Jan 25 (DN) The Government has embarked on a massive project of building 222 bridges including flyovers across the country to ease traffic congestion. The UK Government has granted Sterling Pounds 50 million for this project. A spokesman of the Ministry of Highways and Road Development told the Daily News that the construction of the flyover in Kelaniya is expected to be completed in June. more..

Jan 25 (Island) The government yesterday dismissed UNP and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent claim that the TMVP (Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal) was the first Tamil armed group given the political recognition. "An absolute lie," a senior official said while accusing the UNP and the TNA (Tamil National Alliance) of trying to undermine forthcoming local government elections in the Batticaloa district. more..

Jan 25 (Island) A 9 mm automatic pistol along with a magazine of eleven rounds was discovered near the entrance to the Wilpattu National Park around 7.00 pm on Wednesday where two motor cycles collided head-on injuring both riders. One rider was an ex-police constable while the other was a home guard. People who gathered at the accident site had found the pistol and the ammunition and handed them over to the Nochchiyagama Police. more..

Jan 25 (DM) The TMVP and Colombo’s US envoy Robert Blake were at strong odds yesterday after the latter had raised concerns over conducting a free and fair poll in the East due to the presence of paramilitaries including the TMVP. Speaking at a ceremony in Batticaloa on Wednesday the US envoy said the polls marked an important opportunity for the people to have their first elected representative but unchecked paramilitary activity also discouraged private investment that will be crucial to the future of the east. more..

Jan 25 (DM) In his opening address in the country’s biggest VAT fraud case, the Prosecuting Counsel stated that fourteen accused, comprising officials of the Inland Revenue Department and businessmen, had jointly conspired to misappropriate nearly Rs. 4 billion in public funds. Deputy Solicitor General Buwaneka Aluvihare made the opening address in the case, in which 14 accused were indicted on 34 charges, including misappropriation of public funds amounting to Rs. 3,996,008,151 belonging to Inland Revenue Department, more..

Jan 25 (FT) The meeting took place outside on a patio in Sri Lanka, in broad daylight. If he liked the merchandise she presented, they would make a deal. The product the two were bartering over was her body. Canadian teenager Cheryl Perera was undercover, playing the role of a child sex worker in her first face-to-face introduction to the global sex trade. "I wanted to participate in the operation and watch it unfold, but I wasn't going to be the decoy." more..

Jan 25 (PTI) MDMK leader Vaiko on Friday demanded that the Centre ask the Sri Lanka government to remove the underwater defence system set up across the Palk strait on the International Maritime Boundary Line. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a copy of which was made available to the media, Vaiko said the system would damage and destroy the fishing boats of Indian fishermen. He said the Sri Lankan navy had communicated to the Indian Navy to inform Tamil Nadu fishermen not to venture out for more..

Jan 25 (Xinhua) The Sri Lanka air force continued to bomb Tamil rebel positions in the island's embattled north, defence officials said Friday. The air force fighter jets had bombed a LTTE transport facility two kilometres southwest of the northern Kilinochchi town at around 7.30 a.m. local time. The government continues its bombardment of rebel positions in the northern Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts. more..

Jan 25 (IANS) Sri Lanka's main opposition and dominant Tamil party have denounced a proposal by a panel suggesting devolution of powers to provinces as a 'deception' and a 'farce'. Lakshman Kiriella, a leading member of the UNP, said that the proposal by the APRC was only made to the liking of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 'The APRC did not consider recommending the full implementation of the 13th amendment (of the constitution) before the president requested it to do so,' he pointed out. more..

Jan 25 (AFP) Sri Lankan police were investigating the gruesome discovery of 16 bullet-riddled bodies dumped in shallow graves in a government-controlled part of the island. The bodies were found on Thursday evening by villagers in a district 206 kilometres north of the capital Colombo. The victims had been blindfolded, tied up and shot, officials said. "We are now investigating to initially establish the identity of the victims," said a senior officer in the area, who declined to be named. more..

Jan 26 (MN) The war on terror in Sri Lanka is resulting in violations of the human rights of minority Tamils and Muslims, according to the latest briefing from the Minority Rights group (MRG). The MRG is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and campaigns worldwide with around 130 partners in over 60 countries to ensure that disadvantaged minorities and indigenous peoples can make their voices heard. more..

Jan 26 (Reuters) Britain sentenced renegade ex-Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger rebel Karuna Amman to nine months in prison on Friday for identity document fraud and now rights groups hope he will face additional war crimes charges. The ex-eastern LTTE commander is accused by rights groups of torture, abductions, killings and child soldier recruitment both before and after splitting from the mainstream rebels in 2004. more..

Jan 26 (BBC) Sri Lankan paramilitary leader Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan, better known as Colonel Karuna, was sentenced for nine month imprisonment in London. Mr. Justice McDowell imposed the sentence on Friday at the Isleworth Crown Court in West London after considering the fact that he has already served six weeks under custody. Karuna sat behind a protective screen inside the courtroom and listened without expression as the judge handed down the sentence. more..

Jan 26 (LBO) Sri Lanka will stop releasing a country-wide price index that showed a record 26.2 percent inflation in November 2007, officials said. "By releasing several indices, or making public aware of several indices, problems have come up," Sri Lanka's statistics chief Suranjana Vidyaratne said. "Though we have done this as a technical subject various group can project them for their benefit." more..

Jan 26 (AT) Personnel of the Special Boat Squadron and naval Patrolmen continue their search operations in the Peraru jungles North of Trincomalee and recovered 6000 live T-56 ammunitions, 53 Rocket Propeller Grenade bombs and 02 T-56 weapons during dark hours last night - on 25 January. Since Security Forces liberated East from the tiger grip last year, activities in the Peraru jungle area has been detected both by the Army and the Navy. more..

Jan 26 (AT) Eleven member strong Business for Peace initiative (BPI) delegation from the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) lead by its President Nawaz Rajabdeen, and Secretary General Samantha Abeywickrama, met President Mahinda Rajapakse last Monday at Temple Trees to discussed issues pertaining to agricultural development, with special reference to North, East and border areas. more..

Jan 26 (IANS) Rumours of LTTE supremo V. Prabhakaran having crossed the Palk Straits to India to recuperate from wounds sent the Tamil Nadu police into a tizzy on Friday. The Q Branch — the state police's anti-extremist wing — refused to comment on the rumours that a seriously wounded Prabhakaran may have been moved to Tamil Nadu. There were enough indications here that the law and order machinery was pressed into service to check all hospitals across the state for persons with unexplained wounds. more..

Jan 26 (BBC) A renegade former commander of Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels has been jailed for identity fraud in the UK. The BBC's Jill McGivering watched Col Karuna's sentencing and asked human rights groups for their reaction. Isleworth Crown Court is an unimpressive modern building, set midway down a leafy residential street in suburban London. But on Friday, court number three was attracting an unusual amount of media attention. more..

Jan 26 (TN) Hosts Sri Lanka Under-19s restored parity in the Tri-Nation Under-19s Cricket Tournament, when they defeated England by a convincing seven-wicket margin, in a match here at the Colts Cricket Club Ground on Friday. After having restricted the England Under-19 side to a rather small score of 208 for seven in the allotted 50 overs, as the visitors had opted to take first strike, Sri Lanka replied with an impressive 212 for three and won with 68 balls remaining in the 39th over. more..

Jan 26 (AHRC) The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the assault and mishandling of a case filed by a couple with the Panadura police in Sri Lanka on 16 September 2007. The couple identified one of the assailants as an employee of the Panadura police but no proper investigation has been conducted. The Panadura police allegedly did not record their complaint properly and indicated the wrong date and case number. more..

Jan 26 (LG) Those who justify the abrogation of the CFA point to the numerous violations of the truce by the LTTE. They point out that it was a dead letter. They are right. But the CFA did not prohibit re-arming by either side and while the Government did so openly the LTTE did so covertly. Those who believe in a military solution argue rightly that Prabakaran will never agree to anything less than Eelaam or a separate state. more..

Jan 26 (wsws) The formal end of the 2002 Sri Lankan ceasefire on January 16 has been marked by daily clashes between the military and the LTTE. Having unilaterally torn up the truce, the government and army top brass have declared their intention of seizing the remaining LTTE strongholds in the northern Wanni region by the end of the year. Army Commander, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, told foreign correspondents on January 11 that the military had reduced the LTTE to about 4,500 fighters after killing 2,300 in the East and about 1,500 in the North since mid-2006. more..

Jan 26 (SLW) LTTE Routes to and from Peraru crossing A-6 at Thampalakamam and Mollipotana going towards Mohoththuwaaram (Lanka Patuna) to Sampur in the north and Verugal (A15 Trincomalee-side) and Vakarai (A-15 Batticaloa-side) in the south. From Vakarai, they cross A 11 to Paduwankarai. Troops from 58 Division overran a section of the LTTE's FDL south of Adampan last morning (25) killing at least 7 Tigers, according to reliable information. more..

Jan 26 (SLW) Soldiers of the army's 58th division backed by artillery fire and armored units overran a section of LTTE's forward defense line south of Adampan, Mannar yesterday. 9 LTTE cadres were killed and 12 more are reported to be wounded when army overran 7 bunkers on the FDL. Advancing SLA forces are now about 800m from the Adampan town center. 58th division (Task Force 01), is advancing towards the major LTTE stronghold of Viduthalaithiv through Adampan sector. more..

Jan 26 (LG) The New Year in Sri Lanka began with an all-out confrontation between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a terrorist group that has been battling the Sri Lankan government on and off for decades. An already fragile ceasefire accord between the two warring parties was irreparably damaged on Jan. 3 when the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa withdrew from the agreement. more..

Jan 26 (LG) India does not play any military role in the Sri Lankan conflict, Sri Lankan ambassador to the US has said. Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke in comments on Friday hailed New Delhi's role in the "political context". 'In the current military campaign there has been no role of India. But in a political context it has been a very positive role they have played and we are very appreciative of that. more..

Jan 26 (AT) “It was not the abrogation of the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) that would lead to increased violence, but it was the ever increasing violence and grave provocations that led the government to abrogate the CFA.” At a time the West, foreign-funded NGOs operating in Sri Lanka, the conservative opposition United National Party and the pro-LTTE lobby both in Sri Lanka and in Western nations fault the Government of Sri Lanka for unilaterally abrogating the CFA the above core argument was brought up more..

Jan 26 (AT) I am not sure of the wisdom of taking Prabhakaran to the International Court in the Hague as suggested by the World Alliance for Peace in Sri Lanka (WAPS) because it was this same Court, which in the 1960's, left a bad odor in many quarters for rejecting important human rights claims on jurisdictional grounds. Even after a change of personnel, the Court was equally divided, giving the President, Sir Percy Spender of Australia, a deciding or "casting" vote, more..

Jan 26 (AT) If New Delhi decides to strengthen the hand of President Rajapakse of Sri Lanka and gets more involved in the Sri Lanka problem it would drive the final nail to the coffin of the LTTE. In its main editorial, the Hindustan Times said, “In recent times, the head of its political wing and its military intelligence chiefs have been taken out by the Lankan army and rumors are rife that Prabhakaran himself may be grievously wounded.” more..

Jan 26 (AT) The newest television network that goes in the air is Lak Vision – International Satellite Television Broadcaster and its lunch took place at Hotel Colombo Hilton with its Chairman, Nawaz Rajabdeen and host of popular artistes and other guests. This newest television network aims at the Sri Lankan expatriates spread all over the world, with special attention to those who are in the Middle-East and in the EU countries. more..

Jan 26 (LT) The interim administration proposals of devolution proposed by the government to the Northern and Eastern Provinces is an oblation in the guise of peace and democracy that has been offered to separatism says Information Secretary of the JVP Wimal Weerawansa. He said, “While the heroic Security Forces are sacrificing their lives to defend the Motherland the government proposes to grant an interim administration to those areas. This is an attempt to satisfy two opposing forces at the same time. more..

Jan 26 (LeN) President Mahinda Rajapakse who came to power promising to grant a fuel concession to public raised petroleum prices nine times. To supply electricity to the people at low tariff, the Government has ordered the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to sell a diesel liter Rs. 20 less to Ceylon electricity Board (CEB). Now CEB is due Rs. 21,000 million to CPC. Mihin Air and other airlines are to pay Rs. 1100 million to CPC. more..

Jan 26 (LD) Functions of the Constitutional Council (CC) in accordance with the 17th Amendment, is being delayed with the delay of the appointing the member who is to be named by the President. Minority parties have already nominated the former Auditor-General S.P. Mayadunne as their representative. Currently, nine members have been nominated for the CC. Elmore Perera, President of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) has urged President Mahinda Rajapakse in writing to appoint the Constitutional Council in terms of the constitution on Jan.18th. more..

Jan 26 (LD) Under the current war situation, media censorship and defamation law should be established immediately, said Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. In its publication on Jan.27th, the ‘Sunday Lankadeepa’ reports a lengthy interview with the defence secretary on the current war situation. Citing the defence secretary, the weekend newspaper reports, “In my opinion, it isn’t necessary for anyone to report on military information. more..

Jan 26 (LD) The new circular issued by the Education of Ministry regarding the intake of students to Grade One has complicated the already muddled process, reports the Ravaya. As scores of children whose parents are in the security forces entered popular national schools, the secretary of the Education Ministry, M.M. Nimal Bandara issued a circular on Jan. 04th, calling to limit the number of such children to seven per class, it says. more..

Jan 26 (LD) The President is responsible for the massacre of the 16 persons, whose bodies were found buried at Kiriketuwewa on the Kebithigollewa-Horowpothana main road, says UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera. Speaking at a media briefing in the official residence of the opposition leader yesterday (Jan. 25th), Jayasekera said that armed paramilitary groups affiliated with the Pillayan Group, EPDP and the Army are on the roam. more..

Jan 26 (LD) Two thugs in a motorcycle had attacked Lal Hemantha Mawalage, a senior news producer of the Rupavahini Corporation at the Athurugiriya Cross road when he was returning home after work last night (Jan. 25th). He has been admitted to the Accident Ward of the Colombo National Hospital with serious injuries. Forcing Mr. Mawalage’s vehicle to stop, they had dragged him out and attacked with sharp instruments. more..

Jan 26 (LBO) A senior opposition lawmaker in Sri Lanka has expressed support for inflation targeting, in a build up of bipartisan backing for legal changes needed to take the country towards low inflation. "If you print money inflation is going to go up," parliamentarian Kabir Hashim, an economic policy heavyweight in the main opposition United National Party (UNP) said. "I think it is essential that inflation targeting is introduced." more..

Jan 26 (GDI) Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, in a report released recently states that child recruitment by the LTTE is continuing while also blaming the LTTE breakaway group, TMVP/Karuna faction, for showing bad faith on several occasions by re-recruiting children within days of releasing them in the presence of UN officials. The report added that the use of child soldiers has decreased but both groups have recruited hundreds of children since November 2006. more..

Jan 26 (GDI) The Commerce Minister of Iran, Massoud Mir Kazemi, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday (25). The President and several Ministers held discussion with the visiting Minister, focusing on the opportunities that can be created between the two nations to explore trade possibilities as well as bilateral trade agreements. more..

Jan 26 (GDI) A Sri Lankan trade delegation comprising about 25 who are engaged in the construction sector will visit state of Qatar early next month, sources from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar said. The delegation will hold talks with representatives of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) besides officials of companies engaged in the construction industry in Qatar. more..

Jan 26 (LNP) Human rights organistations and activists operating in Sri Lanka have taken the fight for rights to political territories, while some have actually become LTTE mouthpieces, a new human rights organization said. `Most HR organisations have forgotten that their basic role was to fight against human rights violations. Some work according to political party agendas, while others work for the LTTE`s cause. more..

Jan 26 (LNP) Another large scale VAT fraud, to the tune of Rs 50 million, was revealed before the Presidential Commission investigating tax frauds yesterday. A Panadura based private company, involved in the manufacture of polythene, has allegedly defrauded over Rs 56,432,740. This company is not among the 20 other firms already under investigation for VAT related fraud. more..

Jan 26 (SAMN) The Tamil National Alliance the largest Tamil party in parliament Friday criticized the proposed interim council (IC) for the North, as a carefully calculated political fraud to hoodwink the international community that has been insisting on a credible political package to resolve the longstanding ethnic conflict. Jaffna district TNA parliamentarian N. Srikantha said to deal with such a national question -- that had led to a military conflict which claimed some 80,000 lives in addition to incalculable damage to property -- the government had come up with an interim solution. more..

Jan 26 (SAMN) UNP members who contested the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) under the spectacle symbol after the party lost nominations at the 2006 election, yesterday called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to dissolve the Council while seeking a meeting with UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the party’s Political Affairs Committee immediately. Former Deputy Mayor Asath Sally told a press conference yesterday that they were badly led down by both the government and the UNP. more..

Jan 26 (SAMN) The Western People’s Front Friday denied the claim made by APRC Chairman Professor Tissa Vitarana that the party had endorsed the interim report of APRC which was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday. WPF General Secretary Dr. Nalliah Kumaraguruparan said in a statement that Professor Vitarana has allegedly used the WPF name to give an impression that the party is in agreement with interim report. more..

Jan 26 (SAMN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa will launch a new programme to popularise the consumption of rice and rice flour within the estate sector in Kandy today. The programme envisages to provide rice at a concessionary rate to the estate community, at an outlay of Rs. 200 million annually. The initial subsidy would be handed over to 500 persons in Kandy and its vicinity today. more..

Jan 26 (TS) Sporting a recognizable wig, dark glasses, sequined white suit and blue-toed shoes, Canada's No. 1 record-setter hopes his non-stop Elvis songs will leave Guinness Book of World Records' judges All Shook Up. And Arulantham Suresh Joachim has plenty of practice -- admittedly little with Elvis. No challenge is too small or too silly, he said on a stage at the Shopper's World mall on Main St., 15 hours into the 55 he's aiming for by 3:15 p.m. today, including all night. more..

Jan 26 (DN) A US university student has made a documentary film on the pilgrimage in Kataragama. Titled Haro Hara: Pilgrimage to Kataragama, the film will be screened on Thursday January 31 at 7 p.m. at the Carleton College campus in the US. Following the screening a discussion will be led by the film's director, Samuel Holt. Haro Hara focuses on religious devotion and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka as it chronicles the annual pilgrimage to Kataragama, along the country's South coast. more..

Jan 26 (DN) The Youth Affairs Ministry has planned to implement a special programme to offer diploma and external degrees to youth who have passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, but not qualified for university admission. The Ministry through countrywide Youth Corps will commence these external degrees and diploma training courses for youth who have not qualified for university admission, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told the Daily News. more..