The High Commissioner of Pakistan visits The Sri lankan

The High Commissioner of Pakistan visits
The Sri Lankan Cricket team players in hospital.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Shaheen A Gilani,accompanied by the Defence Advisor, Col. Syed Khuram Husnain Alam, and Press Counsellor Mrs. Suriya Jamal, visited a local lhospital to meet and wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Thilan Samaraweera and Mr. Ajantha Mendis, the two Sri Lankan cricket players.

Picture:The High Commissioner of Pakistan (H.E. Mr. Shaheen A Gilani) accompanied by Defence Advisor (Col. Syed Khurram Husnain Alam) and Press Counsellor (Mrs. Suriya Jamal) visited the local hospital to meet and wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Thilan Samaraweera and Mr. Ajantha Mendis, the two Sri Lankan cricket players. In photo the High Commissioner is seen presenting a bouquet to the Thilan Samaraweera

The High Commissioner expressed his well wishes to the players and hoped that they would get well soon. He said that we all wanted to see them in action soon. High Commissioner also presented them a bouquet on this occasion.

The High Commissioner also met with the family members and friends of the players. He said that we understand and sympathesize with them for the shock and the trauma they might have gone through

After fighting, Sri Lanka needs devolution: India

After fighting, Sri Lanka needs devolution: Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon

Sri Lanka needs true devolution of power to minority Tamils if it wants to permanently end its long-running ethnic war, Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon has said.
Menon, who was in Washington for talks, said the United States and the Sri Lankan government itself both agreed with regional power India on the need to quickly restore daily life in war-torn areas.
The Colombo government says it is on the verge of crushing the Tamil Tigers, who have been waging a campaign since 1972 to create a separate Tamil homeland on the Sinhalese-majority island.
India feels that along with reconstruction, Sri Lanka needs "to bring in the kinds of political steps including devolution which would enable the people there to feel they are in control of their own futures," Menon said.

LTTE loosing its last stand; continue to take heavy beating - Puthukkudiyiruppu

LTTE loosing its last stand; continue to take heavy beating - Puthukkudiyiruppu
Sri Lanka Army 53, 55 and 58 Divisions, have now entered into the final phase of the counter terrorist offensive against LTTE with soldiers getting exceptional attrition rates in the battle.
According to the battlefield reports, infantrymen of 58 Division yesterday (Mar 12) further pushed their forward boundaries east of Kombavil Kulam, 4 Km north of Puthukkudiyiruppu. Troops overwhelmed intense resistance of the terrorist with heavy artillery and mortar shells fired from the No Fire Zone and inflicted heavy damages to the terrorist.

Kandy Bishop satisfied with IDP facilities

Kandy Bishop satisfied with IDP facilities

Sri Lanka Catholic Bishops Conference Chairman and Kandy Bishop Rev. Vianney Fernando said he was happy with the facilities provided to displaced families who have crossed over to Government-controlled areas.
"The Government has treated all alike," he said after concluding his goodwill visit to Menikfarm Welfare Centre, Settikulam where displaced families are housed. The Bishop and his entourage were welcomed by Vavuniya Government Agent G.S.M. Charles at the welfare camp. They inspected the camp and saw the facilities provided to the displaced families.
About 88,000 displaced persons who have crossed over to the liberated areas, have been housed in 14 welfare centres where food, health and other welfare facilities have been provided. In addition, Vocational Training Courses and self-employment projects have been provided for the youth. A school and a pre-school have been set-up for the children.
The Catholic Priests exchanged their views with the displaced.
"We were living in constant fear in Vanni. We can now live free with facilities provided by the Government. We are thankful to the Government," they told the priests.
A GCE (A/L) student said they were denied schooling due to Tiger attacks.
"We now have schools inside our camp. Despite difficulties, we will continue our studies till University entrance," the student said.
Bishop Fernando said they learned about the IDPs through the media.
"We however came here to get first hand experience of the situation. These people are happy today. The children are back in schools. We are happy that the Government is providing all facilities to the displaced people." Northern Governor Dickson Sarathchandra Dela also participated.

EU calls for immediate ceasefire

EU calls for immediate ceasefire

European Parlimentarians
Members of the European Parliament have adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire by the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE in order to allow the civilian population to leave the combat zone.
The Parliamentarians on Thursday condemned the LTTE’s violence and intimidation which are preventing civilians from leaving the conflict area. Parliament also condemned attacks on civilians who are trapped in the battle zone. The parliamentarians said that they were concerned about reports of serious overcrowding and poor conditions in the refugee camps established by the Sri Lankan Government

Sri Lankan troops have captured the last remaining medical facility held by Tamil Tiger rebels

Sri Lankan troops have captured the last remaining medical facility held by Tamil Tiger rebels

Sri Lankan troops have captured the last remaining medical facility held by Tamil Tiger rebels in the north, the army's military spokesman has said.
Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said that the Tiger's makeshift hospital near Puthukkudiyiruppu was captured during heavy fighting on Wednesday.
The army says it has now confined the rebels to a 37 sq km (15 sq mile) area in the north-east.
There has been no word from the Tigers over the loss of the medical facility.
But the pro-rebel TamilNet website has accused the army of killing 133 civilians - including 49 children - during shelling inside a government declared "safe zone" on Tuesday.

Abducted professor released

Abducted professor released

Professor Dhammika Ganganath Dissanayaka says that his abductors grilled him by questioning about his politics and political affiliations.
He was abducted from his residence in Kottawa on Wednesday night, and released by the abductors after questioning about a book he was supposedly writing about the president.
Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya he said that the group of people who identified themselves as police officers blind folded him and took him by a van to a location after two and a half hours journey.
“They questioned me about my political affiliations in detail but did not ill-treat me” said Professor Dissanayaka.
He was released in the early hours of the morning and found himself close to Kirindiwala in the Gampaha Distict.
He said that he was not sure of the identities of the abductors and that the local Police station at Kahathuduwa had denied any knowledge of the incident.
Dissanayaka suspects that the abduction was politically motivated as he is involved in politics with the United National Party (UNP).
He served as the Chairman of the state owned television Station Rupavahini during the United National Party (UNP) regime and currently is a lecturer at the Sri Jayewardenepura University.

Iraq court jails Bush shoe-thrower for three years

Iraq court jails Bush shoe-thrower for three years

The Iraqi journalist who shot to fame for hurling his shoes at former US president George W. Bush was jailed for three years on Thursday, stirring outrage from his family and supporters.
Television reporter Muntazer al-Zaidi, 30, had pleaded not guilty at the Iraq Central Criminal Court to assaulting Bush during his farewell visit to Iraq last December.
"He was sentenced to three years in jail," defence lawyer Yahia Attabi said outside the Baghdad court.
The defendant shouted: "Iraq, long live Iraq," after the verdict was read out, the lawyer told AFP.
Chief counsel Dhiya al-Saadi said the conviction was severe.
"I consider the decision harsh. He was charged with assaulting a foreign leader on an official visit, but I don't believe it was an assault," he said. "We will contest the decision and try to get the verdict overturned."
There was standing room only at the courtroom on the edge of Baghdad's high security Green Zone as some 200 family members, reporters and lawyers crowded in. The judge later cleared the court before returning his verdict.
Judge Abdulamir Hassan al-Rubaie said he had taken into consideration that Zaidi is young and it was his first offence, the defence lawyers said.
Shoe-hurling is considered an especially grave insult in the Arab and Muslim world and Zaidi had risked up to 15 years in jail on the charge of aggression against a foreign head of state.
The former president, deeply unpopular in the Arab world for ordering the 2003 invasion of Iraq, had been at a globally televised media conference with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki when Zaidi let rip with his shoes.
Bush managed to duck just in time.
When the judge asked Zaidi if he was innocent, the journalist responded: "Yes, my reaction was natural, just like any Iraqi (would have done)."
After the verdict, his 25-strong defence team emerged from the courtroom to scenes of chaos. Several family members screamed: "It's an American court... sons of dogs."
One of his brothers, Uday, said the decision to jail Zaidi was political.
"This is a political court. Muntazer is being treated like a prisoner of war. He is not a normal prisoner ... This decision has been taken by the prime minister's office."
The family said they would not only appeal but also press ahead with plans to bring torture charges against Bush, Maliki and his bodyguards at a human rights court abroad.
A Syrian lawyer told AFP she was preparing to file a complaint in Belgium or Spain.
Wearing a light-brown suit and thin-framed glasses, the journalist had been brought into a packed courtroom under a heavy police escort.
Counsel al-Saadi had argued that his client's motives were "honourable."
"He was only expressing his feelings. What he could see was the blood of Iraqis at his feet when he watched the US president speaking about his achievements in Iraq."
He also argued that although Iraqi law considered it an attack on a visiting head of state, "his throwing of the shoe did not cause any injury or damage ... His goal was to insult Bush for the pain Iraqis have suffered."
Zaidi had already been spent three months behind bars, the lawyer stressed.
The trial opened on February 19 but was adjourned to determine the nature of Bush's December 14 visit. The judge announced on Thursday that government ministers had declared it official.
The Baghdadia television reporter told the court last month that he had been outraged and was unable to control his emotions when Bush started speaking to the media.
"I had the feeling that the blood of innocent people was dropping on my feet during the time that he was smiling and coming to say bye-bye to Iraq with a dinner.
"So I took the first shoe and threw it but it did not hit him. Then spontaneously I took the second shoe but it did not hit him either. I was not trying to kill the commander of the occupation forces of Iraq."
As well as throwing the shoe, Zaidi shouted: "It is the farewell kiss, you dog," before security forces wrestled him to the ground.
Zaidi said he had been beaten and tortured in custody.
AFP

Suicide bomber came on a motorcycle; No remains found

Suicide bomber came on a motorcycle; No remains found

Police suspects that the suicide bomber who exploded himself at the Jumma mosque in Godapitiya, Akuressa today (10) morning, came on a motorcycle.Police media spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasea said to Lanka-e-News that the bomber attacked from the rear side of the ministers? motorcade as they were getting down the vehicles at the entrance of the mosque to take part in the function held there. The explosion occurred around 10.20 AM.

Hours before Discovery launch...

Hours before Discovery launch...

US space shuttle Discovery sits on launch pad 39A on March 10, 2009 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery is scheduled to launch March 11, 2009 at 9:20pm (0200 GMT). AFP PHOTO

LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa

LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa

The death toll of the brutal terrorist attack at the national Milad Festival in Sri Lanka , has risen to 14 while 46 others including a government minister were injured.
An LTTE suicide bomber attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 10.30 , this morning (Mar 10). According to the primary investigations , the suicide bomber had arrived at the place on a pushbike and exploded himself among the Islamic devotees proceeding to the mosque in a procession.
The targeted civilians were attending to the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque. The festival marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile , hospital sources said Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration suffered serious injuries in the explosion. The sources added that another 46 people with injuries were admitted to the government hospital Matara and elsewhere. Five other government ministers; AHM Fowzie, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Pandu Bandaranaike, Chandrasiri Gajadeera, and Minister Amir Ali had narrow escapes. Among the deceased and injured were several local government representatives

Pakistan seeks quick answers from India

Pakistan seeks quick answers from India


ISLAMABAD, Mar 8 (APP): Pakistan on Sunday sought the quick Indian response over its questions forwarded to New Delhi regarding progress in ongoing investigation of the Mumbai terror attacks. “Indian authorities should share the information details asked by Pakistan regarding progress in probe,” Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Affairs, Rehman Malik said in a press conference.
He was flanked by Interpol Chief Ronald Noble, who is here on visit of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested the Indian authorities to reply 30 questions based on investigations but it was yet to receive Indian response.
“India should provide evidence and investigation details as soon as possible to ensure successful prosecution and bring culprits to justice,” Malik said.
The Ministry of Interior had already passed on the information to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on January 16 and its team submitted the full report on February 3.
Senator Malik said DNA test information was very much important and necessary for conducting the investigation of terror attacks. And now only 13 days have been left in remand of the terror culprits.
Briefing about the progress made by Pakistan, he said the case has already been registered and eight people booked, while four including Hammad Amin, Zaki Rehman Naqvi, Zarar Shah and Al Quoma were being interrogated in police custody following their remand.
Pakistan has continuously being assuring India of full cooperation from the very first day of the Mumbai attacks. Besides, it would also further approach Interpol for information about the terrorists, Malik added

Pakistan President Zardari and Prime minister Gilani express sympathy with Sri Lankan leadership

Zardari, Gilani express sympathy with Sri Lankan leadership


ISLAMABAD, (APP):

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have expressed sympathy with their Sri Lankan counterparts over the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. In his message to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Asif Ali Zardari said, "I am deeply saddened on the terrorist attack that took place in Lahore in which some members of the Sri Lankan cricket team suffered injuries and a number of security officials lost their lives."

He said Pakistan unreservedly condemns this depraved and cowardly act of terrorism.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are victims of terrorism and today's attack is one of its worst manifestations, he said adding the government of Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice.
"I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," Zardari said.
In his message to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said, "I was greatly shocked and saddened to learn about the terrorist attack in which some members of the Sri Lankan cricket team suffered injuries and several security personnel lost their lives."
The government and people of Pakistan strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism, he added.
The Prime Minister said, "the government has redoubled its resolve to combat the menace of terrorism and we will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"I would like to convey my sincere sympathies to the families of the injured players and pray for their early recovery. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."


Some clues found; No allegations without proof: Governor




LAHORE, March 3, (APP): Governor Punjab Salman Taseer has said that some clues into attack on Sri Lankan team here this morning have been found but no allegations would be levelled against anybody without solid proofs. Addressing a press conference here Tuesday night, he said, “Progress has been made into the gruesome incident and preliminary investigation would be completed within 48 hours and if any security lapse is found, strict action would be taken against those to be found responsible.” He said thorough investigation would be conducted with cool mind in professional and methodologically way by taking all concerned agencies on board instead of making accusations without solid evidence. Commenting on the remarks of Indian Home Minister that the incident was result of major security lapse, he said,”Our police officials reacted immediately and saved lives of Sri Lankan players by laying down their lives and we are proud of them while in case of Mumbai attacks Indian commandos had reached seven hours after terrorists struck .” He said, “We don’t compare efficiency of personnel of our law enforcing agencies with that of India but Indian leaders must avoid giving suck remarks. Unlike India, we do not want to level allegations without solid proofs. “ Lamenting statements by PML‑N Leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif about the incident, he said, politicising such a sensitive issue involving national security and prestige is regrettable and condemnable. He said a number of terrorist incidents occurred during Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s tenure as Chief Minster, “But we never politicised the same.” Underling the need for national unity to face the monster of terrorism, he said,”It is huge challenge and we have to face it by forging national unity.However, regrettable,some opportunist politicians give such statements,just for their petty political gains, which amount to playing in the hands of anti‑state elements.” Express Dismay over the statement of Nawaz Sharif that the incident occurred because governor was busy in horse trading, he said, he (Nawaz Sharif) had been Prime Minster twice and it did not behove of him. He said though some high level transfers and postings had been made in the province following disqualification of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif by the court but home secretary was not changed to ensure continuity of the security system. Expressing sympathy with Sri Lankan players, people of Sri Lanka and their Cricket Board on behalf of government and people of the Punjab, he said “We are greatly shocked and grieved over the incident.” He thanked the government of Sri Lanka for sending its team for playing here when no other country was ready to send its team to Pakistan. He recalled that after World Cup 96, when West Indies and Australia had refused to visit Sri Lanka due to blasts there, Pakistan and Indian Cricket Teams had visited to play matches there. He said immediately after the incident, he visited the Sri Lankan team “they were in shock but save. They are going back to their country tonight. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has asked me to see them off and I would go to the airport to bid them farewell.” To a question, he said, attackers were highly trained and equipped with sophisticated weapons but valiant police officials by laying down their lives foiled their bid to inflict heavy losses on visiting team.

President Rajapaksa’s Visit sees the Signature of Two Landmark Agreements between Nepal and Sri Lanka

President Rajapaksa’s Visit sees the Signature of Two Landmark Agreements between Nepal and Sri Lanka


President Mahinda Rajapaksa undertook a State Visit to Nepal from 2-4 March 2009 at the invitation of the President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. This visit was hailed as landmark in Nepal as it was the first by a Head of State or Government to Nepal since Nepal’s political transformation as a Republic. The visit was also undertaken in President Rajapaksa’s capacity as current Chairperson of SAARC.

President Rajapaksa was accorded full state honours on arrival in Kathmandu on 2 March by at an official welcome ceremony held at Rastrapati Bhawan. Following the official welcome ceremony, President Rajapaksa and President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav exchanged compliments and discussed the current political developments in Sri Lanka and Nepal including matters pertaining to strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Later in the day President Rajapaksa and delegation were hosted to a State Banquet by President Yadav.

Official bilateral talks were held between President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on 3 March. The talks covered a range of issues including a proposed Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, promotion of tourism, investment, trade in services, information technology, cultural relations and education.

Two important bilateral agreements on Air Services and the establishment of a Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and Nepal were signed during the visit by the Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Nepalese Cultural Minister Hisila Yammi. The two Agreements signed hold the potential to enhance cooperation between the two countries including increasing trade. The Ministerial level Joint Commission that will soon meet upon the signature of the Agreement will explore ways for the enhancement of economic, trade and cultural relations. The Bilateral Air Service Agreement will improve connectivity between the peoples of the two countries at all levels and also increase tourism. During the discussions between President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Dahal, special reference was made to steps being taken by Sri Lanka towards the development of Lumbini and measures being taken to develop the monastery and pilgrims rest in Lumbini.

President Rajapaksa also held discussions with Vice President Parmananda Jha and the leader of the main opposition Party Girija Prasad Koirala.

President Rajapaksa also visited the historic Ananda Kuti Vihara in Kathmandu and attended a religious ceremony organized by the chief incumbent priest of the temple.

As Chairperson of SAARC, President Rajapaksa visited the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu on 3 March and met with Secretary General Dr Sheel Kant Sharma and the staff of the Secretariat. He also planted a sapling symbolizing his first visit to Nepal and to the SAARC Secretariat.

President Rajapaksa was accompanied on the State Visit by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, External Trade Minister G.L.Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Additional Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.

SAARC Film Festival in Abu Dhabi UAE

SAARC Film Festival in Abu Dhabi UAE
The Association of Ambassadors of SAARC countries based in Abu Dhabi, UAE will be organizing a film festival at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre from 7th to 11th March 2009. The two movies from Sri Lanka will be screened on 11th March. “Samanala Thatu” produced by Mrs. Renuka Balasuriya and “Nostalgia” produced by Mrs. Neeta Fernando wil be screened during this festival. Mr. Jayantha Dharmadasa who is the Chairman of the National Film Festival will attend as the Chief Guest on the Sri Lankan day of the festival.
The Association of Ambassadors of SAARC countries based in Abu Dhabi established recently to promote culture and tourism in UAE.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Abu Dhabi

South Asia can weather economic crisis- ADB

South Asia can weather economic crisis- ADB

MANILA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- South Asian countries can weather the global financial crisis by taking both short- and long-term measures to stimulate their economies, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a study released on Monday.
The study, titled The Impact of the Global Economic Slowdown on South Asia, said that the sub region has been hit by capital outflows and weaker commodity prices, and faces a sharp slowdown in exports and remittances as the global troubles worsen.
A number of short-term measures have been taken to cushion the impact of the crisis, including monetary easing and fiscal stimulus packages, said the report, adding that there is further room for interest rate reductions, particularly in India and Sri Lanka