Nov 25 (CT) The most dreaded scenario is unfolding before our very eyes. The government, hell-bent on proceeding with a witch-hunt against a Chief Justice who has been showing her steel, especially over the last few weeks, has made no bones about continuing the game of one-upmanship with furious and unusual haste, hiding its ugly intentions behind a veil of so-called ‘Supremacy and Sovereignty of Parliament’. People’s sovereignty, they say, rests with Parliament. However, when Parliament more..

Nov 25 (DM) Adverse weather conditions had left five people dead in several areas during the last two days while several districts have been affected by floods. Disaster Management Center said today. The districts affected were Anuradapura, Badulla, Moneragala, Ratnapura Hambantota and Galle and Matara District. Deaths were reported from Ratnapura and Kamburupitiya. Water levels in Rajangane Tank began to rise steadily forcing the irrigation more..

Nov 25 (AD) Former Minister and Mawbima Janatha Party leader, Hemakumara Nanayakkara says the public has inquired from him whether a person who once helped a terrorist organization manufacture bombs, is currently serving as a member of the PSC probing the impeachment charges against the Chief Justice. He claimed that people have also asked him whether an individual who using swords and knives had carried out murders in the past, plotted to kill the principal of his own and school and then more..

Nov 25 (SO) The first ever waste to energy project to be launched in Sri Lanka as an effective solution to the Municipal solid waste issue in the Western province and also as a solution for the demand for power by using Municipal solid waste as a renewable energy source will be implemented in Korathota, Kaduwela as a private public partnership project in January next year. The Western Province Waste Management Authority and Renewgen Environment Protection Kotte (Pvt) Ltd have more..

Nov 25 (NS) Police were still attempting to trace the whereabouts of a female doctor, an anaesthetist, attached to the Matara General Hospital after she failed to return home from work on Friday evening. The doctor, identified as Doctor Erandi Kulasinghe (28) had gone missing while on her way home from the hospital. According to a complaint made to the Galle Police by her husband on Friday night, she had last phoned him more..

Nov 25 (SO) Moves are under way to set up a milk powder plant in Badalgama, Gampaha. Livestock and Rural Community Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman has held several rounds of talks with investors in this regard. The National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) has allocated a plot of land for the proposed plant. Construction work will probably commence by the end of December, NLDB Chairman Lieutenant Colonel Ranjith Ellegala said. more..

Nov 25 (Bernama) MIC Youth and a number of non-governmental organisations have cancelled a planned demonstration against the scheduled visit by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Malaysia this coming Wednesday. Its chief T. Mohan told a press conference, here, today that the demonstration, planned to be held in front of the Sri Lankan High Commission premises, here, was cancelled following news report on a portal that Rajapaksa would not be more..

Nov 25 (Island) Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says that finding innovative ways to raise finances without waiting for government funds are amongst the many challenges facing Provincial Councils. PCs should also, in addition to planning ahead, identifying projects in key areas, seeking expertise and implementing projects, should also get the private sector to participate in provincial economies, he noted. more..

Nov 25 (NS) Three UNP MPs and twenty other top local govt members will not be extended invitations to attend the annual UNP convention scheduled on December 1, authoritative UNP sources disclosed to The Nation. Sources said the three MPs would be excluded from the invitees list as they face disciplinary action while the others have acted in contravention of the constitution of the party. The three MPs are Palitha Range Bandara, Ashoka Abeysinghe and Palitha Thevarapperuma. more..

Nov 25 (FMT) With various Indian groups objecting to the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Malaysia early next month for an international forum, it has now been confirmed that Rajapaksa will not be coming after all. This has been confirmed by the Sri Lankan High Commission’s media affairs counsellor, Rizvi Hassen. “President Rajapaksa will not be coming due to unavoidable circumstances,” Rizvi said in an e-mail correspondence. Rajapaksa was invited more..

Nov 25 (NS) In a shocking disclosure, thirty top ruling party parliamentarians, some who enjoy portfolios of ‘collective responsibility’ are to be charged before court shortly for accumulation of assets through unscrupulous methods. An authoritative source from the commission to probe Bribery or Corruption told The Nation that investigations on these top rank parliamentarians were near completion. more..

Nov 25 (CT) Firearms which were stored in the armoury of the Welikada Prison were taken into the custody of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday. Measures have also been taken to remove firearms from the Magazine and the Colombo Remand Prison shortly. The decision to remove the firearms from the prisons was taken by the Defence Ministry following the Welikada Prison riot a couple of weeks ago. Prison officials were provided with automatic firearms for security purposes. However, more..

Nov 25 (NS) The FUTA is to hold two meetings with govt officials this week to discuss the budget proposals and issues related to the higher education sector. FUTA President, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said that a meeting with Treasury Secretary was scheduled to be held on Wednesday where they would discuss issues related to budget allocations. In addition, the members will also meet officials of the Higher Education Ministry on Dec 3 to discuss on their salary issues and more..

Nov 25 (ST) Sri Lanka’s one and only mobile phone directory has got off the ground providing access for Android phone users to a comprehensive list of business addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information, officials of the SLT Rainbow Pages said. Malraj Balapitiya, CEO, SLT VisionCom (Pvt) Ltd and SLT Publications (Pvt) Ltd said the mobile phone is increasingly becoming a lifeline for users and more..

Nov 25 (SO) "Allegations by the TNA MPs stating that schools in the Northern and Eastern provinces have been deliberately ignored, under the 1,000 secondary schools development program is absolutely incorrect said V. Selvarajah, Provincial Director of Education for the Northern province. He said that under the Mahindodaya 1,000 Secondary School Development National Program 90 schools have been selected for development in the Northern Province. more..

Nov 25 (NS) The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, an ‘alien’ concept imposed on the country by outside forces, would never stand up even in an international court, claimed Leader of the JHU, Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera. Ven. Sobitha called upon the Rajapaksa govt do away with the provincial council system as it was a burden on the entire country. “The 13th Amendment was introduced by the Indian govt and President J.R. Jayewardene implemented it without any form of wider more..

Nov 25 (ST) The Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH), Sri Lanka and probably Asia’s oldest hotel at the waterfront in Fort, is preparing a face-lift and major refurbishment under an international heritage brand, officials said this week. The re-development of the 175 year-old Victorian hotel built in 1837 to house British soldiers is part of the creation of a new President’s Square costing US$1 billion in the heart of Colombo. more..

Nov 26 (SL) THERE’s a lot the SLRFU can gloat about the 2012 season. The year’s achievements have been stunning, none more splendid than the country’s deeds at the HSBC four-tournament Asian Sevens series. It brought home trophies from each of the four events: Bowl from Borneo and Plates from Shanghai, Mumbai and Singapore, a vivid contrast to the empty-handed returns from multiple campaignsin years past. Our national fifteens outfit might’ve not won a piece of silver in 2012, more..

Nov 26 (DBS) In 17th century England, the Stuart Kings seriously undermined the independence of the judiciary by the practice of dismissing judges who gave decisions unfavourable to them. Consequently, in 1701, as part of the revolution settlement on the accession of William and Mary, the English Parliament enacted the Act of Settlement which guaranteed the tenure of judges “during good behaviour”, and provided for their removal only “upon the address of both Houses of more..

Nov 26 (SO) The UNP had governed Sri Lanka for over 30 years since Independence in different terms and led by a number of leaders. It was a formidable political force founded by D.S. Senanayake in 1946 with the support of all community leaders of yesteryear. It experienced ups and downs from time to time, but was never bogged down in the Opposition for more than one parliamentary term prior to 2004. All former more..

Nov 26 (SL) I have on several previous occasions, in the newspaper columns which I contribute to The Sunday Leader, made mention of incidents of political victimization which could have had serious repercussion on me and my spouse and which appear to be continuing unabated. The brother of the Senior Cabinet Minister who happens to be our MP, a retired army officer, who serves as his ‘aiyya’s’ ‘Point man’ in this area and appears to have a ‘hands-on’ relationship with men and more..

Nov 26 (DBS) Last week we saw an unprecedented action by the Supreme Court. I wonder whether any court, let alone the Supreme Court, has ever before made a ‘request’, without making a coercive order. This perhaps was dictated to by the experience gained on two previous instances. Both involved the former Chief Justice Sarath Silva. In 2001 when a Motion for his impeachment was presented to the then Speaker Anura Bandaranaike, the Supreme Court issued a stay order restraining him more..

Nov 26 (SL) Senior lawyer Gomin Dayasri says that the procedure presently in force would not grant the Chief Justice a fair trial in the probe on the impeachment motion against her. He noted that the judiciary alone could not maintain the balance of power unless the legislature and executive are cooperative and help maintain the equilibrium. “The Executive also must be strong and genuine on law and order since you need more..

Nov 26 (CT) On 20 Nov (2012) afternoon, a fair gathering of people at the badly neglected Colombo Public Library, gave that old black and white look of an art gallery photograph. Grey haired, bald and elderly men on stage argued against the impeachment now being taken up by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to decide on charges levelled against the Chief Justice (CJ). The audience, brought together by a group of city based trade unions for this public meeting, more..

Nov 26 (CT) Nationalism is two-faced, Janus like. It was the inspirer of anti-colonialism that stirred the liberation of nations from India to Kenya, the Middle East and Indo China. It also presided over the most unspeakable horrors that man has perpetrated on man. Gandhi was a nationalist but so was Pol Pot; Saddam Hussein was a Bath Arab nationalist, he was also a monster. Aung San Suu Kyi is a democracy icon and a human rights laureate, but perforce falls silent when Buddhist more..

Nov 26 (SO) On a sultry afternoon a large crowd gathered around a car parked near a restaurant on the Marine Drive at Bambalapitiya last Sunday. The time was about 1.30.p.m. Curious onlookers peering into the car were stunned when they saw a well-dressed man lying in a pool of blood in the front seat. There was a gaping wound on his neck. The killer had slashed his throat and run away leaving the man to bleed in the car. Police said a boy had informed a hotel employee that he had seen a man running away more..

Nov 26 (ST) The burden of taxation has fallen on the poor in recent years despite the budget 2013 and previous budgets being described as being ‘people friendly’. No doubt there were several specific measures of relief for the poorer sections of society. Yet the sum benefit on the poorer sections is small compared with the taxation measures that increase their cost of living. The general thrust of taxation has been such that a heavy burden falls on the lower income earners through more..

Nov 26 (Island) After months of declining, the Central Bank has significantly increased its dollar sales in the foreign exchange market by nearly US$ 300 million in Sept 2012, data showed, selling more than US$ 1,250 million during the first nine months of this year. The Central Bank sold down reserves to the tune of US$ 300 million in Sept 2012 while absorbing US$ 23 million from the foreign exchange market to be a net seller more..

Nov 26 (CI) When Sojourner Truth said the "night was often darkest before the dawn", New Zealand's Test travails were not the subject of her commentary. But on the first day of the second Test, the endeavours of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson appeared to give sporting credence to her words, though they have much left to achieve yet. Five days ago in Galle, New Zealand's batsmen played Rangana Herath like he was bowling grenades at them while they were being waterboarded. more..

Nov 26 (FT) Softlogic Holdings Plc is boosting its profitable retail business via an exclusive deal with world renowned brand Mothercare of UK. The diversified blue chip will launch a mega 7,500 square feet three-level UK-style Mothercare showroom and affiliated brand Early Learning Centre at No.7, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 5. The move is part of Softlogic’s strategy of further enhancing the retail offering to better harness opportunities in tandem with the rising more..

Nov 26 (Island) The prison officers attached to the Welikada Prison have expressed their displeasure over the government’s decision to withdraw the weapons issued to them, following the recent prison riot during which inmates broke open an armoury and seized weapons. A group of prison officers met Minister Chandrasiri Gajadheera and urged him to reconsider the decision to withdraw the arms issued to them for their protection. more..

Nov 26 (FT) The tea industry has had a favourable October with exports in value and crop improving, according to Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers. Quoting Customs data, the broking firm said tea exports for the month of October 2012 totalled 25.4 million kilos vis-à-vis 28.05 million kilos of October 2011, showing a decrease of 2.5 million kilos. Total revenue however of Rs. 14.9 billion for October 2012 shows a growth of Rs. 800 million vis-à-vis Rs. 14.1 billion of October 2011. more..

Nov 26 (DN) Many small rubber estate owners in the Ittapana area are experiencing difficulties in finding experienced rubber tappers. Rubber trees were uprooted during the past due to a dearth of rubber tappers and rain in the Ittapana area. However, people have started cultivating rubber again as there is a demand for rubber. Sisira Kannangara of Ittapaana, an owner of a small rubber estate said: "I employed several people to tap rubber but they were unable to do the job successfully. more..

Nov 26 (CT) The Bar Association of Kandy (BAK) has delivered an ultimatum to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), threatening to function as an independent body if the BASL continues with it lackluster response to the govt initiated Impeachment Motion against the Chief Justice and does to take immediate action against the motion. Accusing the leadership of the BASL of displaying a tepid response to a significant event that more..

Nov 26 (FT) An Australian delegation accompanied by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Robyn Louise Mudie visited the Sri Lanka Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee on 23rd November 2012. The Australian High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on Deputy Area Commander of the SLN’s Eastern Naval Area, Commodore KKVPH De Silva and he briefed the delegation on the present state of illegal emigrants leaving to Australia from the East. At a press conference more..

Nov 26 (DN) The Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry yesterday warned of stern action against suppliers and traders who try to indulge in hoarding of necessary commodities to create an artificial shortage in the market and thereby make huge profits during the upcoming festive season. Minister Johnston Fernando called on the Consumer Affairs Authority to monitor and compile an inventory on the available rice stocks with both government and private suppliers. more..

Nov 26 (Island) NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa warned of an attempt to merge the Eastern Province with the Northern Province. He asserted such that a threat could emerge in case those pursuing the LTTE’s eelam project bagged both Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils. The UPFA is in control of the Eastern Provincial Council, whereas the election to the Northern Provincial Council is expected before Sept 2013. more..

Nov 26 (DN) Arrangements are in place to fulfill 99% out of the total requirement of ambulances in govt hospitals within the next four months, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayathilake said. He said measures are in place to provide 124 ambulances to provincial hospitals with funds from Japan International Cooperation Agency. The Treasury agreed to provide funds for another 270 ambulances, he said. "According to Health Ministry statistics, there is a shortage of 400 more..

Nov 26 (CT) The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) is to form an alliance with the National Trade Union Centre (NTUC) in a bid to join forces and win their various demands. FUTA Secretary, Dr. Terence Madujith said, FUTA had received a written invitation from NTUC President and former JVP parliamentarian, K.D. Lalkantha, to this effect. He said the invitation had come in the wake of the 2013 Budget, which offers only a marginal salary increase for more..