia Cup Motor Racing Championship held at the Sepang F1 circuit recently. Dilantha who has won the Malaysian Super Series twice is also competing in the same this year too. Dilantha also becomes the first Sri Lankan driver to run in two different championships on the same day. zzz03186428
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_17_005.html~~~“Economist” banned for article on post war Sri Lanka~~~Jun 18 (LNW) 12th June 2009 issue of Economist magazine has been held up for security reasons (!) by Sri Lanka customs. Subscribers who pay SLR 11,000 a year to Vijitha Yapa book shop in Colombo have not received their copies yet. The reason for this censorship could well be an article on Sri Lanka, which is pasted below this note. According to informed sources this is the 4th Economist issue that has been banned by customs in recent past. zzz03186434
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news04.asp~~~Second Swine Flu patient detected ~~~Jun 18 (DN) Health authorities said yesterday that a second confirmed case of Swine Flu had been detected in the country. The new patient has been identified as the brother of the first case detected on Tuesday. Health Ministry, Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Peiris said that the parents of the children had however tested negative for the virus. The residence of the family is closely monitored and has been quarantined, he added. zzz03186458
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news12.asp~~~TRO Chairman arrested and detained ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The CID informed the Colombo Magistrate's Courts yesterday that they were further detaining the Chairman and another member of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) under detention orders for questioning in their alleged involvement in raising funds for the LTTE terrorist organization. The TRO, a non Governmental Organization is charged with raising funds for the LTTE in the guise of collecting monies to help welfare activities of the displaced civilians in the North. zzz03186436
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/news30.asp~~~Rs. 6.4b Nano Park to attract scientists ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The Science and Technology Ministry is looking at possibilities of attracting local and foreign scientists and researchers for the proposed Nano-Technology Park which will be constructed at Homagama, sources said. The Nano Park is a Government initiated project for local industrialists to carry out nano-technology based research and development activities, zzz03186437
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/18/pol03.asp~~~NIC compulsory for voters ~~~Jun 18 (DN) The National Identity Card or any other identity document with a photograph of the voter will be made compulsory for the voters to cast their ballot at the forthcoming Uva Provincial Council Election, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake said. Dissanayake said the National Identity Card issued by Persons Registration Department, a valid Passport, a valid Driving licence, a Railway Season Ticket Identity Card with valid season ticket, zzz03186438
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/vanni-tna-mp-pours-scorn-over-prabhakaran-chelvanayagam/~~~Vanni TNA MP pours scorn over Prabhakaran Chelvanayagam~~~Jun 18 (AT) Vanni TNA Member of Parliament is the surprise addition to the growing tribe of leaders who are pouring scorn over Prabhakaran and Chelvanayagam The surge of surrender of erstwhile LTTE cadres is continuing. On Wednesday alone, 9,700 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Sri Lanka Army; they were moved to temporary camps set up at Rambaikkulam Girls School, Kovil Kadavai Hindu College, Technical College,zzz03186439
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news15.html~~~Workers foil attempt to steal Sri Lanka Insurance files~~~Jun 18 (Island) The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) employees yesterday thwarted an attempt to remove some important files from the SLIC head office close on the heels of Abdeen Associates, on behalf of Vasudeva Nanayakkara, demanding that the Police, Bribery Commission, the Institute of Chartered Accounts, Securities and Exchange Commission and Controller of Exchange investigate and prosecute persons involved in the fraudulent SLIC privatisation.zzz03186435
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news5.html~~~Anyone can visit IDP camps but not for own gain~~~Jun 18 (Island) The government would allow any interested party or group to assist and help the internally displaced persons currently located in the welfare centres in the North, but won’t let anyone capitalize on their grievances, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday. He said that there were political parties and NGOs demanding access to these camps with the intention of gaining political mileage and to secure foreign funds for NGOs. zzz03186441
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/18/news8.html~~~'No moral or legal basis to prosecute our Leaders'~~~
Jun 18 (BBC) A 73-day protest involving thousands of people demonstrating over the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka has ended. The protest featured hunger strikes, mass sit-ins blocking central London roads and people throwing themselves into the River Thames. One of those involved, Ambi Seevaratnam said: "After 73 days, nothing has worked. The Tamils have been betrayed by the international community." zzz03186457
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090618/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunresttigersprabhakaran~~~'Tamil Tiger leader fought to the death'~~~Jun 18 (AFP) A newly formed front of the defeated Tamil Tigers on Thursday rejected media reports that their former leader Velupillai Prabhakaran had surrendered or was taken alive before being killed. A group calling itself the department of intelligence of the LTTE said Prabhakaran was killed in May while trying to escape to safety. "Contradictory information are circulating that he was arrested, that he surrendered, that he was killed after interrogation and that he committed suicide," zzz03186456
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23709157-details/Violence+soars+as+police+deal+with+Tamil+protests/article.do~~~Violence soars as police deal with Tamil protests~~~Jun 18 (LES) Violence and burglary soared in London because police officers were redirected to deal with the Tamil protests, an influential report revealed today. The number of cases of serious violence leapt by nearly 30 per cent and cases of burglary increased by 7.3 per cent, according to the study by Britain's top police officer responsible for public order. The report showed how a squad usually used to tackle violent crimes and break-ins in zzz03186450
no~~~Sri Lanka rebuild its economy~~~zzz03186440
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090618/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketicct20sriwis~~~Flair all round as Sri Lanka face Windies~~~Jun 19 (AFP) West Indies are confident of chasing nearly any total in this event; Sri Lanka believe there is no score they can't defend. Clearly, something will have to give in their World Twenty20 semi-final. Friday's match at the Oval sees two exciting sides up against one another and, while Sri Lanka will start favourites, the West Indies have shown that they are not to under-estimated.zzz03186459
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090618_10~~~UK should help Sri Lanka- Lord Naseby ~~~Jun 19 (MoD) Lord Naseby in a letter, congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa for defeating LTTE terrorism that had held Sri Lanka to ransom for 26 years. Writing to the president shortly after the historic victory of the Sri Lankan armed forces against terrorism, the leading conservative member of the British House of Lords and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons has also stated that the UK should provide meaningful help to Sri Lanka for resettlement of the displaced. zzz03186460
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF19Df01.html~~~Tigers struggle to rise from the ashes ~~~Jun 19 (AT) As Colombo celebrated the one month anniversary of its military routing the LTTE, the former separatist outfit showed the first signs of rising from the ashes as it announced the setting up of a democratic movement to "peacefully" struggle for a separate Tamil homeland in Sri Lanka. In an e-mailed voice clip, the highest-ranking LTTE member believed to be alive, fugitive Selvarajah Pathmanathan - more commonly known as KP - announced the formation of zzz03186461
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/002200906181823.htm~~~Don't be mute spectator on Sri Lanka's plans on islet: Karunanidhi ~~~Jun 19 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday said the Centre "cannot remain a mute spectator" about Sri Lanka's reported plans to build a military base in Katchatheevu, an islet ceded by India to the island nation. Two days after writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh calling for verifying reports about Sri Lanka's "unilateral action", Mr. Karunanidhi told the state Assembly that "If such reports are true, Centre cannot remain a mute spectator to such a development." zzz03186467
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409636.html?CMP=OTC-RSS~~~Sri Lanka ahead by a nose~~~Jun 19 (CI) The Oval is shaping up as West Indies' lucky ground. In years gone by, it was the team's natural home-from-home, a place where the expat communities of Brixton and Lambeth could flood into the stands and watch the likes of Viv Richards and Michael Holding make England grovel. In more recent times, the venue has produced sharp spikes of achievement to atone for the team's general malaise, andzzz03186463
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10233&Itemid=51~~~Summary of cabinet decisions~~~Jun 19 (GDI) US$ 25 Million Credit Facility from China Development Bank: Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Acting Minister of Finance & Planning Ranjith Siyambalapitiya to provide a Guarantee Certificate by the Ministry of Finance & Planning to the China Development Bank as security for the US$ 25 Million credit facility. National Backbone Network: Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to implement the “National Backbone Network” zzz03186464
http://asiantribune.com/06/18/ltte-comes-to-terms-with-prabhakarans-death-at-last/~~~LTTE comes to terms with Prabhakaran’s death, at last~~~Jun 19 (AT) The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has at last acknowledged that its “national leader” V Prabhakaran has died in action. In a statement on Thursday, Kathirkamathamby Arivazhakan, head of the external affairs wing in the department of intelligence in the LTTE said it has now been confirmed that “Tamil Eelam National Leader…V. Pirabaharan has attained martyrdom”.zzz03186465
http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/20090618/736/tnl-sri-lanka-bourse-among-world-s-best.html~~~Sri Lanka bourse among world's best performing markets~~~Jun 19 (Reuters) Sri Lankan shares jumped 2.61 percent on Thursday to become one of the best-performing bourses among the world stock markets after a global recession, with top bluechips hitting over one-year highs. Turnover hit a record of 2 billion rupees ($17.5 million), more than four times last year's daily average of 464 million rupees, according to a bourse official. The rupee closed flat with the central bank preventing appreciation through buying dollars.zzz03186466
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7880~~~'MPs have the right to access to the welfare camps'~~~
Jun 19 (CI) Three months to the day after he was discharged from a Colombo hospital, head swathed in bandages, Ajantha Mendis claimed 3 for 9 and Man-of-the-Match honours in the World Twenty20 Super Eights match against New Zealand. The wounds from the Lahore terror attack may have left physical scars, but they have done nothing to diminish his spin-bowling wizardry. zzz03186462
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/409671.html~~~Sangakkara banks on team unity~~~Jun 19 (CI) They are both called island teams but the similarity ends with the terminology. While the West Indies as we know it is a collection of disparate countries coming together largely for cricketing purposes, Sri Lanka is one nation. A collection of diverse ethnicities and faiths, yes - Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim - but one unit with allegiance to one flag. It's that sense of unity that has helped Sri Lanka's cricketers cope with terrorism -zzz03186468
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=1~~~Make your choice, fellow tamilians! ~~~Jun 19 (SLW) So, Im a Tamil.and proud of it. Proud of my culture, proud of my language, proud of the achievements of many of my fellow tamilians all over the world. Born here, right here in sunny Sri lanka. And Ive finally decided to say something. I know Im going to ruffle a lot more than a few feathers here- possibly even have a few people get themselves off my facebook friends list, but then,zzz03186471
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=1~~~Fighting the PR War ~~~Jun 19 (SLW) The ongoing campaign by The Times to discredit the recent military victory by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces over the LTTE seems, at times, relentless. Not a day passes by without Jeremy Page, Marie Colvin or Catherine Philp lecturing on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka. I usually despise the shrill hysteria and the ‘me against the world’ mentality that envelops my countrymen when faced with criticism, but on this occasion I feel it is warranted. zzz03186472
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1833384611~~~Sri Lanka gets Chinese finance for bunker facility~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Sri Lanka is getting a 65 million US dollars loan from China's Exim Bank to build an oil storage facility in the Southern coastal town of Hambantota, a senior government minister said. "The objective of this project is to supply and store marine fuel, aviation fuel and LP gas and provide bunkering services for vessels passing by Sri Lanka," information minister Anura Yapa said. zzz03186473
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2012417412~~~Sri Lanka buys US218mn from forex markets in June: CB Governor~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Central bank has bought 218 million US dollars from forex markets in June on top of 160 million US dollars bought during the last two months, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said. Since a float of the rupee in March ahead of an IMF bailout, the Central Bank has so far bought 378 million US dollars. The IMF loan has been delayed amid foot dragging by the United States but following the float of the currency, zzz03186474
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1208208680~~~Sri Lanka IOC asks for fuel price increase~~~Jun 19 (LBO) Lanka IOC, a unit of the Indian Oil Corporation had asked Sri Lanka's petroleum ministry permission to raise petrol and diesel pump prices by 21 to 23 rupees a litre to stem losses amid rising oil prices, an official said. IOC managing director Suresh Kumar said his firm had lost about 15 rupees a litre on petrol last month on petrol and diesel and this month the loss had increased to between 21 to 23 rupees per litre. zzz03186475
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/in-sri-lanka-orphans-inte_b_213974.html~~~In Sri Lanka: Orphans International Continues~~~Jun 19 (HP) Orphans International Sri Lanka, an affiliate of Orphans International Worldwide, was founded in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami. The organization, to help Sri Lankan children, was built in memory of Dr. Cresenta Fernando, a Sri Lankan native who worked for the World Bank in Washington and who perished in the Tsunami of 2004. For the last year, the NGO staff have worked and trained in community center of a village called Kathaluwa.zzz03186476
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/a-big-defeat-no-more-tamil-guerillas-says-victor-ivan/~~~'A big defeat, no more Tamil guerillas'~~~
Jun 19 (AT) In a candid interview, former member of the JVP and founder Editor – Ravaya newspaper, Victor Ivan says that nothing can compare to the defeat of the LTTE in post independence Sri Lanka and that another Tamil guerilla movement will not surface in the country. Born to a Catholic father and a Buddhist mother, he was educated at St. Anthony’s College – Kandy, St. Anne’s College – Kurunegala and St. Aloysious’ College – Galle.zzz03186477
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8107869.stm~~~Sri Lanka war on words continues ~~~Jun 19 (BBC) One month after Tamil Tigers rebels were defeated in Sri Lanka with the death of their leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, the working environment for journalists shows no sign of improving, as this correspondent, who prefers to remain unnamed, reports from Colombo. Independent journalists in Sri Lanka say they still feel threatened and intimidated. A journalist union leader was recently abducted and assaulted on his way home in Colombo within weeks of zzz03186478
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/791~~~Reconciliation: A Sinhala “middle-class” point of view~~~Jun 19 (DBS) Hello Friends, Opening up this Blog for people to express their views on national reconciliation, ethnic amity and inter-racial justice seems to have created a vibrant forum. I am particularly heartened by the positive responses of so many people from different walks in life. Of course a web based forum in English is naturally confined to a particular socio-economic background. zzz03186485
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/794~~~The mood in Jaffna is that of being tragically marooned~~~Jun 19 (DBS) Hello Friends, A Christian clergyman who inspired many of us during our student days was the Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala Rt. Rev Lakshman Wickremasinghe. This eminent theologian known popularly as Bishop Lakshman was a practical man of action when it came to the question of human rights violations and inter-ethnic justice and unity. Bishop Lakshman was one of those who pioneered the Civil Rights Movement in Sri Lanka when zzz03186484
no~~~Memorial Service at the Washington Buddist Vihara~~~Jun 19 (IL) Washington Buddhist Vihara will hold a Memorial Service to tranfer merits to the fallen soldiers and all the people who sacrificed lives to free Sri Lanka from terrorism. The service will be held at the Washington D.C. Buddhist Vihara, on Saturday 20th June, 2009. The program will begin at 2.30 pm.zzz03186481
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/MFA+Spokesman/2009/Press+releases/Israel-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-Sri-Lanka-18-Jun-2009.htm~~~Israeli humanitarian aid dispatched to Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (MFA) A shipment of medical equipment and drugs, contributed by the MFA and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, will be delivered to the Sri Lankan health authorities. The humanitarian shipment, which was collected and organized by MASHAV, the Israel Center for International Cooperation, will be presented by MFA deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific,zzz03186483
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/War-fears-still-haunt-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/4674238.cms~~~War fears still haunt Lanka~~~Jun 19 (TOI) For a city, warweary until the other day, life couldn’t be more normal. The signs of victory are obvious in Colombo. Hundreds of colourful posters plastered on the whitewashed street walls show President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his hands lifted in a gesture of triumph. They hail him as ‘Maharajanayakek Apata’ (‘our mighty king’). Taxi drivers are thrilled to serve an Indian customer. zzz03186448
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/sustainable-energy-in-sri-lanka/~~~Sustainable energy in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 19 (AT) “We should improve the status of transport, especially make the railway to use mostly as the mode of transport; the public bus transport in urban areas too should be improved by making it more efficient and comfortable for passengers so that flooding of private vehicles into the traffic jam could be prevented.” Professor Tissa Vitarana, Minister of Science & Technology said so addressing a seminar to discuss on the status of sustainable energy in Sri Lankazzz03186480
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/%e2%80%98off-white-blimps%e2%80%99-and-west%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98infallibility%e2%80%99/~~~‘Off-white blimps’ and West’s ‘infallibility’~~~Jun 19 (AT) A section of Sri Lanka’s Opposition and other pundits have launched a barrage of criticism on the government over what they call its “anti-Western rhetoric” They say GOSL has antagonized the ‘democracies’ on human rights issues and by refusing entry to the likes of Bob Rae. We know how the democracies attempted to secure peace and uphold human rights by trying to pressure an elected government to negotiate withzzz03186479
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31187&Cr=sri+lanka&Cr1=~~~Sri Lanka fighting over, but much work remains, says Ban~~~
Jun 19 (LT) It has been revealed that the turmoil that occurred at Kelaniya University on the 11th was a riotous situation directed by UPFA organizer for Kelaniya Dr. Mervin Silva. It had been attempted by many quarters to pinpoint the incident as a clash between university students and the villagers. However, the involvement of Dr. Mervin was exposed with the publishing of photographs of the incident zzz0318650.1
no~~~Excise Dept. earns Rs.12000 million for the state in 5 months ~~~Jun 19 (LT) The Department of Excise has earned the government Rs.12000 million as tax during the first five months of this year. Last year Department of Excise conducted 56500 raids and suspects brought before the law. It earned Rs.2700 million as fines and this money was added to the income of local government institutes. Until May this year Department of Excise has carried out 16,000 raids and expects to earn an income of Rs.35000 million for the state. zzz03186503
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2517:politician-transports-historical-piyangala-cave-to-oluwil-port&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Politician 'transports' historical Piyangala cave to Oluwil Port! ~~~Jun 19 (LT) ‘Lankatruth’ has received reports that Piyangala cave which has tremendous historical significance is on the verge of being devastated and Sri Lanka will lose it forever. According to information we receive a group of authorities including a powerful minister of the government are carrying out a conspiracy to crush stone found in the cave into rubble and transport it to Oluwil port. zzz03186510
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45003.html~~~NGJA targets Rs 35 b on gem and jewellery exports~~~Jun 19 (LNP) The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) is targeting Rs.35 billion this year through Gem and Jewellery exports. With the dawn of peace, the gem and jewellery industry will a have positive impact. The industry in the Northern province, especially, would expand with the infusion of technology and human resources. Therefore, these areas would become a manufacturing hub to cater to the tourism industry zzz03186502
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_17_004.html~~~SL Gov. has requested to exchange 300 Tamil Refugees from India~~~Jun 19 (LNW) The Indian government, though not officially disclosed or confirmed, is said to have acceded to a request by the SL government to hand over around 300 refugees of SL Tamil origin to the SL authorities in Colombo, who are presently in the custody of the criminal investigation department of the Tamil Nadu police. Most of them have been in TN detention camps for many years with criminal charges. zzz03186505
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29610~~~Basil's Jaffna meet fails to discuss people in internment camps~~~Jun 19 (TN) The meeting meant to explore possibilities of the resettlement and rehabilitation of more than 13,000 Vanni civilians held in Sri Lanka Army (SLA) internment camps in Jaffna, held under tight security in Jaffna Public Library Thursday ended without any significant decisions regarding the issue concerned, Government officials who attended the meeting said. The venue of the meeting which was to be held in Jaffna Secretariat was changed atzzz03186504
http://asiantribune.com/06/19/swamy-writes-to-pm-put-on-hold-sethu-project-till-analysis-completes/~~~Swamy writes to PM: Put on hold Sethu project till analysis completes~~~Jun 19 (AT) Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to issue a directive putting the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP) on hold till all analysis were carried out. He claimed that the SSCP was conceived and inaugurated without the Ministry of Shipping doing the basic tectonic survey and risk analysis about the possible effects of zzz03186507
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/June/theuae_June425.xml§ion=theuae&col=~~~Paramour accused of killing woman’s husband~~~Jun 19 (KT) A 23-year-old Sri Lankan man went on trial in the Criminal Court of First Instance on Thursday in connection with the alleged murder of a compatriot, with whose wife he allegedly had an illicit relationship. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the crime. Four others, including the deceased’s wife, the defendant’s mother, a relative and a woman friend, were referred to the Court of Misdemeanours for being accessories to the crime. zzz03186508
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Court-allows-further-detention--'Thamalini'/3057.htm~~~Court allows further detention of 'Thamalini'~~~
Jun 19 (CT) The Crime Investigation Division yesterday (June 18) informed the Colombo, Sri Lanka Chief Magistrate's Courts that women's political wing head of the LTTE Subramaniam Shivathai alias 'Thamilini' was being detained and questioned. Chief Magistrate, Nishantha Hapuarachchi directed the suspect to be further detained under the directives of the Defence Secretary.zzz03186506
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090619_01~~~President says : NCP people didn't flee ~~~
Jun 19 (MoD) The people in the North Central Province didn't flee in fear of LTTE terrorists leaving their villages and property. Buddhist priests protected the shrines from LTTE attacks. If not for them we would have to start our war against the LTTE from another location such as Kurunegala, Matale or Negombo, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. The President was addressing priests and religious dignitaries inzzz03186530
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/news03.asp~~~President unveils restored Jethavana Stupa ~~~Jun 19 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday it was a pleasure and a meritorious deed for him to grace the occasion of offering the conserved Jetavana Stupa for worshipping to the world Buddhist community. “This colossal stupa was constructed by King Mahasena (276-313 BC) when the country was under one flag and united,” President Rajapaksa said addressing the religious gathering at the occasion zzz03186509
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/fea14.asp~~~Peace in our time and the way forward ~~~Jun 19 (DN) President Rajapaksa's speech in Parliament has to be welcomed as a pivotal turning-point in the history of our beloved Motherland. He has unequivocally destroyed the dichotomy of 'majority' versus 'minorities' when he said that there are only two kinds of people: those who love the Motherland and those mercifully few who work against her. How right he is for he is the very first Head of State to recognize that all who are born on this soil are its sons and daughters. zzz03186512
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/fea17.asp~~~Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, completes 80 ~~~Jun 19 (DN) The School of Ayurveda, Gampaha, was a dream came true on July 19, 1929. The Ayurveda School was originally named Gampaha Siddhayurveda Vidyalaya. In 1982 the name was changed to Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute when it was registered with the Government. This year 2009 it completes 80 years of yeoman service to the nation. It was in an era when there was no such institution in the island, thatzzz03186511
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/19/news30.asp~~~Milk production to increase by 50 percent~~~Jun 19 (DN) Sri Lanka produces only 20 percent of the country's national milk/dairy requirement and plans are afoot to increase production by 50 percent, NLDB Chairman Dr Chandrawansa Pathirajah said. At present the Government imports more than 60,000 tonnes of powdered and liquid milk and therefore we could save a lot of money if we develop the local dairy and fresh milk industry, he said. zzz03186514
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news1.html~~~LG polls: TNA contemplates suing MoD~~~Jun 19 (Island) The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is contemplating legal action against the Defence Ministry for preventing it from going to Jaffna and Vavuniya to hand over nominations for the local government polls and engage in electioneering. The TNA claims the Defence Ministry has informed it that the Northern Province is not yet cleared for political activities or safe for TNA MPs.zzz03186515
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news3.html~~~Swine flu patients’ condition stable ~~~Jun 19 (Island) The condition of the two children admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) with swine influenza was stable by last morning. Nine members of the family were also kept under quarantine at the IDH to monitor their condition within the next few days. A spokeswoman for IDH said yesterday that the father of the eight-year-old patient, who had first been detected with the flu, had proved negative for the AH1N1 virus. zzz03186516
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news5.html~~~Peace returns to the Zoo~~~Jun 19 (Island) Differences between Dehiwela Zoological Gardens Director Duminda Jayaratne and Zoo employees ended yesterday when Sports and Recreation Ministry Additional Secretary H. N. B. C. Herath intervened and promised to sort out the matter within three weeks. Zoo employees told The Island yesterday that their strike on Monday had left cages not cleaned and animals not fed. "We didn’t want such an action, but we did not have a choice. zzz03186517
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/19/news29.html~~~Free Trade Zones for Trinco, Kilinochchi~~~
Jun 20 (GDI) Sri Lanka and the Maldives have reached agreement to share intelligence and exchange information on the flow of funds that may be linked to terrorist activities. This understanding emerged following discussions between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the visiting Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed in Colombo today (June 19).zzz03186548
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/19/the-cataract-of-errors/#more-1271~~~The cataract of errors~~~Jun 20 (GV) It is a much analysed fact that the Tamils of Sri Lanka under the guidance of its leadership have missed many historically defined opportunities, in laying the foundation towards creating a decent future for their political aspirations and self determination. The 50 – 50 representation in Parliament instead of a federal constitution, a claim that seemed rightfully unreasonable to the Sinhalese; the vote in favour of the Citizenship Act of 1948 thatzzz03186549
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-following-demo-crazy-traditions.html~~~"Govt. following ‘Demo’- crazy traditions and power- crazy ambitions" ~~~Jun 20 (LG) UNP M.P. Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena regretted that the people who patiently endured all the burdens and hardships imposed on them by the Government during the war hoping that the Govt. would after the war think of them unselfishly, and alleviate their burdens have been most dismally let down. The Govt. after the war is not thinking of the people, rather it is now thinking only of enlarging its already oversized Jumbo Cabinet of Ministers at people’s expense ,zzz03186550
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=1~~~Blessed are the Peacemakers ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) That was Barak Obama at his brilliant best addressing the Muslim world from a podium in Cairo. His words of wisdom plus his charisma maxima combined together to make anyone listening to be all ears and frozen till the speech was over. There is little doubt he meant what he said and I am sure the world wishes him well and prays that the appropriate action will follow to bring peace among any warring factions,zzz03186551
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=1~~~Can we end this cycle of hatred? ~~~Jun 20 (SLW) I am amazed at the mobilization of young people from the Tamil Diaspora around the world to protest against the Sri Lankan government’s purported human rights violations. When often the younger generation of immigrants forgets the old country to a future in the new one, it is incredibly positive that the Diaspora feels so passionate about this difficult conflict on behalf of their community. zzz03186552
http://www.unhcr.org/4a3ba4d86.html~~~Farming and fishing folk return to villages in parts of north-west Sri Lanka~~~Jun 20 (UNHCR) The coastal village of Arippu in north-western Sri Lanka has been deserted for years, but people are coming back from nearby towns with the help of UNHCR now the long war with the rebel LTTE seems to be over. The villagers of Arippu, located in Mannar district, had fled their homes over the years to escape from fighting between the LTTE and government forces.zzz03186553
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/800~~~Pro-Tiger diaspora in a post-Prabhakaran scenario~~~Jun 20 (DBS) A noteworthy feature of the LTTE has been the special manner in which it glorifies death and pays homage to dead tiger fighters. Fallen LTTE members were eulogized as martyrs and referred to as “Maaveerar” or Great heroes. The departed tigers were buried in cemeteries known as “Maaveerar Mayaanangal” (great hero cemeteries) and memorials called “Maaveerar Thuyilum Illangal” (sleeping abodes of great heroes) were constructed. zzz03186554
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/409830.html~~~Dilshan powers Sri Lanka to final~~~
Jun 20 (CI) It really speaks volumes for the quality of Tillakaratne Dilshan's performances that today's masterclass was arguably the most frill-free innings he has produced thus far in the tournament. The scoop shot barely needed to be unfurled - the closest he got was the over-the-shoulder dispatching of a Jerome Taylor full-toss - because his touch was so magisterial that regulation cricket shots were all he needed.zzz03186562
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/20/2603749.htm~~~Sri Lanka fined for slow over-rate~~~Jun 20 (AFP) Sri Lanka have been fined for a slow over-rate during its 57-run win over West Indies in the World Twenty20 semi-final at The Oval, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said. Australian match referee Alan Hurst acted after Kumar Sangakkara's side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the West Indies innings when time allowances were taken into consideration. zzz03186563
http://asiantribune.com/06/20/top-ngos-face-peril-despite-country-returning-to-%E2%80%98normalcy%E2%80%99/comment-page-1/~~~Top NGOs face peril despite country returning to ‘normalcy’~~~Jun 20 (AT) Despite the end of war against LTTE and the return to ‘the normalcy’ in Colombo, some civil society outfits in Colombo continue to be on the rough ride facing peril. The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) and Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) are two such institutions reportedly facing uncertainty. Initially no less than five national level NGOs & INGOs were under ‘pressure’-CPA, zzz03186564
http://asiantribune.com/06/20/communal-riots-in-sl/~~~Communal riots in SL~~~Jun 20 (AT) Communal riots occur all over the world where ever perceptions of majorities and minorities are exploited by interested parties, not excluding the west. They are less likely to occur where there are homogenous societies. UK had its Notting Hill Gate riots; the USA has black v white riots especially in the south. India has its riots annually/regularly mainly in the searing hot summer. These racial riots justifiably bring condemnation on zzz03186565
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slca-j20.shtml~~~Tamil detainees still held in terrible conditions~~~Jun 20 (wsws) Despite legal challenges by detainees and expressions of concern by UN and international aid agencies, the Sri Lankan government is continuing to hold nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians indefinitely in huge internment camps. Not only are the detainees denied their basic legal and democratic rights, but now face growing dangers of disease. Only a handful of elderly people and young children have been released from the camps, zzz03186566
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=1~~~The LTTE: India's Prodigal Son~~~Jun 20 (SLW) Against this background, if we view LTTE's relationship with India, its somersaults and ultimate collision, a certain clarity emerges. The LTTE's sense of greatness, and the feeling that they were the bearers of the torch of Tamil nationalism, made them feel that they had the moral right to leadership. This was enhanced by the fact that they believed they had sacrificed the most to build a basis for the armed struggle. zzz03186567
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10266&Itemid=44~~~Obstacles to IDP welfare gradually being overcome – John Holmes~~~Jun 20 (GDI) Humanitarian aid is getting into Sri Lanka's war displacement camps, and the SL government has been allowing out civilians into their former homes. Last week some villagers were taken back to their former homes in a sort of ‘go-and-see’ tour and many decided to return back to their villages. Aid vehicles carrying food, health and other supplies are now gaining access to the camps zzz03186568
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10265&Itemid=44~~~Normalcy returns to schools in Vavuniya ~~~
Jun 20 (GDI) SL government ordered the reopening of 34 schools in Vavuniya with immediate effect, Vavuniya Zonal Education Director, Ranjani Oswald said. The Director further explained that these schools were used as temporary shelters for civilians who fled from the North during the war. Day-to-day educational activities are already undertaken, and there’s a good turn up of students and teachers as well,” zzz03186569
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10269&Itemid=44~~~Crooks coax hundreds into a banned pyramid scheme ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) A pyramid selling scheme that has been spreading through the Kurunegala district has been detected by Sri Lanka police. The police arrested a financial racketeer who is in prowl promising with the lure of near-instant wealth. The police said "high-pressure" sales tactics were employed to coax hundreds of people to sign up for a get-rich-quick project. “This is a scam and it’s completely prohibited under civil law,” zzz03186570
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10272&Itemid=44~~~TV Lanka to transmit programmes to Vavuniya ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) The TV Lanka Television station has made all the necessary arrangements to telecast their prorgammes including a considerable amount of Tamil programmes in Vavuniya, Managing Partner of the ‘Television and Radio Networks’. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has granted the telecasting rights for the company while allocating a frequency to transmit its programmes to the region,zzz03186571
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10273&Itemid=44~~~SL Navy categorically rejects allegations of assault on Tamil Nadu fishermen ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) SL Navy has been paying its attention on recent news reports appeared in the media alleging that the Government of Sri Lanka intends on constructing a watch tower and a military base on the Katchatheevu Island. And, apart from such false allegations, concerned media reports went on to say that SL harassed Tamil Nadu fishermen. The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies about media reports and zzz03186572
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10274&Itemid=44~~~Govt declares a National Food Week from June 22 – 28 ~~~Jun 20 (GDI) With right support and technological know-how, smallholder farmers can double or triple their yields. However, a dangerous mix of the global economic slowdown combined with increasing food prices push many people into hunger and poverty, Agricultural Ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that SL Government has declared a National Food Week from June 22 to June 28 for the year 2009. zzz03186573
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/uthuru-wasanthaya-gateway-to.html~~~Uthuru Wasanthaya- a gateway to development~~~Jun 20 (LG) Basil Rajapaksa, MP and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for the Development of the North, whilst speaking at a meeting of the Task Force at the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat on June (15) said that the progress of the ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ programme was being discussed that while offering a political solution to the people of the North who have been liberated from the grip of terrorism, zzz03186574
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/what-next.html~~~What next? ~~~Jun 20 (LG) The wiping out of the LTTE by the armed forces resembles a giant tree being chopped off like nipping a tender bud. It is a historical event for Sri Lanka bearing an utmost significance and such historical events occur only once or twice in a century. The individuals who provided the leadership for such a major event inevitably become major personalities themselves. When Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected as the president of this country I thought azzz03186575
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/birthday-wish-and-tribute.html~~~A birthday wish and tribute ~~~
Jun 20 (GDI) Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed assured his staunchest support for Sri Lanka’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. And, the Maldivian President expressed confidence that President Mahinda Rajapaksa possess the necessary courage and insights to bring economic prosperity to Sri Lanka in a shortest possible time frame.zzz03186584
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45032.html~~~Showing gratitude, the Sri Lankan way~~~Jun 20 (LNP) There seems to be no end to victory celebrations. Real warriors as well cardboard heroes who jumped the bandwagon recently after their attempts to scuttle the country`s war effort failed are going places. One may ask whether there is anything wrong with people celebrating for thirty days the defeat of terrorism which plagued them for thirty years. (One may also say that some of those who are opposing victory celebrations so vehemently did not make a zzz03186585
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/World-will-learn-from-us-how-destroy-terrorism---Army-chief/3104.htm~~~World will learn from us how to destroy terrorism - Army chief~~~Jun 20 (CT) Army commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka says the whole world will learn in the future from the Sri Lankan troops how to defeat terrorism. The Army chief was speaking to his troops at Vellamullaivaikkal coast in Mullaitivu on June 18, exactly one month after the military victory over the LTTE. Commending his troops, Gen. Fonseka said the Sri Lankan armed forces had the best of morale, skills and discipline in the whole world. zzz03186586
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Madhu-Shrine-feast-Aug-15/3097.htm~~~Madhu Shrine feast on Aug 15~~~Jun 20 (CT) The historic Madhu Shrine in Mannar, revered by Catholics, is preparing to hold its annual feast on August 15. Yesterday, Bishop of Mannar Rev. Rayappu Joseph chaired a discussion at Bishop’s House to discuss the related arrangements. It has been decided at the talks to seek patronage of the state for the event at the ancient church, said the Bishop’s House. The safety of the faithful who would be attending the church has also come under discussion.zzz03186587
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news11.asp~~~President to launch Road Map to promote English program ~~~Jun 20 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa will launch the "18 month Road Map to promote Spoken, Communicative English in Sri Lanka" on Monday, June 22 at 'Temple Trees'. This comes under the Presidential Initiative aiming to arm the younger generation with a knowledge of English, especially with communicative English. This important program is expected to result in a radical transformation of English Teaching and Learning Enterprise in the country. zzz03186588
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news14.asp~~~Govt to amend Dangerous Drug Ordinance ~~~Jun 20 (DN) The Government is planning to amend the Opium and Dangerous Drug Ordinance to prevent and control drug abuse in Sri Lanka. The report on the Amendment will be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on World-Anti-Drug Day on June 26. Addressing a media briefing on World Anti Drug Day arrangements, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said with the end of the war, the Government has now taken initiatives to prevent and control drug abuse under the Mathata Titha Program. zzz03186589
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/fea10.asp~~~'Best time for Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 20 (DN) Cuba has always been a friend of Sri Lanka. Ours is one of the first few countries to start diplomatic relations with this post revolutionary island nation in the Caribbean. At the recently held special session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission over Sri Lanka-Cuba stood firmly defending the Sri Lankan cause. Again, Cuba has extended her hands of friendship by agreeing to send to our country two Cuban experts on dengue to combat the spread of the disease. zzz03186590
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/20/news28.asp~~~Jaffna has distinct role to play - Bishop of Colombo ~~~
Jun 20 (DN) Jaffna has a distinct role to play in dismantling its ethnic isolation and encouraging the interaction of the Communities especially amongst children and youth, said Colombo Bishop Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, in a statement titled "The anxieties of the People of Jaffna - an opportunity for National growth and harmony". "There is much that imaginative persons can do for a start. zzz03186591
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/business1.html~~~Leader of the House clueless~~~Jun 20 (Island) Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said he was unaware whether or not the government would push the Bribery Commission, IGP and CID to investigate fraudulent conduct in the privatisation of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) and press charges on wrongdoers under the Penal Code. "I am unaware of anything as it is not under my purview," De Silva, who is also the Leader of the House, told the Island Financial Review. zzz03186592
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/20/features1.html~~~The IDPs need to be treated just like other citizens~~~
Jun 21 (SL) Following the Supreme Court judgement in the fundamental rights application concerning Sri Lanka Insurance, Petitioner Vasudeva Nanayakkara and public interest litigator, Nihal Sri Ameresekere have by way of motions filed, put on notice various state agencies to investigate aspects that emerged during the proceedings. These include notices to the Bribery Commissioner, the Central Bank and zzz03186605
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/onthespot.htm~~~Vavuniya -- Mood more commercial than political~~~Jun 21 (SL) There are no election posters in Vavuniya, only images of a dead man. That leader is K. Padmanabha, former secretary general of the EPRLF, killed by the LTTE. The poster reads "Day of sacrifice for martyrs." The themes mentioned are resettlement, unity among Tamil leaders and political resolution with equal rights. It is telling that the posters are for someone who ran and became finance minister in the Northeastern Provincial Council. zzz03186613
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/interviews.htm~~~I am supporting government’s programme to develop north — Kishore~~~Jun 21 (SL) TNA Wanni District Parliamentarian, Sivanathan Kishore last week said that he would support the government’s resettlement and development processes while continuing to be a member of the party. The TNA however stated that it had not taken any decision on the matter. TNA Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran told The Sunday Leader that the party members would meet in the near future to discuss its future activities and also the issues pertaining to Kishore.zzz03186619
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/onthespot-1.htm~~~From the frying pan into the fire~~~Jun 21 (SL) Men, women, the old, the young and even the infirm gathered opposite the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court on Friday — a disparate assortment of every section of society — all united by their common loss, the millions that vanished with Golden Key. In the heat of the midday sun and then under the weight of a tropical downpour, this throng of Golden Key depositors held placards and chanted slogans urging judges at the Magistrate’s Court not to grant zzz03186615
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090621/finance.htm~~~Little interest to probe missing billions~~~Jun 21 (SL) The war is certainly over but there are several others wars that need to be won in Sri Lanka, a significant one being an operation to combat the country’s raging financial indiscipline. While confidence tricksters like Sakvithi Ranasinghe, Lalith Kotelawala and Piyadasa Ratnayake alias Danduwam Mudalali have collectively milked many thousands of unsuspecting depositors dry, Sri Lanka is not only a haven for unauthorised financial institutions, but zzz03186616
no~~~Interview with Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri~~~zzz03186612
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=1~~~Govt must recall its High Commissioner in Canada ~~~Jun 21 (SLW) A meeting of the Canadian Sri Lankan Diaspora called by the Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto to meet the country’s High Commissioner in Ottawa, His Excellency Daya Perera at the Telus Room, Ontario Science Centre Friday June 19 was soon in uproar even as it started. In a gathering of over 200 Canadian Sri Lankans, there appeared to be strong feelings, at least among the few who constantly held stage daring decorum, thatzzz03186617
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/epdp-practices-yoga.html~~~EPDP practices Yoga ~~~
Jun 21 (LG) Our men seated in four chairs around a table in a closed room looked dead beat. In the fifth chair was Velupillai Pirapaharan in spirit. Velu in death was proving himself to be as difficult to negotiate with while he was alive. The four co-chairs had done their best to help Velu. They had made strong appeals to St. Peter to let him pass through the Pearly Gates but the answer was a firm ‘No.’ zzz03186625
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/future-use-of-migrant-worker.html~~~Future use of migrant worker remittances ~~~Jun 21 (LG) It is generally feared that many Sri Lankan migrants and their families will be the hardest hit by the current global recession, as they are paid low wages and given a low status. Domestic workers continue to be abused and exploited. Like other developing countries, we too relied on migrant remittances, to service our debt repayments, stabilize foreign exchange reserves, and spur economic growth. zzz03186623
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/uncivil-victory.html~~~Uncivil victory ~~~Jun 21 (LG) In its resolve to root out the Tiger terror, Colombo displayed an utter disregard for the plight of Tamil civilians trapped in the war zone. Totalitarian governments have learned their lessons well: where you are involved in an unpopular conflict in which your opponents can be boxed into a defined stretch of territory where access and information flow can be controlled, where excessive force can be used with impunity — you have a free hand.zzz03186624
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/20/sri-lanka%e2%80%99s-never-ending-political-deadlock/~~~Sri Lanka’s never-ending political deadlock~~~Jun 21 (GV) Sri Lanka’s present administration is a “dictatorship masquerading as democracy” observed Prof. John Neelsen from the Institute of Sociology in Tuebingen, Germany. His judgement is not far from the truth. In this paper I shall argue that a virtual ‘Sinhala-Buddhist dictatorship’ has emerged in Sri Lanka as the outcome of the brutish military campaign that resulted in a humanitarian tragedy of scandalous proportions. zzz03186626
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10280&Itemid=44~~~Army inspection teams penetrate underground arsenals within thick Wanni jungles ~~~Jun 21 (GDI) SL army weapon inspection teams are continuing to discover significant quantities of weapons and military equipment. Yesterday, continuing their daily search and clear operations, inspection teams penetrated into subterranean arsenals full of arms and explosives in the thick Wanni jungles. In Kaddawana, a village in close proximity to Trincomalee, SL Air Force soldiers recovered 15 kg of TNT explosives and two suicide jackets zzz03186627
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10281&Itemid=44~~~Inland Revenue Dept. to be partner in nation's development ~~~Jun 21 (GDI) The newly appointed Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Mahinda Medagoda plans to increase state revenue this year as a move to boost development. he said presently the Inland Revenue Department collected tax to a percentage ranging to 54 but, steps were mooted to increase it to 60 per cent to enhance revenue collection. 'I appeal to all tax payers to honor their commitment at a time the nation has been saved by gallant troops to head towards development', zzz03186628
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/spe10.asp~~~Immortalising an architectural legacy ~~~Jun 21 (SO) "Time stands still", an exhibition of photographs by Photographic Society of Sri Lanka held during Jeffrey Bawa's anniversary celebration, perhaps, for the first time captured the sublime nature of the property Lunuganga. Bawa's signature is pervasive in each and every part of the property and the artifacts in it. Bandu Gunaratne has captured a canopy of a tree. Over the years, tree has grown up spreading its shade. zzz03186631
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/spe02.asp~~~A new facelift to Avukana precincts ~~~Jun 21 (SO) Sri Lanka is famous for its rich culture and heritage among other nations in the world. Foreigners who visit at any time of the year are familiar with places of natural beauty in the country. Avukana Buddha statue is one of the most significant archaeological sites to be visited by all. The Civil Security Force of Sri Lanka launched its new landscaping project to add more beauty to the precints where the statue is situated. zzz03186629
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/new03.asp~~~'India offers Rs. 5b for displaced persons'~~~
Jun 21 (SO) Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and CWC General Secretary Arumugan Thondaman who recently went to India on a goodwill mission said that the Indian centre has pledged five billion rupees assistance to the Government towards the post conflict phase in rehabilitation, resettlement and welfare measures for IDPs. zzz03186630
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/21/new04.asp~~~Fish production to increase in the North ~~~Jun 21 (SO) The Government said that fish production in the North was expected to increase with the lifting of fishing restrictions in the North. Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa made known the Government’s decision on lifting fishing restrictions in the North. Following the decision by the Government to lift fishing restrictions in the North fishing societies all over the country are happy that after 30 years, zzz03186633
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/news1.htm~~~DPL rewards for frontline Commanders~~~Jun 21 (NS) In addition to promised Ambassadorial postings for Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Donald Perera, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonatillake and Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, the Government has also begun rewarding frontline Commanders with Diplomatic postings. Informed Foreign Ministry sources said that, in one of the latest such postings Commander of the Army’s 57 Division,zzz03186636
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/mynation.htm~~~Tigers in exile - Where and for what?~~~Jun 21 (NS) A seemingly innocuous statement appeared in the media this week, announcing the possibility of what was termed a ‘transitional government’ for Tamils in Sri Lanka. The ‘concept’ first appeared in the pro-LTTE website Tamilnet, from where it was subsequently picked up by the wire services. The announcement, strangely, had no declared authorship; it was more of an appeal published in the form of an opinion column by the Tamilnet website, but zzz03186637
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/eyefea1.htm~~~Algae coats Gadaladeniya temple paintings~~~Jun 21 (NS) An asbestos roof which resembles a hat worn by a Samurai stands high above the Gadaladeniya temple. This roof was built earlier this decade as a ‘temporary’ solution to a leak in the temple’s roof which threatened to destroy it. Although it is now that the media and the relevant authorities seem to be taking notice of this the leak in the temples roof dates back to the late 1970s. zzz03186638
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/21/politics.htm~~~Provisional Eelam govt. drive & Presidential Poll disputes ~~~Jun 21 (NS) The security forces crushed the LTTE militarily, and annihilated much of its leadership within two years and ten months of the outbreak of the Eelam War IV. Yet within a month of that historic victory, the Tamil diaspora sympathetic to it, is on a drive to form a provisional Eelam government in exile under the leadership of Tiger international point man and its chief arms procurer, Selvaraja Pathmanathan, alias Kumaran Pathmanathan, alias KP, to give the LTTE a new lease of life. zzz03186639
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-elections-chief-have-duty-ensure-free-fair-polls----UNP/3123.htm~~~Govt. and elections chief have duty to ensure free fair polls - UNP ~~~
Jun 21 (CT) UNP general secretary Tissa Attanayake has said that the government and the elections commissioner have a duty to ensure that upcoming elections are held in a free and fair manner. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today, Mr. Attanayake referred to the elections due in the Uva Provincial Council as well in the Jaffna Municipal Council and the Vavuniya Urban Council.zzz03186640
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/India-willing-help-if-IMF-avoids-granting-loan---Lankadeepa/3122.htm~~~'India willing to help if IMF avoids granting loan'~~~Jun 21 (CT) India is willing to assist if the International Monetary Fund avoids granting the Rs. 19,000 million bailout loan being sought by the Sri Lankan government since February, ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ reports quoting a senior government spokesman. New Delhi has already intimated this message at unofficial level, the spokesman has said. When the government was at war with the LTTE, countries like the US, EU and Britain had objected to granting the loan for political reasons.zzz03186641
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Govt.-sever-diplomatic-ties-any-country-recognizing-Eelam-state---Divaina/3111.htm~~~'Govt. to sever diplomatic ties with any country recognizing Eelam state'~~~Jun 21 (CT) The government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with any country that will recognize a transnational Tamil Eelam state, ‘Divaina’ reports. The newspaper says that the international network of the LTTE has formed a committee comprising 13 professors from six countries to form an Eelam. Of these, two have been supporters of an interim administration to handover an Eelam state to the Tigers, the government has found out. zzz03186642
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/news2.html~~~Shadow boxing at Lanka-Japan Friendship Association~~~Jun 21 (Island) An attempt to amend the Constitution of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Association allegedly to accommodate top lawyer Daya Wettasinghe as a vice patron of the association was thwarted at Friday’s AGM held at Sasakawa Hall. Well informed sources said that Mrs Lalitha Rajapaksa, twice past president of the association and the majority of the members had voted against a proposal to that effect on the basis it lacked clarity. zzz03186643
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/news3.html~~~TNA MPs to decide on meeting with President~~~Jun 21 (Island) With the decimation of the LTTE, TNA parliamentarians have had a change of heart and is mulling over whether they should meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ascertain his stand on the IDPs and the future of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. General Secretary of the ITAK and TNA, Mavai Senathrajah said that having considered the prevailing political situation in the country, they are to decide whether to meet with the President. zzz03186644
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/features13.html~~~Samudra Devi in a Tangle of Love!~~~Jun 21 (Island) This is not a story about a Goddess of the Indian Ocean or about a Queen of the Sea. I am referring to the mundane, jerky, metal contraption, meant for travel by mere mortals like you and me - specifically the commuter train named Samudra Devi that brings workers daily to the city of Colombo from Galle and other towns along the way. Samudra Devi is unique in many ways. Commuters on this train are known to provide, every once in a while, a newsworthy, spicy headline. zzz03186647
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/21/business2.html~~~Seylan boss says bank’s problems not due to deficiencies or mismanagement~~~Jun 21 (Island) The Seylan Bank’s CEO Ajita Pasqual has told shareholders that problems they faced were not due to deficiencies of Seylan or mismanagement, but due to a group company failing to honour its commitments. "As that company held a 23% stake of the bank by virtue of it coming under the group’s umbrella, the natural phenomenon was for depositors to lose confidence in the bank and begin unprecedented withdrawals," zzz03186646
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10276&Itemid=44~~~Duty of state sector employees to recover momentum lost due to conflict -- President ~~~
Jun 22 (AFP) Sri Lanka batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan was on Sunday named as the player of the tournament at the World Twenty20 despite being dismissed for nought in the eight-wicket final defeat to Pakistan. Opening the innings throughout the tournament, Dilshan scored a total of 317 runs at a strike-rate of 144.74 and an average above 52. He scored three half-centuries in the tournament and zzz03186669
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/karunanidhi-jayalalithaa%e2%80%99s-war-of-words-over-katchathivu-intensifys/~~~Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa’s war of words over Katchathivu intensifys~~~Jun 22 (AT) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in his “letter to party cadre” on Sunday hit back AIADMK leader Jayalalaitha for criticising him over Katchathivu issue, and said she had done little to retrieve the islet ceded to Sri Lanka by India though she ruled the state twice. The DMK leader also said when he had moved a motion in the Assembly in 1974 to review the situation, zzz03186671
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slhr-j22.shtml~~~President dissolves human rights investigations~~~Jun 22 (wsws) On June 16, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse dissolved the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that he appointed two years ago to investigate human rights violations. This move is another demonstration by the government of its contempt for legal and democratic rights and opposition to any probe of the abuses committed by its security forces and their associated paramilitaries.zzz03186672
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=1~~~Tamil tabloids con and cheat the community ~~~Jun 22 (SLW) Unless a community is infantile and immature or exceedingly naïve the media organizations especially the publishers of tabloids would not have prospered as they appear to have done over the years among the Tamil Diaspora. This is true of the Tamil communities in their new homelands be it Canada, US, UK, France, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Australia.zzz03186673
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=1~~~The rise of the L.T.T.E. ~~~Jun 22 (SLW) In early 1985, the PLOTE, LTTE and TELO. were considered fairly evenly balanced. At the time when 7 LTTE men were killed in a quarrel with the PLOTE at Chullipuram, the LTTE preferred discretion to valour. When quarrels developed between the LTTE and the TELO, neither seldom did anything more than go out on motor bikes and take pot shots at "sentry boys" in the rival group. These sentry boys, who were youngsters with no military training and zzz03186674
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/relating-to-reality.html~~~Relating to the Reality ~~~Jun 22 (LG) Reports attributed to ‘KP’, declaring the creation of a ‘provisional transnational government” to pursue self-rule for the Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka is fraught with consequences that the world needs to take note of. The Tamil polity in the country, as also the Government in Colombo cannot overlook them either, both for obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. This is not the first time that a ‘virtual government’ transcending political borders and zzz03186675
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-moots-idp-forum.html~~~Govt moots IDP forum ~~~Jun 22 (LG) The Government is to create a new forum to discuss IDP protection issues. The forum includes key stakeholders such as senior public officers, key focal points in the UN system and representatives of the international and local Non-Governmental Organizations engaged in providing protection to IDPs. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said it was his intention to create forums in Colombo and Vavuniya where protection issues can be discussed and consensual decisions taken. zzz03186676
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lankan-diplomatic-conflict-within.html~~~Sri Lankan Diplomatic: Conflict within ~~~Jun 22 (LG) The Sri Lanka Consulate office in Toronto invited the Sri Lankan diasporas for a community meeting on the request of Mr. Daya Perera the Sri Lankan High Commissioner recently posted to Ottawa in Canada. The invitation was for a Community Meeting and did not include an agenda or was an agenda forwarded when invitees kindly requested for one. The Sri Lankan diasporas in Canada have been the most vociferous and vibrant group of Sri Lankans living abroad, zzz03186677
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/president-rajapaksha-doctrine.html~~~President Rajapaksha: doctrine of leadership~~~Jun 22 (LG) I read with much interest the press sattament released by the Governmnet of Sri Lanka. The said press statement states as follows: “The UPFA led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believes in the peoples' mandate and the freedom of the voters' franchise rights, and has no intention to be in power beyond the period mandated by the ballot, asserted Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa today(21). zzz03186678
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sri-lanka-after-ltte.html~~~Sri Lanka after the LTTE ~~~Jun 22 (LG) Strange was India’s sphinx-like silence over the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils and violation of human rights and humanitarian law of warfare during the last phase of the military offensive when the fight to finish the LTTE overrode the concern over the safety and security of civilians. This after Delhi had obtained from Colombo a commitment to ending combat operations and non-use of heavy weapons. zzz03186679
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Muslim_home_guards_irrelevant_with_end_of_LTTE-20-1105.html~~~Muslim home guards irrelevant with end of LTTE ~~~Jun 22 (PSM) "So called Muslim militancy is a loose arrangement of home gaurds set up with blessing of govt. forces for self defence against the LTTE in few Muslim villages in the East. Some people are trying make mountain out of mole hill like how late Anton Balasigham did during last Geneva talks", said a Muslim activist. Eastern Provincial Council Minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said that there is no necessity for these youths to have arms now since the LTTE is eleiminated. zzz03186680
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10284&Itemid=44~~~A new Governor to be appointed as Sabaragamuwa Governor ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) A former magistrate and a diplomat it tipped as the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province. The Governor’s chair has been vacant since former Governor Mohan Saliya Ellawala’s sudden demise last month and the President appointed Western Province Governor Alawi Maulana as the acting Governor. A decision on the appointment of a Governor to Sabaragamuwa is likely to be made at any moment. zzz03186681
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10285&Itemid=44~~~Agri exhibitions to create cultivation habit ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) Moves are afoot to hold nine agriculture exhibitions island-wide to motivate the younger generation towards agriculture. These moves are under way by the Education Ministry in line with the “Api Vavamu Rata Nagamu” food production program of the Agriculture Ministry. The aims of these exhibitions are to create a habit of cultivation which would help Sri Lanka to win the food production war ‘Waga Sangramaya’.zzz03186682
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10286&Itemid=44~~~Health checks intensified to detect A/H1N1 carriers ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) Medical staff will engage them selves at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port to check that no A (H1N1) carriers enter the country. A Health Information Declaration Form (HDF) would be compulsory for those who enter the country to declare their health status. The Ministry of Health has posted six doctors and 40 Public Health Inspectors to the BIA, Colombo.zzz03186683
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10288&Itemid=44~~~National Food Week begins today ~~~Jun 22 (GDI) The Government has declared a National Food Week from today to 28th of June. The National Food Week will certainly address and encourage people on how to cultivate and face the world's food crisis. The launch was set in motion this morning at the Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy under the patronage of Minister Maithripala Sirisena. A Ministry statement points out that the prevailing increase in hunger was not only the result of poor global harvests, butzzz03186684
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2539:mangalas-ape-jathika-peramuna-recognized&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Mangala’s ‘Ape Jathika Peramuna’ recognized ~~~
Jun 22 (LT) The JVP has raised concern regarding the inaction of the Ministry of Health to implement recommendations by a panel of experts to adopt a bio-control method used in Cuba to control the Dengue mosquitoes. JVP MP Vijithe Herath said his party had concerns about the non-implementation of this recommendation despite the rise of the Dengue epidemic at an alarming rate in the country. zzz03186692
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2529:war-heroes-did-not-make-sacrifice-to-strengthen-separatism-in-a-new-round-ven-dhambara-amila-thero-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'War heroes did not make sacrifices to strengthen separatism in a new round'~~~Jun 22 (LT) The heroic security Forces made tremendous sacrifices not to strengthen separatism in a new round and the President has not received any mandate to devolve power said President of Patriotic National Centre (PNC) Ven. Dhambara Amila Thero. Ven. Dhambara Amila Thero said, “The establishing of this centre is important only if we strengthen our ability to meet future challenges.zzz03186690
http://asiantribune.com/06/22/lanka-political-parties-in-the-final-stages-of-filing-nominations-for-the-northern-local-council-elections/~~~Political parties in the final stages of filing nominations for the northern local council elections~~~Jun 22 (AT) The Tamil political parties are busy making final arrangements to contest in the Jafnna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council elections. Already an independent group has filed its nomination for the Jaffna Municipal Council.V. Anandasangaree said that Tamizh Democratic National Alliance consisting of TULF, PLOTE and EPRLF (Pathmanabha) Group, will be contesting alone in the local bodies elections. zzz03186691
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7894~~~'Next is not a Prabakran but a Gandhi'~~~Jun 22 (LeN) S. Piyasena is a veteran journalist who associated many of the legendary politicians. He was also a diplomat and his son is now following his path. Eighty seven year old Mr. Piyasena was interviewed by a weekend newspaper as he was in a holiday back home. Here we post some excerpts from the interview. Question: Is it true that you advised the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara as well last week?zzz03186689
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Forged-signature-case-tuition-master-postponed/3154.htm~~~Forged signature case against tuition master postponed~~~Jun 22 (CT) Popular tuition master Upul Shantha Sannasgala has had a forged signature case filed against him postponed till October 23. Kandy additional magistrate Thanuja Jayatunga has took up the petition. Mr. Sannasgala has been accused by petitioner S.M. Jayasundara of Kandy of having forged his signature for a bogus agreement. The suspect was arrested by Kandy Police in July 2006 and granted bail by the court. zzz03186693
http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/361-individuals-barred-from-entering-the-country-without-filling-the-necessary-health-forms~~~Entry to Sri Lanka denied without health certificate~~~Jun 22 (SLBC) Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage has informed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to not allow anyone to enter the country through the Katunayake International Airport or the Colombo harbour without filling the necessary personal health forms. The relevant letter has already been sent to the Immigration and Emigration Controller. zzz03186694
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~Don’t blow the A (HINI) out of proportion~~~Jun 22 (LB) Health authorities last week cautioned against blowing the A(H1N1) influenza out of proportion, saying fear psychosis over the disease that was inappropriately named 'swine flu' might cause the public to ignore the deadly dengue virus which continues to claim lives. "Based on the latest available data on A(H1N1) infections and deaths worldwide, you can see that there is a less than 0.05 mortality rate for every 100 patients," zzz03186695
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew3.htm~~~DAYA’s journalist list that never was!~~~Jun 22 (LB) LTTE media spokesman Daya Master has not divulged names of any journalist in his confession, although the government claimed otherwise saying that Daya Master had given the names of journalists in the pay of the LTTE. Highly placed sources told LAKBIMAnEWS that during the 4½ hour confession made by Daya Master before Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi, there was no information regarding journalists.zzz03186696
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew4.htm~~~Politcians number one bribe takers ~~~Jun 22 (LB) The ‘war’ on bribery and corruption has now begun in a bid to rid the public sector of graft and bribery. Although politicians including ministers were preaching anti corruption sermons, the most rampant corruption was within the state apparatus. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption had received 79 complaints in 2008 against politicians, including ministers and MPs. zzz03186697
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/mag/mag1.htm~~~How nikkan buk became Negombo~~~Jun 22 (LB) When Maradana was Marandine, Kalutara was Caltura and Badulla was Baj ulla, Sri Lanka was part of the British Empire. Then, when one wished to send a letter to the nearest important town to Bajulla which was Bandarawela, the word Bandravel at the bottom of the envelope was accepted by the post office. Even middle class English speaking people followed the English manner and went on vacation to New Reliya, which meant Nuwara Eliya,zzz03186698
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7895~~~Prasanna Vithanage’s “Akasa Kusum” Best film in Granada, Spain~~~
Jun 22 (LeN) “Akasa Kusum” (Flowers of the sky), directed by Prasanna Vithanage, has won the NETPAC award for Best Asian Film at the third Cines del Sur Festival in Granada, Spain. “Akasa Kusum” shares the award with “Before the Burial” by Iranian director Behnam Behzadi. It beat out films from such countries as India, Korea, the Palestine, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Iraq. zzz03186699
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090622_01~~~Access road to Madhu shrine before feast ~~~Jun 22 (MoD) MP Basil Rajapaksa instructed officials to complete the development of the access road to the Madhu shrine before the annual Madhu festival. Funds for the project was allocated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was Prime Minister. The total cost of the project is Rs. 95 million. He made this order when the Presidential Task Force on Northern Development chaired by him reviewed the progress of the development activities in the Mannar district zzz03186700
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090622_04~~~Navy steps up patrol in Palk Strait ~~~Jun 22 (MoD) The Navy has stepped up patrol in the Palk Straits to thwart fishermen taking advantage of the easing of fishing restrictions to engage in smuggling and other illegal activities. The naval presence had been increased in view of the lifting of fishing restrictions on June 19. They said that though the LTTE had been destroyed and was no longer capable of posing a military challenge, certain controls would be necessary to prevent zzz03186701
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2034:first-child-with-h1n1-flue-discharged-from-idh-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~First Child with H1N1 Flue discharged from IDH ~~~Jun 22 (LP) First child with H1N1 flue which was reported last week was cured of it and discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) at Angoda. The other three patients are likely to be discharged in few days and eight more awaiting clearance were isolated at Angoda. The national and international health authorities urged the public not to panic but be alert, assuring that systems were in place in Sri Lanka to face this situation. zzz03186703
no~~~Sri Lanka to build a war museum~~~Jun 22 (LP) Sri Lanka is to build a war museum soon in order to exhibit varieties of military items, Sri Lanka Army Chief said. Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka said that the proposed war museum will have military equipment that were recovered from the Tamil Tigers. General Fonseka made this comment during a visit to Mullaitivu last Friday. He said that it would be a largest one in comparison to the national museum.zzz03186704
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2037:sri-lankan-parliamentarians-demand-for-release-of-five-innocent-cubans-&catid=47:politics&Itemid=71~~~MPs demand for release of five innocent Cubans ~~~Jun 22 (LP) The President of the Sri Lanka Cuban Parliamentary Friendship Association Tissa Vitarana said that the false case against the five innocent Cubans, who were collecting information on a terrorist plan against Cuba, and their prolonged incarceration, has been condemned worldwide. It is the only US trial ever condemned by the Human Rights Commission. We are now awaiting a decision of the US Supreme Court on whether or not they will hear the appeal of these Cuban five.zzz03186705
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news01.asp~~~'Focus on innovation and growth'~~~Jun 22 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday asserted that Sri Lanka’s future economic strategies would be based on “home-grown” policies which would supplement the unique needs of the country. Addressing new recruits to the national planning service of the Finance and Planning Ministry, the President emphasised that strategies should be developed by locals who have a thorough understanding of the ground realities with the intention of projecting what’s best for the country. zzz03186706
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/fea02.asp~~~Vocational and technical training a fillip to development~~~
Jun 22 (DN) Vocational and Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage briefed the Daily News on the developments in the vocational and technical training sector, especially in view of the rehabilitation process taking place following the end of the war against terrorism. He said the vocational and technical training sector plays a key role in developing the country.zzz03186707
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news14.asp~~~Great response from Northern people ~~~Jun 22 (DN) Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame yesterday said the people of the North are responding positively to develop their provinces under the 180-day accelerated development program planned for the North under the Uthuru Vasanthaya while the process of demining and clearance of unexpected objects have reached near-completion in the province. He said the public of the Mannar, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullativu districts have placed their faithzzz03186708
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/22/news37.asp~~~'Govt will resettle displaced Muslims'~~~Jun 22 (DN) Former UNP stalwart Dr. GMS Zurfick yesterday said he is confident that the Government under the able guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will take steps to resettle all Muslims who were chased away by the LTTE terrorists from the Mullativu and Jaffna districts in the 1980s and 1990s. He said over 75,000 Muslims were living in the northern province and they were forcibly evicted from their original habitat within 24 hours by the LTTE to zzz03186709
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/features6.html~~~Police powers under the 13th Amendment: A rare example~~~Jun 22 (Island) Leo Perera’s summary essay ‘The 13th Amendment to the Constitution –– Devolution of Public Order and exercise of Police powers –– Indo-Lanka Accord has no such requirement’ (The Island News paper, 6/10/2009) explaining (1) the conflict between 13-A and 17-A, and (2) the failed past attempts during the colonial times (1892-1905) to implement police powers by Government Agents at the Province-level, is a significant contribution especially due to three new developments we see today. zzz03186710
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news11.html~~~'We won't budge unless Mahapola allowance paid'~~~Jun 22 (Island) Around 1,000 undergraduates who took over the main administrative block of the Sri Jayewardenepuara University last Thursday continue to occupy it in protest against what they term the nonpayment of their Mahapola Scholarship allowance for over one year. Students allege the university is planning to have a ceremony to be presided over by Minister Bandula Gunawardena to initiate payment of their allowance. zzz03186711
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news25.html~~~'Universities guerrilla training centres'~~~
Jun 22 (Island) A leading academic says instead of producing leaders universities have become guerrilla training centres for students. Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Prof. told The Island yesterday that he was shocked by the high incidence of indiscipline in universities as evident from mobs of undergraduates depriving other students of their legitimate right to education.zzz03186712
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/22/news23.html~~~Nurses’ strike continues, cancer patients suffer~~~Jun 22 (Island) Nurses of the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama have decided against resuming the administration of vital Cytotoxic drug treatment, as their discussions with the Health Ministry officials failed last Friday. Nurses’ Union representatives met Health Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage and Director General of Health Services Dr. Ajith Mendis. National Organiser of the All Ceylon Nurses Union, Sisira Senaratne said that the meeting had ended inconclusively and zzz03186713
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52584~~~'Nuclear energy for power generation'~~~Jun 22 (DM) Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) is in the process of exploring the possibility of using nuclear energy for future power generation, Chairman and Minister Tissa Vitharana said. He said cabinet approval would be sought shortly to initiate a programme for ‘Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Use,’. “Though the initial cost is higher than that of a coal power station, operational and maintenance cost is relatively low compared to coal power plants while carbon emission is zero,” zzz03186714
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52591~~~Extortion gang leader in police net~~~Jun 22 (DM) The leader of a gang that had extorted money from wealthy businessmen in Colombo and suburbs by posing as police and army officers, had been arrested by a police team from the Colombo Crime Division. Police sources said that he was arrested on a complaint made by a Muslim businessman in Colombo. The suspect who is also a Muslim national had met the businessman by posing as a police investigator. zzz03186715
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52585~~~Controversy over rise of Dengue~~~Jun 22 (DM) With the alarming rise of the Dengue epidemic, controversy surrounds as to why the Health Ministry did not implement recommendations by an experts panel to adopt a bio-control method used in Cuba to control the Dengue mosquitoes. The JVP which raised concern about it, said that a committee headed by Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana recommended this bio-control system to be adopted in Sri Lanka to control mosquito breeding. zzz03186716
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52565~~~Serious rights violations: Commission recommended~~~Jun 22 (DM) Setting up a permanent commission comprising local personalities to inquire into allegations of serious violations of human rights against the security forces and the police will be one of the main recommendations by the presidential commission that looked into serious violations of human rights, Chairman of the Commission, retired Supreme Court judge Nissanka Udalagama said.zzz03186717
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6453&sec=1~~~Sri Lanka-Maldives to share inteligence info~~~Jun 22 (ANN) Sri Lanka and the Maldives have agreed to share intelligence information following Maldivian concerns that money laundering and drug trafficking through its territory may be linked to Tamil Tigers activities. Visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, during talks with President and foreign minister had referred to the dual problem of money laundering and drug trafficking faced by his country and stressed the need for concrete measures to deal with the problem. zzz03186718
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/20/student-tamil.html~~~Student accused of supporting Tamil Tigers loses extradition appeal~~~Jun 22 (CP) A University of Waterloo student has lost his appeal to avoid extradition to the United States on charges he supported the Tamil Tigers, who have been declared a terrorist group. The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that Ramanan Mylvaganam, who is in his early 30s and from Malton, Ont., very likely knew he was assisting the group. Three judges said it could be "reasonably inferred" that Mylvaganam "knew he was assisting the LTTE for the prohibited purposes." zzz03186720
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20090703261302500.htm~~~Battles ahead ~~~
Jun 22 (EB) No Tamils resident in Sri Lanka was consulted when the overseas wings of the LTTE decided to form a Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (PTGTE) nor were they included in the committee to go into the nitty gritty of the formation of such a government. “We were not consulted. We learnt about this kind of government only through the media,” zzz03186726
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1395894192~~~Foreign reserves inch up in April~~~Jun 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka's official external reserves without advances to domestic banks had increased 59 million US dollars to 1,131 million US dollars in April from 1,072 million US dollars in March, the Central Bank said. With an advance to two domestic banks of 165 million US dollars, the reserve balance was 1,296 million US dollars in April, up 24 million US dollars. Last month's total reserves - with a domestic asset of 200 million US dollars - were 1,272 million US dollars. zzz03186725
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Now,+Sri+Lanka+goes+after+jihadis&artid=aWHTcGhQQzk=~~~Now, Sri Lanka goes after jihadis ~~~Jun 22 (EB) The Sri Lankan government was moving against armed jihadis, a new menace in the Eastern part of the island country, which just ended a long drawn out war against the LTTE, claimed a front-page report in the weekly Lakbimanews on Sunday. Official Indian sources told The New Indian Express that presence of jihadis had begun to cause concern to both Sri Lanka and India. zzz03186724
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601014&sid=aAW0StE3xAeE~~~Calamander Group to start Sri Lanka’s first private equity fund ~~~Jun 22 (BN) Calamander Group Pte, a Singapore- based investment company, will create the first private equity fund focused on Sri Lanka, betting the nation’s economy will prosper after the end of three decades of civil war. Calamander plans to invest between $50 million and $75 million in the island nation’s rubber, tea, timber, coconut, bank and ceramics businesses in the next 18 months, zzz03186727
http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/story/410135.html~~~Sangakkara rises above the sting of battle~~~jun 23 (CI) Kumar Sangakkara's tenure as Sri Lanka captain is just seven Twenty20 matches old, but has already contained a lifetime's worth of heartache and drama. Since arriving in England three weeks ago, Sangakkara has taken it upon himself to serve as the team's unofficial Lahore spokesperson, sparing team-mates the angst-ridden task of regaling the media with recollections of the March terror attack, all the while risking reopening his own barely-healed emotional wounds. zzz03186728
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/toothless-but-certainly-not-spineless.html~~~Toothless but certainly not spineless ~~~jun 23 (LG) There was a beneficial reference to me in last week’s Lakbima News, weekly news paper based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Underpala, in his column, had said “Bobby Boy said later that the Sri Lanka government is “afraid of dialogue, afraid of discussion.” Is it not the Canadian government that is afraid of discussion? Is that not the reason why they stopped Galloway (and even the politically toothless Vickramabahu Karunaratne) egged on by the Jewish Defence League? zzz03186729
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/how-transnational-hate-project-and.html~~~How the transnational hate project and torture allegations are linked? ~~~jun 23 (LG) Sinhala jingoists and Tamil Eelam hate mongers are business partners. They are striving towards the same thing from two apparently opposing approaches. Second World War saw the convergence of three disparate groups trying to assert their racial ‘superiority’ in perfect harmony. They were the Axis. One would expect a clash between the Aryan German campaign and the Imperial Japanese campaign aszzz03186730
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8112522.stm~~~Pakistan celebrates cricket win~~~jun 23 (BBC) Pakistanis have been celebrating victory over Sri Lanka in Sunday's Twenty20 cricket final in the UK. Thousands of people poured onto the streets dancing and rejoicing as their team secured an eight-wicket win at Lord's cricket ground in London. Local media see the win as a boost for the country at a time when the army is locked in combat with the Taliban after a wave of suicide and other attacks.zzz03186731
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2009056&Language=en~~~France condemns Sri Lanka arrests of UN personnel ~~~jun 23 (KUNA) France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, condemned on Monday the reported arrest of two staff members of the United Nations working in Sri Lanka who were detained by security authorities there. "We condemn the arrest announced by the United Nations of two of its agents by the Sri Lankan authorities," a French Foreign Ministry statement said. "We support the demand expressed by the United Nations to obtain all necessary information on these arrests," zzz03186732
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7897~~~Cyprus Sri Lankans request President to Remove Corrupted Consul in Cyprus~~~Jun 23 (LeN) There are about 45 thousdand Sri Lankans working in Cyprus. Many of them are domestic workers. As in other countries, they also face numerious problems. Especially after Cyprus became an EU country. There is a danger of loosing jobs of those worked there more than 10 years. For many decades Sri Lankans demanded the government of Sri Lanka to open an Embassy there. Yet, it was not considered.zzz03186733
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1968908107~~~Sri Lanka's external trade contracts in April~~~Jun 23 (LBO) Sri Lanka exports fell 28.2 percent in April to 437.6 million US dollars from a year ago, imports fell 53.2 percent to 604.3 million dollars, shrinking the trade deficit 75.9 percent to 166.7 million dollars, the Central Bank said. In the 4-months to April, exports were down 16.2 percent to 2,085 million US dollars, and imports were down 36.9 percent to 2,891.1 million dollars and the trade deficit shrank 61.5 percent to 806.1 million US dollars. zzz03186734
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2545:jvp-challenges-president-to-reveal-govt-stand-on-13th-amendment&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~JVP challenges President to reveal Govt. stand on 13th amendment ~~~
Jun 23 (LG) There is a poster in the ideological wall. It has two words. ‘Political’ and ‘solution’. Now that the LTTE is gone and naked Eelam-speak is a thing of the past, separatism and Tamil chauvinism have down-graded the politics. The call is for ‘a political solution’. I agree. Where there are political problems, there should be political solutions. zzz03186749
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1317080478~~~Sri Lanka's south gets new tea factory~~~Jun 23 (LBO) A new tea factory has been set up in Sri Lanka's southern Hambantota district where high-priced low grown teas are cultivated by small farmers, the government information department and the Tea Board said. The factory in Walasmulla in Hambantota district has a capacity to make 5,000 kilos of black tea a day and was set up by the Yalta Tea company with an investment of 45 million rupees, the information department said in a statement. zzz03186750
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/whither-lanka-they-ask-in-delhi-and.html~~~Whither Lanka, they ask in Delhi and Bangkok ~~~Jun 23 (LG) While most Indians seem to think that Sri Lanka should grab the opportunity and sue for peace, others are not so sure. Professor of South Asian Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Professor Partha Ghosh seems to be so animatedly anti-devolution when it comes to Sri Lanka, that he may make S L Gunasekera want to blush. Says professor Ghosh that if the unit of devolution that is in operation in Sri Lanka — the province — is kept intact, and zzz03186751
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/to-be-diplomatic-or-not.html~~~To be Diplomatic or not... ~~~Jun 23 (LG) I am sure all of us have used or heard of the above phrases in some stage of our lives, either to reach out to someone who's unreasonable, demanding or flat out unfair. It actually rolls out of our tongues without a second's thought, but rarely given the proper respect it deserves. Here's are few explanations about the word "diplomatic" on cyber space. Diplomatic-adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or engaged in diplomacy: diplomatic officials. zzz03186752
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/lest-we-love-great-game-in-sri-lanka.html~~~Lest we love the great game in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 23 (LG) Sri Lanka’s security forces inflicted a crushing defeat on the LTTE, eliminating its leader and guiding spirit Velupillai Prabhakaran and almost the entire leadership. Their success comes after a failure to achieve decisive results in three earlier episodes of war, spread over more than two decades. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s result-oriented national leadership was the single major factor thatzzz03186753
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10325276.html~~~I am proud of my achievement: Dilshan~~~Jun 23 (Gulf) Sri Lanka's opening batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was named the player of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup at Lord's, is proud of his achievement. "I am proud of having won this award. I had a great tournament, but I am disappointed that our team could not win the cup," remarked Dilshan, who scored 317 runs at a strike-rate of 144.74 and an average above 52.zzz03186754
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/undoing-misuse-of-referendums.html~~~Undoing the misuse of referendums~~~Jun 23 (LG) There were several reports about a statement by a senior politician of the ruling regime, the Chief Minister of the North/Central Province, stating the intention of the government to obtain a two thirds majority of the parliament for a proposal to extend the term of office of the incumbent executive president. The proposal includes the carrying out of a referendum to seek the approval of the people for this move. zzz03186755
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/conflicts-and-reconciliations.html~~~Conflicts and Reconciliations ~~~
Jun 23 (LG) In November 1989 the Second JVP Insurgency was defeated and its top leadership killed. What if the government of the day considered the power hunger of the JVP to be the sole cause of the insurgency? What if the existence of any systemic errors or injustices (which alienated a segment of Sinhala youth and made them susceptible to the JVP) was denied? What if the need for radical reforms was discounted andzzz03186756
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/picture-yourself.html~~~Picture yourself ~~~Jun 23 (LG) Amidst the talk of peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka the plight of the Tamil population has hardly changed according to the British Channel 4 news report [Please see below video link]. To be fair, it must be said however, that none of the reports can be verified. Fear is looming large in the minds of the Tamils. The Tamils in the IDP camps are suffering. Relatives are given only restricted access to these camps. zzz03186757
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slpr-j23.shtml~~~President seeks extended term without elections~~~Jun 23 (wsws) In an extraordinary, anti-democratic move, the ruling coalition in Sri Lanka—the UPFA—has begun to sound out amending the constitution to allow President Mahinda Rajapakse to remain in office beyond his six-year term without facing a new election. For weeks, the government has been whipping up a climate of communal triumphalism following the army’s victory over the separatist LTTE.zzz03186758
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2465~~~Secretary General responds to British Medical Journal~~~Jun 23 (PISL) The following letter was sent to the British Medical Journal in response to an article by a Dr Shiamala Suntharalingam, which provided much misleading information as to the situation in the north. Dear Sir, I write with reference to the article entitled ‘Sri Lanka: health as a weapon of war?’ by Shiamala Suntharalingam, which appeared recently in your columns. zzz03186759
http://www.peacemuslims.org/New__VC_to_South_East_University-20-1107.html~~~New VC to South East University~~~Jun 23 (PSM) New Vice Chancellor for the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) has assumed his duties today. Dr. Ismail, the new VC is from this university and hails from Sammanthurai. He was first among the three candidates elected at the Council meeting held few months back. Dr. Ismail is the third VC to this univeristy which was created by late SLMC/NUA leader MHM. Ashraff withthe blessing of the then President Chandrika Bandaranayke Kumaratunga andzzz03186760
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10296&Itemid=44~~~Fines imposed on dengue breeders ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Three persons found guilty of making breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes were imposed fines amounting Rs. 30,000 at the Tangalle courts. “Utter negligence of garbage, drains and the garden is severely punishable at this juncture when the death toll has been reaching its two hundred mark,” said Tangalle Magistrate Bandula Himburegama. While on an inspection tour, Tangalle MOH health inspectors nabbed the three offenders and produced them before courts.zzz03186763
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10293&Itemid=44~~~Invitation to all parties for APRC~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Science and Technology Minister Professor Thissa Vitharana who heads APRC extended an in invitation to UNP, JVP, MVP, Hela Urumaya, TNA, and all other parties to join in the forum to find a resolution to the ethnic crisis acceptable to people of Sri Lanka yesterday (22). He made the observation at a media briefing to educate the public on the viability of nanotechnology in national development. zzz03186762
no~~~Eight new fuel pumping stations to be set up in the North ~~~
Jun 23 (GDI) Under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” program the government has taken steps to set up eight fuel pumping stations in the North (in A-9 road), Minister of Petroleum & Petroleum Resources Development A. H. M. Fowzie said. He pointed out that it was an estimated Rs.150 million cost to project and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has been given authority to work as a distributor. zzz03186761
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10298&Itemid=44~~~Solar powered phone booths in North ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) A solar powered phone booth system will be set up in the North. Since the power network is not yet properly connected in the war ravaged north, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) considered it necessary to start off with solar powered coin operated telephone booths in IDP welfare centres. “Uninterrupted and smooth communication is a must in development, and the residents of IDP villages must be able to connect with their siblings,” zzz03186764
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10299&Itemid=44~~~Minister to track tax evading plantation companies~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Plantation companies that abscond from paying due taxes will be severely dealt with, Plantation Minister D. M. Jayarathna said. “These companies must remit relevant taxes to the treasury before June 30, 2009,” the Minister warned further. The private sector owns 20 plantation companies, and the public sector owns just three. And, nine companies have duly paid taxes amounting Rs.70 million while nine are absconding. zzz03186765
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10305&Itemid=44~~~‘Rice Flour Bread’ to meet demand~~~Jun 23 (GDI) The government has made major breakthrough to tackle the global food crisis. A rice flour bread product is designed. A new rice flour milling center was opened in Anuradhpura today under this new concept of the Minister Maithripala Sirisena. ‘Rice Bread’ is a form of the wheat bread that is used commonly in the country, but incorporates rice flour instead of wheat flour.zzz03186766
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10300&Itemid=44~~~Complete power network to cover North by 2011 ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) The whole Northern Province will be connected together in a single power network by the year 2011 under a three-phase accelerated project. “The project will be at a cost of Rs. 3,750 million and the cabinet approval has already been obtained for the expansions,” CEB press statement said. Already, pylons carrying the transmission cables from Vavuniya to Chunnakkam are under construction. zzz03186767
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10297&Itemid=44~~~People commemorate President Premadasa’s 85th birthday today ~~~Jun 23 (GDI) Late President Ranasingha Premadasa’s 85th birthday falls today, 23rd June, 2009. Commemorating the event, the ‘Premadasa Centre’ has organized numerous programmes in memory of the late President. A felicitation ceremony in memory of the late President Premadasa will be held today (June 23) at 5 p.m. at the Premadasa Memorial Statue in St. Sebastian Place, Hulftsdorp.zzz03186768
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090623_01~~~TNA MP with LTTE terrorist links detained ~~~
Jun 23 (MoD) The CID conducting investigations into LTTE activities, yesterday, produced TNA Vanni District MP Sathasivam Kanagaratnam before the Colombo Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nisantha Hapuarachchi and said the MP is alleged to have violated the Emergency Regulations and assisted the LTTE. Kanagaratnam was arrested by the CID while he was with the people who came from the uncleared areas.zzz03186774
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2551:piyangala-hermitage-and-historical-caves-blasted-for-rubble&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~Piyangala hermitage and historical caves blasted for rubble ~~~Jun 23 (LT) ‘Lankatruth’ reported on the 19th that Piyangala cave was on the verge of being destroyed and Sri Lanka will lose it forever. Despite opposition from environmental organizations, residents in the area and scholars the strongmen in the government including certain powerful ministers continue to maintain the quarry carrying out powerful blasts in the area. The ‘Organization to Protect Heritage of Digamadulla’ too carried out a protest campaign againstzzz03186769
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2555:shelton-payagala-is-no-more&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Shelton Payagala is no more! ~~~Jun 23 (LT) Mr. Shelton Payagala, renowned film director and writer passed way at 11.00 a.m. today after being admitted to ICU of Sri Jayawardene Hospital. He was 65 year old at the time of this death. Mr. Shelton Payagala was born in Hatton in 1944 and was active in literature, cinema and stage circles. In 1982 he directed ‘Malata noena bambaru’ with Chandraratne Mapitigama and in 1991 diercted ‘Golu Muhude Kunatuwa’ a film on the national question. zzz03186771
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45136.html~~~Losing to a friend is no pain~~~Jun 23 (LNP) Pakistan`s victory in the T-20 World Cup finals at the Mecca of cricket was a prayer answered for that country struggling to repair her badly damaged image following a dastardly terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last March. Her cricket will surely receive a tremendous boost from that spectacular win in these troubled times. A heroes` welcome must be awaiting them at home. Cheers! zzz03186770
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45133.html~~~Junior National Schools meet concludes on a grand scale~~~Jun 23 (LNP) St Peter`s College Bambalapitiya and St. Joseph`s Balika Vidyalaya, Kegalle with 84 and 67 points respectively carried away the Sir John Tarbat Challenge Trophies on offer for the Junior National Athletic Championships conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association at the Albert F. Peiris Stadium in Wennappuwa over the week end. A total of seven meet records were set up during the three days of activity. zzz03186773
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Policeman-wife-her-parents-found-shot-dead/3184.htm~~~Policeman's wife and her parents found shot dead~~~Jun 23 (CT) The wife of a sub inspector and her parents have been found gunned down at the policeman's home at Nikape in Dehiwela. The policeman is attached to Boralesgamuwa Police. The three had died at Colombo South General Hospital at Kalubowila. The SI, wanted for questioning in connection with the triple murder, too, has been admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds. zzz03186772
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2041:the-fifth-swine-flu-case-also-detected-in-sl&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~The fifth swine flu case also detected in SL ~~~Jun 23 (LP) The fifth AH1N1 (Swine Flu) victim was detected from Sri Lanka yesterday. The victim is a nine year old girl from Battaramulla, who arrived in the island from Australia on Sunday (21). The child was initially detected by the Thermal Scanners for high fever and was transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) where she is undergoing treatment. The newly identified swine flu patient will be treated in the same manner the zzz03186775
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2053:a-programme-test-in-to-the-standard-of-the-power-units-in-schools&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~A programme test in to the standard of the power units in schools ~~~Jun 23 (LP) The Commission for Public Utility Services has decided to look in to the safety of the electricity circuit (power units) units in over a 10,000 schools under the Education Ministry. The Commission for Public Utility Services along with the Ministry of Power and Energy will carry out the programme where insecure power circuit systems will be mended said the chairman of the Commission Dr Jayathissa De Costa.zzz03186776
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sri-Lankan-missions-abroad-criticism-minister/3172.htm~~~Sri Lankan missions abroad under criticism by minister~~~Jun 23 (CT) Minister Piyasena Gamage has said that contributions by Sri Lankan diplomatic officials serving overseas to uphold the image of the country are far from satisfactory. Mr. Gamage, who is in charge of vocational and technical training portfolio, has made the observation in an interview with Nihal Jagathchandra of 'Lakbima' in its June 23 issue. The minister has noted that despite the end of the war against terrorism in the country, zzz03186777
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/news01.asp~~~Novel way to English~~~Jun 23 (DN) The Authorities launching a road map yesterday to ensure equity in promoting spoken\communicative English as a life skill among Sri Lankans, under a Presidential initiative, said that the intention was to change the old order, where English was thought as an instrument of social oppression and the prized possession of a privileged class. The 18 month road map being worked off according to a concept by President Mahinda Rajapaksa,zzz03186778
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/news03.asp~~~Colleges of Education: Monthly allowance 100 percent up ~~~Jun 23 (DN) The monthly allowance of students who are studying in the Colleges of Education islandwide will be increased by 100 percent from next year, said Education Minister Susil Premajayantha. The Education Minister was speaking at the presentation of teacher appointments to over 2,900 students who passed out from the Colleges of Education island wide at Temple Trees yesterday. zzz03186779
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/fea01.asp~~~Anti-intellectual behaviour of university students ~~~Jun 23 (DN) This statement provides a yardstick against which the modern university education can be measured. The purpose of this article is to examine the fundamental challenges the Sri Lanka universities face in realizing the above laudable goals. As a university academic serving for over 15 years at Sri Lankan Universities and six years in international universities, I had the opportunity to read and closely observe the zzz03186780
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/23/fea03.asp~~~Prospects bright for tea, rubber and coconut ~~~
Jun 23 (DM) Every unit of nuclear waste will take more than 25 years to decay and every nation has a responsibility to act to reduce the harm on the environment, former Vice President International Court of Justice, C.G. Weeramantry said yesterday. He stressed the importance in finding the balance in local and international environment law in protecting and safeguarding the environment whilst combating polluters in a common front. zzz03186788
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52699~~~UN concerned over arrest of local staff ~~~Jun 23 (DM) The United Nations said yesterday it was looking at the legal options available to ensure the protection of its staff as the Foreign Ministry sought information from the Defence Ministry and the Police on the reported arrest of two local UN staff members serving in Vavuniya. “On being informed by the UN office in Colombo, about the arrest of two local staffers – both Tamils serving in Vavuniya -- we have requested zzz03186789
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6486&sec=2&t=6466~~~Decline in imports & exports reflected in Lanka's trade deficit~~~Jun 23 (ANN) Sri Lanka’s trade deficit continued to contract due to a drop in export earnings and reduced expenditure on imports. This trend has continued for the fourth consecutive month, Central Bank sources said. Private remittances , though marginally lower helped to build up a more favourable trade deficit. Among the export earnings which were effected were all major sectors, while tea continued to perform well. zzz03186790
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6465&sec=3&t=~~~T-20 World Cup Final: Will they ever learn from this?~~~Jun 23 (ANN) It was really great to see two cricket teams from Asia fighting it out in the 2009 T/20 World Cup Final, at Lords. Although we were the favourite to win the trophy, lady luck failed to smile on us. The main contributor to our total right along, the player of the tournament, who scored 317 runs, Tilekeratne Dilshan failed to score even a single run on this fateful day. The shrewd Pakistani captain placed a fielder right at the place his ‘Dil-scoops’ zzz03186791
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1181513270~~~Sri Lankan and Malaysia Airlines in new code share deal~~~Jun 23 (LBO) Sri Lankan Airlines has expanded its code share deal with Malaysian Airlines increasing its reach to the United States, Australia and Asia-Pacific sectors, the airline said. The agreement enables Malaysia Airlines to codeshare on SriLankan’s flights to Male in the Maldives while SriLankan Airlines will access Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through Malaysia Airlines. zzz03186792
http://www.isria.com/pages/23_June_2009_107.htm~~~EU grants 5 million euros for emergency assistance in Sri Lanka~~~Jun 23 (ISRIA) The European Commission has allocated €5 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people, mostly ethnic Tamils, placed in camps in Sri Lanka. All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel. The projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organisations and specialised UN agencies.zzz03186793
http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/30300-malaysia-invited-to-rebuild-sri-lanka-war-shattered-zones~~~Malaysia invited to rebuild Sri Lanka war-shattered zones ~~~Jun 23 (MI) Sri Lanka, fresh from its success in eliminating rebels in the north and east of the island, is inviting Malaysian investors to join efforts to rebuild its war-shattered zones that need at least US$4 billion (RM14 billion) to US$5 billion in initial development. Minister Anura Priyadarshana said as Malaysian companies have vast experience in the telecommunication, construction and agriculture sectors in the country, zzz03186794
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8113242.stm~~~Sri Lanka's forgotten displaced Muslims ~~~Jun 23 (BBC) As the world focuses on displaced Tamils in northern Sri Lanka, a large group of Muslims forcibly ejected from the north by Tamil Tigers 20 years ago are finally contemplating a return home. There are more than 100,000 Muslims living as refugees across Sri Lanka. Many are in Puttalam - a small fishing town on the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. They vividly remember the day when the LTTE forced them to leave at gun point. zzz03186795
no~~~Sri Lankan Cultural Dance~~~zzz03186769.1
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-diaspora-should-lay-down-ideology.html~~~Tamil Diaspora should lay down the ideology "eelam" ~~~Jun 24 (LG) I am a Tamil living outside Sri Lanka hence by mere definition unfortunately I belong to Tamil Diaspora which I am ashamed of myself of being one of them and I am making this appeal again to the misled pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora to lay down the ideology “Eelam”. I have been very critical of the Tamil Diaspora for chasing an illusion and written articles to many websites criticizing the role played by the TD supporting LTTE terrorist outfit. zzz03186797
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10306&Itemid=44~~~Sri Lanka Tourism launches a new brand, logo and tagline ~~~
Jun 24 (GDI) With the emergence of peace, the rebranding of Sri Lanka’s tourism positioning became not only time-critical, but also mission-critical. “And, Sri Lanka must be able to meet its full potential as one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world,” Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda said extending an invitation to all concerned.zzz03186798
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2556:mathata-thitha-on-the-rocks&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Mathata Thitha’ on the rocks ~~~Jun 24 (LT) It was revealed in the Parliament today that despite ‘Mathata Thitha,’ (A halt for intoxication), a programme to curb alcoholism and drug abuse under ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ is said to be implemented the ministers themselves have issued licenses to various people to open wine stores. During the question time in Parliament session today JVP MP Ranaweera Pathirana accused government MPs and ministers for issuing licenses for wine stores.zzz03186799
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090623_idps_malnourished.shtml~~~'Malnourished children' in IDP camps ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) Nearly 5000 IDP children in Vavuniya camps are malnourished, a charity that works in Menik Farm IDP camp says. Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Executive Director of Sarvodaya told BBC Sandeshaya that there are about 30,000 -35,000 children in Menk Farm. “Many of them are suffering from diseases and some still suffer from injuries,” he said. 15-20 percent of these children are also suffering from chronic malnutrition and acute malnutrition,zzz03186800
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8112619.stm~~~Why do Buddhist monks sleep upright? ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) A group of Buddhist monks recently emerged from four years in isolation in a retreat in Scotland, having spent their nights sleeping in an upright position. Why? The monks at the Samye Dechen Shing Buddhist retreat in Dumfriesshire are supposed to sleep upright in a "meditation box". For less than five hours. We've all fallen asleep in armchairs, but it seems a different proposition to sit bolt upright every night for four years. zzz03186801
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090623_captain_ali.shtml~~~Aid ship still waiting to unload ~~~Jun 24 (BBC) The crew of a ship sent by Tamil expatriates in Europe say they are still hoping they can unload a large cargo of aid for Tamil refugees, after nearly three weeks waiting in the waters off Sri Lanka and southern India. The "Captain Ali" vessel is anchored off the Indian port of Chennai having been turned away by the Sri Lankan authorities. An Icelandic crew member told the BBC that he "saluted" the people in southern India trying to let the ship into Chennai harbour, zzz03186802
http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectioncode=130&storyCode=2053382~~~Sri Lanka to get hydro, renewables support from IFC~~~Jun 24 (WPM) Efforts to develop small hydro and other renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka through private sector involvement are to be helped by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC, part of the World Bank Group, plans to help boost renewables in Sri Lanka through a package valued at US$15M to support the activities of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon. The package value is based on risk-sharing facilities,zzz03186803
http://www.metimes.com/Security/2009/06/23/tamil_issue_a_big_problem_for_sri_lanka/304c/~~~Tamil issue a big problem for Sri Lanka~~~Jun 24 (UPI) The Sri Lankan military's victory ending the 26-year Tamil Tiger rebellion is only weeks old, but already the euphoria is giving way to rising international concerns about what awaits the country's Tamil-speaking minority in the future. The plight of the minority in the predominantly Buddhist country of about 21 million is reflected in the humanitarian crisis of the about 300,000 Tamil civilians now housed in poorly supplied, zzz03186804
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/The-Sunday-Leader-lawyers-withdraw-from-case-filed-defence-secretary/3195.htm~~~'The Sunday Leader' lawyers withdraw from case filed by defence secretary~~~Jun 24 (CP) Lawyers for 'The Sunday Leader' withdrew today (June 23) from appearing for a case filed against the newspaper by defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Mount Lavinia district court judge Mohamed Mackie took up the case that alleges articles that appeared in the newspaper, claiming irregularities in the purchase of MiG-27 fighter aircraft, were defamatory of the defence secretary.zzz03186805
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/making-of-sri-lanka-canadian-matter.html~~~Making of “Sri Lanka a Canadian matter” ~~~Jun 24 (LG) With the end of Canadian position MP Bob Rae’s Sri Lanka drama we are eager to let the world know what make Bob Rae and other politicians so desperately wanted to go to Sri Lanka and why they are so unhappy when they loose that opportunity. For few decades there were some international figures that made money from the sufferings of poor Sri Lankans. Norwegian Eric Sholhaim is one of them Canada’s Bob Rae is another one.zzz03186806
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/24/content_11590608.htm~~~East to set up no-firearm zone soon ~~~
Jun 24 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's once volatile Eastern Province held by various extremist groups is to be free of firearms next month, defense officials announced. The Ministry of Defense has set a rigid deadline of July 2 for all extremist groups holding firearms to surrender the weapons. "The government has asked all groups to surrender weapons," A. L. M Hisbullah, a provincial government official told the media. zzz03186807
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/post-terrorism-analysis-of.html~~~Post-Terrorism: Analysis of reconstruction & democratisation of conflict regions~~~Jun 24 (LG) Mr President, distinguished speakers, ladies and gentleman, it is indeed a great privilege for me to be here on this occasion today to address the Muslim point of view in respect of the reconstruction and democratisation of the conflict regions. I was among those who were persecuted by the LTTE, and those who fought for freedom of speech, expression and freedom of movement. zzz03186808
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:22222248~menuPK:34463~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html~~~World Bank provides more support to improve health care~~~Jun 24 (WB) The World Bank today approved a US$24 million IDA credit providing further support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s health service delivery program, with particular emphasis on the special health needs in the north and east arising out of the recent conflict. With the end of the military conflict, Sri Lanka is now facing the challenges of resettlement and reconstruction within the context of reconciliation. zzz03186809
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lanka-team-to-arrive-today-to-discuss-devolution-/articleshow/4693974.cms~~~Lanka team to arrive today, to discuss devolution ~~~Jun 24 (TOI) India will push Sri Lanka for a much faster move towards a political devolution in the country, particularly after the LTTE has been vanquished. Sri Lanka's top leadership troika -- Gotabaya Rajapakse, Basil Rajapakse and Lalith Wiretunge -- will meet India's top officials on Wednesday. The Indian delegation will be led by national security advisor M K Narayanan, foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon andzzz03186810
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/eliminated-tigers-is-victory-of-people.html~~~'Eliminated the Tigers is victory of people'~~~Jun 24 (LG) It was an interesting interview the Sri Lanka Guardian had with the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Vladimir P. Mikhaylov at the Russian Embassy in Colombo. The interview went on for about two and half hours and issues involving international bilateral relations between nationswere discussed were talked about. “Russia is a traditional friend of the Island Nation” he said. zzz03186811
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/solution-part-iii.html~~~The solution –(Part III) ~~~Jun 24 (LG) I shall not deviate too much from my main theme to respond to Mr. K. Sivakumaran, who appears to think that I am anti-Tamil or do not have a "soft corner" for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. I have more than a "soft corner" for the Tamils as well as all the other ethnic communities in Sri Lanka and I respect them as citizens of the country. However, I do not keep silent when people misrepresent "facts" especially in the interests of the British andzzz03186814
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=NLetter&id=9d2d3931-16ae-4bd5-9c91-536475da2931&Headline=An+intra-diaspora+war+over+Prabhakaran~~~An intra-diaspora war over Prabhakaran~~~Jun 24 (HT) So what if the LTTE is military wiped out of Sri Lanka? It had control over 15,000 square kilometres of land at one point. Now only torn down sign boards remain by the road side to remind those passing by of the days of LTTE-rule. But now the new talk is of forming a “transnational government" (TNG); the territory is gone but the emotional terrain is still fertile to the keep the dream of Eelam blinking.zzz03186813
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news26.html~~~Lopsided growth confirmed~~~Jun 24 (BL) Firm signs that the world is heading towards sharply lopsided growth was confirmed by the World Bank (WB) this week, and it forecasts Lankan economy to improve by only 2.5%, whilst growth in comparison to 7.1% in 2008 Government described the 1.5% Q1 gain as commendable, midst global contraction. The Department of Census and Statistics on Monday said the Lankan economy grew by 1.5% in Q1, powered by the performance of Agriculture, Industry and Services, zzz03186817
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news28.html~~~Supermarkets in race to be the cheapest~~~Jun 24 (BL) With claims of lowest prices emanating from many of the popular super markets these days, The Bottom Line decided to put the claims to test with a visit to Keells Super and Cargills Food City this week. Among a selection of 10 items generally found in a grocery cart, it emerged that Cargills was lower in price for many of the items. However, in the wake of the price war that has taken place, many of the items during the time of study were zzz03186815
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news31.html~~~War of words over peace~~~Jun 24 (BL) In the latest development in finding a permanent solution to Sri Lanka’s three decade old ethnic conflict, the APRC, is to invite the country’s main opposition- the UNP, to build a wider consensus. “We want the country’s main opposition UNP to come into the process. Within the APRC, we have agreed on most issues and are in the process of finalising the Draft, section by section. Once we invite the UNP, it’s up to them to nominate their representatives and present their input. zzz03186816
http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/06/24/news30.html~~~IGP appointment illegal: JVP~~~
Jun 24 (GDI) The Ministry of Tourism unveiled a new Sri Lanka tourism brand. “This is an event we have been preparing for since 2008 after we held our initial strategic planning sessions in October and November the same year. And, it’s high time to materialize our aspirations and goals with much enthusiasm, “Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Mustapha said.zzz03186832
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10321&Itemid=44~~~Minister predicts grand victory for UPFA in Uva ~~~Jun 24 (GDI) The UPFA would win the Uva Provincial Council election with a bigger majority than ever before predicted, Minister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena said at the media briefing held at the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo yesterday (23). He pointed out that Uva Provincial Council election will be carried out under the slogan of “Let’s protect the journey of the nation”.zzz03186828
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_24_003.html~~~Editors oppose draconian Press Council laws ~~~Jun 24 (LNW) The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and seven other media organizations, in a joint letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on the reactivation of the Sri Lanka Press Council Law, which gives powers for imprisonment of journalists, said that media culture cannot be based on slapping charges against journalists, fining them or sending them to jail. Instead, the modern world has accepted a self regulatory mechanism by media persons themselves as the way forward.zzz03186829
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2057:dwarf-hippo-at-dehiwala&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Dwarf Hippo at Dehiwala ~~~Jun 24 (LP) A rare dwarf hippopotamus was gifted to the National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala from Singapore. The hippo was given under the friendly animal exchange programme. In return Sri Lanka sent a pair of leopards and a pair of Pelicans to Singapore. The male Hippopotamus who gifted to the Dehiwala Zoo was born on the 17th of September 2006. There are two species of hippopotamuses, the Pygmy Hippo which is the smaller species, zzz03186827
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2559:chess-masters-hold-chess-tournament-for-school-children&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Chess Masters hold chess tournament for school children ~~~Jun 24 (LT) Colombo District Chess Tournament conducted by Chess Masters Chess Academy was held at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya on 20th and 21st June, 2009. More than 250 school children from Colombo District participated in the contest. The prize giving for the winners will take place at Colombo Campus Auditorium and Chess Masters Chess Academy will inform the winners the exact time and date of the prize giving. zzz03186831
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45168.html~~~A Statutory White Van!~~~Jun 24 (LNP) The government has drawn flak from eight media associations including the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka and the Editors` Guild of Sri Lanka over the re-activation of the draconian Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC) Law of 1973 in spite of the existence of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) to regulate the press. In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, those associations have accused the government of having reneged on its earlier commitment to the promotion of self-regulation of the media. zzz03186833
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45166.html~~~Ex-Sri Lanka Rugby star Hadji Omar dies~~~Jun 24 (LNP) It was with deep sorrow and shock that we came to know about the sudden demise of a Rugby colossus of Sri Lanka Nizar Hadji Omar on Monday evening. It was hard to believe that Hadji is no more as, he was a charming figure full of life with a permanent smile on his face. Hadji began his rugby career at St. Peter`s and on leaving school was an automatic choice for CR and FC. For nearly two decades Hadji played as a prop forward for CR zzz03186834
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news01.asp~~~Defence Secretary Vs Leader Publications: Defence Counsel withdraws from case~~~Jun 24 (DN) Mount Lavinia Additional District Judge Macki Mohamed yesterday issued notice on the Leader Publications and two others, Lal Wickrematunga and journalist Fredrica Jansz, to appear in Court on July 9 and to show cause why they should not be dealt for contempt of Court. At the commencement of the two cases where, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa had filed against the Leader Publications, zzz03186842
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news03.asp~~~Dengue eradication: PHIs seek police protection ~~~Jun 24 (DN) The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is seeking the assistance of 19 police stations in the city to curb the dengue menace as some of the Public Health Inspectors who had gone to inspect premises had been threatened by certain residents, Commissioner Badrani Jayawardana said. Already 58 people have been prosecuted for keeping stagnant water in their premises, breeding grounds for mosquitoes and zzz03186836
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/fea02.asp~~~Ragging and ‘teaching sessions’ ~~~Jun 24 (DN) During this time, the student union and its leaders congregate to plan for ragging and they also invite hardcore supporters several days, sometime weeks before the beginning of the term. Together they organize a series of parallel activities to be carried out often before and after the official working times on weekends and sometimes during official working times sabotaging the activities organized by the University. zzz03186837
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/24/news04.asp~~~Rs. 1,058m worth projects for displaced children’s education ~~~Jun 24 (DN) Concurrent to the Uthuru Vasanthaya Northern Development Program launched by the Government to bring normality to the lives of people displaced from terrorism in the North, the Government has launched projects worth Rs. 1,058 million to provide higher education facilities to children of the displaced funded by the ADB and the World Bank. This follows a survey which gathered information about students who have missed their higher education due to the conflict in the North, zzz03186838
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6502&sec=2&t=~~~Depressed prices lead to downturn in coconut industry ~~~Jun 24 (ANN) President Coconut Growers’Association, (CGA) Parakrama Jayatilleke said concerns facing the industry would be discussed at the CGA AGM at the BMICH on the 27th of this month. He said there were substantial depressants causing serious dissent among coconut growers which led to dangerous consequences to the industry; more importantly that many such coconut land owners would eventually be lead to penury.zzz03186835
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news1.html~~~Sri Lanka sozzled to the gills~~~Jun 24 (Island) The local production and import of liquor had shown a marked increase since 2005, the year in which Mathata Thitha under the Mahinda Chinthana programme commenced, Parliament was told yesterday. The production of local liquor in 2006 increased by 16.9 percent, 30.2 percent in 2007 and 19.4 percent compared to 2005, State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siymabalapitiya said. zzz03186840
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news4.html~~~Limited time for University functions ~~~Jun 24 (Island) In a bid to avert violence in universities, the Ministry of Higher Education has decided to limit all university functions to one day and ban outsiders from attending them. The Ministry has notified the University Grants Commission of this decision and the UGC will circularize it to all universities shortly. Higher Education Minister Professor Wiswa Warnapala told The Island that this was an initial step to combat violence in universities. zzz03186841
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/24/news5.html~~~The guns still talks, says TULF leader~~~
Jun 24 (LAT) Maya Arulpragasam is an anomaly in many ways. As M.I.A., she has had a lightning-fast rise. From her early singles “Galang” and “Sunshowers,” which spread virally through the Web in 2004, to her 2005 debut album, Arular (named after her father), and 2007’s Kala (named after her mom), she has garnered nothing but critical acclaim. Major fame struck in 2008 with the song “Paper Planes,”zzz03186819.2
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906241540.htm~~~'Prabhakaran's surrender could have saved 500 LTTE cadres' ~~~Jun 24 (PTI) The lives of at least 500 Tiger rebels would have been saved had LTTE Supremo V Prabhakaran surrendered during the last phase of the battle after the army encircled the top rebel leaders in Nandhikadal Lagoon in Mullaitttivu, a defence ministry report said. After the special forces encircled Prabhakaran, Intelligence Chief Pottu Aman and Sea tiger chief Soosoi, who were boxed into a 100m x 100m area, the rebel chief could have avoided the battle that would have saved the lives of the Tiger fighters, it said. zzz03186857
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 1~~~zzz03186851
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10322&Itemid=44~~~Economic centers to be set up in North ~~~Jun 25 (GDI) The Ministry of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs has taken steps to set up economic centers in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Medawachchiya and Batticaloa and these centres will be inter-connected with the economic centres in Meegoda and Dambulla. It is expected to set up another five stalls of Lak Sathosa affiliated relief villages in the north, Minister of Trade Bandula Gunanwardena said.zzz03186859
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2562:rice-a-chicken-will-be-imported-if-artificial-shortage-is-created--bandula&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Rice & chicken will be imported if artificial shortage is created'~~~Jun 25 (LT) Measures would be taken to import rice and chicken if prices are increased by creating an artificial shortage says Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardene. Speaking at a media meeting held on the 22nd he said upcountry vegetables have gone up in price. He said the government is unable to control the prices of vegetables.zzz03186860
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/LTTEs-defeat-failed-ensure-peoples-rights--Ranil/3234.htm~~~LTTE's defeat failed to ensure people's rights - Ranil~~~Jun 25 (CT) The defeat of the LTTE has failed to ensure democratic and other rights of the people as should the elimination of terrorism guarantee, said opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. He made this remark while addressing a meeting organized by 'Platform for Freedom' in Negombo yesterday (June 23). Mr. Wickremesinghe noted that the people should now be brought together to win these rights for themselves. zzz03186861
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Police-arrest-underworld-gangster-Colombo-raid/3218.htm~~~Police arrest underworld gangster during Colombo raid~~~Jun 25 (CT) Police have arrested an underworld gangster along with a pistol during a raid in Maligawatte and surrounding areas of Colombo yesterday (June 23). Two hundred police and 100 Army soldiers took part in the search which followed a close monitoring of underworld figures for some time, police sources said. All access routes to the raided area remained closed for the duration of the operation. zzz03186862
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8117158.stm~~~Colombo reporters decry new body ~~~Jun 25 (BBC) The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish a body that can fine and imprison print journalists. They say that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working. Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors' Guild which groups the main newspaper editors, have written to President Rajapaksa. They say that the reactivation of the Press Council fills them with deep concern and disappointment. zzz03186863
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090624_ship_india.shtml~~~Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship ~~~Jun 25 (BBC) The Indian government says Sri Lanka has agreed to accept a cargo of relief aid brought by Tamil expatriates in Europe and meant for people displaced by the now ended war in northern Sri Lanka. Earlier this month the Sri Lankan authorities had turned away the ship carrying the aid. The news that the vessel, the Captain Ali, will after all be allowed to offload nearly 900 tonnes of food and medicine, came after talks in Delhi between India’s foreign minister, zzz03186868
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 2~~~zzz03186866
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=197942070~~~'Seylan Bank would be attractive with larger stake'~~~Jun 25 (LBO) There would be more interest in Sri Lanka's Seylan Bank if a larger equity stake than one third is offered to a strategic investor, the head of cash-rich NDB Bank which dropped out of the race said. The banking regulator, Central Bank, is selling a third stake in of Seylan’s equity after a run on deposits was triggered by the collapse of a firm in its controlling Ceylinco group.zzz03186867
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=420531~~~Asian Netball: Sri Lanka show might by whipping Pakistan 102-12~~~Jun 25 (Bernama) Three times winners Sri Lanka showed their might by whipping Pakistan 102-12 in a lop-sided Group B match of the Asian Netball Championship at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here on Wednesday. Showing their prowess right from the start, Iresha Koralagodage, 23, led the Sri Lankan charge with 41 goals while Sashika Samarasinghe added 36 while Tharjini Sivalingam scored 25 times for the victory.zzz03186864
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lanka-assures-India-Tamils-will-return-home-from-camps/articleshow/4698226.cms~~~Lanka assures India Tamils will return home from camps~~~Jun 25 (PTI) Sri Lanka on Wednesday assured India that it would ensure that Tamils, displaced during the military operations against LTTE, return to their homes after their camps are dismantled within six months. The assurance was conveyed by a high-level Sri Lankan delegation which included Basil Rajapaksa, President's Special Envoy and G B Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, which met foreign minister S M Krishna here. zzz03186869
http://news.anglican.ca/news/stories/2080~~~Primate writes PM on Sri Lanka~~~Jun 25 (ACC) What follows is the text of a letter by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Anglican Primate, to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In the letter, the Primate, writing on behalf of the House of Bishops, urges the government to "assume leadership roles in international efforts to guarantee and protect the civil liberties of Sri Lankans at this critical time." Dear Prime Minister Harper, We, the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, write to urge the Government of Canada to assume leadership roles in zzz03186870
http://asiantribune.com/06/25/thai-business-shows-enthusiasm-in-ivesting-in-sri-lanka-as-peace-returns-to-the-country/~~~Thai business shows enthusiasm in ivesting in Sri Lanka as peace returns to the country~~~Jun 25 (AT) Thailand said it “fully supports” the security measures taken by Sri Lanka to bring normalcy to the country and its foreign ministry was ready to help coordinate any assistance that Colombo may require in the reconstruction effort. Thailand’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Panich Vikitsreth said so in discussions with the visiting Sri Lankan Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok.zzz03186865
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/elmo-jayawardenas-sams-story-a-look-into-ravaged-sri-lanka/95393-40.html~~~Elmo Jayawardena's Sam's Story~~~Jun 25 (IANS) The year is 2001. And the country is Sri Lanka. Sam, a dim witted boy, ekes out an existence with his mother, brothers and sisters in a tiny village that has fallen off the map. His fortunes change when he gets a job as a houseboy in Colombo. But life is not a cakewalk as ethnic violence grips Sri Lanka. Sam is the window to the social and political landscape of Sri Lanka, ravaged by violence for 15 years, in Elmo Jayawardena's award-winning book, Sam's Story, zzz03186872
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/25/stories/2009062550150200.htm~~~Media not highlighting the human tragedy in Sri Lanka: filmmaker ~~~Jun 25 (Hindu) “The media has been generally shy of highlighting the magnitude of the human tragedy in Sri Lanka during the long civil war. Even after the defeat of the LTTE, the whole of the island nation is under military control. Human rights are violated and journalists are assaulted and imprisoned,” says S. Somatheeran, a Sri Lankan journalist participating in the ongoing International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala. zzz03186874
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=772076211~~~Asiri Hospital targets expat market~~~Jun 25 (LBO) Asiri Surgical Hospital has launched a round-the-clock emergency care service targeting expatriate Sri Lankans who have relatives in the island, an official said. Ashok Pathirage, managing director, Asiri group, said the service was aimed particularly at Sri Lankans living and working overseas who had to care for elderly parents in the island. "This service is especially targeted at expatriates," said Pathirage.zzz03186876
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090625/jsp/sports/story_11156300.jsp~~~Dilshan likes to be an opener~~~
Jun 25 (LT) An interim report was presented to the Parliament yesterday on 29,489 Sri Lankans living in 117 refugee camps in India as “stateless” people who are to be awarded citizenship in Sri Lanka and resettle them said Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with bringing back Sri Lankans of Indian origin living in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, JVP MP Ramalingam Chandrasekar. zzz03186899
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2563:joseph-michael-perera-resigns-from-negombo&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Joseph Michael Perera resigns from Negombo ~~~
Jun 25 (LT) Chief Whip of the Opposition, UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera has resigned from the post of chief organizer of the UNP in Negombo. According to reliable sources Mr. Perera has handed over the letter of resignation through Secretary General of the UNP Tisa Attanayake to party Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe who has accepted Mr. Perera’s resignation. zzz03186886
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2066:tholangamuwa-bus-van-collision-kills-six-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Tholangamuwa bus-van collision kills six ~~~Jun 25 (LP) A private bus and a van collided at Tholangamuwa, Warakapola last evening killing six people. Over 15 others have received injuries due to the accident and the conditions of 12 injured are critical. It is reported that there are 04 children among the injured. Four people have died immediately and two others succumbed to their injuries after they were admitted to hospital. Among the dead were 03 females and 03 males.zzz03186897
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090625_02~~~Undercover LTTE agent gunned down~~~Jun 25 (MoD) Soldiers gunned down an undercover LTTE cadre at Iyattalai in Jaffna last morning. According to the defence sources, troops detected the terrorist during a special search conducted in the Kodikamam area. The search operation was launched on civilian information revealing terrorists presence in the area. "As the troops passing IYATTALAI area around 8.00 a.m., troops observed one suspect hiding himself behind a bush and attempting to throw a hand grenade towards them.zzz03186898
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45207.html~~~Govt. must think of the challenges and country's problems instead of endless celebrations and self glorification~~~Jun 25 (LNP) The war victory does not give cause to the Govt. to celebrate and for the President to use it to self glorify forever. There are greater challenges and urgent burning problems of the people to solve as they made the greatest sacrifices enduring all the hardships imposed by the Govt. blaming on the war while the Forces made their sacrifices in the field , said S.B. Dissanayake zzz03186900
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45200.html~~~Our losing battle against corruption~~~Jun 25 (LNP) The main reason why Sri Lanka failed to win her war on terror for nearly three decades was that she never made an attempt to account for terrorist leaders. The military was made to launch much advertised large scale operations scores of miles away from Prabhakaran`s bunker. The country under successive governments naturally suffered more losses than victories. The inevitable outcome was that terrorism thrived and grew resistant to traditional remedies. zzz03186901
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 3~~~zzz03186904
http://www.lankanewsweb.com/news/EN_2009_06_24_004.html~~~Astrologer arrested~~~Jun 25 (LNW) 'Irudina' astrology columist, Chandrasiri Bandara has been arrested by the officers of the CID, yesterday night at his home at Thalawathugoda. Mr. Bandara was taken away by the CID officers, saying that they need to clarify a news article which was published in weekend sinhala news paper 'Irudina'- a sister paper of " Sunday Leader". Mr. Bandara was the key speaker of the workshop held recently, organised by the Media & Propaganda Committe of UNP, zzz03186902
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2070&Itemid=51~~~Deadly Dengue deprives a young mother of her life ~~~Jun 25 (LP) 28 year old pregnant mother, Sewwandi Agalawatta in Weligalla Udunuwara who was suffering from dengue fever died after delivering her baby at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital on 23rd of June. When contacted Preradeniya Teaching Hospital sources disclosed that the victim to Dengue the young mother of 29 had died on 23rd and death certificate received on the 24th at Teaching Hospital. zzz03186903
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15605&size=A~~~Politicians, intellectuals join forces against authoritarian presidency and dictatorial constitution~~~Jun 25 (AN) Sri Lanka is run by an authoritarian presidency under a dictatorial constitution, this according to Platform for Freedom (PFF), a group that includes opposition lawmakers, civil society groups, human rights activists and intellectuals. Some 800 representatives of the various organisations that belong to the PFF met yesterday in Negombo, north of Colombo, to express their opposition to zzz03186905
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Gotabaya+did+Defence+Studies+at+Madras+University&artid=OqjT/psPX8M=~~~Gotabaya did Defence Studies at Madras University~~~
Jun 25 (Island) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has spent Rs. 10,512,716 for 25 visits abroad since January 2008 upto last month, Parliament was told. Of this amount Rs. 10,188,617 has been spent on airfaire and the balance of Rs. 324,099 had beent spent as other expenses, Foreign Minister Bogollagama told Parliament. The highest amount Rs. 19,598,79 was spent on his visit to Brazil on 12/9/2008. zzz03186916
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/business1.html~~~Hot air over USD 50 million Indian loan~~~Jun 25 (Island) State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday (24) told parliament that the National Savings Bank had borrowed US dollar 50 million from India’s ICICI Bank and had lent it to the government. Minister Siyamabalapitiya answering a question raised by UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake said the loan was borrowed on October 22, 2007.zzz03186912
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/news10.html~~~Wimal warns of Opp. bid to exploit IDP issue at Northern polls~~~
Jun 25 (Island) National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, MP, on Tuesday (June 23) accused the UNP-led opposition of making a political issue out of displaced civilians accommodated in welfare camps in Vavuniya and Jaffna districts. He said that the opposition would cause a furore over the issue, thereby paving the way for international interference. zzz03186911
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/25/news12.html~~~Speaker regrets any pain of mind caused to Minister Siyambalapitiya~~~Jun 25 (Island) Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara yesterday said that he regretted if there was any pain of mind caused to State Revenue and Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya by a statement made by JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake on previous day. JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake on Tuesday made a statement in Parliament alleging that Minister Siyambalapitiya had recommended the granting permission to re-open a liquor shop shut down by the Excise Department. zzz03186914
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52922~~~Highway going at snail’s pace: DM~~~Jun 25 (DM) Taking a swipe at the slow construction work of the proposed highways Plantation Industries Minister D.M. Jayaratne said in Parliament yesterday that delays in constructing these highways were unjustifiable. “One cannot understand as to why the relevant authorities are taking so much time to build these highways,” the Minister said speaking during the debate on the Road Development Authority Amendment Bill, in the House yesterday. zzz03186910
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52918~~~VAT case: Witness remanded~~~Jun 25 (DM) A witness in the country’s biggest VAT fraud case of Rs. 3.9 billion was remanded by the Colombo High Court yesterday for allegedly giving false evidence. High Court Judge Sunil Rajapaksa remanded the prosecution witness Mohamed Housain Nirshak, following an application made by Deputy Solicitor General Buwaneka Aluvihare who complained that the witness was giving false evidence.zzz03186915
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52892~~~Lokuge holds up media manager~~~Jun 25 (DM) Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) important media manager’s post has been turned into a joke with Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge holding back the appointment of former television host Brian Thomas, the Daily Mirror learns. Thomas’ was unanimously picked by Sri Lanka Cricket as its new media manager from as many as 40 applicants but Lokuge, the virtual de facto SLC head, has put on hold approval for Thomas.zzz03186917
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=52911~~~Grant Tamils, the status enjoyed before independence: William~~~Jun 25 (DM) Newly appointed TNA MP Thomas William in Parliament yesterday called on the government to grant the Tamils, the status they enjoyed before the country gained independence. Speaking during the debate on the Road Development Authority (Amendment Bill) in the House yesterday Mr. William said all communities in this country could co-exist peacefully as Sri Lankans if such status was granted to Tamils.zzz03186918
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1632953353~~~Bank of Ceylon expands services to refugees~~~Jun 25 (LBO) Bank of Ceylon has expanded its services inside camps housing nearly 280,000 refugees in the north of the island, adding mobile computerized branches housed in shipping containers. Last week the bank added four retail units to its existing branch in the Manik Farm refugee camp complex in the northern Vavuniya district. "These are fully fledged semi-permanent banking units that even have automated teller machines (ATM) facilities," zzz03186919
http://arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=124001&d=25&m=6&y=2009&pix=community.jpg&category=Features%22~~~New life after LTTE rout~~~Jun 25 (AN) Minister Keheliya Rambukwella sat down with Arab News recently to talk about government priorities following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers. “We want to give the members of the Tamil community jobs both inside and outside Sri Lanka since they have been victims of the war and they were practically immobilized in rebel-held territories in the north and east of the island for a considerable period of time,” he said. zzz03186920
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0625/1224249508242.html~~~A way out for Sri Lanka's child soldiers~~~Jun 25 (IT) Ranjendran has the acne and somewhat awkward gait of many a 17-year-old schoolboy. He has already completed is O-Levels and is studying for his A-Level examinations, the local equivalent of the Leaving Certificate. He says he would like to be a teacher in the future, an aspiration that possibly comes from having his own childhood brutally cut short. Ranjendran pulls up his sleeve to reveal a fearful scar arching down his forearm, just below the elbow. zzz03186921
no~~~Uthuru Mithuru - "Yal Devi" train~~~zzz03186923
http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINCOL42369620090625?sp=true~~~Solving inequality Sri Lanka's next challenge~~~Jun 25 (Reuters) President Mahinda Rajapaksa won a 25-year war with the Tamil Tigers long viewed as unwinnable, but now faces the challenge of reducing social and economic inequality that fueled that war and other insurgencies. The effective end in May of the Tamil Tigers' rebellion is no guarantee of long-term peace unless the government can also deal with the root causes that linked the Tiger fight with two bloody Marxist uprisings, analysts say.zzz03186922
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE55O25720090625?rpc=401&=undefined&sp=true~~~Sri Lanka sets date for first post-war polls~~~Jun 25 (Reuters) Sri Lanka on August 8 will hold elections for the first time since declaring victory over the Tamil Tigers last month, the government said on Thursday. The local government polls will take place in Jaffna and Vavuniya, two cities that were at the periphery of the territory controlled by the LTTE for most of the 25-year separatist war. The upcoming elections are aimed at entrenching a civilian administration in an area wracked by war for decades. zzz03186924
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=15613&size=A~~~Six priests held prisoner and in solitary confinement in refugee camps~~~Jun 25 (AN) Six Catholic priests are kept in isolation in the camps of Sri Lanka. The bishop of Jaffna has requested their release, but has not yet received any response from the Ministry of Defense. A humanitarian worker working in the fields in which 300 thousand displaced persons live tells their story and denounces the disappearance of three government doctors who had circulated the figures of the dead during the last days of war between the army and Tamil Tigers. zzz03186897.1
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aFwdZLOy37a8~~~Sri Lanka lifts travel alerts after defeating rebels ~~~Jun 25 (BN) Sri Lanka is lifting travel alerts for the country after the defeat of the rebel LTTE as it wants to attract tourists to the South Asian island, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. “We have ended the need for travel advisories that crippled tourism,” Rajapaksa said. “With terrorism defeated after three decades, our people can now travel freely. Tourists should have no fear to visit our attractions.” zzz03186927
http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=46214~~~Depressed prices lead to downturn in Coconut industry~~~Jun 26 (FP) President of the Coconut Growers’Association, (CGA) Parakrama Jayatilleke said concerns facing the industry would be discussed at the CGA AGM at the BMICH on the 27th of this month. He said there were substantial depressants causing serious dissent among coconut growers which led to dangerous consequences to the industry; more importantly that many such coconut land owners would eventually be lead to penury.zzz03186928
http://www.isria.com/pages/25_June_2009_93.htm~~~Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral ties with Slovenia ~~~Jun 26 (ISRIA) The importance of bilateral interests as opposed to multilateral compulsions in shaping relations between two countries was underscored by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during his discussion with Miklavz Borstnik, Charge d’ Affaires of Slovenia, who is on a two day visit to Sri Lanka coinciding with the National Day of Slovenia. The Minister observed that strong bonds of friendship within the international community would be zzz03186929
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10342&Itemid=51~~~Summary of Cabinet Decisions ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Finance and Planning Mahinda Rajapaksa to extend the service of the two rating agencies namely, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) as per the advise given by the Attorney General, to authorize the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to sing agreements with the two rating agencies on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and zzz03186930
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10338&Itemid=44~~~Our Lady of Madhu feast on August 15 ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Catholics will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Madhu on August 15 under state patronage and all arrangements have been made to hold the "Annual Madhu Feast" on a grand scale, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said. The Catholic community in the country have expressed their gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government and the Armed Forces for liberating the nation from terrorism zzz03186933
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10339&Itemid=44~~~Foreign employment goes to East today ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) will open a new office in the East to promote foreign employment opportunities to the people in those areas, a news release issued by the Government Information Department said today. A centre to train personnel in vocations suitable for overseas employment will be an additional feature in this promotion scheme meant to educate the eastern people on values of zzz03186931
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2582:clandestine-trip-by-rajapakses-to-india-is-suspicious--somawansa-amarasinghe&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~'Clandestine trip by Rajapakses to India is suspicious'~~~
Jun 26 (PTI) Lamenting the "differences" among political parties in Tamil Nadu over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday called for "unity at least henceforth" to work for the Tamils not only in the island nation but all over the world. Mr. Karunanidhi was replying to a calling attention motion in the State Assembly on the fate of the European ship M V Captain Ali zzz03186939
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/President-won-win-peace-democracy-economy---Mangala/3259.htm~~~President won't win peace, democracy, economy - Mangala~~~Jun 26 (CT) President Mahinda Rajapaksa may have won the war against the LTTE, but he won’t be able to win peace, democracy, economy and the international community, said SLFP Mahajana Wing leader Mangala Samaraweera. Speaking to the media at his party head office, Mr. Samaraweera said that after the Army won the war, the country’s rulers have an unfulfilled task of creating a prosperous nation.zzz03186940
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6686613.html~~~Sri Lankan FM to visit China~~~Jun 26 (Xinhua) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will pay an official visit to China from July 1 to 5 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement here Thursday at a regular press conference. Qin highlighted the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka, noting that the two had already forged a comprehensive and cooperative partnership. zzz03186941
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/25/catholic-churches-get-government-cash-grants/~~~Catholic churches get government cash grants~~~Jun 26 (UCAN) The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has welcomed cash grants from the government to develop church facilities in the country. "The Church is thankful to the government for its donations to restore places of Catholic pilgrimage," said Bishop Anthony Leopold Raymond Peiris of Kurunegala. Two shrines have been awarded grants in his diocese. St. Anne's Shrine is to build a new hostel for priests and zzz03186942
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/25/requiem-mass-held-for-lost-generation/~~~Requiem Mass held for 'lost generation'~~~Jun 26 (UCAN) Physically and mentally battered Tamils recently attended a requiem Mass for the thousands who died in the 25-year civil war in the country. "We have lost a generation," said Rajan Seemanpillai, 69, a mourner at Jaffna cathedral. Five of his family members died in the war and he says he cannot even see surviving family members who are now in distant refugee camps. The memorial service in St Mary's cathedral in the northern city was held on June 20, zzz03186943
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Reactivation-press-council-not-curb-media---media-minister/3266.htm~~~'Reactivation of press council, not to curb media'~~~Jun 26 (CT) Media minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has stressed that the reactivation of the Press Council was not intended at curbing or censoring the media. Speaking to the media, he responded to a remark on the issue made by UNP MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena. According to the minister, the Press Council has been reactivated on a proposal by UNP MPs to the parliamentary committee on public enterprises. zzz03186944
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=ayaxQ.buXnXs~~~Lanka IOC to spend $30 million on outlets as civil war ends~~~Jun 26 (BN) Lanka IOC Plc, a unit of India’s largest oil refiner, plans to spend $30 million to double the number of its retail outlets and benefit from a revival in the South Asian island’s economy after the end of the civil war. The Indian Oil Corp. unit aims to add 35 to 40 fuel stations annually over four years to cater to an expected rise in diesel and gasoline demand after the government declared victory over rebels zzz03186945
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 4~~~zzz03186946
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906252221.htm~~~US to press for political reconciliation in Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (PTI) Observing that a lot needs to be done in Sri Lanka, Obama Administration's point man for South Asia today said the US would continue to press for the "political reconciliation" with the ethnic Tamil community. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said there has been an improvement in access to the internally displaced persons after the end of the war between the Tamil Tigers and Lankan security forces. zzz03186947
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-25-voa14.cfm~~~Sri Lankan media groups ask Govt not to re-establish powerful media council ~~~Jun 26 (VOA) In Sri Lanka, media groups have asked the government to scrap moves to re-establish a media panel which could jail journalists. The reactivation of the Press Council is being seen as a means to control the media in a country where concerns have been voiced about intimidation and pressure on reporters critical of the government. The government's move to revive the powerful Press Council was announced by the media minister, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.zzz03186948
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/26/content_11602677.htm~~~Sri Lanka calls for defects correction in world financial system ~~~Jun 26 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka on Thursday called on the international community to correct the defects of the existing world financial system in order to support sustainable economic development and international market stability. The statement came as G.L. Peris, minister of export development and international trade, was addressing the high-level UN meeting on the current world financial and economic crisis and its impact on development. zzz03186949
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/8116689.stm~~~Cornish surfers off to Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (BBC) Around 40 surfers from Cornwall are heading to Sri Lanka for a special UK Pro Surf Tour Champion of Champions contest that starts on 1 July. Surfers will travel to Aragum Bay, renowned as one of the best point breaks in the world. The event coincides with a visit from Cornish-based charity 'Surf Relief' who are going to revisit projects they have set up in the local community. Surf Relief was formed in 2005 to help people affected by the Asian tsunami. zzz03186950
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/sri-lanka-beware-of-those-who-play-a-different-tune-now/~~~Beware of those who play a different tune now~~~Jun 26 (AT) In an interview with The Sunday Island last week, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that an influential section of print and electronic media which worked overtime against the government as it battled the LTTE during the past three years, had now switched sides. According to the Defence Secretary, those who now fill pages with stories and pictures of battlefield victories did precious little when the LTTE remained strong.zzz03186951
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/sri-lanka-small-miracle-%e2%80%93-sri-lanka-tourism%e2%80%99s-new-brand-launched/~~~Sri Lanka Small Miracle – Sri Lanka Tourism’s new brand launched~~~Jun 26 (AT) Sri Lanka Tourism officially launched its new logo and tagline “Sri Lanka Small Miracle” today, ushering in a new era for Sri Lanka Tourism. The rebranding is an integral part of the repositioning strategy of Sri Lanka Tourism, and comes at an opportune time with the dawning of a new era of peace in Sri Lanka, where there are much expectations and opportunities in the tourism industry.zzz03186952
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/jackson/index.html~~~Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50~~~
Jun 26 (CNN) Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed. He was 50. He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, zzz03186953
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/sinhalese-tamils-and-sri-lankaneed-for.html~~~Sinhalese, Tamils and Sri Lanka:Need for a paradigm shift ~~~Jun 26 (LG) The war between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka is over. The pursuit of an independent Tamil Eelam- an illusion- initially floated by the democratic political leadership of the Tamils, thereafter passionately pursued by various militant-terrorist groups, including the LTTE and finally carried forward in a highly organized, but fatally flawed manner by the LTTE, has proved to be just what it was- just an illusion! zzz03186954
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/778.htm~~~Assistant secretary of the state calls for resettlement, elections~~~Jun 26 (IL) Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, assured a capacity Georgia State University library crowd Monday that his nation’s recent victory over the LTTE terrorists will ensure human rights and prosperity for all Sri Lankans, especially those harmed by a quarter century of conflict. Ambassador Robert Blake, new Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia told at the hearing of the Congressional Subcommittee on South Asia,zzz03186955
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/South-Asia/Once-a-Tiger-spy-18-yr-old-seeks-normal-life/articleshow/4704273.cms~~~Once a Tiger spy, 18-yr-old seeks normal life~~~Jun 26 (TOI) In the deep war-ravaged Wanni jungles in the north, he was used to the full-throated cries of ‘Puligalin Thaagam, Tamil Eelath Thayagam’ (The Tigers thirst for Tamil Eelam homeland). Today, the battle cry has been pushed into the deep recesses of his scarred mind. At a rehabilitation camp in Ambepussa, 60km from Colombo, on a scenic terrain girdled by hills, he wakes up at 5.30am every day and sings the Sri Lankan national anthem in Sinhalese, zzz03186956
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/india-agrees-to-send-more-de-mining-teams-to-northern-sl/~~~India agrees to send more de-mining teams to Northern SL~~~Jun 26 (AT) On a ‘request’ from Sri Lanka government, India has agreed to increase its de-mining teams by eight. “The Indian government earlier agreed to send four teams but now on the request made to them, they are trying to increase the number by 8”, said Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Advisor to President, who was here in Delhi along with his brother, defence secretary Gothbaya Rajapaksa and Lalith Weertunga, Secretary to the President for talks withzzz03186979
http://asiantribune.com/06/26/tna-harking-back-to-colonial-era/~~~TNA harking back to colonial era~~~Jun 26 (AT) Newly appointed TNA MP Thomas William has urged the government to restore the status Tamils enjoyed under the British. His name too sounds more British than Sri Lankan. What exactly does William mean by the ‘status’ Tamils enjoyed in the pre-independence era? All we know is the Jaffna Tamil elite – and for that matter sections of the Sinhala elite too – enjoyed privileged positions during the colonial rule. zzz03186957
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/addiction-to-drugs-major-health-problem.html~~~Addiction to drugs: A major health problem in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 26 (LG) The United Nations, has declared " 1991 to 2000 as a decade against narcotic drug abuse." The official theme of the U.N was the need for, mobilising communities to prevent drug abuse. Politicians, Parents, Religious and Lay Leaders, the community must bond together to arrest this dangerous trend of increasing drug addiction by youth and school children.zzz03186959
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10345&Itemid=44~~~Electronic Identification: SLFP breaks into ‘Electronic Age’ ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members will be issued with electronic party identity cards. The new electronic identification system was launched on Wednesday (23) at a ceremony held at Temple Trees and SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena presented the first electronic identity card to incumbent SLFP leader President Mahinda Rajapaksa. zzz03186960
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10346&Itemid=44~~~Swine Flu on slow rise but under control ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) “Another two more Swine Flu patients have been reported in Colombo. Both patients are from Australia, and with these two patients the total number of the affected in Sri Lanka has risen to ten,” Dr. Geetani Wickremasinghe said. “There’s no reason to be panic stricken. If identified soon they could be cured. Four of the patients were cured, but six are still receiving treatments at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Angoda,” zzz03186962
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10352&Itemid=44~~~'Special Economic Centers to be set up in the North'~~~
Jun 26 (GDI) 'Negenahira Udanaya’ and ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ underline northern agricultural, industrial and cultural Renaissance, and to fulfill such great aspirations, Special Economic Centers will be set up in the North to market their agricultural products, Minister Bandula Gunawardhana said. “The inflation ratio will be maintained as a single digit as it has been, and it’s a great economic victory for the government,”zzz03186961
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10353&Itemid=44~~~UK invests on Cement and Fertilizer industries ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) Two British entrepreneurs expressed their interest in setting up their industrial ventures in Sri Lanka. AML Products, a UK based conglomerate, will invest money in partnership with Sterling Investments and Development Lanka Limited and D M L Holdings Limited. Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to both Sri Lankan companies to work to manufacture in collaboration with their British investor.zzz03186963
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10354&Itemid=44~~~Rs. 36.4 million allocated for tsunami orphans ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) An amount exceeding 36.4 million rupees have been spent on tsunami orphaned children who lost their parents or guardians, Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana told parliament today. He said the 'Mahinda Chinthana' concept clearly mentioned that such a fund will be established. Accordingly, 689 tsunami orphans receive concessions from the fund, the Minister added.zzz03186964
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10355&Itemid=44~~~BOI signals go ahead: Three garments project, supply chain and poly packaging set up ~~~Jun 26 (GDI) The Board of Investment granted approval for three companies go ahead with their investments amounting Rs. 171 million. Apparels, supply chain and packaging are the core expertise of the prospective companies and BOI expects more job opportunities for unemployed youth from these projects. The agreements on behalf of the BOI were signed by BOI Chairman Dhammika Perera and zzz03186965
http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/34518/2009/05/25-155455-1.htm~~~Not a pretty sight: the row over Sri Lanka's camp toilets ~~~Jun 26 (AN) Ever since the final days of Sri Lanka's offensive against the Tamil Tigers sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing, aid agencies have been struggling to cope with the needs of the displaced. Add to that the operational restrictions imposed by the authorities, and it has been a challenging environment to work in. Not helping matters is a standoff between the government and the NGO community that is manifesting itself in the local media. zzz03186966
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00281.htm~~~Sri Lanka - The World Has Moved On~~~Jun 26 (Scoop) As with other dramatic and often bloody developments that capture the world’s major media players, (and thereby our own attention), from time to time, the short-lived but intense focus on events in the tiny island state of Sri Lanka has subsided. We should not expect the media to continue to supply us with further developments ,following the violent end to a bloody civil war which has racked the country since zzz03186971
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=1~~~New Zealand parliamentarian Honourable Locke is anything but honourable ~~~Jun 26 (SLW) On June 16, the Honourable Keith Locke, Member of Parliament representing the Green Party rose from his bench and made a speech that was everything a South Island Kea (Nestor notabilis) would have uttered had it flown to Wanni or had conversations with the pro-LTTE Diaspora in New Zealand. He had certainly not made his research before reflecting whatever that was told to him obviously from the pro-LTTE Diaspora and zzz03186968
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2585:lets-cultivate-project-eats-up-159-billion-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~“Let’s cultivate…” project eats up 159 billion ~~~Jun 26 (LT) In the year 2008, the year “Api wawamu – Rata nagamu” (Let’s cultivate and build Motherland) project was implemented the government has spent Rs.159.34 billion to import food stuff. In 2007, when the project was introduced, only Rs.101.46 billion had been spent to import food. Accordingly in 2008 the year the government intended to fully implement the project Rs.57.87 billion more was spent which is an increase of 57%.zzz03186971
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2587:special-discussion-held-at-temple-trees-yesterday-25th-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Make use of Cuban technology to suppress dengue – The Presidednt ~~~Jun 26 (LT) The President has instructed officials of the Ministry of Health and local government institutions to take immediate measures to get down the bacteria used in Cuba to suppress dengue spreading mosquitoes. As many local government councils did not have proper places to dump garbage the President instructed the relevant officials to take over the lands that are used at present to dump garbage. zzz03186970
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 5~~~zzz03186969
no~~~4 more LTTE submarines hidden in M'tivu seas~~~Jun 26 (CT) The military has received information about four more submarines of the LTTE hidden in the seas off Mullivaikkal in Mullaitivu, reports said. Tiger cadres who had surrendered to the Army from welfare camps in Vavuniya had revealed about the existence of these submarines. The Navy is planning to use its divers to search for these submarines. One LTTE submarine was found in Mullaitivu on information provided by an arrested Tiger cadre.zzz03186972
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/fea11.asp~~~Environmental crisis - Root of the global economic downturn ~~~Jun 26 (DN) According to these tired systems the chief indicate of development is the growth of the GDP. Engaging in unchanging industrial jobs, shifting away from labour intensive jobs, pending large amounts of time in physically non-taxing activities, constructing homes and establishments that far exceed actual requirements, building and using larger and larger vehicles, constructing wider and wider roads to run them on, zzz03186973
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/26/news01.asp~~~Govt takes over garbage grounds ~~~
Jun 26 (Island) Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been a consistent advocate of the devolution of power throughout his political career. A political activist since his university days, Senaratne, over a career spanning four decades, has been both on the political left as well as the political right. But what has never changed is his attitude towards the devolution of power. zzz03186958
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/26/news1.html~~~Dealing with media: Speaker regrets repeal of draconian laws~~~
Jun 26 (Island) Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara yesterday said Parliamentarians’ decision to repeal laws necessary to take punitive action against misbehaving journalists had been one of the most foolish moves on their part. He said that their decision to relinquish parliamentary powers had been wrong and it had caused an erosion of the supreme powers of the House.zzz03186980
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=6552&sec=3&t=6545~~~Time’s ripe for a more co-operative South Asia~~~Jun 26 (ANN) A matter for relief among those advocating a more cooperative and positively-oriented South Asia, is the relative absence of ‘India -bashing’ among volatile sections in Sri Lanka, despite India figuring prominently in Lankan affairs, in the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent military effort to crush the LTTE and the issues arising from it. This is a far cry from the mid eighties, for instance, when wanton criticism of India in Sri Lanka, reached a shrill crescendo.zzz03186981
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1525328422~~~Seylan to be bailed out by public institutions~~~Jun 26 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Seylan Bank will be bailed out with the help of money from state institutions while a bid from a private investor was rejected because it did not meet ownership limits, the Central Bank said. The Central Bank, which is the banking regulator, said in a stock exchange filing that Seylan will issue shares to raise 3.0 billion rupees with support from state institutions. zzz03186982
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53012~~~SLIC scam: Vasu wants action against VIPs ~~~
Jun 26 (DM) Consequent to the landmark judgment to return the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to the government, the petitioner in this case and presidential adviser Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday urged relevant state institutions to take legal action against those responsible for the controversial transaction. Mr. Nanayakkara’s attorneys Abdeen Associates in letters to the Deputy Inspector General, the CID,zzz03186986
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53009~~~UNP foresees danger~~~Jun 26 (DM) The main opposition UNP said yesterday the newly passed Chief of Defence Staff Bill would deprive those from the civil service the opportunity of being appointed as Defence Secretary. UNP front-liner John Amaratunga told parliament that the Chief of Defence Staff post which already exists would be given legal status through this legislation. He said the person who held this post would be answerable to the Defence Secretary, and zzz03186985
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53013~~~Police hunt for killer ~~~Jun 26 (DM) Four police teams from Ehiliyagoda and Ratnapura were deployed by Ratnapura SSP Kithsiri Ganegama to arrest the person or the persons responsible for the brutal murder of Pumi Madhushika Jayasinghe (a Grade 10 student of Ellawala Maha Vidyalaya, Eheliyagoda) that sent a shock wave across the area last Wednesday. Pumi, the youngest in her family, was a bright student of Ellawala Maha Vidyalaya and a prefect of the school. zzz03186984
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53011~~~FR filed to cancel oil hedging payments ~~~Jun 26 (DM) A fundamental rights application was filed in the Supreme Court opposing the payments being made to five banks on the controversial petroleum hedging deals entered into by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). The well-known public interest litigant Nihal Sri Ameresekere filed this application citing the CPC, Treasury Secretary Sumith Abeysinghe, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commercial Bank and People’s bank, and zzz03186987
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1417381548~~~Sri Lanka new port cargo assured by Indian growth: official~~~Jun 26 (LBO) A contract to build a new container terminal in Sri Lanka's Colombo port, despite delays, will be awarded before the year-end, and the facility will be assured of cargo given Indian growth, a senior official said. Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrama said that although India had begun expanding her own ports, Colombo's new port would still get enough cargo as only a small share of India's trade was still containerized. zzz03186988
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29659~~~Jaffna GA seeks contesting parties' cooperation in JMC election~~~Jun 26 (TN) ”If the contestants in Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) election need security measures for their safety they can request the Jaffna Secretariat authorities and the requests, if deemed genuine, will be considered favourably in consultation with the Election Commissioner,” Jaffna Government Agent, K. Ganesh, informed in the press meet held Thursday evening following the submission of nomination lists. zzz03186989
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2590:sangaree-hakeem-rejected-in-northern-polls&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Sangaree, Hakeem Rejected in Northern Polls ~~~Jun 26 (LT) The nomination lists of two main parties, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) headed by V. Anandasangaree and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) for Northern polls have been rejected. According to the Additional District Elections Commissioner in Vavuniya, S. Karunanidhi, the nomination list for TULF in Vavuniya District was rejected due to a discrepancy in a signature of a nominee. zzz03186990
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090626/ap_on_re_as/as_sri_lanka_astrologer~~~Police arrest Sri Lanka astrologer for prediction~~~Jun 26 (AP) Sri Lankan police say they have arrested a popular astrologer for publicly predicting President Mahinda Rajapaksa's imminent ouster from office. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera confirmed Friday that Chandrasiri Bandara has been arrested so police could investigate the source of his prediction. Bandara has a popular weekly television show and writes a column for a pro-opposition newspaper. zzz03186991
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8120427.stm~~~Post-war Sri Lanka vote date set ~~~Jun 26 (BBC) The first elections since the end of Sri Lanka's war will take place in two cities of the war-ravaged north on 8 August, the government has confirmed. The municipal polls in Jaffna and Vavuniya will be their first local vote in more than a decade. They are being billed as another step towards normal life, but there are still many security problems there. In May Sri Lanka's army defeated Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for the ethnic Tamil minority. zzz03186992
no~~~Season of the Spirit Bear: Part 6~~~zzz03186974
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/aiadmk-mdmk-stage-walk-out-over-sri-lankan-tamil-issue_100209878.html~~~AIADMK, MDMK stage walk out over Sri Lankan Tamil issue~~~Jun 26 (IANS) The opposition AIADMK and MDMK Friday staged a walk out from the Tamil Nadu assembly protesting the speaker’s decision to not allow them to speak on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. When AIADMK’s Jayakumar said the island nation had violated international war norms by killing around 50,000 people in the final assault phase of the ethnic war, Speaker R. Avudaiappan intervened and said the notice to discuss the issue was given to him only Thursday. zzz03186978.2
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slel-j26.shtml~~~Government stages sham local elections~~~Jun 27 (wsws) The government is preparing to hold local council elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya, two towns in the island’s north where, until last month, the army was fighting a communal war against the separatist LTTE. Having destroyed the last pockets of LTTE resistance, President Mahinda Rajapakse has called the elections for August 8 to provide a democratic façade for a permanent military occupation andzzz03186995
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/656957~~~On the hunt for Tamil Tigers' new leader~~~Jun 27 (TS) Sri Lanka's government spent much of the past quarter-century on the hunt for Velupillai Prabhakaran, the short, stocky leader of the Tamil Tigers whose death last month seemed to herald an end to the island country's on-again, off-again civil war. Yet weeks after his shattered corpse was shown on TV, Sri Lankan authorities remain on the prowl, searching for Prabhakaran's shadowy successor, a man of whom there are few photographs and zzz03186996
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121198.stm~~~Sri Lanka camp young 'malnourished' ~~~
Jun 27 (BBC) The high rate of malnutrition reported among children in camps for displaced people in Sri Lanka is a cause for concern, a senior UN official says. The UN's representative on children and armed conflict told the BBC's Sinhala service that the government should set up special feeding programmes. Her comments come after a Sri Lankan charity said 5,000 children in the camps are malnourished. zzz03187001
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10358&Itemid=44~~~Rice millers to get further concessions ~~~Jun 27 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa instructed the Chairmen of People's Bank and the Bank of Ceylon to lower the interest rate for temporary loans extended to rice millers across the country from the present rate of 22.5%. The President made this decision subsequent to a meeting with representatives of the Rice Millers' Association today. The President also promised that the Nation Building Tax levied on rice millers will be reduced from 3% to 1.5%. zzz03186998
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10359&Itemid=44~~~'Press Council legislation can be adopted in Sri Lanka'~~~Jun 27 (GDI) It’s highly expedient for us to adopt contemporary press council legislation enacted in other countries, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament. Though journalists enjoy unlimited rights in reporting, it naturally becomes counterproductive when they employ their rights to harm the reputation of others. In the light of this danger, there must be an institution regulating such injustices.zzz03186999
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10360&Itemid=51~~~New Chairman and Board of SLIC appointed by President~~~Jun 27 (GDI) In a bid to strengthen the insurance sector in the country, and to streamline insurance for the benefit of citizens, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today appointed a high caliber Board of Directors to the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation that comprised top professionals in both the state and private sector. The seven member board comprises top caliber professionals ranging from Economists,zzz03186997
http://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/779.htm~~~Be genuine in your wish for peace~~~Jun 27 (IL) The recently released Special Report #32 of the University Teachers for Human Rights (Jaffna) UTHR(J) A Marred Victory and a Defeat Pregnant with Foreboding, is comparable to Monday morning quarterbacking, as they say in the US. The UTHR(J) report's ostensible purpose is to expose and highlight the "wrong" or "questionable" techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) implemented by the Government and the Security Forces in zzz03187000
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=552253278~~~Sri Lanka drafts new rules for marine tourism~~~Jun 27 (LBO) Sri Lanka is drafting new rules to protect the marine environment with tourist ventures such as whale and dolphin watching expected to become big business with the end of the war, a senior official said. Tourism ministry secretary K A D George Michael said the government was aware of the importance of safeguards to protect the marine habitat and ensure sustainable tourism practices. zzz03187002
http://www.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/story/410589.html?CMP=OTC-RSS~~~Sri Lanka Cricket plans tri-series~~~Jun 27 (CI) Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand are set to play a triangular series in Sri Lanka during August, ahead of the Champions Trophy. The tournament, which would be an unscheduled one in Sri Lanka's cricket calendar, is expected to take place from August 4 or 6 as New Zealand's tour draws to a close. The tournament is the result of discussions with Indian and New Zealand officials during the ICC meeting at Lord's this week.zzz03187003
http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/410569.html~~~Maharoof picked for Pakistan tour opener~~~Jun 27 (CI) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 13-man squad to face Pakistan in a three-day warm-up game in Colombo starting June 29. The squad includes ICC World Twenty20 discards Farveez Maharoof, Chamara Kapugedera, Upul Tharanga and Dilhara Fernando. Maharoof was a part of the Twenty20 squad in England but did not get a game. Kapugedera, Tharanga and Fernando have been in Sri Lanka's ODI squad over the past few years but were overlooked for the Twenty20. zzz03187004
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/UNP-appoints-committee-decide-policies-opposition-alliance/3324.htm~~~UNP appoints committee to decide policies for opposition alliance~~~Jun 27 (CT) The UNP has appointed a seven-member committee to formulate policy decisions of the party towards the creation of a wider opposition alliance. The politburo of the party has approved the formation of such a union for a new programme for the betterment of the country. The politburo met under the chairmanship of deputy UNP leader Karu Jayasuriya at ‘Sirikotha’ today (June 26).zzz03187005
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Doctors-not-returning-from-overseas-training-be-prosecuted/3317.htm~~~Doctors not returning from overseas training to be prosecuted~~~Jun 27 (CT) The Health Ministry has decided to initiate legal action against specialist doctors who have not returned from advanced training overseas at the expense of the state. Quoting deputy director general of health services Dr. Terrance de Silva, ‘Ravaya’ reports that 30 doctors are accordingly to be brought to book. Doctors failing to return from overseas training are required to pay Rs. 400,000 per year of the training period to the state. zzz03187007
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/Sinhalese-majority-should-apologize-Tamil-minority---Lakshman-Seneviratne/3326.htm~~~Sinhalese majority should apologize to Tamil minority - Lakshman Seneviratne~~~
Jun 27 (CT) UNP MP Lakshman Seneviratne says the majority Sinhalese community should tender an apology in brotherhood to the Tamil minority for the wrongs committed against them in the past.He made this remark at a media briefing at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo today (June 26). Mr. Seneviratne said that the Tamils would likewise apologize to the Sinhalese for their wrongs. zzz03187006
http://www.upiasia.com/Human_Rights/2009/06/26/sri_lanka_authorities_complicit_in_torture/2896/~~~Sri Lanka authorities complicit in torture~~~Jun 27 (UPI) The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is recognized annually on June 26, devoted to the promotion of a torture-free world. It is also a day when achievements to eliminate torture are evaluated. In the case of Sri Lanka, the practice of torture has increased rather than being reduced. Some might argue that the increase was due to the intensification of the conflict between the LTTE and the government, thereforezzz03187009
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/27/stories/2009062754581100.htm~~~A move to gag press, say Sri Lankan media ~~~Jun 27 (Hindu) The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish Press Council with powers to fine and imprison print journalists and argued that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working. Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors’ Guild, have written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa saying media culture should not be based on charging, fining and jailing journalists.zzz03187010
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/australian-jurist-dowd-exposed-as-tiger.html~~~Australian jurist, Dowd, exposed as a Tiger propagandist ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Dear Sir, Your litany of complaints against the Sri Lankan government, reproduced predictably in the TamilNet (June 25,2009) -- the leading propaganda medium of the Tamil Tigers -- indicate to me that you have fallen for the “big lie” (your phrase) propagated by the rag-tag remnants of the defunct Tamil Tigers in Australia, some of whom have been the primary sources that had financed the Tiger killing machine responsible for zzz03187011
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/foreign-minister-addresses.html~~~Foreign Minister addresses international conference on trade ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama was the Chief Guest at the International Conference on Trade Facilitation held today (26) by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Minister Bogollagam in his remarks highlighted that the Sri Lanka Government, by defeating LTTE terrorism, has brought about an environment that is conducive for the greater growth of the economy. zzz03187012
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/misfired-great-game-of-norwegian.html~~~Misfired “ Great Game” of the Norwegian foreign office ?(UD) ~~~Jun 27 (LG) From hindsight, 1999 year was an ill-fated one for Lanka. That’s when; the Norwegian Dy. Foreign Minister Vidar Helgersen surfaced in Colombo, and offered Norway’s unstinted support to the natives, so they can resolve their problems. The 24th January 1999 issue of ‘The Sunday Observer’ relayed his joyful massage to the dense Lankans.(External Link)zzz03187013
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-40633820090626?sp=true~~~Sri Lanka says critical juncture for IMF loan~~~
Jun 27 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's post-war reconciliation process needs international financial support, its trade minister said on Friday, urging swift action on Colombo's request for a $1.9 billion International Monetary Fund loan. G.L. Peiris, Sri Lanka's minister of export development and international trade, said it would be "wholly counterproductive" to deny Colombo resources as it moves to heal wounds zzz03187014
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/27/stories/2009062754390800.htm~~~Misapplying R2P in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 27 (Hindu) Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, was one of the most incisive legal minds of his generation. A former president of the Oxford Union, he made significant contributions to the ILO and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, among other entities. Whoever met him, as I did, could not help but be impressed with his knowledge of international affairs, his passion for peace in his homeland, and his razor-sharp intellect.zzz03187015
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=1~~~Father Don Camillo and Mayor Peppone enigma of Tiger terror politics ~~~Jun 27 (SLW) Asia News, a website that has a selective focus on events and happenings around the world with a heavy leaning on the Vatican takes a strong exception to four Catholic priests from the Diocese of Jaffna and two Oblate missionaries of Mary Immaculate being held for inquiry. They were among the very last of those who joined the final batch of evacuees from the No Fire Zone. zzz03187016
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=185100~~~Sri Lanka sees scope for trade expansion~~~Jun 27 (TIN) Sri Lankan High Commissioner Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Jayalath Weerakkody has said in the presence of a free trade agreement, there is a vast scope for expansion of two-way trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Business opportunities with Sri Lanka under the Free Trade Agreement’, jointly organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on Friday. zzz03187017
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/sinhala_and_tamils_where_do_we.html~~~Sinhala and Tamils: Where do we go from here?~~~Jun 27 (TC) All that was predicted and feared/anticipated depending where you are standing has come to pass. The ‘Dutugemunu Principle’ has peaked and the policy of 60 years has come to fruition. The Sinhalese have come a full circle and stand victorious and united with their writ running from North to South, East to West, as was in the time of the great king 2000 years ago. History has repeated itself in eerie fashion.zzz03187018
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/26/trial-of-the-potato-farmer/#more-1274~~~Trial of the Potato Farmer~~~Jun 27 (GV) A trial takes place in a tent at the foot of the mountain. It is me, your potato farmer on trial. Accused of being an intellectual who failed to play a role in stemming the growth of nationalism; thereby contributing to crimes committed on potato soil. This is no ordinary trial. There is only one participant: prosecutor, accused, judge and jury are all the same — me.zzz03187019
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/27/the-politics-of-post-war-sri-lanka/~~~The Politics of Post-War Sri Lanka~~~Jun 27 (GV) As Paul Berman once wrote, “somewhere in the world it is always 1941”. There comes a time in the life of every society when it is faced with an existential threat or challenge. It is the social forces or elements that rise up to this challenge and successfully overcome this threat that then have the power as well as the legitimacy to place their stamp on what comes after.zzz03187020
no~~~Mother Lanka patriotic poem~~~zzz03187021
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/tamil-buddhists.html~~~The Tamil Buddhists ~~~Jun 27 (LG) Today, the Palk Strait which lies between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan land masses, is seen as a divider, separating two different distinct ethnicities, religions, cultures and political entities but there was a phase in history when Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka enjoyed very close ties, thanks to a shared interest in Buddhism. During the early period, the Palk Strait was not seen as a divider but it was a unifier. zzz03187022
http://asiantribune.com/06/27/industrial-technology-institute-plays-a-significant-role-in-sri-lanka%e2%80%99s-future-economic-development/~~~Industrial Technology Institute plays a significant role in economic development~~~Jun 27 (AT) “The scientists in the ITI should take the challenge of using the relevant type of research and technology and forge ahead to be the leader in the world. This journey cannot be taken in isolation; we must merge and work in harmony with the society to ensure maximum results”. Professor Tissa Vitarana, Minister of Science & Technology said so at the ceremony held at Thalahena, Malabe, to lay foundation stone tozzz03187023
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090626/bs_wl_afp/ussrilankaeconomyimfrefugees~~~Sri Lanka accuses IMF of playing politics~~~Jun 27 (AFP) Sri Lanka on Friday accused the International Monetary Fund of politicizing financial aid following the fund's delay in considering a 1.9 billion dollar bailout for the war-ravaged economy. "Never ever has the IMF taken political factors into account. Now, it seems for the first time they are doing that -- indirectly," Sri Lanka?s trade minister G.L. Peiris told AFP in Washington ahead of talks with fund officials.zzz03187024
http://calcoastnews.com/news.php?viewStory=172186~~~Local lawyer runs questionable charity~~~Jun 27 (CCN) A local attorney takes out more than 60 percent of monies donated to a nonprofit he oversees before sending the remaining monies to a self declared cleric alleged to have defrauded donors from throughout the world, according to tax documents and news sources. Founded in 2001 by San Luis Obispo attorney Eric Parkinson, VeAhavta’s stated mission is to “lovingly nurture the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of orphans and zzz03187025
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/slcm-j27.shtml~~~The tragic journey of a displaced Tamil family~~~Jun 27 (wsws) On June 24, Supreme Court held a second hearing in a case challenging the violation of the basic legal rights of Tamil civilians interned in military-controlled camps in the island’s north. The case has been filed on behalf of five members of the same family who were separated in detention. The government of President Mahinda Rajapakse has incarcerated almost 300,000 Tamils who faced intense army shelling and zzz03187026
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/silent_majority_must_raise_the.html~~~Silent majority must raise their voices loudly and clearly~~~Jun 27 (TC) The tragedy of Sri Lanka has been the growth, since the mid fifties, of ethno-religious nationalism and the consequent destabilisation of our pluralist society. Over the years, our political leadership, even though perhaps realising the perils of it, went along this slippery road for political gain. It was only the Left, the old Left of Samasamajists and Communists, who initially refused to succumb to these vocal yet obscurantist forces. zzz03187027
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Forces_behind_paper_Jihad-20-1111.html~~~Forces behind paper Jihad~~~Jun 27 (PSM) Need and necessity for Muslim home guards in the East arose in 1990. It was the worst year of ethnic cleansing of Muslims both in North and in East. After ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the North by the LTTE, Muslim political leaders made representations to the govt. and introduced the home guards system to protect vulnerable and isolated Muslim villages from the LTTE and other Tamil militants. zzz03187028
http://www.peacemuslims.org/Negombo_Dy_Mayor_post_denied_to_Muslim-20-1112.html~~~Negombo Dy Mayor post denied to Muslim~~~Jun 27 (PSM) Deputy Mayor position of Negombo Municipal Council is denied for a Muslim although it was promissed to him and he was next in line in terms of preferential votes obtained at the last MC election. It was agreed before the recently concluded election to Western Provincial Council that, if the sitting Mayor Mr. Nimal Lansa is elected to the WPC, the the sitting Dy Mayor Mr.Sepala Morawaka would be appointed as Mayor andzzz03187029
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10367&Itemid=44~~~Special education program for Students in Vavuniya ~~~
Jun 27 (Island) SLMC leader Rauff Hakim told Parliament yesterday that there was no need to bring in draconian legislation to suppress the media as the journalist fraternity practices self regulation. He jokingly added that there was no immediate need for press council law since there is a white van culture, obviously referring to the abduction of Inter News Journalist Krishni Ifham who was abducted in a white vanzzz03187049
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/27/news8.html~~~Profusion of imported food ads, hinders local food drive~~~Jun 27 (Island) Boosting imported food through various means will be a challenge to the local food drive. Measures should be taken to curtail the intensive publicity campaign carried out to promote imported food items, said Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa at a workshop held at the Ayurvedic Hospital of the Central Provincial Council at Pallekele on the importance of local food consumption for students.zzz03187047
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53101~~~Maj. Gen. Dias gets diplomatic appointment ~~~
Jun 27 (DM) The 57-division’s Commanding officer Jagath Dias has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s Deputy Ambassador to Germany. A government official told the Daily Mirror that Major General Dias would leave the country to take over his duties soon. Major General Dias led his Division from the beginning of the Wanni operation three years ago and directed the capture of vital LTTE held areas such aszzz03187039
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53099~~~Arnold misses the Mike~~~Jun 27 (DM) Retired batsman Russel Arnold will have to wait until the end of August to secure any television contract as he is presently on a three month “cooling down” period after Sri Lanka Cricket decided to lift a ban on players who took part in the Indian Cricket League, the Daily Mirror learns. Arnold, who became a television commentator after he retired in 2007, sought a stint with Ten Sports for Sri Lanka’s home series with Pakistan and zzz03187046
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53133~~~Nimal defends curbs on media freedom~~~
Jun 27 (DM) House Leader and senior Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday the media should not be allowed to enjoy unbridled freedom, claiming that Press Councils existed in most countries and should be looked at in a wider perspective. “We have seen journalists practicing their profession with so much freedom. We must also look at it from the side of the aggrieved party.zzz03187054
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53061~~~Unawatuna tourist village is gradually fading away~~~Jun 27 (DM) A coastal village of Unawatuna, a few miles off Galle, located in a lovely and attractive countryside with a beautiful sea front which has been a popular tourist destination is declining today. Thousands of people who depended on tourism and while the business community made representations in this regard to the relevant authorities is of no avail. They expressed concern for ignoring their request to restore the past glory of Unawatuna tourist village. zzz03187050
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUqDoJjF5N0tUHIqHxYRzZuFfZ9QD991T5V82~~~Analysis: Why do politicians cheat?~~~Jun 27 (AP) What is it with philandering politicians? Why do men in power — the ones on pedestals — think they are above us and can get away with cheating on their spouses, particularly when media scrutiny is so intense and peccadilloes are arguably more politically damaging than in the past? There's a long list of those who thought they could jet off to Argentina, or cruise on the Monkey Business, or check into a hotel under an assumed name orzzz03187052
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121441.stm~~~Dark tales of Tamil ex-child soldiers ~~~Jun 27 (BBC) At a camp situated on top of a hill overlooking scenic rubber and coconut plantations in Sri Lanka, more than 100 former Tamil Tiger child soldiers are undergoing a year-long rehabilitation course. Bala, who is now 17 years old, was one of the child soldiers who swelled the ranks of the feared LTTE. "LTTE cadres took me away when I was 13. First I found it hard to carry the rifle. Then I got used to it. I went to the frontline and fired at the troops," he said. zzz03187055
http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1246089615227840.xml&coll=1~~~Little Sri Lanka gets a big boost~~~Jun 27 (Silive) Manhattan has its Little Italy and now Staten Island has its Little Sri Lanka. The city plans to promote the Tompkinsville enclave during an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging residents to visit the city's "exotic" locales as a cheaper alternative this summer to out-of-town -- or even out-of-the-country -- vacations. To drive home that point, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) lunched yesterday at Dosa Garden,zzz03187051
http://www.middleeastevents.com/site/pres_dtls.asp?pid=7081~~~An adventurous tropical island getaway beckons summer fun seekers~~~Jun 27 (MEE) This summer Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holiday maker an exciting array of options. The Indian Ocean island is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for those who want a stimulating vacation to recharge their batteries and energise their outlook. Whether it's wandering calmly over the lush central highlands, hanging in a wicker basket as you gaze over the breathtaking views passing lazily beneath you, or zzz03187053
http://asiantribune.com/06/27/five-boats-25-lankan-fishermen-arrested-off-chennai/~~~Five boats, 25 Lankan fishermen arrested off Chennai~~~Jun 28 (AT) Five Sri Lankan fishing boats illegally fishing in Indian waters, about 35 nautical miles northeast of Krishnapattinam, near Andhra Pradesh, was arrested on Wednesday, and fish catch impounded. The 25 Lankan in the boats were produced before a city magistrate and were remanded to Puzhal jail. They all are Singala fishermern. The Indian coast guard ship ‘Sarang’ in coordination with a coast guard dornier aircraft while on patrol, spotted the boats. zzz03187056
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1768176026~~~People's Bank gets adequate capital, rating lifted by Fitch~~~Jun 28 (LBO) Fitch Sri Lanka has upgraded state-run People's Bank's (PB) long term rating by one notch to 'A(lka)' from 'A-(lka)' and changed its outlook to 'stable' from 'positive' at the new level, after reaching minimum capital requirements. The bank's individual rating has been revised to 'D/E' from 'E'. Its support rating has been confirmed at '4'. PB's national long-term rating has been upgraded after achieving minimum capital adequacy ratios and zzz03187057
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/the_turn_against_the_rapacious.html~~~The turn against the ‘rapacious West’ and the re-turn of communalism~~~Jun 28 (TC) “The rapacious West” was the epithet Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike flung at the West, feeding off the anti-imperialist fodder of the 1960s. That was during her first stint as PM and she chose the occasion of a State Banquet in Beijing to deliver the insult. J.R. Jayewardene, famous for his after dinner wit, would have cracked a few Chinese jokes. zzz03187058
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/government-in-exile-gateway-to-global.html~~~A Government in Exile the Gateway to a Global Community ~~~Jun 28 (LG) The situation in Sri Lanka has changed dramatically. Now, the Tamils are without leadership. They are victims of greater oppression with about 300,000 Tamils in internment camps. Access to the camps is denied to the world community and even to local NGOs and media by Sri Lanka. While the LTTE fought on behalf of Tamil freedom militarily, the Tamils in Sri Lanka and elsewhere faced difficult times. zzz03187059
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090628x3.html~~~Kandy, Sri Lanka: Highland jewel in an enchanted isle~~~Jun 28 (JT) The war is over, peace-building is under way, and Sri Lanka is one of the most enchanting islands you could ever imagine. There are very few destinations in the world that offer so much in such close proximity. The ancient temples, Buddhist statues and ruins are magnificent; the beaches are superb; the people are probably the most hospitable on earth; and the food is to die for.zzz03187060
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\06\28\story_28-6-2009_pg5_7~~~‘Collective efforts needed to enhance trade under FTA’~~~Jun 28 (DT) Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Jayalath Weerakkody has said there is a wide scope of expanding bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan but the current volume of trade is at the lowest ebb. Addressing a seminar on 'Business opportunities with Sri Lanka', he said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan were enjoying highly cordial relations and these ties would further be strengthened with the passage of time. zzz03187062
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/sri-lanka-western-province-governor-speaks-out/~~~Western Province governor speaks out~~~
Jun 28 (AT) Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana – the fifth governor of the province since Provincial Councils were set up in the late 1980s is an outspoken man. A past student of St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4 and Zahira College, Colombo 10, he reminisced about the days when the youth were disciplined, when proper values were inculcated in children, when the young respected the elders, zzz03187061
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/u-s-state-department-travel-warning-sri-lanka-similar-to-a-police-state/~~~U.S. State Department travel warning : Sri Lanka similar to a Police State~~~Jun 28 (AT) When a volatile situation erupts in a foreign land with uncontrollable atmosphere due to political turmoil or terrorist activity the United States Department of State reserves the right to provide a travel warning to American citizens who intend travel to such foreign territories. In Sri Lanka, the US State Department warns even Anuradhapura, has been declared a ‘No Travel Zone’ for American citizens. zzz03187063
http://asiantribune.com/06/28/face-the-threat-from-rump-tigers-in-the-west-politically/~~~Face the threat from rump Tigers in the West politically~~~Jun 28 (AT) The Rajapaksa Government is seriously considering mobilizing the Sri Lankan diaspora through a governmental organization. Asian Tribune has suggested long ago that a separate ‘Ministry for Sri Lankans abroad, be set up to look after the interest of the Diasporas in the Western Countries. Already the President has appealed to the diaspora to return home and work for the development of the country. zzz03187064
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=299638&version=1&template_id=41&parent_id=23~~~Pakistan signs $2mn deal to put Lanka rail on track~~~Jun 28 (GT) The Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS) has signed a $2mn agreement with Sri Lanka for rehabilitation of railway tracks damaged in the civil war, training of railway employees and modification of the rolling stock. Under the agreement revealed yesterday, Pakistan Railway will help Sri Lanka rebuild a 250km track and 600 passenger coaches damaged in the civil war, Managing Director Mahmood Rashid said zzz03187065
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/POLITICS.HTM~~~Local authority elections in Jaffna ~~~Jun 28 (SL) There are many priorities that weigh on the minds of the people of Jaffna. The A9 road has to be opened and passenger movements to Colombo and rest of the country normalised, so as to reduce the currently experienced exorbitant costs of travel by air and sea; transport of goods must be regularised with minimal processes of security so as to avoid undue delays and the consequent rise in the prices; clearance procedures for every traveler, zzz03187066
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/investigation.HTM~~~Playing pandu with People’s money~~~Jun 28 (SL) In a fresh Supreme Court action, the public interest litigator Nihal Sri Ameresekere has petitioned the Supreme Court asking for the payments in connection with the "Hedging" deals to be cancelled. The new action cites the fresh values, having taken into account the interest that the foreign banks are seeking from international arbitrators and the High Court in London. zzz03187067
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/economy.htm~~~Caught in the debt trap~~~Jun 28 (SL) In the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s mounting debt, both domestic and foreign that had increased manyfold, the issue of financial discipline in borrowing patterns has resurfaced yet again. The Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have repeatedly highlighted Sri Lanka’s mismanagement of public funds and associated corruption while lending organisations such as the World Bank and zzz03187069
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20090628/economy.htm~~~‘CM will not be allowed free reign’~~~
Jun 28 (SL) Western Provincial Council Opposition Leader, Rosy Senanayake in an interview with The Sunday Leader spelt out the difficulties she is facing in carrying out her duties for and on behalf of those who elected her. Having garnered 80,000 votes at the last provincial council election, Rosy, says she is determined to work towards a new political culture despite zzz03187068
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009062842114~~~Availability of Sri Lankan manpower underscored ~~~Jun 28 (SG) The Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Promotion & Welfare, organized a seminar last week in the premises of the consulate that aimed at involving Saudi government and companies to enhance Sri Lankan manpower and to introduce the new policies of the Sri Lankan ministry. zzz03187070
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew1.htm~~~Govt for ‘lucky 13’~~~Jun 28 (LB) In an effort to streamline the government and give it broader scope , the government is attempting to sideline extremist elements such as the NFF and JHU in order to implement the 13th Amendment as a solution to the North and East problem, LAKBIMAnEWS reliably learns. In such a scenario the NFF headed by firebrand politician Wimal Weerawansa is likely to be deprived of the Ministerial portfolios which the government pledged to offer them, zzz03187071
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/columns/col5.htm~~~Astrologer nuts, police stark raving mad~~~Jun 28 (LB) Policing in this country is so first-rate, I tell you, that they even know what the astrologers are saying in various corners. True, the police may be quite foggy about a slew of other crimes perpetrated by real criminals but one must admit that it takes immeasurable talent to keep track of what the astrologers are saying (whilst also trying to catch real criminals). Firstly, we have so many astrologers around that Sri Lanka is practically swarming with them.zzz03187072
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm~~~HEDGING CROOKS: Gambling and living it up...~~~Jun 28 (LB) A public interest activist has asked the Supreme Court to direct Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) to remit back to Sri Lanka more than US$ 100 million transferred out between December 2008 and April 2009 in violation of a Central Bank directive barring SCB from making such remittances in relation to the controversial hedging agreement. In a petition filed on Thursday, Nihal Sri Ameresekere says SCB had ignored directions given by the Monetary Board of the Central Bankzzz03187073
http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe8.htm~~~MP protect Colombo’s rapists and murderers~~~Jun 28 (LB) “Farji” was the most talked about underworld figure during the recently concluded Western provincial council election. Maligawatta is the headquarter the gang. Farji was very much in news during elections for his unbridled terror campaign. In all his efforts, he was aided and abetted by politicians. He was travelling in and around Colombo in luxury vehicles and was fully armed. But the police, though aware, did not take any action to stop him. zzz03187074
no~~~Elephant Transit Camp~~~zzz03187075
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=171016194~~~Sri Lanka trade bemoans lack of Customs automation~~~June 28 (LBO) Sri Lankan freight forwarders have complained that the lack of Customs automation is a serious obstacle to improving efficiency of trade and achieving the island's aim of becoming a logistics hub. "Progress in the implementation of Customs automation is rather disappointing," said Ruwan Waidyaratne, the outgoing chairman of the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association. zzz03187076
http://tamilweek.com/news-features/archives/1592~~~Abducted Tamil journalist tells of mother’s anguish~~~June 28 (TW) Yet another a journalist was kidnapped last week near her home in the capital Colombo. She was held for a day by people claiming to be the police. Krishni Ifham, a mother of two children is a Tamil reporter who works for media development NGO Internews. She said the kidnappers had warned her to give up journalism altogether, according to BBC. Krishni’s remarks about her ordeal, published in the Sunday Times of June 28th tell the zzz03187078
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/pol01.asp~~~‘Election fever’ in Jaffna ~~~June 28 (SO) Jaffna is caught up with election fever after many years with political parties holding several public rallies. For more than a decade Jaffna based political parties were unable to engage in any form of election-related activities due to LTTE threats in Jaffna. Following the submission of nomination papers, the political parties in the fray have begun their campaigns, holding meetings with loud speakers echoing for long hours in the night. zzz03187080
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/spe01.asp~~~Fighter pilots flirted with danger ~~~June 28 (SO) It was a bright and yet another usual day for all except the two `top guns’ of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Knowing that they were flying to bomb an important location, Group Captain Sajeewa Hendawitharane was air borne from Katunayake sharp at 5.30 am. Within 25 minutes they came closer to the `prey’. The MiG 27, the `weapon’ that flew at 1,000 km per hour and 18,500 feet above the ground took a surprise move. zzz03187079
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/imp01.asp~~~Fallow lands to come under plough ~~~
June 28 (SO) A recent Agriculture Ministry survey has revealed that a large number of uncultivated lands is still existing due to the negligence of the owners. The Government has decided to grant the temporary ownership of such lands to people who are interested in turning them into cultivable lands. Agriculture Minister Maithripala Sirisena, when interviewed on the progress of the “National Food Week”,zzz03187077
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/28/new13.asp~~~MRI probes cranes' deaths ~~~June 28 (SO) The National Medical Research Institute resumed investigations on the deaths of the cranes around the Hambegamuwa Tank. The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry with the MOH Office of Thanamalwila under the supervision of the Veterinary Surgeon of the area has resumed investigations following the sudden deaths of a few cranes in the Hambegamuwa Tank in Moneragala recently. On hearing about the incident, the Public Health Unit took steps to inform the Health Minister. zzz03187081
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7927~~~Eelam 2.0 the transnational government~~~June 28 (LeN) With the fall of the final pocket of land under LTTE control and the death of the organisation’s founder and leader, the LTTE’s visions of a separate state seem to have been consigned firmly to history. Sri Lanka’s separatists have proved themselves time and time again to be eternal optimists predicting a sudden resurgence of the LTTE just days before Pirapaharan’s body was pulled out from the Nandikadal Lagoon.zzz03187084
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=7926~~~Grave threat to DEMOCRACY~~~June 28 (LeN) In 1973 when the draconian Press Council Bill was passed in Parliament an independent English language newspaper headlined it—“ Mephistopheles claims the soul”—referring to the evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul in the 19th century German legend. Last week this law was reactivated setting off alarm bells as to whether Sri Lanka was going back to the era of the infamous D. E.M.O’ CRACY. obituary, and the cremation of the father of Truth and Liberty.zzz03187083
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/13th-amendment-indo-lanka-sovereignty.html~~~The 13th Amendment, Indo-Lanka, Sovereignty ~~~June 28 (LG) Prof Senaka Bandaranaike discerns a pattern in Sri Lankan history of being ahead of the rest of the subcontinent but never being able to achieve a decisive breakthrough and sustain it. This happened at least three times, he once said in a lecture I attended. We now have a second chance. It is as if we have obtained a second Independence, when we were ahead of the game in the rest of Asia but we then blew it. Let’s not blow it yet again. zzz03187085
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/viva-devolution-13-plus.html~~~Viva devolution 13 plus! ~~~June 28 (LG) Maha Rajano issued a decree sometime back forcing a simple division in society. We were told that there should be only two types of humans here: patriots and non-patriots. Accordingly a patriot was a person who stood for the war, and those who wanted peace and a political solution to the Tamil national problem, were non-patriots. On the side of the so-called patriots were chauvinists, communalists, liberals, democrats, rationalists, Che Guevarists, zzz03187087
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-are-best-and-greatest-through.html~~~We are the best and greatest through conning! ~~~June 28 (LG) For more than two years we have been wondering whether the Mahinda Chinthanaya (Mahinda’s Philosophy), has been more successful than that of great philosophers and founders of great religions to stop people from drinking. It was presumably the heavy consumption of liquor that induced Mahinda Rajapakse to inaugurate the ‘Mathata Titha’ (Full stop to intoxication) campaign soon after taking office, zzz03187086
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10377&Itemid=44~~~New Archbishop to be inducted on Aug 5 ~~~
June 28 (LNP) The LTTE`s new chief Selvaraja Padmanathan says the group is giving up violence and adopting a non-violent agenda to secure the political rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka. In an exclusive email interview to Indian News media, Padmanathan said one of the priorities of the Tamil Tigers would be to push for revoking the international ban on it. Excerpts from the interview: zzz03187089
http://colombotoday.com/english/articles/NEWS/18-extremist-Muslim-groups--Kattankudy/3366.htm~~~18 extremist Muslim groups in Kattankudy~~~June 28 (CT) Police have gathered information that indicates the existence of 18 extremist Muslim groups operating at Kattankudy in Batticaloa, ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ reports. Quoting a senior police official, the newspaper said these groups have been identified by their names, and details of the weapons they are also known to the police. Among the firearms they use are around 400 T-56 rifles, between 40 and 50 AK-47 rifles, around 50 pistols, zzz03187093
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2598:dengue-breeding-pattern-has-changed&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~‘Dengue’ breeding pattern has changed ~~~June 28 (LT) In a communique issued by the Ministry of Health it is stated that dengue mosquitoe has changed its pattern of breeding. According to this communique instead of coconut shells, plastic utensils and gutters where rain water gets collected, the new tendency is to use building sites. concrete roofs and slabs as breeding grounds. As these places cannot be conveniently inspected the campaign to eradicate dungue has been made impossible state ministry sources. zzz03187096
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2599:politician-from-central-province-bolts-when-link-to-ltte-was-revealed&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Politician from Central Province bolts when link to LTTE was revealed ~~~June 28 (LT) A politician from the Central Province has bolted the country even before his links to the tiger terrorist organization were revealed say reports. The politican who was always with a senior politicaan of the government forcefully owned Hingurana Sugar factory. The governemnt intelligence unit has received information that the relevant politician has supplied arrack produced at Hingurana factory to tiger controlled areas without zzz03187095
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/news1.htm~~~Jaffna products reach Colombo~~~June 28 (NS) In a clear sign of growing North-South commerce 28 lorry loads of northern produce, including two freezer truck loads of famed crabs and prawns were dispatched to Colombo from there early this week. Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganesh revealed last night that because of the growing demand they have now decided to keep the road open for private goods convoys every other day compared to every ten days earlier.zzz03187097
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/news2.htm~~~NFF gets ministerial posts this week~~~June 28 (NS) Ending months of speculation, the National Freedom Front sources said yesterday that NFF MPs Nandana Gunathilake and Piyasiri Wijenayake will be sworn in as ministers next week. However they ruled out the possibility of their Chairman Wimal Weerawansa accepting any ministerial portfolios. “We have been offered a Cabinet and a non cabinet post and MPs Nandana Gunathilake and Piyasiri Wijenayake have been nominated by the party. zzz03187099
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/mynation.htm~~~Election time is here again!~~~June 28 (NS) It is elections galore as the country comes to terms with the end of the Eelam war and the latest contest up for grabs is the Uva provincial council, elections which will be held on August 8, perhaps not co-incidentally the same day on which polls are being held for the local authorities in Jaffna and Vavuniya. It is perhaps fair to pose the question as to whether any purpose will be served by the Uva provincial poll,zzz03187098
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/eyefea1.htm~~~IDPs get a second chance ~~~June 28 (NS) Last week I had the opportunity of visiting Kadiragamar Transitional Relief Village (KTRV) attached to the Menik Farm IDP camp. In the last few months I had read hundreds of news stories and saw thousands of pictures that gave me the notion that these relief villages were no better than concentration camps and I went there to see misery and suffering. But to my surprise I did not see starving children and miserable mothers who were totally dependant on government aid but zzz03187100
http://www.nation.lk/2009/06/28/inter3.htm~~~'Devolution of power within a unitary state'~~~
Jun 28 (Island) A mega UNDP funded project to modernize Sri Lanka’s Parliament has been severely criticized by Auditor General S. Swarnajothi, who has also commented adversely on a range of other questionable ‘transactions’ involving the House. The AG also targeted the Foreign Relations and Protocol Division of the legislature for failing to submit payment vouchers relating to contributions and other expenses of zzz03187101
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/features8.html~~~Ekamath Eka Rateka: Conceived in France, Born in Lanka ~~~Jun 28 (Island) I greatly enjoyed Sanath Gunatilake’s maiden film, Ekamath Eka Rateka, which is based on Emil Zola’s short story "Pour une nuit d’amour" For a night of love. I write this mainly to figure out for myself why I found this film aesthetically pleasing, emotionally stimulating and even intellectually challenging. I admit freely that not being a professional film critic, I don’t have the technical knowledge about the art of the film to judge its intrinsic merits, if any. zzz03187103
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news4.html~~~Krishni says she was told ‘don’t make trouble’~~~
Jun 28 (Island) Internews employee, Krishni Ifham, yesterday said that though she earlier believed her abductors took her to Kandy (town), they may have actually taken her to a spot about 40 to 45 minutes driving distance away from the town where they questioned her regarding her work. At the end of a 45 minute ‘interview’, she had been warned and told that there wouldn’t be any further warnings. zzz03187106
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/28/news10.html~~~Positive developments on re-paying Golden Key depositors~~~Jun 28 (Island) The Central Bank last week reported positive progress in the ongoing process of identifying and valuing the properties and assets of the Golden Key Credit Card Company and its directors to be auctioned to re-pay depositors of this collapsed Ceylinco subsidiary. "The first lot of assets is already being valued for disposal to meet depositors’ liabilities", a senior Central Bank official said. zzz03187105
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090628/Columns/political.html~~~Focus now on ‘political solution’ ~~~Jun 28 (ST) The first-high level contacts between Sri Lanka and its friendly neighbour India, since the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), took place on Wednesday. Three of the country's most powerful personalities -Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga - flew to New Delhi for this purpose. zzz03187104
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090628/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html~~~“Pata”, “pata”, and a bloody tragedy unfolds~~~Jun 28 (ST) A toddler has just woken up from his sleep and his heart-rending lisp of “Amma” rises above the hushed whispers of a crowd gathered at his home and the twitter of a large number of exotic birds. What the little one in his childish ignorance is oblivious to is that his mother is dead, as also his beloved “Apochchi” and his step-grandmother, allegedly killed by his own father who is now in remand. zzz03187107
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_02.html~~~President has not told me to stop my campaign, says minister~~~
Jun 28 (ST) Provincial Council and Local government Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon yesterday vowed to carry on his campaign for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to continue as the President without fresh elections. Mr. Tennakoon was reacting to comments by other ministers that President Rajapaksa had no intention of remaining in power without facing a Presidential election. zzz03187114
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_05.html~~~Lanka furious over Lord’s attacks~~~Jun 28 (ST) The Sri Lankan High Commission in Britain has formally lodged a protest with the Home Office in London over what it termed ‘lethargy’ by the local police in dealing with pro-LTTE elements who physically attacked more than two dozen Sri Lankan cricket fans , including women, after the T20 World Cup final at Lords last Sunday. Victims, including women, said they were kicked and punched in the face by these persons inside the precincts of Lord's, zzz03187109
http://sundaytimes.lk/090628/News/sundaytimesnews_09.html~~~The blackboard is blank for A/L English students~~~Jun 28 (ST) Many schools island wide are facing problems in providing English medium instruction for A/L classes. Nearly 400 new English medium teachers are needed to cater to the current needs of the schools which have started English medium classes. “The largest group of English medium students, over 6,000, sat the O/L exam in 2008. The schools which many of these students are attending are not in a position to provide A/L stream English medium lessonsfor them.zzz03187110
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/28/content_11613993.htm~~~Military: no room for Tamil Tiger militancy ever again in Sri Lanka ~~~Jun 28 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels defeated by the government troops would never be able to regroup, a local radio station quoted defense officials as saying on Sunday. Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the military spokesman was quoted by the radio station Sri FM that the LTTE would not be left any room by the authorities to regroup in order to revert to their campaign for a separate state. zzz03187111
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/28/content_11613975.htm~~~Sri Lanka to pardon lower level rebels~~~Jun 28 (Xinhua) Guidelines for a structured amnesty to former Tamil Tiger rebels and their sympathizers are being drawn up by the government's legal departments, but only lower level rebels will be included in the scheme, a local English newspaper reported on Sunday. The reprieve would apply to only lower level Tamil Tigers because the leadership and middle rung cadres have died in the war, the Sunday Times quoted government officials close to the process as saying. zzz03187112
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090628/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankateacommoditieseconomy~~~Trouble brewing for Sri Lanka tea farmers~~~Jun 28 (AFP) World tea prices have rocketed but along misty tea-growing mountain slopes in Sri Lanka's central hills, farmers are facing disaster. Despite production shortfalls coupled with increased demand making the daily cuppa dearer, the men and women who toil the land have little reason to cheer, for they must uproot tea bushes desiccated by a severe drought. Tea farmer N. K. Atapattu picked a crop of nearly 2,000 kilograms of tea leaves from his small plot last year but zzz03187108
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/06/28/9960246-sun.html~~~Tamils desperate to help homeland~~~Jun 29 (ES) The Tamil community in Edmonton met with human rights experts yesterday for a forum to discuss the dire conditions in which nearly 300,000 displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka have been living, a spokesman said. More than 350 people gathered at a southside conference room to hear a professor, lawyer and non-profit human rights group representative, among others, speak about the unstable situation in Sri Lanka and how the international community can help. zzz03187115
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29672~~~Veteran Kavignar Murugaian passes away~~~Jun 29 (TN) Well-known Kavignar (Poet) E. Murugaian, veteran Tamil scholar, passed away in Colombo Saturday and his funeral is to be held Sunday evening at Borella general cemetery. He was seventy five years of age when he died. Murugaian was conferred with the honorary title of Doctor of Literature (Ilakkia Kalanithi) some years ago by Jaffna University for his immense services to Tamil Literature and Tamil Language. zzz03187116
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=29671~~~‘Final Warning’ issued to Jaffna Tamil daily Uthayan staffers~~~Jun 29 (TN) A group calling itself ‘Tamil Front Protecting the Country’ allegedly linked to a paramilitary group operating with Colombo issued Saturday a notice titled ‘Final Warning’ to Uthayan Tamil daily office in Jaffna warning that Uthayan staffers will be killed if they do not officially relinquish their posts with effect from 30 June 2009, sources in Jaffna said. Thursday, all the local newspapers of Jaffna that defied publishing an anonymous and zzz03187121
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=299776&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16~~~Three expats jailed for stealing safe~~~Jun 29 (GT) Three Sri Lankans have been sentenced to three years imprisonment and subsequent deportation for stealing from the safe of a government department last summer. The men were caught and brought to justice with the help of the footage recorded by a camera installed in the department’s building. The CCTV photos showed them carrying the safe away. A clerk told the court that the safe in his office was found missing when he came to the office on August 3 last year.zzz03187118
http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/27102/Maldivian_man_transferred_to_Maldives_from_Sri_Lanka_prison_arrested_on_Court_order~~~Maldivian man transferred to Maldives from Sri Lanka prison ~~~Jun 29 (HO) A Maldivian man imprisoned in Sri Lanka who was transferred to Maldives during a prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries and then released to house arrest has been arrested by the Police on Court orders. Inspector Mohamed Jinah, Head of Drug Enforcement Department, said on Saturday that Ibrahim Adam Manik had been arrested in connection to the crime he had been sentenced to in Sri Lanka. zzz03187119
http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2516909.0.now_the_bloodshed_is_over_can_the_tigers_children_ever_find_peace.php~~~Now the bloodshed is over can the Tigers’ children ever find peace?~~~Jun 29 (SH) Jeeva Jothy girls' home in Batticaloa, eastern Sri Lanka, 21-year old Thurka Devi is helping with the younger girls. An enthusiastic cricket player, she has also represented Batticaloa in karate tournaments and says she would like to become a social worker. The Jeeva Jothy charity offers shelter and education for orphaned and indigent girls and young women, but there are also a few ex-child soldiers, girls like Devi.zzz03187120
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=421418~~~Sri Lanka clinch their fourth Asian Netball title~~~Jun 29 (Bernama) The Sri Lankan netball team put up a commanding display to outclass Singapore 77-48 in the final of the 7th Asian Netball Championship at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here today. It was Sri Lanka's fourth title in eight years after last winning it in 2001. They also won the competition in 1990 and 1997 and were the runner-up in 1985 and 1993. The victory came as sweet revenge for the team who zzz03187123
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/29/yehey/opinion/20090629opi3.html~~~A priestly wolf in Tamil Tigers’ clothing ~~~Jun 29 (MT) We don’t think the Philippines needs lessons on diplomacy and good governance from an obvious supporter of a defeated terrorist outfit that was a ruthless killing machine and serial human rights violator. AS the post-war era dawns in Sri Lanka it appears that the first casualty of the newly secured peace is the truth. For while the Tamil Tigers’ terrorist outfit may have been dispatched to the bowels of hell and the pages of infamy,zzz03187119
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090628/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestus~~~US warns travellers of Sri Lanka terror attack risk~~~Jun 29 (AFP) The United States issued Sunday a warning for its nationals travelling to or in Sri Lanka about the risk of possible terror attacks despite the recent crushing of Tamil Tiger separatists. Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tigers last month but rebel remnants still posed a threat and could carry out assaults, the state department said in the latest travel advisory on its website.zzz03187124
http://www.groundviews.org/2009/06/28/sri-lanka-is-the-war-really-over/~~~Is the war really over?~~~
Jun 29 (AFP) The end of the conventional war in the north and the east of Sri Lanka witnessed the almost total annihilation of the LTTE including its leadership. However, the Government forces are still carrying out clearing up operations throughout the island. Tens of thousands have been slaughtered; many thousands wounded; hundreds of thousands expelled from their habitats and many hundreds of thousands interned into camps. zzz03187122
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hMHErDirz9dGCvoheI6UlumpvcmQ~~~Fitness will be key against Sri Lanka, says Alam~~~Jun 29 (AFP) Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said his players' fitness will be the key on their tour of Sri Lanka as the 15-man Pakistan team set off on Saturday. Alam, who led the team to the World Twenty20 title in England last week, warned that the biggest problem for the tourists will be the hot climate. "Fitness is very important on the tough and long tour of Sri Lanka," said Alam before heading for Dubai and then Colombo.zzz03187125
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090628/926/tsp-foolproof-security-cover-for-pak-tea.html~~~Foolproof security cover for Pak team during Sri Lanka tour~~~Jun 29 (ANI) The Sri Lanka cricket authority has made foolproof security arrangements for the visiting Pakistan cricket team, as it does not a repeat of the Lahore terror attack in which six Sri Lankan players were injured. Spokesman of the Sri Lanka team, Charith Senanayake said military security have been hired by the board to safeguard the visitors. "As many as 100 security men will be deployed for the Pakistan team security. zzz03187126
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090628_slat_march.shtml~~~'March for peace' in London ~~~Jun 29 (BBC) Thousands of Sri Lankans representing all major nationalities and religions took part in a peace march in London, say organisers. The organisers handed over a petition to British PM Gordon Brown at Downing Street after marching in London on Saturday. “We wanted to express our gratitude to British people for their support in defeating terrorism and urge UK to take concrete steps to prevent terrorism re-emerging in Sri Lanka,” zzz03187127
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090628_uva_elections.shtml~~~NIC 'impediment' for elections ~~~Jun 29 (BBC) Election monitors in Sri Lanka say that there is a danger of people being prevented of voting as a result of the need for an identity card to qualify for voting. Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) media spokesman Keerthi Tennakoon told BBC Sandeshaya that over 25 percent of voters in Uva province do not possess any alternative identity cards recommended by the authorities. zzz03187128
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8121385.stm~~~Sri Lanka's expanding peacetime army ~~~
Jun 29 (AN) A large number of Sri Lankan expatriates gathered on their embassy’s premises on Friday to mourn the death of Ambassador Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen. Marleen, 73, was found dead on Tuesday in his hotel room in the Yemeni capital Sanaa where he was attending a regional conference. His body was flown to Colombo where he was buried on Friday. Yemeni authorities said Marleen died in his sleep of natural causes. zzz03187136
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jun2009/sljf-j29.shtml~~~Sri Lankan military maintains fishing restrictions in the north~~~Jun 29 (wsws) The Colombo media bogusly reported on June 20 that the Sri Lankan government had removed the decades-long, wartime fishing restrictions imposed on northern fisherman. The reports followed announcements by Basil Rajapakse, at a meeting with northern fishermen. Rajapakse, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force for resettlement, development and security in the Northern Province, told the fishermen that all restrictions would be lifted. zzz03187137
http://www.peacemuslims.org/79_Muslim_families_resettled_in_Musali-20-1115.html~~~79 Muslim families resettled in Musali~~~Jun 29 (PSM) 79 Muslim families are resettled out of 521 total number of families who are resettled in the 2nd stage of Rehabiliation and Reconstruction program in Mannar district recently. The Tamil families were displaced from Mannar in 2004 and the Muslis were expelled in 1990. Muslim civil societies made joint appeal to the govt. to resttle both Tamils and Muslims together and the govt. seems to be having in heeding to this request.zzz03187138
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/we-took-some-tea-as-symbol.html~~~“We took some Tea as a symbol” ~~~Jun 29 (LG) Monday, October 22, 1984, 05:04am. Most of Colombo, the capitol of Sri Lanka, was dark. Birds announced the dawn, and a few vehicles, headlights lit, began puttering through the streets. In an ear-tearing roar the city woke up to a nightmare. A corner of a church was lifted from the ground and sagged back onto the street, instantly burying a Tamil man underneath the rubble. Cement shards and pieces of glass rained down for almost a full minute afterward. zzz03187139
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/stop-forcing-sinhalese-and-tamils-to.html~~~Stop forcing Sinhalese and Tamils to learnt each other’s language ~~~Jun 29 (LG) It is very popular in Sri Lanka to say Sinhalese should Tamil and Tamils should learn Sinhalese. Those pundits promoting this unthoughtful “solution” are incapable of appreciating what it entails although they may find it easier to understand 1956. In short they are trying multiple 1956s. Sinhala is a national language and the fluency of it should be sufficient for all individuals who use it.zzz03187140
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/13th-amendment-remedy-or-problem.html~~~13th amendment — remedy, or problem? ~~~Jun 29 (LG) What’s militating against the implementation of the 13th amendment, is that it’s a direct import from India, and that it was moreover conceived in a shotgun arrangement. However what is left unsaid largely is that after decades of Prabhakaran driven separatism, the 13th amendment to a vast swathe of the Sri Lankan polity, seems too closely tied to the events of our separatist era. zzz03187141
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10379&Itemid=44~~~Jaffna campaign in full swing in a 'new born' freedom ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) After three decades or more of trauma,agony,fear and death threats,the people of Jaffna seem to experience a new life at this election time, with candidates and supporters of political parties engaged in a free move of campaign for the forthcoming municipal poll to the Jaffna Municipal Council. Election related activities have begun quite early and its' a hive of campaign with political party supporters running around to zzz03187143
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10383&Itemid=44~~~'A nation free from terrorism needs inner-self development'~~~
Jun 29 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believed that a nation free from terrorism,needed not only physical development but also inner-self development of human beings and it was his aim to create a drug free just society where children respected elders. He made these observations on Saturday (27) while addressing a gathering after the re-opening of the Handugala Tea Factory.zzz03187146
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10380&Itemid=44~~~Tourism to gain momentum in North and East ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) The scenic tourist attractions and the picturesque hotel locations in the North and East will be brought back to life again by the Tourism Ministry to attract thousands of tourists before the end of the year, Ministry sources revealed. New hotels too are earmarked in locations pleasing tourists, in addition to the existing locations that were rendered redundant due to a three decade old terrorist war.zzz03187145
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10381&Itemid=44~~~President appoints Competent Authority for Laksala ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed the Commissioner of Public Utilities, Prasad Galhena as the Competent Authority of Laksala in a move to restructure the loss making institution into a more viable and profit making venture. The Laksala, in the recent past had been experiencing financial losses, and the President has made this move to ensure stability of this indigenous venture of local production that market handicraft and zzz03187144
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10382&Itemid=44~~~Elephant Pass railway station to turn "Affection Port" ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) The Ministry of Education has decided to gift the Elephant Pass railway station to the northern as an 'Affection Port' with the contribution from all Sri Lankan students and teachers under the 'Uthuru Mithuru Yal Devi Train Concept'. The decision was arrived at by the ministry to inculcate the vital ingredient of patriotism in the minds of the student population in the country and thereby lead them towards the transformation of the theme of one country, one people.zzz03187147
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10384&Itemid=44~~~Health sector boost in Eastern Province ~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Several projects initiated by the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition targeting the healthcare development in the eastern province will be vested in the public tomorrow and Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva will declare open the Outdoor Patients Department’s building at the Batticaloa General Hospital tomorrow (30). According to the Ministry, 200 million rupees were spent on this project. zzz03187148
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10385&Itemid=44~~~US$ 891 million Chinese grant for Norachchalai coal power project~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Phase II and Phase III of the Norachchalai power project will kick off soon. The government is scheduled to sign agreements with the Chinese government in this regard today. Norachachalai Coal Power project is one of the massive projects launched by the SL government among other projects recently. The total investment for phase II and phase 3 of the project will be US$ 891 and it is scheduled to be completed by the year 2013. zzz03187149
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10387&Itemid=44~~~Special teams deployed to protect child rights in IDP welfare villages~~~Jun 29 (GDI) Special teams will be deployed to protect children and their rights in IDP welfare villages. “Such child protection teams will be given special training and the respective teachers will also be trained to build an environment conductive to learn,” National Child Protection Authority Chairman, Jagath Wellawattha said. He also said that more than 10,000 children have been screened so far and zzz03187150
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10386&Itemid=44~~~Yashushi Akashi again in Sri Lanka ~~~
Jun 29 (CT) The UNP has requested the government to avail the opportunity after end of the war for a new beginning for the country. The call by party MP Lakshman Kiriella came at a media briefing today. He said the government was certain to receive foreign aid and support if it properly implemented the international conventions it has signed for the strengthening of democratic institutions.zzz03187163
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/fea20.asp~~~Lak Roo: Lanka’s uniqueness at the fingertips ~~~Jun 29 (DN) Preserving our heritage To put things simply, “Yesterday is history and today will form part of our history for tomorrow”, that is all what Lak Roo is all about. When other television channels are on a popularity race, the latest television channel which transmits through PEO TV, SLT VisionCom, a fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC, had come up with the timely need of preserving the treasures of the isle of the past and re-visualizing it on screen. zzz03187166
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/news30.asp~~~Over 5,000 want to adopt children ~~~Jun 29 (DN) There are about 5,000 Sri Lankan couples and 600 foreign couples in the waiting list to adopt Sri Lankan children. Annually around 1,000 children are for adopted by locals and about 50 children are adopted by foreigners, Probation and Child Care Services Commissioner Sarath Abeygunasekara said. he said that usually the children below the age of five who had been rejected by parents and abandoned are given for adoption. zzz03187167
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news1.html~~~Now, US tries to undermine Lanka tourism revival plan~~~Jun 29 (Island) The Sri Lankan government yesterday said that a US State Department travel advisory aimed at discouraging US citizens from visiting Sri Lanka was part of US strategy to undermine the country. A senior Foreign Ministry official told The Island that nothing could be as bad as the US warning of potential for continued instability and possible terrorist attacks a month after the end of war.zzz03187168
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news18.html~~~Veddhas shift from caves to houses with govt. assistance~~~Jun 29 (Island) The Veddha community had proved that permanent houses could be established with small financial assistance from the government, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff said recently. Attending a ceremonial handing over of newly built houses to the Veddha community at Hennanigala, Dehiattakandiya in Ampara, Minister Ferial Ashraff said that the main objective of the Janasevana National Housing Programme zzz03187169
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/news9.html~~~Killer couple picked their victim through newspaper ~~~Jun 29 (Island) The police said that a couple held in connection with the recent killing of businesswoman Beatrice Veronika in the Kurunegala police area had been employed by her a few months before she was killed on June 7. The police said that Veronika had hand picked them after interviewing several persons who responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking a couple. The suspects had told police that they had found Veronika, a divorcee through a newspaper advertisement. zzz03187175
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/29/features4.html~~~‘Our losing battle against corruption’ – response~~~Jun 29 (Island) Adverting to your commendable editorial today (25th June ’09) in The Island, the easiest way to win the battle against corruption is in my humble opinion, by the reduction of so called government in this country to the barest minimum. Though the easiest, it is by no means an easy task given the propensity of our politicians to make Constitutions and Laws to perpetuate themselves in office obviously for their private gain.zzz03187171
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53192~~~Jacko fans in Lanka seek visas for funeral~~~Jun 29 (DM) The U.S. Embassy in Colombo had inquiries about Pop King Michael Jackson’s death, with callers asking if fans seeking visas to attend the funeral would get special consideration for their applications, the New York Times said in one of its reports over the weekend. A spokesman for the US Embassy in Colombo confirmed there were a couple of inquiries though not inundated as was reported by New York Times. zzz03187172
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53191~~~Navi Pillai makes talks difficult for Sri Lanka~~~
Jun 29 (DM) Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillai was making it difficult for Sri Lanka to engage in dialogue with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “Her statements have not made it easier for us to gather the support of the people of this country to work closely with her office, which I want to do,zzz03187170
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53194~~~Cuban bacteria to fight Dengue~~~Jun 29 (DM) Cuba will airlift a stock of BTI (Bacillus Thuringenesis Israelensis) - a bacteria species, today to control the rapidly spreading dengue epidemic that has claimed 155 lives while the number of dengue cases reached a staggering 12,800 mark by yesterday. ‘This came as a result of a discussion Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had with the Cuban ambassador on Friday at which he requested the ambassador to help controlzzz03187176
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=53196~~~How, when, and with whom can I make it?~~~Jun 29 (DM) The war as variously described was over. Mopping up the remnants of terror mongers in nooks and corners, looking after thousands of innocent Tamil bystanders crammed into camps were in the hands of a relieved government. The thrust of charges of various kinds levelled by the agents of the defeated terrorists against the government and the armed forces were also being deftly countered by the government.zzz03187173
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1695848641~~~Make Sri Lanka’s North and the East special economic zones~~~Jun 29 (LBO) Massive investment is needed in the North and the East to allow these war-torn regions to catch up with the progress they missed because of the LTTE. The likelihood of obtaining these funds from Sri Lankan tax-payers or from foreign donors is not very good. The former because we spend all government revenues on salaries and debt repayments and the latter because the success of Eelam War IV on the ground was not matched by success in the external propaganda war. zzz03187152
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=13th+amenedment+nothing+more++than+‘legal+arrangement’:+PDK&artid=zUBtN|vG|OQ=~~~13th amenedment nothing more than ‘legal arrangement’: PDK ~~~Jun 29 (EB) The 13th Constitutional amendment that is being proposed as the panacea for the woes of Tamils in Sri Lanka could be nothing more than a ‘legal arrangement’ to crush the legitimate aspirations of the minority Tamils, general secretary, Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (PDK), Viduthalai Rajendran said on Sunday. He was Speaking at a conference on the current situation of Tamils in Sri Lanka zzz03187177
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090629/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketaussrit20sangakkara~~~NSW eye Sangakkara for T20 series~~~
Jun 29 (AFP) New South Wales have Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara in their sights to play in Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition early next year, officials said on Monday. Cricket NSW is yet to finalise its playing roster for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India in October and the domestic T20 competition in the new year.zzz03187174
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20090629.aspx~~~War And Peace~~~Jun 29 (SP) While the LTTE has been defeated in Sri Lanka, the organization still exists among Tamils elsewhere. Many of the two million Tamils in Sri Lanka still support the LTTE, as do many Tamils in southern India (the ancient homeland of the Tamils) and overseas. There are about 77 million Tamil speakers worldwide, most (nearly 80 percent) of them living in southern India (Tamil Nadu). zzz03187179
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KF30Df01.html~~~A small but significant post-Tiger vote~~~Jun 29 (AT) A little over a month after the end of the war between the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE, political parties are gearing up for another fight in Sri Lanka. Elections to the Vavuniya Urban Council and the Jaffna Municipal Council in the island's war-ravaged Northern Province are scheduled for August 8. Although the polls are just for local councils, they are significant and will be closely watched. zzz03187178
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/5683376/Sri-Lanka-targets-north-and-east-for-tourist-expansion.html~~~Sri Lanka targets north and east for tourist expansion~~~
Jun 29 (Telegraph) Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have unveiled plans for a substantial new resort development in the previously off-limits north of the country. The development, the first of its kind to be announced since the end of the civil war, will include hotels and a marina and will extend over the 14-island archipelego of Kalpitiya, about 100 miles north of the capital, Colombo. zzz03187181
http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/31677-Sri-Lanka-Tourism---Quo-Vadis-~~~Sri Lanka Tourism - Quo Vadis ?~~~Jun 29 (TDN) Srilal Miththapala is the current President of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). He also is the Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Leisure Management Ltd. He has been associated with tourism industry for over two decades and has represented the industry and his company at various international and national forums. In this article he analyses the state of the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka, and its potential, zzz03187171.1
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/story/410884.html~~~Pakistan made to toil in tour opener~~~Jun 30 (CI) Pakistan began their tour of Sri Lanka the hard way as a defiant Sri Lanka Cricket XI ended at 278 for 3 on the first day of their three-day practice match. Lahiru Thirimanne and Chamara Kapugedera put on 170 for the third wicket on a rain-interrupted day at the Colts Cricket Club ground in Colombo. SLC XI, who chose to bat, lost opener Tharanga Paranavitana with the score on 27. zzz03187183
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10393&Itemid=44~~~Railway Construction to be expedited from Colombo-Jaffna ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The construction of the Colombo-Jaffna rail track will be expedited soon. The rail road will be constructed northward from Vavuniya and southward from Kankesanthurai as the first phase of railway track program under the “Uthuru Mithuru” project, Media Spokesperson for the Minister of Railways and Transport Thissa Bandara Wasala told www.news.lk today (29).zzz03187184
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10391&Itemid=44~~~Resettlement and development commended-Minister ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The international community has commended the government’s resettlement and development programmes in the North and as a result, Sri Lanka will receive more benefits in the future, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said today. He pointed out that the international community has also accepted that Sri Lanka was the only country that successfully defeated terrorism in the present era.zzz03187185
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10394&Itemid=44~~~Myanmar to attend 'facets-Sri Lanka' gem and jewellery show ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) The bilateral trade relations have strengthened between Sri Lanka and Myanmar following the recent visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Myanmar. A contingent of nearly 40 entrepreneurs in the Gem and Jewellery trade in Myanmar will participate at the annual gem and jewellery show to be held in Sri Lanka from 3rd to 6th September 2009. All arrangements have been finalized on their participation andzzz03187186
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1093246267~~~Sri Lanka Insurance to take bulk of Seylan shares: report~~~Jun 30 (LBO) Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation may take up the bulk of risk capital in bailing out Seylan Bank, while state-run Bank of Ceylon and National Savings Bank may take smaller stakes, a media report said. SLIC was recently returned to state ownership and management following a court order. NSB will take up the least volume of shares at it already has 3.47 percent of its voting shares and 3.67 percent of its non-voting shares. zzz03187190
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2624:a-kelaniya-university-student-abducted&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~A Kelaniya University student abducted ~~~Jun 30 (LT) It has been reported that a student of Kelaniya University has been abducted by a gang of thugs today (29th) evening. The student had come to the university for some need and a gang of thugs who had come near the entrance to the university threatened the student with weapons and abducted him say residents in the area. Several members of the academic staff of the university who had witnessed the incident have telephoned the police. zzz03187188
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2622:all-should-rally-against-unfair-charges-imposed-by-the-government--anura-dissanayake&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~All should rally against unfair charges imposed by the government – JVP~~~Jun 30 (LT) The government is imposing unfair charges by devious ways from the public and all should rally against such exorbitant rates says Parliamentarian of the JVP Anura Dissanayake. He said, “The government makes various levies from the people. There is no regularity in these levies. The increase in prices of essential items has inconvenienced the people immensely. These irregular levies would inconvenience masses more. zzz03187189
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/410914.html~~~Mathews earns Test call-up~~~
Jun 30 (CT) The JHU warns that it will pull out of the government as a principled party in the event of the full implementation of the 13th amendment to the constitution. JHU strongman and minister Patali Champika Ranawaka described this constitutional amendment as a clear threat to the unitary status of Sri Lanka, said a statement issued by the party.zzz03187194
http://www.thehindu.com/holnus/000200906292240.htm~~~Sri Lanka not doing enough to rehabilitate displaced Tamils: Chidambaram ~~~
Jun 30 (PTI) India on Monday said Sri Lanka has not done enough to rehabilitate displaced Tamils and asked Colombo to allow the Red Cross to take up relief and give media access to refugee camps in the strife-torn areas. India had allocated Rs 500 crore for rehabilitating Lankan Tamils, but the rehabilitation plan was not ready in Sri Lanka, Union Home Minister P Mr. Chidambaram said.zzz03187202
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25710557-2702,00.html~~~Tougher screening for Tamils over fears of an influx of ex-Tigers fleeing Sri Lanka~~~Jun 30 (TA) Fears that ex-Tamil fighters may be passing themselves off as refugees will lead to the latest boatload of unauthorised arrivals - believed to be Tamils - being subjected to a particularly rigorous security screening process. The recent defeat of the Tamil Tigers in their stronghold in northeastern Sri Lanka has led to concerns Tamil fighters may seek to flee the island amid fears of government retribution. zzz03187197
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/LSGZ-7TGDVZ?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=lka~~~YMCA Sri Lanka supports war-affected children and youth~~~Jun 30 (RW) Since early April 2009, YMCA Sri Lanka has been providing much needed emergency support to internally displaced children and youth affected by the armed conflict. Though the conflict officially ended on 19th May 2009, the situation remains desperate; according to government reports the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) exceeds 280,000 across four districts. zzz03187198
http://www.hindu.com/br/2009/06/30/stories/2009063050041200.htm~~~Book Review: Sri Lankan stories ~~~Jun 30 (Hindu) Padma Somakanthan; Kumaran Publishers, 3, Meykai Vinayakar Street, via Kumaran Colony 7th Street, Vadapalani, Chennai-600026. Rs. 90. THE COVER tells all. An army man with his gun stuck on the back of a prone man, the tear-stained face of a woman. These 30 stories from Sri Lanka torn by an atrocious civil war are reflections of reality, and there lies their strength and appeal. Truth is always stranger than fiction.zzz03187199
http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/29/tsunami-mission-ends-but-journey-continues/~~~Tsunami mission ends but 'journey continues'~~~Jun 30 (UCAN) The Sri Lankan Catholic Church recently closed its tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation program four and a half years after killer waves ravaged the island's coastal areas. The occasion was marked by an emotional ceremony on June 23 where Father Damian Fernando, the national director of Caritas Sri Lanka, said he would "push his team toward other works." While the major rebuilding phase may have ended, zzz03187200
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ieFedl5h2U9R6FXwsWAZexKEhrsA~~~Ethnic Tamil nationalist group threatens to kill newspaper staff in northern Sri Lanka~~~Jun 30 (AP) An ethnic Tamil group has threatened to kill anyone working for or distributing a Tamil nationalist newspaper in northern Sri Lanka, accusing the paper of supporting the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. The group calling itself the Tamil Front Protecting the Country said in a note sent to newspaper dealers that reporters and other staff, must quit the Uthayan newspaper by Tuesday.zzz03187201
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=433207433~~~Sri Lanka mulls shipyard, manufacturing plans for southern port~~~Jun 30 (LBO) The Sri Lankan government wants to attract investments for ship building, and cement and fertilizer manufacturing at a new port being built in southern Hambantota, a senior official said. Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Priyath Wickrama said construction work on the harbour, less than half-an-hour's deviation from the main shipping route across the Indian Ocean, is ahead of schedule. zzz03187196
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-Lanka-undersea-power-cable-pact-soon/articleshow/4718266.cms~~~India-Lanka undersea power cable pact soon~~~Jun 30 (TOI) India and Sri Lanka are set to energise their relations. Literally. The two neighbours will soon sign an MoU to study the feasibility of laying an undersea cable — which will be one-of-its-kind in Asia when completed — to connect their power networks. Sources said the MEA has approved the draft agreement which is to be signed shortly. An interlink between India and Sri Lanka will also firm up the idea of establishing a South Asian energy grid zzz03187203
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47419~~~Journalists laying aside pens once again~~~Jun 30 (IPS) Sri Lankan journalists are laying aside their pens once again and bracing for renewed confrontation with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government after the revival of the repressive Press Council and fresh attacks on the media. The abduction and release of a journalist and the torching of newspapers by an unknown group last week exacerbated the crisis facing the media in Sri Lankazzz03187204
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/819~~~What does the future hold for Sri Lanka and all its citizens?~~~Jun 30 (DBS) Hello Friends, “Can the Tamils Seize a new opportunity” ? was the heading given by Ajith Ratnarajah to his well-written piece on the future of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Though lengthy the post evoked a lot of constructive discussion and debate on this blog. Ajith had written it from a Tamil perspective and outlined certain ideas and proposals envisaging a bright future for the Tamils of Sri Lanka who at the moment face bleak prospects. zzz03187205
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=61&Itemid=1~~~Shared waters that will bind North, East and the South ~~~Jun 30 (SLW) The search for peace, unity and harmony is vigorously on in Sri Lanka and this feature by the learned Professor C.M Maddumabandara is an example of it. Sri Lanka has a wonderful example of how our people in the ancient of times were masters of water technology and built tanks in all the rich agricultural regions. The Giant’s Tank in Mannar is considered one of the earliest and best ever constructed in the world, virtually a pioneer in tank irrigation. zzz03187206
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090630/jsp/frontpage/story_11176612.jsp~~~India to fund Siddha faculty on erstwhile Tiger terrain ~~~Jun 30 (TT) If symbolism can heal wounds, this one should rank top. India plans to open a centre for the ancient Tamil medicine system, Siddha, in a Sri Lankan university whose growth was stunted by the civil war. As New Delhi prepares to firm up ties with Colombo post-LTTE, it has decided to foot the entire bill for the establishment of the faculty, to be located on the Trincomalee campus of Eastern University. zzz03187208
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/starting_point_of_realistic_re.html~~~Starting point of realistic reform is implementation of the 13th amendment~~~
Jun 30 (GDI) China’s association is so respectable, cordial and progressive for Sri Lanka. The Chinese community stood by Sri Lanka at the worst of times with a steady supply of arms and ammunition in the battle fronts. And, the moral support they extended in the international arena is incomparable. Now, battling in the economic fronts, China’s assistance towards uplifting our economy is invaluable, zzz03187220
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10402&Itemid=44~~~Exams Chief visit IDP students ~~~Jun 30 (GDI) ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ jin colloboration with the Department of Examination will accomodate internally displaced students to sit the G. C. E. (A/L) examination in August.. “This will be a big boon for ambitious students taking their academic examinations as a step into the future,” said Commissioner of Examinations Anura Edirisingha to www.news.lk, zzz03187221
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2627:unp-dissidents-made-slfp-electoral-organizers&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~UNP dissidents made SLFP electoral organizers ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Awarding posts of SLFP electoral organizers to a batch that crossed over from the UNP will take place today morning at Temple Trees under the auspices of President Mahinda Rajapakse. Minister Bandula Gunawardene is the new electoral organizer of the SLFP for Homagama, while Minister Gamini Lokuge with be the SLFP organizer for Kesbawa. Minister P. Dayaratne will be awarded Ampara while Dedigama will go to Minister Mano Wijeratne.zzz03187222
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2631:gas-up-again&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Gas up again ~~~Jun 30 (LT) The price of gas would be increased from tomorrow. The price of gas was increased thrice this year and was decreased only once. The data necessary to increase the price of gas every two months according to the formula was provided to the authority at the beginning of the month say Shell Gas and Laugfs Gas companies. The price increase would be based on the price increase in the world market in the months of April and May. zzz03187223
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2634:landslides-a-hurricanes-in-the-island-&catid=35:local&Itemid=50~~~Landslides & hurricanes in the island ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Incidents of landslides have been reported from many areas in the island states the National Building Research Organization (NBRO). A land slide of about half an acre area occurred on the 28th at Ahaliyagoda. About 55 people in 15 houses have been evacuated from the area states NBRO. However, the government has not taken any measures to find relief to these people who have temporarily taken shelter in their relatives homes. zzz03187224
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2156:pensioners-to-get-more-benefits-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70~~~Pensioners to get more benefits ~~~Jun 30 (LP) Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister and Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said that salaries of public servants and pensioners will be increased simultaneously by government .More than 500, 000 pensioners will benefit from this increase. Addressing the eighth Annual General Meeting of Public Service Pensioners' Trust Fund recently he said that public servants should understand that they are being paid by public money andzzz03187226
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45386.html~~~Why could we not defeat LTTE for 25 years?~~~Jun 30 (LNP) All members of the security forces, past and present, and all citizens of this country no doubt are happy and celebrating the defeat of the LTTE, the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, that had been a scourge not only to our country but the world for the past three decades. Some Western nations must be unhappy that the lever they utilized to destabilize our nation is no more available for them. zzz03187253
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45393.html~~~'Oceania', here we come!~~~Jun 30 (LNP) A bad workman, it is said, never finds a good tool. So do politicians and their top bureaucrats. They are never short of excuses for their failure. It was only the other day that Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama urged the media to expose frauds in the public sector as if the fault lay in the failure of the media to do their duty. Close on the heels of that ministerial exhortation comes the news that Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga has suggested that the State intelligence services be used to tackle corruption in public institutions. zzz03187227
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/6/45391.html~~~Positive cricket should bring back spectators - Sangakkara~~~Jun 30 (LNP) Newly appointed Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara vowed to produce result oriented entertaining cricket during the forthcoming home test series against Pakistan. He made these observations during the launching ceremony of the Mobitel Cup three Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sangakkara said that it will be a tough task for his team to readjust themselves from Twenty20 cricket to the longer version of the game in a short period of time.zzz03187228
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/press-releases-details/press-releases-details/2559~~~Sri Lankan expatriates engage in first post-war business symposium~~~Jun 30 (PISL) Around 30 expatriate Sri Lankan investors looking to get involved in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), along with nearly 100 local investors and 40 heads of regional business chambers gathered last week to explore investment and business partnerships. BizPAct ‘Invest in Sri Lanka Symposium’ which kicked off on Thursday (25th) attracted tremendous interest both locally and internationally. zzz03187229
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/news02.asp~~~Disaster assessment must for future projects ~~~Jun 30 (DN) The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) will make the Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) report compulsory for all future development projects. This system will help identify suitable land for development projects and will also help to mitigate and prevent disasters to a greater extent. “Therefore, a national level risk atlas for different hazards in Sri Lanka will be released on line and off line covering areas where droughts prevailed,zzz03187230
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/fea01.asp~~~Ways and means of tackling Tamil Diaspora ~~~Jun 30 (DN) Finding a lasting solution based on constitutional amendments to address the grievances of the Tamil people and drawing more investments into the country will strengthen the military victory over terrorism and rooting out any possibilities of resurfacing of the LTTE terrorism, the High Commissioner said. His remarks came in response to a news item that the Tamil Diaspora has formed an International Tamil Association, as a long term plan. zzz03187235
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=840~~~French Joint Forces Commander calls on Army Chief ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) COMMANDER of the French Joint Forces in Indian Ocean Region Vice Admiral Gerard Valin paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka Monday morning at his office in the Army Headquarters, Colombo. The Senior French Naval Commander, accompanied by French Ambassador Mr. Michel Lummaux during his meeting with General Sarath Fonseka exchanged views with regard to security and matters of bilateral interest.zzz03187231
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=854~~~Troops led to unearth two more LTTE torpedoes ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) A METICULOUSLY pre-planned LTTE sea battle that was to be staged against Security Forces by terrorists during the just-ended Eelam War-IV was exposed Monday evening when Task Force-8 troops unearthed two big LTTE torpedoes with their launcher from PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU area on information provided by a former LTTE cadre. The two torpedoes, each 26 ft in length and 5 ft 7 inches in circumference remained neatly wrapped in polythene when the troops made this startling recovery. zzz03187233
http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=851~~~Nine Indicted with Funding LTTE ~~~Jun 30 (SLA) THE Attorney General has filed indictment against nine persons for granting Rs. 35 million to the LTTE from the funds of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation in 2006. The Attorney General filed indictment against Velupillai Sivanadiar, Murugesu Shanmugarajah, Kanthilingam Prem Raj, Kathirakesu Ganeshalingam, Sinnaiyah Shanthilingam, Eliyathambi Nadarajah, Krishna Kutti Sukumaran alias Udayan, Balasubramunium Sri Scandarajah, and Kamalias Prabakaran before the Colombo High Court.zzz03187234
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/fea13.asp~~~Wimal Abhayasundera: Remembering a poet~~~
Jun 30 (DN) Reminiscence of by-gone three years of a person’s birthday celebration held September 17, 1996, a man born to this land, not with a silver spoon in his mouth but breast-fed by his mother and nurtured in healthy environment, and endowed with a masterly clarion call with the force of his pen, in a multifaceted arena to push forward a dormant culture, drives me to write this short note not to praise him, insteadzzz03187225
http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/30/News30.asp~~~Beira restoration project in progress ~~~Jun 30 (DN) The Urban Development Authority (UDA), undertook the Beira Lake restoration project to give a facelift to the City of Colombo and to improve the living conditions of the people is now progressing smoothly, sources said. The purpose of this project was to develop the water front in the City of Colombo , improve tourism and other recreational facilities. Therefore the Government has allocated Rs 1.2 billion for the entire project, zzz03187236
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2626:jvp-asks-president-to-mediate-in-building-national-unity&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~JVP asks President to mediate in building national unity ~~~Jun 30 (LT) Even after one and a half months since the defeat of tiger terrorist organization the government has not taken adequate measures to provide relief to IDPs and build national unity says the JVP. In a letter to the President the JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has asked the President to take immediate measure regarding this. He, in his letter, has complained that the government was hindering attempts made by the JVP to provide relief to IDPs in the North.zzz03187238
http://www.island.lk/2009/06/30/news6.html~~~JVP accuses Edu. Authorities of charging fees from A/L students in Govt. schools~~~
Jun 30 (Time) Sri Lanka's 26 years of civil war effectively ended on May 19 with a single image. Televisions across the globe broadcast a government-issue photo of slain Tamil Tiger head, Velupillai Prabhakaran, lying on a muddy patch of ground with wide eyes and a fractured skull. His life's end terminated the LTTE's decades-long fight for an independent homeland for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority - about ten percent of the population zzz03187249
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090630/wl_sthasia_afp/cricketsrijayasuriya~~~Age-defying Jayasuriya eyes next World Cup~~~
Jun 30 (AFP) Sri Lanka's veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya turns 40 on Tuesday, with a vow to carry on until the 2011 World Cup despite being the oldest cricketer still playing at the top level. "Age is not a problem, it is how you stay mentally and physically fit to remain on top of the game, to try out new variations with the bat and ball," Jayasuriya told AFP.zzz03187244
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200906301564.htm~~~Sri Lanka to take action against former rebels ~~~
Jun 30 (AP) Sri Lanka plans to take legal action against a small group of hardcore rebel fighters, and rehabilitate the majority of former Tamil Tiger insurgents, a government minister said on Tuesday. The government is currently holding about 10,000 former rebel fighters, after declaring victory in the nation's quarter century civil war in May.zzz03187256
http://www.himalmag.com/Repugnant-fillip-(Sri-Lanka)_nw3093.html~~~Repugnant fillip (Sri Lanka) ~~~July 1 (Himal) Mahinda Rajapakse has had a good few months. First, he resoundingly defeated the LTTE, ending a war that had raged for almost three decades. Then, just as calls for an international investigation into his government’s excesses during the final days of fighting were gaining strength, the United Nations essentially gave him a clean sheet. On 27 May, during a special session called to discuss Sri Lanka, the UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC) passed a resolution praising Colombo’s war policy, and zzz03187257
http://transcurrents.com/tc/2009/06/twenty_20_championship_well_do.html~~~Twenty 20 Championship: Well done, Sri Lanka~~~July 1 (TC) The Sri Lankan squad had a wonderful tournament, though the gloss was reduced by their comprehensive loss to Pakistan at the final hurdle. This disappointment should not be permitted to deny striking successes: (a) the comprehensive victories they secured over Australia (one of the favourites), West Indies (twice) and Pakistan in earlier rounds; and (b) the selection of Tillekeratne Dilshan as Player of the Tournament.zzz03187258
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/411187.html~~~Pakistanis fail to capitalise on fine start~~~July 1 (CI) Pakistan got some valuable batting practice on the second day of their practice game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, with openers Khurram Manzoor and Salman Butt both scoring half-centuries. Three wickets towards the end of day's play pegged the tourists back, as the Pakistan middle order failed to drive home the advantage after a great start. SLC XI started the day at 278 for 3, and added 67 to their overnight total to declare on 345 for 5. zzz03187259
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKCOL512100._CH_.2420?rpc=401&~~~Sri Lanka says will boost size of post-war armed forces~~~July 1 (Reuters) Sri Lanka plans to add at least 50,000 people to its security forces to help control territory won back from Tamil Tiger separatists in the 25-year war that ended in May, the government said on Tuesday. The move could further complicate the country's efforts to get an International Monetary Fund loan seen as an important sign of foreign support and a boost for its economy and markets.zzz03187261
http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/411309.html~~~'Playing as a batsman a bigger challenge'~~~July 1 (CI) Mahela Jayawardene has said Sri Lanka's home series against Pakistan from Saturday will be a bigger challenge for him after giving up the team's captaincy early this year because he now wants to push himself "to the limit" as a batsman. Jayawardene has discussed his new role with Kumar Sangakkara, his successor, and will focus on holding Sri Lanka's batting together and improve its disappointing home record against Pakistan.zzz03187262
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2009/06/090630_susil_champika.shtml~~~JHU 'will not leave' Govt.~~~
July 1 (BBC) A senior leader of Sri Lanka's government says, he is confident that a key coalition partner will not leave the government despite a threat by a Sinhala nationalist party. Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) will leave the coalition if the government fully implements the 13 amendment to the constitution, a senior JHU leader warned. zzz03187263
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090630/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankachinaeconomy~~~Sri Lanka carves out economic zone for China~~~July 1 (AFP) Sri Lanka granted Chinese companies a separate economic zone on the island which has just ended nearly four decades of ethnic bloodshed. China's Huichen Investment Holdings Limited will manage and bring new investments into the Mirigama zone, some 55 kilometers north of Colombo, for a period of 33 years, officials said. Over the next three-years, Huichen will invest 28 million dollars to develop roads, power and sewerage facilities in the zone,zzz03187260
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=85068~~~Rains raise fears of malaria setback ~~~July 1 (IRIN) Health experts warn that the arrival of monsoon rains in July could increase the risk of waterborne diseases for tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps in northern Sri Lanka. More than 280,000 people who fled fighting between government forces and the now defeated LTTE are staying in some 35 government camps in four northern districts - Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee. zzz03187265
http://blogs.wsj.com/privateequity/2009/06/29/new-pe-firm-says-sri-lanka-is-cinderella-story-of-asia/~~~New PE firm says Sri Lanka is Cinderella story of Asia~~~July 1 (WSJ) Private equity investors wax poetic about Asia, but for the most part, by Asia, they mean established economies like Japan, or up-and-comers like China or India. Sri Lanka tends to be an area that gets a lot less focus, but one firm, Singapore-based Calamander Capital Ltd., hopes to change that. Calamander, headed by Chairman Roman Scott, is looking to raise $150 million to invest in the South Asian island nation. zzz03187266
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8127128.stm~~~Security tight for Pakistan's tour~~~July 1 (BBC) Just a week after Pakistan beat their South Asian friends and rivals, the Sri Lankans, in the Twenty20 World Cup final at Lord's cricket ground in the UK, they have embarked on a tour of the island which will take in three test matches and five one-day internationals culminating in a Twenty20 finale. Because of the militant attack on Sri Lanka as they toured Pakistan last March, security is a big issue. zzz03187267
http://www.livemint.com/2009/06/30211543/Sri-Lanka-winning-the-war-on.html?h=B~~~Sri Lanka: winning the war on two fronts~~~July 1 (LM) When television channels across the globe began beaming visuals of Velupillai Prabhakaran’s body on 19 May, there was shock first and then, disbelief. Dressed in battle fatigues, his dog tag and his favourite revolver still on him, Prabhakaran’s skull was partially blown off, his eyes wide open even in death. Was he surprised? Shocked? Or simply frozen in fear when death came? No one will know for sure the exact circumstances under which he was killed. zzz03187268
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10409&Itemid=44~~~President pledges to protect nation freed by brave Armed Forces ~~~July 1 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa today pledged to protect and safeguard the nation freed by gallant troops and stressed that he would not allow anyone to disturb the freed country again."I will uphold and execute all what is contained in the 'Mahinda Chintana' with sacrifice', the President asserted. The President made these observations addressing the newly appointed SLFP Organisers and District Organiserszzz03187269
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/06/govt-turning-peoples-sacrifices-to-win.html~~~"Govt. turning peoples sacrifices to win war into nightmare and hopes into despair" ~~~July 1 (LG) It is a pity that people are increasingly beginning to realize that the end of the war after all is not reaping for them the benefits they expected and deserved despite the monumental sacrifices they made and sufferings they faced when the Government during the war went on ruthlessly imposing hardships on them by taxation , price hikes, tariff hikes and soaring cost of living burdens while taking refuge under the war expenditure. zzz03187270
http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2635:elections-are-held-to-extend-hegemony-of-the-family--vijithe-herath-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50~~~'Elections are held to extend hegemony of the family'~~~