Sri Lanka Economic Growth Slows to 6.3% on Exports
Sri Lanka’s economic growth slowed last quarter as a global recession reduced demand for the nation’s tea, rubber and textile exports.
Gross domestic product expanded 6.3 percent from a year earlier, compared with 7 percent in the three months ended June 30, the statistics department said in Colombo today. Economists were expecting growth of 6.1 percent.
Sri Lanka’s central bank is adding cash into the economy to drive down interest rates and stimulate consumer demand to support growth. The effort may be negated by a downgrade of the country’s credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s yesterday, which can increase borrowing costs.
“Growth in services and the industrial sector may remain sluggish if high interest rates prevail,” said Bimanee Meepagala, an analyst at Eagle NDB Fund Management Co. “The main growth driver would be agriculture, driven by the liberated regions” from the Tamil Tiger rebels.
The brother of the journalist now famous for hurling his shoes at President Bush said his sibling's actions were "spontaneous" and represented millions of Iraqis who want to "humiliate the tyrant."
TV reporter Muntadhar al-Zaidi, in a file photo, was jailed after throwing his shoes at President Bush.
Dhirgham al-Zaidi, who sometimes worked as his brother's cameraman, described the reporter's hatred for the "material American occupation" and the "moral Iranian occupation."
Supporters of Muntadhar al-Zaidi say that his feelings were influenced by watching the agony suffered by everyday Iraqis. Most of the reporter's stories focused on Iraqi widows, orphans, and children, said the brother.
Sometimes the 29-year-old journalist would cry, his brother said, adding that he would be so moved by the tales he reported of poor families that he asked his colleagues to give money to them. On most nights, he returned to his home in central Baghdad after reporting from Sadr City, one of the country's most violent slums and the epicenter of several of the war's battles.
Muntadhar al-Zaidi's reporting for Egypt-based independent television Al-Baghdadia was "against the occupation," his brother said. The journalist would occasionally sign off his stories "from occupied Baghdad."
Yet Dhirgham al-Zaidi said he was "shocked" when he saw his brother hurling his shoes at President Bush at a Sunday news conference after a surprise visit by Bush to Baghdad.
Supreme Court holds S.B.'s name being excluded from the electoral registry
Supreme Court issued a stay order today (16) against the Election Commissioner's decision to exclude S.B. Disanayaka's name from the electoral registry.
The Supreme Court issued the stay order after considering the fundamental rights petition filed by S.B. Disanayaka challenging the Election Commissioner's decision to exclude his name from the electoral list.
After S.B. Disanayaka was subjected to two years rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court, the Election Commissioner excluded his name from the electoral list for seven years until December 05, 2011.
Pakistan territory not to be allowed for terrorists activities says Gilani Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan did not want war with any one, but if it was thrust on the country then the whole nation would stand united.Speaking in the National Assembly before a general debate on Mumbai attacks and the situation arising afterwards, the Prime Minister stressed the need for focussing on the immediate problems of poverty and other issues confronting the region.
“We have to focus on our problems and we don’t want to go into war. But if the war is thrust on us, we will stand united like a respectful nation,” he added.
“Pakistan is not defensive. The nation, the army and the political leadership is united and we can defend our national sovereignty.”
Tamil Tigers Abuse Civilians in Stronghold -Human Rights Watch Report
Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil Tigers are subjecting ethnic Tamils in their northern stronghold, the Vanni, to forced recruitment, abusive forced labor, and restrictions on movement that place their lives at risk, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. (15) The 17-page report, "Trapped and Mistreated: LTTE Abuses against Civilians in the Vanni," details how the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which have been fighting for an independent Tamil state for 25 years, are brutally abusing the Tamil population in areas under their control."The LTTE claims to be fighting for the Tamil people, but it is responsible for much of the suffering of civilians in the Vanni," said Brad Adams, Asia director for Human Rights Watch. "As the LTTE loses ground to advancing government forces, their treatment of the very people they say they are fighting for is getting worse."
Mukhergy’s visit is very good; we cannot solve this problem through angering India -
Opposition Leader Ranil Wicramasinghe
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe says that neither the government nor the parties of the government alliance can oppose the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukhergy who is visiting the island on an invitation of the President Mahinda Rajapakse. He points out that the responsibility of the political parties is supporting the mediation of India and paving the way for a political solution. Wickramasinghe pledges fullest corporation of the United National Party (UNP) if the government goes for a political solution.
New Era in pakistan Chandana Wijekoon from pakistan
Though Economic crisis is p reveling in pakistan the Government has taken necessary initiative to uplift standard of living of the people valuation of pakistan rupees has gone up on par with US Dollar. Earlier US dollar was equivalent to Pakistan Rs. 84/- whereas present valuation increased to pakistan Rs.77/- Tourist cities such as Lahor,Karachchi, islamabad were seen it lot of foriegn tourists. Huge development projects are underway in Islamabad including Highways projects and infrastructure developnet projects.
Clearly shows that pakistan is marching towards developed country.
Bush arrives in Afghanistan on surprise visit A Shoe attack to BUSH (AFP) - US President George W. Bush arrived in Afghanistan Monday, after a making a farewell visit to Iraq, according to the White House.
Bush's plane landed in darkness at Baghram Air Base outside Kabul, a reporter traveling with him said.
The US president was to hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and address US troops during the visit.
Shoe attack
A journalist hurled two shoes at Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq, highlighting hostility still felt toward the outgoing US leader who acknowledged that the war is still not won.
Muntazer al-Zaidi jumped up as Bush held a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, shouted "It is the farewell kiss, you dog" and threw his footwear.
The president lowered his head and the first shoe hit the American and Iraqi flags behind the two leaders. The second was off target.
On a whirlwind trip shrouded in secrecy and marred by dissent, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the wars that define his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of his unpopularity when a man hurled two shoes at him during a news conference in Iraq.
"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" shouted the protester in Arabic, later identified as Muntadar al-Zeidi, a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia television, an Iraqi-owned station based in Cairo, Egypt. "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Bush ducked both shoes as they whizzed past his head and landed with a thud against the wall behind him.
"It was a size 10," Bush joked later.
The U.S. president visited the Iraqi capital just 37 days before he hands the war off to his successor, Barack Obama, who has pledged to end it. The president wanted to highlight a drop in violence and to celebrate a recent U.S.-Iraq security agreement, which calls for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011.
British High Commissioner meets Karunanidhi on Lankan issue
The British High Commissioner to India Sir Richard Stagg met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and discussed with him issues related to Sri Lankan Tamils and security situation in the coastal state.
An official press release described it as a "courtesy call." During the half-an-hour long meeting, the two discussed the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, security situation in the state in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Tamil Nadu government's preparedness and ability to face the global economic crisis
Terrorists want to create atmosphere of provocation between Pakistan and India: German Minister German Home Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said here on Friday terrorists want to create an atmosphere of provocation and reactions between Pakistan and India and between Hindus and Muslims. Pakistan was also victim of terrorism and it was threatened by terrorists, he said and added it was a difficult situation for the Pakistan government. He hoped that Pakistan government will continue to move against terrorists. Wolfgang Schaeuble, who held talks with Home Minister P Chidambaram and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, said Pakistan was being encouraged by the international community to cope and fight terrorism as it is a threat to it too. When questioned on the banning of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, he said “it is a right thing.”
Veteran musician Mervin Perera passed away last afternoon (07) while being taken to the KalubovilaHospital. He was 69.
Mervin Perera has many lilting melodies to his credit and was much loved by Sinhala music lovers. He had served as a music teacher at Government schools for a long period of time.
He was a father of three children, was born on September 21st, 1940 at Kuda Payagala in Southern Sri Lanka and received his primary education at the Payagala Roman Catholic School.
Karu's son-in-law Naveen will not return to the UNP
Non Cabinet Minister of Investment Promotion Naveen Dissanayake will not return to th
e UNP although he is the son-in-law of ex- Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya who re-crossed to the UNP on Monday. Following Jayasuriya’s return to the UNP there was widespread speculation that his son-in-law
would follow suit.
Dissanayake yesterday told The Island that his father-in-law returned to the UNP due to some differences he had with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. "I tried my best to bring about a settlement but Jayasuriya was hurt and determined to return to the UNP," Dissanayake said.
Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya resigns While Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya officially announced his resignation from the post last evening and left the government to accept the post of deputy leader of the UNP, the remaining members of the UNP Democratic Group decided to stay with the government.
Mr. Jayasuriya, who issued a statement, said he could not agree with the ideas of this government regarding the economic crisis, though he approved of the steps taken to defeat terrorism: “This economic downturn is becoming a crisis which will greatly affect the people,” he said in his statement. He further pointed out that the government, in which he had held a ministerial portfolio, had not been able the implement the 17th Amendment: “The campaign for the implementation of the 17th Amendment began with a citizens’ committee and later grew into a vast civil movement; and it would be a breach of trust on my part to remain with the government, as the people had placed their trust in me and I, too, was involved in this campaign,” he said.
At the 53rd congress held on Saturday, UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe made an open invitation to the crossed over UNPers to rejoin the party to build the country.
Sri lanka journalists team met many officers in pakistan
Chandana Wijekoon From pakistan
Sri lanka journalist team had mutual discussions higher officials in pakistan. This team was cordially invited by the Assistant Secretary(South Asia) to the ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Aizaz Ahamad chaudhry.
He personaly insisted on better coordination between the journalists of the both countries. The team has paid a courtesy call on the secretary of ministry of information and brodcasting Ashfaq ahamad Gondal and Director of ministry of Information and broadcasting Mr. Khalid M. Sarwar and other higher officials.
Sri lanka journalists team has exchanged views with Naeem Chaudry who is the director of APP news.
Queen of Sinhala cinema, Malani Fonseka is to receive the Rajatha Mayura award at 39th International Indian Film Festival Veteran actress,Queen of Sinhala cinema, Malani Fonseka is to receive the Rajatha Mayura award at 39th International Indian Film Festival tonight (Nov. 02nd), for her role in the film `Akasa Kusum`. Malini won this award for her 150th film, \'Akasa Kusum\', directed by award winning director Prasanna Vithanage.
Malani Senehelatha Fonseka (born April 30, 1947 in Kelaniya) is an award-winning Sri Lankan film actress, also known as the "Queen of Sinhalese cinema"[1]. Her cinema career which has spanned many decades began with Tissa Liyansooriya's Punchi Baba in 1968. She first earned recognition, when she won the 'Best Actress Award' at the 1969 National State Drama Festival This was followed by Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 and Yasa Isuru in 1983.[2]
Malini Fonseka who is recognized as the ‘Queen of Sri Lankan cinema’ entered the Sri Lankan cinema after I did. Malani became queen of the silver screen competing with many contemporary actresses.
Although I do not exactly remember the first time I saw her, her debut film "Punchi Baba" was shot at Wijaya Studio. Probably she would have spoken to me during this time which I do not remember. However people in the studio spoke high of her acting abilities in her first movie.
Our first film together was "Parawalau". By this time she was popular after acting in a few movies. Also she hasd already proved to be a talented actress by this time. The first movie we acted together as lovers was "Nidhanaya", which became one of the most distinguished films of Sri Lankan cinema. I played the part of Willy Abeynaike and Malani played the role of Irene. Malini's extraordinary acting skills were polished by it's director Dr. Lester James Peiris. Subsequently Malani and I played the leading roles opposite each other in many movies and as fans named this era as the Gamini-Malini decade in Sri Lankan cinema. Some films were directed by me anonymously.
Malani is qualified with all the qualifications of an actress. She has the ability of understanding a role instantly. She was never hesitant to accept a wise decision given by a director. She understood the postural of any actor or actresses instantly.
Also she inherits something which has not been inherited by any other actress or may be a very beautiful woman. She looks beautiful in every angle.
Malani has not studied acting, just as other prominent Sri Lankan actresses. But it is obvious that she can compete with other international actresses effortlessly. Malani was talented enough to give the Sri Lankan identity to Indian movies copied in Sri Lanka. Therefore her fans saw the Sri Lankan identity through her at all times. This did not even changed when she acted in low class films which she did for her friends as favours.
Malani is not just an actress, but she is a heroine of Sri Lankan Cinema.
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 towww.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 implementsyouth 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 ceremonythat 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 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
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
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 MinisterShah 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.
3 percent from a year earlier, compared with 7 percent in the three months ended June 30, the statistics department said in Colombo today. Economists were expecting growth of 6.1 percent. 
ich
can increase borrowing costs. 
