Dec 9 (CI) The end result for Sri Lanka does not make pretty reading. A series they had genuine hopes of winning ended in a comprehensive 0-2 defeat. The quest for a maiden win in India remained unfulfilled once more. The No. 2 Test ranking was sacrificed, as India clambered up to the top of the pile. No doubt the critics back home will start hammering the team. But, from a Sri Lankan point of view, what does it all mean? more..

Dec 9 (PTI) Questioning the purpose of opposition Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka's recent India visit, an ally of Sri Lanka's ruling party has asked the former Army General to reveal the details of his tour and whether he reached an agreement with New Delhi. "Why did he (Fonseka) go to India. Reveal to the country the agreement that was reached in India," Wimal Weerawansa, Chief of National Freedom Front (NFF), more..

Dec 9 (Hindu) The visiting Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia and former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert Blake on Tuesday expressed `satisfaction� with Colombo�s programme for re-settlement of nearly 2.9 lakh Tamil civilians displaced in the war against the security forces and the LTTE. A statement quoted Mr. Blake as telling a gathering at Menik Farm relief centre, in Vavuniya district that more..

Dec 9 (ISRIA) The milk production in Sri Lanka has reached highest quantity so far under the livestock and dairy development programmes of the Government. �The milk production has increased year by year as a result of several programmes launched by the National Livestock Development Board. This includes breeding of cattle with high milk output, in order to make the country self-sufficient in livestock and dairy products. more..

Dec 9 (AD) There are several persons who earned huge sums of money while being in the Opposition. Their names and details will be divulged very soon, said Kurunegala district UNP MP Johnston Fernando at a media briefing a short while ago. Member of Parliament Indika Bandaranaike, also from the same district said that the UNP which was backing Sarath Fonseka while knowing well that he did not have any legal binding with the party. more..

Dec 9 (CI) Kithuruwan Vithanage was the hero for Sri Lanka Under-19s as they took the tri-series by pipping Pakistan Under-19s by one wicket in a last-ball finish at the P Sara Oval. Vithanage made a nerveless 82-ball 75 to orchestrate Sri Lanka's chase of 210. The last six home side batsmen contributed only 28 runs, leaving Vithanage to do much of the scoring from 98 for 5. Sri Lanka struggled to stitch together substantial partnerships more..

Dec 9 (UCAN) Catholics have taken to the streets to demand more security after a church in Colombo archdiocese was attacked for the third time in as many years. An estimated 200 people armed with an assortment of weapons stormed into Our Lady Rosa Mystica Church in Croos Watta, in the Ja-ela area, on Dec. 6, soon after the 7 a.m. Mass finished. The mob, suspected to be Buddhist extremists, set about smashing construction materials and the interior of the church. more..

Dec 9 (PTI) As world leaders engage in negotiations to save the planet from impending effects of climate change, artists too are doing their bit to highlight the issue and create awareness. Sri Lankan painter Senaka Senanayake in his solo show "Paradise Lost" attempts to give a wake up call to the world to conserve its flora and fauna. more..

Dec 9 (BL) It was shocking to see Rauff Hakeem making a statement on TV that the victory of General (retired) Sarath Fonseka, was a foregone conclusion as a result of the Muslim votes in the North-Eastern and Eastern Province and outside that of the of the NE and E. It was further frustrating to hear a leader of the �political representative brokerage party of the Muslims of Sri Lanka� stating that the UNP also has a strong Muslim vote base and more..

Dec 9 (BL) A Presidential Election is round the corner and the two main candidates are seeking a mandate from the people to rule the country for a six year period. So far, the battle has centred on political and social issues: abolition of the Executive Presidency; restoration of democracy; protection of media freedom; upholding human rights and long lasting constitutional reforms. The economic policies of the two candidates have not been laid down in detail, more..

Dec 9 (BL) Sri Lanka�s telecom watchdog � the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is unable to proceed with the introduction of the much-debated interconnection regime, which was scheduled to be implemented last November; due to the tug-of-war between the two largest telco operators in Sri Lanka. The Bottom Line learns that at a Working Committee meeting appointed in late September to formulate the tariff structure, chaired by more..

Dec 9 (BL) The Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC), is taking a bold step to brand the tuna that is exported from Sri Lanka in large volumes. By stepping forward to brand tuna fished from its waters, Sri Lanka will earn due recognition, and tuna exporters will be in a better position to demand higher prices for their newly branded product that is already well appreciated in some of the world�s most developed nations, such as Japan, the European Union and USA. more..

Dec 9 (BL) The UNP rebel group yesterday demanded that the Party should field Sajith Premadasa as its Presidential candidate at the forthcoming Presidential election, as he is the only �man-of-the-people,� now that former National Organiser S.B. Dissanayaka is no longer with the Party. UNP MP Johnston Fernando said if Premedasa contested he will get more votes as he has the backing of the majority of Sinhala Buddhists, more..

Dec 9 (AT) It is good to support Dr.Wickramabuhu for the simple reason that he represents the "non-capitalists" and the "oppressed" who are the actual 'Majority' in this country. To get the support from the "majority people" he should get on the platform of "good governance". By "good governance" it is meant "a government that is against injustice, discrimination corruption, oppression and is for transparency in its dealings, be accountable and more..

Dec 9 (PR) Remote Lands, the New York and Bangkok-based ultra-luxury Asia private tour operator, is reintroducing its highly personalized, white-glove service itineraries for Sri Lanka. The country�s tragic civil war, which ended in May 2009 after 26 years, had largely kept western travelers away. After six months of peace, though, the island paradise once again beckons visitors with its rich culture and art, ancient architecture, marvelous beaches and more..

Dec 9 (G&M) A Singapore-based terrorism expert who warned that Tamil Tigers were among the 76 migrants who arrived in a boat nearly two months ago has been given a stamp of credibility by an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator. Rohan Gunaratna, who was grilled for hours under cross-examination by lawyers for the migrants, is �credible and trustworthy,� Lynda Mackie said in a nine-page ruling released Monday. more..

Dec 9 (GV) Authors note: This is the first of two articles. The second is in draft form and is tentatively entitled �The Rajapakse Regime: Plus Points, Minus Points�. It may appear first in print form, but that remains to be seen. The Rajapakse regime has been in power since April 2004 and has received a bad press in many Western countries in recent years. Such comments have often aroused Xenophobic reactions within some segments of Sri Lankan society. more..

Dec 9 (GV) �Common candidate� Gen. Fonseka and �common man� Mahinda Rajapaksha must both face, in the upcoming Presidential elections, the problems caused by Sri Lanka�s long and ongoing process of militarization and the increasing politicization of �national security.� Mangala Samaraweera alleges that President Rajapaksha bears primarily responsible for militarizing Sri Lankan society. more..

Dec 9 (ADRA) Nearly one in three Sri Lankan children suffer from the effects of malnutrition, reports the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic diseases, seriously compromising their chances of leading a healthy, productive life. A child that is undernourished during the first two years of life, is less likely to complete school, and will earn, on average, between 10 to 17 percent less than more..

Dec 9 (BN) Sri Lanka says 94,000 civilians remain in the main transit camp in the north as the government tries to meet a January deadline to settle all displaced people held since the defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels in May. The refugees, held at the Menik Farm center near Vavuniya, were visited yesterday by Robert Blake, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia and a former ambassador to Colombo, more..

Dec 9 (wsws) The recent conviction and jailing of 20 members and supporters of the LTTE in France is a flagrant assault on democratic rights. It also encourages the Sri Lankan government�s continued suppression of Tamil minorities on the island nation. Included among those convicted on November 23 by a French court was Nadaraja Matinthiran, leader of the LTTE support organisation in France, the CCTF (Co-coordinating Committee of Tamils-France). more..

Dec 9 (LeN) The abductions of four persons including Suresh Silva, the SI attached to the CID Police Headquarters and Nishantha Ratnayake, a Tea Dealer near Devi Balika Vidyalaya on 3rd Dec. night by the special Task Force was at the behest of a Minister. According to information received by Lanka-e-news, the facts are as follows: The abducted Ratnayake is a Tea Exporter who had taken action against fraudulent Tea dealers. more..

Dec 9 (TN) Cluster voting booths in the forthcoming presidential election are to be installed in Karaichchi and Poonakari areas where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) had been resettled, Jaffna Assistant Election Commissioner (AEO), S. Suthakar said. Meanwhile, provisions have been made to enable IDP voters who had lost their identification documents due to the war, he further said. more..

Dec 9 (TN) The personnel of Sri Lanka armed forces stationed in Jaffna and Vanni show keen interest in postal voting in the forthcoming presidential election, Jaffna Election Department sources said. 7 January had been fixed as the last day for postal voting but it had been extended to 19 January. There are more than 37,000 armed forces personnel in Jaffna district and Vanni and more..

Dec 9 (GDI) The Kalpitiya Integrated Resort Development Project (KITRP), one of Sri Lanka�s attractive and colorful tourism development projects, will hold the foundation laying ceremony at the Dutch Bay Resort shortly to celebrate the commencement of construction of resorts at Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority sources said. In the first ohase of the KITRP, six islands will be developed: more..

Dec 9 (GDI) The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Divisional Secretary, Trincomalee, are taking steps to develop an attractive and environmentally friendly resort in Kuchchavelli. A stretch of land, 8km long with an extent of approximately 600 acres, has been identified for tourism development by the Divisional Secretary. The Kuchchaveli resort is planned as a �Green Integrated Resort�, focusing on sustainable development. more..

Dec 9 (GDI) The eastern population, irrespective of party politics will cast over 80 per cent of their votes to re-election President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the President again, stated Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, MLA Athaulla at a news conference today. He said the eastern people were ever grateful to the President for liberating the east for the people to start life afresh. more..

Dec 9 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has categorically rejected, vehemently denied and outrightly dismissed a baseless charge by retired General Sarath Fonseka that Fonseka's claim for funds to build 16,000 houses for internally displaced persons was turned down by the President, Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said. He said that Gen.Fonseja had never made such a request to the President as stated in a Sinhala daily this morning. more..

Dec 9 (MoD) The government has rendered a major contribution towards the welfare of war heroes during the last four years and the government aims to provide a house for every war hero, said Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivering the inaugural speech at the national convention of war hero's coterie at BMICH yesterday, Dec 08. more..

Dec 9 (GDI) Minister of Local Government and Provincial Council Janaka Bandara Tennakhon today clamed that provincial councils and local institutions were revived effectively during the past four years for the benefit of the people on the instructors of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said the Provincial Council and Local Institution electoral system will be emended shortly to suit the choice of voters. more..

Dec 9 (GDI) Economic and business activity in the Jaffna peninsula will expand to a greater extent with the Central Bank giving the nod to open more local and international bank branches in the Jaffna peninsula. Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal has granted permission to further open more branches of both local and international bank branches over there as business and economic activities galore at speed in the peninsula. more..

Dec 9 (LG) On 24 November another victim was claimed by a collapsing mine in the greater Teldeniya area. This time it was one Gedara Monasinghe of Maneluwa, Putuhapuwe of greater Teldeniya area. After fighting several days for his life, Monasinghe took his last breath on the 5th of December. Good thing he died when he did, for if he survived, he would be utterly handicapped and be a burden to the family and the society at large. more..

Dec 9 (LP) The Aquamarine, a weekly operated cruise from Cochin to Colombo, reached Colombo Port on Monday on its maiden voyage to the city. The vessel, operated by Louis Cruise Lines of Cyprus, will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays from the Colombo Port at 1400hrs via Maldives. Louis Cruises Ltd is the fifth largest cruise operator in the world. This cruise will bring around 200 travel agents more..

Dec 9 (LP) Sports and Public Recreation Minister Gamini Lokuge told Parliament yesterday (08) that a special committee has been appointed to probe into the deaths of animals in the Dehiwala Zoological Garden. The Minister said around 200 animals had died from 2006 to 2008. The Minister said the Government has imported 10, 18 and 17 animals respectively for 2006, 2007 and 2008, to the Zoo. more..

Dec 9 (LP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (09) met the valiant troops who contributed in the final battle against the LTTE terrorists. President unveiled the monument built in Puthukuduirippu in memory of those Security Persons who sacrificed their lives in order to free the country of the menace of terrorism. The monument was built in memory of those who laid their lives and for those who went through all the hardship, despite of the natural disasters. more..

Dec 9 (DN) Approximately one third of all pregnancies in Sri Lanka end in abortion, with an estimated 600 to 700 abortions carried throughout the country daily. United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) Representative for Sri Lanka, Lene K. Christiansen, said while the population trends in Sri Lanka were mainly positive, abortion is an area holding major concerns. Abortion being illegal in Sri Lanka, hard data is unavailable. more..

Dec 9 (LG) Each time Ranil Wickremesinghe tries to lift the UNP up it sinks a foot or two deeper in the mud in which it is located right now. Each time he tries to raise his head he is knocked on the head by his own stupidity. Each time he thinks that he has stitched up the best deal for himself, the party or the nation every stitch comes apart at the seams. Each time he blunders it has diminished the image of the UNP and prospects of recovering from repeated defeats at the polls. more..

Dec 9 (wsws) The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) will stand General Secretary Wije Dias in the January 26 presidential election in Sri Lanka. The SEP is the only party participating in the election that is fighting to mobilise the working class on the basis of a socialist program against the deepening onslaught on living conditions and democratic rights. more..

Dec 9 (LeN) The common Presidential candidate General Fonseka said, regardless of how foul and challenging the forthcoming Presidential elections may be, 90% of the Forces and the police who are safeguarding law and order in the country and the people are with us. President Mahinda Rajapakse and Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse are telling there were nothing lacking for me. more..

Dec 9 (CT) Local election monitor PAFFREL says it will bring down foreign observers for next month's presidential polls. It has told news.lk that preliminary discussions in this regard were presently underway. A final decision will be taken in consultation with the elections chief and political parties, PAFFREL has said. It has said that local observers would be given priority in the deployment of personnel to monitor the election. more..

Dec 9 (LG) Whatever the good intentions of the common candidate, and/or those back him, may be, that is any way how all common and uncommon candidates had started their candidacy in the past, sadly and dangerously the common candidate is already expected, by the common opposition, if elected, to be dictatorial; that would be the common candidate President�s very first job. The publicly announced arrangement, if they are serious, is to form a caretaker government if the common candidate becomes the President. more..

Dec 9 (LG) The presidential candidate who can include the following in his/her manifesto and convince the masses that he/she will implement them should be the winner of the forthcoming presidential election. Abolish illegitimate powers of the members of Parliament (MPs): MPs in Sri Lanka have the absolute power in dealing with all aspects of life in their constituencies. Successive governments have let the illegitimate power encroaching escalate to an extent that encourages individuals to more..

Dec 9 (LT) All government employees are debarred from engaging in any election activity other than casting their votes says Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dishanayake. Members of the judiciary, personnel of armed forces, grama sevakas, officers in administrative service and employees of Department of Elections have no political rights states the Commissioner of Elections issuing a circular. more..

Dec 9 (PSM) New judicial system known as Ecclesiastical Court is to be created to settle disputes and to redress the grievances among the members of the Buddhist clergy. This will also help to create a conducive environment for their peaceful co-existence, said justice ministry press release. It has been pointed out that Ecclesiastical Courts are functioning at present without proper legal basis. more..

Dec 9 (LT) Situations like what has happened would exist when military leaders and military officers are unduly elevated says Minister Visva Warnapala. He said this taking part in a debate held in Parliament today (8th). �It is we who elevated these military leaders. They did not do much for the country. There are lessons of such happenings in the past. The best example is Hitler. What he did was to annihilate thousands of people. more..

Dec 9 (LNP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa enunciating his politics said his policy was My country before myself. He exhorted all Sri Lankans to put country before self saying only those who truly love their Motherland will be infused with a sense of responsibility and belonging towards their Motherland. He said the people of all communities have the responsibility of rallying round under one flag and more..

Dec 9 (LT) The new Minister of Tourism Achala Jagoda has begun the slander campaign against common candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka on a large scale say reports. He has got a large number of cutouts prepared from a press at Pita Kotte for this purpose say these reports. The cost for the mudslinging campaign of Achala Jagoda has been borne by Ministry of Tourism. The cutouts prepared to derogate the character of Gen. Fonseka have cost a large amount of money say these reports. more..

Dec 9 (LT) It is reported that Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) is undergoing an acute financial crisis due to the election propaganda campaign of Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse. The daily income from advertisements during the period 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. was Rs. 600,000 to Rs.700,000 earlier but came down to Rs.150,000 yesterday. According to MMRB survey reports the number of people viewing news telecast by SLRC is dwindling and more..

Dec 9 (LT) An instance of �Samurdhi� officers being used for his election campaign by the present President has been reported. A special workshop regarding the election has been held for �Smurdhi� officers at All Ceylon Buddhist Congress at Baudhaloka Mawatha in Colombo today (9th). The work shop organized by the Samurdhi Authority had been held on a directive by the President. more..