Feb 28 (NIP) Rt Rev Dr Thomas Savundaranayagam, the Bishop of Jaffna, has categorically opposed attempts by several Tamil nationalist groups in Tamil Nadu to prevent Sri Lankan pilgrims from visiting Catholic shrines in that State. Asked to comment on the incident last Sunday when the Tamil Nadu police turned back 70 Lankan pilgrims even before they reached the Annai Velankanni shrine fearing violence by Tamil nationalist groups, Dr Savundaranayagam more..

Feb 28 (DM) Minister Mervyn Silva’s Parliamentary Affairs Secretary and his Coordinating Secretary who were in remand over their alleged involvement in the Kelaniya UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha member Hasitha Madawala’s killing were made state witnesses by the Attorney General today. The CID investigated into the killing on the direction of the IGP following a complaint made to the Police Chief by Eranda Prasad Jaymanna of Kelaniya on January 5. When the matter was taken up for inquiry more..

Feb 28 (CG) The govt says it got a copy of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report before it was released to the media this week. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that he got a copy of the report on Feb 22 claiming that 75 people were victims of abuse in Sri Lanka. Rambukwella said he had asked for the names and other details of the 75 people but HRW had refused to release those details as the family members of those 75 more..