Nov 21 (DBS) Throw a stone into placid waters and you get a big splash followed by numerous ripples. The ripple effect caused by the Fonseka factor continues to excite the contemporary Sri Lankan political scene. The Presidential stakes earlier was a predictable one-horse race. With the anticipated entry of an old warhorse, an element of uncertainty has been introduced. more..

Nov 21 (BBC) Several political parties, representing miniority Tamils and Muslims in Sri Lanka, have for the first time in post-war period gathered in Switzerland for a two-day consultations. The meeting, at the initiative of Tamil dispora groups, is being attended by several political parties representing almost all shades of Tamil and Muslim political opinion. This is the first of such meeting in the recent past, aiming for political consensus on issues more..

Nov 21 (PTI) Sri Lankan pacer Dammika Prasad is a doubtful starter for the second cricket Test against India starting in Kanpur from November 24 due to a hamstring injury, captain Kumar Sangakkara said today. "I don't think he (Dammika) would play as it seems right now he may not be available," Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference after the first Test ended in a draw here. Prasad bowled just four overs today more..

Nov 21 (GDI) Professors of Economics in universities today firmly predicted an economic growth of 3.5% by the end of 2009. Professors W.D Lakshman, Laksiri Fernando and Sunanda Madduma Bandara addressed the media at a meeting titled - "Asidisi Widwath Hamuwa" to express views on the state of the economic. Professor W.D Lakshman of the University of Colombo said that the leading economist from California identified as Charlie Johnson had defined the theory of a nation development. more..

Nov 21 (WO) As it was nudging 33 degrees in the shade, the last thing I wanted to drink was a hot toddy. But on Sri Lanka, the island of smiles off the toe of India, toddy is a comfort drink of the poor and needy. So in the interests of research, I tried this original tropical version. To most of us, of course, a toddy means any spirit lifter in the dead of winter, mixed with hot water and sugar. Perhaps ours developed from the Sri Lankan version, which comes from the sap of a palm tree. more..

Nov 21 (AD) Education Minister Susil Premajayantha today claimed that the ministry was not consulted to make the announcement on the Central Province school closure. He added that the Central Province Chief Minister does not have the prerogative to make such a decision. Premajayantha said that he will communicate this issue to the Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayaka. more..

Nov 21 (Reuters) Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara rued a lost opportunity early in the first test after India escaped with a draw on a flat pitch on Friday. Sri Lanka, aiming to win their first test on Indian soil after 27 years of trying, had the home team struggling in the first innings before they recovered to 426 all out. "We had our best chance when we had them 32 for four but we gave it away after lunch (on the opening day)," more..

Nov 21 (LNW) The Convocation for post graduates of the Kelaniya University will be held in the BMICH on the 20th. The ceremony will be held in two sessions presided over by the Chancellor of the University the Ven. Welimitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thero and the Vice Chancellor Professor Sarath Ammunugama. The President Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse will receive a Honorary Master of Literature Degree while more..

Nov 21 (LT) The wife of Gen. Sarath Fonseka Mrs. Anoma Fonseka, , the President of Ranaviru Seva Authority, has decided to resign from her post from today (19th) say sources in Ranaviry Seva Authority. Mrs. Fonseka who held the guardianship of ‘Senehasa’ school constructed for the children of disabled soldiers was removed from her responsibilities of the school yesterday (18th) on orders from the Secretary of Defense. more..

Nov 21 (GDI) Minister Maithripala Sirisena today said the date of holding the next presidential election will be announced shortly. The minister at a media briefing in Colombo today further said that all parties of the government were getting prepared for the election. He added that there iwasno doubt that a landslide victory could be achieved at any future election under the leadership of the pPesident. more..

Nov 21 (BBC) There's been a row in Sri Lanka this week over the issuance of a banknote marking the government’s military defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels six months ago. An opposition politician has called the release an election gimmick. The new limited-circulation note for one thousand rupees is printed in bright colours. On one side it depicts the security forces hoisting the national flag, as they did on securing the entire coastline just before their final victory. more..

Nov 21 (ur7s) Sri Lanka are facing some difficulties ahead of the final round of the IRB Asian Sevens Series next weekend at the home leg the International Carlton Sevens in Colombo (28-29 November). Many of the players expected to represent the natioal side have been in joining up with the squad with 15-a-side commitments, with players from the Army and Navy NOT available for practices due to a Defense Services Tournament. more..

Nov 21 (CI) Muttiah Muralitharan has been Sri Lanka's go-to man for several years now, but over the last three years he's had to work much harder for his wickets. He finished the Ahmedabad Test with match figures of 3 for 221 from 63.5 overs, of which only one victim was a top-order batsman. Equally worrying was his lack of bite on the last day, admittedly in conditions which offered little assistance for bowlers. more..

Nov 21 (SL) In all the sound and fury over Sarath Fonseka’s recent visit to America, most commentators have passed over the principal reason for the trip — Fonseka’s immigration status. As a permanent resident of America, Fonseka is required by law to return to the country every year to renew his Green Card. The impending expiration of his Green Card may explain why Fonseka would risk traveling to a country that recently issued a report accusing him (as well as other government officials) of war crimes. more..

Nov 21 (Tehelka) In May 2006, TEHELKA carried my column arguing that a flawed understanding of newly-elected Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s politics had kept India from a crucial role there. Inactivity by India in the Sri Lankan crisis, I argued, would only hasten a process that could turn the island into a battleground of big power rivalries inimical to India’s long-standing interests – enforcing a Pax Indiana on the Indian Ocean. more..

Nov 21 (GDI) An eye for photography is a gift from birth. All are never gifted with such an eye. A sharp eye to capture aspects of nature and man is a very rare gift. Sudath Silva, the young dynamic man was blessed with such eyes from birth and it is an undisputed fact. In his long journey of a quarter century, this sharp eyed personality captured four first citizens of this nation. Certainly, his photographic eyes are devoid of color... more..

Nov 21 (GDI) With heavy rains prevailing these days in areas in the North, the Governor of the Northern Province GA Chandrasiri has advised the officials of the Department of Health of the Northern Province to take steps to commence a special health programme for the prevention of Malaria and Dengue in the resettled areas. This was mentioned at a Progress Review Meeting held at the Regional Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Vavuniya more..

Nov 20 (AFP) Sri Lanka's former top military officer who resigned last week promised on Friday to "fight for democracy" amid reports he will challenge the president at upcoming elections. General Sarath Fonseka, who quit as chief of defence staff following a spat with President Mahinda Rajapakse, said he was committing himself to restoring the democratic rights of the people. more..

Nov 20 (CI) Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, and a dead Ahmedabad pitch (21 wickets and seven centuries in five days) put paid to Sri Lanka's dream of a first Test win in India. Gambhir played out 110 deliveries for 40 runs, and Tendulkar 211 for 100 runs; both of them looked entirely at home in the role of saving a Test, not letting dot balls affect their minds. By the time the final session of the match arrived, the only question left unanswered was whether more..

Nov 20 (BN) The IMF said Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are at a “comfortable level”, as it reviews the island’s economy for the release of a third payment in its $2.6 billion loan. The Washington-based lender expects Sri Lanka’s economic growth and credit demand to pick up, Brian Aitken, the IMF’s Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, said. The IMF said Nov. 9 that the approval to disburse $329.4 million to Sri Lanka this month indicates more..

Nov 20 (AFP) Sri Lanka has released more than half of the thousands of displaced civilians held in government camps after the end of the country's ethnic conflict earlier this year, a minister said Friday. "We feel the security situation has eased considerably now to allow people to return to their homes," Human Rights minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told reporters here. more..

Nov 20 (LBO) Sri Lanka has slipped five places to 97 in the annual corruption perceptions index in an annual perception survey conducted among 180 countries, by Transparency International, a corruption watchdog. "What we see is a clear indictment on Sri Lanka and the urgent need for major systemic changes to wipe out corruption," J C Weliamuna, executive director of Transparency International's Sri Lanka chapter said. more..

Nov 20 (DM) Mahela Jayawardane’s father Senerath said yesterday that he expects his son to break Brian Lara’s record Test score one day."I am sure that he will break Lara's World record of 400 runs in a single Test innings because he has the necessary temperament and the skills to achieve the same" Jayawardene told “Daily Mirror” following Mahela’s epic 275 against India at Ahamedabad yesterday. more..

Nov 20 (DM) The move to send General Sarath Fonseka (Retd) to parliament, a prerequisite for an independent candidate, has taken an interesting turn. Among the options that are being contemplated is one to get the SLMC to sacrifice one if its national list slots in the UNP to allow the star candidate to enter the parliament. Notwithstanding his right wing remarks to Canada’s National Post that he “strongly believed that Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhalese” more..

Nov 20 (DM) SLFP (M) leader Mangala Samaraweera said opposition political parties were making headway in selecting a symbol to be used by the common candidate at a possible presidential election. Mr. Samaraweera told a weekly news conference that a proper strategy should be agreed upon for a presidential campaign. Though he was careful not mention the name of former Chief of Defence Staff Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate handpicked by the opposition, more..

Nov 20 (DM) UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in his booklet “Anagatha Abiyogaya” yesterday outlined a 25-year policy plan including the election of an Executive Prime Minister, while President would have the responsibility to safeguard the Constitution and a clean political system. He also proposed the setting up of a State Assembly to formulate national policies and that the general election, more..

Nov 20 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's health authorities said on Friday that immediate orders have been placed for Novel A/H1N1 injection to prevent the spread of the disease. This follows action to close down schools in the entire Central Province for fear of rapid spread of A/H1N1. "There have been 258 cases reported in the country so far and there could be a lot more unconfirmed cases," W. M. B. Wanninnayake, the Health Ministry spokesman said. more..

Nov 20 (AT) AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalitha has said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi cannot cover up his "betrayal" of the Sri Lankan Tamils by saying that LTTE leader V Prabhakaran had brought upon himself his own destruction and the end of the Eelam armed struggle. Ms Jayalalitha taking exception to Mr Karunanidhi's view that Prabhakaran brought it upon himself by killing fellow Tamil leaders like more..

Nov 20 (Island) The government yesterday said that General (retd) Sarath Fonseka had been allowed to pick his security contingent. A spokesman for the Presidential Secretariat told The Island that that the Defence Ministry had instructed Army Chief Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya to release officers and men requested by the former Army Commander. He said that the entire security contingent, including commandos would be selected by the recently retired Chief of Defence Staff. more..

Nov 20 (DN) As a developing country, Sri Lanka is faced with the main challenges of creating a conducive environment for full and productive employment. These include payment of a fair wage and social protection by domestic enterprises faced with increasing competitive pressures in the global economy; providing productive decent employment for the large number of people employed in the informal economy; more..

Nov 20 (Island) Transport Minister Dallas Alahaperuma refuted a statement made by UNP deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya on the Government’s failure to mete out proper treatment to General Sarath Fonseka. "I was disappointed to hear such a statement," he said. Minister Alahaperuma told The Island that he regretted that UNP Deputy leader had used the name of Ananda College, Colombo in connection with a political issue. more..

Nov 20 (DN) Public servants including temporary employees will benefit by decisions made by the Government to grant permanent status to those still serving in temporary or casual capacities. There will also be an increase in allowances for the armed forces, public servants and pensioners. Casual, temporary, relief contract-basis and preliminary grade employees or those recruited on contract in the public sector and provincial government services who more..

Nov 20 (DN) Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said that the Ministry has stopped using injections, saline and other drugs supplied by the companies which provided unsafe injections, saline and other drugs to Sri Lanka. Arrangements will be made to estimate the total value of those drugs in order to obtain refunds from the companies, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said. more..

Nov 20 (Island) UNP parliamentarian Vajira Abeywardene is no stranger to controversy. In this interview, he speaks to C. A. Chandraprema about the UNP’s plan to field a common candidate at the presidential elections, the newly formed UNP-led political alliance and allied matters. Q. Who will be the UNP’s choice of candidate at the presidential election? more..