May 1 (Reuters) Sri Lankan shares rose to a new record on Friday led by retail buying on better earning hopes, despite foreign investors continued their exit strategy. The All-Share Price Index hit a new all-time high of 4197.22, surpassing its previous record high of 4,176.83 hit on Thursday. It closed 33.88 or 0.8 percent firmer at 4188.88. "Retailers have pushed up the market to an expensive level," more..

May 1 (BBC) A court in Sri Lanka has ordered the police to release on bail the most senior serving military officer arrested on charges of conspiracy against the government. Colombo Chief Magistrate Champa Janaki Rajaratne ordered the police to release Brig Duminda Keppetiwalana on bail, after the Attorney General (AG) said he had no objections. Brig. Keppetiwalana was among the army officers arrested on suspicion of conspiring to overthrow the government more..

May 1 (Himal) Two portentous results emerged from the parliamentary election in Sri Lanka, results of which were announced on 21 April. First, the ruling UPFA, led by President Mahinda Rajapakse, won a resounding victory, just six seats short of the two-thirds majority needed for a constitutional change. And second, almost 40 percent of the electorate did not vote. The UPFA victory is unprecedented, and it took place despite a precipitous decline in more..

May 1 (LBO) Consumer prices in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo rose 5.8 percent in April 2010 from a year earlier, down from 6.3 percent in March, the second straight monthly fall. In the month of April the Colombo consumer price index fell 1.0 percent in absolute terms to 212.6 points from 214.8 points a month earlier. The slowing down of inflation came despite growing fears of inflationary pressures rising amid heavy government spending, debt monetization and excess liquidity. more..

May 1 (LBO) The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ajith Navard Cabraal, is responsible for the monetary policy of his war-torn country. He's 55 years old, likes jazz and classical music, and doesn't eat fish because he has them as pets. He stopped in New York after the recent IMF meeting in Washington, D.C. and spoke with Forbes' Megha Bahree about reducing inflation, liberalizing the economy, and more..

May 1 (UPFA) In mid-April as the sun moves directly overhead and the harvest comes to an end, Sri Lankans celebrate their New Year, one of the most important times in the cultural calendar. The occasion calls for gifts, new clothes, traditional sweets, time with friends and relatives, fire crackers and special games. This year's festivities for plantation workers at the Hope estated in the hill country took a gender-bending twist. more..

May 1 (NF) The pulling down of unauthorised stalls on the pavements in Colombo and suburbs continued today as well. The clearing operations went on in Pettah, Gunasinghepura, Nugegoda and Borella. The unauthorised traders on pavements in Borella, Bambalapitiya, Wellawatta and Nugegoda have been noticed to vacate the pavements, said police. The orders to clear the pavements had been issued taking into consideration the inconvenience caused to the general public. more..

May 1 (PTI) The Madras High Court on Friday gave two weeks to LTTE leader V. Prabakaran�s ailing mother Parvathi to represent to the State government if she wanted to undergo medical treatment here. Passing interim orders on a PIL, bench said the State government had submitted that it had not received any representation from Ms. Parvathi for allowing her to stay in the State to undergo medical treatment. more..

May 1 (Himal) Superstition remains an important facet of Sri Lankan society. It influences every aspect of daily life � take a bath on a Tuesday before commencing a journey, for instance, and you will invariably have an accident. Above all is the belief in the existence of yakas, or devils, which Prashani Rambukwella, a Sri Lanka-born writer currently working in Hong Kong, has used as a central ingredient of her children�s novel more..

May 1 (BBC) The old Foyle College building received a new adornment on Friday when a blue plaque celebrating one of its former pupils was unveiled. Now the Foyle Arts Building, the building was the educational home of Henry Montgomery Lawrence for four years in the early 19th century. He is being honoured for setting up a network of schools in India to care for orphans and children of British soldiers serving there. more..

May 1 (UNP) When the working classes of most countries of the world are celebrating the May day on the 1st of May on the victories and privileges they have gained, the May day rallies in SL are being held when the working classes are most oppressed and repressed. In this country, the working class is hard put to eke out a living. They have been made to continue to bear the burdens they were saddled with when the war was on. more..

May 1 (IOM) Sri Lanka's Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH) this week met with representatives from IOM, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Central Bank and relevant ministries to initiate the development of a migration health policy for Sri Lanka. The meeting, which was funded by IOM's 1035 grant facility for IOM Member States, discussed a more..

May 1 (UCAN) A diocese in western Sri Lanka is nurturing young journalistic talent and highlighting current social issues through a locally produced newspaper written in three languages. The 16-page quarterly tabloid newspaper Yowun Siwdisa (Youth in the Four Deaneries of the Diocese) is published by the Catholic Youth Federation in Chilaw diocese. With articles written in Sinhalese, Tamil and English, more..

May 1 (AFP) A team of military doctors backed by India's national defence research centre is studying an 83-year-old holy man who claims to have spent seven decades surviving without food or water. The long-haired and bearded yogi, Prahlad Jani, has been sealed in a hospital in the western city of Ahmedabad where he is under 24-hour observation by 30 doctors and will be subjected to a series of medical tests. more..

May 1 (TN) Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) opposition and public organizations including Jaffna Traders Union (JTU) have raised strong protests against ruling SLFP Jaffna Mayor Ms. Yogeswary Patkunam for abuse of authority, particularly in erecting a Buddha statue on Jaffna Main Street and in attempts to hand over the Jaffna Public Library canteen to Sinhalese caretakers from South, sources in Jaffna said. more..

May 1 (NF) Around one thousand fishermen who's livelihoods revolve around the fishing industry with the use of small and medium size fishing craft, have been severely affected due to the Weligama Kapparathota fishing harbour not being renovated properly after being destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. The fishermen charge that the main problem they are faced with is the presence of more..

May 1 (DM) Make or break talks between the UNF leaders, which were scheduled to be held this evening has been postponed till tomorrow afternoon, informed sources told Daily Mirror. Tomorrow's talks will be held at the residence of SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem. UNF leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Democratic People�s Front leader Mano Ganesan and SLFP (M) Wing leader Mangala Samaraweera are to participate in the talks. more..

May 1 (Hindu) A six-member delegation for business promotion from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka, met with members of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation's areas of interest included export of rubber products, fruits and vegetables, sesame seed, tamarind and pulses; and import of cotton yarn, chemicals, synthetic rubber, machinery, rubber process oil, footwear components, hybrid seeds, pulses, onions and potatoes. more..

May 1 (LP) In linguistics, a corpus (plural corpora) or text corpus is a large and structured set of texts. They are used to do statistical analysis and hypothesis testing, checking occurrences or validating linguistic rules on a specific universe. Now, a corpus for Sri Lankan English is being compiled under the International Corpus of English project (ICE). The International Corpus of English (ICE) began in 1990 with the primary aim of collecting material for more..

May 1 (CI) New Zealand edged Sri Lanka in just the sort of cliffhanger the organisers would have wanted to kick off the World Twenty20 in the Carribean. If McCullum is talked of as a match-winner, it is probably Brendon that one thinks of, but it was his brother Nathan who was the hero with an all-round performance, topped off by a six over long-off to seal a tense victory with one delivery to go. more..

May 1 (CI) Sri Lanka were the most consistent team in last year's World Twenty20, moving into the final unbeaten before falling to an inspired Pakistan outfit at Lord's. This time they are left knowing only a victory against Zimbabwe will keep them in the tournament, and even then it will require a nervous wait for the outcome of the final match in the group. The game against New Zealand was always a nip-and-tuck affair although Sri Lanka had the bowling attack to defend 135. more..

May 1 (CI) Nothing sets a tournament up better than a tight finish. Last year in England the World Twenty20 was sparked into life by Netherlands' shock last-ball victory against the hosts and while New Zealand's success over Sri Lanka at Providence can't even be ranked as an upset it launched this latest event in suitably thrilling style. The match itself was a slow-burner on another sluggish pitch, but it always had the makings of a tight contest. more..

May 1 (GDI) UPFA May Day Committee Chairman Minister Dullas Alahapperuma: The Sri Lanka working class is commemorating the May Day that had become the international symbol of the victory of the struggles of the workers and after three decades May Day is being held in a spirit of freedom and liberation, UPFA May Day Committee Chairman Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said. more..

May 1 (TC) The leadership battle in the UNP is taking a more serious form than anyone expected. One factor that could add fuel to the fire is increased media interest in the goings on within the UNP. The war is now over and all the important elections have been held. The country is now settling into a humdrum existence and as newsworthy issues dry up, the ongoing battle within the UNP will get more coverage than it otherwise would. more..

May 1 (IL) History was created recently at the University of Oxford. Last Sunday (25th of April) witnessed the inauguration of a cricket series featuring the alumni of S. Thomas� College Mount Lavinia and other prominent schools in the island. Themed �S. Thomas College OBA (UK) vs. Combined Sri Lankan Schools XI� cricket match worked off at the exclusive University Club of the University of Oxford. more..

May 1 (NF) Three police officers, remanded in connection with the double murder in Angulana, were released by the Mount Lavinia Chief Magistrate Harsha Sethunga today. They were released taking into consideration the advice of the Attorney General. The other four suspects in connection with the double murder were further remanded until May 14 by the magistrate. However, all seven suspects are to be produced before the Moratuwa magistrate on May 8. more..

May 1 (SL) When I woke up this morning, I remember that it is a special day. Special, because in the afternoon I am going to visit Padma and her 60 dogs. �Sixty dogs?!� I can hear you holler. You see, that is the usual reaction of people. Let me explain: Padma has an unusually compassionate heart. She cannot resist abandoned puppies and sick strays. So, people always remember her when they find them and contact her. more..

May 1 (TC) With a 1.8 million majority in the Presidential Election and a near two�thirds majority in the general, Mahinda Rajapaksa is at the zenith of his powers, even if the former is contested and the latter based on a historically low turn out. With the cabinet too more or less sorted out, sundry whining not withstanding, the country is set for the take off outlined in the Mahinda Chinthanaya and more..

May 1 (Hindu) The third and final Indo-Sri Lanka carrom Test match will be played at L.V.R & Sons Club here on May 6. The two teams will clash in a three-Test match series from Saturday. The two first matches would be played on Siva Sivani Campus, while the L.V.R & Sons Club would host the third match. The players, 16 of them from India and Sri Lanka, would arrive on May 4 and play a friendly match with Andhra team on the next day. more..

May 1 (Independent) The ancient man with the walrus moustache, his white coat ablaze with medals, greets me like a long-lost friend. The huge lobby, dazzlingly bright and hot and open to the four winds, is unchanged. The morning after I arrived, a fancy wedding was going full pelt, with drummers in turbans, small children dressed up as princes and princesses, and dramatic local beauties sashaying up and down the winding stairs in the latest sari styles. more..

May 1 (TN) On instructions by Judicial Service Commission and Justice Secretary to Jaffna Superintendent of Police and Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Jaffna Commander, military protection in addition to police protection is provided from Friday to the residence of Chaavakachcheari Magistrate, P. J. Pirabakar�s residence in Paa�ndiayan Thaazhvu in Jaffna in the context of allegations reported to Chaavakachcheari Court by more..

May 1 (Hindu) The Sri Lankan military has begun the process of gradual withdrawal from civilian properties under its occupation in the Jaffna peninsula. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on a visit to the Northern Province, told journalists after unveiling a memorial at the Elephant Pass on Friday that the military would withdraw from the properties. The continued occupation by the military has been a matter of concern to the Tamil parties and the civilians. more..

May 1 (TN) Chaavakachcheari Magistrate, P. J. Pirabakar Friday directed Chaavakachcheari police to investigate into an allegation against Jaffna Deputy Mayor Thurairajah Ilango alias Regan and Allexander Soosaimuthu alias Charles, EPDP organizer for Thenmaraadchi, for engaging in activities aimed at issuing death threats to Magistrate Pirbakar or in attempts to kill him. Soosaimuthu was the EPDP contestant in the parliamentary elections. more..

May 1 (MoD) The Divisional Hospital in Akkarayankulam, Kilionochchi which was renovated under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program declared open by northern governor Maj General G.A Chandrasiri recently. Out Patient Department, General wards and Maternity Ward of the Akkarayankulam hospital was renovated by Health Sector Development Project (HSDP) at total cost of Rs.13 Million. The hospital which was vacated due to LTTE terrorists activities more..

May 1 (LeN) There will be 11 May day rallies and 06 processions in Colombo this year in commemoration of the International May day. This year is the 124th year of the May day commemoration. The UNP which boasts of its massiveness as a party celebrates the May day this year too with religious ceremonies at a Temple at Piliyandala. more..

May 1 (MoD) The Government will hold the Victory Parade at the Galle Face on May 18 every year to mark Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism, said Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Defence Secretary made this observation after the ceremonial opening of the monument erected at Elephant Pass in memory of war heroes yesterday. The Victory Parade will be held on May 20 only for this year. more..

May 1 (GDI) "We are faced with a challenge of making the country a miracle of Asia while ensuring the rights of labourers who shed their sweat in the sea, factory and farms. I am prepared to join with the working masses to face this challenges effectively. I should pay my gratitude to the Sri Lankan workers who afforded a lesson to the world by exercising utmost restraints in the face of numerous hardships at times when the country was in predicament. more..

May 1 (LP) I was associated with the Trade Union movement for about half a century as a friend of the working people and I am pleased to congratulate them on an important day such as today. The working population worldwide commemorates today their leaders who pioneered the Labour struggles and the successes they achieved. The working population of Sri Lanka commemorates this May Day with more prestige while more..

May 1 (LBO) Union Bank, has inked a deal to raise 1.5 billion rupees in capital from Genting Group, a Malaysian conglomerate and Shorecap, a US based banking fund and is hoping to go public within an year, an official said. "Genting is giving 1.0 billion (rupees), Shorecap 500 million rupees," Union Bank chairman Ajita de Soyza said. "The balance 500mn, some are foreign and some are local. In a couple of months we will be planning an IPO as well." more..

May 1 (LG) Now that Mervin Silva is the minister for media, it can be said that the things are as crazy as it can be. This government is doing as much as it can to create zero level of expectations. Expect nothing and you shall not be disappointed seem to be the loud message. New Ministers message is that media will be allowed to state only the truth. The truth is that the government is very good. No one will be allowed to say anything contrary. more..

May 1 (LG) What factors contributed? Who was instrumental? The Contribution of Instruments of National Power: Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic (DiMe), all of the means available to the government in its pursuit of national objectives. DIPLOMATIC: With 9/11 attacks the attitude of western nations towards terrorism changed completely. more..

May 1 (LG) �Mahendra Percy Rajapakse now known as Mahinda Rajapakse has been a doughty defender of human rights in the past. Mahinda played a very important role in giving leadership to those who resisted the flagrant violations of human rights by the UNP regimes of J.R. Jayewardene and R. Premadasa. Many of us recall the harsh experience he underwent while going to Geneva with dossiers to expose the UNP record in Human Rights at the UN. more..

May 1 (LP) Sri Lanka Navy brought fifteen (15) Sri Lankan fishermen, released by the Indian authorities, safely home in yesterday (30th April). The crew members of Dulaj Putha, Sachin Putha and Ruchiran, accompanied by the Indian Coast Guard ship Ranijidaran, were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy at the Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), North of Kankasanthurai. more..

May 1 (NF) Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, former prime minster of Malaysia, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the first International Business Leaders� Forum titled 'Emerging Sri Lanka in Rising Asia', to be held on June 9. The event is organised by the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Going beyond boundaries of bi-lateral interests of Sri Lanka and Malaysia, more..

May 1 (GV) Chandrika�s winning smile, Mahinda�s wide grin and Clinton�s leer at Monica�s underwear speak volumes than their political agenda. Then who would listen to an ageing toothless cur of a politician or the late Queen Mother with her rotten teeth when Colgate and Signal herald the new millennium not with promises of a better future but a better and impressive look with two fine sets of gnashers. more..

May 1 (LBO) Sri Lanka's finance companies are expanding with confidence returning to the sector following a panic 2009, though regulators are working on a handful of troubled firms, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said. Sri Lanka's Bartleets Financial Services and Central Investments and Finance Limited (CIFL) opened branches in the former war-torn Jaffna peninsular Friday. "We are not here to just get deposits," more..

May 1 (IL) The Washington Buddhist Vihara celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri, Chief Incumbent of the temple. The most Venerable Thich Tong Hai - Chief of the Chang Khong Monastery in Hawaii, will be the chief guest for the opening ceremony of the newly constructed Buddhasana. The Sil program will start at 9 am. more..

May 1 (DN) The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is taking steps to nab foreign employment agents and certain sub agents engaged in a large scale racket of sending underage females for employment in the Middle East by obtaining passports with forged documents to show they are older. Following a case of an impersonation sending a domestic aide in the name of Mohamed Lylun Rizana, more..

May 1 (DN) It�s May Day once again and as usual there is an excuse for political parties who know the right labour words but have the wrong (right) labour policies to have a party, a show of force and maybe even make workers feel that they have been counted in. This, sadly, is as true of the supposedly radical/left parties as those that are hardly worker-friendly. Sometime in 1988, just after the United Socialist Alliance (USA) came off a distant second best in more..