|
|
|
More Headline News
|
Mahinda - The New President of Sri Lanka.
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 8:53 PM SL Time
Mahinda Rajapakse in the presidential polling held on 17 November has assumed office as the new Executive President of Sri Lanka today. He took his oath as the 5th Executive President of Sri Lanka at 1:20 p.m. (0720 GMT) Saturday before Chief Justice Sarath N.de Silva at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
Addressing the nation after being sworn in, Rajapakse pledged to revive peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and achieve national consensus for a `honorable peace` to end the ethnic conflict.
Rajapakse said that he would be ready for peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) when the Tigers say they would be ready to return to the negotiating table.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 14 )
LTTE warn new president
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:27 AM SL Time
Tamil Tiger rebels have warned the winner of Sri Lanka`s presidential election, Mahinda Rajapakse, of the dangers of any move to break the country`s three-year-old ceasefire.
`If they try to use military means to occupy our land or wage a conflict it will have negative implications for the other side,` the leader of the rebels` political wing, SP Thamilselvan, told the BBC.
`We hope that they will understand the reality.`
In his victory speech in Colombo, Mr Rajapakse promised to bring `an honourable peace to the country`.
How he aims to do that is not clear. In his campaign he criticised his main rival for making too many concessions to the Tamil Tigers.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 121 )
Sri Lanka president-elect drops running mate from prime minister job
Friday, 18 November 2005 - 9:20 PM SL Time
Sri Lanka`s president-elect has decided not to appoint Anura Bandaranaike, the country`s tourism minister and brother of the outgoing president, to replace him as the new prime minister, a spokesman for the newly elected president said Friday.
Bandaranaike, who currently holds the posts of both tourism and investment minister, was Mahinda Rajapakse`s running mate in Thursday`s presidential poll. The two agreed to run on the same ticket when Rajapakse was named the ruling party`s candidate for the Nov. 17 election.
But Bandaranaike had done little to support Rajapakse, and so there was no reason to name him prime minister, an official close to the new president said.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 148 )
|
More Headline News
|
|
|
|
|
Politics
|
Non-participation of significant section in poll regrettable PAFFREL
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:08 AM SL Time
People`s Action for Free a Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said that outside of the North and East, the presidential election was the best conducted in the recent past, without major incidents of violence or electoral malpractices being reported.
The election campaign that preceded the polls also took place with much less violence than in the recent past. However, an almost total absence of participation in the polls and an atmosphere of violence and intimidation in much of the North and East have significantly affected these elections. It has compromised the democratic process and institutions, it said in a news release.
Prior to the elections, the LTTE made announcements that the Tamil people had no reason to be interested in these elections, but could exercise their vote, if they so desired. This was accompanied by calls by several pro-LTTE organizations who instructed the people not to take part in the elections. When there was doubt as to the LTTE`s position, the LTTE again reiterated its stance that the Tamil people had no reason to be interested in the elections, it said.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Nirupama meets Ranil, contacts with Mahinda
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:01 AM SL Time
Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao met with UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo yesterday sparking speculation that India is interested in helping an understanding between the winner and loser of Thursday`s presidential election on working together towards a peace deal with the LTTE.
Knowledgeable sources said that India was also making contacts with the new president.
Asked if there was an effort at encouraging a grand coalition, these sources said that it was too early to speculate on what the current contacts would lead to but there was a strong desire on the Indian side that support for a common cause by the two strongest political forces in the country would help the peace process.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 2 )
Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera expresses support to Mahinda
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:58 AM SL Time
Parliamentarian Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera yesterday expressed his support to the newly elected UPFA President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Issuing a statement to the media, Ven. Dhammaloka blessed the new President and stated that the contribution made by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to make Mahinda Rajapakse the President was commendable.
'I expressed my gratitude to all the officials who were responsible for holding a free and fair election and specially to the general public who maintained peace during and after the election,' Ven. Thera said.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 22 )
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial News
|
Winners and losers
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:06 AM SL Time
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe`s no show at the Election Secretariat where Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse was declared elected Sri Lanka`s fifth Executive President did him no good among friends and foes alike. The common perception of this failure is that he is a bad loser, who having lost a contest he was desperately anxious to win lacked the character to do what winners and losers alike must do when the result is finally out. Wickremesinghe`s failure to turn up at the Rajagiriya election office, reminiscent of a similar failure by Hector Kobbekaduwa when he lost to J.R. Jayewardene in 1982, was a clear demonstration of both a lack of sportsmanship that is a requirement in politics as in other playing fields and a let down of the people who voted for him and, more importantly, party workers who laboured night and day to secure his election.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
The kurahan power and triumph of democracy
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:51 AM SL Time
The Lion of Giruvapattu couldn`t have cherished any gift more than what he was given on his birthday yesterday. He, with decades of experience as a parliamentarian, minister, Leader of Opposition and Prime Minister, becomes the fifth executive president to rule this country. Congratulations!
Not only has he won the presidency but democracy has triumphed. Thursday`s election is being described as very peaceful. Sri Lanka is beginning to show signs of evolving into a mature democracy albeit with delay.
A human rights activist, lawyer and, above all, man of the people, Mahinda Rajapakse comes from a well known political family connected with the SLFP since its inception. The secret of his success has been his devotion to the party which his father co-founded with S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. Mahinda inherited the famous kurahan saatakaya from his famous paternal uncle who tirelessly strove to popularise kurakkan of Ruhuna as a staple food. It has today become a symbol of the common man`s cause and is often mistaken for a socialist symbol because of its colour.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Be wise election-wise
Thursday, 17 November 2005 - 2:57 AM SL Time
Today is E-Day. Sri Lanka is poised to elect its fifth Executive President. The contest looks a neck-to-neck race with two candidates ahead of the rest and, weather behaving, heavy polling is expected. Conflicting reports were reaching Colombo from Kilinochchi yesterday as to the LTTE`s stand on the polls. It had called upon the people to boycott polls a few days ago and a rumour was being floated that it had changed its mind and would allow the people to freely exercise their franchise. It is only today that we will see what its stand really is.
Mahinda and Ranil on the last lap have the same looks as marathon runners eking out their last ounce of energy to make it to the finish line. The contest is too crucial for both to lose. For them it is not a swim or drown situation. The choice is between winning and drowning. The outcome of the polls will determine their political future. Unfortunately, both cannot win. The winner will take all and the other runs the risk of losing everything including his political career.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 12 )
|
|
|
|
|
| Security |
CMEV calls for re-poll in North and East
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:01 AM SL Time
The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has called upon Dayananda Dissanayake to use the powers vested in him as Commissioner of Elections to call for a re-poll of the north and east in order to ensure that a truly free and fair election of the Chief Executive of Sri Lanka has taken place.
Referring to Section 103(2) of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution that mandates the Commissioner to ensure the conduct of a free and fair poll, CMEV says in terms of the Presidential Elections Act of 1981 and the Elections (Special Provisions) Act of 1988, is especially so in circumstances which could affect the outcome of the elections.
`We draw your attention also to Article 21(2) of the Elections (Special Provisions Act, which refers to the need for a re-poll where due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance the poll for the election of a District cannot be taken.`
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Six killed in attack on mosque
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:59 AM SL Time
Six people were killed and fifteen seriously injured when unidentified assailants lobbed two hand grenades into the Akkaraipattu Jummah mosque early yesterday, police said.
They said at the time of the attack some 40 worshippers were attending morning prayers at the mosque which borders a Tamil village.
Tamil civilians living in the border area were seen leaving their houses fearing a communal backlash following the incident.
Akkaraipattu police said four of the victims were identified as Abdul Majeed, Abubakar, Muastapa, Noordeen Ibrahim Lebbe, and Abdul Cader. Two of the victims are still to be identified.
Meanwhile, Valaichenai police recovered the bodies of two persons killed in the grenade attack.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 5 )
Presidential Election: Free and fair says, AAEA
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:59 AM SL Time
The Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA) observation mission yesterday announced that the recently concluded Presidential Election was free and fair.
Despite the disenfranchisement of people in the North and East the result was a true reflection of the people`s wish.
The AAEA said that despite a mass voter boycott in the North and significant incidents of intimidation in the East the final result was 'a reflection of the people`s choice.'
They also pointed out that since the low voter turn out in the North and East was not caused by either Presidential Candidate but rather by a third party 'the Government could not be blamed and that they have done the utmost to ensure a smooth Election Process throughout the country.'
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
|
Business / Economy News
|
Election jitters hit early
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:05 AM SL Time
Market stayed low on Monday as election jitters hit hard and investors opted to stay on sidelines and watch the bigger political developments ahead over the week although there was strategic movement on specific counters. The picture did not improve, as in between holidays stumped the build of momentum. Asia Capital saw 9 million shares changing hands triggering the counter to rise to a day high of 16.75 while closing Monday on 16.50.
The indices closed the day marginally lower, nonetheless retail investors stayed on a hold mood optimistic of the political direction ahead.
Dramatic All time High Wednesday ahead of Polls
Wednesday saw the market make a dramatic comeback on the eve of the presidential polls. Both the indices recorded an all time high, up by 107 and 145 points on ASPI and MPI respectively. However heavy selling was apparent on some big blue chip counters such as JKH, DIAL and COMB. COMB closed the day on 172 after touching a high of 180.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Tourism downturn hurt Aitken Spence mid-year bottom line
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:05 AM SL Time
Aitken Spence & Company Limited, one of the strongest blue chips quoted on the Colombo Stock Exchange, had seen the tourism downturn post-tsunami impact on its bottom line despite a half-year group revenue increasing 14.3% to Rs.5.8 billion.
The mid-year bottom line at Rs.407.7 million was 43% below net attributable earnings earned in the first half of the last year, an interim statement now with shareholders said.
The statement indicated that in terms of profitability, the strategic investment segment covering power generation, manufacture and services had done best earning Rs.800.9 million while the tourism sector had lost Rs.90.1 million and cargo logistics had earned Rs.177.1 million.
A spokesperson for the company said that the strategic investment segment also included dividends received by the holding company. Power generation was doing well and the current projection is that tourism sector will not be able to catch up the lag despite some optimistic arrivals forecasts.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Bill Clinton due next week
Saturday, 19 November 2005 - 1:54 AM SL Time
US former president Bill Clinton plans to return to Sri Lanka and Indonesia in his role as UN special envoy for tsunami relief to assess recovery efforts since last December`s deadly earthquake and tsunami, his office said Thursday.
Clinton will visit the Sri Lanka capital Colombo on November 29 and the Indonesian province of Aceh the following day, it added in a statement.
It will be Clinton`s second trip to the region as UN special envoy for tsunami recovery. He visited Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives last May.
The former US leader will then travel to Brussels on December 1 to report back to the European Commission, discuss ongoing needs in the recovery efforts and coordination between the European Commission and other key players.
In both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, Clinton will meet with all concerned parties, including the government, civil society, affected communities, UN officials, donors and members of the private sector to assess the current status of the recovery effort and adress existing challenges.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
| Sports News
|
Sri Lanka ready to tackle big boys of rugby - Sajith
Sunday, 20 November 2005 - 2:07 AM SL Time
Sri Lanka rugby captain Sajith Mallikarachchi is confident the hard-fought 24-12 win gained over Kazakhstan through a combination of fierce tackling and solid place-kicking in a Rugby World Cup (RWC) Asian Zone Qualifier at Longden Place last Saturday could further goad his team to success in the sphere of international rugby.
`I am, delighted with this performance` he told reporters at a post-match press conference held at CR clubhouse.
Army SC goal-kicker T Ajith Silva kicked 14 points (a conversion, three penalty goals and a drop-goal) to fashion the home side`s triumph.
`Before the game we set out with the goal of winning by over a 10-point margin and in the end it turned out to be over 12 points`.
Mallikarachchi said that the performance given by his players in a physical game was `heartening` considering his team came unstuck in the first leg tie in Almaty (19-25) three weeks ago, and was pleased to see them taking their more formidable, tough forward pack head-on.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Lanka brace for heavy rugby workload in 2006
Thursday, 17 November 2005 - 2:59 AM SL Time
Sri Lanka`s national rugby team following their 24-12 win over Kazakhstan in the Rugby World Cup (RWC) Asian Zone Qualifiers at Longden Place last Saturday, will play in a few international Sevens tournaments before moving into the RWC second round in 2006.
The national team`s first assignment will be the opening leg of the Singer Professional Sevens tournament which is to be worked off in Galle on January 28 and 29, 2006, according to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union`s (SLRFU) official web-site.
The second and third legs of the tournament will be held in Colombo on February on February 11 and 12, and on September 2 and 3 respectively.
Following the two Singer Sevens tournaments the national team will fly out to Melbourne, Australia to compete in the Commonwealth Sevens scheduled for March 16 and 17 2006.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Fingara and Lion join hands to boost cricket in Sri Lanka
Wednesday, 16 November 2005 - 1:14 AM SL Time
Fingara International Cricket Academy (Pvt) Limited has entered into an agreement with Lion Brewery of Ceylon Limited to launch a sponsorship programme to help outstanding underprivileged cricketers.
The objective of this programme is to lend a hand to the talented and outstanding cricketers, who need assistance to further their skill and also to extend support for them to rise to international level in cricket ultimately.
Under the programme, 16 such underprivileged cricketers of the under 14 age group will be coached by FICA for a period of three to five years and their coaching fees and clothing will be borne by LBCL. Deserving students, who are to be sponsored by LBCL, will be selected by Tony Opatha, Executive Director, FICA. These cricketers will be selected after a test and will be trained twice a week for two hours by FICA coaches. LBCL will be spending for each child during the sponsorship period of five years.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 1 )
|
|
