May 6 (Hindu) A group of 33 executive students of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme from the Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo, got an exposure to Indian industry and management education at a workshop at the VIT Business School of the VIT University here from April 26 to 30. Six faculty members led by IHRA Director V. Vijaya Kumara Hirimburegama and more..

May 6 (VS) The first man charged under Canada's anti-terrorism financing law is expected to plead guilty next Tuesday. Prapaharan Thambithurai's trial was supposed to begin in B.C. Supreme Court today, but Crown prosecutor Martha Devlin said a plea bargain has been struck. And she asked Associate Chief Justice Anne MacKenzie to put the matter over until Tuesday, May 11 for a formal plea entry and sentencing. more..

May 6 (LP) The third Money Museum of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka will be declared open at the Bank’s Southern Provincial Office in Matara tomorrow (06). The museum traces the evolution of money and exhibits a wide range of currencies used in Sri Lanka from the 3rd Century BC, through the period the country was a colony of Western powers to the period of independence, after which the CBSL became the sole authority to issue currency in Sri Lanka. more..

May 6 (DN) There’s a story that’s been doing the email rounds for quite some time now about a violinist at a Metro Station in Washington DC. He had played, we are told, 6 Bach pieces over a period of about 45 minutes. During this time some 2,000 people had passed through the station. Only six had stopped to listen. About 20 had given money but didn’t pause at all. The man collected US $ 32. Apparently the man was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians of the world. more..

May 6 (LG) The one of the few single most important things that helped the troops ‘during the final war was technology. Definition: Force Multiplier-a capability that, when added to and employed by a combat force, significantly increases the combat potential of that force and thus enhances the probability of successful mission accomplishment or else a force multiplier refers to a factor that more..

May 6 (NF) A heated situation arose in the House yesterday over Democratic National Alliance leader, General Sarath Fonseka not being allowed to attend parliamentary proceedings. It was brought to the attention of the Speaker by MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the commencement of yesterday's proceedings. “The authorities have not allowed him to engage in parliamentary proceedings today. more..

May 6 (LNP) The appointment of Mervyn Silva as Deputy Media Minister about two weeks ago came as a big disappointment to every right thinking person. But, our disappointment yesterday was far bigger. Mervyn said he would resign from that post to take over as the Deputy Minister of Highways. We naturally found ourselves on cloud nine! Celebrations were about to begin. And then came the bad news he had changed his mind. Our hopes were dashed. more..

May 6 (LNP) With the Sri Lankan cricketers losing to New Zealand and then having to thank batting star Mahela Jayawardena, the rain in Guyana and Duckworth and Lewis for their victory against Zimbabwe it is time to ask questions. From what every cricket fan can see everything does not seem to be tickety boo with the squad in the Caribbean. Why this has to be so is inexplicable. more..

May 6 (LBO) Students of the science faculty of Sri Lanka's Colombo University and the Rotaract Club have teamed up to bring students closer to the island's corporate sector. The organizers say a series of events under the theme of 'Future Challenge', culminating with a 'career day' on May 14 will give an opportunity for students and companies to interact with each other. more..

May 6 (NF) UNP parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa says that certain parties are conspiring to distort some of the decisions taken at the working committee meeting of the UNP yesterday. He noted that some of these distorted facts were published by certain newspapers today. The UNP working committee met at the party headquaters Sirikotha last evening. more..

May 6 (LNP) Some newly appointed Members made their maiden speeches at Parliament yesterday joining the Emergency Debate. Kalutara District UPFA MP Vidura Wickramanayaka said all should join hands with the Government to develop the country. The development which was confined to urban areas has now been expanded to the rural areas under the Mahinda Chintana policy. It is necessary to address the issues on human development similarly to the psychical development more..

May 6 (DM) All judicial activities in the entire Northern Province came to a standstill as the lawyers went on indefinite strike in protest of a death threat on Chaavakachcheari Magistrate who was inquiring into a recent killing of a student after a ransom demand. The attorneys in all five districts Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Chavakachcheri kept away from reporting to courts crippling all the judicial activities. more..

May 6 (NF) A number of incidents were reported during the recent past, where wasps had attacked visitors to Sigirya, the Lion Rock in Dambulla. Today some wasp species have begun their attacks again. This time, it's not the visitors, but the Sigiriya Frescoes themselves that have become endangered due to the attacks of these special kind of wast species. more..

May 6 (DN) Patients should receive utmost priority and care in hospitals which are dedicated to them, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. President Rajapaksa said health sector Trade Unions should discuss their problems with the Minister while giving precedence to patient care. “The SLFP General Secretary has been entrusted with the duty to rebuild the health sector in line with the Mahinda Chintana,” he added. more..

May 6 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa will shortly appoint a Commission to report on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation with regard to the difficulties and troubled times that Sri Lanka had to undergo due to the terrorist inspired, manoeuvred and created conflict situation in recent years. The President is of the view that the situation today provides an opportune moment to reflect on the recent conflict phase and more..

May 6 (Island) Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera has accused the State Pharmaceutical Corporation bosses of causing a shortage of essential drugs at government hospitals for their personal gain. An irate Jayasundera did not mince his words when he alleged that some SPC officials had received as much as 30 per cent commission for making emergency purchases last year. more..

May 6 (DM) Journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda’s abduction was due to a series of articles he wrote for a Newspaper called ‘Kolamba’ (Colombo) when the Presidential election was announced, wife of the missing journalist Sandhya Ekneligoda said. “Those articles were controversial and were a direct analysis of the Presidential candidates,” Mrs. Ekneligoda said. The newspaper was specially launched for the Presidential election. more..

May 6 (DN) Two suspects who swindled millions of rupees by duping employment seekers in South Korea were arrested by Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) sleuths. SLBFE sources said the suspects armed with forged documents had obtained Rs 250,000 each from several people who were in line for jobs in South Korea promising to obtain their job contracts at the earliest possible time. more..

May 6 (PTI) Sri Lankan Army on Thursday said its detained former chief Gen Sarath Fonseka tried to evade court martial proceedings on grounds of ill-health, but his counsel persuaded him to appear before the panel. Fonseka, who is currently under the Army custody, was asked to appear before the Second Court Martial yesterday afternoon after he presented himself before the first Court Martial earlier in the day. more..

May 6 (Island) The police have arrested 35 persons masquerading as close associates of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family and taking money from the gullible public promising jobs, promotions and a range of other benefits. DIG Anura Senanayake told The Island that they had so far received about 50 complaints. He said that anyone who had been duped by the suspects could get in touch with him on 011-2441197. more..

May 6 (Island) Top officials at the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry are alleged to have released several acres of Mahaweli lands to gem businessmen. Some companies have also taken Mahaweli lands on lease for cultivation, but only 25 per cent of them have been cultivated. Mahaweli buildings worth around Rs 500 billion have not been used for several years in the Mahaweli C, H, B, M and K zones and are said to be in dilapidated condition. more..

May 6 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the authorities to construct a sales complex on Bodhiraja Mawatha for pavement hawkers of Colombo as a solution to their problems. President Rajapaksa instructed the authorities to complete its construction work within two weeks. During that period the pavement hawkers will be paid Rs 2,000 each per day. more..

May 6 (DM) After much discussion the UNP working committee yesterday decided to change the party constitution to enable the holding of elections for the selection of suitable members for top posts. UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunatilleke making an official statement after the working committee meeting held at ‘Siri Kotha’, said the way had now been paved for a new set of leaders to emerge. more..

May 6 (LNP) Maintaining a proper infrastructure development throughout the country and reducing the poverty of our people will be very challenging yet possible with public and private sector support, Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa said. He was speaking on a visit to the Central Bank yesterday. Achieving the per capita income of US$ 4,000 will be possible with the viable economic environment in the country. more..

May 6 (NF) The debate in parliament on Import and Export Control turned acid today with Opposition leader Ranil Wicremasinghe charging that the government was attempting to feed cyanide to parliamentary democracy. The tense situation arose following a clarification made by former minister of International Trade and present Minister of External Affairs Professor G. L. Peiris. more..

May 6 (DM) Minister Wimal Weerawansa yesterday urged Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa to uphold the Parliamentary Privilege of MP General Sarath Fonseka by allowing him to attend parliament. DNA leader and MP Gen. Sarath Fonseka was not allowed to attend Parliament sitting yesterday by the Military. He said that though he had reservations about the past deeds of General Fonseka, his privileges as a parliamentarian should not be undermined more..

May 6 (Island) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says anyone seeking to undermine Sri Lanka’s sovereignty should be treated as a traitor regardless of his or her position. It will be a grave blunder on the government’s part to pave the way for the so-called international community to interfere in Sri Lanka, he says. The Defence Ministry says that any Sri Lankan promoting an agenda which is detrimental to the country is more..

May 6 (AFP) Sri Lanka's ex-army chief Thursday vowed to "expose" any war crimes committed during the end of the country's civil war last year and said he would go "out of his way" to assist with a probe. General Sarath Fonseka, who fell out with President Mahinda Rajapakse and quit after successfully crushing Tamil separatist rebels last year, said there were allegations that should be thoroughly and independently investigated. more..

May 6 (GDI) An official delegation will hold discussions with the European Union on May 20 and 21 in Brussels. Announcing this in Parliament today, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris said that the government policy is to continue the deliberations with the EU to resolve the issue. The government earlier announced that it responsibly and diligently engaged with the EU on the GSP+ issue. more..

May 6 (AP) Sri Lanka’s government said Thursday it will investigate alleged human rights abuses during the country’s bloody 25-year civil war, and the general who led the army at the war’s end pledged to cooperate fully. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will appoint a commission of seven members — Sri Lankans and foreigners — his office said in a statement. more..

May 7 (DM) Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva, who had reportedly resigned from his Media Ministry post yesterday, telephoned Daily Mirror online this evening to express concerns over the assault on Daily Mirror journalist Sandun A. Jayasekera. “We must ensure there is no harm not just to journalists but even insects. We must all ensure that we carry out our duties with care. While carrying out these duties if people do unnecessary things they will have to face the consequences. more..

May 7 (BBC) Muttiah Muralitharan is to remain with Sri's Lanka World Twenty20 squad after making "significant progress" in recuperating from a groin injury. Sri Lanka Cricket said the spinner was out of the tournament on Monday due to an injury picked up in the preliminary round match defeat to New Zealand. However, team physio Tommy Simsek now says the 38-year-old has stepped up his training and can resume bowling soon. more..

May 7 (DM) Journalist Ruwan Weerakoon who was arrested with some supporters of retired General Sarath Fonseka for allegedly conspiring against the government was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Champa Janaki Rajaratna today on the direction of the Attorney General. However the passport of the suspect was retained by the court and he was restrained from leaving the country. more..

May 7 (DM) The Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council has passed a regulation banning private tuition classes for children between the ages of 5 to 16 years on Full Moon Poya days and on Sundays between 8am to 2pm, the Council said. The draft legislation by the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council was tabled by the Chairman of the Provincial Council and passed unanimously. The Chief Minsiter said the Governor proposed the motion to enable the children to more..

May 7 (GDI) Deputy Minister of Economic Development Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said in Parliament today that the annual budget of the new UPFA government for 2010 will be presented in Parliament in June. Three parliamentary orders relating to the import and export regulation act were passed in parliament today. While participating in the debate, he said that the year 2010 budget will be presented to the Parliament in June. more..

May 7 (HT) I fail to understand, why the new deputy media minister, Mervyn Silva, is called a thug. Or someone who would be a jester in the courts of powerful politicians but for his violent streak. Or someone with a history of violence against the media. At an interaction with foreign journalists, Silva came across as a man with much, maybe unrequited, love for journalists and a bottomless sense of history: more..

May 7 (GDI) A meeting between the Deputy Minister of Mass Media & Information Mervyn Silva and a UNESCO delegation headed by Armoogum Parsuramen,the Director of the UNESCO Office in New Delhi, and UNESCO Representative to India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Amongst the topics discussed were the need for equipment and material for the new Media Centre under construction, assistance for the improvement of the media sector in the country, and more..

May 7 (CI) Thilan Thushara, the left-arm seamer, has been called in as cover for Muttiah Muralitharan in the Sri Lankan squad for the ICC World Twenty20. Murali injured his groin in the tournament opener against New Zealand and missed the game against Zimbabwe. He has been given time to recover and Thushara will only play if he is ruled out of the tournament. "Thushara will join the national team as additional cover for Muralitharan, who is recovering from a groin injury," more..

May 7 (NF) The price of Shell and Laugfs gas has been increased with effect from midnight today. This was revealed at a media briefing being held under the patronage of the Minister of Internal Trade and Co-operatives, Johnston Fernando. Thereby the price of a 12.5kg cylinder of Shell gas has been increased by Rs. 219 while the price of a 12.5kg cylinder of Laugfs gas has been increased by Rs. 323. more..

May 7 (DM) The government today warned that it will continue demolishing unauthorized structures in Colombo as well as other key cities in order to develop the country after it suffered the brunt of a civil war. Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse speaking to reporters in Killinochchi this morning said that unauthorized structures have already been removed in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and other major cities in the island. more..

May 7 (MoD) Kilinochchi town, the LTTE's yesteryear office Headquarters that pumped its fighters and resources to the whole of North and East, and internationalized its entire terror machine, was rejuvenated on Thursday (6), as a town of key importance in post-war Sri Lanka after a symbol of eternal peace and valour, dedicated for the memory of fallen War Heroes and all peace-loving Sri Lankans was bestowed upon it. more..

May 7 (TA) Most Tamil militant groups began life as student organisations. The Tamil Students League was formed in 1970 by Ponnuthurai Satvaseelan. The Tamil Youth League was founded in 1973. The General Union of Eelam Students was founded in London and gave birth to the Eelam Revolutionary Organization of Students from which split the Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Front which in turn became the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) more..

May 7 (EB) The Sinhalese and the Tamils celebrated the New Year on April 14. They assembled in their ancestral homes, made offerings to their gods and fervently hoped that the New Year would herald a new dawn of peace and amity in their country. The preceding year was traumatic for them. The convincing victory in the Fourth Eelam War was accompanied by the death and displacement of thousands of Tamil civilians; the two architects of military victory soon parted ways and more..

May 7 (NPC) The situating of the Urban Development Authority under the Defence Ministry is one of the many unexpected outcomes of the re-arrangement of government ministries after the General Elections. One explanation has been the existence of several military installations in the heart of Colombo that are occupying prime lands. The government may be hoping to shift them out of Colombo and utilise these lands for commercial purposes. more..

May 7 (CI) Sri Lanka held their nerves and pulled the carpet from under Pakistan's feet to prevail by one run in a nail-biter in their ICC Women's World Twenty20 encounter at Warner Park. Chasing an under-par 109, Pakistan felt the pressure through the course of their innings, as Sri Lanka bowled and fielded with zest to make their paltry score seem far bigger. more..