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LTTE trying to smuggle out injured Prabhakaran: report Saturday, 22 December 2007 - 4:07 AM SL Time The LTTE is trying to sneak its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran out of Sri Lanka for treatment abroad following severe injuries he is said to have sustained in an air raid last month, a government-owned newspaper claimed today.
The `Daily News` also claimed 116 of the 200 guards protecting the LTTE Supremo had died in the recent attack by the Sri Lankan Air Force, in which Prabhakaran was said to have been injured. The LTTE, which has denied reports of injury to Prabhakaran, could not be contacted for its comments on the latest `Daily News` claim. A senior Defence Ministry official said since intelligence reports have `confirmed` that Prabhakaran sustained injuries on November 26, there could be an attempt by the Tiger leader to go to India for treatment if the medical facilities in Killinocchi or Mullaithivu were not sufficient to treat him.
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India offers joint air-defence exercise to Sri Lanka Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:27 PM SL Time The top-level visiting Indian defence delegation to Sri Lanka to review the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation has offered assistance in the form of `joint air-defence exercises` to face any threats posed by the aerial capability of the Tigers, according to highly placed sources in Colombo. Indian Defence Secretary Vijay Singh who called on Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in Colombo early this week has made the offer. The delegation arrived in Colombo last Sunday and left the island Wednesday after meeting with the Commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Air Force and Navy.
Sri Lanka, which has already got radar equipments from the U.S and air-defence support from Pakistan and other countries, has reportedly informed the visiting Indian delegation that the offer on joint air-defence exercises would be taken up for discussion at the National Security Council, comprising SLA, SLN and SLAF commanders.
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Sinhalisation of East, myth: JHU Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:35 AM SL Time The JHU, a party within the ruling coalition, yesterday, scoffed at the allegation regarding the Sinhalisation of the East by some minority politicians. It said that the Sinhala population of the province had declined in number, while the other communities had increased during the last two decades. The party`s policy-maker and Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Daily Mirror that, according to the census of 1981, the Sinhala population of the Trincomalee district was 85,503 which comprised 33.4 per cent of the total. The minister said that this had come down to 84,766, or 25.4 per cent of the total, by 2007. In contrast, the Muslim population had increased from 75,039 to 151,692 during the same period. Percentage-wise, these amounted to 29.3 percent and 45.4 percent respectively.
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| Security
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U.n. Mission Imperative To Curb Rig.. Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:24 PM SL Time Human Rights Watch (HRW) officials currently touring the U.S. lobbying for a U.N. mission to monitor human rights violations in Sri Lanka, told the Chicago Public Radio that their current focus is on the `shocking` disappearances and killing in Sri Lanka where the Sri Lanka Government has done `shamefully little` to investigate the cases. They added that Democratic Institutions that would otherwise be capable of highlighting human right abuses, infringements to freedom of speech, and erosion in independence of judiciary in Sri Lanka, have collapsed under an ineffective Parliament.
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Air chief commends his men Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:16 PM SL Time Air Marshal Roshan Goonetilake yesterday paid a glowing tribute to officers and men who have contributed to the ongoing campaign against the LTTE. `Without their commitment, dedication and valor, we would not have overcome the daunting challenge,` he told The Sunday Island, expressing confidence the enemy has been largely weakened. Fielding questions, he asserted that the November 2 strike which killed LTTE frontliner S.P. Thamilselvam near Kilinochchi in the immediate aftermath of the assault on Anuradhapura air base amply revealed the SLAF`s determination. `We won`t be deterred by a successful enemy strike,` he said, emphasising the service would continue to meet its goals.
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Breakaway Sri Lanka Tiger Leader To.. Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:28 PM SL Time Breakaway rebel leader Karuna Amman who is living in the United Kingdom now is to be investigated for possible war crimes, a British daily The Times said in a report today. Karuna was the former Batticaloa - Ampara district commander of the LTTE and the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), the political party he formed after leaving LTTE in 2003. Human rights groups have accused Karuna and his armed group of serious atrocities including extrajudicial killings, torture and abductions of civilians and recruiting child soldiers. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Karuna of killing local journalists who oppose his point of view.
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| Politics
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Military aid: US out, enter Russia Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:35 PM SL Time In the wake of the United States Senate slashing military assistance to Sri Lanka, the Russian Federation has stepped in to fill the vacuum, sending the first ever top level military delegation to Colombo to discuss military cooperation. A high level Russian military delegation led by Colonel General Vladimir Moltenskoy last week met Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Army Commander Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka and Air Force Commander, Roshan Goonathilake and visited several major military installations in the island. Gen Molpenskoy, a veteran combat General in the Russian Army was formerly the operational commander of the Russian Forces in Chechnya.
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SriLankan given ample notice on President`s travel plans Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:27 PM SL Time SriLankan Airlines has been given ample prior notice regarding President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s travel plans from London on December 13, a senior member of the Presidential delegation disclosed yesterday. He dismissed allegations that the request for seats out of London was made on the day of the flight itself, recalling that President Rajapaksa`s travel arrangements were notified to Sri Lankan as early as November 30. SriLankan Airlines had earlier said that they could not accommodate the Presidential delegation as the flights out of London were fully booked. The spokesman said the initial communication was made to SriLankan`s Senior Manager Government Travel Amith Wijayasuriya requesting that the President`s delegation be allocated space on a suitable flight departing London on December 15. This was followed up by an e mail.
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President Bush`s to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:30 PM SL Time `During Eid-Al-Adha, Muslims around the world reflect on Abraham`s unwavering faith and his trust in God when asked to sacrifice his son. These four days are a time for Muslims to honour Abraham`s obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God. This holiday also helps ensure the important values of compassion and devotion are passed on to future generations. `America is a land of many beliefs, and our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. The kindness, generosity and goodwill displayed by American Muslims during this special occasion and throughout the year have contributed to the strength and vitality of our nation. May all those observing Eid al-Adha find love and warmth during this joyous holiday. `Laura and I send our best wishes for a memorable celebrations.`
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| Business / Economy News
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Spat over Hill will affect on-going negotiations: Clarke Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:25 PM SL Time The President of Emirates Airlines, Mr. Tim Clarke, has been quoted saying in the airline`s Business Magazine that the on-going spat between the Sri Lanka Government and SriLankan Airlines CEO Peter Hill `is bound to have a bearing on our on-going negotiations with the Sri Lanka Government with regard to the contract renewal.` `That is all I am able to say at this point of time.` Soon after BOI Chairman/Director General Dhammika Perera called for the cancellation of Hill`s work permit, an Emirates spokesperson said that he will continue to run the airline from Dubai until the management contract ends next March. Emirates have been seeking a five-year extension with an option for another five years. Sri Lanka has been dissatisfied about what is widely regarded as an unequal arrangement signed during Chandrika Kumaratunga administration giving Emirates substantial benefits to the detriment of the majority shareholder, the Government of Sri Lanka which owns 51% of the airline and commands a board majority.
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Save power to prevent rate hike - CEB Wednesday, 19 December 2007 - 10:38 AM SL Time The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday warned consumers to use power sparingly or pay more for their electricity beginning next year. Announcing a major awareness campaign for energy conservation, CEB Chairman Udayasri Kariyawasam told the media that in the event of the CEB failing to save at least six million units (one fifth of the total daily consumption) of power, there would be no alternative but to raise electricity charges by Rs. 4.65 per unit from 2008. Saving one unit means saving Rs. 15 with one litre of diesel being used to produce four units of electricity, the Chairman said adding that the CEB was planning to be self-sufficient without depending on Treasury subsidies to stabilise prices from 2008.
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Laws to safeguard HIV infected workers Tuesday, 18 December 2007 - 12:33 PM SL Time Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the decision was made following a complaint lodged with the Labour Ministry that an HIV infected employee in a certain organisation, had been dismissed. A programme was held at the Human Resources Development Centre in Nugegoda to raise awareness on AIDS. Participating in the event the Minister said the government has taken action to secure the employment rights of the public servants. The Minister pointed out that similarly to wiping out terrorism, health conditions of the workers had to be uplifted. AIDS day was commemorated on the 1st of December. Today they are commemorating the event with the Labour Ministry. He said discussions should be held at length on what programmes should be launched on HIV at offices and worksites. He revealed that legislation will be drafted on national initiatives that should be taken for the protection of HIV infected cases and prevention of the decease. It is unfair to dismiss any HIV infected employee. The Minister said laws will be definitely enacted next year to protect their jobs and solve their social problems. Minister Athauda Seneviratne also participated.
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| Editorial News
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No room for the president Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:26 PM SL Time The Sunday Island scoop last week, ``No room on the UL flight for President Rajapaksa,`` necessitating a special Mihin Lanka flight out of Luton raised the predictable storm and we were treated last week to an unfolding drama of the BOI requesting the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to withdraw the work visa of SriLankan`s British CEO, Peter Hill. Emirates which manage UL has said they will not appoint a new CEO suggesting that Hill will run the airline from Dubai at least until the management agreement between that airline and Sri Lanka`s national carrier ends in March. With negotiations for renewing what many regard as an unequal agreement now on, the shadow boxing is not only unpleasant but can prove detrimental to the national interest.
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What`s in an injury? Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:30 PM SL Time LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has been injured in an air raid, we are being told. It is also claimed in some quarters that he is a diabetic with hypertension and his condition has taken a turn for the worse! The government, which had been in the dark until a report to that effect appeared in the press recently, is claiming the credit for the Tiger chief`s unconfirmed injury. The discerning may recall that in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster of 2004, the bush telegraph had a similar story. The Karuna Group claimed Prabhakaran had perished in the killer waves. The exact location where he had been sighted last was given with the time of his demise. Although Prabhakaran re-emerged later on, some people still tend to believe he is dead and gone and a dummy is masquerading as Tiger chief.
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Mangala`s charge: Rathu Sahodarayas as whipping boys Wednesday, 19 December 2007 - 10:46 AM SL Time One day, a motorist was stranded as the headlights of his car had developed a fault. It was a dark rainy night. While he was thinking of ways and means of returning home, a solution flashed upon him: He could follow another vehicle up to the town and then be guided by street lamps. He saw a car go past him and put his plan into action. Thus, he began his homeward journey thanks to someone else`s light, thinking that everything was hunky dory. But after a while, all at once the car ahead of him came to a screeching halt?something least anticipated. He had no time to slam the brakes on and there was a nasty collision. Infuriated, he jumped out and demanded: `How dare you step on brakes like that?` `Do I need your permission,` the other one thundered, `to stop my car in my garage the way I want?` Moral of the story: You are in for shocks if you seek solutions to your problems by following others blindly!
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| Sports News
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Rain frustrates Sri Lanka, likely to save England Sunday, 23 December 2007 - 1:29 PM SL Time Heavy rains continued to frustrate Sri Lanka in their attempt to win the third and final Test match against the touring England team on the penultimate day at the reconstructed Galle International Stadium yesterday. Sri Lanka are looking to wrap up the series two nil following their success in the opening Test in Kandy and move into the second place of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship Team Rankings. A light shower forced the players to return back into the dressing room with England struggling to survive on 102 for 1 in their second innings at the break after being forced to follow on. The downpour then further increased in intensity during the lunch interval with covers placed across the whole ground. The rains eased at around 1.00 p.m and there was a moment when the ground staff started to pull the covers off. But then again the rains returned to the Galle Stadium getting even heavier there after.
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Sri Lanka slaughter hopeless England Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:31 PM SL Time We thought England were here to play Test cricket, but their efforts on the third day`s play of the third and final Test Match here at the Galle International Cricket Stadium gives you the impression that this is a bunch of schoolboys, impatient to get back home for Christmas. So hopeless were England yesterday that it took Sri Lanka only two and half hours to run through them in the first innings as England were bowled out for 81 runs, their worst in Tests against Sri Lanka and after the hosts inserted the follow on reached two without loss in the second innings before bad light intervened. England have a massive task at their hands as they need another huge 416 to avoid innings defeat. This also must be the worst English team to have set their feet on Sri Lankan soil. They were lackluster on the field when Sri Lanka were batting yesterday morning while their batting lacked application and the comical running between the wickets added for the drama and Sri Lankan fans were having fun at the expense of the tourists. Some of those several dropped catches cost them dearly too. England`s policy to play a wicketkeeper who could bat had hurt them in earlier instances and if only Matt Prior had held onto those three chances the score line would have been different.
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Sri Lanka lose again as Bangladesh takes series Wednesday, 19 December 2007 - 10:48 AM SL Time Sri Lanka lost the fourth one dayer of the five match series against Bangladesh at Narayanganj Osmani Stadium in Fatullah on Monday to take the series. Bangladesh showed that the 3-2 series win against the Pakistan under 19 side was not a flash in pan. It was the Sri Lanka`s batting that let them down again. Chasing a modest target 168 they were well on their way to victory with openers Dilshan Munaweera and Dinesh Chandimal giving them a flying start. The pair put on 65 runs in 57 balls but their separation saw the other batsmen unable to come in terms with right arm pacie Subashs Roy`s fiery bowling and folded up for a paltry 118. Roy ended with top figures of 5 for 24 in from his ten overs. Bangladesh Under 19 - 167 in 48 overs (Nasir Hossain 46, Marshall Ayub 42 n.o., Mohamed Nadimuddin 41 Navin Kavikara 3 for 22, Imesh Udayanga 2 for 27)
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