Dec 25 (SM) Several Sajith Premadasa followers left an A.C.S. Hameed commemoration event in Katugastota yesterday when opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe rose to address the gathering. Prime minister D.M. Jayaratne was the chief guest on the occasion. Messrs. Wickremesinghe, Premadasa and Karu Jayasuriya also attended, representing the UNP. Mr. Premadasa was cheered on by his supporters during his speech, but Mr. Wickremesinghe was continually disrupted during his speech. more..

Dec 25 (PTI) India today said it expected Sri Lanka to "act decisively" to achieve meaningful devolution of powers to its provinces in the backdrop of the military operation against the LTTE. In its first comments on the report of the LLRC, India also asked Sri Lanka to set up an "independent and credible" mechanism to probe allegations of human rights violations. "The LLRC report has underlined that the present situation provides a more..

Dec 26 (NS) Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Democracy is often thought of as a gift from ancient Greece. Athens is one of the first known democracies � functioning around 508 BC. Other Greek city states set up democracies, and most followed an Athenian model - an experiment in direct democracy, where the people do not elect representatives to vote on their behalf but vote in their own right on legislation and executive bills. This did not mean universal suffrage, but more..

Dec 26 (NS) Get ready for year-end roundups by the corporate media to make you forget 2011. Time magazine even names an anonymous hooded protester of diffuse pallor as their �Person of the Year.� After banning veils, are they promoting revolution of the masked variety, having run out of great white hopes and token brown ones? For those with blissfully short memories, Time-Life-Fortune magazines were set up in the 1920s USA by the �China Lobby,� a farrago of gunboaters, more..

Dec 26 (SO) Ranil Wickremesinghe reported a convincing victory, as expected by most party loyalists, amidst an aggressive campaign launched by the reformist group to hand over the reins of the party to Karu jayasuriya, the Co-Deputy Leader of the party. Last Monday, December 19 will go down the annals of the Grand Old Party as a historic, crucial, sensitive and sad day of the UNP, awing to the elections for top positions in the party and more..

Dec 26 (TC) The National Child Protection Authority purporting to act under the provisions of Section 34 of the NCPA Act No. 50 of 1998 arrested and detained Rev. Sister. Eliza in remand custody for an alleged offence under Section 34 of the said Act. It is necessary to examine the provisions of the NCPA Act No. 50 of 1998 and the Bail Act No. 30 of 1997 to determine whether the arrest and detention was illegal. Section 34 of the NCPA Act authorizes an officer to enter and more..

Dec 26 (TC) The conflict within the UNP is not a clash of personalities. I am convinced of it more than ever today. The radical young leaders insist that the problem is in Ranil�s nature. His attitude of taking every thing within the passive, liberal framework is making the party politically impotent. Hence, all conservatives have gathered behind him. Though Ranil talks of social democracy; his close adjutants do not know the elementary meaning of the word. more..

Dec 26 (TC) TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran says that the LLRC Report has �dramatically failed to address the accountability issues pertaining to the final phase of the North-East ethnic conflict between the govt security forces and the LTTE.� MP Sumanthiran, while dismissing all allegations that they were negative or pessimistic on this issue, charged that while the govt had held out to the world that the LLRC would be the domestic mechanism to more..

Dec 26 (TC) I am in receipt of the letter sent by you and some others to the notice of the MPs of the TNA, certain issues pertaining to the Tamil people. We have been busy with several matters and I regret the delay in responding. The copy of the letter received by me has not been signed by anyone, though the names of several persons have been referred to as purported signatories. Nevertheless, I have decided to send you a response, as you are the first of several persons referred to as senders. more..

Dec 26 (TC) This article is meant to analyse the inadequacy of traditional interpretations of the ethnic crisis and point out limitations inherent in them. It is not incorrect to treat this issue as an ethnic crisis. Yet, in my opinion, it is not correct to treat it only as a conflict based on ethnic differences that prevail between the majority Sinhala community and the other minority communities -Tamils and Muslims. In other words, the crisis scenario embraces more..

Dec 26 (LB) UNP WP Councillor Shiral Lakthilake spoke to LAKBIMAnEWS on being taken into custody after party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe made false allegations against a group of party supporters. Q: You have been accused of inciting UNP supporters to attack the party HQ, Siri Kotha, and causing damage amounting to Rs 2.5 million. What is your response and what happened at the UNP HQ last week? more..

Dec 26 (Island) The govt may have thought its controversial residential leadership training programme for the prospective university entrants, at military camps, would serve as an effective antidote to campus ragging because the trainees were physically and psychologically prepared to stand up to the sick elements in the garb of undergraduates. But, if the very high incidence of ragging reported from universities during the past few weeks is any indication, more..

Dec 26 (Island) Last Wednesday, I was prevented by the police from entering my work place, the University of Peradeniya. Police had closed the Galaha Road and the old Galaha Road with barbed wire. The university that is supposed to be �more open than usual� was virtually closed. Police and army with all kinds of anti-riot gear and guns had been present in the vicinity of the Peradeniya Junction since morning. It was said that the intention of that mobilisation was more..

Dec 26 (Island) External trade continued to remain resilient in October 2011, the Central Bank said last week announcing the External Sector Performance for the month as export earnings fell and the trade deficit doubled. "Reflecting the high base of exports in October 2010 and contraction in exports of tea, rubber and minor agricultural crops, earnings from exports declined by 4.9 per cent to US dollars 882 million in October 2011. more..

Dec 26 (ST) A month can be a long time in politics. The Budget debate which began, literally, with a bang, with fisticuffs between Government and UNP legislators on November 21, ended with a whimper, at least where the main opposition party was concerned. Instead of the boisterous scenes that were directed at President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government side, on the day he presented the Budget, when the President wound up the debate last Wednesday, more..

Dec 26 (LB) The much publicized arrest drama of the sister-in-charge of Prem Nivasa - a home for destitute young mothers and orphans, came to a conclusion at the Colombo Magistrate�s Court on December 15 with the magistrate Evonne Fernando declaring, �Nothing illegal has happened at Prem Nivasa, Rawathawatte,� and discharging Sr. Mary Eliza - the accused - from all allegations that were levelled against her. The Court also ordered that all files and documents seized from the more..

Dec 26 (Island) The SLMC yesterday called upon both the govt and TNA to resist the temptation for political brinkmanship arising from populist slogans, hardened positions and yielding to constituency pressure and to rise above all that and "lead the people in a way that would result in dignified peace and stability in Sri Lanka." "Govt should not be seen as prepared only to deliver a victor�s peace whilst more..

Dec 26 (Island) Over the years Sri Lanka have depended heavily on spin for their success in Test Match cricket, but in search of that elusive Test win since the retirement of legendary spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankans were looking at going in with an all pace attack for the second Test against South Africa here at Kingsmead in Durban. Traditionally, Kingsmead is considered the bounciest wicket in South Africa, but in recent years, spin has come into more..

Dec 26 (Island) The Korean Govt has provided Rs. 600 million to tackle the much discussed garbage problem in the country. The Rs. 600 million-grant comes following a number of discussions held by the Central Environmental Authority, Chairman Charitha Herath with the Korean Govt officials, under the direction of Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa. Yapa said garbage was a major issue, thus, modern technology and latest methods were of paramount importance to more..

Dec 26 (ST) As Christmas season entered the home stretch earlier this week, the Metropolis had gone bright and gay from roundabouts to State and other buildings, hotels, shops and even security force enclosures being lit up and decorated with seasonal bunting. Perhaps for the first time during the yuletide season, every roundabout in the city had been brightly decorated with Santa�s, Reindeers, Christmas trees and huge candles, pumping up the message that more..

Dec 26 (BP) If the Thai textile industry is looking to expand its export market, then Sri Lanka might just afford an opportunity. A delegation from the industry visited the South Asian country this year, but sources said the three-day visit was too short to make a detailed assessment. With Sri Lankan garment retailers coming to Bangkok practically every day to buy relatively cheap ready-made garments, the Thai industry senses an opportunity to establish more permanent contacts more..

Dec 26 (Island) Sri Lanka has imported approximately 82,000 vehicles, including a range of expensive vehicles by both public and private sectors. About half of the total number of vehicle imports during the year had been brought in by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd aka �K� Line. The �K� Line is one of our long standing customers. During 2011 it undertook 51 voyages to Colombo and discharged 40,095 units of all types of vehicles in 2011, whereas the total number of vehicles more..

Dec 26 (DM) Professor Carlo Fonseka would be appointed as President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) on January 1 despite protests agaisnt the move by medical professional�s organisations. A treasury circular was issued months ago informing medical organisations on a decision to list the SLMC has a public enterprise and subsequently there were reports that the current President of the SLMC Dr. Lalitha Mendis would be replaced by Prof. Fonseka. more..

Dec 26 (ST) A female undergraduate attached to the Ruhunu University has been suspended with immediate effect, following a ragging incident that left a fresher semi-paralyszed in one limb, a senior academic said yesterday. The alleged incident took place within the precincts of the university on Wednesday morning, when the suspect student is alleged to have led a group of seniors in a ragging session, head of the university, Professor Susirith Mendis said more..

Dec 26 (ST) Bad weather alerts will soon be available to all fishermen, thanks to an early warning system to be introduced next month by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. The Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is being expedited after last month�s tragedy in which 22 fishermen working along the southern coast died after being caught up in incoming gale force winds. The system will be implemented once the Cabinet approves a senior committee�s more..

Dec 26 (SL) The police intelligence unit has begun a probe on Sirasa TV following the speech made by opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament last week. Sources at the Western Province Police intelligence unit at the Mirihana police station told The Sunday Leader that Wickremasinghe had alleged in Parliament that Sirasa had conspired against him and was behind the attack on the UNP headquarters at Siri Kotha last week. more..

Dec 26 (Island) A young married woman fell to her death from the rear chained half door of a moving lorry on which she was seated with several others. The tragic incident was unfolded at the inquest held into the death of Mallika Andarawewa (29) a native of Nochiyagama held on an order issued by the District Judge Puttlam and held by Additional City Coroner Ashroff Rummy. Witness Sakunthala Nilmini (19) said Mallika and her husband had only recently arrived at her village. more..

Dec 26 (DM) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is preparing to obtain a loan of Rs.100 billion from the state owned banking giant, People�s Bank. In this connection the Minister Susil Premajayantha has sought cabinet approval for the issue of a treasury guarantee of $10 billion to the People�s Bank. As the Minister has shown the cabinet the CPC at present gets most of its Letter of Credit facilities for import of petroleum from the Bank of Ceylon more..

Dec 26 (DM) Minister Mervyn Silva requested UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya to go forward without going in reverse gear. He made these statements while addressing a meeting in Pilatiya, Kelaniya. �You symbolize the vales of Buddhism and Sinhalese tradition. You should go forward despite the defeats and downfalls,� the Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jayasuriya, who also attended the event, said the law should be equal to both haves and the have-nots, which is not the more..

Dec 26 (PO) Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy extremely cordial relations and these ties should be developed further. These views were expressed by Sri Lankan Consul General Mr D.W. Jinadasa at a meeting held to give details about Sri Lanka Expo2012. MrJinadasa said the Sri Lanka Expo 2012, is a mega International Trade Exhibition to be held in Colombo from March 28th to 30th 2012. He said the exhibition will showcase a wide range of Sri Lankan products to overseas buyers more..

Dec 26 (CI) For a team that has almost always been near the summit of the Test rankings, South Africa's recent home record is surprisingly ordinary - no series wins in more than three years. Their performances at Kingsmead in that period are similarly bleak - losing to each of the other major contenders for the title of world's best Test team. Graeme Smith and his side get the chance to erase both those blots this week as they take on a disjointed Sri Lanka. more..

Dec 26 (SL) The military has rejected a report which claims that women in the north and east have faced, and are continuing to face, an increased sense of insecurity despite the war having ended. A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) titled Sri Lanka: Women�s Insecurity in the North and East, explores the issues faced by women both under the LTTE and in more recent times. Although acknowledging the hardships and violence faced by these women while under the LTTE rule, more..

Dec 26 (Island) A father, mother and their three-year-old so died in a tragic accident on Saturday night when they were electrocuted by a live wire laid to keep out monkeys at Okandagala Bridge in Maturata yesterday. The dead were identified as Jayantha Wijesundera (44), Thunpellegedera Dayawathie Jayasinghe (33) and Rajapakshagedera Ayesh Dilshan Wijesundera (3). The father had laid the wire around his homestead to prevent monkeys from destroying his crops. The child who more..

Dec 26 (SLBC) Today is the National Security Day. Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera said that the Govt has declared December 26th as the National Security Day in order to remember the life lost and properties damaged by the Tsunami and other disasters. The main function of this year�s National Security Day will be held in Katthankudi in the Batticaloa district. more..

Dec 26 (Island) This Christmas eve saw the highest number of road accidents compared to last year. Accident Service Director Dr. Prasad Ariyawansa told The Island that out of 200 persons who sought treatment during 24 hours ended last morning, 116 had been injured in road accidents. Dr. Ariyawansa said this was a steep rise in road accidents compared to last year. Only 96 injured from traffic accidents had been admitted during the same period last Christmas, more..

Dec 26 (DN) The number of families affected by heavy rain and floods have increased, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. The number of families have increased by around 126 and the number of affected persons have increased by around 60. A total of 35,833 persons belonging to 9,686 families have been affected by rain and floods during the past few days, the DMC said. According to DMC reports, 3,005 persons belonging to 809 families are in Evacuation Centres. more..

Dec 26 (BBC) Journalists in the southern Sri Lankan town of Tangalle have received death threats following their coverage of an attack on a tourist couple at a holiday resort. Police said they have identified all suspects of the attack in which a British national was killed and his friend, a Russian national, sustained injuries. The victim Kuram Shaikah Zaman, a British national of Israeli origin, is an ICRC volunteer working in the Gaza strip. more..

Dec 26 (TH) With everything going according to his plans, national team coach Pubudu Dassanayake is beginning his quest of future cricket stars from Monday. Dassanayake, who had planned to hunt for new talents across the nation once his first official assignment with the national team � ACC Twenty20 Cup � was over, will begin his three-week programme with visits to three cities � Pokhara, Bhairahawa and Birgunj. Dassanayake will be assisted in the mission by the regional coaches and more..

Dec 26 (LT) It is revealed that the suspect who killed a British national by shooting at a hotel at Madilla in Tangalle is the Chairman of Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Sampath Chandra Pushpa. The reason for the clash that caused the death of the British national is a clash between the management of the hotel and a group led by Sampath Chandra Pushpa. The foreigner had attempted to settle the clash. According to the latest information it is revealed that more..