May 15 (LG) The failed policies of the Manmohan Singh government of India mark historical losses in Indo-Lanka relations after years of close relations in the crucial area of bilateral issues concerning both nations over the war on terror. There is no doubt at present that the Indian government has no thought out policy over Sri Lanka and this has opened the gates wide for China, Pakistan and Iran to have little love affairs with the Government of Sri Lanka. more..

May 15 (LG) Once a forest fire is raging, putting it out is difficult, and an enormous amount of destruction is inevitable. The same is true of the war in Sri Lanka. Even over the past fifteen years, there were several chances to prevent this tragedy, but only a tiny minority of those who are now grieving over the dead and injured were arguing then that a failure to take these chances would lead to a bloodbath. more..

May 15 (TC) The war for control of northern Sri Lanka has been going on for over 30 years. This past week has been one of the bloodiest on record, with hundreds of civilians killed and over a thousand injured. Nimmi Gowrinathan is just back from the country. She works for an aid organization and she was there to check in on orphanages, refugee camps, and local communities. Nimmi can trace her family roots back to Sri Lanka, but more..

May 15 (AT) We produce here three statements made about the situation in Sri Lanka. When one goes through these statements one may arrive at the conclusion that to the West, Sri Lanka has become ‘Exhibit A’. The following statement was made by the U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly Tuesday, 12 May at the daily press briefing. Question: On Sri Lanka, there continues to be some serious incidents involving civilian deaths. more..

May 15 (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has once again expressed his concerns about the protection of civilians caught up in the conflict in Sri Lanka to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and has dispatched one of his top advisers to the South Asian nation. During his telephone conversation yesterday with the Sri Lankan leader, Mr. Ban reiterated his concerns about the protection of civilians as fighting continues more..

May 15 (AT) The “Vesak Week” organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait from 8 -15 May reaches its climax on the 15th with the arrival of Most Ven. Aluthwewa Soratha Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Kiriwehera Temple in Kataragama and Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University for the main Vesak ceremony scheduled from 14th -15th May at the Embassy premises. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has given his greetings and more..

May 15 (DW) The final stage of the hostage rescue mission has commenced. 4000 civilians have been rescued so far. The Operation commenced this evening when the 59 Division advanced northwards from its original position south of Vellamullaivaikkaal. The 59, under the able command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva, advanced to the outer periphery of the CSZ. A path was secured and cleared by the 59 immediately afterward. more..

May 15 (Hindu) The Defence Ministry said the LTTE is preparing for the worst slaughter of civilians with the systematic use of hostages as a weapon of mass destruction. “Substantial evidence has surfaced from the battlefront that LTTE terrorists are using white phosphorous as a weapon in reprehensible attacks at both advancing security forces and hostages fleeing from the LTTE,” it said. more..

May 15 (Telegraph) The long agony of civilians trapped inside the inferno of Sri Lanka's northern war zone may, at last, be easing. Some 2,000 are reported to have escaped this ruined enclave, ironically named a "no-fire zone", where a devastating bombardment has claimed hundreds of lives and struck the only working hospital in the last week alone. If this terrible episode is drawing to a close, with the final defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels, that is wholeheartedly to be welcomed. more..

May 15 (AFP) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here Thursday it "is not an appropriate time" to consider a massive International Monetary Fund loan for Sri Lanka. Clinton told reporters that the United States has been "trying to convince both sides," the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tiger guerrillas, to stop fighting. "We have also raised questions about the IMF loan at this time. more..

May 15 (FT) At last, the United Nations Security Council has spoken. It has seen what has been miserably apparent all year: that there is a bloodbath under way in the ever-diminishing territory held by rebel Tamils in north-eastern Sri Lanka. True, the end-game in this long and vicious civil war has been clouded by the swirl of unverifiable reports and propaganda from both sides. more..

May 15 (Hindu) The United States Navy had prepared a set of options to evacuate or provide humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped in the war zone of Sri Lanka. Disclosing this, the U.S. Pacific Command chief, Admiral Timothy J. Keating, said here that an assessment team had visited Sri Lanka some two-three months ago for an assessment and had subsequently submitted a list of options to the U.S. government. more..

May 15 (NP) An estimated 12,000 Tamil protesters peacefully marched through the downtown streets yesterday, growing more comfortable with publicly embracing the Tamil Tigers. Officers from several jurisdictions watched over the demonstrators and two rows of police, including the mounted unit, blocked several intersections during the march, likely to prevent another incident such as Sunday's occupation of the Gardiner Expressway. more..

May 15 (CI) Cricket has become an Asian Games sport after it was approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Wednesday. It will make its debut in Guangzhou in 2010 with India and Pakistan pledging to send their best available teams. The format of the game will be Twenty20, with both men's and women's competitions. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will qualify automatically, along with host nation China. more..

May 15 (ICRC) In north-eastern Sri Lanka, hundreds of seriously wounded or ill patients blocked in the conflict area have been waiting in vain for several days for desperately needed medical care. For the third consecutive day, a ferry chartered by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and anchoring only a few kilometres away from the patients has been unable to evacuate them because of continuous heavy fighting. more..

May 15 (LeN) Recently, a number of newspapers printed analyses about the effectiveness of the Sri Lankan Missions abroad before the constant pressure of the Tamil Diaspora. Some newspapers stated that as a whole the Embassies are not doing its job to the expectation of the government. The others attempted to protect political Ambassadors citing various examples to indicate they are the best, although they are useless. more..

May 15 (IFRC) Since the tsunami struck Sri Lanka, the plight of people who lost homes and livelihoods in the suburbs of greater Colombo has often been overshadowed by areas in the south and east of the country that suffered more extensive damage. But residents of areas like Mattakuliya, Gampaha and Modara endured just as much emotional and psychological hardship as their peers in other coastal regions. more..

May 15 (LeN) “India is entirely answerable for the situation in Sri Lanka. She provided the entire assistant the government needed for the war in north. Arms and ammunition, training and military equipment were given. As a result of it, the Tamil civilians are being killed in great numbers. Therefore, the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Sing is accountable for this,” said Dr. Wickramabagu Karunarathna more..

May 15 (SC) Armed with a 50 foot banner, placards and posters created by Sandeshaya-Canada, 50-60 group of brave Sri Lanka Youth of Canada along with SLUNA yesterday achieved something many Torontonians have been wishfully thinking, should be done. THEY PROTESTED THE PROTESTORS! Not only did they stood over the DVP catching the attention of all the evening rush hour traffic, but they also got the attention of the "fake" demonstrators at Queen Spark, more..

May 15 (Economist) It is too late to warn of a civilian slaughter in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The “bloodbath [predicted] has become a reality,” said the UN’s spokesman in Colombo on May 11th, as news of the latest atrocity emerged from the crowded beach where the army and Tamil Tiger rebels are fighting their last battle. On May 9th and 10th 480 civilian refugees are reported to have been brought dead or dying to a makeshift hospital in the war-zone, victims of shellfire. more..

May 15 (TP) The Sri Lankan Embassy has called upon the international community to support its government in its fight against the rebel group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Sri Lankan government has given paramount priority to ensuring the safety of civilians trapped in the war zone in the north of the country, where the military is in the final stages of a battle to crush the rebels, the embassy said. more..

May 15 (IPS) As the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka takes a turn for the worse, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending one of his most senior officials to take stock of the situation in the war zone, where hundreds of civilians are being killed both by government and rebel forces. Under-Secretary-General Vijay Nambiar, the secretary-general's chief of staff, is scheduled to make a second visit to Sri Lanka to convince the government of the need to rescue the estimated 50,000 civilians being used as human shields by the LTTE, more..

May 15 (LG) SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem speaking to the media today, said, the Government is so guilty and brazenly given to lying that it has more to hide than disclose on the war situation. If not , why is the Government not allowing the Opposition parties to visit the war zones and make a first hand analysis. As Parliamentarians, they are the people’s representatives, and more..

May 15 (TC) Most of us have the experience of building sand castle while we were young. It is a fantasy and gives mental satisfaction by fulfilling our wishful thoughts and unachievable desires within our means. It could be described as a wishful-pleasure. The campaign for voting on Vattukoddai Resolution (1976) carried out by the LTTE supporters at present in Europe and in Scandinavian countries is comparable to this childish play. more..

May 15 (LG) As the LTTE’s defeat draws ever so near, the campaign to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka gains momentum. Such a state of affairs doesn’t shock or disturb me much. It is to be expected, from the innumerable pro-LTTE, pro-Eelam groups and individuals around the world whose decades-long dream of an Eelam State is being snatched away so suddenly. But we need to be vigilant, ever mindful. more..

May 15 (LG) Thousands of hungry parasitoids are enroute to Sri Lanka and will soon be devouring the mealy bugs (piti makuna) that are causing havoc to trees and plants in six provinces and have become a major headache to farmers and politicians alike. A consignment of 10,000 parasitoids whose scientific name is "Pseudophycus,” reproduced under quarantine conditions at a lab in Puerto Rico, will reach Katunayake on Friday afternoon more..

May 15 (LG) The Government’s eagerness to win the war to achieve its dastardly political ends is outrunning its sureness so much so that it is creating a bigger monster which will soon devour the nation, the country and the Govt. due to its inept handling of national issues said, SLFP (M) Leader Mangala Samaraweera at a Pess briefing at the UNP media unit today (15 May). more..

May 15 (GDI) UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to Norway yesterday (14) met the former peace broker on the Sri Lankan crisis ,Erik Solhiem, reports reaching Colombo stated. Among the issues discussed between them were the freedom of media in Sri Lanka ,these reports said. Wickremesinghe had reportedly to told Solhiem that it was necessary for Norway to play a role in Sri Lanka to free the media. more..

May 15 (GDI) The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) run Nuwara- Eliya Resort, won the 2nd place in the Government Large Scale Flower Gardens Category, at the April Blooms 2009, annual flower competition held in Nuwara Eliya recently. The SLTDA run Nuwara Eliya Resort, won the award participating at the event for the first time and the focus of the SLTDA garden arrangements was on seasonal flowers and roses. more..

May 15 (GDI) The Ministry of Livestock Development has taken steps to provide animal husbandry assistance to welfare camps and, several projects have been implemented by the Ministry to uplift the economic strength of the internally displaced persons of the north, Ministry sources said. Under the programme, cattle left behind by IDPs when they fled their property will also be recaptured and handed over to the owners. more..

May 15 (GDI) President Rajapaksa met the Vice President of Iraq, Adi Abd Al Mahadi during his current visit to Jordan to attend World Economic Forum and the G-11 Summit. The two leaders agreed to set up a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Iraq to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. They also discussed means to explore possibilities to increase the volume of Sri Lankan Tea exports to Iraq. more..

May 15 (LT) The government does not have any programme to suppress the dengue fever that is spreading throughout the Hambantota District for the last two months says JVP Parliamentarian for Hambantota District Nihal Galappaththi. Issuing a statement Mr. Galappaththi states dengue fever has engulfed the whole district at present and has reached a catastrophic state. more..

May 15 (CT) The cabinet has approved a proposal by Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha to implement a new mechanism for admission of children to Grade One of government schools. Accordingly, 50 per cent will be considered on proximity of the residence, 25 pc for past pupils, 15 pc for brothers/sisters and 15 pc for children of officers in the public service. more..

May 15 (CT) News reports claiming the reactivation of the Press Council and the appointment of its members are inaccurate, President's Secretary, Lalith Weeratunga said. Commenting on these news reports which claimed that Prof. Somaratne Balasuriya has been appointed chairman of the reactivated Press Council, Mr. Weeratunga said that the President has not taken any decision of the sort.

May 15 (CT) No foreign representative could be allowed access to the 'no fire zone' as the government cannot guarantee anyone's safety inside that territory, said media minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. The LTTE is in a desperate situation and is not even allowing the transport of essential supplies to civilians in the zone, he pointed out at a media briefing in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday (May 14). more..

May 15 (CT) Doctors of Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital wore black bands during working hours yesterday to protest an incident of assault. They demanded the Health Ministry speeded up an inquiry into the incident that had reportedly taken place eight days ago. It is alleged a specialist doctor had reprimanded and assaulted two doctors at the surgical theatre. Dental surgeons of the hospital also joined in the protest.

May 15 (LT) The dengue fever epidemic that broke out at Tangalle in April this year has spread throughout the towns and villages in the district. 214 patients suffering from dengue fever have been reported from Hambantota District by Wednesday. 100 patients from Tangalle, 43 from Beliatta, 13 from Tissamaharama, 12 from Walasmulla, 11 from ambalantota, 8 from Weeraketiya, more..

May 15 (LT) The gross estimated cost for holding elections in five provincial councils is about Rs.1000 million says a spokesman for the Elections Secretariat. Rs.290 million for North-Central and Sabaragamuwa PC elections, North-Eastern and Central PC elections has cost Rs.320 million and Western PC election has cost Rs.360 of public money said the spokesman. more..

May 15 (LT) All arrangements have been made to hold the 25th chief ministers’ summit today (15th) and tomorrow (16th) at Batticaloa. The summit held at ‘Derbar’ Hall will be attended by chief ministers representing all provinces in eh island. The summit will be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister of Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanth alias Pilleyan. more..

May 15 (MoD) Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa met with Australians National Security Advisor and a team of High Level Officials at the Ministry premises this evening (May 14). This meeting was specially held in order to discuss about the problem of people smuggling. H.E Ms. Kathy Klugman Australian High Commissioner organized the meeting on behalf of the visiting dignitaries. more..

May 15 (MoD) An LTTE terrorist committed suicide by jumping off a seven-storied luxurious condominium in Wellawatta late last evening (14) when the troops swooped on it and found four explosive-laden LTTE suicide jackets, kept hidden in the terrorist's apartment. On reliable information received, troops assisted by local Police cordoned the seven storied residential apartment on 37th Lane, Wellawatta Thursday more..

May 15 (MoD) The GOSL takes strong exception to the irresponsible manner in which this news items was telecast by CNN this afternoon and vehemently refutes the several allegations attributed to the legitimate actions of the GOSL and its armed forces in carrying out their humanitarian operations to free hostages being held against their will by the LTTE. The GOSL categorically states that the actions of its armed forces were in no manner similar to was telecast, but more..

May 15 (MoD) Sri Lankan soldiers have reached the final phase of their hostage rescue mission as they opened up an escape route for the last group of hostages held in the Vellamullivaikkal area last morning (May 14). According to the latest battlefield reports, troops of 58 Division were just 1.5 km short of dominating the whole northeastern coast of the Island by last night. more..

May 15 (MoD) The freedom of the Tamil civilians held hostage by the LTTE is near at hand and the rescue of all civilians in the small patch of land held by the LTTE will be done in 48 hours. So said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing Sri Lankan migrant workers employed at a garment factory in Jordan, yesterday, May 14. The President said that despite attempts by some nations to bully a small country such as Sri Lanka, more..

May 15 (LNP) President Barack Obama is a leader one is loath to criticise. But, unfortunately he doesn`t seem to follow the policies of the great man whose bible he used at his inauguration in January, where a sovereign nation`s right to protect itself against separatist terrorism is concerned. Hadn't President Abraham Lincoln President Obama's hero defended America through military means and prevented its disintegration, there would not have been a country left for President Obama to lead today. more..

May 15 (ITN) The case came up for hearing before the Mount Lavinia District Court today. The Sunday Leader Newspaper promised before the court that it will not publish any articles defamatory in nature on the Defence Secretary. District Judge Mohamed Mackie said that publishing such articles in the future would amount to contempt of court and a punishable offence. Attorney At Law M.U.M. Ali Sabry appeared for Mr. Gothabaya Rajapaksa more..

May 15 (DN) The World Bank was giving a US dollar 900 million package for social development for a four year period and was considering an increase by another US dollars 60 million especially in view of the humanitarian problem in the North and the welfare services needed by the government,World Bank Country Director Naoko Ishii said at a panel discussion held in Colombo on Wednesday. more..