Oct 3 (ST) Adding to the increasing number of leopard deaths, an adult male, more than 7 feet long, was found dead in Nuwara Eliya, early this week, on Sept 21, having fallen prey to a wire trap. The trap had been set up in Toppass village bordering the Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve and was meant to protect the agricultural lands from wild boar. Wildlife enthusiast Kasun Pradeepa who saw the body of the animal around 9 a.m. on the day it was discovered said the animal would more..

Oct 3 (NS) LTTE sympathizers in France have reportedly recommenced fundraising activities in Paris claiming that the organization would be resurrected. The above photograph, which shows a fund collection point, was sent to us by a Sri Lankan resident in France who said the image was taken in the neighborhood of La Chapelle in Paris�s 18th arrondissement (administrative district). The resident further stated that the collection point has been functioning at the said location since Sept 26. more..

Oct 3 (CG) President Maithripala Sirisena today criticized the relationship some former Sri Lankan leaders had with former Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi. He recalled how Gaddafi was seen in photographs with his arm around one former SL leader. Former President Rajapakse openly maintained a strong relationship with Muammar Gaddafi despite western global powers accusing him of being a dictator more..

Oct 3 (CT) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed Minister Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, to submit a report as soon as possible on a permanent solution to the human-elephant conflict. PM had summoned the minister to Temple Trees for an impromptu meeting yesterday to discuss issues of sustainable development and wildlife problems. He had instructed the minister to take immediate steps to establish a sustainable, systematic and permanent procedure to resolve these problems within more..

Oct 3 (Island) Deaths due to rabies could be prevented if the people took precautions. Rabies was 100% preventable, said Director General, Department of Animal Production and Health Dr D.R.T.G. Ratnayake. One person died every ten minutes in the world due to rabies. Children below 15 years were mostly vulnerable to the deadly disease. Children loved pups and unwanted pups were abandoned by dog owners carelessly near temples, schools and on road sides. more..

Oct 3 (CI) Fast bowler Shaminda Eranga has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against West Indies because of another injury sustained during a period of rehabilitation. He hasn't played for Sri Lanka since January 2015, and missed the home series against Pakistan because of a back problem and the Tests against India with a groin niggle. Latest setback is also a groin injury. "Eranga unfortunately has been really struggling to more..

Oct 3 (Island) The first day release of Commemorative Stamp and cover with the brochure to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Swami Prabhupada�s visit to Sri Lanka will be held on Sunday, October 04 at 6.00 P.M. at Ramakrishna Mission Hall, Wellawatte, Colonbo-6. The Release will be under the patronage of Minister of Posts, Postal Services & Muslim Religious Affairs M.H. Abdul Haleem & Deputy Minister Dulip Wijesekara. Ministry Secretary Wimalasiri Perera, more..

Oct 3 (Island) JVP led National Bhikkhu Front (NBF) urged Buddhasana Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to intervene to solve problems faced by monks especially in the rural areas. General Secretary of the NBF Ven. Wakamulle Uditha thera said they had also sent a letter to Minister Rajapakshe requesting a discussion on the matter. Buddhasasana Ministers in successive govts in the past had failed to solve problems of monks although they praised the Buddhist monks as guardians of the nation. more..

Oct 3 (DM) Wildlife Department said it has launched a special investigation into the incident where a hunter was shot dead inside the Yala National Park during an exchange of fire between a group of hunters and Wildlife Department Officers last evening. Wildlife Director General H. D Ratnayake said it was illegal to enter the national park, possess firearms and engaged in hunting inside the national park. more..

Oct 3 (DM) Two youth and young woman, who involved in a brawl as seen in a video which went viral in social media websites, had made a statement regarding the incident to the police. They had told the police that the incident happened in November last year due to a personal reason and that the girl was going to marry one of the boys in the video. Youth had said they suspect video may have uploaded to internet by someone when the mobile phone was given to be repaired. more..

Oct 3 (Hindu) A differently abled Sri Lankan Tamil housed in the Tiruchi special camp created a flutter by slashing his left wrist with a blade on Friday demanding his release. Suresh Kumar alias Sera of Jaffna, who was housed in the camp after a case was booked by the �Q� Branch CID earlier, slashed his wrist at 6.30 a.m. Kumar was taken to the Govt Hospital where he was treated as an out-patient. The camp accommodates 13 Sri Lankan Tamils against whom cases booked by more..

Oct 3 (AD) Another suspect has been arrested over the murder of Seya Sadewmi, 5-year-old recently found strangled to death in Karandeniya, police said. Minuwangoda Magistrate has allowed police to detain him for 72 hours for questioning. The suspect was reportedly arrested by the CID and produced before Acting Minuwangoda Magistrate today. Latest arrest comes just days after Minuwangoda Magistrate more..

Oct 3 (CT) A private bus conductor who allegedly molested a 17-year-old girl was taken into custody, Sevanagala Police said. The suspect who had been employed in a bus transporting students to a school for a Kabadi tournament in Trincomalee had threatened the girl that he would release her nude photographs to the Facebook before molesting her. After participating in the Kabadi tournament, out of fear, she had gone to a holiday resort in Embilipitiya with the suspect. more..

Oct 3 (CT) With floods receding in certain places the risk of spreading communicable diseases such as diarrhoea and rat fever has arisen. Southern Province health officials said the situation is alarming. Director of Health Services of the Southern Province, A.D. U. Karunaratne said toilets in the low lying areas have been inundated. In addition, there is a risk of waste matter getting into wells. People should boil the water before drinking and avoid green leafy vegetables. more..

Oct 3 (NS) A proposal by Minister Rajitha Senaratne to increase import tax on unhealthy food items containing excessive sugar, salt and coconut oil (NCD�s) has drawn flak from various quarters. Nutrition and Dietetes specialist Dr. Damayanthi Perera opines that such proposals, aimed at curbing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are detrimental. Perera said that such proposals prove that the country needs a rational and more..

Oct 3 (NS) A special discussion held with the presence of the State Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi, on the viability of building new harbors in the North and East with the aim of uplifting the fishing communities there, took place on Sept 30 at the State Minister�s office. The viability of restructuring the fishing harbors in the South was also discussed. Officials from South Korea took part in the discussion, and affirmed that they would provide much-needed help in more..

Oct 3 (Island) Teachers have called for the postpone the Principals� Service exam scheduled to be held on Oct. 10 as most of the candidates are engaged in GCE A/L answer script evaluation. General Secretary of the JVP-led Ceylon Teachers� Service Union Mahinda Jayansinghe said that most of teachers who had applied for the examination would be busy evaluating the answer scripts till Oct. 9. "The teachers engaged in answer script evaluation have already received the admission cards to more..

Oct 3 (EN) President Sirisena has sent a message of disapproval to members of his own party who have shown dissent over the govt's handling of the war crimes issue at the UNHRC. Shortly after returning from New York where he addressed the UN general assembly, Sirisena in an address from the Presidential Palace in Colombo parised effiorts of PM Ranil Wickremesinghe and the govt. He singled out Wickremesinghe�s more..

Oct 3 (CT) The Employed Graduates' Association (EGA) has informed President Sirisena that although its members had paid the first instalment about a year ago, they have still not received the motorcycles. Under the Budget Circular 2/2014, graduates in the govt and provincial state services had made the initial payment to the Treasury to obtain motorcycles. EGA General Secretary Chandana Sooriyarachchi said even graduates who had paid the money prior to 30 Dec 2014, more..

Oct 3 (CG) India is prepared to resume the operation of a ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin and it was up to the Sri Lankan Government to take a final decision in this connection, Indian Minister of State for Shipping and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan said. Radhakrishnan also said that even as the Centre is taking all out efforts to find a permanent solution for the fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while crossing the border, the TN fishermen should more..

Oct 3 (DBS) Human Rights Investigation report on Sri Lanka compiled by the OHCHR released last month has revealed much information about the alleged activities of the Sri Lankan armed forces, the LTTE and state affiliated para � military outfits such as the EPDP and TMVP during the final phase of South Asia�s longest war. While overseas members of the LTTE demonstrate in Geneva with tiger flags and portraits of more..

Oct 3 (NS) The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has noted that growing personal attacks aimed at members of the judiciary and the Attorney General do not and should not duplicate legitimate criticism of these same persons. It has acknowledged that while citizens have a right to criticize the �actions of judicial officers and public officers in a functioning democracy,� this right should not be abused in favor of unfounded and baseless allegations. In addition, the BASL, in a statement, more..

Oct 3 (Hindu) PMK leader S. Ramadoss on Friday castigated the BJP-led NDA govt at the Centre for its pro-Sri Lanka stand in the UNHRC, saying India had done great injustice and betrayed the Sri Lankan Tamils. �The stand of India supporting the resolution for internal inquiry into the human rights violations and war crimes has clearly proved that both the Congress and the BJP have toed the same policy when it comes to Sri Lankan Tamil issue,� he said in a statement. more..

Oct 3 (CG) The excise duty on arrack, beer and cigarettes have been increased with effect from today under the Excise ordinance by the Ministry of Finance. Excise duty on Molasses and Coconut arrack has been increased by Rs 110 from Rs 1485 to 1595 per Proof Liter. The prices of a bottle of Arrack may be increased by Rs 60. Excise duty of country made foreign liquor has been increased by Rs 160 from Rs 1700 to Rs 1860 per proof liter. more..

Oct 4 (SO) Fortunately, for all those who fear retribution for the murder, mass brutality, political repression, racism and abuse of power that they may have perpetrated or, presided over, the path of redemption that our country has now set foot on avoids the pitfalls of sweeping judiciary prosecution. If judicial prosecution had been the intention, then, ironically, the international judiciary process would have been infinitely better for those likely to be caught in the net for large scale more..

Oct 4 (SL) The UNHRC resolution for promotion, reconciliation, accountability and human rights co-sponsored by a core group led by the United States and also by Sri Lanka was adopted without a vote being taken by the UNHRC sessions held in Geneva on Thursday. It was a remarkable change in the political atmospherics in the council chamber as compared with previous years, when representatives of the Rajapaksa regime bitterly opposed any probe into alleged violations of human rights more..

Oct 4 (SO) UPFA MP Kumara Welgama says there are no objections to the appointment of TNA MP R. Sampanthan as the Opposition Leader. However, if one is to abide by democratic traditions and conventions, it is the party that commands the majority in Parliament that should elect one of its members as the Opposition Leader, he points out that one should not forget that there is an unofficial opposition with over 40 MPs to play a more..

Oct 4 (Island) Former The Hindu editor N. Ram�s remarks about the nexus between big business, politics and the media at last week� inaugural Esmond Wickremesinghe award for media freedom will surely catalyze reflection on this subject in Sri Lanka. This is not something confined to our country or our region but is a global phenomenon which has long been a subject that has been discussed, debated and grappled with widely. No real answers have emerged, nor are they likely to more..

Oct 4 (ST) It is ten months since the Jan 8 presidential election; ten months of waiting for the perpetrators of corruption from the previous administration to be brought to book. The election campaign had been rip-roaring. The battle cry of those political parties backing Maithripala Sirisena�s candidacy was eliminating corruption. They vowed to punish the perpetrators of corruption and to ensure there was no recurrence. Forget punishment. We are not even seeing indictments! more..

Oct 4 (SL) Following are the views expressed by the DLF and MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara regarding the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka. Q: Geneva resolution co-sponsored by 25 countries was adopted. What is your opinion on the matter? A: We lost some of our close international allies. Some countries who had previously been speaking in favour of us objected to this resolution. But the resolution was passed. more..

Oct 4 (CT) Recently, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake announced that the Budget 2016 would be presented to the Parliament on 20 November. Budget is nothing, managing expenses and income, and how well an individual or govt performs in managing its finances will show not only its capability, but also will give a hint about its future direction. The very first joint govt in the country is facing a few serious challenges in preparing its inaugural budget, the Budget 2016. more..

Oct 4 (SL) Posters were displayed on walls, buses, and on huge billboards and cut outs were erected along roadsides on the Colombo � Katunayake road praising President Sirisena for defeating imperialist forces. It seemed a scenario from before Jan 8 this year. Apart from the SLFP members supportive of Sirisena, even some who have been affiliated with former President Rajapaksa had even worked to display propaganda material praising the President in many parts of Colombo. more..

Oct 4 (SL) JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake, says that the US would have moved to impose sanctions against Sri Lanka if the people had not defeated the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime on 8 Jan this year. �It was the people who defeated Rajapaksa. And since the people chased away Rajapaksa the US has now been forced to give more time. If SL had failed to bring change on Jan 8, the US would have imposed sanctions on our country,� more..

Oct 4 (SO) The grand reception organized to welcome President Maithripala Sirisena at the Bandaranaike International Airport, (BIA) Katunayake, on his arrival from Geneva was certainly a throwback to the Rajapaksa era. For instance, when former President Rajapaksa arrived from an official visit to Jordan, on May 17, 2009 � a day before the end of the final phase of the war � the parliamentarians of his party arranged a grand reception for him at the airport. more..

Oct 4 (Island) The passage of the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka without a vote in the UNHRC is being hailed in Sri Lanka as a major victory for the govt. The prime minister himself went on record as saying that Sri Lanka has now been taken off the UNHRC agenda. He was also reported in the media as having told the service chiefs that there will be �no court hearings� and there will only be a truth commission. As this writer has been saying all along, if the govt more..

Oct 4 (ST) My dear Daham aiya, I thought I must write to you because for some inexplicable reason, you seem to be the man of the moment these days. Everyone is talking about you just because you accompanied your father to the UN� and they are not at all interested in what your father said or did in New York! Your critics are saying that you had no right to be there but I, for one, can�t see what this fuss is all about. more..

Oct 4 (ST) Though the inclement experienced during the past few days, Lankan cricketers have managed to keep to the required work charts intact according to Interim coach Jerome Jayaratne. He said �It started well enough when the training sessions began on Sept 21 and we had almost a week�s outdoor sessions. However the past few days have been dampeners and outdoor training was not possible.� Making the maximum use of the opportunity given, both the Lankan squad and more..

Oct 4 (ST) Sri Lanka Carrom team consisting of four men and four women players will leave on Tuesday to India to take part in the 7th ICF Carrom Tournament to be held in India from October 7 to 11 at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi India. Sri Lanka�s No.1 ranked Chamil Cooray will lead the Men�s team while Joseph Roshita, No. One women slicer will lead the Women�s team. Current World Champion Nishantha Fernando will have to keep Sri Lankas hopes alive with his experience more..

Oct 4 (Island) Former greats Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan have backed the Inter-Provincial Cricket Tournament that Sri Lanka Cricket has been mooting for some time. Cricket Interim Committee Chairman Sidath Wettimuny has launched several spectacular initiatives to get Sri Lankan cricket back on track and the need for the Inter Provincial Tournament is seen as the long term remedy to prepare players more..