Nov 10 (LBO) In the bad old days, when Sri Lanka Telecom/Department of Telecommunications was the sole supplier/regulator/policy maker, one had to make payments up and down the system to get a phone and then to keep the phone working. Some major companies in Colombo, who could not afford to be disconnected, put the lineman on retainer. That is, he was not paid on the basis of the number of repairs, but was given a fixed payment every month (and a bonus at year end). more..

Nov 10 (SKY) Australia will help Sri Lanka 'rehabilitate' its northern and eastern provinces in a bid to reduce the flow of people fleeing the aftermath of the conflict. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding overnight to strengthen legal co-operation to 'increase opportunities for investigating and prosecuting people smugglers'. But Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and his counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama also vowed to work together to more..

Nov 10 (MoD) Since the entire country, including the North and the East is now free, it is the duty of all to shed all caste, racial and regional differences and contribute to nation building, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a group of TNA Pradeshiya Sabha Chairmen and members, TELO members, SLMC and some UNP members who met him to express their support to the program of the UPFA Government. more..

Nov 10 (MoD) It was a historic and proud day for the Ananda College Colombo yesterday as the Principal, staff and the students of the College received new Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya, a distinguished old boy of the college, at a ceremony held at the College premises. At the entrance IGP Mahinda Balasuriya was received by Scout Cubs and escorted him to the College premises by Principal L.M.D. Dharmasena and more..

Nov 10 (NP) When a migrant smuggling ship bound for Australia was seized in Indonesian waters last month, a 27-year-old with a thick beard stepped forward to speak for the boat people. He said he was Alex and that the more than 200 asylum seekers aboard the wooden cargo ship were ethnic Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka, but it was the way he said it that stood out: He spoke in a distinctly Canadian accent. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) Elaborate arrangements are underway to provide electricity to the entire Yapahuwa, an electorate with a population over 200,000. Nearly 25 percent of the population did not enjoy the privilege of power. However, due to the massive development machinery of the present Government, it had been possible to provide electricity to 85 percent of the population. Necessary measures are being taken to grant power supplies to the balance 15 percent. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his actions were forthright in achieving what he has promised to the nation. Salaries of public servants will compulsorily be increased from January. Therefore, the public servants should take the responsibility of their respective institutions to put the country before trade union action, emphasized the President. The President made these remarks at the "Janapathi - Janahamuwa" Programme held at Temple Trees last night. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) The Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition has taken steps to open a new ward for swine flu patients at the Kandy General Hospital yesterday. Up to yesterday 15 patients suspected of having contracted swine flu had been admitted to the Kandy General Hospital and their blood samples have been sent to the Medical Research Institute, Colombo for tests. The decision to open the ward was made after a meeting held among more..

Nov 10 (MoD) A delegation representing the Ministry of Defence, Vietnam called on the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe yesterday (09th Nov 2009). Leader of the delegation Colonel Pham van Hoanh, Deputy Chief of Staff -Navy Force accompanied by Colonel Trieu Duc Hoa and Mr. Phan Tien Tho met with the Commander of the Navy at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo this morning. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean,the focus of tourist attraction South Asia and the Island of Paradise, has made her way into recognition at the World Tourism Award honorees 2009 with much pride and spendour. This recognition today will attract more tourists into the island nation where peace has been restored permanently by more..

Nov 10 (GDI) The National Rabies Prevention Committee has taken steps to launch an island-wide programme to educate the general public on rabies prevention methods. It would be done parallel to the ongoing programme to vaccinate dogs and the cooperation of the general public was essential towards the success of the vaccination of dogs. The programme is carried out under the supervision of public health inspectors and MOH offices. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) The BOI granted investment approval for Claudia International Limited to set up a project to manufacture garments for export. Chairman Dhammika Perera, signed the agreement on behalf of the BOI and formally presented the BOI Certificate to Chairman of Claudia International Limited Michael Moniatis. The venture will be operating a garment manufacturing plant in Boralesgamuwa and will be providing employment for over 500 workers with an investment of over US$ 1 million. more..

Nov 10 (Island) The UNP was on a come back trail and its performance at future elections would surprise many, Opposition leader of the Western Provincial Council Rosie Senanayake said yesterday. Addressing a news conference in Colombo, she said that the sceptics would not be able to comprehend the chances of the UNP, but their vote bank was on the increase once again. more..

Nov 10 (DN) Jayantha Jayewardene said recently, that elephant conservation would be effective if most Sri Lankans could maintain an awareness and interest in the plight of our elephants. He said that all those interested should voice their concerns, collectively or individually, to those that make the decisions. They should articulate their concerns strongly in the media - press, radio, TV. more..

Nov 10 (LT) The government has decided to postpone local government elections by a year. They were scheduled to be held next year. Earlier it had been decided to hold the local government elections in April next year. However, it is reported that the government has taken the decision to postpone the elections as PC elections held back to back has dwindled the popularity of the government and this was disclosed at the last election held to Southern PC. more..

Nov 10 (LNP) Workers in this country seem to think that united they fall and divided they stand. Else, there is no reason why they should pull in different directions, blinded by partisan politics. Today, the government is expected to bring a large number workers belonging to its trade unions to Colombo for a rally in support of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This show of strength comes on the eve of a UNP-JVP instigated go-slow in the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), more..

Nov 10 (wsws) In the lead up to elections early next year, the Sri Lankan government has delayed the 2010 budget. Last Thursday, it passed a Vote on Account, a mini-budget, in parliament to cover spending for the next four months. While the government claimed that a mini-budget was routine before elections, the decision is a transparent attempt to avoid scrutiny of the government’s finances and the economy and to delay the implementation of savage IMF austerity measures until after the poll. more..

Nov 10 (GDI) With the solutions that the Government has put forward in response to the demands made by the Ceylon Petroleum Cooperation workers a necessity will not arise to stage a protest campaign or a trade union action leading to a work- to- rule strike, said Minister A.H.M. Fowzie. We have agreed to provide the public and the corporation employees a salary hike by 22% with effect from November this year, and more..

Nov 10 (DN) Energy development is the main target of the national development program in the country under the Mahinda Chinthana. The Power and Energy Ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing guidance and leadership to meet the electricity requirement while providing a solution to the looming energy crisis in 2012. It is a great achievement of the Ministry that, the ability to launch a well-planned long-term, middle-term and short-term program for energy development to more..

Nov 10 (LT) According to advice from astrologers the next presidential election would be disadvantageous to the President and to avoid any impediment to government’s plans arrangements have been made to make an offering of milk to a thousand lactating mothers on the 18th of November, President Mahinda Rajapakse’s birthday. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs is in charge of the organization of this offering through cultural centers throughout the island. more..

Nov 10 (LNP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that he will take firm steps to counter attempts made by anyone to create anarchy in the country. Addressing a meeting to mark the 18th anniversary of the Private Tea Factory Owners Association at the Inter Continental Hotel yesterday, the President said he is prepared to defeat any conspiracies such as creation of artificial food shortages in the country, on behalf of the people. more..

Nov 10 (LT) According to Central Bank the loss incurred by Sri Lanka Railways during the first six months of this year is Rs.3200 million. Central Bank states the fiscal state of Sri Lanka Railways dwindled considerably due to the payment of arrears it had to pay to Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. During the first half of 2009 the total income of Sri Lanka Railways increased to Rs.1860 million which was an increase of 28%. more..

Nov 10 (LT) The President has appealed to Maha Sangha to prevent Gen. Sarath Fonseka from being the ‘common candidate’ of the opposition at a future presidential election as it would bring the President definite defeat say reports. During the past few days the President had visited several temples and had asked the ‘Maha Sangha’ to force Gen. Fonseka not to contest at the presidential election. more..

Nov 10 (SLW) The Patriotic National Movement, the Patriotic Bikkhu Front, the Jana Vijaya Foundation, the Jayagrahana Lanka Foundation and several Buddhist Monks yesterday urged Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka not to contest the presidential election. They warned that otherwise they would have a ‘Sangha Agna’ or Decree issued to stop him from doing so. more..

Nov 10 (LT) The Alliance of the Trade Unions of Petroleum Electricity Port & Water Board carried out a campaign of apprising the public regarding the anticipated trade union Action it has organized on the 11th November. A Large number of union members participated at this awareness campaign held yesterday (9th) at 4.00 p.m. in Pettah under the leadership of trade union leaders distributing leaflets to the public. more..

Nov 10 (LT) Only Rs.45 million has been allocated for the development activities carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Industries in the Western Provincial Council. However, Rs.8 million has been allocated for the maintenance of the minister, his staff and their foreign trips. All expenses in the Western PC are similar and the budget that has been presented does not more..

Nov 10 (LT) Lanka Teachers Service Union, in an announcement, states the Minister of Education is taking measures to make permanent appointments of more than 600 unqualified personnel in the educational administrative service who are political stooges. The LTSU states it categorically condemns the attempt by the Minister to present a cabinet paper regarding these appointments. more..

Nov 10 (LT) South West Pvt. Ltd, an Indian garment company in Katunayake Industrial Zone has been closed down since 9th of this month and about 700 of its workforce have lost their jobs say reports. The Commissioner General of Labour has proposed to the workers to accept a compensation equal to half a months pay for every year they had worked. However, the workers have rejected this proposal and more..

Nov 10 (TC) Recent attempts by the government to belittle the security forces and former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka in particular calls for condemnation from all sections of civilized society. Many say that we are a nation that has a very short memory span. Yet even the most ardent of the government’s critics could not have predicted how little time it took for the present Administration, more..

Nov 10 (LT) A heavy congestion could be seen at petrol sheds in Colombo and suburbs as news has spread that employees of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation would launch a ‘work to rule’ campaign from tomorrow. The discussions held between the government and trade unions regarding solutions for workers’ issues failed and employees say they have no other alternative but to launch a trade union action to win their rights. more..

Nov 10 (UNP) UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who is on an official tour of India arrived in Chennai on 08th evening. He was en route to New Delhi. Answering questions of Reporters, he said , the political situation in SL is confusion worse confounded. When asked about the purpose of his visit, and the issues to be discussed , he was non committal and did not elaborate further. more..

Nov 10 (UNP) UNP Gen. Secretary Tissa Atttanayake said, if the expenses directed to the President’s nine Palaces at Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tangalle, Hambantota, Deniyaya, Visumpaya, Temple Trees and the President’s House, and the Rs. 19 million daily expenditure allocation made for him in this year’s vote on account can be curtailed , the workers’ justifiable demands can be met. more..

Nov 10 (AT) Former Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is in Europe to attend two international conferences. Kumaratunga is expected to make a keynote address today at the sixth edition of the East-West Dialogue on "Migrations and Diversity: New Challenges and Opportunities”. She will speak on “Leadership for Dialogue, Diversity and Social Cohesion", in the plenary session at the City Hall of Barcelona. more..

Nov 10 (LP) ICTA recently introduced the font “Bhashitha” for those who use computer in Sinhala language. “Bhashitha” recommended by Sri Lankan standard SLS 1136, makes it easier to work with Sinhala and also enables to create Sinhala websites with fewer difficulties said Chairman of ICTA Professor P W Epasingha. The font “Bhashitha” introduced to the public recently by the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Thailand Prof J B Dissanayaka who participated as the Chief Guest. more..

Nov 10 (AT) Tamil National Alliance has ruled out boycott of forthcoming Presidential and parliamentary elections. It is also not in favor of alliances either. The party is in talks with other Tamil parties from PLOTE to TULF, EPRLF(Sritharan) and TMVP. “We will not have any alliance. TNA may get enlarged with the induction of few more Tamil parties", TNA leader MP N Srikantha told Asian Tribune more..

Nov 10 (DN) The Government has further slashed the prices of essential food items with immediate effect from midnight yesterday under the directives of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to afford relief to the people. Minister Bandula Gunawardana said that the Government on a special request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has made elaborate arrangements to provide maximum relief to consumers targeting the upcoming festive season. more..

Nov 10 (AT) General elections in South Asia have all the makings of a Bollywood pot boiler. Being the largest country, India takes the cake where general elections run into many episodes like an afternoon soap. Sri Lanka, though small, is no less if past experience is any guide. And the plot is thickening there as the main opposition parties the UNP and the JVP appear to be coming together in achieving a single aim: defeating President Mahinda Rajapaksa's re-election as president. more..

Nov 10 (DM) Sri Lanka yesterday used a top level global forum in India to invite the world to ride on the new growth phase the country is preparing for following the end of the 30 year conflict. This message was articulated by Deputy Finance Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Dr. Sarath Amunugama at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) India Economic Summit 2009 in New Delhi. more..

Nov 10 (DM) Residents of Guildford Crescent woke up one morning last week to find out that they were actually not living down Guildford Crescent any more. At a ceremony held the previous evening graced by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka this street had been renamed Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha. Nobody living down the street was invited to the ceremony and even curious onlookers were barred from having a look at what was going on by heavily armed police officers. more..

Nov 10 (DN) The statement of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that there was a secret agreement of the Government with the IMF becomes ridiculous as all the letters exchanged with the IMF and replies to those letters are posted in the Central Bank website and is in the public domain, said Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya in a press release. more..