Jan 31 (SM) Colombo additional magistrate Prasanna Alwis today ruled that president�s counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya cannot represent MP Duminda Silva, an accused in the murder of presidential advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. The additional magistrate noted that neither the MP nor his next of kin has informed the court in writing that Mr. Warnakulasuriya has been appointed to represent his interests. more..

Jan 31 (CT) The Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy (NNSMA) of Russia has confirmed its affiliation to the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM). This was announced at a press conference held at SAITM today where the head of International relations of NNSMA, Prof. Vladimir Zagainov noted that Russia is willing to help Sri Lanka to create high quality educational establishments. He said that the friendship between Russian and Sri Lanka as states is the main cause behind considering an affiliation with SAITM. more..

Jan 31 (SM) The JVP today dismissed President Mahinda Rajapksa�s proposal to convene an all party conference to discuss a solution to the ethnic issue. JVP Propaganda Secretary and parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said the all party conference is a failure like the conference that was previously summoned by the President. �The all party conference did not have an agenda and there was no proper outcome from it. It was a failure and there is no guarantee that more..

Jan 31 (DM) The Counsel for Baratha Lakshma Premachandra, Upali Kumarapperuma told court today that the CID is "fabricating evidence" when the case was taken up today. The Counsel further went on to point out that initially the CID had only said that they found two shots were released from R. Gamini the bodyguard of Premachandra but now they have come to the conclusion that the first shots were fired by him. more..

Jan 31 (SM) The Ministry of Crab, an upmarket restaurant owned by cricketers Mahela Jayawardena and Kumara Sangakkara, has run into trouble over its name. Secretary to the president Lalith Weeratunga has said that it was totally against the law to use the word ministry for a private business. Only a govt ministry or a religious body can use the name ministry, he has said. According to Mr. Weeratunga, this restaurant has been allowed to use only the name Crab Corporation of Pvt. Ltd. more..

Jan 31 (DM) New luxury buses imported from China will be introduced to six routes in the Colombo city this month (February) as part of a pilot project to promote public transportation to passengers who use private vehicles, the Transport Ministry said. Ministry officials said it would introduce low-floor, air conditioned buses and they will ply the following routes: Moratuwa-Pettah, Kesbewa-Pettah, Negombo-Pettah, Gampaha-Pettah, Kaduwela-Fort (via Malambe) and Homagama-Pettah routes. more..

Jan 31 (DM) The CCD informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court today that they had identified 47 suspects involved in causing damage to the Magazine Prison and its property during riots that took place in the prison on January 27. The report filed by the CCD said following the appointment of Emil Ranjan Lamahewa as the Superintendent of the Magazine Prison some administrative changes had been introduced to the dislike of the inmates. more..

Jan 31 (CI) Sri Lanka A battled their way back into the five-match series against England Lions with a six-wicket win in Kurunegala. Despite Jos Buttler's second century in three matches for the Lions, Sri Lanka completed their run chase with 15 balls to spare thanks in large part to a composed innings of 94 from No. 3 Dimuth Karunaratne. Karunaratne, who made his ODI debut during Sri Lanka's tour of England last year, was involved in a century stand with more..

Jan 31 (DM) The Education Ministry has decided to introduce an oral test for the English language at the GCE Ordinary Level exam from next year, Minister Bandula Gunawardane said today. Minister Gunwardane told a news conference that ten marks would be given to students at this test to be introduced after a pilot project. �We will have a pilot project next year. Depending on the success of the project, we will make it compulsory for all students sitting the exam, �he said. more..

Jan 31 (Hindu) Even as Sri Lanka grossed more revenue over 2010, tea production dipped marginally in 2011, according to statistics released by brokers. In 2011, the production totalled 328.3 million kg against 331.4 mkg in 2010, said Forbers and Walker Tea Brokers. While high growns remained more or less static, mediums declined by 2.9 mkg and whole low growns gained a little. In 2011, Sri Lanka netted about $1.5 billion. more..