Nov 11 (HT) The Indian Coast Guard is uncertain about getting back two warships that it leased out to the Sri Lankan Navy in 2007 on an annually renewable contract. The two vessels, Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Varaha and CGS Vigraha, equipped with helicopters and rapid-fire machine guns, were leased out when Colombo was preparing for the offensive against the LTTE. more..

Nov 11 (Nation) Consul General of Sri Lanka, V.S.Sidhat Kumar on Tuesday said Sri Lanka believed in market-oriented policies for helping increase export trade. In a meeting with members of SITE Association of Industry (SAI) here in the Association�s office, Kumar said we encourage foreign investment. Sri Lanka�s most dynamic sectors now are food processing, textiles apparel, beverages, port construction, telecommunications, more..

Nov 11 (LG) Mr Sooriyasegaram has been out of Sri Lanka for nearly 45 years. His knowledge and experience post is departure to the UK seems to be blank. His new found love to Sri Lanka fails to consider the suffrocation of the Tamils following the introduction of various state policies including the worst standardisation policy preventing Tamils from entering universities. These rejected the Tamil people systamatically and eventually produced the LTTE. more..

Nov 11 (ABC) An Australian government special envoy in Sri Lanka says more must be done to help the country's Tamils if people smuggling is to be stopped. John McCarthy is in Sri Lanka to find a solution to people smuggling. The government is relying on John McCarthy to spearhead its response to people smuggling. Mr McCarthy says it's a serious issue that needs Sri Lanka's attention. more..

Nov 11 (ABC) Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith says he expects the Oceanic Viking and the 78 asylum seekers on board to retain security clearance to remain in Indonesian waters beyond this week. The Sri Lankan asylum seekers have been on the Australian Customs ship for almost four weeks but are refusing to leave. The security clearance for the ship to stay in Indonesian waters has been extended before and expires again on Friday. more..

Nov 11 (AT) Seeking higher educational opportunities in affluent countries has apparently paved the way for them to exploit students of poor nations, especially those of South Asia. The background to this is rooted in a situation that has developed over the past 50 years. In Sri Lanka�s case her citizens have reaped the benefits of free education since 1948 up to the completion of their tertiary (undergraduate) studies. more..

Nov 11 (TC) My friend Kusal�s article and the messages he tries to convey are well noted. There are plenty of media opinions running around. Some are projected as my opinions. Our party�s official position in view of particularly on General Sarath Fonseka and generally on the presidential elections, if announced will be known only after the announcement. Presidium of our party has already come to a consensus position. more..

Nov 11 (IL) President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the Ruwanpura Technical Science Faculty at Ratnapura this afternoon on the 10th November. He joined the opening ceremony as the chief guest with Education Minister Susil Premjayantha, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Minister of Power and Energy John Senevirathne and many local politicians from Sabaragamuwa Province. more..

Nov 11 (GDI) The Amarapura Sangha Sabha has honoured Parliamentarians Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Basil Rajapaksa. The Parliamentarian and the President Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa were conferred the title �Sri Wickrema Deepa Jothi Jananandana� by the Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara thera for his services to uplift the Sasana and improve the standard of living of the displaced persons of the North and East resettling them. more..

Nov 11 (GDI) It is reported that the work-to rule trade union action launched by some certain groups at the Electricity Board, Water Supply Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Petroleum Corporation had been unsuccessful. Work at these institutions continue normal, reports added. The Independent Workers Union at the Electricity Board said only a minor group was engaged in these activities. more..

Nov 11 (GDI) A novel way to learn Japanese language has been developed by the Japan Foundation titled �Erin�s Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese�. The 25 lesson program features mini-dramas by up-and-coming actors together with clear and fun explanations by animation characters. In addition to language study, the program is designed to help learners develop an attitude conducive to cultural understanding. more..

Nov 11 (ICTA) Much of the behind-the-scene work with regard to improvement in various services in the public and private sectors brought about through the use of ICT has been carried out by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). The country owes to the ICTA a bouquet of praise for this. This was stated by Minister Tissa Vitharana while participating as more..

Nov 11 (LG) Martin Wickremasinghe and Gunadasa Amarasekera, more than most other Sinhala writers, have sought to focus on the experience of culture and its ramifications as vital stepping stones to analysis, both in their creative and critical works. Culture attains the status of a character in their fiction. Gunadasa Amarasekera�s octalogy of novels establishes this fact very vividly. more..

Nov 11 (LP) The University of Sri Jayawardenepura was indefinitely closed following student clashes. All students were asked to leave the hostel premises by 12.00 noon today (11). Clashes between two groups of students from the Management faculty and Arts Faculty occurred last night. 06 students have received injuries in the clashes and were admitted to hospital said the Police.

Nov 11 (MoD) Under the "Vadakkil Vasantham" 180 Days Programme 2K Project of Japanese assistance with the collaboration of Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils distributed machineries to the Local Authorities in the Northern Province. 34 tractors with trailers have issued to the Local Authorities and tractors with trailers, Bowser loader, Dump tract, Skid steer loader and other machineries also issued to the IDP camps in Vavuniya. more..

Nov 11 (MoD) The Nation Building Ministry has taken steps to uplift the living standards of dairy farmers in the Eastern Province in collaboration with the CIC Agri Business Ltd. Accordingly they have arranged a development project for the betterment of 4,000 dairy farmers in the Eastern Province at a cost of one billion rupees, said Nation Building Ministry Director Kapila Ariyawansa. more..

Nov 11 (MoD) The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka organized a seminar titled "The opening of North and East and business opportunities" at BMICH on 30th October 2009. At this seminar, Hon.Governor, Northern Province, Major General GA Chandrasiri delivered a presentation on "Current development in the North". The following main themes were highlighted by the Hon. Governor; more..

Nov 11 (GV) Sage words indeed from General Sarath Fonseka. Now that the euphoria of winning the war against the LTTE is over, our minds must turn to the complex issues facing the country, such as wining the peace; post-war reconstruction; the bourgeoning economic crisis; the settlement of the displaced people; and dealing with the national question. Sri Lanka, with all its flaws, still maintains the appearance of a democracy. more..

Nov 11 (LG)I travelled on foot, by bicycle, motor cycle, 3- wheeler and bus and never encountered any problems except once when I was stopped at 11pm by a police man and fined Rs500 for not wearing a helmet while riding a motor bike. I could not get angry for he was extremely polite in discharging his duties and I was committing a very serious offence for which I could have got fined in London �500, which was incidentally my return fare to Colombo! more..

Nov 11 (GV) My reflection will be in the context of the present situation. How are these two entities � the Public servant and the Politician relating to each other in today�s world. Not what the relationship was in a golden past or in a unlikely imagined future. And since my own view is that the relationship today is inherently unsatisfactory, how it could be improved or reformed to benefit the more..

Nov 11 (CBP) No matter that I had to drag myself out of a cosy house, drive through pelting rain, the perpetually maddening Colombo traffic , to get to the Cinnamon Grand. It was worth the effort to see the E-Swabhimani awards by the Information Communication Agency (ICTA). As the name Swabhimani means it was certainly a night of �Our Pride,� a night to be a proud Sri Lankan, a night to remember. more..

Nov 11 (LT) A striking demonstration against the �work to rule� action by the Unions of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority was held opposite Fort Railway Station yesterday The significant feature of this demonstration was that none of the above Institutions members participated in this protest. more..

Nov 11 (LT) There are reports of an attempt to sell two farms belonging to Livestock & Agro Enterprises of Mahaweli Authority to CIC Company. The two farms to be sold are Nerawiya Agricultural Farm at Thambuththegama in Anuradhapura and a farm at Girandurukotte. Representatives of CIC Company visited the two farms for inspection yesterday. The turn out of the two farms is more than Rs.500,000 a month and they produce curd, ice-cream and milk bi-products. more..

Nov 11 (LT) The former Vice President of Sri Lanka Nidahas Bhikku Organisation of Colombo District, Ven. Malabe Seelaratana states that there is no basis at all to issue a decree on General Sarath Fonseka in the event of his candidature at the Presidential election. The Ven. Monk pointed out that a decree on General Fonseka could be issued if he has been disloyal or engaged in some treacherous act in the country but not merely because he is contesting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. more..

Nov 11 (LT) Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka intends resigning from all posts he holds in the government and enter politics states a very reliable source. This source states Gen. Fonseka would take a decisive step towards this in the very near future. Gen. Fonseka first gave an indication that he was entering political process during his visit to the USA. During his visit he said, �People like me would have to cast away the uniform in the future. more..

Nov 11 (LT) The �work to rule� campaign launched by Trade Union Alliance of Petroleum, Electricity, Port and Water Board is a decisive struggle of the working people and it would be continued until victory is gained said President of All Ceylon Trade Union Federation, MP Lal Kanthe. Addressing the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Water Supply and Drainage Employees� Union held more..

Nov 11 (LT) An attempt by port authorities to deploy SL Navy to sabotage the �work to rule� campaign successfully carried out by employees of the port has been temporary withdrawn due to protests by employees says General Secretary of All Ceylon Ports General Workers Union Chandrasiri Gamage. Mr. Gamage said a port employee has been threatened with death and measures have been taken to lodge a complaint at the police. more..

Nov 11 (SLW) Former High Court Judge Mahanama Tillekeratne, Chairman of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into abductions and disappearances said yesterday that he was personally unhappy with Police investigations into telephone calls as regards an attack on Lake House journalist Poddala Jayantha. The Commission also inquired into unexplained killings and unidentified bodies. Chairman Tillekeratne said that he would shortly submit a report to more..

Nov 11 (SLW) I am able to come to the road safely and have discussions with the people after Prabhakaran is dead pointed out Douglas Devananda minister of social services and social development. He says now he meets people and is able to solve their problems. We are helping the people to get rights and live freely in the society he said. Minister pointed out that if any delay is caused to find a political solution the war that ended would become useless and more..

Nov 11 (LNP) It is most disgusting to see the JVP launching trade union action in league with unions of the UNP which was responsible to burning its founder leader Rohana Wijeweera alive at the Borella cemetery 20 years ago said. T. Kulatunga, Eksath Welanda ha Samupakara Sevaka Maha Sangamaya (United Commercial and Co-operative employees General Union) organiser commenting on the work to rule campaign launched by JVP and UNP trade unions today. more..

Nov 11 (LNP) IGP Mahinda Balasuriya yesterday promised the public justice and fairness. Police and public relations will be strengthened and mutual understanding will be fostered to avoid misunderstanding about the police, he said. The Public Assistance Centre (PAC) was opened by IGP Balasuriya at the Police Headquarters yesterday. The PAC was formed to discuss problems faced by the public and find solutions for their grievances, more..

Nov 11 (MoD) A total number of 1,875 loans to the value of Rs. 264 million has been disbursed under the Vadakkin Vasantham loan scheme by the People's Bank and Bank of Ceylon upto November 5. In addition 5,927 beneficiaries have also been registered under People's Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank and Sanasa Development Bank to obtain credit facilities under the loan scheme. 47 percent of loans have been disbursed for agricultural purposes more..

Nov 11 (AT) Opposition parties nominating Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate in the forthcoming Presidential election hinges on his resignation from his present position. But it is learnt that the acceptance of his resignation is not that easy as US Department of State in its report has alleged of the killing of the innocent civilians during the last days of the war by the Sri Lankan Army and more..

Nov 11 (LT) Renowned actor and dramatist Henry Jayasena passed away today morning at Kalubowila Hospital. He was admitted to hospital suffering from a minor ailment. At the time of his Henry Jayasena was 78 years old. Dr. Jayasena studied at the Gampaha branch of Lorenz College and at Nalanda College, Colombo. He began his career as an Assistant Teacher of English at more..

Nov 11 (LNP) The JVP-UNP trade union combine is scheduled to launch its much advertised go-slow in the petroleum, electricity, water and ports sectors demanding a pay hike. Panic buying of fuel began on Monday evening and with a reduction in supplies, a fuel shortage is likely to occur within a day or two. The CEB and the Water Board will not attend to breakdowns and it is likely that the people will be made to undergo untold suffering, especially in the populous urban centres like Colombo. more..

Nov 11 (DN) The Government has never attempted to curtail free education. "We are dedicated to protect and promote free education in the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in Kahawatte yesterday. He was speaking at the inauguration of Ruwanpura National College of ICT Education. This College will produce IT teachers to the nation from next year, in collaboration with the ICT Department of Colombo and Moratuwa universities. more..

Nov 11 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa should gain the singular honour for eliminating terrorism from this country. This should be accepted by all without contest, said Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter. We could defeat terrorism because the President had the courage to take the right decision at the right moment and everyone should show their gratitude to him for this accomplishment Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thera said more..

Nov 11 (DN) Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that a mandatory deposit insurance scheme should be set up, as it will have a positive impact on the industry. This would enhance depositors� confidence and it would be a self-corrective mechanism where companies would not have to take it as a burden. The mandatory deposit insurance scheme will also help to strengthen the financial system. more..

Nov 11 (DM) Chief Justice Asoka de Silva said that the public should have the right to freedom of information and question the ministers on what they do. He said attempts to introduce legislation to this effect had been prevented by a former parliament. Chief Justice Asoka de Silva stated this when addressing the launch of �Justice� magazine held at the Supreme Court complex at Hulftsdorp yesterday. more..