ITN News in Full 2010-03-12
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BREAKING NEWS >> |
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BREAKING NEWS >> |
The Mahinda Chinthana has provided a liberated country to the people. President Rajapaksa emphasized that it is the onus of the nation to build the country through a strong legislature.
The President said that the when the people were deprived of the united country and also the map, they were able to restore it through the implementation of the Mahinda Chinthana. Honour was bestowed on the nation. The government was against exploitation and international pressure. Instead freedom, honourable peace and development are advancing through the Mahinda Chinthana. He pointed out that the country was able to withstand the difficult period experienced in the world as a result of the Mahinda Chinthana. Banks in the world collapsed. Many countries experienced hunger. But Sri Lanka succeeded in facing these problems successfully. The President noted that the Mahinda Chinthana is a farsighted policy. It was not crafted by foreign advisors. He observed it was the vision of the ordinary masses. … Continue Reading
The support of the international community is with Sri Lanka in the face of the statement made by the UN Secretary General. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe expressed his views to the media on the statement issued by the Non-Aligned Movement pledging support oto Sri Lanka.
Minister Samarasinghe referred to the statement issued by the Non-Aligned Movement which is chaired by Egypt to the UN Chief on his decision to appoint a Committee on Sri Lanka. The Minister said that the Non Aligned Movement comprises 124 members and the entire number of members in the World Body is 194. Therefore he said that more than two thirds of the membership of the UN. … Continue Reading
Government is mulling over generating 300 thousand jobs in the harbour sector. Chairman of the Ports Authority Dr. Priyath Banduwickrema said that these jobs will be available with the construction of the Hambantota International Harbour and the completion of the Harbour Development Projects.
The Ports Chairman said 1.7 billion dollars is being invested in this sector within the five year period from 2008 to 2012. The Government and the private sector are undertaking investments. Many direct and indirect jobs will be generated. He said that at least 25 thousand direct jobs will be generated during this five-year period. Mr. Banduwickrema revealed of the programme mooted by them for the generation of at least 200 thousand indirect jobs for the youth. … Continue Reading
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake has said that there is no future for the person who does not care for the country.
The Prime Minister was addressing a public meeting at Punchi Borella. The Prime Minister reiterated that the government’s intention was to secure a two thirds majority at the polls to build a stable administration and undertake the necessary amendments to the Constitution. … Continue Reading
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has underlined the need for a stable government to surmount challenges.
Mr. Rajapaksa said the President has been re-elected for another term of office. It is now the obligation of the masses to give him a stable government with a two thirds majority. Then only the President will be able to undertake the development the country the expected from him. The Defence Secretary added that a stable government will facilitate this process. … Continue Reading
Twelve percent of the world population suffers from Glaucoma. According to the Health Ministry, 10 to twelve percent of Sri Lankans suffered from this disease caused by Intraocular pressure.
A total of 4.5 million of the world population suffers from Glaucoma. persons above 40 years of age should at least have an annual eye check up. Glaucoma should be treated without delay. The medications and surgeries are available at the Eye Hospital in Colombo. The vulnerability increases with age while an added risk factor would be if the patient is a diabetic. Other members of the family who suffer from Glaucoma, the use of thick lenses or an injury to the eye could increase the risk. … Continue Reading
Malaysia’s DNC Asiatic Holdings is to set up a plant in Sri Lanka to make motorcycles. It is mainly for export. The total investment is16 million US Dollars.
The Board of Investment said in a statement the venture, Demak Manufacturing Lanka, will provide employment for a workforce of 200 people initially. Kent Kee, Director, Commercial Operations of Demak Manufacturing Lanka said the products would also be available locally. … Continue Reading
The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens received another pair of rare animals (Unahapuluwa) belonging to the Monkey family from England.
A pair of ring-tailed lemurs was brought to the Zoological Gardens from the Rare Species Breeding Centre in London under the Animal Exchange prorgramme. Those who visit the zoo can now see the ring-tailed lemurs as they were on display since yesterday.
It is the only member of the Lemur genus. Like all lemurs it is endemic to the island of Madagascar. It inhabits gallery forests to spiny scrub in the southern regions of the island. Lemurs are omnivorous and the most terrestrial of lemurs. The animal is diurnal, being active exclusively in daylight hours. … Continue Reading
The conference on Mahinda Chinthana future vision on making Sri Lanka the wonder of Asia is being held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo under the patronage of President Rajapakse.
The aim of the conference is to raise awareness amongst Trade Unions about the future development plans of the Mahinda Chintha concept. Family members of four Trade Union leaders who sacrificed their lives for labour rights, are scheduled to be felicitated at the conference. President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P. B Jayasundara and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral were scheduled to address the gathering. … Continue Reading
Palestine has expressed its disapproval on the UN Secretary General’s decision to appoint a panel of experts to advise him on “accountability issues” relating to post-conflict Sri Lanka.
The Palestinian government said that the United Nations made no response regarding the loss of children’s lives in the Gaza strip and therefore it has no right to criticize the actions of Sri Lanka. A statement issued by Palestinian government says that the duty of the UN is not to help breach the peaceful environment prevailing in Sri Lanka. … Continue Reading
The first meeting between the Election Commissioner and Party Secretaries on the forthcoming General Election will be held today.
Deputy Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriaya said that the meeting is scheduled for this afternoon. They will focus on holding a free and fair election. The elections secretariat said that removing illegal cutouts, banners and posters will also be discussed. … Continue Reading
Minster Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has said that the economy of this country has remained strong in the face of the world economic crisis due to proper economic management of the government.
The Minister said that all four budgets presented during the last four years extended relief to the general public while spending colossal sums on war and defence. He said that the next budget would be a strong one as the country has achieved peace. It would mainly focus on the development of the country and welfare activities. … Continue Reading
The captain of the merchant vessel, held by Somali pirates Al-Nisr Al-Saudi has been allowed to talk with the shipping company.
He has affirmed that the 13-member Sri Lankan crew on board are safe and in good health. Al-Nisr Al-Saudi was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden with a 14-member crew on board, which include 13 Sri Lankans and the ship’s Greek captain, Georgios Skalimis. The hijackers have demanded a 20 million dollar ransom. The ship is presently anchored off the coast of Somalia. A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Sri Lankan Consul General in Jeddah had contacted the General Manager of the shipping company. … Continue Reading
It is time to cross the bridge of friendship which is being constructed, uniting the north and the south after the elimination of terrorism.
The number of people arriving in the North from the South is being increased on a daily basis. The people from the South were unable to visit the North due to the terrorism that prevailed for number of years. This increased the distance between the two communities. In the peaceful atmosphere that has been created following the war, more and more people from the South travel to the North. … Continue Reading
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has taken steps to set up a National Council for Sustainable Development.
Minister Patali Champika Ranawake said that a national action plan called Green Lanka Program will be implemented from 2010 to 2016 for sustainable development of the country. He said this at a seminar on Global Warming and Green Economy organized by the Ceylon Institute of Builders together with the Central Environment Authority. He pointed out that the impacts of climate change will deprive livelihood of inhabitants as a consequence of sea level rise, extreme weather patterns like storms, cyclones, high intensity of rainfall and severe droughts. … Continue Reading
Measures are being taken to fulfill the drinking water requirements of the residents in Padaviya area.
The new water supply scheme is being implemented after taking the problems of the people in the area into consideration. It is reported that Kidney ailments are common in the area due to shortage of drinking water. The Government is launching the project at the expenditure of 8 million rupees. It will benefit 500 families in Block A – area of Padaviya. … Continue Reading
President Rajapaksa has emphasized that the Government’s next target is to improve the education of children.
The President said assuring a better education and a future for the children is the responsibility of everyone. It is the school which should be responsible to groom them as good citizens. He said he believed that the improvement of a school lies on the staff members including the Principal, the Parents as well as the past pupils. It is of no use simply having buildings. He believed in an improvement quality-wise. He said he is geared to assuring such quality education and strengthen it. … Continue Reading
Independent Television Network has again proved that it is the leading TV Channel in the Island. The family channel has been honoured with several awards.
The Peoples Awards Festival which evaluates institutions and brands which mostly attracted the people was staged at Water’s Edge in Battaramulla yesterday. It is a joint attempt by SLIM and Neilson. It was the Independent Television Network which secured the award of the people by going beyond all other TVs channels in the island. … Continue Reading
The Non Aligned Movement (NAM) has expressed concerns over moves by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to appoint a panel of experts to advice on accountability issues on Sri Lanka.
The Chair of the NAM Coordinating Bureau in New York, in a letter to the UN Chief, has said that the appointment comes sans taking into consideration the domestic situation in Sri Lanka and without consulting the Government of Sri Lanka. … Continue Reading
Judges of the Court Martial which will take up charges against Sarath Fonseka have been announced.
Making clarifications to the media, Military Spokesman Major Gen. Prasad Samarasinghe said Sarth Fonseka will be brought before two Courts Martial. The same panel has been appointed for both Courts Martial. Major Gen. H.L. Weeratunga will chair the panel. Majors Gen. A.L.R. Wijetunga and D.R.A.B. Jayatilake are the other members. In addition, Rear Admiral W.W.J.S. Fernando will be serving as the Attorney of the Court Martial. … Continue Reading
The largest heroin haul has been seized. The Kalpitiya Police succeeded in seizing the haul of heroin.
Police Media Spokesman SP Preshantha Jayakody said that the heroin weighed 40 kilos and 812 grams. He said that the recovery was made from the Muthupanthi area at Nalladarankattuwa in Chilaw. The value of the heroin is 240 million rupees. … Continue Reading
There is a marked decline in election violence. PAFFREL says that they are prepared to monitor the counting centres if they receive the consent of the Elections Commissioner..
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said with the completion of the elections, they met the Elections Chief and made a written request. He was confident of receiving a positive response within the next few days. If so, they are prepared to monitor the counting centres too. … Continue Reading
The Saudi Company that owns the vessel currently being held by pirates off the Somali coast with a 13-member Sri Lankan crew has decided to release two months’ wages to the affected families.
The local shipping agent said today that the monies will be channelled to the families in Sri Lanka through the Foreign Office in Colombo. Captain S.H.R. Kumar said this was aimed at bringing immediate relief to the affected families.
The crew had boarded the Saudi flagged tanker from a port in Japan on February 14th. … Continue Reading
Sri Lanka has signed up 290 million US dollars in financing from China’s Exim Bank to build an airport in the south of the island and expand railways.
The Foreign Ministry said that the Exim Bank of China is giving 190 million US dollars for an airport in Mattala, in the Hambantota District. China is also giving 100 million US dollar loan to Sri Lanka Railways.
JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has said that they had no clear evidence of computer manipulation of results.
He made a statement today pointing out that they did not include the computer manipulation allegation in the election petition filed by the Opposition candidate as they did not possess clear evidence in this respect. However, the Opposition candidate and the JVP leadership including Somawansa Amarasinghe had repeatedly accused that there had been a manipulation in the computer results.
Sixty five percent of the construction work of the Upper Kotmale hydropower project has been completed.
The construction work of the 150 Megawatt Upper Kotmale Hydropower plant has been accelerated. Director of the project Shavendranath Fernando has said that the remaining work is expected to be completed soon. The construction work has been delayed for several years.
Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dishanayake has announced that Mahinda Rajapaksa has been reelected as the 6th Executive President of the Sri Lanka Democratic Socialist Republic through the mandate of the people. The announcement was made at 4.00 p.m. today.
The Elections Commissioner said the President polled 6,015,934 votes and is elected for a successive second term. He polled 57.88 percentage of votes. Sarath Fonseka came second receiving 4,173,185 votes. He polled 40.15 percent of the votes. Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Ismail secured the third place receiving 39,226 votes.
The dedications made by Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa on behalf of the war heroes and the civilians who were trapped in LTTE clutches cannot be underestimated whatever statements had been made. This reference has been made by Major Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the 58th Brigade during that period.
Sarath Fonseka had pointed out that the Major General had no authority to lead the battle during the humanitarian operations and train soldiers. He was now attempting to do it. When he was the Army Chief, the Major General was not permitted to get involved in these activities. Sarath Fonseka said he discharged his duties and did not permit the Major General to interfere in his activities.
Chief of National Intelligence Major General Kapila Hendavitharana said that various news items are being carried in sections of electronic and print media disclosing the assets of the LTTE.
Addressing a media briefing this morning he said that on certain media channels one ship was displayed and questioned as to what happened to the other ships, as there were 5 more vessels belonging to the LTTE. He condemned the false propaganda and said that it is for political mileage that such reports are being published. He said that intelligence operations are not conducted to impress anyone.
Another public rally was held at the Maligapitiya Grounds in Kurunegala to consolidate the victory of the President.
The meeting was held with the participation of the President. A mammoth gathering was present. People of all walks of life came in processions to participate in the rally sinking all differences. Members of the Maha Sangha and many Parliamentarians were present.
Uva Provincial Councillor Capt. Mihimal Munasinghe claims that Sarath Fonseka is betraying the country. As such, he has decided to support the President. He laid this emphasis joining in a media briefing organized by the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna yesterday.
JNP Leader and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said Capt. Munasinghe joined Sarath Fonseka on the stage during a recent meeting held in Badulla in support of him.
The Colombo Stock Exchange is to open a branch in Jaffna. This is in response to the demand from the Jaffna business community. Negotiations are afoot to secure a building. An official of the Colombo Stock Exchange said that they are mulling over the opening of the Branch next month. The per capita income of the Jaffna civilians is very high and they are self-sufficient in every aspect.
The Government is according many privileges to the disabled soldiers who dedicated their lives on behalf of the motherland. Military Spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said they will be entitled to many privileges including salary increments and promotions according a dignified status to them.
The Military Spokesman said that after considering the grievances submitted by the disabled soldiers, the Army Commander took the initiative to address all their problems. Accordingly they will be provided with the necessary promotions and salary increments.
ITN also brings springs to the North. The North is now in a position to listen to Wasantham FM and view the Wasantham TV Channel.
The Independent Television Network commenced its transmissions in the North today further expanding its services. Thus the Northern polity will get an opportunity to view the Wasantham TV, a Tamil Channel on UHF 25.
Wasantham FM can receive on FM 97.
The remains of Minister P. Chandrasekeran are now lying at the Lindula Urban Council in Talawakele enabling the public to pay their last respects.
The body was brought to Talawakele last night after being taken to the Parliamentary Complex for the legislators to pay their last respects. Our correspondents said that large crowds are arriving at the Lindula Local Body to pay tribute to him. Mr. Chandrasekeran who served as Minister for Community Development Social Inequity Alleviation died on Friday morning after a brief illness.
President Rajapaksa has pledged to encourage all sportsmen and women to do Sri Lanka proud participating in international events.
The President gave a firm assurance that he would extend all facilities possible to improve the sports skills of young rural men and women. He was addressing a special ceremony organized at the Torrington Grounds in Colombo today.
The President launched the modernization work of the Grounds. It is estimated to cost 312 million rupees. A notable feature was the presentation of awards to three outstanding athletes for their exemplary contribution to the country. They were cricket legends Sanath Jayasriya and Muttiah Muralitharan and sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe.
The hauled LTTE ship “Princess Chrisanta” is attracting large crowds. It is on display in the Galle City for the public.
The ship is on display as an attraction of the Galle Season 2009 Exhibition. It is anchored at the New Jetty in the Galle Harbour along with the Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Sayura which escorted the LTTE ship from an undisclosed location. The display of the LTTE ship has been extended until tomorrow.
National Safety Day is being observed today. This is a special programme crafted to mark the occasion.
December 26th marks the 5th anniversary of the disastrous Tsunami which unleashed a major destruction. Beyond our island nation, the catastrophe greatly affected our neighbours in the entire Asia Pacific region. However, the nation was able to rebuild the country due to their firm determination of the people, although they were able to restore the lives lost in this major disaster. With the help of foreign aid, supporting the commitment of our own people, Sri Lanka rebuilt itself, brick by brick, stone by stone. This national renewal required a collaborative effort by all Sri Lankans. We take great pride in our resilience in the face of this tragedy.
The massive road projects, which are launched countrywide under the “Mahinda Chinthana”, is a strength to the re-awakening economy.
The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway is one of such projects, which is in implementation to give a boost to the economy. Work on the project launched nearly a decade ago came to a halt. However, it is now taking place successfully under the Mahinda Chinthana.
The President has instructed to open the Orugodawatta Flyover for the public.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspected the Orugodawatta Flyover this morning and directed the officials to open it for the public with effect from today. This is the 6th flyover to be constructed by the Highways Ministry. The people who enter Colombo from the old Avissawella road will be benefitted by this. It was constructed at the cost of 550 million rupees. Ministers T.B. Ekanayake, A.H.M. Fowzi, Dayasritha Tissera, W.B. Ekanayake and Provincial Council Members Ashoka Lankatilake, Duminda Silva and Thilanga Sumathipala also accompanied the President. Sri Lanka Ambassador in the Philippines Nawalage Bennet Cooray, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of Highways Wasantha Karannagoda also participated.
A majority of the working class are with the President. Trade Union Leaders said they appreciate the President’s programmes.
They claim that the President is the only head of state who appear on behalf of the working class. As such, the trade union leaders said the working class would express their gratitude to the President and support him at the elections.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a Letter of Demand for one billion rupees to Sunday Leader newspaper as damages for publishing two articles defamatory of him.
Sanath Wijayawardena Attorney at Law for the Defence Secretary sent the Letter of Demand to Lal Wickrematunga and Fredrika Janz of the Sunday Leader newspaper. It said the Sunday Leader should withdraw the defamatory articles and tender a public apology prominently in the next issue of the paper.
A statement made by the Opposition candidate to the Sunday Leader newspaper yesterday has plunged the entire Armed Forces into chaos.
He has stated that many terrorist leaders were not permitted to surrender and that the Defence Secretary had given instructions to the war heroes to kill them. It is the opinion of not only the opinion of the armed forces but the nation that this is a despicable betrayal of the entire forces.
S.B. Dissanayake has said that Ranil Wickramasinghe will never come to power despite the tactics employed.
He said that the dominant persons who supported the LTTE have now rallied round the opposition candidate. He noted that the country has reached a critical juncture and the challenge, it is facing is development. He observed that the most suitable person to meet this challenge is the President. He called for the support of all people to bring the President into power for the second term. Several functions were organized by his supporters, appreciating his decision to strengthen the hands of the President who freed the country.
A budget pack has been introduced to the consumers on behalf of the forthcoming Christmas season.
The Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation has introduced the budget pack. The pack includes rice, dhal, sugar, and canned fish. A pack is being sold at 490 rupees. Minister Bandula Gunawardena however, said its actual value is more than 750 rupees.
The first budget pack was sold to President Rajapaksa by Minister Bandula Gunawardena. The event took place at Temple Trees.
Giving views, on this budget pack Chairman
Information is bared as to how Sarath Fonseka used his relatives to get down weapons while he was serving as the Army Commander. In the meantime in Parliament yesterday, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Defence Secretary was able to prevent attempts made to get down unnecessary weapons after the war ended.
Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that according to an article posted in Asian Tribune, Danuna Tilakaratne had told a media conference that he is not aware of any matter related to arms procurement by the Army. It has been carried out by a representative of the Company.
Don’t destroy the elephant. There is still more time. This has been emphasized by Parliamentarian Johnston Fernando.
The UNP Parliamentarian is impressing upon the leadership to immediately nominate a presidential candidate from the UNP. He was addressing a news briefing in Colombo. Pointing out that there is enough time to find a presidential candidate from the UNP, Johnston Fernando told journalist that he was demanding the party to nominate a candidate for the polls before the 17th of this month.
Sinhala is accepted as one of the most creative alphabets in the world. The Sinhala language won international recognition from a group of international scholars who gathered in Seoul to make the selection.
It happened in October this year. However, it was unknown to the media at home and most in Sri Lanka. More precisely, it is the Sinhala script rather than the language itself that has been named as one of the world’s 16 most creative alphabets among today’s functioning languages, some of them among the oldest known to mankind. The elevation of the Sinhala script to this position of significance happened in early October. However it has gone unsung and unhonoured even by scholars and academics.
