Apr 30 (LG) Charles Haviland – BBC Correspondent in Colombo – reporting on the Parliamentary Elections 4 days before April 08 made reference in the Global World Service, the President and the Elections Commissioner assured the country the landscape will be free of election posters. But the very proliferation of it in almost every street corner of the Island belied this preposterous claim. more..

Apr 30 (LG) Malinda Seneviratne’s article ‘Humour: the final frontier in language competency’ inspired me to write this piece. It may be wishful thinking that this would send a message to our fellow Sri Lankans. (Wikipedia) “Beriberi is a nervous system ailment caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet. Thiamine is involved in the breakdown of energy molecules such as glucose and is also found on the membranes of neurons. more..

Apr 30 (TC) May 2009 saw the end of the three-decade long and bloody ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, in which an estimated 80,000 people perished. The conflict ended when a relentless offensive by Sri Lankan armed forces led to the killing of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the decimation of his cadres. While questions remain about the alleged violations of human rights of more..

Apr 30 (TC) By appointing D. M. Jayaratne as prime minister, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been able to kill two birds with one stone. On the face of it, this is a case of giving the premiership to a prominent Kandyan, under the low-country Sinhalese president. This certainly is one of the main benefits of the appointment made. But what may not be immediately apparent to the public would be the impact this has on repairing the rift that more..

Apr 30 (TC) Entrepreneurship is about putting ideas into action. It is the function of scientists to invent and the entrepreneurs to innovate. Whereas scientists invent (or dream of) ideas, it is the entrepreneurs who materialise those ideas into consumable products (innovation): i.e. tangible goods and intangible services. Today I am going to spur your minds with the power of ideas as opposed to power of numbers. more..

Apr 30 (LG) Lalith was fast asleep in his grave. All of sudden he was disturbed by the sound of knocks on his tombstone. He was quick to his 9mm strapped on his right thigh and drew it maintaining a pistol grip. He challenged the intruder in military manner “Who goes there?” The intruder replied “Sir, Corporal Kularatne.” Then Lilith asked “What is going on?” more..

Apr 30 (TN) Sri Lanka Army (SLA) authorities in Jaffna have reimposed sudden checking of persons and vehicles at the junctions of main roads in Jaffna peninsula which had been suspended prior to President Election, sources in Jaffna said. SLA officials in a report to local media Wednesday claimed that checking is being reintroduced in the context of escalating incidents of abduction for ransom, killings and robberies in the peninsula. more..

Apr 30 (GDI) Minister of Social Services Minister Felix Perera, who assumed duties at his Ministry yesterday, made a pledge to resign from his new post if there are allegations against him and if such allegations are proven to be true. Speaking at his Ministry at Sethsiripaya he said many people in Sri Lanka have become disabled because of the war. Some are disabled at their birth and natural disasters also make people disabled. Therefore it is our duty to protect them. more..

Apr 30 (LG) A unique picture of the gangster maverick politician appointed as Media Minister gave the true taste of the would be governance of the President Mahinda Rajapakse government. The President has appointed anti-media man- well known thug as Media Minister and it speaks volume of the Mahinda’s expected goon governance in the days, months and years ahead. more..

Apr 30 (IC) Being a warm-up match yesterday's game against South Africa meant little result wise. But it was an important match nonetheless because the guys needed to get a feel of match conditions ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 opener against New Zealand on Friday. When both teams arrived at the Kensington Oval in Barbados they were greeted with overcast conditions and more..

Apr 30 (wsws) In his first press conference yesterday, Sri Lanka’s newly installed deputy media minister, Mervin Silva, warned the media to toe the government’s line. Coming from a man who has been closely associated with the government’s intimidation of the media, the comments amount to another threat against journalists and news organisations. Silva told the assembled media that the UPFA victory in this month’s parliamentary election demonstrated that voters overwhelmingly approved President Mahinda Rajapakse and more..

Apr 30 (MoD) Rapid expansion and promotion of welfare measures of the Army, exceptionally prioritized under the military leadership of Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya after he took reins as 19th Commander of the Army has now come to fruition as more and more accommodation facilities for Army personnel on tour were being made now available to soldiers in remote tourist destinations as part of the welfare package. more..

Apr 30 (DN) The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation plans to open a fully fledged radio station in Jaffna with islandwide coverage in about two weeks. This station is named Yarl FM, symbolizing the cultural identity of the people of the Northern Province, states a SLBC press release. The new radio service will open up new vistas of cultural re-awakening, harmonizing with the "Vision for the Future" more..

Apr 30 (GDI) The Minister of Power and Energy, Patali Champika Ranawaka met with the Mahanayakes of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters yesterday. When minister Ranawaka met with the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, the most venerable Thibbatuwawe Sumangala Thera, he explained his objectives. Thereafter he met with the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter the most venerable Udugama Sri Buddarakkitha Thera. more..

Apr 30 (LP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa who attended the 16th SAARC summit which was held in Bhutan returned to the island today (30). The theme of the summit is ‘Conservation of Environment and Climate. The 16th SAARC summit was held in Bhutan from the 28th to the 29th of April 2010 and the 17th SAARC summit will be held in Maldives in 2011. President Rajapaksa who took part in the summit held bilateral meeting with several of leaders of the SAARC region. more..

Apr 30 (LP) The first Sri Lankan Culture week kicked off here on Monday “in style”, with the Sri Lankan performers putting out an exuberant show through their traditional, yet vivacious dancing moves, that wowed the crowd at Kaifan auditorium, especially Kuwait’s Minister of Information Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. The week-long event, which is to end on May 2, is jointly hosted by the Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and more..

Apr 30 (LG) Balraj’s brilliance came to light when he landed with tiger fighters in Kudaarappu for Iththaavil fighting on the A9 highway during his attack on the Elephant Pass garrison. Soosai and his sea tigers helped Balraj, who always led his tigers from the front and about 1,200 tigers to land behind SLA lines to capture the Elephant Pass complex, more..

Apr 30 (HA) The youth of Kalkuda have taken a new turn in their lives today. They have had their maiden photo exhibition in their village. The 12 member Photo Voice team has undergone a professional training in Photo Journalism for one year, which was provided by Terre des hommes. The youth were trained professionally to handle still cameras, light, angles, composition, capture various moments, write caption and make a photo journal. more..

Apr 30 (DN) I am in a SAARC frame of mind. This happens whenever the SAARC Summit takes place. There is a rush of regional blood and my solidarity with peoples in the region become warmer. I was thrilled, for example, when Afghanistan was welcomed as an observer nation. That was in 2009, I believe. Today, on the SAARC website, we see the Afghan flag along with those of the ‘older’ members. So yes, the South Asia’s Heads of State are confabbing in Bhutan as I write. more..

Apr 30 (GDI) Minister Bandula Gunawardena said his desire was to implement many programs for the future of the children. He made this reference after assuming duties as Minister of Education, admits religious observances. Minister Gunawardena said that he would formulate National Education Policy to solve the burning problems in the Education sector. He said it would be formulated through a Parliamentary Select Committee more..

Apr 30 (MoD) Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa with a view to evaluating post-war security concerns and other related developments after meeting officers and soldiers, flew to Jaffna Thursday (29) and took part in a series of important projects and interactive discussions with Tri-service and Police authorities. Mr Rajapaksa on arrival at Palaly along with Chief of Defence Staff and more..

Apr 30 (DN) With peace reigning after the defeat of terrorism the working people will celebrate this year’s May Day on a grand sale. The biggest ever May Day rally organized by the UPFA will be held at the Town Hall Grounds tomorrow as there is a great enthusiasm among the constituent parties of the UPFA. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will preside over the rally with leaders of the constituent parties also attending it. more..

Apr 30 (LeN) According to reliable sources from the Govt. medical stores, in the next few months, patients who seek treatment at Govt. Hospitals will not be able to get even a pill. Such a dire situation has arisen in the stock position in the Govt. medical stores. They add, that in the Govt. Hospitals, already there is a 50% shortage in all kinds of drugs. This grave situation has been sparked by the Govt. having not allocated monies this year to the Health Ministry for import of drugs. more..

Apr 30 (TN) A 36 years old Chinese electrician of China’s Coal Power Plant at Nuraichchoalai in Puththa’lam district was arrested for allegedly raping a 14 years old school girl, according to media reports Thursday. Munthal (Mundalama) police arrested the suspect. The incident took place in a lorry parked near Munthal water tank. Munthal and Nuraichchoalai are traditional Tamil / Muslim villages in the Puththa’lam district, more..

Apr 30 (TP) The Sri Lankan community in Qatar will celebrate the Sinhala and Hindu New Year (Bak Maha Ulela 2010) today from 7am to 4pm at the Al Arabi Sports Club, Al Hilal. Sri Lankan Ambassador Vijayasiri Padukkage will be the chief guest. This programme is organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee (SLCC) Qatar for the fifth consecutive year. more..

Apr 30 (DM) The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with the rights petition filed by two expatriate Sri Lankans complaining that their premises at Wellawatte was being unlawfully occupied by Officers of the Terrorist Investigation Department. The Bench comprising Justices Shirani Tilakawardane, K.Sripavan and P.A.Ratnayake also made order that the present status quo (existing state of affairs) should remain. more..

Apr 30 (DN) The Most Ven Tibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter said that he was pleased to see an experienced gentleman politician in the calibre of Chamal Rajapaksa appointed as the Speaker of the new Parliament. He hoped that the new Speaker would act in an impartial manner in keeping with the dignity of his high office. more..

Apr 30 (LNP) Corruption is something that everybody talks about but nobody does anything about. Even the self-righteous campaigners against corruption have made a lucrative business out of it, if the amount of funds they receive year in year out disproportionate to their performance is anything to go by. They are squandering millions of dollars on raising awareness of an already informed public aware of the ill effects of corruption! more..

Apr 30 (UCAN) The newly appointed Sri Lankan prime minister has called on the Colombo archbishop to ask for Church support in building harmony among all communities in the country. Speaking to UCA News after the April 29 meeting at the archbishop’s house, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said Sri Lankan society currently suffers from violence, killings and theft. He had therefore asked for the support of Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith to educate people on moral values. more..

Apr 30 (LT) “There is a new government and a new cabinet. However, there is no new budget. The government is so bankrupt that the government is unable to present new budget proposals,” says General Secretary of the DNA Vijithe Herath. He said, “In November last year the government, without presenting a budge, said that a new government would be elected in April and it would not be appropriate to present a budget for three months. more..

Apr 30 (MoD) Immortalizing memories of the fierce gun battles, fought by valiant War Heroes at the strategic Elephant Pass, a special War Hero Memorial, erected in honour of fallen War Heroes, was ceremonially unveiled by Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa Friday morning, amidst a pantheon of military chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Commander of the Navy. more..

Apr 30 (Island) The Power and Energy Ministry is committed to preventing any ‘blackouts’ despite recent increases in global oil prices, former Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne said. Speaking yesterday at a ceremony in Colombo, where Patali Champika Ranawaka assumed duties as Minister of Power and Energy Seneviratne said he was pleased to see a knowledgeable person taking over the ministry. more..

Apr 30 (Island) One year after the conclusion of war, people living in the Vanni, including areas devastated by some of the bloodiest fighting have access to 24-hour medical services, the government says. Contrary to reports, people can access five government hospitals at Kilinochchi, Mulankavil, Mannar, Talaimannar, Pesalai and Mallavi hospitals any time of the day. The restoration of health facilities within a year of the final battle at major hospitals had been a more..

Apr 30 (Himal) The European Union’s decision, in February, to withdraw Sri Lanka’s preferential trading access to its market came as little surprise. Domestic reaction ranged from anger and feigned indifference within the government to despair and resignation on the part of business and labour. The timing of the announcement, after an acrimonious presidential contest whose results were disputed by the opposition, and more..

Apr 30 (Island) The Chief Justice J. A. N. de Silva yesterday decided that the Presidential Election petition, filed by main Opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka, challenging the election of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the President, be mentioned before the Supreme Court on July 5, 2010. The decision followed a discussion the Chief Justice had with the lawyers for the petitioner and the respondents. more..

Apr 30 (LNP) The President Mahinda Rajapaksa s government is likely to receive the support of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to introduce constitutional amendments aimed at devolving powers to the regions. A consensus between the government and the TNA, which campaigned, at the April 8 general election, for protecting rights of the Tamil speaking people, is expected in the near future. more..

Apr 30 (DM) UNP’s Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa has proposed an internal election among all party members to elect suitable people for all senior posts in the party at national level, informed sources said yesterday. He had made this proposal when he met party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe together with Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunge and Kegalle District MP Kabir Hashim at more..

Apr 30 (Island) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Sri Lanka met its targets through March on an interim budget according to preliminary data and the Treasury’s projection for fiscal operations with a budget deficit of 7.5 percent of GDP in 2010 is only indicative while concrete conclusions can be made only when the next budget is presented in parliament. more..

Apr 30 (IPS) Though the global economic crisis has eased in most of Asia, latest reports about falling demand for garments in markets like Europe and the United States have become a new source of concern to Sri Lanka’s troubled garment labour force. Garments, the island state's biggest industrial export, are suffering a double whammy: the economic recession and uncertainty over tax-free trade to Europe. more..