Apr 2 (LG) The widely publicized steps and measures taken by the Government of Srilanka to win the hearts and minds of the Tamil Diaspora has utterly failed and has not produced any positive results, proves the wrong policy of the ruling President Rajapakse Government. Instead of winning the hearts of the Tamil Diaspora, the Government of Srilanka policy makers have not only miserably failed to achieve a success but also losing the support of more..

Apr 2 (DM) The way in which the UNP resolved or beclouded its leadership crisis that had been threatening to split the party for more than four months was in a way amazing and in another way amusing. MP Sajith Premadasa who is also the son of former President Ranasingha Premadasa all of a sudden as if in a miraculous way caved in and gave up his leadership aspirations and agreed to take up another deputy Leader post apart from the one held by Karu Jayasuriya. more..

Apr 2 (DM) It is ironic that for the country that gave the word Tsunami, to our vocabulary, was devastated Japan on March 11th, 2011 by its effects. In December 2004, when a similar predicament befell the South-Eastern and the Western costal belt of our island, there was some ambiguity in the media circles over the term with which it had to be identified. Some said it was tidal waves, whilst others said it was sea storming. more..

Apr 2 (DM) Q: Are you really happy with the way the Party leadership issue was resolved? A: Well, I can only be happy if the UNP becomes victorious, because given all these events if one is to give judgment on if it was good or bad at the end of the day if we’re able to ensure that the UNP is victorious, and then only can I say I’m happy. But a lot of people were expecting something big- they were expecting me to assume power as the Leader; that’s a fact. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Today is D-Day for the cricketing world. In Mumbai, Sri Lanka and India will battle it out for supremacy in the first ever all Asia ICC World Cup Final. All is set for the contest and what is eagerly awaited is the toss of a coin this afternoon. Expectations are extremely high on both sides of the Palk Strait and the two sides equally poised. Having fared extremely well in the run-up to today's encounter, both star-studded teams are determined and more..

Apr 2 (DM) A news report said a 30-member govt delegation had asked Indian World Cup organizers to set aside VIP seating accommodation for today’s final between Sri Lanka and India. We do not know who these 30 govt leaders or officials are. But one thing is certain. Even before the winner of today’s match is known, the politicians in true Sri Lankan style will be sharpening their spurs to ride on the Sri Lankan team. Some may by now be preparing statements or more..

Apr 2 (Island) Sri Lanka’s hero at the 1996 World Cup, Aravinda de Silva says self belief is the key to success in a big tournament like the World Cup. De Silva,the vice-captain of the 1996 side, scored an unbeaten 107 against Australia in Lahore to help his side to a comprehensive seven wicket victory, country’s biggest achievement in sports to date. "Without much input from me the players have done their job properly. more..

Apr 2 (TC) Attacking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for inviting his Pakistani counterpart to the Cricket World Cup semi-final match between India and Pakistan, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today asked if the 'special offer of cricket diplomacy' was also applicable to Sri Lanka. Terming as 'foolish' Singh's cricket diplomacy, Thackeray said he would like to know if the Lankan President and PM have been invited for tomorrow's final in Mumbai. more..

Apr 2 (SL) The Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), H.M.C Nimalsiri has authorised bypassing International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules and regulations. Earlier, all military and civilian pilots applying for commercial licenses had to sit for the commercial and airline transport pilot license written examinations, held at the CAASL. However, this has been recently changed to benefit military pilots, against ICAO regulations. more..

Apr 2 (Island) Kunio Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka, Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury of Sri Lanka, and Akira Shimura, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), recently signed a Japanese Yen 360 million (approximately LKR 468 million) grant agreement to improve productivity of rural farmers, at the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Colombo. more..

Apr 2 (NS) There are some who would refer to me as a ‘historian’ when they want to criticise certain views I have expressed on the history of Tamils and Muslims in this country. They do not bring an iota of evidence against my views but try to ridicule me by referring to me as a ‘historian”’ knowing that I do not have any formal qualifications in history. However, these pundits would not believe me when I say that there was no big bang as such and the so called more..

Apr 2 (FT) The Ceylon Workers Congress, Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union and the Joint Plantation Trade Union Centre will meet on 4 April to start their discussions on the renewal of the collective agreement which ended 31 March. These three unions will be holding discussions with the Employers Federation of Ceylon and Regional Plantation Company officials. The collective agreement which is valid for a period of two years is now up for renewal and is what determines more..

Apr 2 (Island) World Cup winning Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga says that Kumar Sangakkara’s side should enjoy the occasion of being in a World Cup final without being overawed and if they do that they will beat India in today’s ICC Cricket World Cup final here in Bombay. "We’ve got a fantastic opportunity this time to win another World Cup and I hope the boys will do it. I wish Kumar and the team all the very best. I won’t be at the venue, but more..

Apr 2 (PTI) In a rare gesture, Sri Lankan ambassador to the United States has invited cricket lovers and friends of his country to his residence to watch live the final match of the World Cup. "The Embassy of Sri Lanka extends an open invitation to all cricket lovers to join this occasion," said a mass email sent by the Sri Lankan Embassy, adding that breakfast would be served to all those who join them to watch the mega event on a large screen. more..

Apr 2 (SL) A business savvy friend of mine argues that the Sri Lankan system of law and order, where according to him there is much to be desired, is one of the main reasons for our failure to attract foreign investments of a serious volume. Looking at countries in the region like Thailand and Malaysia, comparable in certain aspects, we are far behind in investment volumes. Having not given much thought to the subject before, I countered that since terrorism has more..

Apr 2 (TOI) Whether Sri Lanka lift the World Cup or not, when Muttiah Muralitharan spins his web on Saturday on world cricket's biggest stage, it would be a huge win for his indomitable spirit. For Mandeep Dhillon, the doctor who treated the bowler after he was called a chucker when he bowled the doosra in 2004, it would be an exciting moment to watch his friend "rise like a Phoenix". more..

Apr 2 (TN) Thousands of occupying troops of Sri Lanka Army rounded up the village Uduththu’rai in Vadamaraadchi East and are engaged in search operation since Thursday early morning. A similar operation is simultaneously being undertaken in Mullaiththeevu also. Vanni IDPs were recently resettled in both the places. The operation is said to be following an alleged incident in which some SL troops who went on a boat are missing in the sea and only their boat came ashore. more..

Apr 2 (TN) 76 councilors of the ITAK elected to fifteen local authorities and Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of twelve local authorities are scheduled to take oaths on April 10 at Trincomalee Town Hall in the presence of Mr.R.Sampanthan, parliamentary group leader of the TNA and the president of ITAK. ITAK is the major constituent of the TNA. Earlier TNA decided to have the event on March 31 but it was later postponed to April 10 enabling Sampanthan to attend the event, more..

Apr 2 (Island) The Sri Lankan government is concerned over a recent meeting involving senior representatives of US State Department, Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and British Tamil Forum (BTF) at the State Department, where they are believed to have discussed a strategy to compel Sri Lanka to accept an international ‘war crimes’ probe. Authoritative sources say that in spite of both GTF and BTF pursuing the LTTE’s separatist agenda, more..

Apr 2 (TOI) With everything looking good for the Indian team on the eve of the cricket World Cup final against Sri Lanka, the team has attracted the attention of followers of form. Besides, playing at Wankhede Stadium, the home of cricket in India, also made the hosts clear favorites in the betting market. Major betting sites like Ladbrokes, Betfair and Bet365 are offering average odds of around 60 paisa per rupee for an Indian victory while rivals Sri Lanka are more..

Apr 2 (CI) Away from the arch lights and drum beats, Sri Lanka have arrived at the final not quite unnoticed but in the unfussy manner that befits a team that plays vibrantly but rarely boisterously. Their journey to the final has been quiet and efficient; they have rarely been stretched and, apart from a brief middle-order stutter against New Zealand in the semi-final, their progress through the knockout phase has been so smooth it's almost eerie. more..

Apr 2 (LBO) Sri Lanka's inflation has started to pull ahead of dollar pegged Asia with consumer prices in March rising 8.6 percent from a year earlier, despite a fall in food prices as non-food prices inflated. In the month of March the food portion of Colombo Consumers' Price index fell 1.2 percent, after rising steadily more than 2.0 percent every month since October. The Central Bank expects annual inflation to ease off after April with more..

Apr 2 (CI) The two best teams in the tournament, and by no coincidence led by the two finest captains, will contest the final. Nothing can be better for what has been an outstanding event. The World Cup has given new life to the 50-over game and it has been hosted with great passion in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and in India. Now it has a dream final. India will start favourites because they seem the more rounded of the two sides. They have players for most occasions and more..

Apr 2 (SMH) The country seems like a construction zone, with ports, highways and airports sprouting and former rebel strongholds blossoming, writes Eric Ellis in Colombo. SO tiny Sri Lanka has made it to today's Cricket World Cup final, to face mighty India in Mumbai in the first all-south Asian final. With India emerging as an economic superpower and relations with Pakistan, also a semi-finalist, thawing, it's a symbolic triumph for this fast-rising region more..

Apr 2 (TOI) It is a question on a billion lips: Will Dhoni and his boys lift the World Cup? If you believe in stars and numbers, get ready to celebrate, because numerologists and astrologers are giving India a definite edge in their final battle against Sri Lanka. According to Mumbai-based numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani, the numbers give India a 65% to 70% chance of winning Saturday's final. "The key players will be Sachin, more..

Apr 2 (DNA) Playing away from home will be an advantage for Sri Lanka when they take on India in the World Cup final to be played at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, believes Upul Chandana, a member of the 1996 World Cup winning squad. The Arjuna Ranatunga-led side played their 1996 summit round at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against Australia and for the second time they will be playing away from home despite being the co-hosts. “There will be no pressure on Sri Lanka. more..

Apr 2 (DNA) On the eve of the 1996 semifinal against India, Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said, “We don’t take India lightly. It is not good to underestimate them, they are a decent team.” For so long had other captains said that of the Sri Lankan team, speaking with a mixture of condescension and political correctness that it was stunning, but refreshing, to hear that being said of the then favourites! Perhaps that was turning point in the cricketing relations between more..

Apr 2 (AFP) International media rights groups Friday asked Sri Lanka's government to release the editor of a pro-opposition news website, a day after he was remanded in police custody for a week. Police arrested Bennet Rupasinghe on Thursday for allegedly threatening a suspect wanted in connection with a January 31 arson attack on the office of the website, Lankaenews.com. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists asked diplomats to more..

Apr 2 (Hindu) In a match-up with exciting possibilities, subcontinental giants India and Sri Lanka will meet in the final of the ICC World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday. Both teams appeared relaxed as they went through the practice sessions on Friday afternoon. The high-pressure game that will test the nerves of the two sides is the first title clash between them in the premier ODI competition. India enters the match as the favourite, and more..

Apr 2 (Hindu) Cricket lovers, ranging from senior bureaucrats to local ‘tuk-tuk' drivers, are not amused over former Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga's off-the-cuff remark that he does not advise the cricket team any longer because President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken up that job. Sri Lanka takes on India in the final of the 10th edition of the ICC World Cup in Mumbai on Saturday. People to whom The Hindu spoke to in Colombo disapproved of the remarks. more..

Apr 2 (AFP) Frenzied fans, ticket touts and paramilitary police promised a heady mix of carnival and caution for the cricket World Cup final in Mumbai Saturday between hosts India and South Asian rivals Sri Lanka. Roads have been blocked around the Wankhede Stadium venue, with some 3,500 police personnel out in force to ensure the safety of the two teams and the 32,000 spectators, who include both countries' presidents. more..

Apr 2 (CI) Twenty-eight years on from the match that transformed the history of world cricket, India recaptured the crown that Kapil Dev and his men first lifted at Lord's in 1983, and this time they did in their very own back yard. An iron-willed 97 from Gautam Gambhir was matched for intensity by the finest captain's innings since Ricky Ponting at Johannesburg eight years ago, as Mahendra Singh Dhoni trumped a poetic century from more..

Apr 3 (LG) Two days ago, Sam Wijesinha, former Secretary-General of Parliament, had reportedly given a talk at the Open University of Sri Lanka on the subject of good governance. In his own inimitable style, he had made many anecdotal references to issues of governance in the past. Understandably, he was careful not to refer to the present. The above quote is also from him, but it was stated not at the Open University lecture but in a conversation he had with a journalist many years ago. more..

Apr 3 (LG) I refer to the article ‘Lankan Muslims and their Freedom of Choice/Expression’ by M.I.M. Noordeen, published in Sri Lanka Guardian. Mr. Noordeen says ‘In an unwanted attempt to white wash the Muslim community (as if they have committed a huge crime by supporting the Pakistanis) Mr Izzeth Hussain is creating a division among the Muslims. Unlike the un-united Tamils of Sri Lanka who are divided into many tribes (Vellalar Tamils, Jaffna Tamils, Batticaloa Tamils, more..

Apr 3 (Cimic) Nucleus Financial Forum 2011, where hundreds of local entrepreneurs and livelihood groups meet financial service providers and suppliers of other products and services, had its Jaffna Day on Saturday at Weerasingham Hall, Jaffna. The Saturday’s Forum organized by Nucleus Foundation, a non-profit association working together with German Development Cooperation (GTZ) and and the European Commission, was attended by over 500 local entrepreneurs and more..

Apr 3 (SO) Cricket fever was at its peak as the ICC World Cup tournament concluded in Mumbai last night. What matters is not winning or losing, but how one played the game. In this scenario, we should reflect on the peaceful manner on how Sri Lanka hosted its ICC World Cup tournament matches, including a quarter final and a semi-final. While enjoying the game in its true spirit, we remember with deep respect those great sons of our soil who made our World Cup dream a reality. more..

Apr 3 (NS) As these words are being read, the victor of yesterday’s cricket World Cup final in Mumbai would be known. Sri Lanka would be either a country rejoicing in victory or despondent in defeat. Nevertheless, cricket has unified a nation once more and given it hope in a manner that is seldom seen. It is on these thoughts that we wish to dwell, not on victory or defeat or on the merits and demerits of the cricket that was on display yesterday. more..

Apr 3 (SO) Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, denying allegations the that Ceylon Electricity board (CEB) still owes the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) staggering amounts of money said the systematic use of hydro power and strict financial regulations helped the CEB record over Rs. 5 billion in profits after 10 years and zero its overdrafts with the People’ s Bank in 2010. He said it was an unfair and arbitrary decision by more..

Apr 3 (SL) Americans say that a ‘sucker’ is born every minute. In this resplendent isle it does appear that the birth rate of suckers is much faster than in the Land of Hope and Glory and should be measured in seconds rather than in minutes. We had demagogues as leaders who took the people for rides before. But their end came either through unforeseen circumstances or through elections. Now we have a clique of leaders led by Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brothers who more..

Apr 3 (LB) This editorialist was recently struck by the observation made by a foreigner that it is a common Sri Lankan trait that most of them think that they are the best at everything — not mere competitive best, but the very best in the world. Look in the mirror, and most Sri Lankans would have to grudgingly admit that the man was right in his sizing-up of the average Sri Lankan psyche. The super best in the world syndrome is as part of the Sri Lankan psychological more..