Sounds firing around Colombo harbor due to Navy rehearsal: Police
2008-09-21 08:37:18
The sounds of firing reported around the Colombo harbour are from a rehearsal by the Navy, the Harbour Police said.
The sounds of firing were heard from 8.00 a.m to 8.30 am.
President Wijetunga passes away
2008-09-21 10:27:11
Former President D.B.Wijetunga passed away at the Kandy General Hospital at 9.30 a.m today. He was 86.
Mr. wijetunga took over as President after the assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa on May 1, 1993 and held the position until Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga was elected as President in November 1994.
He joined the UNP in 1946 and entered Parliament by contesting the Udunuwara electorate at the 1965 general elections. He lost in 1970, but was reelected in 1977 and was appointed as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and subsequently held the portfolios of Posts, Telecommunication, Power, Highways and Agriculture.
In 1989 he was named the Prime Minister under the President Premadasa administration and held the portfolios of Finance and State minister for Defence. On May 7, 1993 he was sworn in as the President.
Sri Lanka condemns bomb attack in Islamabad
2008-09-21 12:39:22
Sri Lanka Sunday condemned the bombing at Hotel Marriot in Islamabad, Pakistan. The text of the statement released by the Foreign Ministry follows:
“People and the Government of Sri Lanka are extremely saddened to learn of the terrorist attack at the Hotel Marriot in Islamabad.
The Government of Sri Lanka unequivocally condemns this abominable act of terrorism that has claimed precious civilian life and injured scores of others as well as destroyed property in Islamabad.
People and the Government share the grief of the Pakistan nation in this hour of acute pain and express sympathies to the families of those innocent people who have suffered as a result of this barbaric act.
Government of Sri Lanka fully supports all comprehensive measures being taken by the Government of Pakistan to combat the menace of terrorism.”
President Wijetunga's funeral on Thursday
2008-09-21 14:09:31
The cremation of former President D.B.Wijetunga who passed away today morning will take place on September 25, Thursday at the Getambe public playgrounds.
Mr. Wijetunga's remains will be placed in Parliament on September 25 and would be taken to directrly to Getambe for the cremation which takes place in the evening.
The funeral committee said that until 25th the body will remain at his Pilimathalawa residence.
Chief Priest of Koneshwaran Kovil in Trinco shot dead
2008-09-21 19:23:09
The Chief priest of the historic Koneshwaran Hindu temple in Trincomalee has been shot dead today evening in the Trincomalee town by suspected LTTE cadres, Military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said.
The priest Siva Shri kuharaja Kurukkal aged 43 was travelling on his motorcycle when he was shot dead.
The priest had maintained a close raport with the security forces and police in the area.
Two LTTE cadrs shot dead in Pothuvil
2008-09-21 19:37:55
By Wasantha Chandrapala
Two LTTE cadres were shot dead by the STF in Wadukoddai, Pothuvil today evening, Police said.
They were in possesion of explosives.
Situ in Weligama under control
2008-09-22 10:12:49
The tense situation in Weligama has now been brought under control after six shops, a petrol shed and a mosque were damaged, Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.
The damages were caused during clashes between two rival gangs, he added.
Colombo stocks to show positive trends
2008-09-22 10:42:36
Colombo stocks after the indices recovery last Friday started this week on a slightly active note, with brokers predicting this positive trend to continue today.
Dialog was the main contributor for today’s favorable momentum, gaining 25 cents to 9.50 in the morning.
John Keells Holdings (JKH) opened flat at Rs 85 as was Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) at Rs 43.50. “JKH will stay at these levels together with SLT,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research Lanka Securities said.
The All Share Index climbed 0.20 points to 2,250.67 while the Milanka advanced by 3.30 points to 2,530.52 points during early trades. The turnover was at Rs 17 million.
Colombo stocks slide despite optimism by traders
2008-09-22 16:34:50
Colombo stocks saw index heavy Dialog losing 25 cents at Monday's closing to bring the market down despite brokers early in the day predicting a positive trend throughout the day.
Stock analysts said that the sluggish trend that was prevalent throughout most of the last couple of weeks is re-emerging.
The All Share Index dropped 11.14 points to 2,239.18 while the Milanka downed by 14.49 points to 2,512.73 at stock market close. The turnover was at Rs 86 million.
Police search for English tutor who swindled money
2008-09-22 17:08:20
Police have launched a search for English tutor, Sakvithi Ranasinghe turned businessman who has swindled an estimated Rs. 500 million from the public, police said.
A large number of persons turned up at the Mirihana police station who had been affected to lodge their complaints today.
He had promised high interest rate returns for persons who deposited money with him, but had failed to pay back.
So far more than 5,000 complaints have been received against him.
Latests reports said that he is believed to have fled the country with his family.
36 LTTE cadres and seven soldiers killed in Kilinochchi: Defence
2008-09-22 17:45:57
At least 36 LTTE cadres and seven soldiers were killed in latest fighting reported in the north, the Defence Ministry said.
The confrontations were reported from West of Akkarayankulam, East of Akkarayankulam, South of Kokavil and West of Mankulam areas on Sunday
Seven bodies of LTTE cadres killed in these confrontations were uncovered along with few other military hardware, in subsequent search operations conducted in these areas. One MPMG weapon, one RPG weapon, two LMG weapons, five T-56 assault rifles, one communication equipment and one hand grenade were also among the items found, the Defence ministry said.
Seven soldier were killed and 24 others were injured in the fighting.
Shooting in Yala park
2008-09-23 08:33:16
At least one soldier was injured in a shoot out between a suspected LTTE group and soldiers in Yala block 2 today morning, police said.
They said that a group of soldiers on duty in the park had directedly met the suspected LTTE group sparking off the confrontation.
Colombo stocks continue its sluggish trend
2008-09-23 11:13:27
Colombo stocks saw index strong LIOC and SLT each losing 25 cents on Tuesday’s opening to bring the market down with brokers predicting this trend throughout the day.
The All Share Index lost 2.24 points to 2,236.94 while the Milanka dipped by 4.14 points to 2,508.59 in early trades. The turnover was at Rs 18 million.
UNP & JVP hits out at Govt for failing to reduce fuel prices
2008-09-23 12:59:00
The UNP and JVP Tuesday accused the Government for its failure to provide relief to the public even after the world oil prices came down.
JVP parliamentary leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Rs. 15 cess tax on petrol (per litre) and the Rs. 10 cess tax on diesel (per litre) which is charged from 17 of this month is a measure taken by the treasury in order to cover the financial looses it’s incurring.
“A petrol litre of Rs. 157 includes a Rs. 74 tax and that’s not fair enough during a period where the world oil prices have gone down”, he said.
Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe said that the government should make all arrangement to give some benefit to the public, adding that even if the LIOC does not agree on price reduction that CPC should seriously consider on a price reduction.
Chief opposition whip, Joseph Micheal Perera asked whether the profits the government get through the tax would be used to maintain institutions like ‘Mihin Air’.
In his reply, Minister of Petroleum, A. H. M. Fowzie said that the CPC is already incoming a loss of Rs. 19 billion.
Police Sgt and 3 constables arrested for molesting woman in Uppuveli
2008-09-23 13:19:43
A police Sergeant and three constables have been arrested for molesting a woman in the Uppuweli area, Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.
He said that the persons arrested will be produced in courts today.
The incident came as the police continued its crackdown on media and television stations on what they called publication or broadcasting of “Obscene’ photographs or pogrammes.
The Women and Children’s Bureau have decided to continuously monitor the print media and television stations in order to take action against the publication of broadcast of such pictures.
Stop purchasing more aircraft for Mihin, JVP MP tells government
2008-09-23 15:41:14
Opening the adjournment debate on Mihin Air, JVP Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti told the House that the government should not proceed with the purchasing of another six aircraft for the airline.
Funds should not be allocated from the 2009 budget without holding an inquiry on the Rs. 3.2 billion loss the institution incurred just by having two aircraft, he said.
He added that a number of government institutions had funded millions of rupees, but the administration failed to run for long.
The MP memtioned that the airline was established to provide services to Sri Lankan workers, especially housemaids but failed to do so. Instead political trips were made using this airline, he said.
New system to obtain EPF details introduced - Labour Minister
2008-09-23 15:54:01
Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratne told Parliament today that all arrangements have been made to provide facilities for EPF contributors to check their details just by typing their EPF number.
He added that obtaining EPF would be made more convenient very soon. EPF members could obtain their amount of contribution within 2-3 days' time following submission of documents. The minister admitted that the present procedure has caused inconvenience to its members.
Introduce new act on grade one admissions, Wimal tells parliament
2008-09-23 15:56:21
In a special statement, National Freedom Front parliamentary group leader MP Wimal Weerawansa told the House that it should seriously re-consider bringing an act on grade one admission in order to prevent practical problems.
He said that the present circular 2008/21 issued on May 16, 2008 by the Education Ministry secretary has caused many complications.
Citing some of them, he said, voters’ list, land ownership, submission of deeds, marriage certificates have caused much practical issues. He also said that children of members of the forces have not been given priority in the present circular.
Three more air raids in Kilinochchi
2008-09-23 15:58:11
Air Force fighter jets carried out 3 air raids targeting LTTE resistance points in the Kilinochchi battlefront this afternoon, Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.
He said that all three air strikes were taken at 12.45 PM. The locations were, 2.5 Km north of Vannerikulam, 2 Km north of Akkarayankulam, and 5 Km north of Akkarayankulam.
He said the raids were launched in support of the Army 57 division and Task Force 1 troops operating in the Kilinochchi front.
Colombo stocks slip; bearish trend to continue tomorrow
2008-09-23 17:19:12
Colombo stocks saw index hefty SLT, JKH and LIOC losing at Tuesday’s closing to bring the market down with stock brokers saying the bearish trend will be seen tomorrow as well.
SLT was down by 50 cents to close at Rs 42.75, JKH was down 25 cents to Rs 84.25 while LIOC was 75 cents down to Rs 25.25 at market close.
The All Share Index lost 8.23 points to 2,230.95 while the Milanka dipped by 0.42 points to 2,512.31 at stock market close. The turnover was at Rs 100 million.
'Mihin Air to fly again': Chamal Rajapakse
2008-09-23 17:48:57
Minister of Ports and Aviation Chamal Rajapakse, vowed to bring back Mihin Lanka budget airlines following in-depth business plans to be put into action from December, this year.
According to the Minister the plans would be first submitted to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for further consultation.
He admitted that administrative failiure led to the suspension of Mihin Air and promised that an efficient management would be appointed.
Minister Rajapakse said this ending the adjournment debate on Mihin Lanka airlines where the opposition members feared a continuous loss following the suspension after 13 months of operation from April, 2007 due to the incurring loss of 3.2 billion rupees.
The government has submitted a cabinet paper to allocate 3.7 billion to purchase 6 airlines from China.
Dr Wickramabahu Karunarathne's visa to Canada rejected
2008-09-23 18:58:56
The Candian High Commission in Colombo has rejected temporary resident visa to Canada for Dr Wickramabahu Karunarathne, President, Left Front and General Secretary, New Sama Samaja party claiming that he is a member of the LTTE.
Dr. Karunarathne has responded back to the High Commission.
Earlier the High Commission in a letter to Dr. Karunarathne informed him the visa had been rejected.
”It has been report that you have publicly participated in LTTE activities by personally and knowingly attending and speaking at pro-LTTE events such as Pongu Thamil in Madrid and London. In addition, you have publicly announced your support for B.Nadesan (LTTE police chief). As a prominent member of a political party that has historically and consistently shown support for the LTTE we can conclude that your actions constitute membership in the LTTE”, the letter from the Canadian High Commission said.
“As a result of your membership in this organisation you are inadmissible to Canada pursuant to section 34 of the Act and therefore I am refusing your application”, the letter signed by the First Secretary Immigration, C. Mckinney said..
Dr. Karunarathne in his letter said :
“Thank you for your letter dated 16 Sep 2008, which I found quite amusing.
Firstly, let me correct some absolute untruths included in your letter. I have never been to Spain; and I could not attend Pongu Thamil meeting in London as I got the British visa after the event.
Secondly, our party is a socialist party that believes in mass actions while the LTTE is a Tamil nationalist bourgeois party that uses the method of terror in the course of the struggle. If you have an iota of knowledge in political science you will see that I could not be a leader of the New Sama Samaja party and also be a member of the LTTE. Of course we have defended the right of self determination of the Tamil people and the autonomy for the Tamil home land since 1974. In spite of that, the LTTE has used terror against our party members. Disregarding that, in common demonstrations that demands human rights for Tamils we have participated with LTTE supporters. How ever in all such meetings we have stood for voluntary unity of Sinhala and Tamil nationalities.
Thirdly, if you have such credible evidence of my self being a member of the LTTE, I am sure you would have shared that knowledge with the Mahinda regime. It is strange that the government has taken no action what so ever. Your ludicrous claim is not taken seriously even by this chauvinist war mongering government.
Finally if you have any sense of democracy left, please let me know whether I have the right to appeal against your irresponsible and dangerous conclusions.
World crude returns to $100 level
2008-09-24 08:55:41
World crude prices returnd to the $100 per barrel level on Tuesday, being pegged at $101.12 for the Brent variety compared to $99.32 on Monday, according to the Central Bank.
The OPEC Basket was trading at $97.92 against $91.72 on Monday. In the Singapore Refined Products Market, petrol was trading at $105.60 against $100.55 on Monday, diesel at $120.47 against $115.34 and kerosene at $120.90 against $116.28
Colombo stocks back to bullish trends
2008-09-24 11:35:26
Colombo stocks saw index-strong Carsons Cumberbatch, Dialog and JKH help the market climb on Wednesday morning with brokers predicting this trend throughout the day, brokers said.
Carson saw a 25 cents increase to Rs 228, Dialog was up 25 cents to 9.50 and JKH was Rs 1.75 up to Rs 86.75 during early trades. The All Share Index acquired 14.52 points to 2,245.46 while the Milanka increased by 32.46 points to 2,544.7 in early trades. The turnover was Rs 18 million.
Finance Minister Siyambalapitiya assures explanation on the ‘Sakvithi’ fraud
2008-09-24 12:04:28
By Nadia Fazlulhaq
Finance Minister (non-cabinet) Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told Parliament today that the House would be given an explanation regarding the incident where English tutor turned ‘businessman’ Sakvithi Ranasinghe had allegedly swindled more than Rs. 900 million from the public.
He following discussions with the Central Bank officials the explanation would be given.
“It is timely to bring about strict laws when dealing with financial institutions. He said that the Central Bank needs to take measures to identify fraudulent financial activities”, he said.
The Minister replying to a question raised by the National Freedom Front parliamentary group leader MP Wimal Weerawansa on whether the Central Bank has a proper mechanism to observe finance institutions and identify suspected financial institutions offering high interest rates.
MP Weerawansa said that recent financial fraud of by Sakvithi Ranasinghe owner of ‘Sakvithi’ financial institution have left a huge number of people depressed after investing on the institution and finally the whole amount is missing.
Tax on property developers reduced
2008-09-24 12:24:34
The five per cent tax charged from property developers and buildings of more than 5,000 square feet would be reduced to one per cent with effect from today, Urban Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.
Minister Gunawardena said the tax which was charged under the Urban Development Act, was utilized to provide better houses for the families s living in shanties.
Minister Gunawardena said that this decision was taken following requests made by property developers and the BOI promising to contribute Rs. 150 million for the housing projects.
He said along with the completion of 1,000 houses, another 3,000 houses are to be constructed for those living in shanties.
Doctor accused for murder of garment employee takes poison, condition serious
2008-09-24 12:42:26
The doctor in remand custody for allegedly murdering a garment sector worker is reportd to have consumed poison and is in a serious condition, hospital sources said.
The doctor has been admitted to the national hospital.
This was the second attempt on his life while in remand custody. Earlier he triedto hang himself.
The doctor had allegedly raped the garment sector employee and at the Negombo hospital and thereafter murdered her. The body was found in the garden of the hospital.
World crude prices, up, up and away
2008-09-24 15:51:05
The honeymoon for World crude prices appears to be over with prices now going over the $100 level per barrel. On Wednesday it was trading at $102.52 against $101.12 (Brent variety) on Tuesday, according to the Central Bank. Earlier this crude was trading at the $80-90 levels, and then peaked at $140.32 on July 1.
The OPEC Basket was trading at $99 against $97.92 on Tuesday. In the Singapore Refined Products Market, petrol was quoted at $108.70, diesel at $123.40 and kerosene at $124.50.
Colombo stocks ends on mixed reactions
2008-09-24 15:58:45
Colombo stocks on Wednesday saw index-strong shares – SLT and JKH up while Distilleries was down, ending on mixed reactions, brokers said.
SLT was up by Rs 0.25 to close at Rs 43, JKH increased 25 cents to Rs 86.25 while DCSL was Rs 1 down to Rs 70 at market close. The All Share Index lost 3.08 points to 2,227.87 – after gains in the morning -, while the Milanka increased 6.37 points to 2,518.68 at stock market close. The turnover was at Rs 76 million.
Basil and Anura Kumara clash over water board appointment
2008-09-24 16:38:03
Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa and JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka entered into a heated argument at the COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) held in Parliament over a dispute over an appointment of the Water Board General Manager.
Mr Dissanayaka had raised the issue as to why the Water Board GM was being kept in an acting capacity without being made permanent to which Mr. Rajapaksa is reported to have responded saying “This is our government, we make the appointments according to our requirements”.
Mr. Dissanayaka had responded and entered to an heated argument.
The meeting had been adjourned thereafter.
Minister says unable to bring down fuel prices till stocks last
2008-09-24 17:50:29
Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the parliament today that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is not in a position to reduce the prices of fuel as the prevailing stocks which were purchased two months ago still remain and due to the incurring losses the CPC is presently facing.
“Institutions like the World Bank suspected that it might increase to US$ 150, two months ago. Therefore CPC decided to purchase oil before an increase and stored for a 2 month period. The sudden fall of world oil prices does not affect us as we have already purchased for a higher price and as the CPC is already incurring losses we are unable to bring down the prices of Petrol and Diesel”, the Minister said.
He said that from July 2008 the loss of Petrol is 53.20 rupees per litre and 26.10 rupees from a litre of Diesel. He added that CPC is continuously facing losses and in July 2008, the loss on fuel had been a sum of 4617 million rupees on fuel.
The minister said that the loss had occurred to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation because of the Government was unable to be flexible according to the price formula.
LTTE radar point in Pooneryn bombed
2008-09-25 07:43:23
Air force MI 24 helicopters bombed an LTTE Radar point in Nagathevanthurai, Pooneryn on Wendnesday night.
Air Force sources said, that the target was neutralized in the precision raid.
***JKH in share buy-back offer
2008-09-25 09:32:26
John Keells Holdings (JKH), just before the stockmarket opened on Thursday, said it was offering to re-purchase upto 25 million ordinary shares at Rs 90 per share.
It was unclear the reason for this sudden move announced by the company this morning just before 9.30 am (when trading opened at the Colombo Stock Exchange). However stock market analysts said it appears to be connected to the recent damning judgment against the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services Ltd (LMSL) which triggered a sharp fall in JKH share prices which has since then recovered this week.
The company said the Board of Directors of JKH decided on September 24 to re-purchase a maximum of 25.5 million ordinary shares at a price of Rs. 90 per share on a ‘Pro Rata basis of one share for every 25 shares held’ which works out to a a maximum value of Rs 2.29 billion. The directors said they believe the share price as currently prevailing presents an opportunity for the company to re-purchase its shares. The JKH share was trading at Rs 86.25 at the close of Wednesday’s trades at the CSE.
Brokers said the decision to re-purchase shares could also be to cover the losses that would accrue from the loss of a monopoly in the bunker oil business. The announcement said JKH directors of JKH who are shareholders will not be accepting the offer. An interim dividend of Rs 1 per share will also be offered under this scheme.
JKH to spend Rs 2.29 bln on share re-purchase (Corrected)
2008-09-25 09:47:24
John Keells Holdings (JKH) said on Thursday it plans to spend upto Rs 2.29 billion on the re-purchase of 25 million ordinary shares.
Brokers said this may be to cover the losses that would accrue from the loss of a monopoly in the bunker oil business.
Trade suspension on JKH lifted by CSE
2008-09-25 10:34:33
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on Thursday lifted a 60-minute trade suspension on John Keells Holdings (JKH) stocks – imposed after the company offered to re-purchase upto 25 million ordinary shares at Rs 90 per share. The suspension was lifted at 10.30 am.
The stock opened at Rs 87.25 per share and a total of 5,600 shares were traded.
Three dead, 20 in hospital after consuming Kasippu
2008-09-25 11:11:44
At least three persons were killed and 20 others were hospitalized after they consumed Kasippu (illicit brew) in the Weliveriya, Gampaha area, Police said.
They said that they expect more persons to be admitted to hospital as a large number of persons are reported to have consumed Kasippu from the particular location.
Colombo stocks gloomy
2008-09-25 11:20:34
Colombo stocks saw index strong LIOC, Dialog, SLT and JKH (John Keells Holdings) bringing the market to a slide on Thursday morning with brokers predicting this slope all through the day.
LIOC was 75 cents down to Rs 24.50 while Dialog, SLT and JKH were all down by 25 cents. Dialog was at Rs 9, JKH was at Rs 86 and SLT was at Rs 42.75 during early trades. Early today, JKH announced a re-purchase offer of 25 million ordinary shares worth Rs 2.29 billion but there were no major transactions of this stock following this announcement.
The All Share Index lost 7.56 points to 2,220.65 while the Milanka fell by 18.31 points to 2,500.37 in early trades. The turnover was at Rs 30 million.
More civilians come to govt. controlled areas
2008-09-25 15:27:36
A group of 37 civilians arrived by boat to government controlled areas this morning, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.
They arrived at the Pulmudai army camp at 10.30 this morning from Allampil in Mulativu.
There had been nine families in the boat consisting of 14 men, 8 women, 10 girls and five boys.
The group will be transferred to the Thirukkandal refugee camp, the MCNS said.
Former UNP Provincial Councilor's house set on fire
2008-09-25 15:42:53
Former UNP North Central Provincial Councilor Hemantha Hettiyarachchi's house was set on fire last night.
He claimed the fire cost him Rs. 3.5 million in damages. The house has been completely ruined, he said.
Mr. Hettiyarachchi has complained to the Polonnaruwa police.
No one had been at home when the incident took place.
Colombo stocks fall; bearish movement to continue tomorrow
2008-09-25 17:28:53
Colombo stocks saw index heavy SLT and Dialog losing at Thursday’s close to bring the market down with brokers saying the bearish trend will be seen tomorrow as well.
SLT was down by Rs 1 to Rs 42 and Dialog was down 25 cents to Rs 9. JKH was up 25 cents to Rs 86.50 but an analyst said this was not in response to the company’s share buy- back announcement earlier on Thursday. “This gain is not material given the volatility in the company’s share price movements during the past month,” the analyst said.
The All Share Index lost 15.3 points to 2,212.57 while the Milanka dipped by 29.42 points to 2,489.62 at stock market close. The turnover was at Rs 82 million.
Enraged homeguard kills soldier and airman
2008-09-25 19:37:49
An enraged Home Guard shot dead a soldier and an airman in Mahaoya, Ampara following a heated argument, Police said.
A Civilian seriously injured in the shooting has been admitted to hospital.
It was not immediately clear the reason for the argument.
Palestinian president Abbas to visit Sri Lanka
2008-09-25 19:56:19
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Sri Lanka on October 9, diplomatic sources said today.
A highlight of his visit will be the official opening of the Palestinian-funded Yasser Arafat mosque at Beruwela, the sources said.
Mr. Abbas will also meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is a patron of the Palestinian Solidarity Movement of Sri Lanka and hold bilateral talks.
Early this year Sri Lanka opened a diplomatic missions in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Troops four kilometres away from Kilinochchi town: Army Commander
2008-09-25 20:08:33
(AFP) - Forces have advanced to the outskirts of Kilinochchi, the army chief announced Thursday.
"Our forces are around four kilometres (2.5 miles) from Kilinochchi town. In fact we can see some of the buildings," Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said. He also said the leader of the LTTE, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was "now a caged animal."
"Our military campaign won't stop until we liberate our motherland from the LTTE," Fonseka added.
Fonseka, who was speaking at a book launch in the capital Colombo, did not say when he expected the town to fall. But he suggested a fresh offensive would begin in the coming days.
"We will fire the first shots towards Kilinochchi town next week," he said.
Earlier the Defence Ministry said troops operating in the Kilinochchi and North of Vavuniya fronts were further pushing their defence towards Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road from west of Wanni.
According to the defence sources in the front troops of 57 division were getting closer to Kokavil and troops of Task Force 2 are heading towards Mankulam.
Troops of Army 57 division attacked 2 terror bunkers situated in the west of Akkarayankulam last afternoon and confirmed both bunkers were destroyed. However, terror casualties in these incidents were not known.
Villager shot dead in Wellawali, Ampara
2008-09-26 10:47:03
A villager identified as V. Thambirasah (42) from Mandoor 1 in Wellawali, Ampara was shot dead last night, police said.
Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said Mr. Thambirasah was in his backyard at around 9pm when an unknown gunman had fired at him, killing him on the spot.
Dismal opening for Colombo stocks
2008-09-26 11:03:26
Colombo stocks saw index-heavy LIOC, Commercial Bank and Carsons losing to bring the stock market to a slide on Friday morning with brokers forecasting yet another gloomy day.
LIOC was 75 cents down to Rs 24.25 while Commercial Bank lost 75 cents to Rs 70.25 and Carsons fell by Rs.2.75 to Rs 221 in the morning. The All Share Index lost 2.48 points to 2,210.09 while the Milanka decreased by 1.94 points to 2,487.32 in early trades. The turnover was Rs 10 million.
Select Committees on alleged Govt – LTTE pact, MiG deal and Inland Revenue
2008-09-26 13:33:24
Three Select Committees on the alleged Secret pact between the Government and the LTTE, the allegation of bribery and corruption of the MiG deal and the deficiencies in the Inland revenue.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has been named as the Chairman of the Select Committee on alleged Govt – LTTE pact, Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa the Chairman of the MiG deal and UNP MP Cabeer Hasheem as the Chairman of the probe on the Inland Revenue.
Death toll in moonshine case increases to six
2008-09-26 13:49:42
The death toll in the illicit moonshine tragedy in Weliweriya, Gampaha rose to six yesterday with more than 52 others hospitalized, some of them in life threatening condition, police and hospital officials said.
Police said that they were searching for the kingpin of the moonshine business from where the victims had consumed the brew.
Colombo stocks ease
2008-09-26 16:32:57
Colombo stocks saw index-strong JKH, Dialog and Commercial Bank losing at Friday’s closing to slip the market, but with relatively high turnover.
JKH which opened flat in the morning was down by 25 cents to close at Rs 86.25, Commercial Bank lost 25 cents to close at Rs 70.75 while Distilleries was down 50 cents down to Rs 72.
“A transfer of 5.2 million shares in CT Land likely to be within the CT Group at Rs 17 a share boosted the turnover in the market,” a stock analyst said.
The All Share Index lost 3.52 points to 2,209.05 while the Milanka dipped by 5.01 points to 2,484.25. The turnover was Rs 175 million.
Double murder in Batti and Ampara
2008-09-27 13:17:58
A villager from Settipalayam in Kalavanchikudi, Batticaloa was shot dead last night, police said.
Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said the victim has been identified as 53-year-old D. Gopalan Pillai.
Kalavanchikudi police is investigating the incident.
Meanwhile the bound and gagged body of an unidentified male has washed ashore at Nindavul 4, a coastal vilage in Samanthurai, Amparai.
SSP Gunasekara said the body was discovered yesterday evening and Samanthurai police is carrying out investigations.
SLAF fighter jets destroy Tiger training facility frequented by Pottu Amman
2008-09-27 13:25:18
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets destroyed a female Black Tiger training facility frequented by LTTE Intelligence Chief Pottu Amman this afternoon, SLAF Media Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.
The attack has been carried out at 12.15 this afternoon 1.5 kilometres East of Dri Aru Kulam Tank located West of the A9 highway and North West of the Iranamadu Tank.
Civilan killed in an argument at a Navy checkpoint in Wattala
2008-09-27 21:44:53
One civilian was killed when an argument between a group of civilians and Navy personnel at a checkpoint in Palliyawatta, Wattala got out of hand, police said.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said that a sailor had shot at one of the civilians killing him instantly.
One of the Navy personnel and a civilian were injured in the commotion. |
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