Nov 22 (Island) The govt was blaming everyone including the British PM David Cameron after having assured the UN, in May 2009 of an independent investigation into allegations international humanitarian laws violations the UNP said. MP Lakshman Kiriella said there was no point blaming Cameron or anyone else for interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, after the Rajapaksa regime had signed a joint communiqué with more..

Nov 22 (DN) The health budget for next year will be around Rs. 150 billion. It was Rs. 135 billion this year while Rs. 110 billion was allocated by the govt for the health sector in 2012, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. He said the health budget had been significantly increased by the govt during the past years. Intern appointments will be given to 1,046 doctors on Nov 26 and 6,025 nursing students will be recruited for training on Dec 17. more..

Nov 22 (Island) The National Zoological Gardens, in Dehiwela, which was once a haven for animals, is now left with only one animal each of popular varieties. This has resulted in visitors blaming the management for not taking steps to bring down animals. Zoo officials said that during the last two years a number of animals had died due to numerous reasons, such as unhygienic conditions, space constraints and food problems. more..

Nov 22 (MED) Distribution of chicks among poultry farmers, building cattle sheds to help dairy farmers and giving assistance to establish piggeries and goat farms under the Divi Neguma National Programme’s livestock development project have shown remarkable progress and benefited over 200,000 farmers. 600,000 chicks will be distributed among 90,000 beneficiaries under Divi Neguma Phase 5 which commenced on Oct 11. more..

Nov 22 (CG) The trial date has been set in the case involving the Dec 2011 murder of British tourist Khuram Shaikh. Colombo High Court today read the indictments filed by the AG on the suspects, including the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, over the murder. After serving the indictments the judge set December 2 as the date for the trial to begin. The suspects however pleaded innocent over the murder. more..

Nov 22 (CG) US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal says the US supports reconciliation in Sri Lanka. She said this after being sworn in to the post in the presence of US Secretary of State John Kerry. “Throughout the region, we are partnering with governments and civil society to support the political development of young democracies, such as Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Maldives, helping to more..

Nov 22 (DM) Minister G.L Peiris, spoke to Daily Mirror about the outcomes of the CHOGM. Q: Minister how do you view the aftermath of the Commonwealth Summit. Do you believe it was a success? A: I think it was an unqualified success and the benefits it brought to our country were manifold. One was the fact that many of the visiting foreign dignitaries were able to see and experience this country and get a first hand impression. more..

Nov 22 (Island) The main reasons for boycotting President Rajapaksa’s budget speech was his govt overriding parliament in resorting to commercial borrowings and also disbursing funds it had allocated for 2012-13, UNP said. Eran Wickremeratne, MP, said that the legislature had been made ineffective by the lack of information to the people’s representatives. "When objections were raised to the govt resorting to commercial borrowings more..

Nov 22 (CT) During CHOGM, two important statements were made by two heads of States that TNA should be very concerned and vigilant about. They are both from countries that matter, where Tamil politics is concerned. The first came from British PM David Cameron and that was forewarned. Lobbied to boycott the CHOGM in Colombo, he insisted he would participate and raise human rights and accountability issues during the Colombo summit. He could not possibly boycott more..

Nov 22 (HP) The war may be 'over' in Sri Lanka with the govt's termination of the Tamil Tiger rebels, however thousands of Sri Lankan citizens have died, been displaced from family or disappeared in following alleged abductions in white vans. Families are calling out for their loved ones and urging the Sri Lankan govt to investigate the matter urgently in order for the 'war to really be over'. Many families have claimed that there is an ongoing 'civil war' within the country where many journalists more..

Nov 22 (Island) Sri Lanka had the highest per capita agricultural chemical consumption within the South Asian Region, according to Minister Patali Ranawaka. Addressing the media, at the National Science Foundation (NSF), he noted that more people would die of heart diseases, cancer, chronic kidney diseases and diabetes than the number killed in the 30-year civil war, if they continued with unhealthy food habits. more..

Nov 22 (CT) Fifty years ago today, John F. Kennedy (JFK), the charismatic 35th President of the United States, was shot dead in Dallas, Texas. His assassination shocked the world to a standstill and gave rise to two enduring legacies – the modern day Camelot and a cottage industry of conspiracies. Fifty years on, Camelot may have lost its attraction. In fact, the 'New York Times' recently reported that in the ranking of Presidents, Kennedy had fallen further and faster than any, with Ronald Reagan more..

Nov 22 (CG) The UNP says it will place priority on preparing for National elections next year. UNP Kegalle MP Kabir Hashim said that as part of preparing to face an election the party will meet with the district organizers and also select new organizers. The meetings will take place over the next one and a half months with these organisers while an election plan will also be prepared. Hashim said that there have been indications that either Presidential elections or provincial elections more..

Nov 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka's software and knowledge services exports rose 17% to 248 million US dollars in the first half of 2013 from a year earlier, an economic report said. "The computer and information services sector continued to record steady inflows," the Central Bank said a report on recent economic developments. "Despite the slowdown in global economic activity, gross inflows to the computer and information services more..

Nov 22 (Island) Animal rights movements yesterday accused the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) of not keeping its word to release stray dogs back in to the communities from which they were captured and taken away, on the eve of CHOGM. A spokesperson for animal rights movements complained that the CMC veterinary department was now refusing to return the dogs and demanding registration documentation as proof from owners. The people and animal rights movements had been more..

Nov 22 (CT) The problem with commenting on the effectiveness of cover-ups is that we only know for sure about the ones that have failed. It may well be that there are in fact thousands upon millions of intricately worked together conspiracies spiralling their powerful plots around the globe at this very moment, and we just don't know by virtue of their success. But one thing we can say with some assurance. If you're caught trying to cover something up, you've basically just admitted more..

Nov 22 (Xinhua) Australian govt has returned all 79 Sri Lankans who arrived illegally in Australia by boat last month. Australian High Commission said that the last six Sri Lankans this week joined the group of 73 who were returned last month after arriving illegally by boat and being screened out of a protection assessment process. Govt's new policy implementation sends a strong message that if you arrive illegally by boat, more..

Nov 22 (Island) The Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) yesterday seized three brands of cigarettes, valued at Rs. 43 million, smuggled in 12 crates, at the Orugodawatta warehouse. There were 1.5 million cigarettes of the brands, Top Mountain, Gold Seal and Team. The contraband was found inside crates made of cardboard, wood and iron and had been sent from Dubai and Kuwait. Acting on a tip off, the customs detected the contraband at the Air Cargo Terminal of the BIA last week, more..

Nov 22 (Island) Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 65 percent of deaths in the country. To help prevent NCDs, eDoctor has developed an interactive health tool whereby people can screen their health status free of charge with regards to NCD’s whilst being in the comfort of their own homes. It has a user friendly interface and is customised by eDoctor to cater to the Sri Lankan public. This is a unique tool as it considers many aspects such as age, sex, the patients’ more..

Nov 22 (DM) The prices of used vehicles imported to the country would rise, as the govt has changed the depreciation rates applied on customs duty on used vehicles in the 2014 budget. The tax currently imposed on used vehicles based on value depreciation was 90% for vehicles used up to six months old, 80% for those used from six months to a year, 75% for vehicles used from a year to 18 months and 70% for vehicles used for more..

Nov 22 (IN) Students from Sri Lanka highlighted their culture through a performance at a local educational institution on Thursday. A delegation of the students from Sri Lanka educational institutions visited the Jinnah Basic School and College under Pakistan-Sri Lanka second youth exchange programme. The performance of skits, dramas and dress show of South Asian countries by students of the Jinnah Basic School and College was followed by performance of the students from more..

Nov 22 (Island) Leading UNP reformist and Southern Provincial Councilor Maithri Gunaratne condemned the UNP boycott of the CHOGM. Gunaratne said that the UNP could have made use of that opportunity to highlight the undemocratic ways of the Rajapaksa govt before the leaders of the Commonwealth instead of boycotting it. He said that the UNP could have raised the very questionable expenditure and got the govt to curtail it. Party had ceased to live up the people’s expectations, more..

Nov 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka has slapped a series of new taxes to raise revenue and worsen protectionism setting an ambitious state revenue targets for 2014 with more spending and borrowing outlined outside the budget. The was also some spending restraints in the budget which targets a 5.2% of gross domestic product deficit. Amid masochistic calls by some economists to raise the tax to gross domestic product ratio more..

Nov 22 (Island) An Australian of British origin, who is said to be a bit eccentric was involved in a flag war with local authorities. Having seen some Australian flags being flown upside down, in the run-up to the CHOGM, in the Galle area, he had in anger hoisted four Sri Lankan flags upside down at a hotel in Galle, which he had taken on lease. Acting on a tip of, the Galle police had rushed to the place and removed the flags and taken them into their custody. He had been warned and asked to report to more..

Nov 22 (CI) New Zealand captain Kyle Mills conceded his side was outplayed comprehensively in the second T20 in Pallekele, but was optimistic about their chances in the home summer and the World Twenty20, thanks to encouraging individual performances. A severely-depleted New Zealand tied the ODI series, having secured an unlikely weather-affected win in Hambantota, and for Mills, that victory was enough to suggest a bright future for the side in the short term. more..

Nov 22 (CI)Sri Lanka Cricket has denied it requested Australia assistant coach, Steve Rixon, to travel to Sri Lanka for an interview as part of the board's appraisal of candidates for the position of Sri Lanka head coach. In a statement released to ESPNcricinfo, the board said Rixon had been informed he would be required for an in-person interview if he had been shortlisted, but talks with him did not progress that far. more..

Nov 22 (Island) Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that the supply of around 193 types of essential drugs was controlled by a monopoly. He had instructed Cosmetic Devices Drug Regulatory Authority (CDDRA) Director Dr. Hemantha Beneragma to fast-track the processing of applications. Minister said that he had asked the CDDRA to immediately introduce fast-track processing of applications, from interested pharmaceutical companies, because some more..

Nov 22 (DM) British Govt MP Michael Fallon said that Arms exports to Sri Lanka have increased recently, as the British government has issued a number of licences for weapons and other equipment that will be used by maritime security companies undertaking commercial anti-piracy work. In a response to question the MP also told in British Parliament on Thursday that, “…Those ongoing efforts to fight piracy are important for international trade and security. more..

Nov 22 (DM) Underscoring the fact that the 2014 budget had failed to encourage the export industry, which is vital for Sri Lanka’s development, the UNP said today it was basically a casino-friendly, anti-people budget. “Only one per cent of the people with a casino culture have benefited from the budget whereas the others have been neglected by the Govt. Had the govt considered the voices of average citizens before drafting the budget, more..

Nov 22 (PTI) Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while his team-mates were docked 10 per cent of their earnings for maintaining a slow over-rate during the team's Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Pallekele. "Sri Lanka has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand in Pallekele on Thursday," the ICC said. Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC more..

Nov 22 (GDI) The Veyangoda flyover built by the Highways Ministry on a request made by the Minister Basil Rajapaksa to overcome the rush hour-traffic congestion in the Veyangoda town will be opened next month. It will end the long road traffic delay caused by the movement of trains. This is one of the biggest projects launched to develop infrastructure in the Gampaha District under the Mahinda Chinthana Vision. The total length of the flyover is 700 metres. more..

Nov 22 (LT) A budget with tasteful words has been presented to deceive the working masses and yet again the moves of the capitalist regime proves that working masses have no other alternative but to struggle to win their rights states National Trade Unions Center (NTUC). The President of NTUC K.D. Lal Kanthe in an announcement states: Since President Rajapaksa assumed office and from Jan 2006, more..

Nov 22 (Reuters) Rupee closed steady on Friday despite downward pressure due to importer dollar demand as banks were reluctant to trade above the 131.10 level, a day after the govt stressed the importance of maintaining a flexible exchange rate regime. The spot rupee was quoted at 131.10/20 per dollar, flat from Thursday's close. Three dealers said banks were reluctant to trade the currency above 131.10 per dollar, a level seen as desirable by the central bank, and forward trade was active. more..

Nov 22 (Island) Sidelining two important hydro power projects, which are scheduled to go into operation from 2015, are among some controversial proposals included in the CEB Least Cost Generation Plan, well-placed sources revealed. A senior engineer said that the plan to sideline crucial and inexpensive hydro generation projects would cost the CEB a minimum of up to five billion rupees annually as it would then have to rely on costly thermal power to fill the void. more..

Nov 22 (PTI) A group of Sri Lankan Muslims today protested against British PM David Cameron's warning to institute an international inquiry into alleged human rights violations during the war against LTTE. The protesters demonstrated holding placards against Cameron at the central Colombo's main mosque after Friday prayers. They accused the British Prime Minister of being influenced by the pro-LTTE diaspora in Britain. more..

Nov 23 (NS) Vimutkthi Jayasandera’s second film, Between Two Worlds (Ahasin Vate) was screened at the Arts Theatre of University of Peradeniya as part of a film festival organized by the Students’ Union. Jayasundera rose to prominence with his debut film, Forsaken Land (Sulanga Enu Pinisa) which won the award for the best first film (Camera d’Or) at the Cannes Film Festival. Although Forsaken Land was criticized by some for its tangibly orientalist portrayal of the Sri Lankans – who seem to inhabit more..

Nov 23 (CT) David Cameron is the second British PM to visit Sri Lanka. He was here last week to attend the CHOGM. Britain's first woman Premier, Margaret Thatcher, visited the island in 1985 to commission the Victoria Dam and Power Station, which was constructed under the accelerated Mahaweli Project with British assistance. Thatcher's visit to Sri Lanka also became one of her first visits to a South Asian country, since she established her image as the 'Iron Lady' in Westminster with more..

Nov 23 (SO) The Govt has implemented mega infrastructure development projects in the Hambantota district. Many infrastructure facilities are available in the district to improve the industrial sector and promote the tourism industry. Nearly 75% of infrastructure development has now been completed. Electricity and drinking water problems of people too have been addressed. Once the ongoing projects more..

Nov 23 (NS) Australian businessman, James Douglas Packer last week indicated that catering to the needs of the rising middle class travelers from Asia, especially those from China and India will be vital to realize the true potential of the island’s tourism sector. Hailing SL a modern economy, growing strongly with a very professional approach to business and foreign investment, Packer, the son of the late media mogul, Kerry Packer, said the wealthy Chinese middle-class more..

Nov 23 (CT) Goodness Gracious Me! Added to all the glorious grandeur, fuss and ruffled feathers and Colombo looking c-o-o-o-l, the CHOGM gatherings were spectacular though more than half the heads of the 53 nations gave our CHOGM a miss. I have in mind particularly the opening ceremony at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre. Other meetings too would have been shows worth witnessing. But even more relevant to soft hearted bods like Menika who love a dash of sentiment and a touch of pure more..