Nov 15 (LT) A ceremony to commemorate ‘November Heroes’ has been held by the JVP at Vavuniya simultaneous with the ceremony it held at Viharamahadevi open air theatre on the 13th states the media unit of the JVP. The announcement issued by the media unit states ‘A ceremony to commemorate ‘November Heroes’ who laid down their lives on behalf of the Motherland during the 1988-89 period was organized by the Vavuniya District Committee of the JVP and held at more..

Nov 15 (TA) There is little doubt that in 2009 the govt of Sri Lanka pulled off one of the nastiest episodes of mass killing since the Rwandan genocide - and got away with it. Tens of thousands of civilians were massacred, with barely a trickle of Syria-like imagery emerging from the battle zone. In a new report released in New York, the UN has shouldered its portion of responsibility for this bloody catastrophe. It is a heavy burden indeed. The Petrie Report predicates its scouring of more..

Nov 15 (LBO) Sri Lanka will offer up to ten offshore oil blocks in a bidding round that may start as early as next month, Saliya Wickramasuriya director general of the island's petroleum exploration office said. Blocks will be offered around the island ranging from the Western coast and curving over the north towards the East, in the Mannar basin and part of the Cauvery basin that is in Sri Lankan waters. He said "eight to ten" blocks may be offered more..

Nov 16 (NS) The clock ticks, reminding that times passes by, second by second, minute by minute and on and on. Changes taking place every second and at the blink of any eye. Centuries have gone by, ruling passed on from Kings to Kings and then to governments, leaving for us in the many structures, a glimpse what it was in the many many decades ago. Walking along the shady paths, I try to picture how this ancient city would have looked during the times of ancient kings. more..

Nov 16 (NS) The Budget for 2013 was presented at a time when the nation’s attention was distracted by several other developments. The proposed impeachment motion on the Chief Justice would be a hotter debate than the details and impacts of the Budget. This is particularly so as the general public does not expect benefits from the budgetary proposals. Severe economic difficulties. In as far as the finances of the country are concerned, the Budget was presented at a time of more..

Nov 16 (SO) Writing since the 70s, Jean Arasanayagam is perhaps the most prolific among the senior Lankan English writers, widely read locally and still published often beyond our shores. Speaking to the Montage recently, Arasanayagam voiced her concerns to do with some of her more recent work, while commenting on influences that made her a poet years back. Excerpts: Q: Are you writing anything new more..

Nov 16 (CT) Mr. Sarath N. Silva has taken three different positions in regard to the impeachment of the Chief Justice within a quite a short time. Initially, he said that, under the provisions of the 1978 constitution, even a Chief Justice who gives justice to others has no way to get justice. Then, while attending a funeral he met his old friend and master, the President. Soon he declared that the charges against Chief Justice were very serious and that she should think of resigning. more..

Nov 16 (DBS) There is a widespread feeling of pessimism among South Asians at the halting progress made by the SAARC since its inception in 1985. Though SAARC is world’s largest regional grouping of 1.47 billion people, it has not been able to assert its collective strength like the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) or the European Union (EU). But the comparison is a little unfair as both ASEAN and EU were formed in different historical contexts and environments. more..

Nov 16 (CT) Sandya Ekneligoda, wife of Prageeth Ekneligoda who involuntarily disappeared more than 1000 days ago, writes to President Rajapaksa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, on behalf of the families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka, reminding them of the hardship faced by the families of the disappeared and urging action to bring about justice. more..

Nov 16 (DBS) Chathurika Rajapaksha participated in the French-Sri Lankan Diaspora Youth Workshop “Post-War Reconciliation Dialogue for a Sustainable Peace”, which took place in Paris, on October 27th, 2012, as a panelist on the theme “The role of the Diaspora youth in Sri Lanka’s peace building process”. The event was organized by What’s Next!, an independent forum comprising of post-graduates and young professionals of Sri Lankan origin residing in France. more..

Nov 16 (CT) An ogre is a monster in a fairy tale or popular legend, usually represented as a hideous monster who feeds on human flesh. Recently in a number of Asian countries, the ogre of corruption has manifested itself, among the political class and their acolytes. Normally it is the political class which alleges corruption and related misbehaviour among bureaucrats, public officers and business persons who do not tow their political line and carry out their illegal or unethical orders. more..

Nov 16 (DM) Daily Mirror spoke to Professor Gehan Amaratunga about the environment necessary for innovation, research and development in science and technology in Sri Lanka. He notes the weakness in the university system and the renewed interest from the coporate sector to invest in innovation. Prof. Amaratunga is the head of the Electronics, Power and Energy Conversion (EPEC) Research Group within the Electrical more..

Nov 16 (Island) Following last Friday’s violence at Welikada, the Opposition is out for the prisons chief’s scalp. The JVP is demanding to know who called for the deployment of the STF and the army to quell the riot. The UNP wants him replaced immediately; it demands a high level probe. The govt is defending its action. The prison riot, where 27 inmates were killed, must be investigated. One cannot but agree with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that at least one retired more..

Nov 16 (Island) The 12 best young footballers in the country selected after a comprehensive programme will embark on an unforgettable tour of Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, on Saturday November 17th, 2012. During their one week stay in England the boys will visit the Manchester United Academy, go on a tour of the Old Trafford stadium and dressing rooms, visit the Manchester United Megastore as well as attend the English Premier League match between Manchester United more..

Aug 16 (FT) In a welcome development, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) have agreed on a common agenda and will work together in developing the capital market. Following several rounds of discussions and sharing respective priorities lists, a 10-point agenda has been finalised and this will be taken forward under the aegis of Budget 2013 proposed Presidential Task Force on Capital Market Development. The 10 points more..

Aug 16 (LBO) A week of activities will kick off tomorrow ahead of Sri Lanka's 'Effie' advertising awards organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) to recognize creating and effective advertising campaigns. Effie is a global program connected to the American Marketing Association which started in 1968 and is now held in 40 countries. Regional programs include Effie Europe, Effie Asia-Pacific and Effie Middle East. "The best thing for SLIM is that we are more..

Aug 16 (ST) Sri Lankan govt is to introduce regulations making it compulsory for all households to have power surge diverters to protect electronic equipment against lightning, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) said. Over 90% of the damages to electrical appliances and machinery due to lightning can be prevented by fixing electric surge diverters which are available in the market, more..

Aug 16 (Island) Construction work within the school premises and panic reaction may have caused the sudden allergic reaction in students of Gampola Jinaraja Balika Vidyalaya, Gampola MOH Dr. Suneeta Jayasundare said yesterday. However, she added that the allergic reaction could not be attributed to one cause. It was not a serious condition, Dr. Jayasundare said. Dust mites from construction work and the panic reaction of students watching some of their class mates more..

Aug 16 (FT) The Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), Sri Lanka’s IT/BPO industry chamber, has welcomed the Government’s 2013 Budget Proposals to support the development of the IT/ BPO and knowledge services industry. The latest Budget presented to Parliament by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the country’s Finance Minister, outlines specific measures to assist the country’s fast growing IT/BPO industry. more..

Aug 16 (FT) Budget 2013 is geared towards making the rich super rich and making the silent majority of Sri Lanka totally and absolutely downtrodden, notes Deputy Leader of the UNP Sajith Premadasa. Following are excerpts of an interview: Q: How would you describe Budget 2013? A: There are many contradictions and misstatements in this Budget. That points towards a lack of comprehension about the economic more..

Aug 16 (DT) Sri Lankan’s delegates visited to National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) under the leadership of K A Baiz and discussed mutual investment opportunities. NBP has leaped a big step to promote the banking sector and trade volume of Pakistan and South Asia especially with Sri Lanka. As the first step, the NBP is going to open its branch in Colombo, Sri Lanka and in this regard all the documentation work is in the process. After the completion of documentation process, more..

Aug 16 (GDI) Uganda's First Lady and Minister of Karamoja Affairs Janet Kataha Museveni received a grand welcome by Sri Lanka's First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and the teachers and students of Carlton pre-school on Wednesday on her arrival at the venue. While appreciating the service rendered by Sri Lanka's First Lady for the welfare of Sri Lanka's Children said that it is a good example to the whole world. A special ceremony was organized by the Carlton Group of pre-schools at the more..

Aug 16 (Island) The country’s first ever expressway toll revenue was expected to reach one billion rupees by the end of December, just one year aftyer went into operation, a senior official of the RDA said. The govt had earned more than Rs. 930 million, by way of toll charges, since the Expressway opened on Nov. 27, 2011. Over 3.1 million vehicles had used the highway since then, at an average of 7,000 vehicles per day, more..

Aug 16 (APP) The Govt of Pakistan through High Commission of Pakistan has funded the construction of two clean drinking water projects for the resettled vulnerable communities in Mullaitivu district in the Northern part of Sri Lanka. These projects were implemented in the Neerayipitty East and Kumarapuram villages in the Martainpattu DS division after under taking vulnerability assessment for the provision of drinking water, said the press release received here on Thursday more..

Aug 16 (NZH) Three wins from 13 tests - two of which came in the first three tests New Zealand played in the Teardrop Island, back in the days of Hadlee, Crowe, Wright, Cairns, Boock, Smith et al - suggest it is among the harder places to succeed in the longest form. So why should New Zealand be optimistic about their chances when the first test starts in Galle tomorrow night? For one thing it's a bit pointless going in expecting to get another duffing. The two previous tests on the southwest more..

Aug 16 (DN) President Rajapaksa said his govt has launched a concerted drive to arrest the country’s fast depleting forest cover through a systematic reforestation programme. “We are in the process of increasing the country’s forest cover from 25 percent to 35 percent and budgetary allocation have already been made for this,” the President said inaugurating the Deyata Sevana-2012 National Tree Planting Programme, organised by the more..

Aug 16 (ABC) A group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers deported from Australia has reportedly been arrested in Colombo. The 32 men were flown back to Colombo after seeking asylum on Christmas Island. Sri Lankan media is reporting that a number of the latest group of returnees were arrested when they arrived at Colombo's airport. It is believed most were released on bail soon after. More than 200 Sri Lankans have been forcibly returned since Australia's ruling Labor party more..

Aug 16 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed 22 Senior Attorneys as President's Counsel. The 22 Senior Attorneys were sworn before Supreme Court yesterday. The Supreme Court Bench comprised Chief Justice Dr Shirani A Banadaranayake, Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga, Justice Saleem Marsoof, Justice P A Ratnayake, Justice Chandra Ekanayake, Justice S I Imam, Justice Hathya Hettige, Justice Priyasath Dep and Justice Eva Wanasundera. more..

Aug 16 (CT) Deputy Leader of the DNA, Arujuna Ranatunge, and its General Secretary, Tiran Alles, in two separate letters to DNA Leader Sarath Fonseka, have reiterated their commitment to the party and the people who voted for the party. The letters, dated 14 November, were in response to the missives sent by Fonseka to the two MPs, following their resignation from the party, asking them whether they intended to more..

Aug 16 (SMH) A TAMIL refugee branded a security threat by ASIO and held in detention in Melbourne has attempted to take his life, following a suicide attempt last week by another Tamil man in Sydney. Managing arrivals from Sri Lanka has emerged as the biggest challenge for immigration authorities, with the latest boat intercepted at Cocos Island on Wednesday carrying 86 people. It comes as international pressure builds for a boycott of the Commonwealth meeting to more..

Aug 16 (LBO) Sri Lanka's Grand Orient Hotel, owned by a state bank and nearby by British colonial era buildings will be re-developed with the help of private investment in a project which may involve up to a billion US dollars, the state information office said. State run Bank of Ceylon has developed a three stage plan involving GOH which it owns and nearby building of the police department while maintaining its historical aspects, under a plan approved by the cabinet of ministers. more..

Aug 16 (CT) The TNA warned any attempt to repeal the 13th Amendment to the Constitution can cause grave harm and irreparable damage to the future of Sri Lanka. Speaking on the fifth day of the second reading of the budget, TNA Leader, R. Sampanthan, said any attempt by anyone to modify or nullify the 13th Amendment, to make it ineffective and worthless could cause irreparable damage to the future of the more..

Aug 16 (Island) The seven Opposition political parties, namely the TNA, DPF, NSSP, United Socialist Party, United Ruhuna Party, Nawa Sinhala Urumaya and Muslim Tamil National Alliance, banded together as the ‘Struggle for Power Sharing and Reconciliation’, expressed surprise at the decision taken by NFF leader and Minister Wimal Weerawansa to withdraw the case filed in the Supreme Court to abolish the 13th Amendment. MTNA’s leader Azad Salley, speaking at a more..

Aug 16 (CT) Ceylon Teachers Services Union (CTSU) said that the Education Minister must take responsibility for the timely marking of the A/L exam papers, rather than boast about releasing results before 31 Dec. “As the CTSU, we strongly oppose the situation which has arisen. It has come to our knowledge that paper marking centres in Badulla, Kurunegala, Nuwara, Gampaha and Matara have experienced a deficiency of teachers for the second stage of paper marking,” CTSU General more..

Aug 16 (FT) Adding a fresh feather to Sri Lanka’s cap of improving the climate and Ease of Doing Business, the country has moved up in the prestigious Forbes magazine’s list of Best Countries for business. In the latest list, Sri Lanka is ranked 79, four notches up from 83rd position previous year. The latest accolade comes soon after IFC-World Bank annual Ease of Doing Business Index placed Sri Lanka as among world’s ten more..

Aug 16 (Island) The Terrorist Investigation Division, early yesterday morning took into their custody a micro pistol, six bullets and two magazines, which had been purchased by the proprietor of a private company, through his driver, for Rs. 250,000, from a gang of organized contract killers in the South. The pistol had been hidden in a house at Bakmeedeniya in Dehiyattakandiya. TID had raided the house around 1.30 p.m., police said. TID officers, who questioned a suspect in their custody more..

Aug 16 (FT) The controversial move allowing tax-free racing cars in Sri Lanka was brought into the limelight yesterday, with Opposition Legislator Dr. Harsha de Silva joining the Budget debate. According to UNP Spokesman on Economic Affairs MP Dr. de Silva, the President’s move to allow a tax concession on racing cars will be a pacifier for the rich kids of politicians which is less than 0.1% of the total population. “Who wanted racing cars exempted from tax?” UNP MP asked the Govt. more..

Aug 16 (UN) The United Nations is committed to using an internal review that found that the world body failed to meet its responsibilities during the final months of the civil war in Sri Lanka in 2009 in order to improve how it works and to better serve those in need, a senior official pledged. The report by the so-called Internal Review Panel concluded that “events in Sri Lanka mark a grave failure of the UN to adequately respond more..

Aug 16 (DM) Thick maybe the mud slung at the Sri Lankan cricketers from time to time, yet no matter what hits the headlines of the national dailies, for the twenty two million fans on this island soil they are the paragons of sportsmanship. For a citizenry to whom cricket is not a religion but a way of life, those who play the game are no gods who walk in the sky; but eleven ordinary men who rose to the extra-ordinariness through perseverance, endurance and courage. They are as vulnerable as more..