Jan 5 (AFP) Sri Lanka's main minority Tamil party on Monday backed the main opposition presidential candidate, Sarath Fonseka, who as army chief led the offensive that crushed Tamil rebels last year. Fonseka, a former four-star general who quit in November following differences with his political boss President Mahinda Rajapakse, pledged in a letter to end a state of emergency if he was elected in the January 26 vote. more..

Jan 5 (EB) Three digital banners carrying pictures of slain LTTE leader Prabhakaran interacting with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi general secretary Thol Tirumavalavan were removed in the city on Saturday after representatives of the Makkal Thalaivar Ayya G K Moopanar Peravai urged Commissioner of Police T Rajendran to take action against them. The vinyl boards were erected by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in more..

Jan 5 (GDI) Retired General Sarath Fonseka though, has reportedly vacated his official residence according to unofficial sources, he has failed to inform the Attorney General, Election Commissioner or the Army Head Quarters in writing as directed by a determination of the Supreme Court, Army Head Quarters said. The Army Head Quarters issued a news release clarifying the news item in a certain website which said that more..

Jan 5 (AT) Sri Lanka has just emerged from a cathartic 30 year conflict and war with what has been described as the most ruthless and violent terrorist group in the world, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam, the LTTE. This group began as a tiny outfit of ten or twenty hardcore terrorists and ended as a group that had become a mentor for other similar ruthless groups like the al Qaida and many other national and international terror groups. more..

Jan 5 (SLW) Gen. (Rtrd) Sarath Fonseka who was known to the Sri Lankans as a major force behind the island�s victory over terrorism, received abundant accolades from the citizenry. He was a hero respected by everyone, except a few petty politicians, who were unwilling to accept that this victory as a victory of the nation, their trivial minds did not permit them to acknowledge it openly, since, more..

Jan 5 (CT) Disciplinary action is to be taken against officers in charge of police stations who had falsely reported that unlawful election propaganda material had been removed in their areas. Elections chief Dayananda Dissanayake has given the order to IGP Mahinda Balasuriya. Assistant election commissioners have informed Mr. Dissanayake that there was no truth to claims by many OICs that posters, banners and cutouts had been removed. more..

Jan 5 (TC) Rabindranath Tagore once said that "every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man". This is what we were reminded of when we invited 50 children from impoverished Jaffna communities to visit us in Colombo. For almost all, this trip was their first visit outside the North. Years of conflict and enclosed territories have kept them isolated within areas where destruction is more common than development, more..

Jan 5 (LBO) Tea imports for re-export by Sri Lanka, a major exporter, fell sharply last year as opposition by producers to importing teas remained strong, Tea Board and industry officials said. Re-export volumes of tea fell by 50 percent to 7.3 million kilos in the nine months to September 2009, Tea Board officials said. They said it was unusual for imported tea volumes to have fallen so sharply during the first three quarters of 2009 more..

Jan 5 (LT) The shortage of rice in Pettah market has reached a critical stage and the prices of white raw rice, red raw rice and �nadu� consumed by ordinary folk have increased from Rs.60 to Rs.85 a kilo say sources in the market. Local rice was not available in many shops at Pettah wholesale rice market. The price of white raw rice has gone up to Rs75 a kilo while the price of Red raw rice has increased to Rs.70 a kilo. more..

Jan 5 (LT) The Central Committee of the Upcountry People�s Front has decided to appoint Karupiah Kanagaratnam, who contested from the party at the 2004 general election, to the Parliament to fill the vacancy created by the demise of Minister of Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication and Leader of P Chandrasekran says General Secretary of the party S. Vijayakumaran. Mr. Vijayakumaran said Mr. S. Arulsamy who had been named for the vacancy earlier more..

Jan 5 (LT) We will rally the people, take them to the streets, struggle with them and halt the present undemocratic, distorted path of Mahinda Rajapakse says JVP MP Anura Dissanayake. Speaking at a massive rally held at Campbell Park yesterday he said, �If Mr. Mahinda Rajapaszke wants a fight he could do it democratically. Mahinda can go before the people and can tell his story. more..

Jan 5 (LBO) Sri Lanka may be forced to print money and send inflation up again unless the state avoids reckless spending, which also takes away resources available for productive activities by the people, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal has warned. "We have to be conscious that any money printing that can take place if there is no proper (fiscal) discipline could eradicate all the successes," Cabraal said delivering his main policy speech for 2010 on Monday. more..

Jan 5 (MoD) So, it has now been established beyond doubt that former army chief Gen. (retd.) Sarath Fonseka made a serious war crimes charge against Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Commander of 58 Division Maj. Gen. Shavendra Silva. The latest edition of The Sunday Leader (SL) carries a hard hitting article by its Editor Frederica Jansz, who states unequivocally that Fonseka, in an interview (published in SL of Dec. 13) said, more..

Jan 5 (MoD) Sri Lankan people are blessed with a bright future with the emergence of a peaceful atmosphere created with the end of a long drawn out war, Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kanth said. Relations between the two countries have been very cordial and this excellent goodwill could be further strengthened under a peaceful set-up without a war, he said. more..

Jan 5 (TC) Full Text of "Programme of Immediate Relief Measures for War Affected Persons & Areas for Peace", handed over to Hon. R. Sampanthan, Leader of the TNA by General Sarath Fonseka common Presidential Candidate at his campaign headquarters on Jan 4, 2010:1. Restoration of Civil Administration and Normalcy: 1. Full restoration of all institutions of Civil Administration from the Office of Grama Sevaka upwards � more..

Jan 5 (GV) The TNA�s ability to negotiate a comprehensive devolution package for the Tamil community with either Mahinda Rajapaksa or Sarath Fonseka is becoming more and more distant as the Presidential election draws nearer. This has greatly benefited Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sarath Fonseka as they could play safer electoral politics in the Sinhalese South without dealing with the issue of the devolution of power to the Tamil community. more..

Jan 5 (GDI) The Government continues to strengthen the train services with the purpose of catering to the needs of the commuters. Railways Commercial Superintendent Wijaya Samarasinghe said action had already been taken to import 20 new power sets. He revealed plans to introduce them to service before the end of this year. These Indian power sets are equipped with many facilities. It is also planned to import 13 Chinese power sets. more..

Jan 5 (LG) Over 1.7 million registered migrant workers, whose remittance last year recorded 316,118 million rupees have lost their voting franchise this time too. According to 2005 figures, they are 12% of registered voters and 10% of the national workforce; they contribute to 17% national savings and more than 20% foreign exchange earnings and they constitute of over 47% women. more..

Jan 5 (LG) With the dawn of a New Year and the beginning of a new decade as well, it is time to reflect on the past and look to what the future may offer. Fortunately for this country, the 'war', as far as most Sri Lankans are concerned, is over; unfortunately the heroes of our time are now at each other's throats in a different theatre of conflict - the Presidential election. There seems to be general consensus that, notwithstanding the end to terrorism, more..

Jan 5 (LG) Yes, we have to talk about the Fonseka candidacy, but before that we have to get to grips with the Rajapaksa incumbency. The incumbent, Percy Mahinda Rajapaksa has a record. The people have to vote on that record. The challenger has a record; but not in power, not as incumbent, in any substantial political office. Electing Fonseka is therefore more a matter of taking a chance, and there are demerits in that. more..

Jan 5 (NPC) The forthcoming election has generated a coalition of political forces that few would have believed possible even a few weeks ago. Those who write the history of these times may record that President Mahinda Rajapaksa�s domination of national politics during the period from his election in November 2005 to his announcement of Presidential elections in December 2009 was the responsible factor. more..

Jan 5 (LP) The supporters of opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka faced the thugs believed to be of the Sri Lankan Minister of Labor Mervin Silva at Kiribathgoda town, the center of the Minister's electorate. The hooligans were wielding clubs and bottles filled with sand etc. and police that observed the gang did not disperse them as they should have done. Instead, the police officials approached the group of Sarath Fonseka's supporters that more..

Jan 5 (TS) Sri Lanka is inviting two top Malaysian telco operators, Maxis Communications Bhd and Telekom Malaysia, to invest in its US$150mil maiden satellite project. Plans are in the pipeline to launch the nation�s first geostationary satellite after it signed a deal with United Kingdom-based Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd last December. �We have invited Maxis and Telekom Malaysia, both of which have already invested in Sri Lanka,� more..

Jan 5 (AAF) The threat to import poultry products due to a shortage of chicken and a steep rise in the price of eggs still remains with Live Stock Development Minister Ratnayake warning that he was yet monitoring the situation. According to the industry the main reason for the current situation is a shortage and high price of maize primarily due to a cartel buying up much of the previous harvest. more..

Jan 5 (AAF) Due to unbelievably high import taxes levied on maize which makes up 50% of the poultry feed, a Sri Lankan feed manufacturer, turned to manioc (tapioca) as a cheaper substitute, which appeared to have been contaminated with a deadly toxin. The owner of Super Feeds told The Nation that he placed an order for 100 tonnes of manioc powder at $185 per tonne FOB with a Philippino supplier more..

Jan 5 (G&M) He was an educated, medical professional helping to rebuild his country, which was devastated by poverty, war and a catastrophic tsunami. But he was also routinely threatened � by both government officials and rebel separatists � who tried to pressure him to give aid money to those who didn't need it. Once, his house was ransacked. Later, he was unlawfully arrested, more..

Jan 5 (wsws) The 2010 presidential election campaign in Sri Lanka is providing a glaring exposure of the JVP. This Sinhala populist party, which still speaks of defending working people and occasionally of �socialism�, has joined the right-wing UNP in backing former army commander General Sarath Fonseka. Fonseka is standing as the non-party �common candidate� of the two opposition parties against incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse. more..

Jan 5 (GDI) With the decision of the TNA to enter in to a �conditional� agreement with opposition candidate at the Presidential election, Sarath Fonseka, political circles are agog with the question whether Fonseka has accepted the TNA condition that the north and east should be merged once again. According to media reports, Retired Gen Fonseka and TNA leader R Sampanthan agreed on �immediate measures�. more..

Jan 5 (GDI) Only President Mahinda Rajapaksa can usher in peace and prosperity to the country. This reference has been made during a visit by school staff and students of the South to the North. Student leaders of Rahula Vidyalaya organized a journey to the North. They visited the Hartley College in Point Pedro. The intention of their journey was to extend a hand of friendship of the people of the South to the North. more..

Jan 5 (DN) The eminent novelist and literary figure Leonard Woolf who was the British Government Agent 1908 � 11 made Hambantota famous among the literati by depicting the lives of the peasantry who were plagued with poverty, sickness and the teeming wild animals that raided their crops. Woolf saw the these people who fought against all these odds and danger with courage in his celebrated work Village in The Jungle. more..

Jan 5 (GDI) President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he will not betray the people in the face of numerous challenges. He emphasized that he would put in place a broad process to secure the future of the youth in the country. The President mentioned this at a public rally in Ruwanwella at the Public Stadium. The President said that in the past, accusations had been leveled against the Government saying that that it was not building even a culvert nor granting jobs due to the war. more..

Jan 5 (LT) Capt. Mahimal Munasinghe, formerly of NFF, who was elected to the Uva PC from UPFA but joined Common Presidential Candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka at the rally held at Badulla on the 28th December, has been abducted by a group of President�s Security Division (PSD) today. Abducted Capt. Mahimal Munasinghe had been taken to Temple Trees and had been threatened and forced him to more..

Jan 5 (GDI) The salaries of Teachers and Principals have been increased, Education Minister Susil Premjayantha announced this afternoon at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department. These increased salaries are in sequence to the circular mooted to give effect from July 2008 by which the recipients will enjoy the privilege of an accumulated arrears. more..

Jan 5 (SLA) THE EAST based members of the Maha Sangha (Buddhist priests) who continued to resist previous LTTE terrorist atrocities without fleeing the area and fearlessly performed religious needs of the villagers were revered by Army troops under 22 Division after offering an alms-giving to 169 Buddhist monks of sixty temples in the province. Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Nayaka Thero, Maha Nayaka of Asgiriya Chapter, more..

Jan 5 (LG) As compared to previous days the Subarathi programme has a less political tone today. It was devoted to the explanation of the government successes in the North regarding development. There was no room however, for discussions on views critical of the government�s claims. The absence of any direct reference to the forthcoming election is quite a remarkable achievement. more..

Jan 5 (LG) The Deputy Registrar Thero of the Malwathu Chapter has written to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and the Independent Television Network (ITN) regarding some visuals aired by these institutions on several occasions. The letter points out that these visuals, which were aired repeatedly, were only a section of what was in fact expressed by opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe when he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Malwathu Chapter. more..

Jan 5 (AD) If any person genuinely represents the Tamils, that person will definitely support Presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka, said JVP MP and General Fonseka�s co-media spokesman Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Addressing journalists at Fonseka�s elections office at Rajakeeya Mawatha in Colombo, Mr. Dissanayake said that the response of the TNA towards the General has been favourable. more..

Jan 5 (LT) The government has removed all journalists who were deployed at Katunayake International Airport. The licenses given to all journalists to cover events at the BIA have been withdrawn. As such, the journalists who had been covering events at BIA until now would not be able to do so hereafter. A journalist said the licenses were withdrawn due to the media coverage the journalists carried out when JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe arrived at the KIA from a foreign visit. more..

Jan 5 (LT) A Major General in the Army is attempting to get a petitioned signed against Common Presidential Candidate Gen. Sarath Foneka states a very reliable source. According to this source the signing of the petition is scheduled to commence from Bo Gaha Junction at Pettah in Colombo today. The Army sources say the Major General who is behind the scheme to get the petition signed is one who did not get any promotion more..

Jan 5 (LT) A meeting of police officers was held today at the auditorium of National Children�s Educational Foundation at Mulleriyawa today at 10.00 a.m. DIG Illangakone had addressed the police officers and had asked them to vote for President Mahinda Rajapakse says JVP MP Sunil Handunneththi. He said the auditorium was made available for the meeting by Presidential advisor Ven. Bandagiriye Somawansa Thero. more..

Jan 5 (LT) The government, despite strong opposition from the opposition took measures today to postpone Parliament by a month. When the Parliament met today the Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, amidst strong opposition from the opposition, put forward the proposal to postpone Parliamentary sessions by a month. Members of the Opposition pointed out that the attempt to postpone Parliament was a violation of democratic rights. more..

Jan 5 (UNP) Common Opposition candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka addressing a large gathering at the Weerasinkam Hall in Jaffna as part of his Presidential election campaign said, he is all too familiar with the aspirations and the true needs of the Jaffna people. It is his aim to eliminate the social and territorial gap between Jaffna and Colombo. more..

Jan 5 (UNP) UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the Campbell Park rally yesterday in support of Gen. Fonseka�s candidature said, it is people�s right to exercise their franchise and to elect a President of their choice. The President decided on this election thinking he is the �one horse� winner, but now this poor horse has turned lame (the horse which thought itself as �chandi� has turned �nondi�). more..

Jan 5 (UNP) A bid by the Borella police to secure a Court order to restrain a JVP procession for Rajagiriya was disdainfully rejected by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Praharsha Ranasinghe yesterday while advising the Police to act in accordance with the powers vested in them under the Presidential elections Act. The JVP and the UNF organized a rally at Campbell Park in support of the Presidential Candidate Gen. Fonseka. more..

Jan 5 (LeN) Opposition common Presidential candidate Gen. Sarath Fonseka addressing a rally at Campbell place yesterday (04) organized to demonstrate against anti Democratic acts of the Govt., said it is Defense Secretary Gotabaya who should take full responsibility for the murders of media personnel and opposition party politicians, although he s trying to fasten the blame to me. more..

Jan 5 (LNP) For the first time in recent history, a United States based activist group will attempt to try a government for allegedly committing war crimes, using satellite images at an international tribunal scheduled to be held mid this month, The Sunday Leader reliably learns. The Tamils Against Genocide (TAG) group will submit several different satellite images which showed that Sri Lankan security forces allegedly committed war crimes during more..

Jan 5 (LNP) The country should exploit the opportunity in the ICT sector to position Sri Lanka as the ITC hub in the region. According to the World Bank report on ICT for D (Development) Sri Lanka has the capability and capacity to develop as an ICT hub as in the case of India. The future is poised to be the knowledge economy, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Sri Lanka (TRC) Director-General, Priyantha Kariyapperuma told Daily News Business. more..

Jan 5 (LNP) Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was my guiding star since the day I joined the Army. He told me that civil casualties should be zero during the humanitarian operation. The best weapon we had during the war was leadership, Major General Shavendra Silva said. He said it was the great leadership and the media which contributed immensely to the Three Armed Forces during the war. more..