The Colombo Times - Sri lankan's Unbiased Online Daily

Crowd gathers in Sri Lanka hill country for horse races

2009-04-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

A large crowd gathered in most famous Sri Lankan hill country, Nuwara Eliya to catch the skills of local horces.

According to the Sri Lanka Turf Club, the organizing party of the horse races, Nuwara Eliya city was packed as the country’s most prestigious race, the 2009 class 1 Governor's Cup over 10 furlongs and Queen's Cup horse races were held last evening. It is the 123rd edition of the Governor's Cup this year.

British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka was also among the participants in the event.

The Nuwara Eliya turf season began on April 4th and another meet will be held on 18th of this month.

In addition the Nuwara Eliya city was radiating as the springtime dawned with the Sinhala and Hindu New Year season.

Report on the food supplies to Wanni by Commissioner General of Essential Services

2008-10-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Commissioner General of Essential Services on Wednesday (Oct 15) submitted a report to His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on the on going operations to supply foods to Wanni. The report states that the government has been able to continue provision of sufficient food stocks to the civilians living in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts effectively despite non cooperation of some international aid agencies . Further, the report recall that it is the government of Sri Lanka that has been providing foods to terror stricken areas during last 20 years and state that this has been carried out with the utmost commitment to protect its own citizen but not to satisfy any international agency.

Following is the report in full :

Food Supplies to Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts
Introduction :
Food supplies to the above districts are based on three categories. i.e.,
(a) People who were displaced prior to 11.08.2006

(b) People who were displaced after August 2006

(c) Food for sales to the general public by the Cooperatives

The government of Sri Lanka under the supervision of the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services maintains food supplies to the first category. The World Food Programme(WFP) under the supervision of the Ministry for Nation Building assists the government to supply food to the second category of people. Food and Non-food supplies for sale to the third category have been provided monthly with the recommendation of the Government Agents of the respective districts. The government has so far maintained uninterrupted supplies to all the categories refereed to above. Details with regard to food supplies from January to date are given in the below illustrated tables.

Emergency Operations

On the directive of H.E. the President, an emergency operation was launched to ensure uninterrupted supplies to the internally displaced people (IDPs) where they are currently located in the above districts. The operational principles and modality for food delivery under this programme was mapped out and executed under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, M.P. and the Senior Advisor to H.E. the President. A high level Committee Chaired by him with the following Members were appointed to monitor and over see the entire operation.

i Hon. Abdul Risath Bathiyutheen - Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services

ii Secretaries of the Ministries of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services and Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development

iii Commissioner General of Essential Services

iv Chief of the Defence Staff

v Mr. Neil Buhne, Resident Representative of UNDP

vi Country Director ICRC

vii Country Director WFP

In order to successfully implement the emergency food delivery programme, the following operational principles were agreed to:

a. To maintain a buffer stock of nearly 5000 MT of essential food commodities (Dhal, flour, sugar, vegetable oil ) at the logistic network already established in Vavuniya. This arrangement was made to ensure speedy supplies to Wanni instead of having to transport from Colombo.

b. An exclusive convoy of 75 trucks containing 750 MT of the above food items to depart from Vavuniya to the above districts weekly. All these trucks to be sealed at the logistic hub in Vavuniya in the presence of Sri Lanka Army to avoid security checks at Omanthai Entry/Exit Point.

c. UN/WFP Staff to accompany the convoy to monitor the delivery of food to the allocated warehouses. i.e., Kandavalai, Dharmapuram, Puthukkudiyiruppu and Mulliyavalai. These warehouses were identified in order to ensure that food is delivered to the places where the people are largely located

Performance
The first convoy of 51 trucks with 750 MT of food items, which left Wanni on 3rd October 2008 successfully completed its mission. The respective GAs have confirmed delivery and distribution of the stock to the beneficiaries.

The second convoy of 50 trucks loaded with 750 MT of food cargo at Vavuniya logistic hub were to depart for Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts on 10.10.2008 could not proceed due to reluctance of the UN/WFP to travel on the new route suggested by the Security Forces Commander in Wanni. The first convoy travelled on Vavuniya, Mankulam, Oddusudan route and reached the destination as referred to above. However, the second convoy was advised to take the route from Vavuniya, Pullaiankulam, Nedunkeny and Oddusudan. This change of route was decided due to security reasons. Despite repeated requests by us, the convoy had not moved up to date.

Due to the failure of the WFP to move the food convoy, it became extremely necessary to arrange an urgent procurement from Vavuniya to ensure emergency food supplies to the above districts. On the advice of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa M.P., the Commissioner General with the assistance of the GA Vavuniya and Kilinochchi initiated an immediate action plan to procure food items from Vavuniya on Sunday (Oct 12). Consequently, 20 trucks loaded with nearly 300 MT of flour were sent on urgent basis to the above districts on Monday (Oct 13), on the new route.

Due to a damage of a culvert on this route which was caused by heavy rain the convoy could not move the same day. Having completed immediate repairs with the involvement of GA Vavuniya, the convoy reached the destination by Tuesday (Oct 14) evening, and distribution commenced on Wednesday (Oct 15).

The GOSL continues to carry out the emergency operation to ensure that its people in Wanni will get sufficient food supplies without depending on the foreign aid.

The Role of the World Food Programme
The action of the UN/WFP to delay the 50 trucks already loaded with the goods until security assessment of its Mission is completed is unacceptable. According to the terms of the Letter of Understanding between the WFP and GOSL, the overall objective of the operation to be assisted by WFP. In other words, WFP is to support the Government in its efforts to improve the food security of vulnerable people in conflict areas. The Government is responsible to implement the operation and for ensuring that the commodities provided by WFP are properly transported, received, handled and accounted for and distributed to the beneficiaries. Also, it will facilitate the safe and unimpeded access for delivery distribution and monitoring of these commodities. Security clearance for relief convoys that the government wish to send including food donated by the WFP will rest only on the Government and not on any foreign determination.

Under these circumstances, action by UN/WFP to withhold this convoy is deplorable. This action has impeded the uninterrupted supplies to Wanni Districts for which WFP should take the responsibility. Certain attitudes of some UN Agencies and INGOs have raised serious concerns in the recent past as well.

Conclusion
Despite all these impediments, action has been taken by the government to fulfill its commitment to ensure uninterrupted supplies and avoid any shortage of food. The Committee headed by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP, has now decided to make arrangements to deliver a convoy of 150 trucks containing basic food items to these areas.

The Commissioner General has directed respective GAs to distribute the food that is already available in the Multi Purpose Cooperative Shops (rice is available in plenty in these districts), in the event of any shortage. The GAs have cooperated in this emergency endeavour in an excellent manner. Coordinating Committee headed by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP is constantly monitoring the operation and it will ensure that there would not be any shortage of food to the displaced people and the public of these districts at this period.

Further, the GOSL has not sought any logistic supervision by any external agencies, as it is fully capable of discharging all its relief and other logistic functions. Any attempt by any agency to undermine its proven logistic role will have to be considered as hostile to the Government.

There has been no control by the UN Agencies and other Non-government organisations on actual distribution of the relief supplies to the beneficiaries. The Government always welcome the representation of the UN or other expatriate agencies to accompany the trucks, if they wish to do so. The Government logistic system works perfectly well to the satisfaction of the beneficiaries and the UN partners. The Government has been providing relief measures and logistic network to these terror-stricken areas for over 20 years. It is being carried with enormous difficulties and threat, not to satisfy the UN or INGOs but by deep-seated commitment of the GOSL to protect and feed its own citizens during these difficult years of their lives.

FM calls UN to proscribe LTTE as an international terrorist group

2008-10-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama who is currently on an official visit to Australia, has called on the UN Working Group under the Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) to consider listing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as an international terrorist group. He made this call, while delivering an address to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), a prestigious, independent think tank in Canberra last Monday (13 October 2008).

Minister Bogollgama, speaking at the forum, stated, "I strongly believe that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which has earned international notoriety and opprobrium for its countless cold blooded and savage acts of terrorism, targeting not only high profile politicians and military personnel, but ordinary civilians, designed to cause maximum casualties and property destruction, is a prime candidate for consideration by the Working Group for listing, as an international terrorist group.

The LTTE is pre-eminently qualified to meet the criteria for such listing. After all, the LTTE has been described as "probably the most sophisticated terrorist organization in the world", by Dr. Magnus Ranstorp, Chief Scientist at the Centre Asymmetric Threat Studies of the Swedish National Defence College".

The Foreign Minister during the course of his wide ranging lecture on the theme, "Global Action on Countering Terrorism", urged the international community to pursue front organizations of the LTTE, posing off as charities and humanitarian relief groups, which continue to raise funds to fill the LTTE war chest. In this respect, he said that the United States has taken a bold lead in targeting the support network of the LTTE by designating the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), which had long claimed itself to be a charitable organization, as a front to facilitate fund raising and procurement of weapons for the LTTE.

The Minister stressed that the onus is now clearly upon the international community to support Sri Lanka, by taking tangible and meaningful steps to eradicate terrorism from the island, and help the government to restore democracy and rebuild the damaged infrastructure in the North and the East. He said, "We believe that the true friends of Sri Lanka in the international community, who have the well being of our people at heart must put their money where their mouth is, by taking decisive action to stop funds being raised under various ruses, which are being channeled to finance the LTTE's operations".

Elaborating on the present military operations in the North, Minister Bogollgama declared that the Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation of civilians in the uncleared areas, as the military operations enter a decisive phase to free these areas from the terrorists. The Minister emphasized that, as a responsible government, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's administration is acutely conscious and aware of its responsibilities towards all citizens of Sri Lanka.

He said that, "this is why, even as there is intensification of the military strikes against the LTTE, there is remarkably minimal collateral civilian casualties. This has not occurred by chance or a fortuitous turn of circumstances, but rather in pursuance of the government directive to the military to adhere strictly to a policy of "zero civilian casualty", in combating terrorism".

Referring to the situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts, the Minister said, "it is important that we bear in mind that the situation of those displaced due to the on-going military operations in the Wanni, as previously in the case of the East, is merely a temporary dislocation".

On the other hand, the Minister questioned the lukewarm attitude of the international community towards the plight of the Muslim community of the Northern Province, which has been expelled at gun point by the LTTE 18 years ago. He asked, "I wonder why the shrill voices of those who are screaming of a non-existent humanitarian catastrophe in the Wanni, are deafeningly silent on the plight of the over 100,000 Muslims who are now languishing in refugee camps, after being forcibly evicted by the LTTE from the North. 24th October marks the 18th anniversary of the ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the North by the LTTE.

75,000 Muslims were compelled to vacate their homes at gun point on this day in 1990 by the LTTE, and after they were driven out of their lands, which they had inhabited from time immemorial, the LTTE went about systematically looting and pillaging the properties and valuables of these hapless people". Minister Bogollgama declared, "If any proof were needed of the racist nature of the LTTE, the ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the North, speaks for itself - res ipsa loquitur".

In conclusion, the Foreign Minister urged UN member nations to ratify all major UN Conventions relating to terrorism. The Minister noted, "Nothing short of this commitment would suffice in the global struggle to eliminate the modern day scourge of terrorism, which has blighted the lives of millions of people around the world".

Jayalalitha deplores Karunanidhi for actively supporting an internationally banned terror outfit

2008-10-16T11:55:00.001-07:00

Tamil Nadu state assembly opposition leader and the Southern Indian state's former Chief Minister accused the State's current Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi of actively supporting the LTTE terrorists and not doing anything for the poor Tamil civilians who are being used as a human shield by the Tigers to safeguard themselves.

" Reports reveal that the LTTE is using the innocent civilians, living in that areas, as human shields by preventing the Tamils from leaving to safer places. This horrible practice of using civilians as human shield must be stopped forthwith," she said.

Jeyalalitha Jeyaram, who is popularly known as "Amma" (mother) in Indian politics is also the leader of the other large party in the state AIADMK. She challenged Karunanidhi to prevail upon the terrorist group to send the innocent civilians to safer areas where they are not purposely exposed to the horrors of war by the LTTE terrorists, Jayalalitha said.

AIADMK , the political party she heads officially boycotted the "All Party Meeting" Karunanidhi presided over two days ago on the Sri Lankan crisis .

Karunanidhi in a statement after the meeting claimed they decided that all parties in the Tamil Nadu should resign from their parliamentary memberships both in the lower house and upper house if the New Delhi government does not impose a ceasefire on the Sri Lankan government within two weeks.

But contrary to the announced agreement Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi resigned from her Upper House seat without staying for two weeks.

New Delhi government also said , they cannot impose such measures as they could not interfere with the sovereignty of a foreign government.

Jeyalalitha in her statement accused Karunanidhi of duplicity and charged that he was only trying to safeguard a terrorist group which is banned in India and least bothered about the civilians.

Jayalalitha said Karunanidhi's decision to for the MP's to resign is mere drama and would not serve the purposes of the Tamil people.

Jayalalith said the Indian government does not have the moral right to interfere with the Sri Lankan government and stop the war as it would open floodgates to interfere with the sovereignty of India by other countries.

She said she is amazed that this basic fact is not known by a person who had held the Chief Ministership of the state for five times.

Troops capture another LTTE stronghold- Kilinochchi

2008-10-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

Troops of the 58 Division operating in the Western Kilinochchi battlefront, Thursday(Oct 16) seized total control over Manniyankulama area considered a LTTE strongpoint, 13.5 Northeast of Nachchikuda.

According to military sources, troops are now consolidating defences in the area.

Terrorists suffer heavy damages in Northern fighting

2008-10-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

Security forces mounted heavy artillery and mortar attacks at LTTE positions leaving scores killed and as many injured including two LTTE leaders, at Muhamalai, Jaffna, today (Oct 16). Fighting ensued between troops and LTTE since 4a.m, according to Jaffna security sources.

Successive LTTE counter attacks were also thwarted by the military as troops claimed heavy damages to LTTE in the hours long fighting which lasted till noon. The slain LTTE leaders were identified as Kanyan and Isaiman, according to military. 3 soldiers have laid their lives and 9 others reported wounded during the confrontation, security sources said.

President won't betray country – JHU

2008-10-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

JHU national organizer Patali Champika Ranawaka says he strongly believes the president will never betray the country and will not stop the war until the north is saved from terrorism. The government minister also told the media in Colombo today (Oct. 16th) that India had no right to interfere in Sri Lanka's affairs.
Accusing New Delhi of having supplied arms and given training to the LTTE in the 1980s, Mr. Ranawaka said India had to pay for its interference with the life of Rajiv Gandhi.

India will have to face similar repercussions if it tries to involve again in Sri Lanka's internal issues, he warned.

Pointing to pressure by Tamil communalistic parties in South India for a cessation of hostilities, the JHU national organizer said his party would get Buddhist parties in that country to urge New Delhi against any involvement.

He asked Sri Lankan Tamils to ask India to extend its support to the humanitarian missions in the north by the president to save them from terrorism.

Mr. Ranawaka accused certain political parties and groups in the south of trying to create political instability by pointing to attempts by India to involve itself in the Sri Lankan issue.

If that happens, a repeat of what had happened in the 1980s would be unavoidable, he warned.

Since ancient times, South Indian invaders had targeted Sri Lanka, he said, and called for an extensive union to prevent a likely invasion of the sort in the future.

When a journalist questioned the JHU's stance if the government enters negotiations at the request of New Delhi, Mr. Ranawaka ended the media briefing by saying that the media has no right to ask questions of that nature.

SC told of positive presidential response

2008-10-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has responded positively to the meeting between the prime minister and the opposition leader to discuss appointments to the Constitutional Council, Acting Attorney General, Priyasath Dep told the Supreme Court today (Oct. 16th).
He was reporting the progress of the CC issuer when the SC took up a fundamental rights application filed by Dr. Sumanasiri Liyanage, a senior lecturer of economics at University of Peradeniya and attorney Subash Ravi Jayawardena, an Executive Director of South Asia Peace Institute.

The petitioners allege that their rights had been violated due to the non-appointment of the CC.

Previously, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva had directed to reach consensus with regard to appointments to the CC in order to fully implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.

The acting AG further said the prime minister and the opposition leader have reached agreement on the five nominees and would take the matter up with the President in the neat future.

The SC directed the Acting AG to report progress to the court on November 14th.

Policeman shot dead in Chenkaladi

2008-10-16T11:48:00.002-07:00

A police constable on duty at road block in Chenkaladi, Batticaloa was shot dead at 7.10 p.m. today, police sources said.

Police said they suspected that the LTTE pistol gang was involved in the shooting.

Karunanidhi plans human chain demo on Lankan Tamil issue

2008-10-16T11:48:00.001-07:00

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi today said a 'human chain' demonstration would be held in Chennai on October 21, to remind the Centre of the all-party meet's decision, to ask its MPs to resign if no action was taken on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue within a fortnight, according to a PTI report.

In a statement, Karunanidhi said the human chain was to remind the Centre of the six resolutions passed at the all-party meeting here on October 14.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people to participate in the agitation in large numbers.

Meanwhile, writing in the DMK's official organ 'Murasoli', he said as per the resolution, DMK ministers in the Manmohan Singh ministry would quit if the Centre did not take action to stop the killings of Tamils in Sri Lanka within a fortnight.

"The very fact that they will resign their Parliament seats means they will also be resigning from the ministry", he said, replying to MDMK chief Vaiko's demand in this regard.

On AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa's charge that the meet was a farce and the resolutions amounted to supporting the LTTE, he said, her statement had been appreciated by the Sri Lankan President's advisor, Basil Rajapakse.

"This clearly proves who are all with the Sri Lankan government. At least now people of the state will understand who is committing acts inimical to the Tamils', he said.

A British tourist drowns in Southern Sri Lanka

2008-10-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

A British tourist who was in Sri Lanka for a short vacation found dead in the Habaraduwa Sea area in Southern Sri Lanka.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said this British man’s body, identified as Richard Steven was found by the people of the Mihiripana area in Galle this afternoon.

According to the sources the tourist has drowned in the sea while he was bathing in the area with his wife yesterday.

Another gold medal for Sri Lanka at Commonwealth Games in India

2008-10-16T11:45:00.001-07:00

Sri Lankan men’s 4x100m relay team earned another gold medal at the Third Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India yesterday evening.

In the finals Sri Lankan team of Ranil Shehan Jayawardena, Dewage Roshan Chamara Silva, Keith Thishan De Mel and Shehan Sadaruwan Abeypitiyage won the event establishing a new games record with a time of 40.85 seconds.

Today is the fifth day of the youth Commonwealth games and few other Sri Lankan athletes are scheduled to participate in their finals this evening.

Kollywood to rally for Lankan Tamils

2008-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Known for its penchant for active involvement in political issues, the Tamil film industry is lending its support to the efforts by the state parties to bring focus back on the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils by calling for a protest rally on Sunday.
Over 2,000 people, including top stars, directors and other film personalities, are expected to converge at Rameswaram island, which is in close proximity to Sri Lanka

The rally will demand a halt to the island army's ongoing offensive in the north of the neighbouring republic, industry sources said.

Hectic arrangements are underway for staging the rally and the industry personnel would travel to the pilgrim town of Rameswaram by a special train from Chennai, they said.

The move, ostensibly aimed at pressuring the Centre to arrange a ceasefire between the Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, is spearheaded by Director Bharathiraja and comes after the steady revival of the Sri Lankan Tamils issue in the past few weeks after a gap of 17 years.

Political parties, gearing up for next Lok Sabha polls, are attempting to whip up support for the ethnic Tamils apparently to make the emotional issue a poll plank.

The support for Sri Lankan Tamils gathered momentum as the island's army made successful forays into the Tigers' last stronghold of Killinochi, cornering LTTE [Images] chief V Prabhakaran and a vast network of his militant group.

However, unlike the Hogenakkal issue in which the film industry put up a united show in April to oppose the attempts by Karnataka to stall the drinking water project for two border districts in Tamil Nadu, differences have come to the fore over the Rameswaram rally.

A section of actors has expressed reservations over participating in the agitation.

Some actors and artistes are apprehensive about the choice of the venue for the rally as they feel it would be difficult to make themselves available at a far-off place at short notice.

"We are apprehensive about the security of the artistes. Besides, how many people can be accommodated in the small town," an actor speaking on condition of anonymity told PTI.

"In fact, the South Indian Artistes' Association had on Sunday only expressed its moral support to the rally but had not confirmed on its participation," the actor said.

Bharathiraja, on the other hand, had defended the decision to hold the rally in Rameswaram, saying "The island is known throughout the nation and the world and our voice from here will be heard in Sri Lanka."

There is no word yet on the participation of matinee idols Rajnikanth [Images] and Kamalahaasan in the rally.

The industry grapevine has it that Rajnikanth may play safe by absenting himself as he might not like a repeat of the Hogenakkal hunger strike that landed him in trouble both in his home state of Karnataka as well as Tamil Nadu.

Kamalahaasan, who had shared the stage with Rajnikanth and others during the film industry fast over the Hogenakkal issue, too has been silent on the issue. Sources close to the actor told PTI he was busy with his next venture Marmayogi.

However, the actor's pro-Tamil sentiments were well known, they said hinting that he may pitch in at the last minute as Rameswaram was close to his native town of Paramakudi.

Actor-politician Vijaykant appears to be another doubtful for the rally as it comes just a day after the youth conference of his DMDK in Chennai.

Massive Protests Call against Sri Lanka in Malaysia

2008-10-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Massive protest against Sri Lanka has been called by the Malaysian Democratic Action Party (DAP), Jalan, and Baru branch on October 17, 2008 in front of Jalan, Muniswaran Temple in Malaysia.
According to the Secretary of the Jalan, Baru Branch, Mr. Sathees, Massive protest against Sri Lanka and its genocides against Tamils has been called by the Malaysian Democratic Action Party (DAP), Jalan, Baru branch on October 17, 2008, Friday, 8:00 p.m in front of Jalan, Muniswaran Temple in Malaysia. This protests will be attended by the Elected members of the DAP from both provincial legislative and Parliament.

Malaysian Tamils also express their concerns on the serious plights of over 230,000 Internally Displaced People including 40,000 children who are living in degraded conditions with minimum access to food, medicines, and other basic essentials as UN aid agencies and INGOs were forced out from Vanni by the Sri Lankan government, concerned Jalan Tamil resident told TNS.

The European Commission allocates a further Euro 4.5 million in humanitarian aid for flood victims in Bihar ( India ) and Nepal

2008-10-16T05:34:00.002-07:00

New Delhi, 16 October 2008 -- The European Commission, which has already contributed Euro 2 million to provide relief to the victims of the Bihar and Nepal floods, has now allocated an additional Euro 3.5 million for Bihar and Euro 1 million for Nepal to address the continuing urgent needs. These funds will be used for food, shelter, water and sanitation, primary health and protection and will be channelled through the European Commission's partners in the area; non governmental organisations (NGOs) and United Nations (UN) agencies.

This is in response to the events in August, when an embankment on the Kosi River collapsed leading to heavy flooding in Nepal and the Indian State of Bihar .

These were the worst floods in the region for 50 years, affecting the lives of more than four million people. At least two million were displaced from their homes and an estimated 150,000 hectares of crops were destroyed.

Four farmers shot dead in Ampara

2008-10-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

Four farmers were shot dead early today by some unidentified persons at Vammiyadikulam, in Ampara, Police spokesman said.

Deal with TN more responsibly than with India – Lakshman

2008-10-16T05:33:00.001-07:00

Lakshman Kiriella today addressing a press conference said that the Sri Lankan Government must deal with Tamil Nadu more responsibly than with the Indian Central Government.

Australia notes people smuggling rise from Sri Lanka

2008-10-16T05:32:00.002-07:00

The Australian Federal Police says there has been a significant rise in attempted people smuggling operations from Sri Lanka, both by sea and air.

Magnitude 4.9 shakes South Indian Ocean

2008-10-16T05:32:00.001-07:00

An earthquake has occured at the South Indian Ocean with the magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale.

Nespray, Anchor, Kotmale, Maliban, Diamond free of Melamine

2008-10-16T05:31:00.001-07:00

Test results on the leading milk powder brands Nespray, Anchor, Kotmale, Maliban and Diamond have proven to be free of Melamine, Minister of Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena said.

TN demand orchestrated by LTTE - Gotabhaya

2008-10-16T05:30:00.001-07:00

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said today that the demand from political parties in Tamil Nadu for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka appeared to be orchestrated by the LTTE and refused to halt the military campaign against the Tigers.

And in remarks, clearly aimed at Tamil Nadu’s politicians, he also said in an interview: “Everyone needs to remember that Sri Lankan Tamils are Sri Lankan citizens. It is our duty to solve their problems.”

Bribery Commission summons PBJ

2008-10-16T05:29:00.001-07:00

Former Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera was summoned before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Wednesday where he gave a recorded statement pursuant to the Lanka Marine Services Limited (LMSL) Supreme Court judgment which called on several state agencies including the Bribery Commission to launch investigations and act on the Court's findings.

Commission sources said that the investigation which commenced some time ago is now in its last stages.

CMC financial mismanagment case on November 3

2008-10-16T05:27:00.003-07:00

Chief Justice Sarath N.Silva today directed Counsel for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to inform Court on November 3rd what steps have been taken regarding the complaint pertaining to the financial mismanagement of public funds in the Council based on the findings of the one man committee headed by retired Appeal Court Judge, Chandradasa Nanayakkara.

The CJ made the ruling when the case was taken up today.

Colombo stocks slide on Asian fall

2008-10-16T05:27:00.001-07:00

Colombo stocks fell on Thursday in line with Asian and US markets where the indices crashed in a continuation of the US financial crisis, brokers said.

They however expected the market to recover in the next few days. Among the main pickings, Dialog fell by 25 cents to Rs 7.75, JKH dropped by Rs 1.50 to close at Rs 74, CIC fell by Rs 2.50 to Rs 35.75 while Maskeliya Plantations saw a stock of 365,200 shares being traded lower by Rs 1.25 to Rs 26.75.

The All Share Index fell by 41.72 points to 1,985.79 while the Milanka dropped by 46.97 points to close at 2,213.28 .

Indian PM asks Lanka to stop violence

2008-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

With Tamil Nadu MPs threatening to resign en masse over 'atrocities against fellow Tamils in Sri Lanka,' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (October 15th) sent a stern message to Colombo to deescalate hostilities and underscored the need for a political settlement that respects the rights of minorities.

"The situation in Sri Lanka remains a cause of serious concern to India. We are concerned at the escalation of hostilities," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters.

He said this when asked whether he had spoken to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse in the wake of a threat by Tamil Nadu MPs, irrespective of party affiliation, to resign over what they allege to be continuing atrocities against Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka.

'We are concerned about the harassment and killing of Indian fishermen in the neighbouring country,' Manmohan Singh said at a press conference at the end of the third IBSA summit with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Kgalema Motlanthe.

"India has always believed that there can't be a military victory in Lanka," he said.

"We have always believed that the situation in Sri Lanka required a negotiated political settlement that respects human rights of the Tamil minorities," the prime minister stressed.

The prime minister's remarks came in the wake of an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu, convened by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi that warned the Centre that all MPs from the state would resign if the government failed to halt the war in the island nation within two weeks.

In a strong message, the DMK, a key ally of the UPA regime, and other parties demanded that India halt all military aid to Sri Lanka, take steps to halt Colombo's military offensive to ensure the return of peace, and dispatch humanitarian aid.