Nov 2 (LG) According to news reaching Sri Lanka Guardian, relatives of the LTTE senior activists who were presumed killed in captivity by the security forces are said to be harassed by the Terrorism Investigation Department (TID). The TID is visiting the relatives of the LTTE men and women surrendered to the army at the end of the war in May 2009. These surrendered Tamil Tigers were taken away in bus loads to unknown destinations and their whereabouts are still not known. more..

Nov 2 (SO) 'Yakadaya'- Sri Lanka's iron man's body was lying at the morgue of the Colombo National Hospital for a few days. His nephew, who said they didn't wish to claim relationship with him as he was a hardcore criminal, took his body to Manampitiya, Yakadaya's home town, where the 111-year-old went on his last journey yesterday. Some decades ago, with crimes almost unheard of, Yakadaya had sent shock waves among the people of the North Central Province. more..

Nov 2 (LG) Sri Lankans on both sides of the ethnic divide are accusing each other of Terrorism. Those driven by hearsay, would blindly follow the side they like. Those using Intellectual Discrimination would tend to join the side that comes out ‘right’ and those using belief would take the side with deeper need, and discipline confidentially the ‘other’ side. This morning, I read the article ‘Getting to the truth of Nandikadal‘ by Ms Kishali Pinto Jayawardena, more..

Nov 2 (LG) Is it: The Time of Reason or Treason, The Time of Light or Darkness, the Time of Humanitarianism or Barbarism or The Time of Democracy or Hypocrisy? All that we can say is that we are living in interesting times.‘May you live in interesting times’ is a Chinese curse, and you may not have a choice in the matter. These are indeed interesting times whether in this blessed island or in the rest of the world. Sri Lanka in these times is setting the pace, as you will realise. more..

Nov 2 (NS) The word ‘Osteoporosis’ is a coin of two Greek words that stand for ‘bone’ and ‘porus’ which when combined, is called ‘porus bones’. Osteoporosis, also known as the ‘brittle bone disease’ is a disease of bones. The bones become so brittle, a slightest fall, or even coughing or bending could lead to a fracture of the hip, wrist or any other bone. Its progression is slow and silent. Mostly osteoporosis affects post menopausal women over 55 years of age. more..

Nov 2 (LG) The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which is observed throughout the world coincided this year with the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement, a campaign of protest launched in the US against bankers, financiers and politicians accused of ruining global economies and condemning millions to poverty and hardship through greed. This campaign has gathered momentum and it is sweeping across many countries. In Sri Lanka the IDEP was observed with a programme held in more..

Nov 2 (LG) It is quite interesting to see how the pro and anti Mahinda Rajapakse regime people in the country have got themselves divided into two main groups and resort to having bitter arguments. The group that defends the Sri Lanakan government has become sentimental in the nature of supporting their blunt arguments while the opposite groups try to bring the facts to light enabling impartial readers and listeners to draw their own conclusions. more..

Nov 2 (ST) With the onset of the second inter-monsoonal rain and the North-East monsoon, the dengue Control Unit (DCU) has warned of an outbreak of dengue fever in the next two months. For this year 20,881 total numbers of cases have been reported to date, out of which 1,306 were reported in October. The vulnerable areas are Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Kandy. According to the DCU, MOH areas such as, Dehiwala, Kolonnawa, Colombo city and more..

Nov 2 (Island) Retired Chief Justice Sarath N Silva (SNS) has lashed out at the government for its decision to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to inquire into and report on the allegations of abuse of power, misconduct and/or misbehaviour against him. SNS is of the view that Parliament has no constitutional right to probe a retired judge for what he is alleged to have done while holding office. There have been several instances where judges suffered at the hands of more..

Nov 2 (BL) People seem to be confused and uncertain about what is happening with the economy. We have performed better and improved our ranking in the Index for Ease of Doing Business. So the reforms seem to be effective. Yes, the government is serious about making the economy better. But the external environment is causing concern and anxiety. US Consumption is not increasing and unemployment there is not coming down. The oil price is coming down but food prices are not. more..

Nov 2 (LG) Here is an Interview with Thushara Jayarathna who filed the case against Namal Rajapakse, son of President Rajapakse. It is widely believed that the Head of Law College facilitated Namal Rajapakse to have extraordinary benefits during the final Law exam, which benefits were not facilitated for others sitting the exam. Despite submissions on this basis - the case was recently dismissed by the court.“Political interfered especially by the President who is the father of Namal Rajapakse more..

Nov 2 (ST) One of the objectives of the Budget would be to achieve a much lower trade deficit in 2012 than the massive one this year. The 2012 Budget to be presented in parliament on November 21 has this additional challenge. Fiscal policy has to be used to reduce the trade deficit that is rising to massive proportions. In the first eight months of the year it had reached nearly US$ 6 billion. At the end of the year it is likely to reach US$ 9 billion. more..

Nov 2 (NS) One of the most inspiring slogans I’ve encountered is the tagline used by ‘Indymedia’, i.e. the Independent Media Centre, which was established by various independent and alternative media organisations and activists in 1999 for the purpose of providing grassroots coverage of protests against the World Trade Organisation in Seattle. It was a simple proposition: ‘Be the media’. The suggestion was that we don’t need to have things described for us; we can and more..

Nov 2 (ST) With slogan-shouting, placard-carrying villagers of Namalwatte, Morawewa, taking to the streets demanding that urgent action be taken to erect the “promised” electric fence to mitigate the human-elephant conflict (HEC), many were pointing fingers at USAID for allegedly “selling the villagers down the river”. The situation was further aggravated after a woman of Morawewa was killed by an elephant on October 16, with many officials more..

Nov 2 (Island) Over 12,000 new cancer patients seek treatment at the Maharagama National Cancer Institute every year, a medical officer of the hospital says. He that there had been an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the country during the past 20 years. Women between 50 and 69 were in the high risk category and About 4.7 per cent of female deaths were due to breast cancer, he said stressing hat most of the cases were detected too late for effective treatment. more..

Nov 2 (DN) The indiscriminate use of polythene and plastic material has threatened the lives of animals such as cattle, goats, donkeys and horses in the Delft Islands, which have been their habitat over a long period of time. Carcasses of these animals are often found across the islands with undigested polythene in their stomachs, Delft Police OIC ENP Ekanayake said. Polythene and plastic are strewn over many parts of the islands. The animals consume these along with the grass more..

Nov 2 (DM) The use of heroin is the primary source of destruction of the youth within the country. The drug is such that once a user is addicted there is little or no way that a user can be rehabilitated. This is due to the fact that the drug causes an insatiable craving and more of it is needed to satisfy this craving, as the body builds up a greater tolerance to it. Furthermore most underworld violence can be directly linked to heroin. Many users are below the age of thirty more..

Nov 2 (DM) The Elections Department said that it would take measures to publicize the names of the candidates of various political parties and independent groups who contested the October 8 local govt elections and failed to declare their assets. Participating in a panel discussion on the issue of asset declaration by politicians, Siri Medawewa, the Consultant to the Commissioner of Elections, said that the deadline given for the declaration of assets by more..

Nov 2 (Island) The govt is stepping up efforts to tackle those employing illegal fishing methods with the current focus being on the northern and southern seas. The govt intends to provide the wherewithal to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to police waters. A senior SLCG official said that newly designated Director General of the establishment, Rear Admiral Ruwan Dias took delivery of an Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) from the Director General Operations of the SLN yesterday. more..

Nov 2 (Island) Minister Kumara Welagama said that the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLCTB) was in dire financial straits owing to the latest diesel price hike. The govt last week increased the price of a litre of diesel by Rs. 8. The SLCTB’s fuel bill had gone up by Rs. 2.2 mn a day and the loss-making institution was not in a position to sustain such losses. He said that there wouldn’t be a fare revision immediately in spite of growing losses. more..

Nov 2 (GN) Anura Tennekoon, manager of the Sri Lanka team, played a pivotal role in the rise of his country as a power in world cricket. It was through talented batsmen like Tennekoon that the world realised that Sri Lanka is a power to be reckoned with. He kept scoring heavily before Sri Lanka gained Test status and was appointed captain for the 1975 World Cup. He captained the team even in his last one-day series in the 1979 World Cup and top- scored with 59 runs in more..

Nov 2 (HT) Nepal opened the SAARC Under-25 Twenty20 Cricket Tournament with a 76-run defeat against the mighty Sri Lanak here at the Ahmed Ali Didi Stadium today. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored a mammoth 240-4 in 20 overs and in reply Nepal were restricted to 164-9 but not before troubling the Test-playing nation. The fact that the Nepali batsmen hit 11 sixes shows that they have the potential to bat against any sides. Nepal’s Sri Lanka born Canadian coach Pubudu Dassanayake more..

Nov 2 (DM) MP Duminda Silva’s official bodyguard who was alleged to have shot Presidential adviser Baratha Lakshman Premachandra was identified by a witness during an identification parade held at the Colombo Chief Magistrate court yesterday. The suspect, Police constable Anura Thushara de Mel attached to the Mirihana Police Station, the official bodyguard of Duminda Silva was identified by witness during the identification parade. more..

Nov 2 (Island) The Sri Lanka Navy recently facilitated a scientific study, on north-easterly monsoonal climate changes and coastal hazards by a group of Sri Lankan Scientists attached to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and the world renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA. The study involved collection of sea-bed samplings using a vibro-core to trap samples of sediments at the bottom of the sea up to 100m water depth in the eastern seas and more..

Nov 2 (Island) With one-nil down in the three-match Test series against Pakistan, the national cricket team arrived at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium to prepare for the third and final Test yesterday. Sharjah, a popular venue in the 1980s and 1990s has hosted the most number of ODIs (198) in the world and there have been some thrilling contests Sri Lanka have been involved in here. Incidentally the Sri Lankans haven’t played here since 2003 as there was an unofficial more..

Nov 2 (CI) Opener Upal Tharanga and fast bowlers Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga have been included in Sri Lanka's 15-man squad for the one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. In all, Sri Lanka have made seven changes from the Test squad that currently trails Pakistan 0-1 in the three-Test series, with openers Tharanga Paranavitana and Lahiru Thirimane, and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath among those missing out. more..

Nov 2 (TN) Mano Ganeshan, leader of the Democratic People’s Front (DPF) has condemned the decapitation of the late Tamil leader Thanthai SJV Chelvanayakam as an act of barbarism by chauvinist elements. Mr. Mano Ganeshan has reminded the services of Thanthai Chelva by launching a non-violent struggle against the subjugation of Tamils not only in North and East but also in the Upcountry at a time when the Sri Lankan government disenfranchised the Upcountry Tamils. more..

Nov 2 (SMH) An open letter to 'Shooty', who committed suicide in Villawood detention centre last week. Dear 'Shooty', I've just watchved our Prime Minister talking about shared Commonwealth values in Perth. My mind turned at once to you and your solitary, late-night death in Villawood detention centre last week. I say solitary, but you may have had a mobile. You may have talked to your girlfriend on the outside that dismal night. She is said to have urgently rung more..

Nov 2 (DN) The govt yesterday insisted that TNA should first discuss issues with the government instead of making representations to foreign countries. According to Minister Prof GL Peiris, a solution can only be reached within the country and the TNA should first discuss issues with the government rather than making representations to foreign countries on internal matters. He said that discussions with foreign countries would not help solve problems. more..

Nov 2 (DM) The Higher Education Ministry and the Peradeniya University are on a collision course over alleged non-cooperation by the university administration in curbing incidents of ragging, officials said today. All the universities, barring Kelaniya, have now admitted students for the next academic term, and there had been reports of several incidents where the new entrants have been subjected to various forms of ragging. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Minister-in-Charge of Hajj affairs A.H.M. Fowzie said that he will make a special request to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allocate a standard quota of 6,000 for Hajj pilgrims from next year. Minister A.H.M. Fowzie also told the Daily Mirror before leaving to Jeddah that he will explain the present peaceful situation of Sri Lanka to the King of Saudi Arabia on finalising the Standard Hajj quota at the first discussion level without going for an appeal hereafter. more..

Nov 2 (SM) MP Duminda Silva has been taken out of the neurosurgery ICU of Ward 18 of Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, according to reports which cannot be verified. Around 20 vehicles, security backup vehicles and two ambulances took him away around 9.35 tonight (1), according to the reports. According to the reports, the MP was to be taken to the US tonight for further treatment. When contacted earlier in the day, hospital director Dr. S.K. Gamage confirmed more..

Nov 2 (AD) The Ministry of Petroleum Industries today (1) stated that even though tenders have been called for 2600 metric tons on substandard petrol, they are inappropriate to be used for vehicles. The 2600 metric tons of petrol, remainder of the controversial 20,000 metric tons imported by the CPC, is inappropriate to be distributed to consumers, a committee appointed to look into the matter had recommended. “Tenders have been called for the stock of 2600 metric tons of petrol under the condition that they are in no manner to be used for vehicles.” more..

Nov 2 (FT) Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday criticised Govt servants for delaying approval and documentation “as a habit”. “They keep the letters for a week or two just out of habit without passing them. They have gotten used to it,” he said. Rajapaksa was addressing the issue of fast tracking the approval system in Government institutions to bring about a better environment for investors to do business in the country. “Some call for these letters and then just keep them aside even if they are requests that can be approved within a day. more..

Nov 2 (FT) The contentious Takeover Bill on underperforming State enterprises and underutilised assets had come under fire by the Opposition at the Party Leaders meeting yesterday in Parliament. Representatives of the UNP and TNA have vehemently opposed the bill, questioning why it was being introduced as an urgent bill and stating that the Govt should have had practiced basic democracy and common courtesy by having discussed it at more..

Nov 2 (wsws) The govt presented its 2012 budgetary estimates to parliament on Oct 18, unveiling a nearly 7 percent increase in military expenditure. The boost to already high levels of defence spending indicates that the govt, facing a deep financial crisis, is preparing for violent confrontations with working people. Such is the extent of the fiscal crisis that total budget expenditure for 2012 is estimated at 2.22 trillion rupees, which is double the expected income more..

Nov 2 (Island) Former Minister A. R. Mansoor recently exhorted the Kalmunai Bar to follow the example set by the Jaffna Bar to maintain the judicial system in the country. Addressing a public meeting attended by lawyers, judges and dignitaries, including Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem, justice Imam and Justice Ismail, Mansoor said, "This meeting is being held at an appropriate time. People seem to lose confidence in our legal system and justice. more..

Nov 2 (LB) Last week, after the death of Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi, the Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo issued a media statement. It read as: “The Govt of Sri Lanka is of the opinion that the circumstances surrounding the death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi require an explanation.” The diminutive, one sentence media statement is proof that the government did not wish to burn bridges with the National Transitional Council, more..

Nov 2 (Island) Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said that Sri Lanka expected tangible action against those engaged in criminal activities within the Commonwealth grouping. Minister Peiris said that those groups should be put out of action not as a favour to Sri Lanka, but their own well being. The nine-nation CMAG, tasked with dealing with the full range of serious or persistent violations of Commonwealth values, more..

Nov 2 (GDI) Ministry of Public Administration has declared the day of Hajj festival, Monday, 7 November, a public holiday. The Colombo Grand Mosque Inc., says according to an unanimous decision taken at the moon-sighting conference held on the 27th of last month, it has been decided to celebrate this year’s Hajj festival on the 7th of this month. Therefore the decision to declare 7th November as a public holiday has been taken as the festival falls on Monday.