Sep 1 (UCAN) Father Benedict Joseph felt disappointed by what he saw when he peered out of the sacristy and scanned the pews as he vested for the Sunday evening Mass. Few youths were present. "It is very disheartening that within the last three years, youth attendance has decreased at an alarming rate," the priest told UCA News before celebrating Mass on Aug. 19. He estimated youth attendance at Mass currently stands at around 20 percent. more..

Sep 1 (RW) In recent years, the coastal region of Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka has been buffeted by civil war and natural disaster. A long-standing conflict between the LTTE, the Sri Lankan Army, and the paramilitary group, Karuna, has created a persistent climate of fear and instability. The violence has driven thousands of people to abandon their villages and seek security in camps. more..

Sep 1 (GDI) “The higher education system in Sri Lanka should adapt to a new methodology of formulating a development oriented education,” said Minister of Higher Education Wiswa Warnapala. He said that the ‘social demand model of education’ which existed in the since the initiation of free education needs to be broadened in tune with the global trends. more..

Sep 1 (BBC) United Nations are currently reviewing over 5000 enforced disappearances during the last few years in Sri Lanka, an international rights watchdog said. In a statement issued to mark International Day for the Disappeared, Amnesty International (AI) says United Nations Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) is reviewing more than 5700 unresolved cases. more..

Sep 1 (UCAN) Church people are sending thousands of postcards requesting clemency for a Muslim Sri Lankan housemaid condemned to death by a Saudi court for killing her employer's baby. Caritas Kandy, also known as SETIK (Social and Economic Training Institute Kandy) has been campaigning for Rizana Nafeek, 19, who was 17 when the baby died in her care. SETIK joined other NGOs and the United States-based Human Rights Watch in calling for clemency. more..

Sep 1 (BBC) Sri Lanka's splinter queen Susanthaika Jayasinghe, 32, came third at the World Athletics Meet held in Osaka, Japan. USA's Allyson Felix, 21, made a new World Record with 21.81 seconds and Jamaica's Veronica Campbell secured the Silver Medal with 22.34 seconds. Clocking 22.63 seconds Susanthika Jayasinghe secured the Bronze Medal as USA's Torri Edwards came very close with 22.65 seconds. more..

Sep 1 (AFP) Muttiah Muralitharan's likely absence from next month's inaugural World Twenty20 remains unconfirmed. Murali was unable to play any significant part in Lancashire's drawn LV County Championship Division One match against Kent at Canterbury after he strained his bicep on day one. Contrary to subsequent reports from Sri Lanka, however, no decision on his participation in South Africa will be taken until after he returns home on Saturday with the scans on his injury. more..

Sep 1 (BBC) International media watchdogs have expressed concern over removing security provided to Sunday Times journalist, Iqbal Athas. In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it is alarmed by grave threats made against the veteran defence columnist. Athas "has come under extraordinary pressure following his investigations into irregularities surrounding a 2006 deal to purchase MiG-27 fighter jets from Ukraine," the letter stated. more..

Sep 1 (BBC) An 'invisible hand' is working on a secret agenda to tarnish the good name of Sri Lanka, the chairman of a powerful Presidential Commission said. Mahanama Thilakeratne, chairman of the Commission to investigate killings, disappearances, abductions and unidentified dead bodies said many who were reported disappeared have come back to their relatives unnoticed. "I urge those involved in publicising these events to come to Sri Lanka and seek correct information from the police," more..

Sep 1 (AT) How sincere are some of those who advocate inter-religious dialogue? Some Buddhists suspect that it is a Trojan horse meant to subvert Buddhism and Hinduism here. After all religious amity was nothing new to pre-colonial Sri Lanka until European invaders promoted conversion campaigns, leading to present-day religious frictions in the island. more..

Sep 1 (NIP) Supreme Court has on Friday ruled that Ramar Sethu cannot be damaged in any manner until further orders. A Bench comprising Justice B N Agrawal and Justice P P Naolekar, however, said that the dredging work may be carried out so long as it does not damage the Ramar Sethu. The Bench directed the Centre to file an affidavit and posted the matter to September 14 when Subramanian Swamy's application for interim stay will be considered. more..

Sep 1 (Hindu) Sri Lanka has no plans for a “major offensive” in the territory currently under the control of the LTTE, according to Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. The government-run paper Daily News quoted the Minister currently on a visit to Malaysia, as saying that the main priority of the Rajapaksa regime is to find a political solution to the ethnic conflict. “We want the LTTE to return to the negotiating table,” the Minister was quoted as saying. more..

Sep 1 (KT) Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein A. Bhaila concluded his three-day visit to Kuwait on Wednesday. Bhaila's visit came months after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Kuwait last May wherein various investment, cultural and tourism agreements were signed. The deputy foreign minister mentioned the ongoing discussion regarding the transfer of prisoners agreement, which he declared nearly finalized. more..

Sep 1 (wsws) The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) initiated by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse last year to work out a constitutional plan to end the country’s long-running civil war has all but collapsed. Far from being a surprise, the committee’s failure simply confirms that the government’s agenda was not a negotiated peace, but the renewal of war against the LTTE. more..

Sep 1 (FI) Sri Lanka’s Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said recently “the LTTE terrorism has been the greatest setback and the biggest obstacle to smooth socio-economic advancement”. True, the high military expenditure on top of other wasteful expenses is not only depriving funds for development but also hurting many people intolerably, except the agents and their masters who profit dishonestly through the purchases of arms and equipment for the military. more..

Sep 1 (FI) The recent Al-Jazeera television documentary ‘Monks of war’ provided a rare insight into Sinhala-Buddhist perspectives on the long running ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. The objectivity and clarity in presenting the opposing viewpoints within this perspective was admirable. The Al-Jazeera TV network and the presenter Juliana Ruhfus deserve our gratitude for a job well done and for bringing issues long swept under the carpet into the open. more..

Sep 1 (Fri) It was with the recent `Democratic Forum' meeting in Sttutgart, Germany, a new Tamil political alliance is in the making with the TULF, PLOTE and the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (Naba wing) joining hands. The TULF leader V. Anandasangaree, PLOTE leader D. Sitharthan and the EPRLF (Naba) leader T. Sritharan appeared on the same platform at the Stuttgart Forum where hundreds of expatriate Tamils, most of them ex-Tamil militants expressed their views on the current situation in the North and East. more..

Sep 1 (Fri) Let's get back to the Stadium itself. Fringed on both sides by the Indian Ocean, it is one of the most picturesque grounds in Sri Lanka with competition coming from Asgiriya and perhaps now, the Dambulla International Stadium. Tony Greig in his commentaries praises this venue to the hilt. With the Dutch Fort in the background and the two sea-side views it is indeed picturesque and gives one the sense of 'openness' which other grounds like the MCG for instance or more..

Sep 1 (Fri) Will Australia tolerate radio stations broadcasting Taliban or Al-Queda propaganda in the name of freedom of expression? We doubt it very much. But apparently she has no compunctions in allowing pro-LTTE radio broadcasters to vilify Sri Lanka and appeal for funds from Australia's Tamil citizens to fill the Tiger coffers. The SinhalaNet reports that radio stations in Melbourne and Sydney are open to Tamil Tiger leaders in the Wanni who come on line regularly to plead for funds by glorifying the terror tactics of the Tamil Tigers. more..

Sep 1 (Fri) Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa this week came out with a timely statement, quite patriotic in nature, when he addressed a passing out parade at Galkiriyagama. He assured that the war will not be passed onto the future generation. Rajapaksa also asserted the Government's determination to see an end to the war to establish permanent peace. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is a battle hardened soldier now occupying the office of Defence Secretary. He has expressed a sincere thought to save future generations from the war. more..

Sep 1 (LeN) Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga says that the SLFP needs honest and intelligent leaders to guide it in the right path alienating it from the current wrong doings. She made this observation at a discussion with the SLFP - People's Wing representatives led by Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Suriyaarachchi. The dialogue was held at the former President's official residence this morning (31). more..

Sep 1 (LeN) JVP sources say that Vimal Weerawansa has been stripped off all his responsibilities as the party Propaganda Secretary sparing only the outfit of the post. Now defunct 'Lanka' newspaper which was under Vimal Weerawansa's responsibilities will be re commenced under Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Weerawansa confidents, Editior-in-Chief Thissa Nihal Wickramasinghe and News Editor Dharma Sri Kariyawasam have been removed from the posts. more..

Sep 1 (AT) The President of the All Ceylon Thareekathul Muflihen confirms the existence of Wahabists in Kattankudy and other parts of Sri Lanka and lamented of the “Arson and destruction caused by Wahabists in the name of religion in the country.” M.C.A. Hameed, pointed out that in December 2006 Seihul Mufliheen M.S.M. Abdullah (Rah) passed away and his body was laid to rest in the Thareeka premises according to his wish, but Wahabists exhumed his body took it away and presumably burnt or buried it, more..

Sep 1 (LBO) Sri Lanka's central bank, which regulates the country's financial system, has sought the views of the banking community on new draft corporate governance rules for banks. "The need for a mandatory code of corporate governance arises due to the significance of the business of banks in the economy and current global developments in corporate governance practices," the Central Bank said in a statement. more..

Sep 1 (LBO) Sri Lanka's liquid petroleum gas (LPG) prices are to be adjusted every two months on a price formula agreed with the island's consumer authority, Shell Gas Lanka said. The utility raised the price of a 12.5 kilogram domestic cylinder by 213 rupees Friday to 1,298 rupees and a small 2.3 kilogram cylinder to 239 rupees. "The increase in price comes after a long period of discussions and negotiations during which the price of gas was kept artificially low and the company suffered huge losses," more..

Sep 1 (GDI) 150 Co-op Cities will be established island wide in 60 days rapid programme with the aim of bringing down the cost of living. The decision was taken yesterday at a special meeting of the Cost of Living Committee headed by Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayake. The 150 Co - op City shops are to be established mainly in rural areas including the north east. more..

Sep 1 (GDI) Minister of Foreign Affaires Rohitha Bogollagama called on the King of Malaysia at the Melawati Palace in Putrajaya. He also met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmed Badawi. Minister Bogollagama is on an official visit to Malaysia and had the opportunity of attending as a special guest at the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations held at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur yesterday(31st August 2007). more..

Sep 1 (CI) Ashantha de Mel, Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors, has backed the Indian Cricket League, urging Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which has hitherto threatened players with bans if they participate in the ICL, to soften its stance. De Mel, speaking to the Island newspaper, said: "I can't understand the decision to ban players from all activities. It may be affect India's television rights and so on, but then that's their problem." more..

Sep 1 (GDN) TWO former students in Bahrain will continue their education in a private school in Sri Lanka thanks to the support of the Sri Lankan Muslims Welfare organisation.Sri Lankans Tariq and Raed Rasool, aged 15 and nine, lost their father Tuan Faris Rasool last December when he suffered a severe brain haemorrhage. The Asian School students had been unable to continue their education due to lack of financial support. more..

Sep 1 (GDLN) "Success by design” is the motto driving reforms to public sector services in Sri Lanka. The government has appointed several hundred chief innovation officers (CIOs) in central offices of public sector agencies whose main job is to champion e-government. Since May 2006, a select group of 30 CIOs have participated in a comprehensive learning program on international experiences with e-government. more..

Sep 1 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's annual inflation rate, measured on a 12-month moving average, rose slightly to 17.3 percent in August from 17.2 percent in July because of higher fuel prices, the government said on Friday. Consumer prices rose 17.3 percent in August from a year earlier, lower than an annual rise of 17.6 percent in July, the Census and Statistics Department said. "The reason for increase in the annual average was the increase in kerosene oil price, which rose by 2 rupees during last month," more..

Sep 1 (LNP) Troops of the SL army repelled a direct LTTE offensive preparation, in the forward defences west of Omanthai- Vavuniya, today (Aug 31) dismantling terrorist attempts to breach the defence lines. Responding in defence against hostile threat in the FDLs, troops had retaliated causing heavy damages to LTTE elements, an area military official said. more..

Sep 1 (LNP) The SLFP scheduled to celebrate its 56th anniversary on a patriotic note over two days with a photographic exhibition depicting the progress of the party since 1956, will be inaugurated by General Secretary of the Party Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the main hall of the BMICH at 10 a.m. today, according to Administrative Secretary of the Party, S. H. Ariyasena last night. more..

Sep 1 (LNP) While claiming that reports on disappearances have dropped significantly in recent months, former High Court Judge Mahanama Tilakaratne, who heads the one-man Commission on abductions and disappearances yesterday said of the 1,992 thought to have disappeared from September last year to June this year, 1,425 had returned. `Since last March, abductions and disappearances have significantly dropped mainly because of the government`s move to prevent such acts,` more..

Sep 1 (LNP) UNICEF is reported to have taken umbrage over the exposure by the government of the identities of some LTTE child combatants. It is doubtful whether the spin doctors of the government are au fait with the international standards as regards reporting on those unfortunate children. Or, they may have thrown caution to the winds in a bid to gain some mileage by exposing the LTTE`s cruelty to children in the on-going propaganda battle. more..

Sep 1 (SAMN) Amnesty International (AI) Friday expressed concern over the steady increase in enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka during the past few months while a group of local human rights organisations pressed the government to enforce laws holding abductors accountable. Local Human rights organistions in a letter to president Mahinda Rajapaksa have asked him to continue his efforts in taking action against enforced disappearances and in doing so, amend more..

Sep 1 (SAMN) Sri Lankan expatriates here who had used their international credit cards in the island during their summer vacation, have complained that their cards were cloned and transactions made on their cards from far-off places such as Japan, Britain, Sri Lanka itself, Canada and Thailand. A white-collar worker was shocked to note that a sum of Rs 660,000 had been debited from his credit card account for purchases made in Thailand while he was in Saudi. more..

Sep 1 (SAMN) The main Opposition UNP will oppose the Central Environment Authority plan to ban the use of public address system using loudspeakers from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am saying such laws would have a crippling impact on religious activities such as all-night pirith chanting and midnight mass in churches. JHU legal adviser and CEA Chairman Udaya Gammanpila said on Wednesday the CEA would introduce laws to curb noise pollution while restricting the use of public address systems. more..

Sep 1 (SAMN) The main Opposition UNP Friday charged that since President Mahinda Rajapaksa took office in November 2005, the government had printed paper money worth 55 billion rupees thus precipitating the present economic muddle in the country. UNP media spokesman Gayantha Karunatilake told a news conference, the party had intensified its agitation campaign against the government by conducting protests and Jana Rala rallies. more..

Sep 1 (DN) The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry launched a programme yesterday to dedicate a flower to each Province to protect Sri Lanka’s endangered plants. The ceremony to dedicate flowers was held yesterday under Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka’s patronage at his Ministry. The following are the flowers dedicated to each Province. North Central Province - Ehela, Sabaragamuwa - Vesak Orchid, Western - White Lotus, more..

Sep 1 (DN) The Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok, has informed the Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry, Colombo that Pallegama Thalwadanagedera Wasantha Rupasinghe has died in Bangkok. The details provided by Sri Lanka Embassy in Bangkok are: Passport No. N1583865 (Date of issue: December 12, 2005), Date of Birth: May 25, 1972, Place of Birth: Ampara and Domiciled: 31/1, Uhana, Ampara. more..

Sep 1 (LD) Addressing the “Janarala” in Rathnapura yesterday (August 31st), ‘Jathika Sabha’ Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that today, there is a leadership under President Mahendra Rajapakse, where the brothers are being taken care of as in the days of king Wijayabahu. Similarly to the Wijayabahu era, a brother of the Rajapakse Company is earning money through the sky, the sea and the land. The 2nd brother is stripping the treasury while the remaining brother fills his pockets by using all these. more..

Sep 1 (DM) A Colombo Court yesterday issued an enjoining order preventing UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake from calling for explanation from Karu Jayasuriya and other UNP reformist group members who joined the government recently.Colombo District Court Judge Sisira Ratnayake issued the order following five separate plaints filed by Dharmadasa Banda, Karu Jayasuriya, Gamini Lokuge, Mano Wijeratne and G. L. Peiris who cited Mr. Attanayake as the defendant. more..

Sep 1 (DM) Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Dr. Sarath Amunugama said yesterday that 92% of the total government funds were being allocated for salaries and pensions and foreign aid was needed for development. The Minister made this point at the re-launch of the state Magazine ‘Desathiya’ at the government information centre yesterday. Dr. Amunugama said the country was facing a social and political crisis because of this situation. more..

Sep 1 (AFP) Government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels traded artillery fire in the island's northwest, with each side claiming heavy casualties against the other as well as among civilians. The rebel LTTE said they killed a government soldier and lost one of their own during Friday's clashes in the coastal district of Mannar and accused the army of killing eight civilians. more..

Sep 1 (AP) Sri Lanka's military launched a new offensive Saturday against Tamil Tiger rebels in the island's northwest, a military spokesman said. The operation is aimed at taking control of rebel-held areas south of the northern district of Mannar, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe said. Mannar, about 220 kilometers (135 miles) northwest of Colombo, has become a flashpoint in the country's escalating conflict. more..

Sep 2 (DC) The 2nd Annual Diversity Cup 2007, an Inter Community Cricket Tournament was played at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills (Michigan) on August 18 & 19. A total of six teams participated: Canada Maple Leaf, India Blues, Pakistan Greens, Sri Lanka Lions, USA Stars & West Indies Masters. Teams consisted of National, First class & premier league players coming from different states of USA. more..

Sep 2 (AFP) Sri Lankan cricket selectors Saturday picked uncapped off spinner Dilruwan Perera to replace the injured Muttiah Muralitharan in the ICC World Twenty-20 championships in South Africa. "It is with regret we inform our cricket fans that Muttiah Muralitharan has been compelled to pull out of the Twenty-20 World Cup squad due to an injury," a Sri Lanka Cricket statement issued here said. more..

Sep 2 (LBO) Sri Lanka's tea plantations companies have been urged to grow their own fuel as a means of reducing costs at a time when fossil fuel prices are escalating. Growing crops like gliricidia would not only provide a cheap source of firewood to meet energy requirements but also nutrients for the soil in which tea bushes grow, said Parakrama Jayasinghe, President of the Bio Energy Association of Sri Lanka. more..