ITN News in Full 2010-03-09
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BREAKING NEWS >> |
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BREAKING NEWS >> |
The extension of emergency has been approved with a majority of 69 votes. 93 members voted in favour of the Resolution while 24 opposed. All legislators allied to the Government party voted for the Emergency.
Moving the Resolution in Parliament for the extension of the Emergency by a further month, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wikramanayake said forces are still active to destroy the country’s unitary status. The Government accepts that the country needed to work in close proximity with the world. But, Sri Lanka is not a subjugated country or that of a colony of a powerful state. … Continue Reading
A record growth is registered in Sri Lanka’s insurance sector. This was revealed at a media briefing organized at the Sri Lanka Insurance Board.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Insurance Board Udaya Sri Kariyawasam said 42 branches of the Insurance Companies have been established with the liberation of the North and East from terrorism. Nine Insurance Companies have set up these branches. The Insurance business is flourishing as a result of the business being taken to the civilians of these two Provinces. … Continue Reading
The CID informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate today that it had obtained the Internet Protocol addresses used by Dhanuna Tilakarantne and were trying to trace his whereabouts through this information.
Submitting a report in Court, the CID informed the Magistrate that the Internet Protocol addresses which were used by Dhanuna belonged to a United States based Internet Service Provider. … Continue Reading
Hambantota District Freedom Alliance candidate Namal Rajapaksa is touring Jaffna. The desire is to provide a strength to SLFP candidates who are contesting the elections.
Mr. Rajapaksa was accorded a very warm welcome in Jaffna with religious blessings. He first visited the Naga Deepa Vihare and secured blessings of the Maha Sangha. … Continue Reading
UNP Western Province Councilor Paul Perera and several UNP stalwarts of Gampaha have joined the Freedom Alliance.
They met Basil Rajapaksa, the United People’s Freedom Alliance Gampaha District Group leader and pledged their support. The group included former UNP Mayor of Negombo and the present Municipal Councilor Sunil Silva, former Municipal Councilor Somu Manoharan, a former member of the UNP Balamandalaya Prem Fernando … Continue Reading
Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan has taken oaths as the Minister of Health, Indigenous Medicine, Women’s Affairs and Sports.
He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Minister M.L.A.M. Hisbulla. … Continue Reading
Sri Lanka plans to invite overseas and local companies this month to set up operations in a new 550 Million Dollar tax-free port zone as the end of the war boosts trade and investment.
Companies from Australia, India, China, Russia and Dubai have expressed interest in opening shipbuilding, ship-repair and warehousing facilities at the port in Hambantota. Ports Authority Chairman Priyath Wickrama said the zone is partially funded by a 370 Million Dollar Chinese loan. He said it should be completed by November. … Continue Reading
President Rajapaksa has called on the people to be prepared to steer the liberated country towards an indigenous economy.
The President said the country faced many crises. Hundreds of thousands of employees were retrenched in the US. Banks collapsed in the UK and in the US. This situation did not arise in Sri Lanka. The government is still paying debts for the bread imported in the 1960s. … Continue Reading
Parliament was reconvened today to extend the emergency by a further month.
The Resolution was moved by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake. He said that local as well as foreign conspirators, who fault Sri Lanka rising as a prosperous and independent state in Asia, should be identified. He pointed out as to how alien forces were active against Sri Lanka. Certain elements were giving false information to these forces. This is very unfortunate. … Continue Reading
An International workshop, themed “Engaging the Tamil Tigers-Lessons from a Failed Peace Process” was held at the World Trade Centre in Colombo yesterday.
It focused attention on the ceasefire agreements entered between the LTTE and the past governments and how those affected the Sri Lankan politics.
Speaking at the workshop Minister Milinda Moragoda said the Governments approached the problem with sincerity. The peace process was weakened as the LTTE attempted to use it for their advantage. … Continue Reading
It is compulsory for all candidates who are contesting the general election to have a temporary Identity Card issued for candidates.
The Election Commissioner has informed the General Secretaries of parties and independent groups to obtain these IDs urgently as it will be a compulsory requirement to enter the counting centres. … Continue Reading
Australia says that there are several who worked for the LTTE amongst the Sri Lankan refugees being held in Christmas Islands.
It has been revealed that a refugee with two young children has worked for the legal system run by the Tamil Tigers. The Australian government has learnt that the woman, who was rescued by the Customs vessel Oceanic Viking in October, lived and worked in the Vanni. … Continue Reading
Sri Lanka has relaxed several exchange controls relating to opening bank accounts abroad, forward foreign exchange cover and imports margin deposits and pre-payments from 11th March, in the first phase of a foreign exchange liberalization plan announced earlier in the year.
Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said this is the first in the series of relaxations, and other controls will be relaxed in phases. … Continue Reading
The results of the GCE Ordinary Level examination held last year will be released before the first school vacation.
Commissioner General for Examinations Anura Edirisinghe said the results are due to be released in the first week of next month. … Continue Reading
Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara has said that the Government’s aim is to increase the per capita income to 4000 US Dollars. He was speaking at a function held at hotel Galadari to introduce Sujeewa Mudalige who has been appointed as the new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Jayasundara pointed out that Sri Lanka will receive benefits in five sectors under this policy framework. … Continue Reading
The total elimination of terrorism was the highest gift the Government has given to Sri Lankan women. President Rajapaksa pointed out the significant services discharged on behalf of women bringing a halt to alcohol.
The President opined that not only the ruthless terrorists were eliminated within a short period, but a major task on behalf of women was successfully discharged within the last four years putting a halt to alcohol. … Continue Reading
Sri Lanka and India have stressed the need for continued vigilance against allowing terrorism to threaten the South Asian region.
The emphasis was laid during talks Minister Rohitha Bogollagama had with visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao in Colombo today. The Minister mentioned that Sri Lanka has successfully eliminated within her territory the terrorist menace that lasted almost three decades. Nevertheless, there were signs of the residues of the LTTE operating in overseas locations, attempting to revive this scourge. He said that the overall vigilance against terrorism should extend to such endeavours as well. … Continue Reading
Sarath Fonseka will be tried on over five charges under the Army Act. He will face a court martial within the next few days.
This was revealed by Military Spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe to the media today. According to the military, the summary of evidence over charges against General Fonseka, made in compliance with provisions of the Army Act was completed and handed over to Army Commander over the weekend. … Continue Reading
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka who is in Military custody for contempt of Court.
The petitioner is a retired major of the Army W.M.S. Palipana. He had been forced to retire while serving in the Army by the former Army Commander saying that his health condition has deteriorated. As such, he took the issue to Courts. … Continue Reading
Provincial Council Member of Uva Province Tissa Kuttiarachchi has filed a petition in the Supreme Court.
In the petition he is pleading that his name be included in the UNP nominations list of the Monaragala District or else reject the nomination papers submitted by the party. He has named 46 Respondents including the leader of the Moneragala District UNP group Ranjith Madduma Bandara. … Continue Reading
Government Printer Lakshman Gunawardena has pointed out that work related to the printing of ballot papers will be expedited.
Lakshman Gunawardena said that a leading newspaper today had published that there is a dearth of paper for the printing of ballot papers and also the difficulties that are being experienced. It is totally incorrect and baseless. The Government Printer had the paper sufficient for the printing of ballot papers. … Continue Reading
The Sir John Kotelawela Defence University is now recruiting students. The deadline for the acceptance of applications is the 9th of next month.
Those who have been successful in gaining University admission and who pass at the recruitment examinations will be eligible to enter the University. … Continue Reading
Today is “International Women’s Day”. It is the 100th Women’s Day.
The eyes of the entire world focused on the rights of women with a group of female employees of a garment factory in New York staging a protest against their rights on 8th March 1857. From then onwards various legislation were enacted for their security. Was it because that such legislation was not sufficient that women had to reach a critical decision in 1910 risking lives for their rights? However, March 8th was declared as “International Women’s Day” to draw attention to women. During a women’s meeting in Latin America in 1974, a strong voice was raised at the 25th UN General Assembly. As a result, Women’s Charter came into being. … Continue Reading
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.
Sri Lanka will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Sri Lanka received overwhelming support for the hosting of the Summit in 2011 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka received the support of 45 countries of the total of 51 member states which participated in the Commonwealth Ministers’ Meeting staged in Trinidad & Tobago.
Earlier in 2007, when the Commonwealth Summit was held in Kampala, Sri Lanka has offered to host the meeting in 2011 in Colombo. The Kampala communiqué noted the Sri Lanka offer.
