ITN News in Full 2010-07-29
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NEWS FEED >> |
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NEWS FEED >> |
The Government’s intention is to surmount all challenges within the Health Sector during the next six years. This has been emphasized by President Rajapaksa in Ratnapura.
The President pointed out the need to find proper solutions to situations such as dengue which is hindering the people. Dengue is the talk of the day. Even newspapers carry such reports. The value of life cannot be estimated. As a Government, it is their responsibility to protect the lives of the people as well as their health, as lives are valuable than anything else. As such, the President said they are ready to carry out the necessary work in this respect. … Continue Reading
The next “Deyata Kirula” Exhibition will be stated in Moneragala. As a result massive development is taking place within the district.
The “Deyata Kirula” exhibition will be organized on the sidelines of the 2011 Independence Day celebrations. The venue will be the Uva University in Buttala. Constructions on the exhibition premises have already commenced. Deputy Minsiter Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said as a result, a massive development process was ongoing through the Moneragala district. A special discussion on the exhibition … Continue Reading
Deputy Minister Sarath Amunugama has said that changes should be effected to almost every sector so that these could make a vital contribution to the rapid development taking place in the country within the next few years.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the Blue Ocean Entrepreneurship Development Training Workshop organized in Colombo. The event was organised by the Colombo Plan Secretariat. The Minister was of the view that positive development features are already being witnessed in the island. … Continue Reading
The obligation of the youth generation is to uplift the respect of the Sri Lanka flag in the world. This has been stated by Parliamentarian Thilanga Sumathipala.
He was addressing the 253rd group which had qualified to take up new jobs in South Korea. The group includes 123 youths. Sri Lanka is the second main country which provides workers to this Asian country. At present, Sri Lankans who are serving in South Korea are discharging their services properly and earning valuable foreign exchange to their country. … Continue Reading
The Puttalam Naval Deployment which was initially established in December 2008, has been commissioned as the Sri Lanka Naval Ship “Thambapanni”.
The commissioning warrant was awarded by the President. It was awarded to Commanding Officer of “Thambapanni”, Commander J.A.J.K. Perera, by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe at the commissioning ceremony held yesterday. It was organsied under the patronage of Commander of the North Western Naval Area … Continue Reading
A stranded baby Elephant separated from the mother in the forest has been reported from Polonnaruwa.
The baby Elephant who was roaming in the Sinharajapura forest in Polonnaruwa with the mother had fallen into a well. A group of villagers had succeeded to rescue this Elephant. Wild Life Officials thereafter transported the baby Elephant to the Wild Life Office at Giritale and provided the required treatment. … Continue Reading
The Government’s effort is to work in collaboration with groups that appeared on behalf of terrorism in carrying forward the development process. In this respect, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella emphatically stated that even KP can join in the development process.
The Media Minister emphasized that it was KP who mainly handled the LTTE funds. As such, he is involved with the diaspora who had been making contributions. These were utilized to purchase vessels, guns and explosives which were used to destroy the country. As a government, the Minister pointed out that it was making an effort to use it for the development of the country.
Immediate action is being taken to import a new medicinal drug from Thailand to treat dengue patients.
The Health Ministry said that certain patients who had contracted the disease were dying due to hemorrhage. Health experts believe that shock in Dengue patients could be prevented by using medicines to act as Plasma Expanders in patients. Local officials currently use one such variety at state hospitals. However, experts believe that another variety used in Thailand is much more effective in preventing shock in dengue patients and recommended its use locally which the World Health Organisation has acceded to.
Minister Maithripala Sirisena instructed the Sri Lanka Director of the WHO Dr. F.R. Mehta to take immediate action to get down this drug from Thailand. The Minister issued this instruction at a ceremony organized to hand over medical equipment worth over 10 million rupees for hospitals in the North and East. The donation has been made by the WHO Office in Sri Lanka.
The Civil Defence Committees will be changed to operate as a labour force during a sudden disaster situation. This reference has been made by Deputy Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
The Deputy Minister said the Government’s attention was drawn to gathering intelligence information by Civil Defence Committees. As such, the Government considered that the Civil Defence Committees which were operating via the Police, could play a significant role. As such, the Government considered that it is opportune for Civil Defence Committees to take this undertaking as it comprised the Police, Politicos, Government officials and the public. … Continue Reading
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition seeking release of Nalini and three others who were convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
India’s Apex Court rejected the plea for the release of four key conspirators in the assassination case who had claimed that the investigation was flawed as the alleged role of self styled god-man Chandra swami and 21 others were not probed. A Bench comprising Justices V S Sirpurkar and Mukundakam Sharma refused to interfere with the Madras High Court judgment which had on April 28th 2009, dismissed the similar petition with a fine of 100 thousand rupees on the petitioner E Veluchamy of Trichy claiming to be a Congress worker.
President Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to the people to be present at the Hambantota Harbour on the day it will be filled with water. He called on the people to join him on this memorable occasion.
The President said it is for the first time in history that five harbours are being constructed simultaneously. The Hambantota Harbour will be filled with water on the 15th of next month.
Everybody should be present to witness the occasion. He stressed that the people should bring their children as well as a harbour of this magnitude has never been built in the country.
He noted that the people should be proud of about the work being carried out under the party leadership. … Continue Reading
Sarath Fonseka who is charged in the White Flag case has been indicted.
The indictment was filed before a three Judge Bench consisting of judges Deepali Wijesundara, W.M.P.B. Warawewa and Zulfikar Razeem. The Defence Counsels said that a request for bail will not be made as there are several cases pending against him.
Deputy Solicitor General Lasantha Navaratna Bandara who represents the Government said that bail cannot be granted as this case has been filed under Emergency Regulations.
The panel of Judges ordered that a report be produced on the 27th September Sarath Fonseka’s fingerprints are taken. … Continue Reading
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that it has received several complaints about students being forcibly dragged into protests.
Information has been bared that certain groups were inciting students to participate in processions and protests under the pretext of Student Union activities.
UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini Samarnayake said that complaints were continuously made by parents in this respect. It has been revealed that students of high-tech institutes were also being considered as University students. … Continue Reading
Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva has stressed before the officials of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha that Dengue deaths cannot be permitted to occur in Kelaniya from 1st of August.
He said that he will not hesitate to take strict actions against the responsible persons if a Dengue death occurs in the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha area after 1st of August.
He stressed that the Parliamentarian of the electorate, the Public Health Inspector, the Grama Seva Niladhari, the Agricultural Research Officer and the Arbitration Officer will be held responsible for such deaths. … Continue Reading
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has said that the creation of a disciplined society should be initiated in Parliament.
The Speaker said that focus is being made about discipline in schools and other Government institutions. He also felt this need when he chaired the Parliamentary Sessions.
He noted that a disciplined society can be created starting from Parliament. Economic Development and morality could be easily created in a disciplined society.
The Speaker made these comments when he participated in a function held at the Dharmodaya Pirivena at Madanwela in Hanguranketha. … Continue Reading
Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the Government is taking all measures to control kidney disease. He said that the government will increase financial allocations made in this connection.
The Minister noted that the kidney disease has become a main issue in the Polonnaruwa District. 5% of the national budget is spent on treating the kidney patients.
Certain unsuitable conditions in the environment cause kidney diseases. The scientists have found that drinking water is a main cause of the disease.
He said that the background of a problem should also be studied. The government is attempting to reduce the number of kidney patients while fulfilling its other duties. … Continue Reading
The Mahanayake thera of the Malwatta Chapter has distributed books in Vavuniya to 3000 students.
The books worth 3 million rupees were distributed with assistance from the private sector. Most Ven. Thibatuwave Sri Sumangala Thera said that discipline should be instilled in students while being educated.
He pointed out that the children in the north could be misguided due to lack of discipline and it is the teachers’ duty to make sure that this situation does not arise in the future.
Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela and Wanni Commander Major General Kamal Gunaratne were amongst those who participated in the occasion.
The waste water management project in greater Colombo will be launched this year. The project will be carried out by the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils.
The Government Information Department has said that the Asian Development Bank is granting aid worth 100 million US Dollars in this connection.
The Government will also make allocations. The drainage system in Colombo had been planned in 1896 and its construction was completed in 1925.
The Information Department pointed out that the system cannot meet the current requirements and hence measures were taken for its modernization. … Continue Reading
410 million rupees has been allocated for the cultivation drive.
The funds have been set apart for the projects to be launched this year. The programmes are being launched to assure food security for the people and to control food imports.
Plans are underway to promote the use of organic fertilizer and distance the farming community from the use of chemical fertilizer.
It is also expected to increase the projects on home gardening. The Agricultural Ministry has said that it is expected to start cultivation in 26,000 acres of fallow paddy fields. … Continue Reading
A Special Committee comprising Trade Union representatives is to consider solutions to salary anomalies and draft a Service Minutes. This was revealed at a discussion of Trade Union Representatives which was chaired by President Rajapaksa and organized at Temple Trees.
The Committee has to prepare the dossier incorporating the related recommendations before October this year. The related recommendations will be used in arriving at decisions on salaries in the 2011 budget. The meeting was summoned to solicit proposals and views of Trade Union representatives in the formulation of the 2011 budget. Another aim of the meeting was to discuss problems encountered by Trade Unions. The President expressing his views at this discussion emphatically stated that he will not permit anyone to meet their aspirations by betraying the country. … Continue Reading
Shares closed at a new high today, up 2.81 percent from price appreciation on high value and midcap stocks on low volume trading.
The All Share Price Index closed at 5,139.42, up 140.37 points, while the more liquid Milanka Index rose 2.70 percent (152.81 points) to close at 5,822.00. This is also a record high.
Turnover was 3.0 billion rupees, according to stock exchange provisional figures.
Brokers said that at the end of trade there were 125 gainers and 51 losers. Activity was seen across the board with participation from institutions, high net worth individuals and retail buying. The Colombo Stock Exchange said in a statement the market capitalization was also at a record high of 1.68 trillion rupees. … Continue Reading
The funeral of Rienzie Algama, a staunch supporter of the UNP who gave up his life by setting himself alight against the party reforms was held today,
A group including villagers participated in the funeral. Mr. Algama set himself ablaze opposite Sirikotha, the UNP Headquarters on Monday afternoon. Internal Party sources said that following this incident, serious disputes have arisen within the party. Algama was a UNP loyalist who had worked at the grass root level and one group of the party accused the party of leading him to this situation. Another group claimed that this incident had revealed the serious division within the party.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe has permitted the police to interrogate and secure a statement from Gayan Priyashantha alias “Kaluwa”, the main suspect in the incident related to the attack on the Mattakkuliya Police.
The suspect who surrendered to the Judiciary recently was remanded. Officials of the Colombo Crimes Division sought the permission of the Court to interrogate the suspect when the case was taken up today. The Official were permitted to interrogate in the court premises and secure a statement. The Magistrate ordered that two other suspects who were produced in courts in relation to the attack be further remanded.
A remedy for Dengue from Papaya leaf juice
Juice of Papaya leaf is found to be increasing white blood cells and blood platelet and normalizing the clotting profile, which are the main aspects affected when infected with dengue. A research conducted on more than 70 dengue patients including 10-15 children, proves that the use of 10 ml of papaya leaf juice helped them fully recover.
There is an enormous surge in the number of Bahraini travellers to Sri Lanka. Arrivals rose by an unprecedented 142% in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is resilient and the government is sparing no efforts to revitalize the tourism industry as they [...]
International Day against Child Labour.
Poverty is the main cause of child labour but it is a symptom as well. Poor parents send their children to work for reasons of economic expediency, the consequent denial of education trapping another generation of the household within poverty.
Almost every country has laws prohibiting the employment of children below a certain age. New laws periodically introduced in South Asia are shrugged off by hardened business owners and disillusioned campaigners alike.
Expansion of canal boat service
The Sri Lanka Navy plans to introduce its boat service to more canals. The service was initially launched along the Wellawatte canal. A field discussion has already been held on the speedy implementation of the expansion project.
Plans afoot for IIFA
Its only six days more for the IIFA 2010 Indian Film Festival. It is the biggest South Asian media event and one of the world’s most watched annual entertainment events. All arrangements are being made for the staging of the event at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The 11th IIFA awards would continue for three days- June 3rd to 5th.
The process has been accelerated. It will be a boost for the fishing fraternity in the East. Fishermen experienced immense hardships in the past due to the terrorist activities which were rampant in the area. They were also unable to earn their living through fishing as restrictions were imposed due to operations of the sea [...]
First Victory Anniversary
Today is the First Anniversary of the noble victory which altered the history of the motherland. It was on the 18th of May last year that peace returned to the motherland after the defeat of the LTTE terrorists who were assumed to be indomitable. We now bring you the final segment of the Northern Victory which was aired for seven full days at a time when the Heroes Week was being commemorated on behalf of this victory.
It was in the year 2006 that the foundation was laid for this dangerous journey with the objective of devastating ruthless terrorism which
devastated the future leadership of the nation,
shattered the future generation of the nation
Sri Lanka records world’s highest growth in tourism
Sri Lanka tops another list. It has recorded the highest growth in tourist arrivals. The achievement has been made during the first two months of this year. Sri Lanka outperformed 23 other countries with double-digit growth rates.
Tourism is currently the fourth foreign exchange earner of the country, behind foreign remittances, apparel and tea.
With the average tourist arrivals which is around 425,000 to bring in a revenue around US $450 million.
Chinese vegetables to the Chinese workers in Sri Lanka
There is a distinct difference in the Chinese kitchen at the Hambantota harbour construction site. It is due to the Sri Lankan grown Chinese vegetables. Over 60 farmers in Hambantota are involved in providing Chinese green vegetables to around 350 Chinese workers at the harbour construction site as these vegetables are not available in the normal Sri Lankan market. The project has been the result of JICA livelihood improvement programme. The program focuses on agriculture, infrastructure and institutional development and income generation.
Visitors to the Museum on the increase
It is not only history which is showcased in Museums. A notable feature is the display the strength of a nation. The Ministry of National Heritages and Cultural Affairs claims that the influx of visitors to Museums in the country has soared with the end of the war.
There has been a vast increase in the number of visitors to the Colombo Museum. A notable features that most of them are from the North and East and particularly school children.
Visitors to the Galle Marine Archaeology Museum are also on the rise. The Museum was established in March this year.
UNESCO has pledged support to launch Sri Lanka’s first Irrigation Museum.
The first travel guide on Sri Lanka in Arabic Language penned by a UAE national, was launched yesterday at the Sri Lanka pavilion in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
The author of the book is Heba Al Mansoori. Al Mansoori said the book is a “labour of love” and proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to a charity. The initial print run of the book is 10,000 copies in both hard bound and soft bound copies. She said that due to the many decades of national conflict in Sri Lanka, some Arab travellers had misconceptions about Sri Lanka and her attempt was to put this to rest.
There is a huge influx of local as well as foreign tourists to view attractive sites in the island with the dawn of peace.
Hotel owners are racing to refurbish and add more rooms as foreign holidaymakers have started visiting the island with the end of the war. Leading hotel groups plan to spend millions of dollars on new décor and facilities for the influx of tourists
Foreign tourists emphasize that Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. They are upbeat about the freedom that prevails in the country.
As Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya welcomed guests to a colorful and abundant Sri Lankan buffet in the World Bank’s main dining room, he observed that the building was decorated with images and artifacts of his homeland. As he moved closer to the dining room, he noted, the smells of Srilanka – redolent of curries, coconut, and [...]
Colombo is making preparations for the 11th International Indian Film Academy Awards scheduled to be held in Colombo from 3rd to 5th of June.
The awards ceremony is to be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium. IIFA 2010 in Colombo is expected to be attended by more than 600 Indian film industry guests and watched by over 600 million TV viewers in 110 nations. The Indian celebrities expected in the country include Shah Rukh Khan and several other leading stars.
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.
