Nov 25 (LG) It�s a full four years since Percy Mahendra � Mahinda � Rajapaksa took oaths as president of Sri Lanka, on his 60th birthday. It�s perhaps not a long time, folks would say, considering that constitutionally a Sri Lankan president can hold office for a six year term. But yet, if this was Germany, or the U.S.A, Rajapaksa would be facing elections by now. That�s how long presidential or chancellor terms are in those countries. more..

Nov 25 (LG) UNICEF recently estimated that over 80% of the victims of today�s Warfare is women and children. Children who are a vulnerable group have suffered severe traumatic events during the Eelam War. Children of the North as well as of the South have experienced many anxiety related conditions as a result of the 25 year armed conflict in Sr Lanka. They are traumatized children and have various behavioral problems. more..

Nov 25 (LG) After a three-day conference in Switzerland, the political parties of the Tamil speaking peoples of Sri Lanka, recognizing the need for unity and consensus, committed themselves to the engagement by all segments of society towards a just and durable political solution in the island through a dignified, respectful and peaceful process. The parties also agreed to continue the discussions. more..

Nov 25 (GV) Czechoslovakian President Vaclav Klaus signed the 2007 EU Lisbon Treaty on the 3rd of November thereby making the Treaty effective as of the 1st of December 2009. The Czech Republic was the last European Union nation (EU is comprised of 27 nations) to ratify the Lisbon treaty. President Klaus, a Eurosceptic, had earlier opposed the Treaty, and still had many objections to the Treaty, but felt forced to sign the treaty after the Czech Constitutional Court had ruled in favor of the Treaty. more..

Nov 25 (TC) The results of the national elections are now by no means certain. There is a contest and as a consequence, there is the possibility that the presidency could change hands, which in turn will have its impact on the general elections. This is attributable to the Fonseka presidential candidacy and it depriving the incumbent of claiming sole credit for the defeat of the LTTE. more..

Nov 25 (HRW) As it prepares to allow the 130,000 internally displaced persons detained in camps to decide whether to stay or leave, the Sri Lankan government should ensure that no additional persons are subject to arbitrary detentions, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 21 the government announced that the camps would be opened by December 1. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly called on the Sri Lankan government to release displaced civilians and to restore their full freedom of movement. more..

Nov 25 (GV) In Sri Lanka, the Dhamma preached by the Buddha has gone through many transformations. First we had the Hinduization, bringing in Hindu deities into our temples, sometimes converting them to �Buddhism�. Next came the Christianization, which led to the coining of the term �Protestant Buddhism�. This was influenced more by Christians who turned to Buddhism, than from a direct influence of the Christian church. more..

Nov 25 (EB) President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday ruled out the re-merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces to form a single Tamil-speaking province. Explaining this to editors N Vithiyatharan of Sudar Oli and Devaraj of Virakesari at a breakfast meeting with the heads of media institutions here, Rajapaksa said the merger of the two provinces had been a demand of the LTTE and there was no question of entertaining it now. more..

Nov 25 (GDI) Heavy rainfall can be expected in the Western slopes and the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Southern Provinces in the coming days although the depression is moving towards the Arabian sea and away from Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorologist sources said. Heavy rains have lashed many parts of the country during the last few days after a turbulence condition developed above the Arabian sea and entered the Indian Ocean region. more..

Nov 25 (GDI) 'The proper political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a patriotic leader of the country is the main reason for the present peaceful situation in the country. That is why LTTE terrorism which dragged on for three decades could be eradicated within a mere three years and no war in the world has been won without proper political leadership', said Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana, more..

Nov 25 (GDI) The Northern Spring concept to bring relief to the people in the North moves speedily with the transport sector in the region being upgraded. The President has instructed to streamline the bus services in the North to provide adequate facilities to all commuters. Special bus services from Jaffna to Paranthan (via Manthai) and Thunukkai and from Vavuniya to Mankulam through Thunukkai would be inaugurated to ease the transport problems of more..

Nov 25 (GDI) "The people should inculcate the high ideal of patriotism to save the country from an international and local conspiracy and extend the fullest support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by re-electing him to preserve the unitary state of the country, which was won after thirty years of war", the Minister of Tourism Nandana Goonetilleke said in the key-note address at a seminar more..

Nov 25 (LNW) Sources from Temple Trees say that the Defence Secretary has ordered two retired Majors General Lawrence Fernando and Sarath Karunaratne to carry out a campaign accusing General Sarath Fonseka for the assassination of The Sunday Leader Editor in Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge and the abduction and attack on journalists Poddala Jayantha and Keith Noyah. They have also been asked to carry out a campaign to more..

Nov 25 (GDI) On a directive by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga has informed retired Army Commander and Chief of Defense Staff, General Sarath Fonseka that his request for a 66 member security contingent as been approved and released accordingly by the incumbent Army Commander. Meanwhile, well informed sources disclosed that General Fonseka was using 23 vechicles belonging to the Army after retirement while more..

Nov 25 (LNW) Following is an abstract from a speech made by Minister Maithreepala Sirisena; "The government yesterday claimed that military commanders had never challenged their Commanders in Chief in Sri Lanka�s history and General Sarath Fonseka would never succeed in his attempt to replace President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential Election as the former CDS did not have a proper CV to become the President. more..

Nov 25 (GDI) The Communist Party pledged its fullest support to the candidature of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming election. CPSL stalwart Dew Gunasekara yesterday told the media that Rajapaksa was the more suitable candidate and as a President he had completed his six year task in four year to seek a fresh mandate for a second term. The administration of President Rajapaksa has taken the nation on a forward march and more..

Nov 25 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa is dedicated to bring peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka. He gave leadership to win the war. At the same time he was dedicated to develop the country, President�s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga expressed his views joining in �Ayubovan Sri Lanka� which was telecast on Prime TV recently. He pointed out that the President�s political view was fashioned through a ray of experiences. more..

Nov 25 (GDI) "Within four years President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to wipe out terrorism through his bold and upright leadership, similarly he would give leadership to achieve economic and cultural renaissance in the country", the Minister of Cultural Affairs Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana said. The Minister pointed out that the Government did not delay the implementation of development projects getting cover from the conflict. more..

Nov 25 (LT) With the announcement of the presidential election and as a result of government intelligence services reporting that Gen. Sarath Fonseka would be victorious at the election, the President had started seeking relief from Sai Baba say reports. The President has issued a message to the media yesterday (23rd) commemorating Sai Baba�s birthday. Meanwhile, a Sai religious service had been held at Temple Trees yesterday with the participation of a limited crowd. more..

Nov 25 (LP) The Bank of Ceylon looks forward to open a new economic zone in the Jaffna peninsula off the A9 road. The new economic zone which is due to be put up is similar to the Dambulla economic centre. Meanwhile at the moment the Bank is doing some Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the North and East. The Bank had given six billion rupees to the North and East from micro finance to normal debts and more..

Nov 25 (GDI) The fisheries resources of the Eastern waters could not be commercially exploited for more than a decade because of terrorism in the area. With the dawn of a lasting peace, this situation has changed dramatically, and the fishing community can look forward to a much brighter future, said Professor G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade, inaugurating a tuna long line fisheries project in Kalmunai in Ampara. more..

Nov 25 (MoD) On a joint invitation extended by the University of Kuwait and the Kuwait Historical Society, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Kuwait, Sarath Dissanayake delivered a speech at the University auditorium on 23rd November, under the theme "Post-war Sri Lanka - Opportunities & Way Forward" with special emphasis on the Role of the International Community. The University academic staff, students, members of the cooperate sector, media, more..

Nov 25 (MoD) New Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya called on the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at Army Headquarters (AHQ) Tuesday (24) morning. Troops of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers accorded a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour to the visiting IGP before the Principal Staff Officers at the AHQ were introduced to him at the entrance to the AHQ main building. more..

Nov 25 (MoD) Seventy five solar-powered electric lamps were distributed among the students at the Menik Farm relief village who scored highest marks at the Grade 5 scholarship examination 2009 to assist those students in their studies. The donation was arranged on instruction of Commander Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) Major General Kamal Gunarathne with sponsorship of Jinasena (Pvt) Limited. more..

Nov 25 (MoD) "The best way to show our gratitude to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, is to provide the facilities for their children to get a proper education enabling them to become good and useful citizens," Southern Province Secretary of Education M. W. Wijethilake said at the ceremony held recently to honour the war heroes at the Public Services Club hall in Galle. It was organised by the AAUP Ruhuna Chapter. more..

Nov 25 (Island) Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Chairman National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, received a death threat last Sunday evening. An anonymous caller, who phoned the Professor at home, threatened him to stop meddling with their businesses or face the consequences. Since taking charge of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Prof. Fonseka has initiated a number of activities, islandwide aimed at reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption. more..

Nov 25 (DBS) Hara-kiri: United National Party warned that it could commit political "hara-kiri" by not contesting presidential elections with own party candidate. Postponing: Sarath Fonseka now says he will announce decision on contesting on Nov 26th. He has been postponing D-day for several days. Enhanced: retd Gen Fonseka wants more soldiers, vehicles, patrol, riders, commandos, medical staff as enhanced security on par with other service chiefs. more..

Nov 25 (SLW) A series of attacks have been reported over opposition conventions held during the past week. Amidst a mass of events of thuggery relished on opposition meetings, UNP and JVP supporters have witnessed assaults of the similar kind from a number of different sets of goons. Their main ambition had been to wreak havoc at the party conventions. On the 20th this week, a JVP pocket meeting held at Kiribathgoda underwent an assault from an unknown group of thugs. more..

Nov 25 (PSM) A group of around 300 Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka are facing difficulties in Makkah without proper lodgings, according to reports from Makkah. The rooms booked by the travel agent of the group had been occupied by Nigerians. The Sri Lankan pilgrims had to resort to staying along road sides as a result. Meanwhile the western provincial council member A.J.M. Muzammil said that this matter was brought to the notice of more..

Nov 25 (LT) A demonstration was held opposite the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition yesterday (24th) demanding the government to prepare and implement a health policy based on �Senaka Bibile drug policy.� The demonstration was organized by the Prof. Senaka Bibile Commemorative Association and a large number of trade unions in the health sector, student organizations and several mass organizations participated in the demonstration. more..

Nov 25 (LT) He had never been defeated in his life and his motto has been �Can do� says former Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka. He said this delivering the keynote address at the 1st Annual Conference of the Institute of Certified Professional Managers held at Taj Samudra Hotel yesterday. Speaking further Gen. Fonseka said, �The head of the state as well as the general public trust the security forces. more..

Nov 25 (LT) The war heroes memorial that was in Tangalle town was dismantled yesterday (24th) the day after the presidential election was announced. The gazette announcing the presidential election was issued at midnight on the 23rd. The war heroes memorial was dismantled and three large cutouts with President Mahinda Rajapaske s photographs were fixed instead with the mediation of Tangalle Police. more..

Nov 25 (LeN) The permission sought by the CID to elicit information from the Lanka e news about the source of their information regarding a news item published by them was refused by The Chief Magistrate of Magistrate Court No. 01, Nishantha Hapuarachchi. The Lanka e news published an article on Nov. 06th under the caption �the Minister requests IGP to transfer disobedient Police officers� stated more..

Nov 25 (UNP) UNP M.P. Lashman Kiriella said, this forthcoming Presidential elections is a contest between the General Sarath Fonseka who won the war, and those who exploited the war. This General has n�t even a house of his own even after serving the Forces for over 40 years. But , those who exploited the war are having Palaces. Hence, this contest is between the honest who made sacrifices for the country and more..

Nov 25 (UNP) UNP PC member Sujeewa Serasinghe said, at this juncture when the country is consumed in corruption at all levels and the economy is devastated by Govt.�s fiscal mismanagement , it will be people�s immense fortune if a govt. is installed with the Ranil � Sarath duo at the helm. Both have proved their honesty beyond doubt. Both have proved their class in their own fields, and both have now combined to prove how more..

Nov 25 (UNP) UNP M.P. Dayasiri Jayasekera said, this Govt. ruled this country for the last four years, more in breach of its promises, constitution and laws, rather than adhering to them. How can such a Govt. be trusted? he asked. The President Rajapakse who should take the blame for all this and in some cases is allegedly directly responsible as the Head of state, is now seeking a fresh mandate. more..

Nov 25 (DN) The country could expect an expansion of the economy in the post war situation. The number of tourist arrivals is increasing steadily. Gross official reserves have surpassed USD 4 billion. The Stock Exchange surged to its highest point during this period. The IMF mission has also commented that the economic development achieved has been better than expected, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka Chairperson, Nirmali Samaratunga told Daily News Business. more..

Nov 25 (DM) The government yesterday claimed that military commanders had never challenged their Commanders in Chief in Sri Lanka�s history and General Sarath Fonseka would never succeed in his attempt to replace President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential Election as the former CDS did not have a proper CV to become the President. Addressing the first Presidential Election-related news briefing at the Mahaweli Centre, more..

Nov 25 (LNP) Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC) Director General, Priyantha Kariyapperuma said that Sri Lanka is one of the first countries in the Asian region to introduce 3G, 3.5G services and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology. This has enabled subscribers to have access not only to voice communications, but also to a wide range of features such as video conferencing, video streaming, mobile TV, music streaming and high speed internet. more..