Father accidently runs over son while backing up (Fri, 24 May 2013)
A one-year-old child died after accidentally being run over by his father’s jeep in Pansala Pokuna Road, Tangalle. The child’s father was reversing the vehicle which he had accidentally run over his son. MORE..
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Four Lankans arrested in global smuggling case (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Dominican Republic authorities have arrested four men from Sri Lanka accused of smuggling at least 60 migrants from India and the Middle East into the U.S. and Canada using fake passports. MORE..
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Warehouse fire: Hotline for inquiries on import cargo (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Inquiries on import cargo at Container Freight Station 1, which was gutted in fire today, can be obtained from the duty manager via the phone number 071-8688361 or 011-2482579, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said. MORE..
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21 Sri Lankans held in Kochi (Fri, 24 May 2013)
The Q branch of the Tamil Nadu police, with the assistance of the Ernakulam North police, arrested 21 Sri Lankans who were about to sail to Australia in a fishing boat from Kochi. MORE..
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VIDEO: Buddhist monk attempts self-immolation in Kandy (Fri, 24 May 2013)
A Buddhist monk was rushed to the Kandy General Hospital with serious burn injuries after he attempted self-immolation near the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy this morning. MORE..
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33 hospitalized for food poisoning in Thirukkovil (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Thirty–three persons have been hospitalized for food poisoning after they reportedly consumed gram distributed to devotees at the end of the morning Pooja at the Manikka Pillayar Temple in Thirukkovil, Ampara District. MORE..
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Four Sri Lankan refugees stranded in Kovai (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Coimbatore police intercepted four Sri Lankan Tamils from various Sri Lankan refugee camps in western Tamil Nadu who were being allegedly escorted to Kochi, Kerala, to be illegally taken to Australia. MORE..
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Buddha’s message of the Dhamma made Sri Lanka a blessed land - President (Fri, 24 May 2013)
The discipline instilled form Buddha’s teaching enabled our nation to achieve a great culture, bringing worldwide honor and respect to us as a nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in his Vesak message. MORE..
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VIDEO: Cargo warehouse in Colombo Port gutted in fire (Fri, 24 May 2013)
A fire broke out in an inbound cargo warehouse (CFS 1) in the Colombo Port early this morning, Project Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abeygunawardena said. MORE..
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VIDEO: Govt resorting to usual ploy of sticking “LTTE label” - UNP (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The Government has begun a new campaign to “sling mud” at the United National Party and is using the state media and certain private media establishments to discredit its MPs by labeling them as “traitors,” MP Ruwan Wijewardene said. MORE..
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One lane closed from Punchi Borella to Maradana (Thu, 23 May 2013)
One lane from Punchi Borella to Maradana has been temporarily closed for traffic due to a protest, organized by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) against the electricity tariff hike. MORE..
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Australia sends back more Sri Lankans (Thu, 23 May 2013)
A further 31 Sri Lankan irregular maritime arrivals are being returned to Colombo after failing to meet Australia’s international obligations, Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Minister Brendan O’Connor said. MORE..
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French naval ship “Jacques Cartier” arrives at the Port of Colombo (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The French Naval Ship “Jacques Cartier” arrived at the port of Colombo carrying a complement of 53 naval personnel, who will participate in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka. MORE..
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No attempts to arrest UNP MPs - Police (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Police today said that there is no attempt to arrest parliamentarians of the United National Party (UNP) in connection with the CID’s ongoing investigations regarding the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. MORE..
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Bus topples injuring 15 in Welimada (Thu, 23 May 2013)
At least 15 passengers were injured and hospitalized after a bus veered off the road and toppled in Balagala, Welimada this morning. MORE..
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China to lend $580 million for Sri Lanka development projects (Thu, 23 May 2013)
China Development Bank Corporation will lend $580 million to Sri Lanka to help implement key infrastructure projects, a government document released on Wednesday showed. MORE..
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All Share Price Index crosses 6,500 mark (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange crossed the 6,500 mark a short while ago. The index has gone up by over 30% since July 2012, according o market sources.
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Man held with 14 illegal firearms (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Navagattegama Police have arrested a suspect along with 14 illegal locally manufactured firearms. MORE..
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VIDEO: Kelaniya PS Chairman assaulted (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha, Prasanna Ranaweera has been admitted to the Kiribathgoda Hospital after allegedly being assault this morning, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..
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Army to reduce presence in northern Jaffna (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The Sri Lanka army has said that it would reduce the number of military camps in the former rebel stronghold of northern Jaffna and hand over lands back to their original owners. MORE...
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Other English News

38 dogs ruthlessly poisoned for government Wesak celebrations (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News -24.May.2013, 2.00PM) Dog biting man is known widely. Man biting dog is rare . But here in SL is a case where a group is doing a worse thing even than biting a dog – they are bestial humans deliberately killing dogs - and mind you that is in Wesak season !!
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Mervyn the vermin rides again: his goons attack local body chairman and member –hospitalized (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News -24.May.2013, 2.00PM) The Kelaniya local body chairman Prasanna Ranaweera and Nadeeka Sampath , a member of the Council, had been fiercely assaulted by Dr. De Boor Mervyn Silva ‘s co ordinating Secretary and his thugs , because they extended support to Basil Rajapakse...
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Brutal Gota’s Bodhu Bala Sena commemorates Wesak by attacking true Buddhists monks (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News -23.May.2013, 8.30PM) It is just two days more to celebrate the Wesak day in commemoration of Lord Buddha who was born and enlightened on this day , and even passed away on this day in different years. That is to say...
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Even if CJ’s daughter kills her mother – There is no law enforcement (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-23.May.2013, 8.30PM) It was clearly illustrated to the country and the world following the fatal accident on the 18th where the chief justice Mohan Peiris’_( better known as cheat justice of SL) sister in law was killed by her daughter, that even if this ‘Cheat Justice Peiris’ daughter...
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General Meeting of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in the United Kingdom appoints New Office Members for 2013-2016 (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-22.May.2013, 11.30PM) General Meeting of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in the United Kingdom (SLSS-UK) was held on Friday 25th January 2013 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre. This was the seventh...
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"Janakaraliya" Mobile Theater -Sri Lanka -By Dr. Ajay Joshi (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-22.May.2013, 11.30PM) The lights dimmed on the open stage in the auditorium at the British School in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which was the venue for the second edition of the Colombo International festival, organised by...
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The Democles's sword hanging above the uncrowned but heavy heads of the Rajapakse tyranny has come in the form of the CHOGM -Mangala says in parliament (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-21.May.2013, 11.30PM) In Latin there is a saying, 'Metus est Plenus Tyrannis' which means, I am sure as the Foreign Minister who is well versed in many 'tongues' knows, that fear is plentiful for tyrants and that a tyrants fate is to sit daily under the sword. Or as Shakeapear said 'heavy is the head that wears the crown.'...
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CMU Bala Thampo Writes to President MaRa (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-21.May.2013, 11.30PM) We wish to inform you that the members of branches of our Union in industrial and commercial establishments will strike today, in solidarity with the members of a group of several other unions...
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War victory celebrations will not help to win over all who are the Sri Lankan people -NPC (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-17.May.2013, 11.30PM) May 19 will mark the 4th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka’s three decade long civil war, but with the absence of a joint commemoration to remember all who lost their lives in..
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Opposition march draws unprecedented crowds; reaches Fort defying obstruction ; govt. hooligans flee (Sat, 25 May 2013)
(Lanka-e-News-16.May.2012, 11.00PM) An unprecedented mammoth crowd over ten thousand in number participated in the protest march staged against the electricity tariff hikes introduced by the despotic regime which gave the already abysmally suffering people a most rude shock....
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Sri Lanka Railways losses amounting to millions - trade union (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: A trade union affiliated to Sri Lanka's railway sector says that Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) incurs losses amounting to millions of rupees due to poor financial management.
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Pakistani High Commissioner visits Sri Lanka's Eastern Province (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Major General Qasim Qureshi visited Eastern Province of Sri Lanka recently.
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Sri Lanka coalition partner calls to mobilize public against 13th Amendment to Constitution (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a coalition party of Sri Lanka' ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), said it will take measures to mobilize the public to urge the government to abolish the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
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Sri Lankan Buddhist monk immolates himself against cattle slaughter (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Kandy: A Sri Lankan Buddhist monk committed self-immolation today, on the Vesak Poya Day, in Kandy, the sacred city where the relics of Buddha is kept in the Temple of Tooth.
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Dr.J.J flown to Singapore for medical treatment (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Gampaha district United National Party Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena was flown to Singapore today for immediate medical treatment.  
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Buddhist monk hospitalised after setting himself ablaze (Fri, 24 May 2013)
A Buddhist monk from Ratnapura was hospitalized after he set himself on fire in front of the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy today, Police said. He was protesting against the slaughter of cattle. The monk who has been identified as B.Indraratana Thera, 45 was a former member of the Pelmadulla Pradeshiya Sabhawa. He has been an active campaigner against the slaughter of cattle.
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Fire at Colombo port (Fri, 24 May 2013)
A warehouse at a container terminal at the Colombo port caught fire early this morning resulting in damages to at least 90 per cent of the warehouse storing imported items, port sources said. Investigations were continuing to ascertain the cause and extent of the damages, the sources said. The warehouse was planned to be demolished in the future. The Colombo port issuing a statement said the fire erupted at around 1 am at the Container Freight Station No. 1 and had been brought under complete control. A duty officer at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) told Times Online that the fire was brought under control by around 7 am. Police and the Government Analyst had commenced investigations into the incident, the release stated adding that the fire brigades of the Ports Authority, Colombo Dockyard, the Colombo Municipal Council and three armed forces had been deployed to douse the fires. The duty officer said the fire had occurred at a warehouse where they stored general cargo and not any dangerous items. He said items like imported household goods, electrical equipment, medicines and clothes were found in the warehouse and that a number of importers had already contacted the authorities on whether their items were also caught in the fire. The SLPA has set up a help desk with telephone numbers on their website requesting importers to contact them for any information. It was noted that currently the SLPA management was in discussion on how to pay importers for the damages caused. The duty officer observed that when handling errors occur at the port all insured cargo would be able to claim from the insurance companies. (Sunimalee)
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Sri Lanka Navy assists exchange of released Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Sri Lanka receives Rs, 28.4 million UN grant to formulate Chemical Accident Prevention program (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government plans to conduct a project to formulate a Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness Programme as the country lacks preparedness measures to handle chemical accidents.
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Vesak time (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Vesak sightseers and devotees flocked to various places of worship to engage in religious observances. Seen here are devotess worshipping at the Sri Maha Bodhi. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) according to loacl media reports has also commenced a special bus service in view of Vesak. Thespecial bus service was is said to have been put into operation for the public travelling to Colombo during the Vesak week from May 21 to 27.
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Buddha's teachings enriched national unity and religious coexistence in Sri Lanka - President (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: Observance of Buddha's message of the Dhamma enriched national unity and religious coexistence in the country, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in his Vesak Day Message to the Nation.
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Australia returns 16 more Sri Lankans asylum seekers to Colombo (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: Australia said it has returned another 16 Sri Lankan asylum seekers to Colombo after failing to meet Australia's international obligations.
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Fire breaks out in cargo warehouse of Sri Lanka's Colombo Port (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: A massive pre-dawn fire has gutted the inbound cargo warehouse in Sri Lanka's Colombo Port, port officials said.
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Sri Lanka Defence Secretary opposes vesting police powers with the provincial councils (Fri, 24 May 2013)
May 24, Colombo: Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said that police powers cannot be vested with the provincial councils.
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First day of second SL Youth Parliament gets underway (Fri, 24 May 2013)
The first session of Second Sri Lanka Youth Parliament commenced today at the Sri Lanka Youth Center Auditorium in Maharagama with President Mahinda Rajapaksa participating as the chief guest, local media reported. The members of the Youth Parliament were sworn in today at the session and the Prime Minister elected Chamara Uditha Bandara representing Polonnaruwa district, deputy Prime Minister G. Rajeewan of Vavuniya district and the Opposition Leader S. S. Manoj Silva addressed the session today, media reported.
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President opens first session of second Sri Lanka Youth Parliament (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The first session of Second Sri Lanka Youth Parliament commenced today at the Sri Lanka Youth Center Auditorium in Maharagama with President Mahinda Rajapaksa participating as the chief guest .
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Sri Lanka police probe German NGO Friedrich Naumann Foundation (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka police has commenced an investigation on the Friedrich Naumann Foundation to ascertain whether the German NGO has acted within the country beyond its given legal mandate.
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General amnesty considered for overstaying Sri Lankan migrant workers in Kuwait (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait says that the Kuwait government is considering granting an amnesty for the overstaying foreigners to leave the country without punishment.
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Sri Lankan Minister again under suspicion for attack on local council chairman (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Minister of Public Relations Mervyn Silva came under media attention again as his same party opponent and Chairman of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Prasanna Ranaweera was assaulted this morning.
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Sri Lanka identifies project proposals for Commonwealth Business Forum (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka is making arrangements for the largest business event ever held in the country when it holds the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo this November.
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Sri Lanka to resume refinery on Friday (Thu, 23 May 2013)
(Reuters) Sri Lanka's sole refinery, which was closed last week due to a delayed crude oil delivery, will resume operations in two days with an expected 1 million barrels of Omani crude, Oil Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. The decades-old 50,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) refinery, which is configured to run on Iranian crude, closed on Friday after a shipment failed to arrive on time. The state-run refinery has faced closure from time to time as it has scrambled to fill a supply shortfall after shipments of Iranian oil were hit by Western sanctions. "The refinery is still closed. It will be opened on May 24, with the expected 1 million barrel Oman crude parcel on that day," Yapa told reporters in Colombo on Wednesday. He did not name the company responsible for the delay, nor the seller of Omani crude. "It is difficult to find the suitable crude for our refinery," he added. The CPC has been having problems running the refinery at full capacity, because alternative crudes, such as Arabian Light, are unable to produce the proper yield. Yapa said Sri Lanka cannot use Omani crude continuously due to a lower yield and thus the government has called tenders for other crudes. "We have assessed the suitability of Nigeria light, Libya light and Abu Dhabi Murban light in the refinery. We have realised that Murban suits better than the others. So we have immediately decided to import Murban light," he said. Sri Lanka cut imports of Iranian crude by 23 percent last year, following a 38 percent reduction in 2011, but it disagrees with the Western sanctions, saying they punish countries that depend on the oil.
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Australia returns 31 more Sri Lankan migrants home (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Australia has deported 31 more Sri Lankan asylum seekers from Christmas Island, a territory of Australia where illegal immigrants to the country are detained.
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Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha transferred to Ragama hospital (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Prasanna Ranaweera and UPFA provincial councilor Nadeeka Sampath who were admitted to hospital following assault have been transferred to the Ragama hospital for further treatment, local media reported. According to the Medical Superintendent of the Kiribathgoda hospital Dr. S.A. Withanage who spoke to a local radio station the victims are said to be in a non-critical state. UPFA Provincial Councilor of the Kalaniya Pradeshiya Sabha who was present during the protest accused supporters of Minister Mervyn Silva of having carried out the assault.
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Controversial Buddhist organization in Sri Lanka says government has not reconnected with the Tamil people after the war (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: A controversial Buddhist organization in Sri Lanka, the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), says that the government had not made sufficient effort to reconnect with the Tamil people following the end of the war.
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Japan grants Rs.245 million to Sri Lanka for human resources development (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Government of Japan has agreed to provide approximately Rs.245 million (Yen 192 million) in grant assistance to Sri Lanka to implement a scholarship program on human resources development.
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Sri Lanka to get US$ 580 million loan from China for development projects (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government will obtain a US$ 580 million loan from China this year for the development projects in the country.
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Sri Lankan minister to introduce hotline for the public to make complaints (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister Mervyn Silva said he has decided to introduce a hotline for the people to lodge complaints and his Ministry would take steps to set up the hotline for public complaints.
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Power devolution the best method to resolve ethnic issue in Sri Lanka- Kiriella (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella says the party believes that the devolution of power would address the ethnic issue and it was the best method to solve the ethnic issue in the country.
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Sri Lanka's post Geneva progress being looked into by the US, says TNA (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Tamil National Alliance (TNA) says that the United States is looking into the progress made by the government following the resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March this year.
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Sri Lankan government launches campaign to promote the country ahead of CHOGM (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has commenced a campaign to promote the country ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo this November.
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Thailand Prime Minister to address Sri Lanka parliament on May 31 (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: The Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra will address the Parliament of Sri Lanka on 31st May 2013, as part of her official visit to the country.
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Emirates to add more flights to Sri Lanka's Colombo airport from next month (Thu, 23 May 2013)
May 23, Colombo: Dubai's international carrier Emirates Airlines Wednesday announced plans to increase capacity on its services to Sri Lanka's Colombo International Airport from 30th June 2013.
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Tuesday s strike: A post-mortem (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The outcome of Tuesday s strike has come as a huge disappointment for the Opposition as well as ..
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Govt. trying to arrest UNP MPs - Ranil (Thu, 23 May 2013)
UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said, in Parliament yesterday, that the government wa..
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India dedicated to protect the political and ecSri Lanka imports one million barrels of crude, no purchases of crude from Iran onomic stability of Sri Lanka - outgoing envoy (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Sri Lanka`s Minister for Petroleum Industries Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said one million barrels of c..
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`Mahasangha should be well-informed of plots to rouse communal tensions` (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The Mahasangha should be more concerned and well-informed about a situation being plotted to rouse c..
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No Iran oil imports since 2012 (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Sri Lanka does not import crude oil from Iran since mid 2012 following the US sanctions, Minister of..
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A group of 6000 Sri Lankans to return to the island from Saudi (Thu, 23 May 2013)
A group of Sri Lankans will return to the island following a decision taken by Saudi Arabia to depor..
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Sri Lanka to resume refinery on Friday with Oman light crude (Thu, 23 May 2013)
Sri Lanka`s sole refinery, which was closed last week due to a delayed crude oil delivery, will resu..
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CID questions Sri Lanka Tamil parliamentarian over war victim commemorationCID questions Sri Lanka Tamil parliamentarian over war victim commemoration (Thu, 23 May 2013)
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka Police has interrogated the Vanni District ..
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University applications to be accepted in June (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Monk protests cattle slaughter, sets self on fire (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Fire hits Colombo Harbour warehouse (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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National unity a vital feature when forming a new constitution - Vasudeva (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Sacred relics of Lord Buddha at Sirasa Vesak Zone (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Security tightened in Colombo (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Dhamma has made Sri Lanka a blessed land – President (Fri, 24 May 2013)

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Derailed train limits services (Thu, 23 May 2013)

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JHU says 13th amendment to the constitution cannot be accepted (Thu, 23 May 2013)

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Why are you getting so excited with scams? asks Preity Zinta (Thu, 23 May 2013)

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Vishnu Sankranthiya Muhurath Ceremony (Thu, 23 May 2013)

Vishnu Sankranthiya Muhurath Ceremony                       see all pics HERE Pix By - Indika Prabath Weerasinghe
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FILM DIRECTOR'S 55 COPIES ISSUE (Wed, 22 May 2013)

Artistes against Somaratna Dissanaike on 55 copies issue      The Sri Lanka Film Director' Guild has made an announcement saying that whoever who releases 55 copies of a film under the present condition in which the Sri Lankan film industry is facing, is unfair, unjustified and not moralistic.     It is director Somaratna Dissanaike who has taken this decision to release 55 copies of his film Siriperakum for exhibition.     " According to the announcement of the Directors, the total number of film halls in Sri Lanka is 160 in number and the number of film halls suitable for exhibiting Sinhala films is only 80. When the situation is such, it is not justified to release more than 35 copies by a producer for his film only. By acting otherwise, it most unjustifiably blocks the space or opportunity for exhibition of other films in the waiting-list.     But now we have been informed that a certain film producer has not taken those points into consideration and is preparing to release 55 copies of his film. Behaving in that manner means that he is acting in a selfish way in not considering the present state in which the film industry is in and is violating the policies of the government", the announcement says.     Among film artistes who have signed the announcement are, Dr.Dharmasena Pathiraja, Dr.Malini Fonseka, Dr.Sumithra Peiris, Prasanna Withanage, Bennet Ratnayaka, Udayakantha Warnasooriya, Jackson Anthony, Buddhi Keerthisena, Prasanna Jayakody, Jayantha Chandrasiri, Dharmasiri Bandaranaike, Chandran Ratnam, Ashoka Handagama, Vimukthi Jayasundera, Sunil Soma Peiris, Senesh Bandara Dissanaike, Chandraratna Mapitigama, Sarath Dharmasiri and Tissa Liyanasooriya.
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HUNTING IN UDAWALAWE (Wed, 22 May 2013)

Udawalawe game to taste on the sly      Illicit hunting of wild life violating environmental regulations in the Udawalawe National Park as well as the Lunugamvehera National Park has escalated by now. Hunting of deer and wild boar in these two National Parks is being carried on quite openly.     As a result, hunters in surrounding areas engaged in hunting in these National Parks supply game to restaurants on a commercial basis with the aid of village headmen and hunting of animals in the Udawalawe and Lunugamvehera National Parks has begun to increase. Hunters who get access to these Parks carry weapons and engage in hunting. It is clearly noticed that certain grama arakshaka guards and police officers give their support for such acts. Some of the people in the neighbourhood areas have mentioned that police officers in police stations around these National Parks do not take steps to put a stop to this forbidden hunting because a good quantity of hunted game is being given to them as a bribe.      It has been difficult for Wild Life officers and certain police officers to arrest these activities because they are being carried on with the support of some police officers who resort to accepting these bribes and spies of the hunters parole around these Parks to provide them with necessary information during hunting days. Negligence of police officers too have been cited by them.      According to a Clause in No.16 of the Forest Ordinance of 1907, it is an offence to gain illegal entry to a forest and to engage in hunting, the punishment for which is 01 - 05 years imprisonment. In the same way, according to the Fauna and Flora Ordinance No.2 of 1937 (amended by the Act of 1933, No.49), entering a National Park and hunting is a punishable offence. When the law clearly designates these offences, it is a serious issue as to how such offenders gain entry to these Parks without permission and according to their whims and fancies and resort to hunting game with or without the knowledge of the police and officers of the Wild Life.      Whatever it is, venison and cooked meat of wild boar are available for consumption at any time of the day in certain restaurants in Tanamalwila.      If action is not taken to put an end to this illegal hunting in National Parks where such activities are on the increase, the structure itself of National Parks in the country is at stake and is prone to an untimely death. Narrative -- Ravindra Kariyawasam Centre for Environmental and Nature Studies
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SAMAN KUMARA'S WAR REPORTING (Tue, 21 May 2013)

I did reporting from the front line after telling lies to home-people      Saman Kumara Ramawickrema who engaged himself as a special correspondent keeping the public informed throughout the humanistic operations which defeated the Tiger terrorists has exposed to the Sunday Mawbima about a number of experiences which he faced during that period and have so far not been revealed. This occasion which commemorates the Victory Day brings to memory to Sri Lankans the series of those events. Seen below are such memories.      *The news that the LTTE had been completely defeated had been announced for the first time by you. What do you think of it today?        It was I who got the opportunity to present the news that the war was over at the moment when it ended on May 18,2009. When the final fusillade was fired in Vellamullivaikkal it was I who told the entire nation that that was the last volley of firing. Today it's 4 years since that statement was made. When comparing other countries, for example, after it was announced that the Gulf War was over, after 2 or  months later, there was the case of an explosion of a car bomb in Baghdad. Though Americans at that time said that the war was over, still terrorist attacks take place. There is instability in those countries in various ways. The condition of many countries who said that war is over, is such. But we here in Sri Lanka do not see a period of terror. It was made clear that the war was definitely over for the past 4 years. At this moment I feel that the war is truly over. People have even forgotten whether this was a war-torn country. Personally, I feel happy as a citizen of Sri Lanka that I was able to give even a little bit of contribution towards the freedom of our land from the skill I possessed.     *How did you develop a self-confidence to go into the battle-field environment?       I joined the National Rupavahini in 1989 with the Youth Awards Victory. While working as a correspondent of Rupavahini, I got the opportunity of reporting a number of bomb attacks around the country. I was able to report the bomb attack on the President Chandrika Cumaranatunga, the moment when Minster Ashroff passed away, the bomb attack on the Prime Minister's office, the attack that took place at the Lake House roundabout and the attack at Parliament junction.      At that time, war reporting meant that after a certain area was taken possession of by the army, that area was cleared and the army was made to do a little bit of role play by doing some firing and then showing that clip to the public. By that time, the Thoppigala operations too had begun. When the LTTE base of Nilagambase was being destroyed by the army, a correspondent from Aljasira institute too came. By that time, that operations was in charge of Brigadier Chagi Gallage and Major Bandara was in charge of the 2nd Commando Regiment. Not much of media coverage had been given to the Thoppigala operations. There was even a false broadcast that this was an outcome of a political requirement. But Aljasira had come with the intention of broadcasting the truth. So this correspondent said that he wanted to go to the Front Line. But Brigadier Gallage didn't give permission for that. However, this correspondent persisted in his request. In the end, when permission was not forthcoming, he removed his shirt and showed his back to Brigadier Gallage. All over his back were gunshot marks and scars.  "I have been in bigger wars ... please let me go" he pleaded. Brigadier Gallage then sent this correspondent on a bicycle to Nilagambase in the company of 2 soldiers. Subsequently Brigadier Gallage turned towards me and asked, "You see Rama ..... what war reporting is?" It was then that I thought I should go for war reporting. However, they didn't give me permission straightaway.      *How did you get the opportunity of war reporting from the Front Line?        I didn't get the chance immediately. I was sent to the Front Line only after being given security equipment, with security to the maximum. On the very first day that I went, the First Officer, Colonel Samantha of this Operations died. He was the Commanding Officer and the Officer-in-Charge of war tanks. On that day, 13 officers went with him to attack the Nilagambase camp. That was the moment when the LTTE used their weapon known as 'mini multi-barrel' for the first time. On this attack Colonel Samantha and all who were with him died. Samantha who was chatting and drinking tea with me on that morning .. in the end I could see only his dead body. I was by his side when he breathed his last. At that moment Gallage told me, "You see what happens ... at least drop your idea now". But I didn't drop the idea. It was on that day that we were able to video live scenes of attack clearly. From that day I started reporting from the battlefield. By about 2 months time the Thoppigala Operations too was brought to an end. I felt that this was a game that was being played with death. At the same time I had faith that I was not going to die.
     *Isn't war reporting done with more zest after the Thoppigala Operations?        The government wanted to establish a morale between the army and the public of Sri Lanka. Army officers who were with us had good practical experience and we received the best counselling from them.
     *In those circumstances, there should have been a fear of death .... didn't you?        Our entrenchment broke off at Adampan. At that time the LTTE kept approaching headwards. I thought that definitely we'd get caught. So ... there was nothing to do. I kept my eyes closed and gripped the earth. On another occasion when people were coming from the LTTE grip towards the army area, a suicide-bomber terrorist was sent to Dharmapuram. They came and did a big blast at a camp where civilians who had nowhere to go were and about 30 metres from there there were a lot of officers who were preparing food. There were civilians also there. On that occasion too I had a narrow escape. And then when the war was coming to an end, a large number of civilians came running in from the Nandikadal lagoon. I wanted to take some shots that depicted the whole crowd. I got into the 'burrow' of a bacho which was used to dig trenches and had been left lying by the LTTE and I asked the engineering hand there to lift me up. When I started videoing and the bacho was lowered about 2 feet to the ground, the LTTE attacked the bacho. About 11 civilians who were there died as a result. It was great difficulty that I escaped by jumping aside. It indeed was a miracle.      *When you felt the fear of death, didn't you feel like going back home?        My duty was to provide news to Rupavahini and to supply the relevant photos to websites of the security forces. It was we who gave the name Wanni Meheyuma. We have a Singha flag in our pockets in the battlefield. When any area was conquered, it was also we who gave the Lion flag to those who were there and asked them to raise it. I have that flag still with me. We were then assigned the job of answering false rumours targeted at the army.      As time passed, the War became the main aspect of news. It actually assumed number one status in news. Everybody viewed the main headlines. After that all channels came into the battlefield. This became a battle to be won. So, it couldn't be left aside. What I hoped was that the war would be over soon and I would be able to announce the victory soon.      *The last battle ..... didn't it become a battle among the media?        After we came .... all media began to come to the battlefield. Even foreign newspapers came. There wasn't a single media that wasn't in the battlefield. So, this became a competition among the media. The media rocked round each regiment. After that, the battle became a competition among regiments. The regiments tried to gain victory. What the media tried was to become the first in announcing the news. At the last moments I happened to be in the 58th regiment and we were victorious as a group compared to other regiments. It was the 58th regiment which signalled the victory. This was a victory that showed us a moment of heroes to come. All medias began to broadcast heroism to the country.The media even gave way to the Air Force and the Navy. Though they said at the start that cameramen came after that, actually there was a fight among us. It was a competition which arose because of feelings.      *What did your home-people say when you were taking such a risk?        We didn't show the risk in this. What we said was that we were not going into the Front Line and that we were showing the visuals shown by the army. More than that it was because we come home no that we have to tell all that. So I didn't go home for about one and a half years while the war was going on. Towards the end-period of the war, almost in every instance we managed to be victorious. The LTTE was defeated right along. We also felt some terror. There wasn't time even to think of home.      *Have you met terrorists?        At times, terrorist members surrendered themselves. In one instance we videoed an LTTE female leader called Neela Vendani, fallen down injured. She is now a teacher. The army is treating her very well. After that, Madunila the first child soldier surrendered to the 58th regiment.Madunila's  repentance was shown all over the country.      *What are the most sensitive moments you faced when you were in the battlefield?        When the LTTE launched a suicide attack,one of our soldiers rescued a small child in Dharmapuram and the child's head dropped to a side, helplessly. After seeing that spectacle, none of us could even think of having our meals. The other incident was 15 female soldiers who were in the camp cuddling small children and giving them to eat and drink suddenly fell down dead in one place. That day too all of us felt a deep shock.      *Did you see the dead body of Prabhakaran?        Yes ... I saw. Then those were the last days of the War. The Major who was with us received the message that the dead body of Prabhakaran had arrived. We then went there and there was quite a crowd there. It was the day-before that the LTTE launched their final attack. The LTTE tried to break our line from the side of Vattuwan Lagoon. Prabhakaran's elder son also was there. When we went, the ambulance was in flames and it was suspected that Prabhakaran was inside it at that time. When we were waiting like that we saw Prabhakaran's dead body being brought kept on a sort of scaffolding.      *With the end of the War on May 18th, reporting of the War too came to an end, isn't it?        Now there's no war to report on.When we came to the institute after the War, we were welcomed on red carpets. I decided to function as a Producer right along without accepting any administrative posts. I received the opportunity of learning about this subject from a number of countries. After that I presented a programme called 'War Correspondent'. I received a National Award for that programme. At present I work as a Senior Producer. -- Wasana Surangika Vithanage --
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Iraj Weeraratne Engagement (Tue, 21 May 2013)

Photography: Studio3000
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SEMINI SPEAKS ABOUT HER CASE (Tue, 21 May 2013)

Breaking up families similar to Ananthariya Paapa Karma      Now everybody knows the story of how tele actress Semini got involved in litigation with tele actress. She is still in a fit of anger over this.      Sometime back, among invitees for a wedding anniversary, Damitha was among them and even appeared for photographs as one of Semini's best friends. But now the two of them are supposed to be not on good terms. What appears now is that she has developed a hatred towards the other. Following are the ideas she expressed at a newspaper interview.      *How are proceedings going on in your case?       It'll be taken up in July. I have been so informed from my side.      *Didn't a third party make an effort to settle this?       I went into litigation in this manner because of the pain and displeasure I suffered over this incident. I have a family. I have a husband who is extremely patient. If not for such a situation, my family may have broken up. What if I had to face such circumstances?      I am saying this on a common basis. Like in our field, some people in other fields too in this society do things in a selfish manner. They like to break up happy family lives ... they like to spread rumours and wrong information in a way that families break up. I too faced that situation. Actually, what I think is that breaking up peaceful families is similar to Ananthariya Paapa Karma. As such, a third-party should be left aside and a solution to this problem must be found by seeking the support of the law. The other thing is, after a problem is 'launched', a third-party is of no use. It's only before a problem crops up that one should think that such a thing should not happen. The thing is, not to patch up things after 'launching' a problem.  Lakbima news narrative -- Saman Priyankara Nammunige
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BICYCLES TURN OUT TO BE LUXURY VEHICLES (Tue, 21 May 2013)

Nugegoda car sale owner imported vans and cars on pretext of importing pushbikes, arrested      Importers of vehicles these days are in for a bad time because of being asked to pay a high duty. It is a big problem for them to sell the vehicle after paying such a high fee after releasing it from the port. It was learned yesterday of a special kind of businessman who had thought of a fine strategy to be employed in this connection. What he had done was import 2 motor vehicles and 2 Hiace vans for which a high duty is levied; by saying that some machines and push bicycles are being brought.      These vehicles have been packed in a 40 feet container. These 4 vehicles which had a value of 150 lakhs, it is said, had been dismantled and then packed into the container. This container had been directed to an address of a shop in Keyzer Street by a person carrying on an import-export car sale in Nugegoda area. Though what was mentioned was spare parts and push bicycles, a tip off had been given that there were no such things inside, and as a result, the container was subject to supervision at the Orugodawatta yard by customs officers.      The suspected businessman as well as the clerk concerned was taken into custody for having tried to lead custom officers astray and for importing vehicles fraudulently. Further inquiries in the case are being conducted.
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MOTHER KILLS HER THREE CHILDREN IN VAVUNIYA (Mon, 20 May 2013)

Mother who tried to commit suicide after throwing
 her  three children into well     Information was received from Vavuniya this morning of an unfortunate incident where a mother had thrown her 3 children into a well and she herself had attempted suicide. Though it is said that people had rescued her from dying, the 3 children of the ages 1, 3 and     had died as a result of this incident. Police said that this woman had attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the well with her 3 children this (17) morning and by the time she was rescued, the children had already died.    This incident was reported from the Thandikulam area and Vavuniya Police are  conducting investigations as to whether the reason for committing suicide in this manner is due to an economic problem or some other family problem.     The woman has been taken into custody in relation to the incident and Vavuniya Police is conducting inquiries.
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Nilmini with Brides (Mon, 20 May 2013)

Nilmini with Brides                                See All Pics HERE Pix By -Harshani Perera
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VASU AND PAVITHRA IMPRISONED (Mon, 20 May 2013)

A few days ago, on Monday last, John Seneviratna, Pavithra,    Vasudeva and some other politicians had gone with the IGP for the opening of Kiriella police  Station in Ratnapura. After the Ministers and the M.P.s officially opened the Kiriella Police Station, they had been moving around about inspecting various sections of the Station and also making use of them for the first time. The IGP then remarked, "Now like all those were opened, some dignitary come and open this too. This is a very important place".      "The most suitable person for that is I. These are not unfamiliar things for me. I have been in these in these places enough of times .....," so saying, Vasudeva Nanayakkara opened the door of the cell and went inside and the IGP was requested to close the door. At that very moment Pavithra who was there had said, "Vasu Sir, you can't be kept all alone like that suffering in a cell .... I also will go inside". So saying, she also had gone inside and closed the door. Then, both Vasu and Pavithra were both imprisoned. Later bothof them came out of the cell after staying in the cell for sometime.
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Lanka - Google News

Tension over army 'seizure' of Sri Lanka Jaffna land - BBC News (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Ceylon Daily News Tension over army 'seizure' of Sri Lanka Jaffna land BBC News There are growing tensions in northern Sri Lanka as Tamil people try to prevent the Sinhalese-dominated army from taking over their land. In a new development, villagers have driven out a group of surveyors sent by the authorities. Thousands more are ... * Australia returns 16 more Sri Lankans asylum seekers to ColomboColombo Page Lawyers win access to Sri Lankan detaineesThe Age NY Times with Optimistic Propaganda – Bias ExposedLankaweb Ceylon Daily News all 11 news articles »
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Ship buyers be alert: Ship laying up is an opportunity for Sri Lanka - Ceylon Daily News (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Ceylon Daily News Ship buyers be alert: Ship laying up is an opportunity for Sri Lanka Ceylon Daily News Present ship prices have decreased drastically around 80% than in 2008 and around 80% of the operational fleet is laid up due to the slump. It is clear that seafarer opportunities have boomed. The vision of the Sri Lankan government is to make Sri ...
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Sri Lanka monk attempts to self-immolate: police - Lanka Business Online (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Windsor Star Sri Lanka monk attempts to self-immolate: police Lanka Business Online Sri Lanka monk attempts to self-immolate: police. 24 May, 2013 17:19:44. May 24, 2013 (AFP) - A Sri Lankan monk set himself on fire on Friday to protest the slaughter of cattle, in the country's first attempt at self-immolation by a monk, police said ... Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka sets self on fire to protest cattle slaughter ...Windsor Star Monk sets himself on fire in Sri LankaEmirates 24/7 * Sri Lankan Buddhist monk immolates himself against cattle slaughterColombo Page Business Standard -New York Daily News -Eurasia Review all 17 news articles »
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26 Indian fishermen, released by Sri Lanka, return home - NDTV (Fri, 24 May 2013)
26 Indian fishermen, released by Sri Lanka, return home NDTV Karaikal: Twenty-six Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on April 5 while fishing off Kodiakarai coast, returned this morning after their release, fisheries department officials said. The fishermen were lodged in a prison in the ... * Sri Lanka Navy assists exchange of released Sri Lankan and Indian fishermenColombo Page Navy assists in repatriation of 48 Sri Lankan and Indian fishermenCeylon Daily News all 7 news articles »
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Indo-Lanka ties further strengthened - Basil - Ceylon Daily News (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Ceylon Daily News Indo-Lanka ties further strengthened - Basil Ceylon Daily News Indo-Lanka ties further strengthened - Basil. Only Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim unity will bring victory. It is the duty of every one to work in harmony to safeguard this country which has been liberated from terrorism. Religious and ethnic disharmony ...
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Fire at Sri Lanka's Colombo port doused: SLPA - Lanka Business Online (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Ceylon Daily News Fire at Sri Lanka's Colombo port doused: SLPA Lanka Business Online May 24, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka Ports Authority said a fire that broke out in a container freight station at Colombo Port has been brought under control and authorities are assessing the damage and probing its cause. Fire brigades of Sri Lanka Ports ... * Fire breaks out in cargo warehouse of Sri Lanka's Colombo PortColombo Page Fire at Colombo PortCeylon Daily News Extensive investigations are now underway on the fire that broke out at the ...SLBC News360.lk all 8 news articles »
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Sri Lanka president's son faces rugby misconduct claims - BBC News (Wed, 22 May 2013)
BBC News Sri Lanka president's son faces rugby misconduct claims BBC News Sri Lanka's rugby authorities are investigating President Mahinda Rajapaksa's rugby-playing son after claims that he assaulted a referee. One report says Rohitha Rajapaksa has been suspended from the game but the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union ... China to Lend $580 Million for Sri Lanka Development ProjectsThe Irrawaddy News Magazine Sri Lanka hails Indian housing assistanceZee News * Sri Lanka to get US$ 580 million loan from China for development projectsColombo Page Lanka Business Online -AllAfrica.com -AsiaNews.it all 23 news articles »
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Emirates ups flights to Sri Lanka - Lanka Business Online (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Emirates ups flights to Sri Lanka Lanka Business Online "The demand for seats on the Colombo – Dubai sector is increasing, and these additional flights will enable more UK and USA bound passengers to connect with Emirates services out of Dubai," Chandana de Silva, Emirates' area manager for Sri Lanka and ... and more »
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Penumbral lunar eclipse today: Not visible in Sri Lanka - Ceylon Daily News (Fri, 24 May 2013)
Ceylon Daily News Penumbral lunar eclipse today: Not visible in Sri Lanka Ceylon Daily News The eclipse is not visible in Sri Lanka and the whole of Asia, said Prof Chandana Jayaratne of the Department of Physics, University of Colombo. Meanwhile, after sunset on May 26 and May 27, the closest grouping of three planets Mercury, Venus and ...
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* Pakistani High Commissioner visits Sri Lanka's Eastern Province - Colombo Page (Fri, 24 May 2013)
* Pakistani High Commissioner visits Sri Lanka's Eastern Province Colombo Page May 24, Colombo: The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Major General Qasim Qureshi visited Eastern Province of Sri Lanka recently. The visit was aimed at understanding the ground situation in the Province and to explore opportunities to ... and more »
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