May 6 (NN) SLMC MP M.S. Thowfeek was asked to leave the Parliament premises this evening for wearing inappropriate attire. Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando asked the MP to leave as he was wearing red pants inside the House of the Parliament. The Trincomalee District MP subsequently left the House. A similar incident occurred in 2009 when a female MP was asked to leave for violating the parliamentary dress code by coming to the House dressed in a salwar kameez. more..

May 6 (DM) The Director Board of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) acting on the instructions of Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka suspended with immediate effect the services of its Chief Engineer Dr. Susantha Perera for alleged misappropriation of Rs. 52 million from the Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), a spokesman said. The suspension comes in the wake of a ten member committee appointed by the Power and Energy Ministry Secretary M.M.C Ferdinando on August 10, 2009 more..

May 6 (Hindu) The government of Sri Lanka will release on May 7, a postal stamp and first day cover on Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations. The stamp, priced at LKR 5, will be released by Sri Lankan Minister for Postal Services Jewan Kumaranathunga at a function presided over by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha, said Vikram Misri, Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo. more..

May 6 (PTI) Sri Lanka will develop the Kankesanturai port in the Tamil-dominated northern Jaffna peninsula with Indian aid, a government spokesman has said. The Cabinet has approved a proposal by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop the Kankesanturai (KKS) port with Indian aid. A MoU is to be signed soon with the Indian govt on the project. The port will be developed in two phases. A new breakwater will also to be constructed under the project. more..

May 6 (TC) The rumour mill has been at it for a while that the former foreign secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona is to be assigned as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The Former Navy Commander, Wasantha Karanagoda was previously tipped for the post, but after the British authorities advised the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to refrain from appointing ex-military officers to the post, the position has been vacant. more..

May 6 (DM) The Supreme Court has informed Parliament that the proposed private sector pension bill and its clauses are in accordance with the Constitution, the speaker announced in the Parliament a short while ago. The court ruling was delivered to the Speaker by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The Supreme Court examined the act regarding private sector pensions to verify its compatibility with the Constitution. Several trade unions challenged the act for more..

May 6 (TC) The report of the three-member UN panel of experts set up to advise UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on alleged war crimes and human rights violations committed during the final stages of the Eeelam war has produced two reactions – both on expected lines. In the report made public by the UN on April 25, the panel found many of the allegations “credible” against both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. more..

May 6 (FT) Etisalat yesterday beat the rest of the mobile telecom industry by launching the country’s first ever 3.75G network, assuring the fastest ever Internet speed among other benefits. Coming in when the internet penetration is still taking baby steps in Sri Lanka with just an eight percent reach, the new device will place Etisalat as the world’s 23rd network provider to introduce and offer a delivery speed up to 42Mbps. more..

May 6 (Island) Double standards and duplicity are luxuries that only the powerful countries can afford but they entail a heavy price as could be seen from the predicament of mighty America in the wake of the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. When the US took the lead in initiating a war crimes witch-hunt against Sri Lanka questioning the circumstances under which the latter's terrorists had been killed, the Obama administration may not have thought that its more..

May 6 (DM) Will former captain Hashan Tillekaratne keep his promise and come out with the names in the latest scourge to hit Sri Lanka cricket just a month after the team conceded the World Cup to India in a manner that raised many questions, some relating to match-fixing. For a nation that was only a witness to match-fixing over the past two decades with none of its players tainted or hauled up before the ICC's anti-corruption unit, the scourge must be more..

May 6 (BBC) The United Nations' human rights chief, Navi Pillay, has called on the American government for a full disclosure of the facts about the killing of Osama Bin Laden in a covert US operation. She said this was necessary to establish the legality of the operation. Ms Pillay said the Al-Qaeda leader had admitted to appalling acts of terrorism but all counter-terrorism actions must respect international law. more..

May 6 (TC) The world woke up on Monday May 2, to the news that Osama Bin Laden, founder and leader of the Al-Queda network had been killed in a firefight with US troops at what was essentially his safe house and base camp, not far from the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. President Barack Obama in a televised speech to the nation announced the news and spontaneous and joyous celebrations erupted across the US and the western world. There was a slightly more nuanced response in Asia and more..

May 6 (TC) The killing of Osama Bin Laden by chopper-borne US Special forces and Navy Seals is good news and a job well done by that country. Shortly after the attack on the Twin Towers the Sri Lankan papers carried a piece I wrote entitled ‘Why Osama Ain’t My Hero’, a full-on critique of terrorists masquerading as liberation fighters and an explanation of why defence of existing states, most especially democratic ones, against the former is perfectly compatible with more..

May 6 (TC) An Interview with Nimalka Fernando published in the Sunday RAVAYA dated 24/4/2011. Q: What are the issues contained in the report prepared by the expert panel appointed by the Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki- Moon? A: The main challenge before this committee was to arrive at an understanding regarding the incidents that took place during the last stages of the war in Sri Lanka since there were confusing reports and information. more..

May 6 (FT) Inflationary pressure is one of the biggest threats to Sri Lanka’s economic growth this year, which is poised at 8%, a new United Nations (UN) report says. The UN Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2011 (ESCAP), which was launched in Sri Lanka yesterday, warns that broad-based policies and reforms need to be implemented for growth momentum to continue. It ranks Sri Lanka’s development as positive, but points out that higher levels of more..

May 6 (TC) I hope and trust readers of the column will indulge me. Over the past years I have referred to a coterie of self-defined earnest patriots and defenders of the current regime as apparatchiks and toxic hacks. Over the past few days I find that they hold me responsible for writing what they refer to as the Darusman Report, in whole or part or at the very least of being the principal source of information to the hated troika of Darusman, Sooka and Ratner. more..

May 6 (TC) Government was all set for the complete implementation of the 13th amendment immediately after war was the key notion propagated by US assistant state secretary Robert O Blake. Mr. Blake, then US ambassador in Sri Lanka misled Tamils of this country with this notion says DPF leader Mano Ganesan in the brief statement issued by DPF media office. Ganesan who was once named by then US state secretary Condoleezza Rice as more..

May 6 (GV) As conflict raged, the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights had stern words for those on both sides. “All violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law must be investigated and those responsible for breaches – including deliberate targeting of civilians, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, the killing of injured persons and the use of human shields – must be brought to justice,” her spokesman told reporters. more..

May 6 (DM) The gravitational pull is dragging the administration towards the LLRC, after the Moon report. It has become Sri Lanka’s All-Purpose Vehicle or Home of Last Resort. Its anticipated singular pronouncement is worth more than the contradictory crap coming from official sources. Unwittingly, it has assumed the role of a saviour, for which it was not mandated. In the LLRC, some members are wise and diplomatic, others pragmatic and sensible; all are honorable and more..

May 6 (Island) U.S. Assistant Secretary Robert Blake, former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, traveled to the once-war torn Kilinochchi last Tuesday to turn over water pumps to formerly displaced farmers in the North. The water pumps are one aspect of a $5.2 million USAID project to assist recently resettled families in the North, conducted in partnership with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more..

May 6 (Island) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne has instructed the Fisheries Department prohibit fishermen from using ‘Madel’ in the Mullativu district. It had been found that many new fishermen were using illegal fishing gear and fish resources in the district were under threat of extinction. In accordance with the Special Gazette Notification No. 337/48 of February 21, 1985, legal action could be taken against more..

May 6 (Island) National Thalassaemia Centre Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Dayanada Bandara has concluded Thalassaaemia has become a major threat in the Wayamba Province. He said that there were about 800 – 1000 infants born annually showing symptoms of Thalassaemia. Around 1,600 to 2,000 patients were under treatment. Dr. Bandara told The Island that Thalassaemia was a genetic blood disorder which destroyed Hemoglobin in the red blood cells. If two Thalassaemia carriers more..

May 6 (FT) The Government yesterday set in motion a scenario where the CEO of the budget airline will take over the leadership role of full service and fast expanding national carrier. Ending weeks of speculation SriLankan Airlines in a brief statement yesterday announced Kapila Chandrasena, current CEO Mihin Lanka has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer Designate of SriLankan Airlines with immediate effect. more..

May 6 (DM) The Government has compelled students to attend leadership training in military camps prior to their university education, at a time when the students are in dire need of training in English and Information Technology, IUSF said yesterday. “Most of the University students have a huge problem with the English language. Why can’t the Government make arrangements for that without forcing them to undergo a three week military leadership training?” more..

May 6 (DM) UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera in Parliament yesterday charged that the special computer crime unit which is located at the BMICH is engaged in tracking email messages including those of some ministers. Speaking during the emergency debate in the House yesterday Mr. Jayasekera said this is a violation of their rights. “These Ministers who are also members of Parliament often correspond with us via email and phone us, as it is their right and it is unfair to violate this right” he said. more..

May 6 (Island) The special computer crime unit, housed at the BMICH, is engaged in hacking electronic mail including the email accounts of some ministers, UNP Kurunegala district MP Dayasiri Jayasekera charged in Parliament yesterday. He levelled the charges while speaking during the debate on the extension of emergency. He said that both MPs and Ministers correspond via email and telephone and it is illegal to track them. more..

May 6 (UCAN) Leaders of all the major religions have appealed for the followers of all faiths to join in celebrations marking the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment. The Inter Religious Alliance for National Unity (IANU) made the appeal yesterday at a press conference in Colombo. “We all have a responsibility to join Buddhists and support their celebrations,” said Rev Sarath Hettiarchchi, the alliance’s co-chairman. more..

May 6 (UCAN) A Catholic bishop has urged the government to do more to help people evacuated 15 years ago during the civil war to return home to their villages. Many villagers still do not know when they will be able to return home to rebuild their lives, Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam of Jaffna said. Some 2,000 families, most of them Catholics, have been staying in refugee camps since 1995. Luckier families have been with relatives or living in rented accommodation. more..

May 6 (DM) The Supreme Court yesterday (5) granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights violation petition filed on behalf of Ajith Prasanna who had allegedly been killed while in police custody. The Bench comprised Justices Shiranee Tilakawardhane and K.Sripavan. The matter was fixed for hearing on September 22. Court had already ordered the Embilipitiya Magistrate to direct that the body of the deceased, Ajith Prasanna, be exhumed and more..

May 6 (GN) Investors are pouring in to snap up land on Sri Lanka's east coast which has only recently been opened up to tourists following 30 years of civil war. "Around 100 acres have been given to 13 investors under 99 year leases so we should have another 100 rooms by the end of next year. We have three hotels already operating in that area. "There are also 13 hotel projects in the pipeline," said Chandra Wickeramasinghe, chairman of Connaissance de Ceylon, more..

May 6 (Island) The Ceylon Electricity Board had cut down carbon emissions by 1.15 million tons during 2010, thereby saving Rs. 2.600 billion, according to international carbon rating standards. Currently, a ton of carbon is valued at between Euro 15 and 20, according Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. Ranawaka believes that Sri Lanka should go all out to tap what is due to the country and already discussions are progressing in this regard. more..

May 6 (DM) The main opposition UNP has submitted a motion seeking the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the legal process against LTTE Chief Arms Procurer KP, now in military custody. Nine UNP MPs have signed this motion and have handed it over to the parliamentary authorities on Tuesday. The motion says that the House should appoint this Select Committee to inquire into the law under which KP was held in custody and more..

May 6 (DM) The Court of Appeal yesterday postponed to May 12 its judgment on the 19 writ applications filed by the UPFA challenging the rejection of its nomination papers for the local council elections in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. Appeal Court President Justice Sathya Hettige postponed judgment earlier fixed for May 5 as the other sitting judge Upali Abeyrathna was indisposed. The UPFA nomination papers were rejected for the reason that the Tamil translation more..

May 6 (DM) Sri Lanka’s junior wushuites who attended the first World Junior Children’s Games in Ankara, Turkey, made their motherland proud by winning one gold, one silver and one bronze medal. It marked the biggest victory for Sri Lanka in wushu in a world competition. More than 3000 athletes from 90 countries participated in the games from April 24 to May 1. Piliyandala Central College boy W. A. Danushka Madushanka won the gold and bronze medals in more..

May 6 (DN) The government yesterday called on the UN to include the definition for ‘terrorist’ or ‘terrorism’ in its Charter since the absence of such a definition has led to contradictory positions adopted by the UN system. This has affected countries such as Sri Lanka who had suffered under terrorism. Amplifying on this, Youth Affairs Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that UNICEF which is a sister organisation of the UN, on the one hand stressed more..

May 6 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that certain elements with vested interests were trying to find fault with the country’s accomplishment of ending terrorism, which caused unprecedented destruction in the country for over 30 long years. He noted that there were elements within who send reports detrimental to the country to earn dollars and petty political mileage. He pointed out that the government had been able to stop the 30 year long carnage, more..

May 6 (NN) With the report by the Expert Panel on Sri Lanka appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon drawing more controversy, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris is scheduled to visit India and China very soon to express Si Lanka’s position on the report. Sources at the External Affairs Ministry told News Now.lk that Minister Peiris will hold intense discussions with senior Chinese and Indian government members and will try to win its support against the UN report. more..

May 6 (DM) More than 90 per cent of those in university administration countrywide have tendered their resignation letters to the authorities resulting in administrative functions of universities on the verge of a breaking down, Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) said yesterday. The FUTA said heads of departments, coordinators of units as well as hostel wardens and centre directors have tendered their resignation letters as more..

May 6 (Island) Sri Lankan’s returning from Libya would not be fined for having misplaced or lost their passports, the government said yesterday. Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwalle told journalists in Colombo,that the Cabinet of Ministers had decided to waive the fine of Rs.10,000 charged for lost passports in view of the situation in Libya. Considering the circumstances surrounding the return of Sri Lankans from more..