Latest news June 29 - July 5, 2008

 

Police SC versus CR and FC

29-June-2008 07.25 pm | By Harry Jayachandra
CR and FC narrowly beat Police SC in their Caltex league Segment 'A' rugby league second round match played at Police Park. CR and FC's 22 points came off three tries and one goal while Police SC's 20 points consisted of two goals and two penalties. At half time CR and FC led by 22 points to 6.

Wing three quarter Ravindra Wakedapola, second rowers Anuradha Dharmatilleke and Gayan Perera touched down for CR and FC as did centre Senthil Kumar who also converted one of the tries. For Police, flanker Nilusha Fernando and fullback Jeevan Amaradeva touched down. Centre Harshana Wijeweera converted both tries and slotted over two penalties. The referee was Aruna Rankothge.


AGA killed in Claymoremine attack in north

29-June-2008 08:10 pm
The Divisional Secretary (Assistant Government Agent) for Thunukkai, in the Mullaitivu district was killed in a claymore mine attack on Sunday evening in an uncleared area in the north, the District Secretry for Mullaitivu, Emilda Sukumar said. He was identified as Nagalingam Nanthakumar, 36.

He had been traveling on a motorcycle when he came under a claymore attack between Ampalapperumaal Kulam and Koaddaikaddiya Kulam, an area, 15 km north east of Mankulam, an uncleared area. The pro-LTTE Tamilnet website said that the army's deep penetration unit was involved in the attack, a claim denied by the miltiary.


New LPG prices tomorrow

30-June-2008 7.25 am
New domestic and industrial gas prices will be decided today by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and be effective from tomorrow, July 1, CAA officials said. The price will either be higher or lower than current rates.

Shell Gas is currently selling at Rs 1,729 (per 12.5 kg) cylinder and Laugfs at Rs 1,721. Under the current pricing formula, the gas suppliers (Laugfs and Shell) provide their costs, etc and the CAA decides on the ‘correct’ pricing.

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3 killed, 5 missing in train derailment over Hikkaduwa bridge

30-June-2008 01:40pm
At least three passengers have been killed and five others are reported missing when the Matara bound train was derailed on the Hikkaduwa bridge over the river on Monday afternoon, Police said. The train was coming from Anuradhapura when the incident took place at around 12.45 p.m.

Eight passengers injured in the derailment have been rushed to the Karapitiya hospital, while a search is underway for those who have gone missing.

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Dimo dominates Colombo bourse trades

30-June-2008 3.15 pm
Dimo stocks, overshadowed by the announcement that Hayleys finally sold its 28 percent stake in the company, dominated trading at the Colombo stockmarket.

Both indexes however eased, though on high, total turnover of Rs 774 million. Dimo announced in the market that it has purchased its 28 percent stock held by Hayleys at a sum total of Rs 544 million, at the rate of Rs 160 per share for 3.4 million shares.

The All Share index ended 19.94 points lower at 2,450.49 from Friday’s closing index while the Milanka fell 27.02 points to 2,973.81.

Dimo’s saw over 200 trades totaling 3.5 million shares closing at Rs 111, down Rs 7 from the previous close. It traded between Rs 108 and Rs 135. A large stock of Pan Asia totaling 3.09 million shares traded at Rs 12.75 up Rs 4 to boost turnover while Vallibel Power Erathna, continuing its heavy trading trends since last week, saw 2.3 million shares being sold at an Rs 4.20 per share.

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High speed believed to be cause of Hikkaduwa accident, Dy. Minister

30-June-2008 05:30pm | By Gamini Mahadura
(UPDATE1) At least three passengers have been killed and five others are reported missing when the Matara bound train was derailed on the Hikkaduwa bridge over the river on Monday afternoon, Police said. The train was coming from Anuradhapura when the incident took place at around 12.45 p.m.

Eight passengers injured in the derailment have been rushed to the Karapitiya hospital, while a search is underway for those who have gone missing. Two of those killed were identified as Sujith Rajakaruna and Dinesh Suranga who were travelling along with other students to take part in a school sports festival due to be held in Matara for three days.

Deputy Social Services minister, Lionel Premasiri who visited the scene of the accident said that preliminary investigations had revealed that the accident had been caused due to the high speed.

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Two media men assaulted

30-June-2008 7.35pm
A press officer of the British High Commission in Colombo Mahendra Ratnaweera and Course coordinator of the Sri Lanka Press Institute Namal Perera were assaulted by a group of unidentified persons this evening at Narahenpita.

The two are now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.


Unemployed graduates demonstrate in Jaffna

01 -July -2008 12.15 pm
More than 500 unemployed graduates in Jaffna, demonstrated opposite the Zonal Education office for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding employment.

They claimed they were given an assurance two months back that employment would be provided to them, but the government has failed to keep to their promises.

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Helicopter makes emergency landing in Arugambay

01 - July -2008 03:15 pm
An Air Force helicopter has made an emergency landing in the Ulla, Arguambay area, Tuesday afternoon, Air Force spokesman Janaka Nanayakkara said.

The helicopter was one of the two helicopters flown with a VIP helicopter President Mahidna Rajapaksa who was visiting the Arugambay area to open a new bridge.

The Air Force spokesman said that the helicopter had developed a technical fault, but other reports from the area said it had been fired upon and sustained slight damages.

The helicopter was reported by returning from the Uahana camp after refueling when it came under attack.

In the afternoon, the LTTE had fired five mortar rounds at the security forces at Sengamuwa, about 10 km away from Arugambay.


US condemns attack on SLPI official and British HC staffer

01-July-2008 09:30 pm
The US embassy in Colombo has condemned what it called “the brutal and unprovoked attack” on a member of the British High Commission staff and an official of the Sri Lankan Press Institute on Monday. “We call on the authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime swiftly to justice”, a statement from the embassy said.

”We are deeply concerned by a series of recent incidents involving members of the Sri Lankan media. A press that is free of intimidation is an essential component of any democracy. We note the recent formation of a ministerial committee to ensure the independence of the media, inquire into complaints of harassment and death threats against media personnel and intervene where warranted, and hope this leads to a more conducive environment for the practice of journalism in Sri Lanka”.

Earlier the SLPI and the Free Media Movement also condemned the attack.

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ICRC will resume operations at Omanthai only after security assurances

02-July-2008 11.51am
The ICRC will resume its operations at the Omanthai border checkpoint as soon as there is an assurance of security from the authorities, ICRC Information Officer Sarasi Wijeratne said.

The ICRC closed its operations at the checkpoint on Thursday following bomb explosions within 500 meters of its position caused by aerial bombing.

Soon after the incident, the ICRC closed its operations immediately and announced its withdrawal and said that they will not restart their operations until they have held discussions about the incident with the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.

”The closure of the border will be a massive blow to the already struggling humanitarian operations inside Vanni. Lack of essential items including, food, fuel and building material has left the IDPs living under trees in appalling conditions,” the ICRC said earlier in a statement.


Journalists stage protest against attacks

02-July-2008 2.39 pm
Hundreds of journalists along with opposition politicians staged a protest at the Kollupituya junction this afternoon against the attack on Sri Lanka Press Institute’s Course Co-coordinator Namal Perera and a British High Commission official Mahendra Ratnaweera on Monday.

The journalist called on the government to hold proper investigations into the attack and apprehend the culprits. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe too joined the protests.

Meanwhile the Newspaper publishers offered a reward of Rs5 million for any information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

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Browns share split lifts Colombo stock index

3-July-2008 08.15 am
The Browns Group share split announcement on Wednesday saw the Colombo bourse main index, the All Share slightly rise when it opened today.

Brokers said 12,800 Browns shares were traded for a turnover of Rs.14.2 million in early trades. “The share moved Rs.150 up to trade at Rs.1,100 a share,” a broker said. The bourse also saw Aitken Spence contributing Rs.10.5 million in turnover in early trades with 105,000 shares being sold. The share increased Rs.8.25 to Rs.105.

The All Share was up by 0.58 points to 2,433.93 while the Milanka Price Index dipped 3.84 points to 2,942.52. Stock market analysts said the crude oil price which has passed the US$140 mark will have a negative impact on the market in the days to come. “Today the market will be dull with low interest from the investors,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research Lanka Securities Ltd said. He said that there will not be much foreign participation or retail interest.

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Central Bank further relaxes exchange controls

3-July-2008 12.15 pm
Measures have been taken by the Central Bank (CB) to relax the exchange control rules for emigrants with effect from July 2 by rationalizing rules on outward remittances permitted at the time of migration.

The CB said in a press release issued on Wednesday that it expects these steps to further promote stable capital mobility and improve investor confidence in Sri Lanka in moving towards the long-term objective of becoming a financial hub in the region. According to the CB, this is another step in the gradual implementation of new initiatives for the further rationalization of foreign exchange transactions.

The new rules allow balances in all blocked accounts as at July 1, 2008 belonging to the past emigrants to be released without any restriction. A maximum amount of foreign exchange equivalent to US$150,000 is permitted for a family or a person not accompanying a family at the time of emigration. Furthermore, balances in blocked accounts may be utilized to meet any disbursements in Sri Lanka including investments permitted for non-residents.

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Uninterrupted power for Jaffna

03-July-2008 12:20 pm/ By Nadia Fazlulhaq
The northern province is to be given uninterrupted power supplies soon, according to Minister of Power and Energy John Seneviratne. A generator with 36 mw has been sent to the north for thise purpose.

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CFL bulbs free of charge for religious places

03-July-2008 12:22 pm/ By Nadia Fazlulhaq
The Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Power and Energy, John Seneviratne to provide CFL bulbs free of charge for all religious places.

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Newspaper Publishers ask President to intervene to stop attacks on Media

3-July-3008 1.15 pm
The Newspaper Publishers of Sri Lanka have written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa requesting him to take appropriate positive steps to prevent any further occurrences of such incidents where the lives of journalists practicing their professiona are at risk.

The letter dated July 2 was sent along with a copy of the letter sent by the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) to the Inspector General of Police the same day asking or swift action in investigations into the attacks on SLPI staffer Namal Perera and British High Commission official Mahendra Ratnaweera on June 30 at Narahenpita.

“We welcome your recent statement wherein you stated” there is conspiracy to attack journalists and to make the government uneasy. We hope this would lead to the speedy conclusion of the investigation and the establishing the identity of those responsible,” the Newspaper Publishers said in the letter.

The Publishers also said they trust the President’s intervention will lead to the speedy apprehension of those responsible or this and previous incidents.

Meanwhile the SLPI in its letter to the IGP said it looks forward to assurance from the IGP he will take very step to ensure that there is no repetition of such attacks or incidents of violence in the future.

"Relevant officials from various divisions of your departments have been in contact with us and have recoded statements from the two victims. Please be assured that you have our fullest cooperation in bringing the assailants to book.” the SLPI Director General Ranga Kalansoorirya said in the letter.

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JVP hands over PC nominations for Ratnapura & Polonnaruwa districts

03-July-2008 02:05 pm/ By Damith Wickremasekara
The JVP Thursday handed over nominations to contest provincial elections in the Polonnaruwa and Ratnapura districts, a spokesman for the party said.

Student leader Chameera Koswatta is leading the Ratnapura district while former provincial council member Indrananda Silva is heading the Polonnaruwa list.

On Wednesday the JVP handed over the Kegalle district list while the Anuradhapura list will be handed over on the final day - Friday.

The dates for the provincial elections the north central province and Sabaragamuwa provinces will be announced soon after nominations close on Friday.

The the UPFA and the UNP are planning to hand over nominations on the final day.

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JVP Sabaragamuwa PC poll candidate allegedly assaulted by Minister

4-July-2008 10.34am
A JVP candidate for the up coming Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council election Anura Rajapaksa was allegedly assaulted by Minister (Non-Cabinet) Premalal Jayasekera on Thursday night, JVP sources said.

The incident had occurred when Mr.Rajapaksa was pasting a poster at Nivithigala when Minister Jayasekera along with a group of men came in a van and dragged him into it and assaulted him inside the vehicle.

Later he was taken to a public ground at Nivithigala, assaulted once again and then the minister had allegedly kept a pistol close to the JVP candidate’s ear and fired it. As results of it, Mr.Rajapaksa has become deaf in one ear, the JVP sources added.

The Minister had also threatened the victim not to lodge a complaint with the Police stating that only he would be campaigning in the area.

Mr.Rajapaksa who is receiving treatment at the Ratnapura Hospital has lodged a complaint with the Hospital Police.

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Geetanjana Gunawardena resigns as Deputy Speaker

4-July-2008 11.15am
Deputy speaker Geetanjana Gunawardena has resigned from his post with effect from July 1, his office confirmed this morning.

His letter of resignation has been accepted by Speaker W.J.M.Lokubandara.

Mr.Gunawardena has attributed personal reason for his decision to step down from the post.

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Sabaragamuwa- NCP polls on August 23

04-July-2008 2.50pm
The elections to the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Council will be held on August 23rd, the Elections Department announced today. Nominations will close at 4.00pm today.

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Troops capture LTTE's Michael Base

05-July-2008 11.40 am
Troops have captured the LTTE’s Michael Base in the Mullitivu jungle, the Defence Ministry said today. It said the Army’s 59 division deployed in the Welioya front captured the base described as one of the strategic satellite bases of the LTTE's main "One Four Base" Complex situated inside the Mulaithiuvu jungle.

“The troops marching towards North of Janakapura, into the Mulaithiuvu, made this capture after three days of fierce fighting. Soldiers entered into the camp after beating off the enemy last morning and declared the area secured by afternoon,” the ministry said adding that at least 17 LTTE cadres were killed in the fighting.

The base, which extends over 200 square meters, includes several underground defences. The main underground complex covers about 50 square meters and is made out of thick concrete. An underground bunker and five damaged buildings were also found inside the camp premises. The camp was provided with a water supply system and other sanitary facilities to its inmates, the ministry said

 

 
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Other Latest News
Police SC versus CR and FC
AGA killed in Claymoremine attack in north
New LPG prices tomorrow
3 killed, 5 missing in train derailment over Hikkaduwa bridge
Dimo dominates Colombo bourse trades
High speed believed to be cause of Hikkaduwa accident, Dy. Minister
Two media men assaulted
Unemployed graduates demonstrate in Jaffna
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Arugambay
US condemns attack on SLPI official and British HC staffer
ICRC will resume operations at Omanthai only after security assurances
Journalists stage protest against attacks
Browns share split lifts Colombo stock index
Central Bank further relaxes exchange controls
Uninterrupted power for Jaffna
CFL bulbs free of charge for religious places
Newspaper Publishers ask President to intervene to stop attacks on Media
JVP hands over PC nominations for Ratnapura & Polonnaruwa districts
JVP Sabaragamuwa PC poll candidate allegedly assaulted by Minister
Geetanjana Gunawardena resigns as Deputy Speaker
Sabaragamuwa- NCP polls on August 23
Troops capture LTTE's Michael Base

 

 
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