Sri Lankan journalists tour to Pakistan

Sri Lankan journalists tour to Pakistan
Chandan Wijekoon from Pakistan

"During the third day of the tour we went to Lahor. Lahor which is people friendly city in pakistan. there situation is tourist friendly." says www our special correspndant Chandana wijekoon over the phone to www.newsonline24.blogspot.com

Here is the Chandan's report

Sri lanka journalists visited important places and TV channels stations in Pakistan.Also they paid tribute to the memorial pillar of late leader of Pakistan Mohomad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan . He is the Father of the pakistan .



Journalists went from Karachchi to lahor by internal flight spending one and half hour.

Sri lanka journalists visitedd two main TV channels stations in Pakistan and had mutual discussions with the pakistan Media personls.

During the third day of the tour the team went to Lahor. Lahor which is people friendly city in pakistan. there situation is tourist friendly.

Sri lankan journalists team paid a visit to Art Council in Lahore.Director of the Art Council said they give helpinghand for the youths to prompote their talent the field of art.
Amidst prevailing crisis in pakistan implements youth of promotional programs are praiseworthy.
Then our team visited India -Pakistan border (wagha border)in Panjab. We able to view the ceremonial closer of Indian Pakistan border gate.

Wagha Border, the Flag Lowering Ceremony is an impressive and exciting ceremony that takes place every day at the Pakistan-Indian border at Wagha, 29 kms far from Lahore. The ceremony begins with the handshake of the captains of the two countries, followed by a fierce martial and war like drill. Watch this unique

ceremony which will thrill and excite you. You will never forget it.

Tissa nominated for RSF Award

Tissa nominated for RSF Award

The Paris based media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has nominated journalist J. S. Tissainayagam for an award for his principled stand and attitude displayed to support freedom of information.

Pakistani govt. not involved in Mumbai attacks, US trusts Pakistan’s cooperation pledge:White House

World news Pakistani govt. not involved in Mumbai attacks, US trusts Pakistan’s cooperation pledge:White House

WASHINGTON, Dec 1 (APP): The White House on Monday reposed its full confidence in Pakistan’s anti-terrorism resolve as well as its promise to cooperate with India in investigating the Mumbai attacks as it worked towards calming down of tensions between the two South Asian nuclear armed neighbors.

Press Secretary Dana Perino welcomed Pakistan’s pledge to cooperate in the investigation as a “good and positive step” and also said she has not heard anything suggesting the Pakistani government’s involvement in last week’s tragic events in Mumbai. “I have heard nothing that says that the Pakistani government was involved,” she stated in response to a question in the context of Indian insinuations of a Pakistani link to the attacks.

Pakistan again offers joint investigation on Mumbai incident

Pakistan again offers joint investigation on Mumbai incident

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday while again condemning the Mumbai incident, extended its offer to India to help in the investigation process to unearth the culprits behind this incident. Giving a policy statement Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi strongly condemned the incident and said no justification could be given for such a horrendous act.

The Foreign Minister said cooperate with India in investigation Pakistan was willing to fully of the Mumbai attacks.

He termed terrorism a major challenge of the times and said it was common enemy that needed to be tackled through joint efforts.

The attackers "non-state actors says President Zardari

World News-The attackers "non-state actors says presidnet Zardari

The terrorists who attacked India's financial capital had no links to any government, Pakistan's president said Monday amid claims that at least one of the gunmen belonged to a banned Pakistani militant group.

President Asif Ali Zardari called the attackers "non-state actors," and warned against letting their actions lead to greater enmity in the region.

Tensions between Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority India flared after the attacks last week in Mumbai that killed at least 172 people and wounded 239 others.

"Such a tragic incident must bring opportunity rather than the defeat of a nation," Zardari said in an interview with Aaj television. "We don't think the world's great nations and countries can be held hostage by non-state actors."

A top Indian police officer said Sunday that the only gunman captured after the attacks said he belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani militant group with links to the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir

Pakistan Government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region-Sherry Rehman

World News Pakistan Government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region- Sherry Rehman- Minister for Information and Broadcasting

ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman hoped here on Monday that political leaders would succeed in evolving a consensus strategy to tackle the situation confronting the country in the wake of Mumbai mayhem. Talking to ARY ONEWORLD she said All Parties Conference being held on Tuesday would reflect country’s democratic and political stability and it is hoped that democratic forces would give a unanimous decision on how to face the situation . She said a unanimous policy to deal with the situation would prove the supremacy of democracy . Thus far politicians have worked with responsibility. She said APC would show the true character of the country as a responsible nation. Lauding the role of media she urged them not to create unnecessary hype.Pakistan’s interests should be kept supreme, she added. To a question she said the government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region. Some allies and leaders already agree with the government’s viewpoint. Source:High Commission of Colombo

President meets Pope

President meets Pope


President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI when he visited the Vatican this morning (December 1) and appraised the Pope about current developments in Sri Lanka, especially the clearing of the Madhu Shrine from terrorists, restoring it and making it possible for the faithful to worship there.

Pope Benedict expressed a keen interest in the developments in Sri Lanka and the measures taken by the Government to provide humanitarian assistance to those who have been temporarily displaced and restore democratic freedoms. The Pope also expressed concern about the spread of terrorism in the region and the need for a more concerted effort internationally to eliminate terrorism, wherever it may occur.


Later, President Rajapaksa met with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and briefed him about the successes in the military operations in the North and told him how the LTTE is holding civilians as buffers in areas they control. The President also assured him that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the safety of civilians.

China assures full support to Pakistan

China assures full support to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP): China has assured full moral, financial and material support to Pakistan in the wake of situation arose after terrorist attacks in Mumbai (India). China in a message to Pakistan’s top slot said that the country would assist Pakistan in any situation to overcome the problems and challenges being faced by it.
The Chinese leadership is in constant contact with Pakistan to know the nature of assistance the latter requires and ensure its immediate availability.
However, according to officials sources, Pakistan is self-sufficient in defence and it is impossible for any state of the world to harm the country.
They said Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force are well equipped to protect the homeland.

Pakistan president Zardari assures India of full cooperation in investigating Mumbai terror attacks

President Zardari assures India of full cooperation in investigating Mumbai terror attacks

President Asif Ali Zardari has assured India of Pakistan’s full cooperation in investigating the Mumbai Terror attacks. But let the evidence come to light and investigation take its course, he said. Speaking at Karan Thapar’s ‘Devil’s Advocate’ programme, Zardari said there was miscommunication with India over sending ISI Director General to India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during a telephonic talk with him yesterday, had requested for sending “Director”.
“There was a miscommunication... We had announced that a Director will come from my side.. That is what was requested by the Prime Minister and that is what we agreed,” he said.
“It is too early for the Director Generals to meet at the moment. Let the evidence come to light, let the investigations take its course. Then perhaps there is a position where the Directors General could meet,” Zardari said.

Source: High Commission office in Colombo

Good relations with India in Pakistan’s interest: Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

Good relations with India in Pakistan’s interest: Foreign Minister Qureshi

Indian government has yet not provided any evidence to Pakistan regarding the Mumbai incident
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that good relations with India is in the interest of Pakistan. In an interview with CNN, he said “The government feels good neighborly relations with India are in the interest of Pakistan”.
“Pakistan has said the premier intelligence agency will cooperate with India in probing the Mumbai incident as our hands are clean we have nothing to hide and nothing to be a shamed of”, the Minister said
Shah Mahmmood Qureshi said Pakistan itself is the victim of terrorism and both the countries can jointly defeat menace of terrorism.
To a question the Minister said Indian government has yet not provided any evidence to Pakistan regarding the Mumbai incident.
Qureshi said Pakistan would take action against a groups or individuals if Indian government provided proof or evidence against them.

Sri lanka journalists team leaving for Pakistan on a special media tour

A team of Sri Lanka journalists leaving for Pakistan on a special media tour

A team of Sri Lanka journalists comprising seven journalists left for Pakistan yesterday (30thNov.) evening.
This tour has been organized by Pakistan High commission office in Colombo in Sri Lanka.

This media group will visit cultural, historical and tourist places ,media instutets in Pakistan. And they will meet and discuses VIP’s of chamber of Commerce, political field and government officers in Pakistan.
Our special correspondent Mr. Chandana Wijekoon (picture) is accompanying in this tour. The reports submitted by him will be made available for our www.newsonline24.blogspot.com readers.

Today is World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day

Today(1st December) is the World AIDS Day, a day especially set aside for awareness creation on what is arguably the world's deadliest disease.
This is also an occasion to remember the victims of AIDS and to educate the general public on the causes of the disease as well as methods of prevention.

The World AIDS Day also focuses on generating a more understanding and sympathetic society regarding victims. It is estimated that over 33 million people live with HIV/AIDS the world over, with 90% of reported cases being in developing countries. Over 2.1 million children under the age of 15 are said to be living with HIV/AIDS. It is also estimated that at least 4000 Sri Lankans live with AIDS

President mahinda rajapaksa arrived in ROME

Sri Lanka President arrived ROME

President Mahinda Rajapaksha arrived for oneday visit to Rome in Italy on 30th. SriLankan Ambassador Mr.Hemantha Warnakulasooriya welcome President and Madam Shiranthi Rajapakshe at Fumicino Intenational Airport. Foreign Minister Mr.Rohitha Bogollagama, Mrs.Warnakulasooriya also in the pictures

Presidnet meet XVI Pope Benedict

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to meet XVI Pope Benedict at the Vatican today (01) at 9.00 pm Sri Lankan time during the brief visit to Italy.

H.E. The President will leave on a four day official visit to Turkey afterwards.(PIX: Sudth Silva)

USA extended the ban on LTTE

USA extended the ban on LTTE

US extended the ban on LTTE for five more years since it considers it as a terror organization.US first banned LTTE in 1997 and it was extended in 2003 for fivemore years until 2008. US State Department has informed the Colombo US ambassador that the ban will be effect until 2013.India also banned LTTE for two years recently.

TMVP boycotts All Party Conference

TMVP boycotts All Party Conference

Tamil People's Liberation Tigers (TMVP) has decided to boycott future meetings of All Party Conference in protest of the rapid increase of killings in the Eastern province charging that the government is responsible for the situation.

TMVP Secretary E. Kaileswararajah has informed this decision i writing to the Chairman of the All Party Representative Committee Thissa Vitharana.

Previously Karuna Amman participated in the deliberations of the All Party Representative Committee but the TMVP says that his future participations will not be party representation.

Maharashtra Chief minister also resign

Maharashtra Chief Minister also resign

Vilasrao Deshmukh said he was awaiting a Congress party decision. His deputy, RR Patil, has already resigned.

Correspondents say there are calls for more resignations amid questions over whether all the gunmen have been found.

Attackers with guns and bombs targeted multiple locations from Wednesday, killing at least 172 people.

On Monday, Mumbai began to return to normal with markets and schools open and heavy traffic on the streets.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief minister resign

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister resign

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Monday to own up moral responsibility for the Mumbai terror siege that killed at least 183 people.

"Patil tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in the morning owning up moral responsibility for the Mumbai attack," Patil's aide said.

"He has gone by his conscience and decided to step down," the aide said.

Patil, who was also the state Home Minister, had drawn flak for his remark that "small incidents like this do happen in big cities," a reference to the Mumbai terror attack that began on Wednesday and went on till Saturday.

Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil resigns

Indian Home minister Shivraj Patil, under tremendous criticism over a spate of terrorist attacks in the country since last year, has resigned from his post in the wake of the Mumbai terror strikes. Patil has said that he felt obliged to take "moral responsibility" for the brutal attacks in Mumbai, an official government source said.

Finance minister P Chidambaram will take over as the new home minister and the finance ministry will now be under the direct charge of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

National Security Advisor Narayanan also resigns

India’s National Security Advisor, M.K. Narayanan handed in his resignation today following the lead of Minister of Home Affairs Shivraj Patel. Both faced heavy criticism for the handling of the Mumbai terrorist situation as well as previous terror attacks hitting a string of major Indian cities.

Sri lanka Army captured kokavil

Sri lanka Army captured kokavil

After 28 years Army gained full control over this area
Troops of Sri Lanka Army 57 division today (Dec 1) reached long awaited milestone on1 their march into terrorist dens in Wanni with the liberation of the Kokavil town.

According to the battlefield sources, troops launched an offensive early last morning extending their forward boundaries towards east of the A-9 (Jaffna-Kandy) road. Infantrymen of the 57 division first reached the A-9 at a location few kilometers north of the Kokavil town and then turned the thrust southwards destroying all remaining LTTE strongholds down to Mankulam.

This is the first time after 28 years Army gained full control over this area, the sources added.

Floods subside in Jaffna; Security forces lend humanitarian assistance

Floods subside in Jaffna; Security forces lend humanitarian assistance

Heavy floods that affected the Jaffna peninsula last week have started subsiding. Sea transport that was suspended due to the adverse weather conditions is expected to resume today. According to official reports, 118,273 people belonging to 32,026 families have been displaced by floods.

The worst affected DS divisions are Jaffna, Uduvil, Delft, Kopay and Karaveddi.

"To provide immediate relief services Rs 11 million has been allocated. The Ministry is ready to provide further assistance if required" said, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

The Sri Lanka Army on the instructions of Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, continues to provide assistance to those affected. As the floods are subsiding the Road Development Authority with the assistance of the Army has started repairing the Pannai coastway that connects Kayts Islands with the mainland.

Meanwhile, a boat service is being operated to transport people between the islands and the inland.

Presidnet Zardari calls Prime Minister Manmohan, assures Pakistan’s cooperation

Presidnet Zardari calls Prime Minister Manmohan, assures Pakistan’s cooperation

President Asif Ali Zardari called the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on telephone Friday and condemned the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Talking to the Indian Prime Minister President Asif Ali Zardari said that he was appalled and shocked over the tragedy, which he said had opened up his own wounds as Shaheed Mohtarma Bhutto had also fallen prey to the militants and terrorists.

He said that non state actors wanted to force upon the governments their own agenda but they must not be allowed to succeed.

The President said, “We should not fall into the trap of the militants.”

The President said the government will cooperate with India in exposing and apprehending the culprits and the master minds behind the attacks.

President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed to the Indian Prime Minister his heartfelt condolences and of the people of Pakistan over the loss of innocent lives in the attacks and urged him to convey his feelings to the members of the bereaved families.

Sourse: High CVommission of Colombo

President Zardari rejects claims of Pakistan’s involvement in Mumbai terrorist attacks

President Asif Ali Zardari rejecting the claims of Pakistan’s involvement in Mumbai terrorist attacks, said Friday Pakistan could neither gain anything not the democratic government believed in such tactics.“Currently, India was also facing security challenges on domestic front”, the President said while talking to German Ambassador Dr. Michael Koch, who called on him here.

President Zardari condemned the incident and informed the Germany envoy that he had spoken to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh over telephone to offer Pakistan’s assistance in the investigations, according to a foreign office statement issue here.

The German Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and sincerity towards normalizing relations with India and in this regard referred to the President’s courageous interview to the Indian media as well as the mature and constructive statement of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is in India, in the wake of Mumbai terrorist incidents.

The President informed about Pakistan’s efforts towards building bridges with Afghanistan and in this regard highlighted his upcoming visit to Afghanistan and visit to Turkey to attend the trilateral Summit.

The President and the German envoy exchanged views on the state of bilateral relations, terrorism and extremism in the region and Pakistan‑India relations.

In the context of terrorism, the President reminded that the roots of the current situation lay in the efforts of some countries to militarily defeat the Soviet forces in Afghanistan without an exit strategy.

He emphatically mentioned that the germs of terrorist elements were not produced in security agencies’ labs in Pakistan but they were created overseas and transferred to this region.

The President expressed profound gratitude for Germany’s support at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum, IMF’s financial plan for Pakistan and the understanding that German Government has displayed towards Pakistan’s difficulties.

He mentioned that opting for the IMF package was an extremely difficult decision for the government under the prevailing circumstances. The people of Pakistan have high hopes with the democratic government and needed something tangible for themselves, he added.

The President said that he though inherited the economic problems but these were now his problems and he was fully resolved to solve them.

He mentioned that unlike other parties the Pakistan People’s Party was the voice of the voiceless people, which constituted 86% of Pakistan’s population.

People are in dire need of instant gratification from democracy which he realizes and was fully committed to bring prosperity to the people. His initiative of Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum (FDPF) is a manifestation of his efforts to that end.

“In his concept, FDPF is to become a more encompassing forum”, the President said and added it is his intension to get India and some other regional countries also on board in the larger interest of security, stability and prosperity of the region.

The President also informed about his plan of national reconciliation, which included his interactions with the people of FATA and Balochistan. He was confident to achieve this objective.

Pakistan to send ISI chief to India

Pakistan to send ISI chief to India

Pakistan has nothing to hide, says Pakistan PM Gilani

“Preliminary investigations point towards Karachi”

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday extended Pakistan’s support to India in jointly combating extremism and terrorism and offered to send its intelligence chief to help with Mumbai investigation. Prime Minister Gilani telephoned his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh and strongly condemned the acts of terrorism in Mumbai.

The Prime Minister expressed sympathy on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan with Indian Prime Minister, Congress leader Ms. Sonia Gandhi, people of India and the families of those who lost their near and dear ones in “the unfortunate incidents of barbarism.”

Gilani termed the incident “inhuman and condemnable from all aspects.”

He said Pakistan too was a victim of terrorism and appreciated the fact that Indian Prime Minister was the first one to telephone him after the Marriott hotel blast.

“Dr. Singh told the Prime Minister that preliminary reports point towards Karachi and stressed the need for increased intelligence sharing and cooperation in order to evolve a joint strategy against terrorism and extremism,” a press release from the PM House said.

Dr. Singh requested the Prime Minster to send DG ISI to India for exchange of information in this regard.

The Prime Minister accepted the request and said that after working out modalities by both the governments, the ISI chief will visit India at the earliest, the press release said.

The Prime Minister also extended his government’s full support for jointly combating extremism and terrorism and also offered help in investigating the incident.

Inter-Services Intelligence chief coming to India at the earliest

Inter-Services Intelligence chief coming to India at the earliest

In a move that unambiguously signalled its eagerness to defuse the tensions with India over the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan on Friday took the extraordinary decision to send the head of its Inter-Services Intelligence to New Delhi at the earliest for “an exchange of information” about the attacks.

The Director-General of the ISI is a serving Lieutenant-General in the Pakistan Army. The office is presently held by Ahmed Shuja Pasha.

He took charge of the ISI last month after a reshuffle in the top echelons of the Army. His visit would be the first by the head of Pakistan’s top intelligence agency to what it has historically projected as dushman humsaaya, Urdu for “enemy neighbour.”

Endgame in Mumbai, death toll could be 200

Endgame in Mumbai, death toll could be 200


Even as the special forces and the police succeeded in freeing 200 people who were holed up inside the Oberoi and Trident Hotels for the third day, four Israeli and United States nationals held hostage in a south Mumbai Jewish religious centre were found dead when commandos stormed the building late on Friday evening.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterates Pakistan’s cooperation to investigate Mumbai terror attacks

Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterates Pakistan’s cooperation to investigate Mumbai terror attacks

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s cooperation to India for investigating the Mumbai terror incidents.Addressing at India Women Press Corps here Friday night, he said Pakistan had offered cooperation to India at all levels including sharing of information between intelligence agencies of both the countries to counter menace of terrorism.

He said it is a difficult moment for India but there is a need to avoid blame game of the past. “We should demonstrate statesmanship to wriggle out of this situation,” he added.

Qureshi said both countries had passed sixty years in acrimony and confrontation which caused loss to both countries.

Expressing sympathies on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan to Indian side, he said Pakistan wanted to strengthen institutional arrangement of anti‑terrorism mechanism by sharing the information.

Pakistan was ready to cooperate with India

It had also offered establishing hotlines between Chiefs of Intelligence Agencies and National Security Advisers as terrorism was not a Pakistan’s problem only. “It is regional and global curse,” he added.

Foreign Minister said : “In this situation, I understand compulsions of the Indian government including holding elections and others but at this stage we should not give value judgment or jump to the conclusions,”.

“We should not give knee jerk reactions,” he said adding in the past insinuations on Samjhauta Express blasts were also witnessed. Later, an Indian army serving officer Lt. Col. Shrikant Purohit was named as one of the accused in the Samjhauta blasts case.

He said cities of Pakistan also witnessed to such barbaric acts and Pakistan was dealing them on daily basis.

Negative elements were present in both the countries, he said adding there were incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, but Islamabad did not involve in blame game.

He said present elected government had adopted a zero‑tolerance policy towards these elements and Pakistan’s security forces were engaged in eliminating them.

To a question on Indian Prime Minister’s request to send ISI Chief to India to share information on Mumbai blasts, he said Pakistan was ready to cooperate with India in this regard.

He said he would discuss with President Asif Zardari about this matter and whatever was required, would be considered.He said India could trust Pakistan and Islamabad was keen to move forward sincerely in sharing information on this account.

Pakistan president Zardari calls Sonia,condemns terrorism mumbai

Pakistan President calls Sonia, condemns terrorism in mumbai

ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday telephoned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to condemn the terrorist attacks in Bombay(Mumbai) that killed scores and injured hundreds.The President termed the killing of the innocent a detestable act and condemned the attacks in strongest possible terms. The President said militancy and extremism in all its forms and manifestations had to be eliminated and all countries need to cooperate with each other in this regard. The President asked Sonia Gandhi to convey his grief and sorrow to the people of India and to the families of those who lost their loved ones.

Pakistan Presidnet and PM Strongly condemn Mumbai terror attack

President, PM strongly condemn Mumbai terror incidents

ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai . President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani in their separate condolence messages addressed to their Indian counterparts expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in last night’s terrorist attacks.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I wish to express our deep shock and sorrow at last night’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai”, the President said in a message addressed to Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

He said, “the people of Pakistan join you in mourning the loss of so many precious lives. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family members of all those who have lost their lives or have been injured in these incidents.”

President Zardari said Pakistan strongly condemns these acts of terrorism. “Terrorism is a scourge of humanity, which needs to be rooted out”, he added.

Prime Minister Gilani in his message addressed to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was shocked to learn about the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai last night which have caused enormous loss of lives.

“Please accept our deepest condolences on these dastardly attacks” he said and added “such acts of violence and terrorism are totally unacceptable in any civilized society.”

The Prime Minister said the Government and people of Pakistan unequivocally and strongly condemn these heinous acts of terrorism.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration”, he added.

Sourse: High Commission Office of Colombo

Canadian Authorities stop LTTE Suicide Bombers' Day celebrations - Toronto

Canadian Authorities stop LTTE Suicide Bombers' Day celebrations - Toronto

Canadian authorities acting on information provided by Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates in Toronto have stopped the main Suicide Bombers' Day celebrations organized by the LTTE supporters Nov 27TH MORNING.

According to a reliable source in Canada, members of the terrorist outfit have organized the event in grand scale at Parsons Convention Centre at Brampton, Toronto. The event has been scheduled to be commenced around 7 AM (Canadian Time) with the participant listening to the annual suicide bombers day speech by terrorist chief V. Prbhakaran, the sources added.

"The organizers have put up huge video screens, heavy sound systems, and a satellite connection to air the terrorist leaders' speech", our source said.

The sources added that the organizers have expected a couple of thousands of Tamils to participate for the event.

India has no intention of lifting the ban on Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers, official sources said Friday.

India has no intention of lifting the ban on Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers, official sources said Friday.

The sources were responding to a plea to this effect that Velupillai Prabhakaran, the founder leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), made Thursday evening as part of his annual speech.

The sources, speaking to IANS on the condition of anonymity, said the question of acceding to the request did not arise since the ban, first imposed in 1992, had been extended for another two years only now.

India was the first country to outlaw the LTTE, which is fighting for a separate homeland to be carved out of Sri Lanka's northeast, following the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Since then, several countries have followed suit.

In his Nov 27 address from an undisclosed destination, Prabhakaran said that he wanted to"build a constructive relationship" with India, which he described as a "superpower".

Chennai to hold the second cricket Test against England instead of Mumbai (4:00 pm)

Chennai to hold the second cricket Test against England instead of Mumbai (4:00 pm)

Supreme Court directs President to takeover Petroleum Ministry

Supreme Court directs President to takeover Petroleum Ministry

The Supreme Court today (Nov. 28th) directed President Mahinda Rajapaksa to takeover the Petroleum Ministry from Minister A. H. M. Fowzie and to consider appointing another minister.

The SC also ordered the immediate suspension of Asantha de Mel as chairman of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva considered petitions filed by chief incumbent of Nalandarama Vihara, Nugegoda Ven. Theeniyawala Palitha Thera, Laugfs Gas chairman W.K.L. Wegodapitiya, UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake and legal coordinator of 'Corruption Watch' attorney Ravi Jayawardena.

The petitioners claimed their fundamental rights have been violated due to the non-reduction of local fuel prices in line with world market prices.

The SC directed the CPC to suspend controversial hedging payments to banks until a probe by the finance board of Central Bank into the matter is over.

The court also ordered the Treasury to submit a report within a week on the possibility of reducing local fuel prices.

The SC blamed authorities for having appointed an unqualified person, who had even not passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to a responsible position like the CPC chairmanship, and said the ministers who had protected such a person should be exposed.

Ranil lauds India's conduct over terror attacks

Much can be learnt from the conduct of the Indian government, which left no scope for an outburst of racism, opposition leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Speaking in Parliament today (Nov. 28th), Mr. Wickremesinghe lauded the Indian government on its conduct in the aftermath of the attacks without letting extremists to go on rampage, and strongly condemned the terrorist act.

He also emphasized the need for political solutions to defeat terrorism.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama said that it was extremely important for the government and the opposition to join hands in order to

Vaiko urges Delhi to help establish Eelam

India's MDMK leader Vaiko has urged the New Delhi central government to help establish an independent Tamil Eelam, saying it was not a threat to India but in fact a vital form of security, said Tamilnet. He was delivering the keynote address at Remembrance Day ceremony, attended by around 40,000 people, in London yesterday (Nov. 27th).

Whilst the Tamils in Sri Lanka are allies of India, the Sinhalese are hostile to India, he said, adding that a Sinhala-dominated Sri Lanka would certainly be a threat to India, said the website.

Several British MPs also addressed the event.