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More Headline News
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Tigers ignore Army safety advice
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:37 AM SL Time
The LTTE continues to ignore Army advice against travelling across government-held areas, particularly in the night without being escorted.
The army recently reiterated its call after Karuna loyalists killed Ampara-Batticaloa LTTE political wing leader Kaushalyan, on the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa main supply route.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda recently told The Sunday Island that Kaushalyan wouldn't have been successfully targeted if he was escorted.
Troops at Thandikulam Wednesday night had stopped LTTE Peace Secretariat Chief S. Pulidevan and two others. They had been travelling in a Prado (NC HK 6922), a senior military official said. Troops had stopped them as both the Thandikulam check point and the Omanthai entry/exit point, about 8 kms north of Thandikulam had been closed by that time.
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Campus brawl: Five undergraduates remanded
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:33 AM SL Time
Five undergraduates, who were involved in last Tuesday's bloody brawl, at the Ruhuna University, were produced before the Matara Magistrate Court yesterday and remanded till March 14. The undergraduates, who had been absconding, were arrested on Wednesday evening by special police units of the Matara police.
Police said that 12 others students, involved in the clash, which resulted in hospitalization of six students and caused damage to public property and indefinite closure of three faculties of the university, have been identified and they would be arrested within next few days.
A special three-member committee was appointed by the University administration to conduct a separate disciplinary inquiry into last Tuesday's clash. The Committee comprises Professors P.Liyanage, M.P. de Silva and S. Subasinghe.
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Lankan ceasefire pact defective: Expert
Thursday, 3 March 2005 - 9:36 PM SL Time
With the recent completion of the third year of the Sri Lankan ceasefire agreement amid heightened tensions and killings, a New Delhi-based expert has said that the longest running truce deal requires changes.
`The problem is that the ceasefire agreement is defective. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) only points out violations and no more. They have been soft and are unwilling to forthrightly declare violations,` said S Chandrasekharan, Director of New Delhi-based South Asia Analysis Group.
The SLMM, which consists of members from the five Nordic countries, is scrutinising the truce agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) since the day it came into operation on February 22, 2002.
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Politics
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Health Minister blasts media `doctors`
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:49 AM SL Time
The Health Minister at a media briefing yesterday threatened legal action against those whom he termed media `specialists` and certain politicians for `misleading` the public over the heart disease in Badulla.
Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said he would take legal action against those who gave false information relating to the disease to the media.
Minister de Silva was critical of the media for what he called `blowing the issue` out of proportion, and said many patients including the hospital staff were harbouring unnecessary fears about the disease.
`These days, it is the media specialists and media consultants who give the cause and symptoms of a disease even before the case reaches us. We have to listen to them and not to medical experts. In other countries there are media standards and ethics, but not here,` he said.
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Govt. never agreed to ISGA
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:31 AM SL Time
The Government yesterday said it had at no time agreed to resume peace talks based on the LTTE's ISGA proposal. Instead the Government had always suggested an interim administration whilst a permanent solution was being negotiated and implemented , a statement from the Information Department said.
`Unfortunately, the LTTE did not share this view and insisted on opening negotiations on the basis of a single agenda item and bases solely on the specific LTTE proposals of Interim Self Governing Authority. The Government has never agreed to this,` the statement said.
The full text of the statement:
`There has been some confusion with regard to the reasons for the failure to resume talks with the LTTE last year. The Government wishes to clarify this issue with regard to efforts to draw up an agenda for the resumption of peace talks prior to the devastation wrought by the tsunami in December.
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Talks with LTTE based on ISGA
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:26 AM SL Time
The National University Teachers Alliance (NUTA) on Wednesday said that it would line up all progressive national forces against what they alleged as government`s move to recommence negotiations with the LTTE on the basis of terrorist group`s ISGA proposals, attempt to create private universities and new admission procedure for the medical college.
`If the UPFA wants to resume talks with the LTTE after granting them the foundation - their demanding for a separate country in the name of Interim Self Governing Authority - they could have remained in the opposition since it was what the previous regime was trying to do. People took to the streets against the then government and voted for the UPFA in the election since it agreed that it will not grant LTTE`s ISGA demand,` President of the NUTA, Dr. Chandana Abeyratne said.
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Editorial News
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Probe all killings, not just one or two
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:36 AM SL Time
With the appointment of a presidential commission of inquiry to probe the on-going attacks on the Wanni Faction, the government may seek to clear the air vis-vis the allegations levelled by the LTTE that the armed forces are behind them. But, since the Karuna Faction has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the commission will be belabouring the obvious.
It may be too much for the Wanni Tigers to admit that the Karuna Faction is capable of launching attacks with a debilitating impact on the morale of their cadres who, before the split in the organisation, had a free run in the East.
The probe, as we pointed out yesterday, in a front page news item, will serve little purpose as neither the Wanni Faction nor the Eastern Tigers will come before the commission of inquiry to testify.
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Going beyond pledges
Thursday, 3 March 2005 - 2:53 AM SL Time
Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama`s visit to Europe couldn`t have been timelier. It comes at a time when some UN specialised agencies are discovering that the assistance pledged by the world for post-tsunami reconstruction and relief is not being received by them in full.
This is the case with, for instance, the UNDP, which is aiming at restoring hospitals to a degree of normalcy and providing work for tsunami victims and the UNHCR, which is striving to supply tents to the affected inhabitants of the devastated regions.
In short, pledges are remaining just pledges in the case of some would-be aid donors. The danger exists that the enthusiasm shown by some to go to the aid of the tsunami-affected regions, in the wake of the disaster, would eventually evaporate when confronted with practical realities.
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Representative ticks and body politic
Thursday, 3 March 2005 - 1:20 AM SL Time
Kenyans are reported to be up in arms against plans by their lawmakers to award themselves a ten-thousand-pound bonus. A parliamentary committee has, according to a news item in The Guardian, which we reproduced yesterday, recommended that each of the 222 MPs (Sri Lanka has 225!) be given 1.5 million Kenyan shillings, which is equal to 10,270 pounds. These MPs are said to be earning as much as 4,450 pounds per month inclusive of allowances while the vast majority of Kenyans live on a meagre half a pound a day. This is not all; the committee has, The Guardian says, also decided to provide MPs with offices equipped with telephones, computers and a staff of five each.
A minority of Parliamentarians in that country is said to be opposed to this proposal but others are, it is reported, not only for it but also issuing threats to block the budget unless they are given what is promised.
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| Security |
Gunman who shot Kuveni worked for SLA intelligence ' paper
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:51 AM SL Time
The gunman who allegedly shot and grievously wounded head of Liberation Tigers' political division for Batticaloa-Amparai (women), Ms. Kuveni and two female LTTE political activists, was a former Sri Lanka military intelligence operative, the Tamil daily Virakesari said Thursday quoting Sri Lanka army Headquarters sources. The man, now in Police custody, has been identified as Mr. Johnson Jeyakanthan (also known as 'Pratheepan') who had worked as an informant for Sri Lanka military intelligence, the paper quoted SLA Headquarters sources as saying.
SLA headquarters sources told Virakesari that Mr. Jeyakanthan had spent some years working abroad and had returned to Sri Lanka on 22 February this year.
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LTTE in recruitment drive
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:34 AM SL Time
The LTTE has launched a recruitment drive in the Sampur area, in the Trincomalee district, asking civilians to join the LTTE cadres to face an emergency situation, security force sources in the East said yesterday/
LTTE cadres using public address systems called on civilians to join them for training warning they should not treat the matter lightly sources said.
Meanwhile sources in the North said the LTTE made civilians throw stones at the army checkpoint at Nallur after the LTTE led group of civilians were returning after handing over a petition, to the GA Jaffna, regarding the distribution of tsunami relief in the area.
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Temporary curfew in Trinco over JVP move
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:31 AM SL Time
A temporary curfew was enforced and later lifted, in the Trincomalee district yesterday, when some members of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna wanted to put up temporary houses for tsunami victims at the MacHeyzer Park, Police sources said.
TNA leader R. Sambandan along with some government officials prevented the JVP from going ahead with their plan.
However, the general public became boisterous and protested against the plan and started blocking the roads with massive branches of trees etc., the police added.
Why should the JVP want to build houses at the park and why are they causing unnecessary problems, resident queried according the sources.
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Business / Economy News
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Global Oil Prices: Alternative energy sources a must
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:48 AM SL Time
Global oil prices leaped by nearly 70% during 2004, with prices rising above US$55 per barrel in October, influenced by factors such as increased demand, political uncertainty, global terrorism acts, a series of hurricanes etc. Even though the recent surge seems temporary, we do not expect the oil prices to fall sharply back to US$35 levels in the coming months, thus affecting the growth in the economy.
Heavy dependence on thermal power and constant increases in fuel prices have pushed up the transportation costs, thus an indirect increase could be observed in prices of many essential goods, resulting in a rise in inflation to 8.8% in January 2005, compared to 3.7% in May last year.
Considering the volatile trends in the global oil prices, we believe that Sri Lanka should start looking for alternative energy sources such as construction of hydro and coal power plants in upper Kotmale and Norichcholi. More lately the oil prices have been fluctuating in high forties, but the oil markets remain highly sensitive towards the global politics and other minor issues. We expect the global oil prices to fluctuate in a wide range of US$ 43 ' US$ 60 per barrel in the medium term, leaving the economic indicators volatile.
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Stock market boom continues
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:44 AM SL Time
Stock market`s boom continues unabated as foreign investors yesterday joined the locals boosting price indices and turnover to new highs.
Perhaps taking a cue from locals who have been dominating trading this week foreigners joined the fray yesterday thereby further strengthening market activity. Focusing on blue chips such as JKH, LIOC and SLT, active play by foreigners saw a net inflow of over Rs. 100 million. This further boosted the overall sentiment of the local investor.
End result was both indices gained by almost 20 points each and turnover was a whopping Rs. 875 million, the third consecutive day of over Rs. 500 million turnover. Domestic investors accounted for almost 90% of the shares traded.
The list of gainers percentage wise was once again the low valued stocks but some of the popular blue chips saw welcome rebound in their share prices.
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Jobs offers free services at EDEX 2005 for Jobseekers, Employers
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:34 AM SL Time
Jobs net has organised an On-line registration counter at the EDEX 2005 exhibition through series of terminals for jobseekers to freely access the web-site at he site and register themselves at the National Employment Sourcing and delivery system. This is the highlight of the Jobs Net stall at the exhibition and is focused on providing easy and convenient registration facilities for those who are deprived of internet access in their local communities. The other highlights are introduction and facilitation of Career Apititued Testing and Psychometric testing for job seekers and employers.
The EDEX 2005 exhibition organised by the Royal College Union is conducted from March 4 today, 2005 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre at the BMICH.
Job Net said it's offering a variety of services through different counters at the exhibition. The information counter, Professional and Business Counter, Sales counter and activity counter apart from the On-line registration counter would cater to the different groups ranging form jobseekers, employers, training institutions and the general public. The Jobs Net Project Director, Priantha Fernando commenting on the event said;
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| Sports News
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North Central Province fight back to win final
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:44 AM SL Time
North Central Province fought back to register an upset 60 runs win over defending champions Central Province in the final of the Inter-Provincial cricket tournament concluded at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.
When play ended on day two the odds were against the NCP who were tottering on 165 for 8 with only a slender lead of 138 runs. They were left with their two tail enders to give them a good lead. When play resumed on the morning of the third day the NCP batsmen added a further 56 runs to end their innings on 221 thanks to an unbeaten knock of 40 from Kumar Dharmasena who was given support by Nuwan Kulasekera, who came into bat after having retired earlier, and Chanaka Welagedera.
This left a victory target of just 195 with plenty of time left for the defending champions to retain the title but they put themselves in a spot of bother losing their first four wickets for a meagre 48 runs. It was pacie Farveez Maharoof who did the early damage by taking two successive wickets, that of Bhathiya Perera and Sajith Fernando.
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Royal-Thomian Class of 1994
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:36 AM SL Time
S. Thomas'` College, Mt. Lavinia and Royal College, Colombo have been two establishments synonymous with traditions and their own unique culture for well over a century. The grandest of such traditions - The annual Royal - Thomian cricket match, which has stood the test of time to become on the minds of all who witness it, is an unforgettable event!
The time is now ripe for yet another `tradition` to take its rightful place in the annals of history. This year, for the first time ever, the Class of 1994 of S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia and Royal College Colombo come together, in the true bond of fraternal friendship in `The Royal-Thomian Class of 1994 Inaugural Sixes`, which will herald the `Battle of the Blues` itself. This unique event will take place on Saturday, March 5 at Bloomfield Grounds at Reid Avenue.
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Harsha Withana to lead U-19 team to Pakistan
Friday, 4 March 2005 - 1:35 AM SL Time
Colts CC opener Harsha Withana will lead the National under 19 cricket team to Pakistan. The tour will commence on March 16. The 15 member squad, which was approved by the Sports Minister is scheduled to leave with two officials, coach Sumitra Warnakulasuriya and manager Ashley de Silva .
Harsha Withana, a product of St. Aloysious' College Galle played for Galle CC and crossed over to Colts CC and performed well during the recently concluded Premier League and limited overs tournaments. He was also selected to play in the Inter Provincial tournament for the Southern Province team. The stylish right hander struck a fine century against Central Province at the Asgiriya Stadium. He captained the Sri Lanka Cricket Academy team to Bangladesh as well as to Sharjah, recently.
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