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  The Centre for Policy Alternatives filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court today (Sept. 05th), seeking an order for the nullification of the gazette containing amendments to emergency regulations.   Published on August 05th, the amended law empowers the Defence Secretar...
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Posted on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:04AM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The President has agreed to convene the All Party Conference to discuss the national conflict, said Jathika Hela Urumaya MP Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera.   President Mahinda Rajapaksa´s agreement came at a discussion he had with the JHU parliamentarian today (Sept. 05th).   S...
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Posted on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:02AM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says students island wide will have the same question papers at the year-end term.   He says there will be no question of the standard of the question papers this time.   The minister was speaking at the Colombo Harbour today (Sept. 05th) at t...
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Posted on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:00AM GMT (+0530) LKT
    Nearly 3,000 deserters have returned to their ranks in the Army in the recent past, said the Army Headquarters in a statement.   It said personnel who have deserted the military still had an opportunity to report for duty.   The statement came as island wide search operations...
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Posted on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:59AM GMT (+0530) LKT
  UNICEF spokesman in Colombo Gordon Weiss has called for a safe passage for Wanni civilians to move to safe areas.   He warned of a disastrous situation if they had to travel through conflict areas.   Speaking to BBC, Mr. Weiss said an agreement could be reached with the LTTE for a ...
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Posted on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:57AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Eighteen LTTE members have been killed and another 12 wounded in fighting in the northern province yesterday (Sept. 04th), said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara.   The military lost two soldiers, while seven others sustained injuries, he said.   The clashes had taken place at Pal...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:38PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The Supreme Court has granted leave to proceed with a fundamental rights petition filed against the closure of a Budget Shop outlet at Rajagiriya in Colombo.   The petitioners are the persons who had operated the business under authorization by the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment. &n...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:36PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Fourteen leading Chinese investors have expressed an interest to open up businesses in Sri Lanka.   These investors, pursuant to an invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his recent tour of Beijing, visited the island a few days ago.   They had a meeting with Pres...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:34PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The main opposition UNP is looking into the need for effecting amendments to the party constitution, said its General Secretary Tissa Attanayake.   After their deliberations in this regard, a committee of party seniors will submit a report to the Working Committee, he said.   A mem...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:32PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The leftist JVP insists it will continue to take strong action against any errant party member, even if its parliamentary group is reduced to five in number.   Leader of the parliamentary group Anura Kumara Dissanayake said there would be no pardoning of wrongdoers.   He also said t...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:30PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Supreme Court today (Sept. 05th) rejected a motion seeking bail for Buddhist monk Ven. Pannala Pannaloka Thera who is remanded on a charge under pollution prevention legislation.   According to NethFM News courts correspondent, a group of monks had been present at the hearing.   Howeve...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:27PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Wanni troops have killed 30 LTTE combatants and injured 21 others in fighting, said the Media Centre for National Security.   The fighting took placed in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Welioya, where the military lost four of its personnel, while 14 others sustained injuries.   Meanwhile...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:25PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The Railway Department has decided to replace bamboo gates at level crossings with warning boards and large mirrors, as the former has proven ineffective.   Noting that bamboo gates had failed to reduce the number of rail accidents, the department blamed the inefficiency of temporary wo...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:23PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The Sri Lankan delegation to the 9th Session of the UN Human Rights Council led by Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights arrived in Geneva, Switzerland on September 03rd.   The Session is to be held from 8th to 26th of September.   Yesterday (Sept....
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:21PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The national cycle tour organized by NethFM will go to Sabaragamuwa tomorrow (Sept. 05th) as yet another provincial segment of the standard championship.   After a successful run in other provinces, the latest segment will centre on Ratnapura town.   The championship will be a nove...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:19PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A student´s activist hopes the people will soon correct themselves and stop electing unsuitable persons as their representatives to Parliament and other legislative institutions. Convener of the Inter University Students Federation Udul Premaratne, in a statement, said both the country and it...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:39PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Cabinet Minister of Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is claiming that yet another group from the main opposition UNP is preparing to join the ranks of his ruling UPFA. Speaking to a news conference in Colombo today (Sept. 04th), he however declined to give details for the present.
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:39PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Cabinet has approved a paper submitted by Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake for revising the Registration of Persons Act. Cabinet spokesman Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told the media today (Sept. 04th) that the purpose of the amendment would be to provide for the introduction of a digitaliz...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:40PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Supreme Court today (Sept. 04th) granted leave to Sirasa Media Network to proceed with a fundamental rights petition it has filed against a group, including government Minister of Labour Mervyn Silva. According to NethFM courts correspondent, notice has been issued to the minister, the SSP of P...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:41PM GMT (+0530) LKT
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is of the view that the people have, through their decision at the recent provincial polls, endorsed the programme of his government. The president was speaking in Colombo today (Sept. 04th) at the swearing in of ministers of the newly elected North Central and Sabaragam...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:41PM GMT (+0530) LKT
´Intellectuals for Human Rights´ has urged the LTTE to immediately halt its practices of giving arms training to civilians and using them as a human shield. In a statement, its Secretary Prof. Rahula Athalage strongly denounced the Tigers for not allowing the Wanni people to exercise th...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:42PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The leftist JVP says it would not hesitate to take any action to maintain discipline within the party.   Its Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath said the party had discipline as its foundation.   Yesterday´s (Sept. 03rd) resignation of party MP Anuruddha Polgampola, who has admitted ...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:17PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The leftist JVP has now lost 15 of the 39 MPs it originally had at the formation of the UPFA regime.   The first to leave the party was S. Amarasinghe, followed by Nandana Gunatilake.   Wimal Weerawansa and nine other MPs broke away and formed the National Freedom Front, whic...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:18PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The government has decided to raise the import levies on footwear next year.   Industrial Development Minister Kumar Welgama said the CESS  per pair of imported footwear would go up by Rs. 100, to Rs. 400.   Other taxes would go up from 30 per cent to 50 pc, he said.   The...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:18PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  A function is now in progress where the chief ministers and other ministers of the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Province are taking oaths of office.   The swearing in began before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo at 11.20 am.   Sabaragamuwa c...
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Posted on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:19PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The National Child Protection Authority is to launch special programmes for the social mobilization of children caught up in the war.   Its chairman Jagath Wellawatte said these children would be given physiotherapy treatment, starting from the Eastern Province.   These programmes will als...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:38PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Troops in the Wanni offensive are advancing forward, with clashes leaving at least 28 LTTE members killed and 10 others injured yesterday alone.   A soldier died and eight others sustained injuries in the fighting, said the Media Centre for National Security.    
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:36PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama is calling for high standards in technical and infrastructural spheres in the country.   He said the development of the two was imperative for economic progress.   The minister was addressing a function in Colombo yesterday (Sept. 0...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:34PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The main opposition UNP has decided that internal matters should be raised only at meetings of the working committee and the politburo of the party.   Meeting yesterday (Sept. 03rd), the politburo stressed that such matters should not be discussed anywhere else.   At this dis...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:31PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The United Nation´s Resident representative in Sri Lanka requested that all civilians who want to move out of the non-liberated areas in the North should be allowed to move out without any hindrance.   "Any displaced person is entitled to freedom of movement according to internat...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:29PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The LTTE had ordered civilians to stay in the Wanni and prepare for the final battle, said the Defence Ministry website.   The organization had told the people to construct bunkers.   According to police intelligence, 400 Tamil youth from central hills had been given arms tra...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:26PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Heavy fighting continued for the third day yesterday (Sept. 03rd) between the Army and the LTTE after the former destroyed an enemy bunker line located between Nachchikudah and Akkarayankulam in Kilinochchi.   According to sources in the Wanni, the 58 Division of the Army destroyed the ...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:24PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    Police have freed a 12-year-old boy who had been maltreated by his employer.   Personnel of the National Child Protection Authority had found the teenager from a woman at Chilaw.   He had been given by his mother to work as a domestic worker.   Chairman of the Authority ...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:21PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A rebel group of MPs within the main opposition UNP says that it does not work according to an agenda of the government.   A member of the group, Jayalath Jayawardena says their call for reforms are intended to make the party strong and to win elections.   ****
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:19PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The elite police Special Task Force will guarantee the future of the children of its fallen personnel, said Commandant of the STF DIG K.N. Sarathchandra.   He was speaking at an anniversary function of the STF in central Kandy district today (Sept. 03rd).   The DIG commended his troops for...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:17PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The UN Country Team in Sri Lanka says it acknowledges the announcement by the government of Sri Lanka of additional measures that are intended to facilitate the freedom of movement of civilians who have been affected by fighting in the Wanni.   Measures that comply with international obligatio...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:16PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Several people have been interrogated over the food poisoning of 253 soldiers at Hennanigala Army Camp in Dehiattakandiya, North Central Province a few days ago.   According to defence sources, the cooks as well as those who frequent the camp´s kitchen are among the questioned persons. &n...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:14PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Air Force pounded two  LTTE fighter boats that were anchored close to Alampil beach near  Nayaru Lagoon in Mullaitivu today (Sept. 03rd).   The air strike around 10.30 am was launched using Air Force fighter jets, said the Media Centre for National Security.   Pilots have confi...
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:13PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:07PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka has commended his troops for having liberated the LTTE strongholds of Palamoddai and Mallavi in the Wanni. The 57 Division of the Army took complete command of the strategically-important Mallavi area yesterday (Sept. 02nd) after intense fighting. The...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:48PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Government minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama says the media is partly to blame for promoting the popular culture that has eaten up all other cultures in the country. He was speaking at a book launch at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo yesterday afternoon (Sept. 02nd). On the occasion, K...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:49PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The main opposition United National Party is holding a special meeting of its politburo today (Sept. 03rd). With leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at the chair, the discussion will deliberate on internal reforms and preparations for future elections. UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:49PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The government is focusing its attention on reinforcing laws governing the custodianship of state-owned land. President Mahinda Rajapksa says all such land should come under the complete control of Land Commissioner General´s Department.   New laws would be introduced if necessary, he s...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:50PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The Army Headquarters is to handover 199 of its deserters to Welikada Prison in Colombo today (Sept. 03rd). The military court has sentenced all these ranks to prison terms, the minimum being three months, for being absent without leave from service, it said in a statement. Yesterday the ...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:51PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The Army handed over to the ICRC in Vavuniya yesterday (Sept. 03rd) the bodies of 20 LTTE members, including that of four females, who had died in fighting with the military in recent days. Among them are 12 Tiger cadres who had been killed in an encounter with the army and the police a cou...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:51PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Amnesty International says Sri Lanka has reported 5,516 disappearances last year in the worst national statistics referred to the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances.   The London-based human rights group also says 30 new urgent action cases were identified in the islan...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:57PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The Hong Kong based management office of Asia Sat Telecommunication Company has informed the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing that they have terminated the transmission of Tamil Cultural Programme TV Channel through their Asia SAT 3S Satellite.   The Tamil Cultural Programme TV Chann...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:56PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Councilors newly elected to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils from the ruling UPFA will take oaths of office tomorrow (Sept. 04th), said NCP chief minister elect Berty Premalal Dissanayake.   The swearing in before President Mahinda Rajapaksa will begin at the Presidential...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:25PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    Fighting in the Wanni yesterday (Sept. 03rd) alone has killed 52 LTTE members and seven soldiers, said the Media Centre for National Security.   The clashes in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and other areas also left 65 Tiger cadres and 50 soldiers wounded, while seven soldiers are missin...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:22PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The once LTTE stronghold of Mallavi in Mullaitivu came under the complete control of the Sri Lanka Army today (Sept. 02nd), said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara.   Troops had consolidated their positions in the remaining one-fourth area of the town, after claiming the rest of the ter...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:52PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Papua New Guinea intelligence officials have arrested 12 Sri Lankan men, suspected of being LTTE activists and alleged to be planning to go to Australia using falsified documents.   Radio Australia says quoting its reporter in Port Moresby that the men are aged between 30 and 35.  ...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:54PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The opposition in the Northwestern Provincial Council elected Shamal Prasanna Senarath as their leader by majority vote today (Sept. 02nd).   He succeeds Ashoka Wadigamangawa, who crossed over to the ruling party side during PC sessions in the afternoon.   Mr. Wadigamangawa swore t...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:58PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The National Freedom Front calls for an effort to bring the international community against the barbarism of the LTTE.   At a discussion with British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes today (Sept. 02nd), NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa said the world should condemn the Tigers for using civi...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:59PM GMT (+0530) LKT
    The World Bank is of the view that Sri Lanka is on the path to development under a systematic plan and is way ahead of other countries in the region.   WB´s Vice President for South Asia Isabel Guerrero, at talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Sept. 02nd), said the ...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:51AM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Leader of the main opposition UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe is accusing the government of paying inadequate attention to the grievances of the people.   He was speaking to party councilors elected to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils at recent polls.   Mr. Wickremes...
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Posted on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:50AM GMT (+0530) LKT
At least 43 LTTE members have been killed and 51 others injured in clashes in the Wanni, said the Media Centre for National Security.   The fighting in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Welioya claimed the lives of three soldiers, while 21 others sustained injuries.   The 58 Di...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:35PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti have helped victims of Hurricane Gustav in the aftermath of the storm.   In the immediate aftermath of the storm, members of the Sri Lankan battalion distributed food and water and provided medical support. ...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:34PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Several areas of the Eastern Province are observing a general shutdown today (Sept. 02nd) to protest the murder of a businessman in Ampara.   All shops downed their shutters and government offices remained closed at Tirukkovil, Akkarapattu, Alayadiwembu, Kalmunai and Thambiluvil areas.   P...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:32PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Polonnaruwa Magistrate has ordered the police to arrest the Opposition leader of the Thamankaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha Hemantha Hettiarachchi on a charge of assault.   The magistrate Sisira Ruwan Kumara gave the directive yesterday (Sept. 01st) as Mr. Hettiarachchi filed an anticipatory bail ap...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:30PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The politburo of the main opposition United National Party is to meet under the patronage of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow (Sept. 03rd).   Party reforms and preparations for future elections are on the agenda at the meeting.   Meanwhile, Mr. Wickremesinghe is presently meeting...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:26PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Health authorities in Uva Province have found three HIV positive persons in the past few days.   Speaking to NethFM News, Provincial Director of Health Services Dr. Shelton Chandrasiri said their blood samples have been sent to the Medical Research Institute in Colombo for further tests.  ...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:25PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Two people were killed in an attack by a wild elephant at Sigiriya in the North Central Province last night (Sept. 01st). According to NethFM News correspondent in the area, the victims had been returning from work at a nearby power-loom textile factory when the incident occurred around 9.00 pm. A s...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:13PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A man was gunned down near a hospital in Thirukkovil in northern Jaffna peninsula last night (Sept. 01st). According to the police, the victim had been an activist of the TMVP political party. ****
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:12PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A political dialogue has been urged for ensuring a democratic leadership to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party formed by the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. The call by leader of the SLFP Mahajana Wing Mangala Samaraweera came as his parent party marks its 57 anniversary today (Sept. 02nd). In a statement, Mr....
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:11PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party is celebrating its 57th anniversary by giving precedence to religious activities, said its General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will lead party members at a religious event at Rajamaha Vihara in Kelaniya near Colombo at 6.00 pm. Parallel rel...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:10PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Heavy fighting erupted last night (Sept. 01st) between security forces and the LTTE at Nachchikudah on the main road between Mannar and Pooneryn. Tigers who attempted to infiltrate the defences of the military were held back by the soldiers. Earlier in the day, the 57 Division of the Army, supported...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:09PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The military has arranged a safe passage for civilians to crossover to cleared areas of the Wanni, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara. He told BBC that the people could now avoid areas where fighting rages and enter safe areas. Meanwhile, the LTTE had ordered the people to construct bun...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:08PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Around 280 soldiers at an army camp had suddenly fallen ill last week as the fish they had consumed had been laced with cyanide, a Government Analyst report has revealed. The military said the fish supplier to the camp would be arrested. The camp is located at Henanigala in Dehiattakandiya, North Ce...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:07PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Police Department is celebrating its 142nd anniversary tomorrow (Sept. 03rd). Police chief Jayantha Wickramaratne will attend a religious activity at Police Headquarters in Colombo in the morning. Similar events have been organized at 411 police stations island wide. ****
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:05PM GMT (+0530) LKT
National cricketers met with Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge yesterday afternoon (Sept. 01st) to discuss the clashing of the schedules for the Indian Premier League and the planned tour of England in May next year. Mr. Lokuge has told the players that both series were important for Sri Lanka. The cric...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:04PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been rated the best one-day batsmen in latest rankings by the International Cricket Council following his exceptional performance during the just concluded series with Sri Lanka. In bowling, Australian Nathan Bracken is in first place. Sri Lanka´s Muttia...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:03PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Supreme Court today (Sept. 01st) ordered the Attorney General to resolve teachers´ salary anomalies in one week´s time after consultation with the Secretaries to the President and the Education Ministry.   The SC issued the order after considering a petition filed by a student w...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:04AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Ministry of Education has decided to transport school textbooks to the north by ship.   Minister Susil Premajayantha will be present at the dispatch of the first consignment from the Colombo Harbour on September 05th.   The distribution of textbooks to schools in other areas began last...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:03AM GMT (+0530) LKT
  President Mahinda Rajapaksa has convened a special meeting of electoral organizers of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party on September 04th.   The meeting at Temple Trees is due to discuss provincial council elections in the future and the reorganization of the party.   SLFP General Secreta...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:02AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Sri Lankans staying illegally in Kuwait could use a six-week amnesty period announced today today (Sept. 01st) to return home, said General Manager of the Bureau of Foreign Employment L.K. Ruhunage.   The Kuwaiti Internal Affairs Ministry declared the reprieve, during which those who are stayin...
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Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:00AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The 57 Division of the Sri Lanka Army has overcome stiff resistance and entered the strategically-important Mallavi area of Mullaitivu.   Infantry, artillery and armoured troops are now advancing forward in the LTTE stronghold, said the Defence Ministry.   Mallavi town is located on the ma...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:59PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The elite police Special Task Force commandos marked their 24th anniversary today (Sept. 01st).   Its commandant DIG Mahinda Balasuriya told a celebratory event at Katukurunda Training School in Kalutara that by next year, the military would liberate the Northern Province as well.   Religi...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:58PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Local gas supplier Laugfs Gas will increase its price effective from midnight today (Sept. 01st).   Its Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya said a 12.5 kg gas cylinder would cost Rs. 189 more, at Rs. 1,857.   The other supplier Shell Gas raised its price by Rs. 126 to Rs. 1,863 yesterday.   Me...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:57PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Fighting in northern Sri Lanka killed 32 LTTE members and injured 66 others yesterday (Aug. 31st), said the Media Centre for National Security.   The military lost five soldiers and 17 others sustained injuries in these clashes in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Welioya and Kilinochchi.   Meanwhile, se...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:15PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Laugfs Gas is presently at talks to finalise its price revision.   Its chairman W.H.K. Wegapitiya said an announcement would be made by this afternoon (Sept. 01st).   The necessary details have been given to the Consumer Affairs Authority, he said.   Meanwhile, Shell Gas effected a R...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:14PM GMT (+0530) LKT
 Several villages of Badulla Pradeshiya Sabha area are facing severe inconvenience as their water supply is contaminated with human feces.   The NethFM News correspondent reports that Rambukpotha, Baduthasirigama and Bandarapura areas have been the worst affected.   The Medical Resear...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:12PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The National Freedom Front is calling for a systematic programme for the welfare of civilians who flee the LTTE and enter cleared areas of the north.   NFF spokesman Mohamed Muzammil said an all party committee should be appointed for the purpose.   He warned that failure to put such a me...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:10PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A students´ group has strongly condemned the indefinite closure of the Northwestern University following a protest by undergraduates. President of the Student´s Union Asanga Bulegoda said the campus had been declared out of bounds for students since yesterday (Aug. 31st) in another wr...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:49PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma is calling for all to forget political differences and agree for a common agenda towards the progress of the country. He was addressing a public rally in southern Matara town yesterday (Aug. 31st). Meanwhile, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva predicts ...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:49PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The military and the police have recovered 11 bodies and a cache of firearms and bombs following sporadic clashes with a group of LTTE cadres that had been frequenting the Konketiyawa area of Padaviya, Anuradhapura in the North Central Province. The Media Centre for National Security said the fig...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:48PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Police in eastern Batticaloa district retrieved a 15 kg bomb hidden by the roadside at Ithimalai today (Aug. 31st), reported NethFM News correspondent in the area. The bomb had ´Captain Bawaf´, the name of a top armed wing leader of the Tigers, written on it, said OIC of Batticaloa Po...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:49PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Army staged a dawn attack on an LTTE bunker line ahead of their forward defence line at Muhamalai in northern Jaffna peninsula today (Aug. 31st). The Ministry of Defence said the assault around 2.45 am caused one death and seven injured among the Tigers. Elsewhere in the north, separate clash...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:48PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Veddah chieftain Uruwarige Wanniyaletto is presently visiting the southern Galle district along with 15 members of his tribe, reports the NethFM correspondent in the area. This afternoon (Aug. 31st), they had taken a dip in the sea, the very first time the Veddah chief had taken a sea bath. A cul...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:48PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Northwestern University has been closed indefinitely following a sit-down protest by its students. The Students Union of the campus said students had been told to vacate the premises by 6.00 pm today (Aug. 31st). Its president Asanka Bulegoda said the administration had not given a date for t...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:47PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Shell Gas, one of the local gas suppliers, will increase its price by Rs. 126 per domestic cylinder effective at midnight today (Aug. 31st). The new price will be Rs. 1,863. Speaking to NethFM News, Executive Director of Shell Gas R. Saldeen said the price revision has been decided after consider...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:45PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The military has killed 22 LTTE members in the past 24 hours during their offensives to wrest control of the Northern Province. According to the Media Centre for National Security, the number of enemy cadres injured stands at 12. These clashes had taken place in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mulllaitivu, Kilin...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:24AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The elite commando outfit of the police, the Special Task Force, is holding its 24th heroes day tomorrow (Sept. 01st) Its commandant DIG K.M.L. Premachandra said the STF training camp at Katukurunda in Kalutara would hold a special function to mark the occasion. In addition, religious events will ta...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:22AM GMT (+0530) LKT
A landmine weighing 15 kg has been found from Aithimalai in Trincomalee. The Media Centre for National Security said the bomb had been brought to the area to stage an attack against the security forces.
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:21AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The LTTE is still active in their one-time bastion of Vakarai in the Eastern Province, said provincial minister A.L.M. Hizbullah. He was speaking to the media at a function in Vakarai yesterday (Aug. 30th). Mr. Hizbullah and EP chief minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan made their ...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:20AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Dissident MPs of the main opposition UNP are planning to circulate a list containing the wrongs and weaknesses of the party leadership among its parliamentary group. Containing 136 points, the report will be released next week, they said. These MPs are calling for a change in the UNP´s top le...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:19AM GMT (+0530) LKT
a Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis has been included in the list of players to be considered at annual awards of the International Cricket Council. He is listed under the emerging players of the year category. The award presentation will take place in Dubai next month. Meanwhile, the Indian team ar...
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Posted on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:18AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Three separate fires had been reported from areas in and around Colombo City last night (Aug. 30th). According to the Fire Department, five shanties were burnt down at Grand Pass, Colombo in one blaze. Police and area residents had assisted firefighters in preventing the fire from spreading further...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:30PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Doctors serving in the North Central Provinces have not been paid approved allowances for the past two months, said Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association Dr. Bimantha Gunasekara. Pointing out that these doctors rendered a yeoman service in the prevailing war situation, he urged a...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:27PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha says Rs. 1,600 million will be allocated for the payment of salaries of teachers and principals under new salary scales that will increase their salaries by up to Rs. 2,000. His ministry says in a statement that a circular will be issued to announce the ne...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:17PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Authorities say train services on the upcountry line, suspended following a derailment at Ohiya, will be restored by this afternoon (Aug. 31st). The derailing has resulted in the cancellation of two Badulla-bound trains, including the night mail train, said the Railway Control Room. Until the resto...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:15PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A Saudi Arabian court has rescheduled the hearing of an appeal by Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan housemaid on death row, until November 05th. Sri Lankan ambassador in KSA, A.A. Maleen told BBC Sandeshaya that the postponement by the Dawami area court was due to several legal issues. In addition, witne...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:14PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena says domestic gas prices will be revised tomorrow (Sept. 01st), the fourth such revision this year. However, he says it is still undecided by how much the increase will be effected. According to local suppliers Shell and Laugfs, the incr...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:06PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The military is continuing with its offensive operations in northern Sri Lanka, with fighting yesterday (Aug. 29th) leaving 18 LTTE members dead and 26 others wounded. According to the Media Centre for National Security, four soldiers also died and seven others injured in action. The clashes...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:01PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Meteorological predictions are that Sri Lanka will experience thundershowers in the next 24 hours. According to Met Department´s Duty Meteorologist S. Premalal, the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces will mostly be affected by the bad weather. Meanwhile, heavy rains are inconvenienc...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:58PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Seventeen passengers were injured when their bus skidded off the road at Dehiattakandiya in North Central Province today (Aug. 30th). Among the wounded admitted to Matale District Hospital are 12 women and three children. The bus was taking a group of people to a religious event at a church in the ...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:56PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The ruling UPFA is to announce next week the chief ministers for the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces which it had won at polls a week ago. A party spokesman said agreement has already been reached on the two top positions, but that other ministerial positions are still undecided. The reaso...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:55PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Presidential Secretariat is advising the people to exercise more vigilance in the face of acts of terrorism by the LTTE. In a statement, the PS said the Tigers would resort to many acts of terror in the southern parts of the country in an attempt to disrupt military offensives against the organ...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:53PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Extensive investigations are underway into this afternoon´s (Aug. 30th) bomb explosion in Colombo Pettah, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara. The blast near a shop close to the commercial hub´s iconic Bo Tree left more than 40 people injured. Soon after the incident, a cord...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:52PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Bishops of Jaffna and Mannar have said that a letter written to the UN Secretary General by Fr. James Pathinanthan, President of the Justice and Peace Commission, Wanni is not a communication of the Roman Catholic Church.   The Policy Research & Information of the Presidential Secreta...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:50PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Police have arrested three persons for an alleged assault of two media personnel covering a fashion show near the Colombo Town Hall premises last night (Aug. 29th).   According to police spokesman, SSP Ranjith Gunasekara, the suspects have been identified as the driver and two bodyguards of b...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:48PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Police and the army repulsed an infiltration attempt by a group of LTTE members at Konketiyawa village in Padaviya today (Aug. 30th).   Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said that after observing the enemy, personnel at a checkpoint had launched an attack around 6.30 am.   Secur...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:47PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Nearly 100 Sri Lankans who had been harassed by their Middle Eastern employers returned home today (Aug. 30th).   All of them had left for employment through the Bureau of Foreign Employment.   The airport correspondent of NethFM News reports the Bureau had made arrangements for th...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:45PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  The military is in the throes of eliminating LTTE terrorism, said Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake.   Predicting a quick end to the war, he called for support from all quarters in that regard.   He was speaking at the passing out of Civil Defence Force personnel in Dambulla ...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:44PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Indian Coast Guard arrested 11 Sri Lankan fishermen for crossing the territorial water borders.   The fishermen sailing in ´Chamari Duwa´ and ´Samudra Devmata´ vessels were caught 42 nautical miles off Visakhapatnam coast for fishing without proper permits and lice...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:39PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The government has planned a new programme for the future of children whose parents had died in the 2004 tsunami. Accordingly, their custodianship will be taken over by a children´s trust authority from the Department of Probation and Childcare. The new programme will be implemented under th...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:36PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Arrangements are in place to provide maximum relief for civilians crossing over to cleared areas of the Northern Province, said the government´s Ministry of Human Rights and Disaster Management. The aim is to encourage the people to settle in Vavuniya district before the expected escal...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:34PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Local poll monitors are calling for the introduction of a proper identification system for the country´s voters, as many of them do not possess national identity cards. Chairman of People´s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Kingsley Rodrigo said voters too, have a responsibili...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:30PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has called for a report on the assault of two on-duty journalists by medical students of the University of Colombo a few days ago. In the meantime, media rights organizations are alleging the police have adopted a lethargic attitude in their investigations in...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:28PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Tamil Nadu Police are interrogating four youths who had fled the Wanni in northern Sri Lanka and arrived in Rameswaram, South India. Authorities believe them, aged between 17 and 30 years, to be arms-trained LTTE operatives. Meanwhile, the Navy has handed over to Trincomalee Police 18 civilians who...
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Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:26PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:47AM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:45AM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:42AM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:40AM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:12PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:10PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:07PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:02PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:58PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:55PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:51PM GMT (+0530) LKT
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Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:47PM GMT (+0530) LKT
More than 270 soldiers at an army camp are in hospital following suspected food poisoning.   After taking their morning meal, the soldiers at Sandunpura camp in Dehiattakandiya had complained of vomiting and fainting.   According to NethFM correspondent, 276 soldiers were admitted to the a...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:04PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The military has claimed heavy casualties among the LTTE in fighting to capture the north.   The Media Centre for National security said 38 Tiger cadres were killed and 21 more injured in clashes in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Welioya.   Five soldiers too, died in action, while 2...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:02PM GMT (+0530) LKT
US ambassador Robert O´ Blake is promising continued assistance for the provision of technical training to Sri Lankan youth.   Mr. Blake said he would seek private sector cooperation in that regard.   He was speaking at the opening of a vocational training centre in Koggala in southe...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:58PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Fifteen more power sets will soon be added to the fleet at the railways to provide a better service to commuters, said Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma.   He said the S-10 power sets, worth 40 million US dollars, have already left Chindao Port in China.   They will be deployed for s...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The appointment of ministers to the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Councils has become a contentious issue, with many elected councilors seeking positions.   They have given their past experience and having polled high numbers of preferential votes at the recent provincial polls as q...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:47PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Troops of the Wanni offensive claimed yet another victory yesterday, capturing Alankulam village in Mullaitivu. They also engaged a Sea Tiger camp at Nachchikudah in Kilinochchi by land and air. The 57 Division of the Army captured the village after an eight-hour long battle. Troops of the 58 Divisi...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:25PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Military intelligence says a raid by Air Tigers on an eastern Trincomalee port had targeted a personnel carrier of the Navy. Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said ´Jet Liner´, with unarmed soldiers, had been the objective of the attack on the night of August 26th. He told BBC S...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:23PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A police team nabbed bombs and other warlike equipment hidden in a jungle of eastern Trincomalee district yesterday afternoon (Aug. 27th). SSP Vaas Gunawardena said the cache was recovered from an area close to Jinna Nagar village in Mutur. The find included a 5 kg claymore bomb, 5 kg rocket bomb, e...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:22PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Local gas suppliers are seeking an upward price revision of around Rs. 100 on the 01st of September. Shell and Laugfs companies say that have submitted their new prices, decided in consideration of world market rates in the last two months, to the Consumer Affairs Authority. At present, Shell Gas se...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:21PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Working Committee of the main opposition UNP meets this afternoon (Aug. 28th) under the patronage of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. This is the WC´s first meeting after the party´s defeat at the polls for the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces five days ago. According to Ch...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:19PM GMT (+0530) LKT
India won the Idea Cup by claiming the fourth one-day international against Sri Lanka by 46 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo last night (Aug. 27th). Played under floodlights, the Indians won the toss and batted first to reach a total of 258 all out. Suresh Raina top scored with 76, while Captai...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:18PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Air Force fighter jets pounded a LTTE bunker line two km east of Nachchikudah in Kilinochchi around 9.30 this morning (Aug. 27th), said the Media Centre for National Security.   Pilots have reported success in their mission, the MCNS said, adding that the air raid was in support ground troops o...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:05AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Sri Lanka is capable of eliminating terrorism, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara.   Commenting on last night´s (Aug. 26th) raid by Air Tigers in Trincomalee, he noted that the LTTE was making such attacks in the face of defeat.   This is the fourth instance that Air Tig...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The government has decided to restrict the import of potatoes and big onions.   Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena said a new import levy has been imposed on the two commodities in order to protect  local farmers.   According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the import of po...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Court of Appeal today (Aug. 27th) withdrew an injunction against the construction of a flyover in Nugegoda.   The move came after the CA considered a petition filed by a resident of nearby Boralesgamuwa area that claims the compensation paid in respect of the land acquired for the project w...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:03AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The vehicle of main opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe met with a road mishap in Anamaduwa town today (Aug. 27th).   According to NethFM News correspondent, the vehicle had been involved in a collision with a motorcycle.   One of the riders, ´Divaina´ newspaper correspo...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:02AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The distribution of school textbooks for 2009 began today (Aug 27th).   The Ministry of Education said textbooks under 354 categories are being dispatched to 1,032 distribution centres island wide.   From these centres, the textbooks will be issued to schools through zonal education office...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:01AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The University Grants Commission has decided that Sinhala and Muslim students of the Eastern University would be assigned to other universities as a temporary measure.   Announcing the decision, Vice Chancellor of the Campus Dr. N. Padmanathan also said security has been strengthened at the uni...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:59AM GMT (+0530) LKT
The JHU says the All Party Conference will be a pointless exercise until it becomes active.   Party spokesman Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said the government should summon the APC and allow party leaders to discuss several outstanding issues.   It is of no use to let party representatives co...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:58AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has made four proposals for tackling AIDS in Sri Lanka, during a speech to the Asia-Pacific AIDS summit presently under way in Manila, Philippines.   The first suggestion calls for a methodology to test 80 per cent of the country´s youth for HIV/AID...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:57AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Leader of the main opposition UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe alleges attempts are underway to silence democratic activists.   He made the observation today (Aug. 27th) during a tour of Puttalam district to observe the damage caused to the home of party MP Palitha Range Bandara in an arson attack. &nb...
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Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:56AM GMT (+0530) LKT
Latest fighting in the North has killed 18 LTTE members, said the Defence Ministry website. It is believed the clashes in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Welioya and Mullaitivu also left nearly 25 other Tiger cadres dead or wounded. Seven soldiers died and 18 others injured in the fighting, the Defence Mini...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:42PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Navy repulsed an attempt by Air Tigers to bomb the Trincomalee Naval Base in Eastern Sri Lanka, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara. A light aircraft of the LTTE was involved in the attempt around 9.15 last night (Aug. 26th), he said. However, it had fled in the face of retaliatory ...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:40PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Central Environment Authority says legislation cannot be enacted as a strategic support for the government´s energy development plan. CEA Chairman Udaya Gammanpila points out however, that they could advise the government on the adverse impact from certain energy sources. He was speaking ...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:37PM GMT (+0530) LKT
An organization of lawyers has urged the government to take immediate measures to curb the state of ´terrorism´ raising its head in the local university system. Lawyers for Human Rights and Development, in a letter to Higher Education Minister Vishwa Warnapala, notes that certain studen...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:31PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The World Health Organization is saying that the Wanni region, where 217,000 people are displaced due to war, is facing an acute shortage of medicine and fuel. Attempts by NethFM News to obtain a response from Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who is also Chairman of the WHO Executive Committ...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:29PM GMT (+0530) LKT
  Japan has pledged continued development assistance to Sri Lanka. The visiting chairman of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Union Husai Norota says focus of their aid would be on the port, irrigation, highways and power sectors. Mr. Norota held discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa a...
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Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:27PM GMT (+0530) LKT
Badulla district is reporting an increase of child abuse.   District Secretary Rohana K. Dissanayake said a survey has found 30 girls of school going age in the area have become pregnant following sexual abuse.   Boys too, have become victims of abuse, he says, adding that a special progr...
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Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:26PM GMT (+0530) LKT
A fundamental rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by MTV Channel Pvt. Ltd. and its cameraman Waruna Sampath, citing Minister Mervyn Silva and several others as respondents.   The petition alleges a group including the minister had assaulted the cameraman at an official function ...
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Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:23PM GMT (+0530) LKT
The Supreme Judicial Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has upheld the objection filed by the attorney of Sri Lankan housemaid, Rizana Nafeek, against the death sentence imposed on her, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that the case file has been returned to the Dawadmi High Court. &...
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Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 20