Poll results do not portray true mandate - Somawansa

Poll results do not portray true mandate - JVP Leader Somawansa
JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said today that the Provincial Council Poll results do not portray the true mandate or opinion of people.

Ranjan gets highest preferences

Ranjan gets highest preferences
UNP Chief Ministerial Candidate Ranjan Ramanayake got 130,258 preferences in Ratnapura while UPFA Chief Ministerial Candidate Mahipala Herath got 98,120 preferences in Kegalle at the Saturday’s PCs elections.

President says Victory for motherland

President says Victory for motherland

The governing United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) emerged victorious at Saturday’s North Central and Sabaragamuwa provincial council elections and President Mahinda Rajapaksa termed it as a “victory for the motherland.”

The UPFA has secured 20 seats with 307,457 votes in the North Central Province and 25 seats in Sabaragamuwa polling 472,789 votes while the main opposition UNP polled 205,284 in the North Central Province getting 12 seats and 346,321 votes in Sabaragamuwa getting 17 seats.

The JVP was only able to obtain 26,738 votes in the North Central Province obtaining one seat and 19,068 votes in Sabaragamuwa winning two seats.

“I see the convincing victory by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) at the elections to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils held yesterday as a victory for all our people who love our motherland.

“It is an election where the country has won. While thanking the people of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, and Kegalle Districts and all others, who contributed to this victory, I call upon them to enjoy their success in peace,” an elated Presdient Rajapaksa said.

“I express my humble gratitude for the new people’s mandate given to the “Mahinda Chinthana” through the free and fair election held yesterday.

“There is no doubt that public opinion represented in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces is the opinion of the entire country. While the majority of our people have been able to defeat the many vicious efforts of forces that were ranged against the country, the strength and morale that our heroic troops will receive from this victory in their battles to finally end the bloody terrorism from our country is immeasurable.

“My government and I give foremost place to the country, and its people. This public mandate has given greater strength and courage to expedite and energise our march to protect the country and awaken the people.

“I repeat the plea I made to you in the Presidential Election of 2005 to help build a country that is free of the differences of political party, colour and all such differences.

I wish to state that the door remains open for those who have delayed to join us on that march,” the President added.

UPFA won Polonnaruwa

UPFA 6 seats and UNP 4 seats. JVP no any seat in Polonnaruwa District

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won the Polonnaruwa district in the North Central Provincial Council Election with 107910 (six seats), United National Party with 63265 (4 Seats) while Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) with 7381. No any seat for JVP.

North Centrel and Sabaragagamuva Provincial Council Election Results

North Centrel and Sabaragagamuva Provincial Council Election Results

http://222.165.136.67/ncs_elections_2008/

Minister's brother assaults JVP MP Subasingha-Serious injured

JVP MP S.K. Subasinghe was assaulted around 5.15 this afternoon (Aug. 23rd) when he visited Galthambarawa polling centre in Polonnaruwa to inquire into a dispute there.
He had received information that UPFA supporters had prevented his party's representative at the booth from leaving the place.
When Mr. Subasinghe had attempted to mediate, he was assaulted by a group led by Minister Maithripala Sirisena's brother Chaminda.
The JVP MP has been admitted to Polonnaruwa Hospital with serious injuries.

Provicial Council poll turnout between 65 - 70 pc

Voting to elect representatives to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils closed at 4.00 pm today (Aug. 23rd), with a turnout of between 65 and 70 percent, said the Elections Secretariat.The sealed ballot boxes are being transported to counting centres by now, while the counting of postal votes is underway.

The EC expects to release the first result by 2.00 am tomorrow.

The special poll monitoring coordinating unit said the election had been relatively peaceful.

However, the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence said it has received 43 complaints, including 24 serious incidents.

Its co-convener Uvindu Kulakurasuriya said considering the serious nature of pre-poll violence and the terror situation that ensued, this election could not be considered a free and fair one.

Meanwhile, R. Yogarajan of the Ceylon Workers' Congress allege that around 10,000 Tamil estate workers were denied their vote due to national identity card being made compulsory at the polls

Why having an extra wife may lead to a longer life

The key to a long life could be as simple as getting a second wife.

Research suggests that men from polygamist cultures live 12 per cent longer than those who limit their affections to one woman at a time.

It is thought men benefit from having a fuss made over them by a gaggle of women.
They may also better care of themselves into old age when they have a large family to feed, this week's New Scientist reports.

Sheffield University researchers uncovered the 'benefits' of polygamy by scrutinising World Health Organisation data on marriage practices and on life span.

The analysis shows that men who live in countries where it is common to have more than one wife tend to outlive their monogamous counterparts.

The finding took into account a country's economic situation to minimise the effect of better nutrition and healthcare in monogamous Western nations.

It is thought that the pressure of having to provide for a big families may lead to men taking better care of their bodies and their health. They may also benefit from the care and attention of several wives.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1047659/Why-having-extra-wife-lead-longer-life.html

Army recovers suicide jackets and detonators at Colombo

Sri lanka Army recovers accessories for suicide jackets and 19 detonators from a Church at Pettah in Colombo today at 8Am military spokesman said .

Susanthika fails to enter finals

Susanthika fails to enter finals

Susanthika Jayasinghe failed to enter the finals of the women’s 200m event at the Beijing Olympics 2008.She clocked 22.98 seconds coming seventh in the first semi finals a short while ago .

Susanthika qualifies and Nadeeka fails for the Olympic semifinals

Susanthika qualifies and Nadeeka fails for the semifinals

Susanthika Jayasinghe was placed third in the second round of heats moments ago at the Olympics in Beijing. She clocked a time of 22.94 seconds and qualified for the semifinals in the Women’s 200m.But Nadeeka Lakmali fails to qualify for the final round in the Javelin throw at the Beijing Olympics.

Magistrate ordered IGP to arrest Minister Mervyn

Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered IGP to arrest Minister Mervyn Silva and 3 others immediately in connection with the Sirasa incident.

Army captures Tiger training base

The Army captured an LTTE training base at Andankulam in Welioya last evening. The base included 100 under ground bunkers, several buildings and a cemetery.

Air Force attack LTTE locations

Air Force Jets attacked an LTTE bunker line 8 km east of Nachikudah this morning. The Air Force says the attack was carried out in suport of ground troops of the 58th Division.

IFJ demands Sri Lankan President to end Minister's anti-media campaign

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demanded immediate intervention by Sri Lanka's President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, to order an end to Labour Minister Mervyn Silva's anti-media campaign of interrogation and violence against Sirasa TV.

According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, Minister Silva reportedly organized a protest with about 100 people outside the Sirasa TV station in Colombo on August 11 to call for a ban on the broadcaster.

Sirasa TV has consistently reported on a series of verbal and physical attacks by Silva against journalists, most notably a violent confrontation between the Minister and the news director of the state-run Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) in December 2007.

More recently, Silva assaulted journalist Thushara Saliya Ranawaka and video cameraman Waruna Sampath, on August 4 while they were reporting on a bridge opening in Kelaniya. Silva’s verbal threats against them were recorded on a camera, which was reportedly confiscated by the Minister.

Political observers say the minister is emboldened by the support of President Rajapaksa and his government turning a blind eye to his roguish behavior. They say the minister brings the party to disgrace by his thuggish actions.

Chinthana tops "C" category in weightlifting

Chinthana tops "C" category in weightlifting


Sri Lanka's premier weight lifter Chinthana Geethal Vidanage was the most successful competitor of Group "C" of the Olympic weightlifting under 69 Kg category.

Chinthana had an aggregate of 293 kilograms in the 'snatch' and 'clean and jerk', which is a newSri Lankan record.

Chinthana, who clinched the gold medal in 62 kg weight lifting event at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 in Australia also set up three records at the 33rd National Sports Meet held recently.

Chinthana was born in Polonnaruwa on the 31st of December 1981 and began his weight lifting career in 1996 when he was placed fifth at the Junior Weight-Lifting Nationals.

The Category A and B events are yet to be worked out

Police ordered to arrest suspects

A Colombo Magistrate yesterday ordered the police to arrest all suspects involved in the alleged assault on Sirasa photo journalists and the grabbing of their camera equipment in Kelaniya recently.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Thilakarane made the order after the Peliyagoda Police told court that they had recorded statements from the complainant Waruna Sampath and several other eye witnesses to the incident that took place during the opening of the second stage of the flyover .

According to the complainant a team of journalists headed by Waruna Sampath had visited the venue to cover the opening ceremony on an invitation made by Highways Ministry Media Secretary Shirantha Ellawala Premawardena by fax. The team of journalists comprised Waruna Sampath, his assistant cameraman Deeptha Ranasinghe and Provincial reporter Asela.

Air Force bomb Tiger locations

Air Force bomb Tiger locations

The Air Force said it had bombed a LTTE Supply base in Vishwamadu, Kilinochchi, a radar point at Nagasiwanturai, Poonaryn and an intelligence camp in Puthukuduirrippu, Mulaitivu both last night and this morning.

President visits Olympic villag

President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Beijing today (August 06) upon the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, scheduled to commence on August 8.

The President visited the Olympic Village and met the Sri Lankan team competing in the Games and wished the good luck at the forthcoming sports extravaganza.

Eight Sri Lankan athletes will compete in six sports in the 29th 2008 Summer Olympics which will continue until Augst 24.

UN wants SB's civic rights restored

UN wants SB's civic rights restored

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) of the United Nations has called for the restoration of the civic rights of S.B. Dissanayaka as well as the payment of compensation.

Traditional August Madhu feast cancelled

Traditional August Madhu feast cancelled

The traditional Madhu feast scheduled to be staged this month has been canceled, Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph said in a press statement. He said that the Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Madhu will be taken to its original place of Madhu Church and enthroned after due penitential and purification service.

Breakfast meeting between the Prime minister and the president of Afganistan

JOINT STATEMENT

Breakfast meeting between the Prime

Minister of Pakistan and the President of Afghanistan

Picture--Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Gillani

The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai met over breakfast today on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Colombo. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere.

The President and the Prime Minister recalled the strong bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Afghanistan and exchanged views on the common challenges facing the two countries in terms of dealing with terrorism and militancy.

Both sides agreed that there was a need for the two governments to engage on all issues across the board with a view to developing a common strategy to overcome the challenges posed to the security and stability of both countries by terrorism and extremism. The two sides agreed to coordinate their efforts to stop cross border terrorism.

Picture:President Karzai

The Prime Minister and the President decided that their respective Foreign Ministers will meet to prepare grounds for a framework for close and constructive engagement between the two countries to build confidence and develop a common strategy at the political, military and intelligence levels in collaboration with their coalition partners and NATO/ISAF.

The Prime Minister and the President also stressed the importance of closer bilateral engagement at the leadership level and, at Afghanistan’s suggestion, agreed that the engagement should also lead to expediting the process of convening the mini-Jirga, as soon as possible.

At the suggestion of Pakistan, the Afghan side agreed to re-engage on all bilateral and multilateral forums.

Nobel Prize-winning author Alexander Solzhenitsyn is no more

Alexander Solzhenitsyn is no more

Mr.Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning authorAlexander Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel Prize-winning author who shot to fame when he chronicled the horrors of the Soviet gulag system earning him 20 years of bitter exile, died late Sunday night (August 3) at the age of 89.

Beginning with the 1962 short novel "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", Solzhenitsyn devoted himself to describing what he called the human "meat grinder" that had caught him along with millions of other Soviet citizens: arrests for the most trivial or reasons followed by sentences to labor camps where cold, starvation and punishing work crushed inmates physically and psychologically.

His "Gulag Archipelago" trilogy of the 1970s left readers shocked by the savagery of the Soviet state under Josef Stalin and cultivated disenchantment regarding the Soviet Union among many leftist intellectuals, especially in Europe.


Although the West offered him shelter and showered him with accolades, Solzhenitsyn remained critical of Western culture for what he considered its weakness and decadence.

He returned to his native land After to undertake a 56-day train trip across Russia to become reacquainted with his native land but late expressed disappointment that most Russians hadn't read his book.

During the 1990s, his nationalist views, his Orthodoxy, his disdain for capitalism and disgust with the tycoons who bought Russian industries and resources for a song following the Soviet collapse, made him rapidly lose popular appeal among the emerging elite and he faded from public view.

Solzhenitsyn's vision of Russia as a bastion of Orthodox Christianity, as a place with a unique culture and destiny, saw resurgence however during the tenure of Vladimir Putin from 2002-2008.


Born Dec. 11, 1918, in Kislovodsk, Solzhenitsyn served as a front-line artillery captain in World War II. As the way drew to a close, he was arrested for writing what he called "certain disrespectful remarks" about Stalin in a letter to a friend, referring to him as "the man with the mustache." He served seven years in a labor camp in the barren steppe of Kazakhstan and three more years in internal exile in Central Asia.

That's where he began to write about the suffering and injustice of life in Stalin's gulag — a Soviet abbreviation for the slave labor camp system, which Solzhenitsyn made part of the lexicon.

He continued writing while working as a mathematics teacher in the provincial Russian city of Ryazan.

His "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", the story of a carpenter struggling to survive in a Soviet labor camp, where he had been sent, like Solzhenitsyn, after service in the war was published by order of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, who was eager to discredit the abuses of Stalin, his predecessor.

Outside the Soviet Union the book was acclaimed for its bravery and its unpretentious language.

After Khrushchev was ousted in 1964, Solzhenitsyn began facing KGB harassment, publication of his works was blocked and he was expelled from the Soviet Writers Union.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1970. The academy cited "the ethical force with which he has pursued the indispensable traditions of Russian literature."

Soviet authorities barred the author from traveling to Stockholm to receive the award and official attacks were intensified in 1973 when the first book in the Gulag trilogy appeared in Paris.

Solzhenitsyn spent his last years in the USA in Cavendish, Vermont, with his wife and sons where he worked on what he considered to be his life's work, a multi-volume saga of Russian history titled "The Red Wheel".

Solzhenitsyn was never enchanted by Western democracy, with its emphasis on individual freedom and dismayed many when hi his Harvard speech he decried "Western pluralistic democracy" as the model for all other nations. It was a mistake, he warned, for Western societies to regard the failure of the rest of the world to adopt the democratic model as a product of "wicked governments or by heavy crises or by their own barbarity or incomprehension."

Life Expectancy of Sri Lankans improves -- WHO

Life Expectancy of Sri Lankans improves -- WHO


According to a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) the life expectancy of both Sri Lankan males and females has increased by 10%.

The life expectancy of a female has gone up to 79 years compared with 69 years in 2004 and that of a male has gone up to 69 years as compared to 60 years in 2004.

According to Health Ministry sources the percentage of people who smoke is down to 7.1% when compared with 16.5 % smokers both male and female in 2005.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and the 'Mathata-Thitha 'programme is largely responsible for this significant drop, according to ministry sources while the improvement in life expectancy numbers is attributed to the Government's public health policy which has seen a general improvement in health standards.

15th SAARC DECLARATION

15th SAARC DECLARATION

SAARC calls for 'strongest cooperation' to wage war on terror

The 15th SAARC summit ended in Colombo on Sunday with calls by its eight member states to step up “strongest possible cooperation” against terrorism as well as to urgently develop regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines for energy security.
A declaration adopted by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the end of a two-day summit also warned that rising oil prices were threatening the hugely populous region's energy security as well as economic growth.
“They (SAARC leaders) stressed the urgent need to develop the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines,” it said. “They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-governmental framework may be explored to facilitate such endeavour.”
The declaration was unanimously approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other South Asian leaders at the closing event at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall.
The two-day event, which virtually shut down Colombo for three days, brought together Presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, Prime Ministers GP Koirala of Nepal, Jigmey Thinley of Bhutan and Yousaf Raza Gilani of Pakistan as well as Fakruddin Ahmed, chief advisor of the caretaker Bangladesh government.
As reflected in the speeches by SAARC leaders Saturday, the declaration placed great emphasis on the need to fight terrorism. It condemned “all forms of terrorist violence” and expressed deep concern over the “serious threat posed by terrorism to the region”.
The SAARC leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the legal regime against terrorism, including by undertaking to implement all international conventions relating to combating terrorism.
“They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime.”
The declaration observed that an effective and economic regional tele-communication regime “is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships”.
It also called for a uniformly applicable low tariff for international direct dial calls within South Asia.
The next meeting of the SAARC summit is scheduled to be held in the Maldives. The Maldives was to have hosted the 15th summit but backed off at the eleventh hour, enabling Sri Lanka to play the host.

Read 15th SAARC DECLARATION http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6621&Itemid=44

Terrorism biggest threat to South Asia's stability: Indian PM

Terrorism biggest threat to South Asia's stability

Terrorism is the biggest threat to South Asia's stability, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit (SARRC) on Saturday(02) in Colombo Sri Lanka."Terrorists and extremists don't know borders. We must act with determination to fight terrorism. We cannot lose the battle against ideologies of hatred," said Dr Singh.Dr Singh urged the SAARC countries to jointly act and battle the scourge with determination. "Terrorism continues to rear its ugly head," Singh said.

Terrorism was high on the agenda of the two-day summit being attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and leaders from Sri Lanka , Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.
Dr Singh is scheduled to meet Gilani to convey India's concerns over the Inter Services Intelligence links in the suicide bomb attack on Indian embassy in Kabul as also the recent ceasefire violations by the Pakistani forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh full speach readhttp://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6610&Itemid=44

Pakistan, India PMs discuss composite dialogue, bilateral relations

Pakistan, India PMs discuss composite dialogue, bilateral relations

A closed-door meeting between Pakisthan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Indian premier Manmohan Sindh ended on Saturday with an agreement to continue the peace process, diplomats said.

India Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said that during their meeting, “both prime ministers [Singh and Gilani] said we need to overcome (problems) and move forward”. He told reporters that Gilani had agreed to probe charges that Pakistani intelligence was behind the embassy suicide attack, AFP reported.Exchange: During their meeting, Gilani and Singh exchanged views on various issues, including the Indo-Pak composite dialogue, bilateral relations, trade and security.Following the meeting, which focused mostly on the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul, representatives of both countries provided their views.Gilani agreed to conduct an independent inquiry about Pakistani intelligence aiding the embassy attack, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee told media. This contradicted Gilani’s statement that the Indian premier had said that Pakistan had not been blamed for the attack.Meeting: Gilani also told reporters he would discuss the Indian embassy attack with Karzai on Sunday. “If they give me evidence, then we will look into the matter,” he added. The premier said he was meeting with both Singh and Karzai because Pakistan wants cordial relations with neighbors.

Sharing the leadership

Sharing the ledership

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in animated conversation with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after taking over the mantle of Chairmanship from the Indian leader during yesterday’s 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo. (Pic by Srilal Gomes)

Redouble collective efforts to combat terrorism – President to SAARC

Redouble collective efforts to combat terrorism – President to SAARC

President Mahinda Percival Rajapakse delivers the opening speech at the 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the BMICH in Colombo Saturday. Pic by Gemunu Wellage

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the opening session of the 15th SAARC Summit this morning (August 2) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, called on the South Asian leaders attending the summit to commit themselves and their countries to a more determined and concerted effort to collectively combat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation. He emphasized that it is the very interdependence which gave

birth to SAARC that has emerged as the crucial factor for durable peace and the protection of democratic values in the region.

In this regard, President Rajapaksa expressed the need to ensure strengthening regional legal mechanisms and intensifying intelligence sharing, in order to secure the region’s collective prosperity, peace and stability, in combating terrorism. He said it is also necessary that South Asia as a region, endeavour to set right the many wrong impressions that exist, or are promoted elsewhere, about the actions that are imperative to protect our people and societies from the brutalities of terrorism. Terrorism anywhere is terrorism and there are no good terrorists or bad terrorists, he emphasized.

Read full speach http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6606&Itemid=44

15th SAARC Summit

Calls for vicious cycles of economic growth, food security and regional cooperation on combating terrorism, dominated the 15th SAARC Summit, held amidst pomp, pageantry and unprecedented local and international security at the BMICH yesterday.

The Summit got underway with President Mahinda Rajapaksa who assumed the chairmanship of the eight nation grouping, exhorting the need for greater economic cooperation, which would help empower the vast majority of the regions 1.5 billion people who live in poverty.
Describing terrorism as "terrorism", where ever it may be, Rajapaksa thanked SAARC member countries for helping Sri Lanka combat the scourge of terror.

Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini

Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini

Sri Lanka and Nepal agreed today (August 1) to develop Lumbini as the most attractive and sacred tourist destination in the South Asia region during talks between the leaders of the two countries.

This was decided when Nepal's Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala who arrived in the island to take part the in 15th SAARC Summit to be held on August 2 and 3, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

This was the first bilateral between South Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. President Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that he had made this proposal many years ago when he was only a Member of Parliament.

The Nepali leader briefed President Rajapaksa about the development of the Lumbini Airport and its importance in developing tourism in the area.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gauthama,is held sacred by Buddhists all over the world.

President meets India Prime Minister

president meets India Prime Minister

President Mahinda Rajapaksa Meeting with Dr.Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India at Presidential Secretariat Colombo on 1st.(Pix by: Sudath Silva)

Dr.Manmohan Singh in Colombo

Manmohan Singh arrives

Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh arrived in Sri Lanka in this afternoon to take part in the 15th SAARC summit. warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ratnasiri Wickramanayake at the air port.

President meets Bhutan Prime Minister

President meets Bhutan Prime Minister

President Mahinda Rajapaksa Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigmi Y.Thinley at Presidential Secretariat in Colombo

Rajapaksha meets Koirala

President meets PM of Nepal

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a bilateral meeting with Girija Prasad Koirala Prime Minister of Nepal at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo short while ago.

Pics by Sudath Silva

SAARC LEADERS ARRIVE

SAARC leaders arrive


SAARC Leaders have begun arriving in Colombo following preliminary meetings of the respective Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Minister.
The Prime Minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley arrived at Colombo International Airport last night (July 31), while Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh arrived this morning.

The President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is due to arrive around 11.00 am. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Makhdoom Syed Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, are due to arrive in the afternoon.

Jayalalithaa fires salvo on Katchchathivu

Jayalalithaa fires salvo on Katchchathivu

Warns of court action if indian Government does not take back island

Tamil Nadu Opposition AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa Jeyaram yesterday threatened to challenge in the Indian Supreme Court the validity of the 1974 Indo-Sri Lanka pact handing over Katchchathivu Island to Sri Lanka if the UPA government failed to take action over the secession.
Quoting an Apex Court judgement in the Berubary union case on exchange of enclaves in Kutch with Pakistan, Ms. Jayalalithaa said according to the court ruling the ceding of Indian Territory to another country resulted in the “diminution of the territory of the union” and therefore should be endorsed by parliament through a constitutional amendment.
"Since no such step was taken by the Indira Gandhi government or any subsequent governments, the Dr Manmohan Singh government should seriously consider moving the Supreme Court to test the validity of conceding Katchchathiu to Sri Lanka. If the Prime Minister is not willing to do this, I will move the Supreme Court for a direction to the government of India to do so or pray that the Apex Court set aside the ceding of Kachchathivu to Sri Lanka by the Indira Gandhi Government', she said.
Ms. Jayalalithaa said her party had always held that the ceding of Katchchathivu, an uninhabited island, was a monumental blunder and had insisted that the attacks on Indian fishermen would cease only if the country got the islet back.
"But the Central Government has repeatedly turned a deaf ear to our many protests. It appears to care less about the problems of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people," she lamented.
Meanwhile about 80 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were allegedly assaulted by Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the Palk Strait, near Katchchathivu island, early last morning, the Indian media reported, quoting officials in Rameshwaram.
However Sri Lanka Navy spokesman, Commander D.K.P. Dassanayake, denied allegations of Navy involvement in the incident, adding that they had not received reports of any such incident up to last evening.
“We did not receive any reports of incidents involving Indian fishermen within Sri Lankan territorial waters today. We don’t know if such an incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters. If so, it could have been the work of the LTTE to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka during the SAARC Summit. The LTTE has done things like this before as well,” Commander Dassanayake said.
According to the Indian media, the incident occurred in the midst of protests staged by political parties in the Indian state – which have been going on for the past few weeks -- demanding that the Centre take up the issue of recurring incidents with the island nation and provide adequate security to Indian fishermen.
Quoting the fishermen, the officials said about 80 of them, sailing in 20 boats, were assaulted with clubs while they were fishing around Katchchathivu island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974.
Many fishermen had to abandon their boats and jump into the sea to escape the assault. They remained in the water for more than one hour, then got back into their boats and returned to shore.
The ruling DMK and many other political parties, including AIADMK, CPI and MDMK have held protests over similar incidents in the past.

Sri Lanka ranked in countries most hit by terror

SL ranked third in countries most hit by terror

Sri Lanka has been ranked third and Pakistan fourth in the list of countries most hit by terror in the second quarter of 2008, a report released by the Centre of Excellence - Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), a Turkey based anti-terror organisation, has said.

According to the report based on a worldwide research, a total of 2396 terrorist incidents occurred across the world during the said period, thereby killing a total of 4204 people and injuring 7614.
According to it, the ten countries most hit by terrorism in the second quarter of the year include Iraq with 857 terror incidents, Afghanistan with 334, Sri Lanka with 327, Pakistan with 216, India with 195, Somalia with 112, Turkey with 71, Thailand with 55, Nepal with 44, and Israel with 31 terror incidents.

South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism

South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism

Eight South Asian countries, most of which are facing violent insurgencies, agreed Thursday to pool efforts to fight terrorism, a Sri Lankan government minister said.
The decision came ahead of a weekend summit in the Sri Lankan capital at which India and Afghanistan are expected to put pressure on Pakistan to do more to combat the militancy that has rattled all three nations.
Foreign ministers from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation also approved draft agreements on Thursday on launching a regional development fund of US$307 million and a food bank amid skyrocketing food prices, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.
Pakistan is grappling with restive tribal regions along its border with Afghanistan, where fighting between insurgents and government troops intensified this week. The government in Kabul is facing a resurgent Taliban-led militancy, and a spate of bombings has hit India in recent weeks.
But cooperation in combatting terrorism is likely to face roadblocks amid accusations from India and Afghanistan that Pakistan may be behind recent violence, including a huge bombing outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7.
Indian and Afghan officials say their information indicates Pakistani involvement in the attack, which killed some 60 people. Afghan officials have repeatedly said Pakistan is not doing enough to crack down on militants and even accused the country's intelligence agency of supporting the insurgency. Pakistan denies the charges.
Recent exchanges of fire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the cease-fire line in the disputed Kashmir region have dampened relations between the two rivals.
The summit _ which represents one-fifth of the world's population and many of its most impoverished _ is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1985, it was set up to promote economic cooperation, but progress in most areas has been slow _ mainly because of the rivalry between India and Pakistan _ and it has often been derided as little more than a talking shop.
Nearly 19,000 police and soldiers have poured into the streets of Colombo and its suburbs to prevent attacks from Tamil rebels during the conference. The city's already tight web of checkpoints has increased and several major roads have been sealed off for the duration of the gathering.

LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army

LTTE violates unilateral ceasefire - Army

The Army says the LTTE violated the unilateral ceasefire announced to coincide with the SAARC Summit by firing at least 10 artillery rounds from Poonaryn to Muhamalai this morning injuring two soldiers.

SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit

SAARC foreign secretaries meet to prepare for Summit

The Standing Committee of the 15th SAARC summit constituting the Foreign Secretaries of the eight member states of SAARC will commence deliberations today on the key issues to be taken up at the main Summit to be held from August 2 to 3.
This is the 35th session of the SAARC Foreign Secretaries. The present chair of the Foreign Secretaries of SAARC nations, Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon wills formally handover the chairmanship to Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the meeting. The Foreign Ministers' meeting is to be held on July 31st and August 1st. The SAARC leaders will meet on August 2nd and 3rd. Four agreements including the topic of eliminating terrorism from the region are expected to be signed at the leader's summi which will also see the launching of a SAARC Development Fund.
Members from seven non-SAARC countries will also take part at the summit as observers. They are, the USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, Mauritius and European Union. Meanwhile, various functions including cultural shows have been organized in line with the SAARC Summit. Accordingly, a SAARC dancing show organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Heritage will commence from today to the 1st of August at thr Kularatne Hall in Ananda College, Colombo.

SAARC friendship Village Inauguration in nawalapitiya

SAARC Friendship Village Inauguration in - Nawalapitiya

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka. The picture shows from left to right : High Commissioner of Pakistan, Shahzad A Chaudhry , Ambassador of Nepal, Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Minister of Housing, Githanjana Gunawardena, Mrs. Deepthi Bogollagama, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama ceremonially inaugurated the SAARC Friendship Village in Nawalapitiya yesterday at the invitation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, to mark the holding of the 15th SAARC Summit by Sri Lanka.

The picture shows Foreign Minister Bogollagama unveiling the plaque to mark the event, flanked by the Bangladesh High Commissioner Shahdat Hossain and the Ambassador of Nepal Durga Prasad Bhattarai

SAARC top agenda for regional terrorism,food,securty energy

SAARC Top Agenda for Regional Terrorism, food ,security, energy

The 15th SAARC Summit which got off the ground in Colombo yesterday is set to adopt a series of measures with the main focus on a joint approach to combating terrorism, maximising energy and water resources, food security, poverty alleviation in addition to several other key issues concerning the region.

Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day’s deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.

Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.

The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.

15th SAARC summit begings in Colombo

15th SAARC summit

India approves document to ensure mutual cooperation in tackling crime
The stage is set for the eight nations SAARC Summit which begins in Colombo today with a two-day Programming Committee meeting and ending with a meeting of heads of State or governments on August 2 and 3.
The eight leaders will participate in the 15th Summit, the theme of which is "SAARC for Partnership for our People."
Besides, the member countries seven observer states- Japan, the United States, the European Union, China, South Korea, Iran and Mauritius will also attend the regional summit.
Meanwhile the Indian Cabinet on Thursday approved a document to ensure mutual cooperation among SAARC countries to deal with criminal matters. The approval for "brief for negotiation" to finalise the text of the SAARC convention was given at a Union Cabinet meet, Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
"The convention would provide a broad framework for SAARC member states to mutually cooperate and assist in the investigation and prosecution of crime and restraint and forfeiture of the proceeds and instruments of crime," he said.
The Cabinet also approved authorizing External Affairs Ministry to negotiate and finalize the text and for signing it during the SAARC summit in Colombo, he said.
Police on Thursday said 12,000 more police would be deployed to guard South Asian leaders, who will also have their own heavy securit during the summit.
Police deputy Inspector-General Nimal Mediwaka said the 12,000 men will reinforce soldiers, who will also deploy in strength ahead of the two-day SAARC leaders meeting starting on Aug 2.
“The heads of state will have their own security personnel to provide close protection,” said Mediwaka, who is responsible for security in the already tightly-guarded capital of 650,000 people. He said key roads in the city will be closed for normal traffic during the summit that will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India is reported to be bringing in thousands of troops as part of security for its Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will also travel within Sri Lanka in Indian military helicopters and bullet-proof cars.
New Delhi is sending war ships to anchor off Sri Lanka’s coast to evacuate its delegates in case of any closure of the island’s only international airport. The LTTE had announced a unilateral truce for the duration of the summit.