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Tamilnet editor abducted
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 8:11 AM SL Time
There are reports from Sri Lanka saying the editor of Tamilnet, Dharmaratnam Sivaram, who is also a popular columnist under the name of Tharaki has been abducted by an unknown group in Colombo.
The family members had expressed fear as Sivaram had been recieving death threats.
In a statement issued by the Free media Movement in Sri Lanka, details of the abduction were given.
`Darmaratnam Sivaram, member of editorial board of Tamil net web site, and political columnist in English daily The Daily Mirror abducted by unknown gang late this evening in Colombo around 10.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time eye witness told FMM.`
Giving details about the incident the Free Media Movement says, `He was coming out to Bambalapitiya restaurant after having a drink with two friends, and abductors pushed away on of then who was walking with him and forcibly took Sivaram in to a waiting Inter cooler jeep, and speeded away. The restaurant is situated just opposite the Bamabalapitiya Police station.`
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One Govt. or several, asks UNP
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:20 AM SL Time
The country was today being governed by not one government but by two or three governments, charged the UNP`s Assistant Secretary General.
The Prime Minister says he knows nothing about the Joint Mechanism, while the JVP was totally against it but the President was for the Joint Mechanism, said UNP`s Assistant Secretary General Tissa Attanayake. He further said that the Norwegians, after discussions with the President announced that 99 percent of the Joint Mechanism was finalized while the Prime Minister openly says he knew nothing about it.
When the then Prime minister of the UNF government Ranil Wickremesinghe signed the ceasefire agreement with the LTTE the UPFA which was in opposition said that the country didn`t know about it and tried to set fire to the country. But now the Prime Minister was saying he knew nothing about the Joint Mechanism while the President was about to agree to the Joint Mechanism with the LTTE, said Mr. Attanayake.
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Police probe drinking charge
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:15 AM SL Time
As the country tried to recover from its shock and agony over the horrifying bus-train disaster at Alawwa, top police officers added to the shock yesterday by revealing there was evidence that the driver and the conductor of the death-bus acted with criminal negligence because they had taken liquor with breakfast.
Police Chief Chandra Fernando and Deputy Inspector General Asoka Ratnaweera who is leading investigations on the rail crossing carnage which left at least 37 dead and more than 60 injured said small hotels at which long distance buses stop for refreshments for passengers were known to supply liquor to the bus crew.
They said all police stations had been ordered to check on alleged liquor supplies to bus crew by hotels.
The driver of the bus is still lying unconscious in the Kurunegala hospital while the conductor who was produced in court yesterday, was ordered to be remanded and taken back to hospital as public agitation and anger grew over the negligence of private bus crew.
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Politics
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JVP to sue sections of media
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:08 AM SL Time
United Peoples` Freedom Alliance (UPFA) coalition partner, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has decided take legal action against certain sections of the private media for alleging that they had abducted TamilNet editor D. Sivaram on Thursday night. He was found dead yesterday near the Diyawanna Oya.
JVP Parliamentary Group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa told The Island yesterday, `The public has a right to know about such shady activities some journalists and the low level of journalism they practice.
The JVP, particularly I, was targeted on the Good Morning Sri Lanka and on the Mul Pituwa programme in connection of the abduction of Sivaram. If you analyse the roles and the positions of these journalists during the previous regime, you would know who they were.`
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Govt. selling grief of distressed - Ranil
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:06 AM SL Time
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the report presented to the World Bank, by the Alliance Government, indicates 63,300 million rupees was allocated to rebuild boats and houses destroyed by the tsunami, but the report published only in Sri Lanka says the government anticipates to spend rupees 22,350 million for rebuilding purposes.
He made these observation during a visit to the tsunami affected areas in Matara recently, a press release from the Opposition Leader`s Office yesterday (29) said.
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President, PM in row over school heads
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:16 AM SL Time
President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse were embroiled in an aggressive 30-minute argument over the interdiction of National school principals when the issue came up at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, government sources said yesterday.
When the Prime Minister claimed that most people were against the interdiction of the principals, the President shot back saying she was well aware of public opinion and did not need a Prime Minister to tell her about it.
` I do not want a Premier here to do that job`, she reportedly said.
Referring to the Presidential Investigations Unit which probed the conduct of the school principals, Mr. Rajapakse said most people saw the PIU as a revival of the Lawrence Mafia during President Premadasa`s era.
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Editorial News
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Change this culture quickly
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:22 AM SL Time
The Allawwa tragedy on Wednesday that claimed the lives of 35 innocent passengers and injured 60 others, has once again brought to the fore the dangers the travelling public are exposed to because of a private bus service gone awry for want of better control and management.
The shocking accident brought immense grief to the families of the victims and evoked public anger and outright condemnation of the bus crew whose reckless actions caused the accident. The event also galvanised the generally somnolent authorities into vibrant activity. They are now vowing to frame new regulations and adopt all necessary safeguards to prevent the recurrent of such accidents. What purpose will new rules serve when the authorities have failed to enforce the rules already in force'
Ironically, the bus operators' organisations blame the authorities for their failure to take steps recommended by them to improve their services. Although there is much talk about these proposals, there is little action, the bus operators charge. Transport Minister Felix Perera who spoke from the scene of the tragedy, expressed his firm determination to rein in the recalcitrant private bus personnel who, he says, are not qualified or competent to operate this vital public service. IGP Chandra Fernando too has assured the public of intensified action to check the reckless and delinquent private bus crews who have become a serious threat to public safety.
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Mass murder! Rein in asphalt cowboys!
Thursday, 28 April 2005 - 3:10 AM SL Time
Yesterday's disaster at Alawwa came as no surprise. Given the way the private bus mafia flies in the face of the Highway Code and resorts to strong arm tactics when errant drivers are nabbed, a disaster of that magnitude was something everybody anticipated.
The tragic train-bus collision has left'at the time of writing'33 dead and 55 injured, seven critically. The ill-fated bus had been engaged in a race with another and the driver concerned had tried to wriggle through the barriers that were blocking the road for an express train to pass. The conductor had got down and directed the driver to cross the railroad.
It was mass murder.
This is not the first time that buses have collided with moving trains due to criminal negligence of drivers. And this will not be the last either as no action is taken to control the maniacs in the garb of drivers.
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JVP and sobering political reality
Tuesday, 26 April 2005 - 10:22 AM SL Time
The letter from the JVP to Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca is of immense import, as it sheds some light on its plans for the future, apart from being a critique of the LTTE.
`We wish to be the first revolutionary party to make the transition to a parliamentary party and to a mixed economy without losing its commitment to idealism,` it has said while thanking the US President and the people for rushing to help Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster.
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| Security |
Vanni journalistsa condemn Sivaram killing
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:07 AM SL Time
The Vanni Journalists Association condemned the killing of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram saying it was big blow to the freedom of the press. They requested the government to take action immediately to arrest the assailant.
The full text of the statement:
Vanni Journalists Association strongly condemns the abduction and killing of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram.
Sivaram known as Taraki is a columnist on the Daily Mirror and Virakesari and an editorial board member of TamilnNet. He is popular military and political analyst.
He was abducted on Thursday night in Bamabalapitiya by an unknown group of four and his body was found at the Diyawanna Oya Bridge near the Parliament on Friday morning.
The Vanni Journalists Association feels his killing is a big blow to the freedom of press and freedom of free speech at a time of political crisis in the country after the tsunami devastation.
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Sivaram did not have enemies - Wife
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:06 AM SL Time
Mrs. Yogarani Dharmaratnam, wife of journalist Sivaram Dharamaratnam, who was at the Police Morgue yesterday (29) to identify the body of her slain husband, told `The Island` that Sivaram did not have any enemies.
She was present with family members who were distraught over the fate of Sivaram, a columnist for several years on `The Island` writing under the nom de plume `Taraki.`
Later, Sivaram who also contributed to many newspapers, ran the website TamilNet in more recent years.
On Thursday (28) night Sivaram was abducted at from Bambalapitiya by a group of unidentified persons and killed. His body was found at Kimbula- Ela junction, Talangama, close to the parliamentary complex, Kotte.
Mrs.Yogarani Dharmaratnam said he had left their home at Ratmalana in the evening around 5.00 p.m. saying he was going to see a film.
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CID ordered to file objections
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:21 AM SL Time
The Colombo Chief Magistrate yesterday ordered the CID to file objections against applications of two companies in the investigation into the pirating of CDs by a Malaysian national.
On the previous occasion, Chief Magistrate Sarojini Kusala Weerawardene granted bail to the Malaysian national, Choom Kim Laai. The suspect was arrested while he was allegedly engaged in pirating CDs at a house in Battaramulla.
When the case was taken up, two companies, M entertainment and Microsoft made applications to intervene in the CID investigations. The Magistrate ordered both companies to submit affidavits with regard to their intervention.
The CID had taken into custody documents relevant to the CDs when they raided the house in Battaramulla. Yesterday CID produced those documents in court. The CID said they were seeking Attorney General`s instructions with regard to further steps that should be taken.
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Business / Economy News
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Seylan Bank records improved performance, declares 16% dividend
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:10 AM SL Time
Seylan Bank registered an improved performance in 2004 by posting a 21.64% growth in loans and advances and 15.06% growth in deposits. The total assets of the Bank also grew by 10.16% which is a reflection of the investments of new funds that have been mobilised through the new deposit during the year. Profit on ordinary activities after normal loan loss provision, before the additional loan loss provision and taxes amounted to Rs. 1489 bn showing a substantial growth 70% over the previous years profit of Rs. 0.872 bn.
The net interest income increased by 8.5% over the previous year as a result of focusing on mobilising low cost deposit which is reflected in the reduction of interest expenses by 3.5%.
Under the new provisioning requirements by Central Bank of Sri Lanka, an additional provision of approximately Rs. 800 mn was made during 2004.
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India`s Maruti rolls out five millionth car
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:10 AM SL Time
NEW DELHI:India's largest passenger car manufacturing company Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) today rolled out its five-millionth car, a red WagonR, from its assembly line in Gurgaon town near here. The company's first car had rolled out in December 1983, marking the beginning of a minor revolution in the country's automobile industry.
Bearing chassis number 319832, the milestone car for the company comes just a day before the arrival here of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Japan`s Suzuki Motor Corp holds 54.2 per cent stake in MUL, which today offers as many as 40 variants of the eleven models it sells, right from entry-level `Maruti 800` to mid-size `Baleno` and SUV `Grand Vitara`.
Commenting on the historic landmark, MUL Managing Director Jagtdish Khattar said: `Maruti`s five millionth vehicle is a milestone not just for Maruti, but also for India and Indian manufacturing. The original Maruti vision of providing a `people s car`, articulated over two decades ago, has helped transform the Indian manufacturing landscape and touched the lives of millions of Indians.`
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US $ 150 million Indian Credit Line for purchase of petroleum products
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 4:19 AM SL Time
The Indian Line of Credit of US$ 150 million for the supply of petroleum products to Sri Lanka has now become operational. The first two consignments have already reached Colombo on April 14 and 21. In all, there will be 6-8 consignments over a period of 6-8 months, the Indian High Commission said yesterday.
This Line of Credit will provide valuable and timely assistance to Sri Lanka in the current context of the rising international prices of petroleum. In July 2004, responding to a request made by the Government of Sri Lanka, it was decided that India would offer a Line of Credit of US$ 150 million for the purchase of petroleum products by Sri Lanka from Indian public sector oil marketing companies on term contract. This is in the form of a Line of Credit from the EXIM Bank of India on soft loan tenns.
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| Sports News
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Asian U-14 tennis, Nilupul wins girls' title
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:09 AM SL Time
Indika Wettasinghe and Guyanga Weerasekara ousted Aravind Fernando and Shehan Gomez respectively with ease in an all-Sri Lankan semi-final held on the penultimate day of the ongoing Asian Under-14 Tennis Tournament at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts, on Thursday. Meanwhile, in the girls' singles final, fancied Jithmy Jayawickrema lost to Nilupul Goonasekara in straight sets 3-6, 5-7.
But the two girls', Jayawickrema and Goonasekara, got together to clinch the doubles title defeating Amreethe Muttiah and Shennel Abeysekara in this Asian encounter which ultimately became a battle for supremacy amongst the local young tennis prospects.
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Sri Lanka Masters XI leave as freelancers
Saturday, 30 April 2005 - 2:09 AM SL Time
Sri Lanka cricket captain Marvan Atapattu, says the national team has still not finalised fresh contracts with the Government appointed Interim Committee but was hopeful of signing new player contracts once his Sri Lanka Masters XI returns from a two match Zayed Cup unofficial one-day exhibition series in Abu Dhabi.
`We are not bound to any party and we will be playing on a freelance basis` Atapattu told reporters shortly before embarking for United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Sports Ministry following religious blessings on Friday.
The May 1-3 event, approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) will be the first new tournament at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium between the Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India Masters XI's respectively and is to raise fund for the Asian tsunami victims.
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Vaas 3/49
Friday, 29 April 2005 - 1:18 AM SL Time
Lancashire were bowled out for 196 runs by Worcestershire, on day one of their Frizzell County Division II cricket match, which commenced at Worcester, on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka paceman Chaminda Vaas snared three wickets for Worcester. He had figures of 3/49. Mason was the most economical with 3/22, while Ali captured 3/70.
At close, Worcestershire had replied with 59 for one, with former England batsman Graeme Hick, unbeaten on 32.
Muttiah Muralitharan, playing for Lancashire, failed to trouble the scorers, as he was dismissed for a duck.
Jayasuriya 31
At Taunton, Somerset was against the ropes at 119 for the loss of five wickets, against Essex. The Somerset total included 31 runs by Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya, who came in to bat at number four.
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