Wednesday, December 31, 2008


NEW YEAR BONANZA

Rs. 16b economic stimulus and concession package

SRI LANKA-The Government yesterday offered Rs.16 billion stimulative economic package to the consumers to ensure best performance in the commercial agriculture, industrial and services sectors, in the form of a ‘mini budget’ to benefit the entire country in 2009 that dawns tomorrow. dailynews
Fall of Paranthan imminent; troops marching into the built up

SRI LANKA-Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 troops are on the verge of scoring another historic victory by liberating the strategically located Paranthan town, reveal battlefield sources. Troops gained total control over the Thadduwankoddy and Komarikudakulam villages edging the Paranthan built up by last afternoon (Dec 30).

According to the battlefield reports, troops while advancing towards Paranthan had several confrontations with the terrorist in the area South of B-69 (Pooneryn- Paranthan) road during daytime. Heavy confrontations were reported around 9.30 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM resulting severe damages to the terrorist. Troops found 6 bodies of LTTE cadres during clearing operations.

Meanwhile, snipers deployed on the forward boundaries reported killing of 6 LTTE cadres during the day. Separate confrontations erupted around 7 to 7.30 in the evening elsewhere on the battlefront when troops made further advanced towards east . Troops claimed heavy damages to the terrorists

Defence observers are in the view that fall of Paranthan would open a gateway to the LTTE's last defences in the Vaddakachchi , and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas on the A-35 road (Paranthan- Mullaittivu). defence.lk

Tuesday, December 30, 2008


JVP in major protest to demand fuel price reduction

SRI LANKA-
Thousands attended a JVP-staged march and demonstration in Colombo this afternoon (Dec. 29th) to demand the government respects the Supreme Court ruling and reduces the petrol price immediately. The protestors began their march from Hyde Park at 3.45 pm and held their agitation at Lipton Circus.-
more-lankadissent.com

Sri Lanka's Central Bank takes over private bank

SRI LANKA-A private bank saddled with bad debt that threatened to destabilize Sri Lanka's financial system was taken over Monday by the island nation's Central Bank. The regulatory authority appointed the government-owned Bank of Ceylon to continue business operations at the troubled Seylan Bank and removed its board of directors, it said in a statement.

The decision was made because of increased deposit withdrawals and suspected liquidity problems, the Central Bank said. "The difficulties of Seylan Bank PLC presented a potential danger to the stability of the financial system," the statement said. Lalith Kotelawala, chairman of Ceylinco Group said last week he would sell his shares to repay investors in failed Golden Key Credit Card Company.

Both Seylan Bank and Golden Key are subsidiaries of Ceylinco Group.
Kotalawela did not say how much shares he would divest or what amount he is expecting to raise from selling his shares. But the bank's CEO Ajitha Pasqual was quoted in a newspaper saying "it could be 23-25 percent or even more." COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) —

Monday, December 29, 2008


Year 2008 saw LTTE being pushed to the corner


SRI LANKA- The year 2008 saw the LTTE being pushed to the corner virtually by the Sri Lankan Army in the nearly three decades-old ethnic war even as India walked a tightrope on addressing the concerns of displaced civilian Tamils in the island's embattled northern region. The year began with the Sri Lankan Government abrogating the 2002 ceasefire and launching an all-out offensive against the LTTE in its strongholds of northern region inflicting heavy damages on the rebels.

With the army forces now positioned in "kissing distances" at the outer defence lines of the administrative headquarters of LTTE and main garrison township of Kilinochchi, the flamboyant Army chief Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka declared that 80 per cent of war with the Tamil Tigers was over.
India sent a high-level delegation to Colombo in June to underscore its concern in the rehabilitation of displaced Tamils in parts of northern Lanka which were liberated from the clutches of the LTTE. The three-member delegation consisting of National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh held closed-door talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse and senior military commanders.

During the meetings, the Indian side reiterated its position that there was no military solution to the conflict that has claimed more than 60,000 lives and asked Colombo to address the issue within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.
The team also met with representatives of various Tamil parties, including the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA). -
The Hindu

UPFA, NFF enter into alliance


SRI LANKA-A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and the National Freedom Front (NFF) was signed at a simple ceremony at Temple Trees yesterday.

The MoU was inked by UPFA General Secretary Minister Susil Premjayantha and NFF General Secretary Nandana Gunatilaka, amidst an august gathering of party stalwarts, members, friends and well-wishers of both parties, to the chanting of seth pirith.

Addressing the ceremony, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena underscored the importance of forming the broadbased alliance, at a time the country was confronting daunting and multi-faceted challenges and conspiracies of both local and international reactionary forces. dailynews

LTTE suicide bomb blast near Catholic Church ; 8 killed, 17 injured - Wattala

SRI LANKA_
LTTE terrorists have carried out a suicide bomb attack near the sacred St Ann's church, Hekitta, Wattla in the north of Sri Lankan capital this morning (Dec 28).

According to police sources, a male suicide bomber has exploded himself around 9 AM in front of the Civil Defence Force office on the church road.
Eight people have been killed and 17 others suffered injuries in the attack. An Army officer and 6 other CDF personnel were among those killed in the bomb blast. 13 CDF personnel and 4 civilians including a women were reported injured due to the bomb blast.source-defence.lk

Thursday, December 25, 2008


Army TF 1 thwarts LTTE counter attack- West of Paranthan

SRI LANKA-Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 soldiers crushed an LTTE counter attack launched at their forward boundary south of Chinna Paranthan area this morning (Dec 24). According to battlefield sources, troops inflicted heavy damages to the terrorists.

The terrorists tried to regain their lost battlefield fortifications located about 6 km west of Paranthan on the Pooneryn- Paranthan road early this morning with a massive ground assault supported with artillery and mortar fire. However, well prepared troops engaged the advancing terrorists with armour tanks, artillery and infantry causing heavy damages to the terrorists.

According to the available information, at least 18 terrorists including an LTTE regional leader were killed while many others were injured. Intercepted terrorist radio transmissions have reveled that 34 LTTE cadres were wounded and 4 others went missing. So far , troops have been able to collect a body of an LTTE cadre while many others are still lying in front of their forward boundary.more-defence.lk
LTTE airstrip captured - SLA

SRI LANKA-Army today captured a 200 meter long, 10 meter wide LTTE air strip situated North of Ampakamam in Mullaitivu, Military sources confirmed.

LTTE has forcibly enlisted 8000 students - Army spokesman

SRI LANKA-
Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says that intelligence wings have reported that the LTTE has forcibly enlisted the students who sat for the G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) examination in Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu districts and they are being given weapon training now.


Around 8000 students sat for the Ordinary Level examination this year from these two districts. He said that the intelligence wings had reported that all of them had been forcibly enlisted. The Army spokesman revealed these facts at the press briefing held in the Media Center for National Security today (24).

He said that the Army had recruited 10,298 new personnel since last October. Plans are underway to recruit personnel to the Commando and Special Force regiments since January. He further said that the closing date for the recruitment of personnel to the Kanthi Women’s Corps will be January 31.
Lanka-e-News

Wednesday, December 24, 2008


Two minutes silence to commemorate victims of natural disasters

SRI LANKA-
The Government has requested all Sri Lankans to observe two minutes silence on December 26, from 9.25 - 9.27 am in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in natural disasters, including the victims of the December 2004 Tsunami.
news.lk
Sri Lankan fighter jets pound rebels


SRI LANKA- Sri Lankan fighter jets bombed rebel positions along the front lines in the north Wednesday as ground forces captured a hidden runway used by the Tamil Tiger air wing, the military said.

Fighting between the two sides has escalated in recent months as the government pressed ahead with an offensive aimed at forcing the Tamil Tiger rebels out of their de facto state in the north.

With fighting raging on the ground, the air force carried out several strikes against rebel positions Wednesday, including two near Paranthan junction, the military said. Pilots planned more sorties throughout the day, air force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.more-The Associated Press

No decision' over fuel prices


SRI LANKA-Cabinet has decided to postpone a decision over fuel prices until next week The Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka have agred to postpone deciding whether to reduce fuel prices as per the Supreme Court order. Media minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardene told BBC Sandeshaya that the ministers will decide on further action as they meet next week. bbc

Foreign Minister highlights destructive impact of terrorism on civilian life

SRI LANKA-
"Everybody who leaves home for his or her work place expects to return home safely.

However, the destructive impact of the evil force of terrorism on civilian life in Sri Lanka has meant that no longer can we take this for granted".


These remarks were made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at a simple function held at the Foreign Ministry today (Dec 23) to hand over Fixed Deposit Certificates, worth Rs.1.2 million to the two sons of the late Mrs. Priyani Ranasinghe, a former staff member of the Ministry who lost her life in the LTTE terrorist bomb attack on a commuter train in Dehiwala on 26th May 2008.


The Minister speaking further said that, "such incidents, unfortunately have become all too common in the country, since terrorists do not have any respect for the sanctity of human life.

This is the reason that President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government has embarked on a campaign to defeat the scourge of terrorism that has plagued the country. There are many forces, which are placing obstacles in realizing this objective. However, the Government is determined to fulfil its commitment to eradicate terrorism, in order to safeguard the lives of civilians.
more-dailynews

Sinna-Paranthan' falls to security forces: Over 20 terrorists killed, 5 bodies recovered- Kilinochchi

SRI LANKA-Troops of the Task Force -1 now engaged in counter terrorist offensives West of Paranthan, consolidated 300m further southwards along the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, reportedly capturing a terror strongpoint, 'Sinna-Paranthan' this morning (Dec 23). Latest reports received from the battlefront confirmed over 20 LTTE terrorists killed and many injured during the confrontations.

Troops have recovered 5 LTTE bodies, similar number of T-56 assault riffles and an I-com set while consolidating defences in the area.
According to Army media, troops faced stiff resistance from LTTE in the battle for Sinna-Paranthan, which is located along the A-35 main road, 6km West of Paranthan Township.

Farmers inhabited the village before terrorists dominated the area, the sources said adding that LTTE bunkers and trenches were built in close perimeters of the government buildings including a school and the Divisional Secretariat office.
Troops are continuing clearing operations in the area, Army sources further said. more photo-defence.lk

Tuesday, December 23, 2008


Security forces rescue 26 Tamil civilians - Pooneryn

SRI LANKA- Security forces personnel have rescued a group of Tamil civilians comprising twenty-six including two infants and two children while crossing Kilaly lagoon to arrive at security forces controlled area seeking safety for their lives last Sunday, 21 December. According to the defence.lk correspondent in Task Force 1, the civilians of Elephant Pass were able to escape LTTE's grip on board a boat flying white flag for their safety.

The boat, hading towards Pooneryn carrying 26 civilians, was out of order while crossing Kilaly lagoon putting the lives of innocent Tamil civilians on jeopardy.
Troops of Task Force 1 has immediately reacted once observed a boat flying white flag floating in Kilaly lagoon area and make safe the lives of Tamil civilians who were able to escape LTTE's trapping as a human shield.

The escapees speaking to our correspondents said that LTTE terrorists are intensifying child conscription as they having lack of manpower to face security forces' military push. "LTTE terrorists forcefully recruiting underage children and youth, and we also have to face serious difficulties under LTTE's jungle rule", one of the mothers among the escapees said.
Troops have brought them to the newly constructed children's park in Pooneryn area after providing them with meals, medical treatments and other necessities. defence.lk

Intense fighting results heavy damages to LTTE - Kilinochchi

SRI LANKA-Intense fighting erupted with troops and LTTE terrorists as the troops of 57 Division and Task Force 1 continued their offensive operation to breach the LTTE built earth-bund, the final obstacle and resistance point, few Kilometers away from Kilionochchi yesterday, 23 December-defence.lk

Monday, December 22, 2008


“Shah Rukh among 50 most powerful”

Barack Obama tops the list

New York: Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan have been ranked among the 50 most powerful people in the world by the Newsweek magazine. President-elect Barack Obama topped the list. Placing Mrs. Gandhi at the 17th spot, the magazine said: “Although India’s political scene is riven by factions, Congress remains the strongest national force, and the Italian-born wife of Rajiv Gandhi rules it unchallenged.

In the world’s largest democracy, she’s queen.” Shah Rukh Khan, ranked 41st, was described as the “King of Bollywood.”
Pakistan army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who controlled the country’s nuclear weapons, was placed 20th on the list of the global “power elite” at the beginning of 2009 in the magazine’s January issue.

Obama, who scripted history by becoming the first black-American to be voted to the White House, was followed by Chinese President Hu Jintao, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Markel and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.A surprise inclusion, which the magazine admitted was subjective, was Osama Bin Laden, termed a “global terrorist.” North Korean dictator Jim Jong II also found a place. About 47-year-old Obama, the magazine said the Democrat would be judged on how he handled the economic crisis that now enveloped the U.S. Others on the list include the Dalai Lama, the former U.S. president, Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, Iranian strongman Ayatollah Ali Khemenei, Saudi King Abdullah-bin-Abdul Aziz-al Saud, American General David Petraeus, Iraqi leader Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, Pope Benedict XVI, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and popular show host Oprah Winfrey. — IANS

Karuna forms a new party; Tiger name dropped

SRI LANKA-
The simmering crisis between Karuna and Pillaiyan loyalists of the Tamil People’s Liberation Tigers (TMVP) has paved way to the formation of a new party by Karuna Amman in the Tamil Makkal Liberation Alliance (Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Koddani alias TMVK).

The significance of the new party is the shedding of Tiger name.
Pillaiyan registered the TMVP while Karuna was in custody in UK. Although Karuna was named as the leader of the party, he had no official power in TMVP. TMVP chairman was Raghu who was recently assassinated at Athurugiriya. After that Karuna and his loyalists wanted him to be appointed as the Chairman of the party, but the Pillaiyan group opposed the move.-Lanka-e-News,

Heavy fighting' near Kilinochchi

SRI LANKA-Military authorities deny LTTE claims that nearly 60 soldeirs were killed There's been more heavy fighting in northern Sri Lanka between government forces and Tamil Tiger guerrillas near the rebel stronghold of Kilinochchi.

There are reports that the rebels have claimed to have killed at least sixty soldiers in a battle, but the military has said twelve were dead and twelve more missing. The battle took place to the south of Kilinochchi when Tamil Tiger fighters attacked troops on an offensive to try to take the town-By Roland Buerk
BBC correspondent,

Over 16000 Tamils in Jaffna protest against LTTE terrorism

SRI LANKA-
Tamil civilians in Jaffna today (Dec 21) staged a massive protest against atrocities committed against them
by the LTTE terrorists. According to the defence.lk special correspondent in Jaffna, over 16000 civilians marched peacefully from Kaithadi to Chawakachcheri this morning displaying banners and placards with slogans against the LTTE. The protestors demanded the LTTE to let them live in peace and to free the Tamils held hostage in Wanni LTTE hiding areas. One participant to the march speaking to defence.lk called the LTTE leader a coward, who is trying to save his life by hiding under shield of innocent civilians. "All the civilians are in the view that the damaged caused to the Sri Lankan Tamils by the LTTE is irrecoverable.

They say that the graveyards are the only achievement of the LTTE" said our correspondent.
"There were many elderly parents who called LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran, a curse upon Tamils that devoured generations of Tamil children" he added. Meanwhile, the protestors took a special note of the support received by the LTTE from the Tamil Diaspora. "There were many banners requesting the Tamils living aboard to stop funding LTTE and let the Sri Lankan Tamils to live in peace" "'We are not pawns of your game of tribalism' was the message they wanted to convey to those who support the LTTE", said our correspondent citing the organizers of the protest. Also, the organizers told defence.lk that the true voice of Sri Lankan Tamils is barred by LTTE hired hands in the international media.

They added the world should recognize that the true aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils have nothing to do with fanatic ambitions of the LTTE leader.
"Our protest will continue until the world realizes that Sri Lankan Tamils do not want to be a property of a terrorists outfit" they added. defence.lk

Thursday, December 18, 2008


Air Force strafes terrorists in Kilinochchi

SRI LANKA-
Sri Lanka Air Force has launched a series of air strikes at LTTE strongholds in the Kilinochchi town and its suburbs in support of the Army 57 Division and the Task Force 1 that have laid siege to the LTTE administrative hub.

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told defence.lk that the fighter jets have carried out 7 raids since 11.30 last night (Dec 16) targeting LTTE strongholds in the West and the North of Kilinochchi town, and the Iranamadu areas. Meanwhile , MI 24 helicopters carried one close air support mission targeting LTTE gathering points in Kilinochchi and another 2 missions targeting sea tiger boats in the Elephant Pass area , he added. defence.lk-file photo


Lanka’s Jacqueline to enter Bollywood

SRI LANKA-
Jacqueline Fernandes, Miss Sri Lanka 2006, is all set to enter the Hindi film industry. With her stunning looks and shapely body, Jacqueline is a perfect candidate to be a heroine in Bollywood. Her debut being Aladdin in which she plays the character of Jasmine-
derana news

Petrol price down midnight today, Supreme Court orders

SRI LANKA-Supreme Court directed the state to reduce the price of a liter of petrol upto Rs. 100 since midnight today. The Supreme Court considered the price formula submitted by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance today prior to decrease the price.

Mervin agrees to pay Rs. 750,000 to Sirasa

I don't have any problem s with journalists-Minister Mervin Silva

SRI LANKA- Minister of Labor Relations and Manpower Mervin Silva promised not to mess about the duties of any journalist in future before the Supreme Court yesterday(17).

Minister Mervin Silva gave this promise when the Supreme Court gave the verdict of the fundamental rights petition filed by Sirasa TV and the journalists intimidated by the Minister at the opening ceremony of the second stage of the Kelaniya flyover.

Outside the courtroom , the minister said that journalists should act in a disciplined manner.
“I don't have any problem s with journalist s or media owners but if you are supporting the tigers then that's where I have a problem

Fuel prices won’t be changed- Information Department

SRI LANKA-The Information Department said today that there would not be any revision of the fuel prices for the moment because the government had not received any order in this regard so far. However, the Cabinet is to meet to take a final decision on it.

Government reacted too late to terror, says Advani

NEW DELHI: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani on Wednesday accused the government of reacting too late to terror. He, however, expressed satisfaction that the Congress had fundamentally changed its stand on terror by bringing in the National Investigation Agency Bill, 2008 and amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 to make it more stringent. “Admit stand is wrong” Initiating a debate on the two Bills in the House, he said the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance must admit that its stand on tackling terror was wrong and this had harmed the country.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) always supported more stringent laws to deal with terror activities and it was now proved that the UAPA (Amendment) Bill, 2008 was revisiting the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which was brought in by the NDA and scrapped by the present government.

Extending his party’s “in principle” support to the two proposed legislation despite some “inadequacies” in them, he pointed out that POTA was described by the Opposition as “anti-minority.” “Is there any law that is not misused,” he asked drawing attention towards TADA, which was passed when Mr. Chidambaram was the Minister of State for Home. “By viewing laws through the narrow prism of minority and majority, you are damaging the minorities. This is a law against terror and terrorism. You described POTA as a communal law, hopefully this would be a secular law,” he said-The Hindu

Person of the Year 2008: Barack Obama

For having the confidence to sketch an ambitious future in a gloomy hour, and for showing the competence that makes Americans hopeful he might pull it off, the President-elect is TIME's Person of the Year.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008


SRI LANKA- At least 120 LTTE terrorists were killed and over 250 reported injured during intense battles ensued between troops and LTTE, West of Paranthan, Admapan and Iranamadu at the Kilinochchi battlefront, Tuesday (Dec 16). According to latest military reports, the Task Force 1 and 57 Division troops have also gained control over a 5 km stretch of the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, west of Paranthan and Kilinochchi.

Troops are now consolidating defences in the area, military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said speaking to defence.lk.
Heavy fighting broke out at the outskirts of Kilinochchi and Northern FDLs since early this morning (Dec 16) as military offensive divisions commenced mounting artillery and heavy mortar attacks at identified terror locations, shifting the Wanni battle phase into a decisive stage, military sources said. Meanwhile, LTTE heavy gun locations and terrorist concentration positions were targeted in the attacks, as military said that terrorists manning defences south of A-9 at Kilaly FDL were left in total disarray.

According to military reports, 25 soldiers have laid their lives, 10 reported missing and 160 others injured during the days fighting.
Separately, 57 Division troops have entered the Chorikenkulam vilage located 7km West of the A-9 main road, military sources further said. Troops have also uncovered 2 LTTE bodies along with 2 radio communication sets, a multi-purpose machine gun (MPMG) and a T-56 assault riffle while consolidating positions South of Iranamadu this evening. bbc

SC allows SB’s name in electoral registry


SRI LANKA-
The Supreme Court today issued a stay order on the Election Commissioner’s decision to exclude S.B. Dissanayake’s name from the electoral registry. Courts requested the state lawyer to inform the Election Commissioner to include S.B. Dissanayake's name in the electoral register.
dailymirror

Heavy fighting in north Sri Lanka


SRI LANKA-
The Sri Lankan army says that 25 of its troops were killed and 10 are missing after fighting with Tamil Tiger rebels in the north of the island on Tuesday.
A spokesman for the rebels told the BBC that the army's offensive in the north of the country had been met with "fierce resistance". BBc

Vavuniya train services resumed


SRI LANKA-
A ceremony was held in the nothern Sri Lankan town of Vavuniya to mark the resumption of train services which were halted for nearly ten months.
Until Tuesday, Yal Devi train from Colombo stopped at Medawachchiya, Anuradhapura.source BBc

Wednesday, December 10, 2008


Power of Kerawalapitiya

SRI LANKA- The power of Kerawalapitiya would illuminate the hearts of the people of Sri Lanka soon, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. He was addressing the function to mark the commissioning of the Yugadanavi Combined Cycle Thermal power plant in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala. The President said he was happy and proud that the Kerawalapitiya power plant had been constructed relying on full indigenous technology and resources.

The power plant built at a cost of US $300 million was one of the Major projects initiated by the Ministry of Power and Energy for the provision of electricity and sustainable solutions to the energy crisis as envisioned in the Mahinda Chintanaya. It was built by Lakdhnavi (Pvt) Ltd.
dailynews

Karu Jayasuriya resigns


SRI LANKA:
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Karu Jayasuriya resigned from office yesterday (9).
In his letter to the President tendering his resignation Minister Karu Jayasuriya has said , “ we rejoice at the success achieved in demolishing the power of terrorists in the Mulaitivu and the Kiliinochchi districts and in liberating the Eastern Province from the grip of terrorism.

“We provided you with the necessary Parliamentary strength for your bold initiative to do so without bequeathing the problem to the next generation. While appreciating your leadership in that effort we also derived psychological satisfaction by being participants in that process.” dailynews

Monday, December 8, 2008



Troops overrun 2 LTTE bunker defences, destroy another- Kilinochchi

SRI LANKA-57 Division troops continuing their multi-frontal thrust at the outer fringe of Kilinochchi at Adampan South, Puthumurippukulam, North of Kokkuvil and Terumurikandy have inflicted heavy damages to LTTE during intense fighting reported throughout the day on Sunday (Dec 7).

At Puthumurippukulam, troops ran into 2 LTTE bunker overheads and gained total control, while another was reported destroyed following a series of Army heavy gun attacks. Terrorists have also put-on stiff resistance in the area despite sustaining heavy loses, Wanni military sources said. The military advances continued amidst rains which affected both Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday, the sources added.

Meanwhile, a 57 division offensive battalion advancing from North of Kokkuvil towards Terumurikandy, has also confronted with LTTE in several occasions forcing terrorist to flee with casualties, military said. defence.lk
SLBFE emblem used to dupe job seekers

Letter sent by SLBFE Deputy General Manager for Korean language test forged:

SRI LANKA-An organised gang has used forged documents with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) emblem to swindle millions of rupees from more than 60 people with the promise of lucrative employment and training opportunities in Japan.-dailynews

Friday, December 5, 2008


Pranab to visit Sri Lanka soon - Karunanidhi


SRI LANKA-External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will visit Sri Lanka soon to persuade Colombo to go for peace talks with the LTTE after announcing a ceasefire, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanudhi said today after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Lanka not among cluster bomb signatories


Minister keheliya Rambukwella has denied accusations that the government is using cluster bombs in the battle against the Tamil Tigers.

“We will not breach internationally accepted standards “, said minister Rambukwella.BBC

Domestic violence 'on the increase'


Scientists say war has added to country's conservative attitudes towards women Women are increasingly subjected to domestic violence in Sri Lanka as a result of the ongoing war, social scientists say. Senior lecturer of Social Science at Colombo University, Subangi Herath, said the conservative attitudes, male dominance in the lack of reporting of domestic violence are other major reasons. BBC Sandeshaya

Thursday, December 4, 2008


59 Div troops enter Alampil sea tiger bastion

SRI LANKA-The ground troops of 59 Division on an offensive directed at the remaining LTTE fortification in Mullaittivu District have reached a decisive stage as troops entered into the sea tiger bastion, Alampil, located about 10 Km south of Mullaittivu this morning, 4 December. After capturing the Kumulamunai, a battle formation of 591 Brigade advanced along the northern bank of Nayaru lagoon and dominated Kumulamunai - Alampil road stepping up pressure on the Sea Tiger bastion Alampil.

The other battle formation of 591 Brigade, advanced northwards of Kumulamunai, has cut-off the Mullaittivu - Alampil main road in a location a few Kilometers north of Alampil and moved southwards with an effective thrust on Alampil. LTTE terrorists highly utilized the Nayaru lagoon located immediate south of Alampil as the major sea tiger operational base for logistic transportation from Mullaittivu via sea routs.

It was also utilized by the sea tigers as a boat launching pad, defence sources said.
According to the defence sources it is said that the Mullaittivu has become untenable as the fall of Alampil would facilitate the assault on Mullaitivu. Further consolidating operations are underway. defence.lk

No terrorist action can be justified - Turkish President

TURKEY: Turkey does not condone acts of terrorism on any grounds. Bilateral and Multilateral co-operation is essential in combating this threat, Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul said proposing a toast to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a banquet hosted in his honour at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on Tuesday night. dailynews

US report predicts nuclear or biological attack by 2013

The six-month inquiry singles out Pakistan as one of the likeliest sources of such an attack
A congressional investigation into weapons of mass destruction today offered a chilling prediction of terrorists mounting an attack using biological or nuclear weapons within the next five years. The six-month inquiry singles out Pakistan as one of the likeliest sources of such an attack.

The target could be the US or some other part of the world.
The report, by the bipartisan Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, concludes that "unless the world community acts decisively and with great urgency, it is more likely than not that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the world by the end of 2013". guardian.co.uk,

Every country has right to protect itself", says Indian FM


"Every country has the right to defend its territorial integrity and it has become difficult to secure such if incidents (terrorist acts) are not adequately addressed, to carry out business as usual and that includes the peace process", Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee was quoted as saying by the New Delhi media. defence.lk

Cinema Queen Malini Fonseka awarded Silver Peacock

SRI LANKA
-Sri Lanka’s leading actress Malini Fonseka received the Silver Peacock award for best actress at International Film Festival of India held in Goa for her role in Prasanna Vithanage’s movie ‘Akasa Kusuma’.


Malini received an international award for her acting in the movie ‘Eya Den Loku Lamayek’ in 1970s at Tushkant film festival in Russia.

Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Akasa Kusuma’ has not been shown in Sri Lanka so far and its inaugural show was held in Korea’s Pusan film festival. ‘Akasa Kusuma’ is a co-production of Prasanna Vithanage, H.D. Premasiri and Indian producer Shikar Prasad.
Over 1,000 foreign workers including Lankans confined in Iraq



About 1,000 Asian men including Sri Lankans who were hired by a Kuwaiti subcontractor to the U.S. military have been confined for as long as three months in windowless warehouses near the Baghdad airport without money or a place to work.

Najlaa International Catering Services, a subcontractor to KBR, the Texas firm formerly known as Halliburton, hired the men, who are from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. On Tuesday, they staged a march outside their compound to protest their living conditions.

"It's really dirty," a Sri Lankan man told McClatchy Newspapers, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he still wants to work for Najlaa. "For all of us, there are about 12 toilets and about 10 bathrooms. The food - it's three half-liter (1 pint) bottles of water a day. Bread, cheese and jam for breakfast. Lunch is a small piece of meat, potato and rice. Dinner is rice and dal, but it's not dal," he said, referring to the Indian lentil dish.

After McClatchy began asking questions about the men on Tuesday, the Kuwaiti contractor announced that it would return them to their home countries and pay them back salaries. Najlaa officials contended that they've cared for the men's basic needs while the company has tried to find them jobs in Iraq.

The laborers said they paid middlemen more than $2,000 to get to Iraq for jobs that they were told would earn them $600 to $800 a month. Some of the men took out loans to cover the fees.

"They promised us the moon and stars," said Davidson Peters, 42, a Sri Lankan. "While we are here, wives have left their husbands and children have been shut out of their schools" because money for the families has dried up.

The men live in three warehouses with long rows of bunk beds crammed tightly together. Reporters who tried to get a better glimpse inside were ushered away by armed guards.

The conditions in which the men have been held appear to violate guidelines the U.S. military handed down in 2006 that urged contractors to deter human trafficking to the war zone by shunning recruiters that charged excessive fees. The guidelines also defined "minimum acceptable" living spaces - 50 square feet per person - and required companies to fulfill the pledges they made to employees in contracts.

A U.S. military spokesman for the Multi-National Force-Iraq referred questions to KBR. The spokesman said that the American military wasn't aware of the warehouses until McClatchy and the Times of London began asking questions about it on Monday.

Some of the men who've been living in the warehouses said that KBR representatives visited the site two weeks ago. They said Najlaa held their passports until the KBR inspection, which Najlaa officials denied. Seizing passports is a violation of the U.S. military's 2006 instructions to contractors.

KBR didn't answer direct questions about the warehouses but issued a two-paragraph statement. "When KBR becomes aware of potential violations of international laws regarding trafficking in persons, we work, within our authority, to remediate the problem and report the matter to proper authorities. KBR then works with authorities to rectify the matter," it said.

Reached in Kuwait, Najlaa chief executive Marwan Rizk said the company recruited the laborers for contracts it expected to begin servicing, but the work didn't materialize. He didn't specify which contracts fell through or why they were delayed. The company offers a number of services in Iraq, including catering at U.S. military bases.

"We had some obstacles with the services we were contracted to do," Rizk said. "These obstacles were not forecasted."
McClatchy Newspapers-Daily mirror

Amend constitution to retain GSP+, says Ranil

SRI LANKA-ImageMaking a special statement in Parliament this morning (Dec. 03) Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that in attempting to retain the GSP Plus concessions this country’s legislations were clashing with international covenants entered into by it.lankanews.lk

Wednesday, December 3, 2008


Turkey, Lanka in greater resolve to combat terrorism


Enhanced trade and economic relations:
Many important agreements and understandings were reached at the bilateral talks that took place between President Abdullah Gul of Turkey and President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Palace in Ankara yesterday-dailynews
Stranded Lankans arrive from Thailand

SRI LANKA-A SriLankan Airlines flight carrying 280 passengers who were stranded in Bangkok arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday. A second flight will leave Bangkok today at 2.45am.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008


Fighting terrorism:
President renews call for global action


rome:
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the Mumbai terrorist attacks should remind everyone about the risk of terrorism and the need for international cooperation to stop it.
dailynews-pix -Sudath silva

Kokavil liberated


SRI LANKA-Troops att-ached to the 57 Division yesterday took control of Kokavil, a key town on the A-9 road in the south of Kilinochchi after advancing three Kilometres southwards from Murikandi, Military sources the Daily News yesterday. dailtnews
Sri Lanka army 'in fresh advance'


SRI LANKA-Sri Lanka's military says it has recaptured a key northern town near the Tamil Tigers' Kilinochchi stronghold.

They say that troops took Kokavil, 20km (12 miles) south of Kilinochchi, on Sunday, 18 years after it was seized by the insurgents-more-BBC

Monday, December 1, 2008


I have offered to resign: Vilasrao Deshmukh


INDIA-Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Monday said he had offered to resign following the Mumbai terror attacks but the Congress Working Committee (CWC) was yet to accept his resignation. "I accept moral responsibility for the terror attacks and have offered to resign. It is up to the CWC to decide whether to accept my resignation," Deshmukh told reporters at a press conference in Mumbai.- Hindustantimes

Maharashtra Deputy CM RR Patil resigns..

INDIA-
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who was in the cross hairs in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, resigned today.
"I have submitted my resignation letter to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. I have gone by my conscience and decided to take this step," Patil told "I pondered over the issue the whole night yesterday.

Finally, I have decided to quit as per my conscience," Patil said.
Patil's resignation follows the exit of the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who put in his papers to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday, after the Congress Working Committee spoke disapprovingly of the Home Minister, in light of the Mumbai carnage and other terror strikes in the country.

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, who was also in charge of the state Home Ministry, was under severe criticism following the terror attacks with opposition Shiv Sena and BJP demanding his resignation alleging that he failed to handle the situation. Patil belongs to the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party and hails from Sangli district in western Maharashtra.Time of India

India security chief resigns after Mumbai attacks

INDIA-With corpses still being pulled from a once-besieged hotel, India's top security official resigned Sunday as the government struggled under growing accusations of security failures following terror attacks that killed 174 people.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who has become highly unpopular during a long series of terror attacks across India, submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who accepted it, according to the president's office. The Cabinet reshuffle comes as a chorus of criticism about the government's handling of the Mumbai attacks grows louder. 'Our Politicians Fiddle as Innocents Die,' read a headline Sunday in the Times of India newspaper.-The Associated Press


President to meet Pope Benedict XVI today

Italy:
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican today during a brief visit to Italy.
President Rajapaksa arrived in the Italian capital, Rome, yesterday accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. This is the President’s second visit to Italy this year since he attended the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s food summit in Rome in June. - dailynews

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