|
|
|
More Headline News
|
Stop for a chat, Tamil Tigers urge Prince Charles
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 9:27 PM SL Time
COLOMBO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Britain`s Prince Charles will come within a stone`s throw of Tamil Tiger territory when he tours Sri Lanka`s tsunami-ravaged east next week -- and the rebels want him to pop in for a chat.
`We would like to receive him, there`s no doubt about that. He`s always welcome,` S. Puleedevan, secretary-general of the Tigers` Peace Secretariat and senior rebel negotiator, told Reuters on Friday.
Heir-to-the-throne Charles will make a lightning visit to Sri Lanka on Monday en route to Australia and will visit the eastern district of Batticaloa, where the Tigers control pockets of jungle and December`s tsunami flattened fishing villages.
`It is a very short visit,` a Sri Lankan government source said on condition of anonymity. `He`s going to Batticaloa, meeting the President (in Colombo) and then leaving.`
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Party quits Sri Lanka government
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 9:25 PM SL Time
The withdrawal of the Ceylon Workers Congress, which has eight seats in the 225-strong assembly, left the ruling alliance with only 111 seats.
The party said the government had failed to `implement certain agreements and programmes`.
The move comes amid uncertainty in the peace process with Tamil Tigers and as the nation recovers from the tsunami.
Analysts say the government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga may now have to look for other partners to push through parliamentary work.
They say the CWC`s withdrawal is unlikely to bring down the government, which worked with a minority till the CWC joined in September.
But if a key Marxist ally also carries out its threat to leave, it could force a general election.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
No unity in UPFA, says UNP
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 4:54 AM SL Time
The UNP said it welcomed the government`s initiative to start the stalled peace process but said there was lack of clarity and unity in the government`s policy on the process.
`The main UPFA coalition partner, the JVP on the floor of parliament criticized the government`s move to start the peace process and rejected the statement by the Director of Information. Wimal Weerawansa on behalf of the JVP said that they have no other alternative than leaving the government if it started discussions on an interim administration. This shows that there is no unity among the coalition partners when they take decisions on major issues,` UNP`s media spokesman Prof. G.L. Peiris said.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
|
Politics
|
ACU moves for special leave against bail on Ravi Karunanayake
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 2:45 AM SL Time
The Anti Corruption Unit of the Police Crime Division filed application in the Supreme Court for special leave to appeal against the anticipatory bail granted to former Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayake.
Petitioners O.I.C of the Anti Corruption Unit (ACU), S. G. J. Ruwan Gunasekera and A.S.P. of the ACU, C .E. Wedisinghe in their petition inter alia seek the Supreme Court to set aside the order of the Court of Appeal and the order of the Fort Magistrate in the anticipatory bail application.
The petitioners earlier filed an application before the Court of Appeal against the order of the Fort Magistrate granting anticipatory bail to former Minister Ravi Karunanayake.
The petitioner police officers in their appeal sought the Court of Appeal to set aside the order of the Magistrate granting anticipatory bail to Ravi Karunanayake and to make order refusing him anticipatory bail.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Canada's Lloyd Axworthy urges strong action against LTTE
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:14 AM SL Time
Toronto, 24 February, (Asiantribune.com): Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy has urged the Canadian Government to take a strong stand against the Sri Lankan rebel group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on the issue of continued recruitment of child soldiers. Mr Axworthy's made this call when he was interviewed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in its program series `Whose Truth`.
He said the Canadian Tamils have a close association with the present Canadian government and that Prime Minister Martin should use this connection to remind the Canadian Tamil community that the LTTE is committing an international crime.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
UNP happy with moves to resume talks, but clarity needed - GL
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:12 AM SL Time
The UNP is happy about moves to resume peace talks since the ceasefire agreement is not sufficient to maintain peace. It is only a mechanism to discuss subtantative issues, said professor G. L. Peiris at a media briefing held at the office of the leader of the opposition Thursday.
However, there has to be clarity and the government must speak in one voice, he said adding that it was doubly important in view of the statement made by JVP parliamentary Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa that they would quit the government if the government went ahead with its promises. He had also questioned the right of the director of Information to issue a statement without consulting the constituent parties of the government. Statements of the nature should not be issued by public officials, rather, they must be issued by members of the government at a political level, with responsibility for same.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial News
|
Are changes to A/L necessary'
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:14 AM SL Time
As we understand a major change in the GCE A/L examination with two compulsory subjects and third optional subject chosen from any areas is being considered by the University Grants Commission. There was an attempt to introduce these changes in the year 2000 and as physicists concerned with long term adverse repercussions of the dilution of science subjects by this move strongly opposed to it and the authorities withdrew it at that time. Dr. Tara de Mel did agree with our concerns and in fact she was the one who blocked this proposal in spite of the approval from other quarters.
Now there is an attempt to introduce these changes again. Here are some reasons why we see these as detrimental to the science education of this country' As we understand, the man reason for introducing these changes is to allow students to acquire knowledge of other subjects other than his or her main stream subjects.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Resume peace talks
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 1:47 AM SL Time
There appears to be some consensus on the part of the government and the LTTE that peace talks should resume. The international community is also pressing for an early resumption of talks so that the CFA will be safe and a negotiated settlement of the conflict would be possible.
The government, according to Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, is willing to resume talks even on the basis of ISGA. There is opposition to this offer. The JVP is resisting it threatening to break ranks with the government if that is done.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Peace Still A Long Way from Govt. Ceasefire With Tigers
Thursday, 24 February 2005 - 3:07 AM SL Time
JAFFNA, Sri Lanka, Feb 23 (IPS) - As the sun sets in this town that has been at the heart of Sri Lanka`s two-decade-long ethnic conflict, gentle reminders of life in a time of peace emerge.
The lights come on in homes, shops and in the increasing number of guesthouses -- unlike before, during the conflict, when power was a limited resource. At times, nights were spent in total darkness.
Then there is the ceaseless flow of people on bicycles moving through the streets at dusk. Most have a relaxed, unhurried demeanour, as they pedal in groups, or alone. When the civil war raged, on the other hand, the cyclists were more edgy, due to the nightly curfews and the frequent checks they were subject to at security points manned by government troops.
But as Sri Lanka marked the third anniversary since a ceasefire agreement was reached between the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels on Feb. 22, 2002, there are increasing worries that such reminders of life during peace may not be around for long.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Read Replies ( 10 )
|
|
|
|
|
| Security |
LTTE killing troops under cover of MoU - JVP
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:13 AM SL Time
JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa, making a special statement in Parliament yesterday (25), said the LTTE had continued to flout and breach the ceasefire agreement and in the latest instance it had killed a soldier of the Army who was serving in the forward defence line of the government forces at Kilaly on Thursday (24).
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Gang nabbed selling robbed car
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:12 AM SL Time
The Kadawtha police yesterday (25) arrested the gang which stabbed the DMO of the Watupitiwala Hospital, threatened his wife, who is also doctor and robbed their vehicle recently.
The DMO, who was admitted in the Colombo National Hospital with stab injuries ,was still under treatment at the hospital, police said.
The members of the gang are from Kadawatha, and Ragama. They were arrested when they were trying to sell the robbed vehicle after having changed the number plates.
Police said the gang had entered the DMO`s quarters on Thursday (22) and put the child of the doctor couple in a room, stabbed the DMO and fled with the vehicle after threatening the wifeand obtaining the key of the car from her, police said
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Robber gang nabbed
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 1:44 AM SL Time
Seven members of a nine-man gang, which included students, responsible for a number of robberies, were arrested by the Elpitiya police on Tuesday (21).
The police seized a robbed motor cycle and gold jewellery valued around 400,000 rupees which was in their possession.
Police said the gang had been responsible for a number of robberies of motor cycles and three-wheel taxis, some of which they had abandoned at different places, after using them in other robberies. One motor cycle that had been sold by the gang has already been traced by the police.
Police said the school boys were around the age of 17 years and other members of the gang were in their twenties. They used to meet at a playground where they pretended to be at sports practice, but were actually planning their robberies there. The oldest member of the gang was 29 years old. Most of the others were in the their teens.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
|
Business / Economy News
|
Computer literacy low among university community
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 2:46 AM SL Time
The knowledge of computer literacy particularly in areas like internet, E-mail and Networking among the university community still remains at a low level, according a study conducted by L-King group, groups Vice President Samith Gamage told a Seminar on Internet and Computer networking held at the Physical Science main Auditorium at the Sri Jayewardenepura University recently.
The seminar was organised by the Physics Society of the Sri Jayawardhanapura University. Mr. Gamage who was commenting on the findings of a study conducted by his group with leading computer - networking engineers in the country, said; `True, the relevant departments in Universities are engaged in research in the field of Information Technology and are conducting valuable studies.
However, a wide and deep knowledge of the subject remains a prerogative of a handful.`
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Relief efforts to Tsunami victims:Virtusa spearheads new technologies
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 1:16 AM SL Time
Virtusa Corporation, a global software development and IT services firm, spearheaded the design and development of an open source system for Disaster Relief in the wake of Asia`s devastating Tsunami. The project was launched in partnership with the Lanka Software Foundation (LSF) and other IT companies.
The system aptly named 'Sahana' which meaning relief, was developed to help agencies, individuals, NGOs and others who are involved in disaster relief to target, coordinate and track relief efforts, resources and centralize the disaster relief management process to ensure utmost efficiency. 'Sahana' currently supports a database of information pertaining to organizations, a registry of missing, displaced and deceased people, a registry of refugee camps, a registry on burial sites, information on damages and a transport logistics management system.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
US$ 1.5 million tsunami aid from Korea
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 4:59 AM SL Time
A 15-container consignment of relief materials worth around US$ 1.5 million received from the National Red Cross of the Republic of Korea will be handed over by Mr. Ahn Gil-won, Charge d`Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka to Mr. Jagath Abeysinghe, Hony. President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society on February 25, 2005 at 10.00 a.m. at the Government Warehouse, Kaldemulla, Ratmalana, Korean Embassy in Colombo said.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
|
|
| Sports News
|
Former fast bowler arrested for assault
Saturday, 26 February 2005 - 2:48 AM SL Time
Former Sri Lanka test cricketer, fast bowler Suresh Perera was arrested by Police on Thursday on alleged assault charges and released on bail.
The 27-year-old Perera represented the country in three tests and 20 one day internationals between 1998 and 2001, as a fast-bowling all rounder before being reported for a suspect action by umpire Steve Bucknor.
The SSC cricketer was arrested by the Kohuwala Police and was bailed out when he was produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate on Thursday.
Officer in charge of the Kohuwala Police B.S. Perera said that three others were also arrested along with Perera for assaulting another group of men on Wednesday night.
According to Police, Perera and his friends were allegedly under the influence of liquor after a party at his (Perera`s) residence at High Level Road, Nugegoda and were enjoying themselves when another group of men who were also alleged to be intoxicated jeered Perera and his friends while passing the cricketer`s residence on foot.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
Cricket World Cup seeding format announced
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 5:02 AM SL Time
The International Cricket Council today announced that the official LG ICC ODI Championship table on 1 April 2005 will form the basis of the seedings for the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup to be played at eight venues in the Caribbean.
The ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 will involve a record 16 teams that will be split initially into four groups of four. The top two teams from each of these groups will progress to the Super Eights stage from which four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
Australia, England, India and West Indies were pre-seeded into separate groups in July 2004 to ensure that transport, accommodation and other logistical issues in West Indies could be effectively managed.
Subject to this pre-seeding, the 11 teams with current One-Day International status will be seeded in the four ICC Cricket World Cup groups according to their official position in the LG ICC ODI Championship on 1 April 2005. The seedings of the remaining five teams will be determined by their qualifying performances in the ICC Trophy 2005 in Ireland from 1-13 July.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
42nd Thurstan-Isipatana 'Big Match' Isipatans hold slight edge
Friday, 25 February 2005 - 1:51 AM SL Time
This year's annual Big Match between the two adversaries will be staged on a low key in deference to the Tsunami disaster of December 26, 2004, and will take place at the streamlined SSC ground today and tomorrow.
Except for one match that was not played in the series, Thurstan College and Isipatana College have met in 41 annual matches, of which the former has won five and the latter four. Thurstan last won in 1992 under the leadership of Mackenzie Perera and Isipatana in 1999 under the captaincy of Krishantha Jayawardena.
This time both teams are well-matched with Isipatana having a slight edge over their rivals.
During the season, Isipatana College, led by Dilan Anuradha, had impressive wins against St. Peter`CDs College (an innings and 34 runs), President`CDs College (an innings and one run), Dharmapala MV, Pannipitiya (an innings and 7 runs) and St. Sebastian`CDs College, Moratuwa (a 7-wicket victory ),losing to D.S.Senanayake by 10 wickets and Nalanda College in a thriller.
Full Story
Post Reply To This
|
|
