Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

Strange no to BTI and yes to STF

July 28 (LB) Finally the government was forced last week to bring in the Police, Army and Special Task Force officers to combat dengue in the country as its spread reached alarming proportions while the health authorities are still delaying the import of the BTI bacteria.

Hardcore Tigers among detainees identified, legal action awaited

The police and security forces have so far identified 737 hardcore terrorists among 11,686 LTTE cadres who surrendered. They are being held separately from others undergoing rehabilitation at different government-run centres.

Hardcore Tigers among detainees identified,

Eight Sri Lankan asylum seekers, accused of taking part in a riot on Christmas Island, will stand trial in Australia later this year. The Australian Federal Police charged the men with weapons and rioting offences, after the melee at the island's detention centre in November, 2009.

Despite the country heading for a massive trade deficit, the government s own forecast is that the country would achieve a small surplus in the balance of payments. These projections are based on expectations that are probably somewhat optimistic. However despite the very large merchandise trade deficit, it is likely that the end result in the balance of payments would probably be a modest deficit. Increased tourist earnings, an increased inflow of worker remittances and capital inflows are likely to offset much of the merchandise deficit in the balance of trade. These are likely to reduce the balance of payments deficit significantly.

Whereas the government expects a balance of payments surplus of US$ 200 million, a deficit of around US$ 1000-1500 million is more likely. The government estimates the merchandise trade deficit to be US$ 4500 million. It is more likely to be in the order of US$ 6000 million

Sri Lanka does notmproduce for themselves at all.

The university academic staff has given an ultimatum till August 10 for the government to implement a wage hike for them. They have warned that if no action is taken over the issue, they would withdraw from their administrative duties.

Though a salary increase was promised them by the government as far back as January 31, 2008 it has not been implemented, the university staff union told the media during a briefing this morning at the Colombo University.

While pointing out that the salaries of the university academic staff should be increased by 25 to 50 per cent, the union said if no steps are taken by the government to implement such a hike, the staff would pull out from their duties.