Oct 8 (IVN) In a major sting operation carried out in July, August and September ahead of the recently concluded ICC World Cup T20 tournament, India TV undercover reporters exposed six ICC umpires, belonging to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, willing to fix matches for money during T20 matches. The entire sting operation was telecast on Monday prime time by India TV. more..

Oct 8 (DH) The World T20 championship in Sri Lanka has turned out to be a blessing for 33, Indians including three women, languishing in various Sri Lankan jails. The reporter of a Malayalam daily who reached Colombo on an assignment happened to hear about them, visited the prisoners in jails and exposed their plight. New Delhi reacted quickly to the report and is initiating steps to bring them back to India. Of the 33 prisoners, seven are from Kerala and the rest from Tamil Nadu. more..

Oct 8 (LT) Scholars and intellectuals in the country are being subjected to attacks by underworld groups that have unleashed jungle law and attacking judges is not a chance happening says JVP MP Vijitha Herath. He said, �Protecting independence of the Judiciary is vital for democracy. However, there have been various attacks carried out against democracy lately. These attacks are carried out directly or indirectly against nerve centers that protect independence of the Judiciary. more..

Oct 8 (DM) The Excise Duty on liquor and ethyl alcohol has been revised with effect from Oct 6, the Finance Ministry announced today. Following the increase, beer manufacturers have increased the price of beer and arrack from last Sunday. Accordingly, the price of one litre of alcohol has been increased by Rs. 63 and a litre of beer by Rs. 10. Meanwhile, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka said it had increased the prices of all varieties of arracks by Rs 20-40 a bottle. more..

Oct 9 (NS) Your columnist no longer reads a newspaper daily, in print. For the most part, it began as a logistical necessity. Given frequent travel abroad, it was very difficult to accurately monitor dues after stopping and re-starting newspaper delivery several times during a billing cycle. The quality of mainstream media and the rising price of newsprint was another issue. One pays increasingly more for mediocre journalism supported by advertisements, leading to journalism that as more..

Oct 9 (NS) To add more of his views, �Ashoka tried to codify and propagate what must have been among the earliest formulations of rules of public discussion.� Emperor Ashoka was followed by another emperor of another faith in this task of promoting discussion. He was Emperor Akbar. �Prof Sen says �Ashoka�s championing of public discussion has had echoes in the later history of India, but none as strong as the Moghal Emperor Akbar�s sponsorship and support for more..

Oct 9 (SO) Although thousands of people rear animals and birds in their homes, how many of them would know the actual value of these species? Some animals, such as dogs are sold between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 100,000. No one would believe that a dog lover, Martin James, 58, a wealthy British national who lived in Sri Lanka had a pet dog, worth about Rs. 5.4 million. He had brought the dog, `Red Tibetan Mastiff' from England in 2002. more..

Oct 9 (DBS) Your home is your castle. By this abiding legal tradition, many �castles� in Sri Lanka are under siege. During the War many non-combatants in the North and East were driven from their homes. Even after the War was officially pronounced over, most IDP were prevented from returning to their homes. In May of 2009 the Centre for Policy Alternatives filed a fundamental rights petition on behalf of 282,000 such IDPs who more..

Oct 9 (DBS) �Development� is the name of the game. The country is going through rapid development, our govt leaders tell us. Roads, harbours, airports, towns, etc. are being built at rapid pace � and cricket stadiums are sprouting up faster than the �sixes� being pulled by Mahela Jayawardene, Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara � by our leading politicians and statisticians of the Central Bank. Every Sri Lankan, �patriot� or not should be in a development more..

Oct 9 (ST) The end is nigh, the self-proclaimed prophets of doom are shouting from the rooftops, sending chills down the spine of gullible men, women and children. They have even set a date with destiny for all and sundry � Dec 21, 2012. The tales of alleged horror spreading not only mouth-to-mouth but also on e-mail include that the world will end in December citing the abrupt conclusion of the Mayan calendar, �three days of darkness� in the more..

Oct 9 (CT) These are cataclysmic times marked by complete public cynicism regarding the value of the law, when the Judicial Service Commission has been unrelentingly attacked by the state media and its Secretary complains publicly that there are fears for the security of even �the person holding the highest position in the judicial system�. Perhaps however, through the extremity of the crisis, we may indeed hope that a newer form of critical thinking may emerge regarding the hugely dangerous more..

Oct 9 (CT) The Govt could say that FUTA inflated the numbers. They could say that NGO money frilled it. They could say that lecturers and others were pawns or were complicit in a sinister political game. Analysts could say that the demands are unjust or else indicative of infantile analytical ability which itself subverts the agitation and robs it of moral authority. Few, it could be said, would have understood what the �6%� slogan signified, even if a cogent argument around that figure could be more..

Oct 9 (CT) Some time ago the Friday forum held a press conference on issues of public concern relating to what we considered a crisis in the education sector in Sri Lanka. We also referred to the trade union action by FUTA, and the urgency of resolving the dispute through a negotiated settlement based on consultation with all the relevant stake holders. The FUTA trade union action has continued for almost 3 months and more..

Oct 9 (Island) The cowardly goon attack on Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Secretary Manjula Thilakaratne on Sunday must be condemned unequivocally by everyone who cherishes judicial independence. It was nothing but an act of terrorism. Judges and lawyers have already launched protests, demanding that the perpetrators be arrested. But, given the prevalent culture of impunity, it is doubtful whether justice will ever be done. The assailants have not been identified, but the govt has naturally become the main suspect because more..

Oct 9 (GV) My good friend Somapala Gunadheera has made some thoughtful observations (The Island, 10 Sept 2012) on the problems of University admissions, and noted that in my � Tamil Language Rights in Sri Lanka� (CPA, April 2012) I had not suggested ways and means of solving them. My analysis and suggestions were expressed in some publications way back in the 90s, and that is why I chose not to repeat them. But since my friend has raised the question, I will ( belatedly) retrace some of what I had written then, more..

Oct 9 (WI) It was the giant party that never took off, a celebration of triumph and glory that had to be put on hold, again. An evening that began with so much promise and hope ended in disappointment and tears. For 35,000 people at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday night, 21 million others in the country and millions of Sri Lankan fans across the world, the national team�s loss to the West Indies in the final of the World more..

Oct 9 (Island) The business community condemned the attack on Manjula Thilakaratne, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, by four armed persons last Sunday, causing severe injuries to his face. Recently, Thilakaratne issued a statement that the commission was coming under heavy pressure�interference was undermining judicial independence. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, itself found wanting in promoting good governance amongst its member firms, nonetheless issued a more..

Oct 9 (Island) A recent pilot project, launched in Batticaloa, on budget transparency and involvement of the media and civil society in the decision making process, found that none of them had been involved. According to the findings, Batticaloa�s the civil society believes that no organization has had any discussion on the expenditure of the Municipal Council, though everyone agreed that it was important to have an open dialog. Most of the citizens believed that more..

Oct 9 (FT) The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday gave a fresh boost to the Colombo stock market and its stakeholders agreeing to three key recommendations submitted by the broking community. The Commissioners at their 306th meeting yesterday decided to make extension of credit by brokers to their clients easier as well as for a freer flow of trading activities lift some of the temporary restrictions placed earlier. more..

Oct 9 (DN) NFF Leader and Minister Wimal Weerawansa yesterday condemned the attack on Judicial Services Commission (JSC) Secretary Manjula Tilakaratne, whoever the perpetrators are and called on the authorities to take prompt steps to bring the culprits to book. Issuing a statement, the minister said it was clear that the perpetrators of this deed had carefully selected the occasion for the attack at a time the world media is in the country to cover the finals of the World T20 Cricket finals between Sri Lanka and the West Indies, more..

Oct 9 (DN) Dubai based Fakih Group, the unique global player in gifts and souvenir sector who is known for items with multinational cultural identities, has not only reported prompt success for Sri Lankan made products in its key hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is looking at exporting locally manufactured products to Vietnam. �Our Group's Sri Lankan made supplies are selling out in our Dubai showroom, and Abu Dhabi's sprawling tourist club area fast. I am now preparing to send the first shipment of more..

Oct 9 (FT) The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed without costs the Fundamental Rights violation petition filed against the private medical college South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM). The Bench comprised Chief Justice Shirani A. Bandaranayake, and Justices P.A. Ratnayake and S.I. Imam. Medical Practitioners Dr. S.S. Marasinghe, Dr. U.M. Gunasekara and University Lecturers Dr. N.R. Devasiri and more..

Oct 9 (Island) The GCE (A/L) answer script evaluation, which was delayed due to the strike by university teachers, got underway yesterday at four centres in Kandy and Colombo. Examinations Chief W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara said that the answer script evaluation of 14 question papers, commenced yesterday with 604 officials, including teachers and university Professors, participating. "This is the first stage of paper marking," he said adding that it would end on Oct. 17. more..

Oct 9 (CI) Ask for an abiding memory of Sri Lankan sides at previous Champions League T20s and you are likely to get a blank stare for an answer. The raw truth is that both Wayamba and Ruhuna had team songs livelier than either of them were on the field and they failed to make a major impression on the competition. The former have won two matches in their six games at the tournament across two events and the latter failed to get past the preliminary round last year. more..

Oct 9 (Island) Colombo-Matara vehicular movements came to halt at Mirissa for couple of hours yesterday morning due to thousands of residents taking to the roads, demanding that the Coastguard unit there be removed from their village. The demonstrators also condemned the high handed behavior of coastguard personnel the previous night, which resulted in one villager and two coast guards being admitted to Hospital more..

Oct 9 (DN) Two youths were selected as the first youth delegates from Sri Lanka to the United Nations General Assembly to represent the country. Jayathma Wikramanayake and Aruthra Rajasingham, backed by academic and extracurricular talents, are now in New York participating in the programme. Commenting on the achievement, National Youth Services Council (NYSC) chairman aLalith Pium Perera said this is a significant accomplishment for Sri Lankan more..

Oct 9 (Island) The Govt Medical Officers� Association warned that it would launch an island wide token strike if the govt does not immediately bar Assistant Registered Medical Practitioners from issuing fitness certificates to driving licence applicants. GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Nalinda Herath said that National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman Roshan Gunawardena had been referring driving license applicants to AMPs/RMPs to obtain their medical fitness certificates. more..

Oct 9 (FT) UNP MP Dr. Harsha de Silva commended the 11 trade unions that filed a Fundamental Rights violation petition before the Supreme Court against questionable investments of EPF and rebuked the Govt for not being proactive in stopping such actions when there was much going on in the stock market. �With all that is going on in the stock market, with allegations of white collar crimes and security fraud by the mafia, more..

Oct 9 (CT) University academic's trade union action still continues as the academics and the govt were unable to reach an agreement during discussions. The FUTA and Treasury Ministry Secretary, P.B. Jayasundera, were, according to the FUTA, cordial but unsuccessful. The academics are due to receive an agreement from Jayasundera today, as to how the govt will implement FUTA's demands. "The agreement will state how the govt is going to implement our demands more..

Oct 9 (ST) Amidst the slowing down of vehicle imports due to heavy taxes, the Motor Traffic Department, the third biggest revenue collector for the state, is confident of collecting around Rs. 8 billion this year, its Commissioner General of Motor Traffic S.H. Harischandra said. He said the department collects this money from �luxury� and �semi-luxury� taxes and sales through the register and transfer of vehicles and from other levies. The department doubled its revenue to more..

Oct 9 (FT) The work on High Court, District Courts and the Magistrate Courts throughout the island came to a standstill yesterday due to the protest carried out by the judges against the assault carried out on Judicial Service Commission Secretary Manjula Tilakaratn by unidentified persons at Mount Lavinia on Sunday. Lawyers throughout the country kept away from courts and took to the streets against the assault on Judicial more..

Oct 9 (CT) The Govt Medical Officer�s Association (GMOA) charged that the Medical Unit of the Motor Traffic Department is violating the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) Ordinance by hiring unqualified doctors to issue medical certificates for driving licences. GMOA General Committee Member, Dr. Nalinda Herath, said there can be a risk of accidents of unsuitable people being issued with driving licences. �Only a doctor with an MBBS or a qualification similar to that is liable to issue more..

Oct 9 (ST) NDB Bank having exited from its insurance arm NDB Aviva, has plans to venture into other parts of Asia using the capital gains it made from this sale, officials said. �We will strike partnerships similar to what we have at present with DBS Singapore, in Dubai and India,� Russell de Mel, Managing Director NDB said on the sidelines of a press conference to launch the �Real Saver�, a unique new savings proposition that encourages the regular savers to stay true to more..

Oct 9 (Island) JVP breakaway faction, the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), yesterday claimed that the Jaffna police purposely delayed them when they visited the station to lodge a complaint regarding their politburo member Dimuthu Atygalle being smeared with burnt engine oil on Sunday. Dimuthu Atygalle, who is also the president of the organization titled �Women for Freedom� said that they went to the police station at about more..

Oct 9 (DM) Expressing his views regarding the assault on Judicial Services Commission Secretary Manjula Tillekaratne, former Army commander Sarath Fonseka charged that a gang operated with state patronage might have been behind it. Speaking to the media at the Supreme Court complex yesterday morning he said a situation had arisen today where the judiciary is seeking justice. �As politicians we would like to support the Judiciary in securing and ensuring justice. We believe more..

Oct 9 (Island) Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday said that the govt should have been more vigilant and provided security to the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission Manjula Thilakaratne, who was attacked by an unidentified gang in Mt. Lavinia on Sunday. Nanayakkara said that the JSC Secretary had issued a statement to the media a few days prior to the incident stating that he felt insecure with regard to his personal safety and was in danger of physical harm. more..

Oct 9 (DM) The Police Department was planning to purchase 18 horses for the Police Mounted Division for Rs.50 million and currently tenders had been called from Australia, New Zealand and European countries. Each thorough-bred horse that the police was planning to purchase would be around Rs.2.7 million, the police said. The Police Mounted Division which was one of the most respected ceremonial arms of the country more..

Oct 9 (Island) District Judges and Magistrates are to be called for an emergency general meeting to decide what future action the Association of Judicial Officers should take over the attack on Judicial Service Commission Secretary Manjula Thilakaratne. Secretary of the Association, Additional District Judge of Colombo Pradeep Jayatillake, yesterday decided to hold the emergency general meeting of the association immediately. The District Courts and more..

Oct 9 (DN) Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said it should be mandatory for the country�s youths to undergo leadership training to earn laurels both locally and internationally. �Leadership training should be compulsory for youths to build self - confidence and earn victories in the international sphere as well as locally,� the Defence Secretary said at the Piping Ceremony of the SLEAS Class 1 Principals and MOE officers as Brevet more..

Oct 9 (Island) An end to the FUTA strike is in sight with Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera set to sign a letter announcing a pay hike for striking dons. This was confirmed at yesterday�s discussion between Dr. Jayasundera and striking university teachers. FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said that Dr. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Higher Education Ministry Dr. Sunil Navaratne, officials from the UGC, National Salaries and Cadre Commission and FUTA more..