Tops Sri Lanka - Tops.lk - Daily Sri Lankan News

Four Lankans arrested in global smuggling case

Fri, 24 May 2013 03:50:45 -0700

Dominican Republic authorities have arrested four men from Sri Lanka accused of smuggling at least 60 migrants from India and the Middle East into the U.S. and Canada using fake passports.

Officials with the National Investigations Department say the alleged leader of the group is a Canadian citizen identified as 42-year-old Karunhanithy Nallathamby.
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Warehouse fire: Hotline for inquiries on import cargo

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:22:40 -0700

Inquiries on import cargo at Container Freight Station 1, which was gutted in fire today, can be obtained from the duty manager via the phone number 071-8688361 or 011-2482579, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said.
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21 Sri Lankans held in Kochi

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:21:57 -0700

Sri Lankan refugees, who were trying to escape to Australia arrested by Q Branch of Tamil Nadu police and Kerala police from Ernakulam North, at Central police station on Thursday.

The Q branch of the Tamil Nadu police, with the assistance of the Ernakulam North police, arrested 21 Sri Lankans who were about to sail to Australia in a fishing boat from Kochi.

The operation was carried out after information about the same was passed on by the Intelligence Bureau.
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Buddhist monk attempts self-immolation in Kandy

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:21:07 -0700

A Buddhist monk was rushed to the Kandy General Hospital with serious burn injuries after he attempted self-immolation near the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy this morning.

The Buddhist monk doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze in front of the Wahalkada of the Dalada Maligawa at around 11.30 a.m. protesting against cattle slaughter, Ada Derana reporter said.

Police have identified him, through a NIC found in his possession, as a resident Buddhist monk at the Porabe Viharaya in Kahawatta.
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33 hospitalized for food poisoning in Thirukkovil

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:20:08 -0700

Thirty –three persons have been hospitalized for food poisoning after they reportedly consumed gram distributed to devotees at the end of the morning Pooja at the Manikka Pillayar Temple in Thirukkovil, Ampara District.

Ada Derana reporter stated that a total of 12 women, 9 men and 12 children have been admitted to the Thirukkovil Hospital this morning.
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Four Sri Lankan refugees stranded in Kovai

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:51:52 -0700

Coimbatore police intercepted four Sri Lankan Tamils from various Sri Lankan refugee camps in western Tamil Nadu who were being allegedly escorted to Kochi, Kerala, to be illegally taken to Australia.

Each of them reportedly paid 100,000 Indian rupees to agents and was promised a safe passage to Australia by sea in a vessel from Kochi. All four of them have been handed over to Q branch officials in Erode for further probe.
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Buddha�s message of the Dhamma made Sri Lanka a blessed land - President

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:36:07 -0700

The discipline instilled form Buddha’s teaching enabled our nation to achieve a great culture, bringing worldwide honor and respect to us as a nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in his Vesak message.
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Cargo warehouse in Colombo Port gutted in fire

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:43:29 -0700

An inbound cargo warehouse (CFS 1) in Colombo Port has been gutted by fire early this morning, Chairman of the Ports Authority said.

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VIDEO: Govt resorting to usual ploy of sticking �LTTE label� - UNP

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:41:29 -0700

UNP MPs Ruwan Wijewardene, Harin Fernando and Western Provincial Councilor Harshana Rajakaruna addressing a press conference in Colombo today (23). Pic by - Sanjeewa Lasantha

The Government has begun a new campaign to “sling mud” at the United National Party and is using the state media and certain private media establishments to discredit its MPs by labeling them as “traitors,” MP Ruwan Wijewardene said.
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One lane closed from Punchi Borella to Maradana

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:39:44 -0700

One lane from Punchi Borella to Maradana has been temporarily closed for traffic due to a protest, organized by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) against the electricity tariff hike.

Protestors are currently marching from Punchi Borella to Colombo Fort, demanding the government to immediately revoke the recent tariff increase.
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Australia sends back more Sri Lankans

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:36:44 -0700

A further 31 Sri Lankan irregular maritime arrivals are being returned to Colombo after failing to meet Australia’s international obligations, Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Minister Brendan O’Connor said.

The group departed Christmas Island on Wednesday to be flown back to the Sri Lankan capital.
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French naval ship �Jacques Cartier� arrives at the Port of Colombo

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:35:13 -0700

The French Naval Ship “Jacques Cartier” arrived at the port of Colombo carrying a complement of 53 naval personnel, who will participate in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka.

The ship docked at the port of Colombo Wednesday (May 22), during the Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka.
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No attempts to arrest UNP MPs - Police

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:34:07 -0700

Police today said that there is no attempt to arrest parliamentarians of the United National Party (UNP) in connection with the CID’s ongoing investigations regarding the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking in Parliament recently, had said that there is an attempt to arrest several UNP MPs who had attended in a workshop coordinated by the non-profit organisation.
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Bus topples injuring 15 in Welimada

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:32:42 -0700

At least 15 passengers were injured and hospitalized after a bus veered off the road and toppled in Balagala, Welimada this morning.

Police said a private bus traveling from Pannalawela to Welimada was involved in the accident which occurred at around 6.30am today.

The wounded persons have been admitted to the Welimada Hospital for treatment.
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China to lend $580 million for Sri Lanka development projects

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:32:05 -0700

China Development Bank Corporation will lend $580 million to Sri Lanka to help implement key infrastructure projects, a government document released on Wednesday showed.

The loan will bring CDB’s total lending to Sri Lanka to more than US$1.4 billion. China’s increasing influence in the island nation has stoked concerns in neighboring India.
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All Share Price Index crosses 6,500 mark

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:31:01 -0700

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange crossed the 6,500 mark a short while ago. The index has gone up by over 30% since July 2012, according o market sources.
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Man held with 14 illegal firearms

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:14 -0700

Navagattegama Police have arrested a suspect along with 14 illegal locally manufactured firearms.

The arrest was made at around 8.30pm last night after police received information that the suspect, a resident of Kuruketiyawa in Navagattegama, uses the weapons to frequently hunt wild animals.
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VIDEO: Kelaniya PS Chairman assaulted

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:19 -0700

The Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha, Prasanna Ranaweera has been admitted to the Kiribathgoda Hospital after allegedly being assault this morning, Ada Derana reporter said.
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Army to reduce presence in northern Jaffna

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:27:17 -0700

The Sri Lanka army has said that it would reduce the number of military camps in the former rebel stronghold of northern Jaffna and hand over lands back to their original owners.

“We will reduce the existing 17 military camps in Jaffna to just three,” Army chief Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya said.
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Police busts human smuggling ring in Britain, France

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:01:47 -0700

Europol on Wednesday said 18 people, mostly Sri Lankans, were arrested in joint police raids in Britain and France on suspicion of being part of a human trafficking ring that smuggled South Asian immigrants into Britain.

“During the joint operation, 11 suspects were arrested in the UK and seven in France. All persons arrested, except (for) one Dutch national, were of Sri Lankan origin,” it said in a statement.
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Welagedara to be replaced by Dilhara Lokuhettige

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:47:52 -0700

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that Chanaka Welagedara will be replaced by Dilhara Lokuhettige for the ICC Champions Trophy in England following an ankle injury to Welagedara.

The decision was approved by Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
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Medical Council to recognize degree from Defence University

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:00:19 -0700

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow the Sri Lanka Medical Council to recognize the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

The First Batch of Officer Cadets of the Faculty of Medicine of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University will be conferred with the Degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2014.
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70-year-old man jumps to his death at Hambantota hospital

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:59:18 -0700

A seventy-year old man who was in custody over charges of sexual assault and child molestation, committed suicide by jumping off the second floor of the Hambantota General Hospital while receiving treatment for a minor illness.
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Prime Minister of Thailand to address parliament on May 31

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:18:29 -0700

The Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra is set to address parliament on May 31, Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Chandima Weerakkody stated today (May 22).

Addressing the parliament today, Weerakkody said that the Prime Minister of Thailand will address the Sri Lankan parliament on May 31 at 2.45pm.
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Seven persons hospitalised following wasp attack

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:28:30 -0700

Seven persons were hospitalized following a wasp attack in the Lower Kandurugamuwa area of Diyatalawa this morning (May 22).

The seven victims were rushed to the Diyatalawa hospital following the attack.

Pedestrians and a group of tea pluckers were among the victims of the wasp attack.
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28 year old man shot dead in Madampe

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:27:08 -0700

A man was shot dead in the Keenagolla area of Madampe, Chilaw, police stated. No arrests have been made while investigations are ongoing.

The victim was 28 year old Jeevan Pushpakumara who resides in Keenagolla, police reported.

The shooting took place last night (May 21) while no arrests have yet been made.

The Keenagolla police are conducting further inquiries.
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Unidentified body found in Kiribathgoda

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:34:08 -0700

An unidentified body was found in the Kiribathgoda area by the police in a canal near a shop, police stated. The body is that of an unidentified person around 50 years of age.

The body was taken to Ragama hospital, police further reported.
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Supreme Court takes up petition by Apple Watta residents

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:11:52 -0700

The Supreme Court has taken up the fundamental rights petition put forward by the residents of Maligawatta’s Apple Watta regarding their evictions and the temporary housing they have been granted until their new homes are built.
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Youth drowns in Bandaragama

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:38:12 -0700

A youth has drowned in the Gammanpila Lake in Bandaragama while swimming in the lake with his friends, police stated. The victim was an 18 year old resident of the Walgama area.

The body of the youth was taken to the Horana hospital while the Bandaragama police are conducting further inquiries.
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Exit lane on Colombo-Kandy road closed due to construction

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:23:34 -0700

The exit lane of the Colombo-Kandy road from the Bandaranaike roundabout to the end of the Kelani bridge will be temporarily closed from 8pm today (May 21) to 6am tomorrow (22).

The road will be closed due to construction work on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway.
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Lankan kills 3 family members, then himself

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:37:08 -0700

A 48-year-old Sri Lankan settled in Chennai killed his mother, wife and daughter by slitting their throats before committing suicide by jumping in front of a suburban train near Pazhavanthangal on Tuesday morning. His friends said the man was in debt.
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Trade unions say strike a success; Govt says otherwise

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:28:03 -0700

A large number of opposition trade unions today staged a token strike demanding that the government to revoke the controversial electricity tariff increase.

The Coordinating Committee for Trade Union Alliance stated that over 900 trade unions and 15 political parties joined in the much-hyped strike action.
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Only Congress genuinely interested in Tamils� welfare � Narayanasamy

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:37:30 -0700

Indian Minister V Narayanasamy today said that only the Congress party is “genuinely” interested in ensuring welfare of the Tamils in Sri Lanka while other political parties in Tamil Nadu were shedding “crocodile tears” on the issue.

“It is indeed shocking that the political parties who have not done anything for welfare of the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees staying in Tamil Nadu are feigning to be their champions and making criticisms against Congress and the party-led UPA government at the Centre on the Tamils issue,” he said.
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Powerful group behind missing oil shipment - Tissa

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:36:47 -0700

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake today claimed that a ship carrying fuel designated for Sri Lanka is reportedly lost at sea and that he doesn’t believe Petroleum Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa will be able to locate it.

He stated that despite having a total of 9 oil storage tanks in Orugodawatta and Sapugaskanda, the CPC waits till all 9 tanks run dry to import crude oil again.
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Jayalalithaa renews demand for retrieval of Kachatheevu

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:29:06 -0700

Voicing concern over attacks on Indian fishermen, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today asked the Centre to take urgent steps for the retrieval of Katchatheevu islet, ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, besides redrawing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
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Woman�s body found on rail track

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:28:32 -0700

The body of an unidentified woman has been found near the 179th post on the Colombo-Badulla railway track.

The body of the woman, believed to be around 60 years of age, has been placed in the mortuary of the Badulla Hospital.

Badulla Police have commenced investigations into the discovery.
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STF seize �Walla Patta� worth Rs 200 million, 6 arrested

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:56:53 -0700

Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel recovered 13,499 kilograms of Wallapatta herb valued at around Rs 200 million to be smuggled out of the country and arrested 6 suspects including 2 Indian nationals during a raid in Kolonnawa.
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NTPC set to ink pact for Sampur project in Sri Lanka

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:56:08 -0700

India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is all set to ink an agreement for the execution of the proposed 2 x 250 MW Sampur power project in Trincomalee in Sri Lanka by early next month, as the differences over operation and maintenance charges and issues relating to gross heat rate in the power purchase agreement have been sorted out.
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Minister requests Lankans remaining in Saudi illegally to return

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:44:27 -0700

The Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera requested Sri Lankans who are in Saudi Arabia illegally to use the grace period granted by the Saudi government and return to the island.
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Bus topples down precipice at Ramboda, 24 injured

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:43:44 -0700

Twenty four persons injured after a private bus plying from Jaffna to Diyatalawa toppled down a precipice at Ramboda in Kotmale today, Police said.
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No Dicyandiamide in imported milk foods - WHO

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:43:10 -0700

The World Health Organisation has assured that there is no Dicyandiamide affecting humans in imported milk foods to Sri Lanka, the local Health Ministry said today.

Obtaining a certification from a reputed lab against presence of Dicyandiamide in imported milk foods has been made mandatory, the Health Ministry stated earlier.
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Public warned over floods and rising water levels

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:45:50 -0700

The Department of Meteorology advises people to be alert over rising water of Gin and Nilwala rivers as well as floods at Pitabaddara, Paanadugama and Tawalama areas.
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Daughter of Rohana Wijeweera arrested

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:45:02 -0700

The eldest daughter of the former JVP leader, Rohana Wijeweera was arrested by the police after a complaint was filed against her by her mother, Police Spokesman SP Buddhika Siriwardena stated.
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Suspect hangs himself in police cell

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:44:20 -0700

A suspect had committed suicide by hanging himself in a Bambalapitiya police cell, police stated. The man was arrested in connection with selling stolen vehicle parts.
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Thunder showers expected in several parts of the island

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:09:48 -0700

Showers or thunder showers may occur in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern Provinces throughout the day, the Meteorological Department stated.
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Sri Lanka has fallen under India through cricket - Arjuna

Mon, 20 May 2013 01:29:56 -0700

Sri Lanka has fallen under the thumb of India through the sport of cricket while cricket in Sri Lanka has fallen into an unprotected state, MP Arjuna Ranatunga claimed.

He stated that through the appointment of businessmen who are influenced by money Sri Lankan cricket has become vulnerable.
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Russia requests vote to win EXPO 2020 bid

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:31:00 -0700

The Russian Federation has requested Sri Lanka’s support to win the bid for hosting EXPO 2020, the Government Information Department reported.

The Head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independence States-Russia, Konstantin Kosachev when he met Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister D.M.Jayarathna has emphasised how important the vote of Sri Lanka is for Russia to host EXPO 2020.
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Domestic dispute leads to self immolation

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:30:17 -0700

A woman died after setting herself on fire following an argument with her husband which spiraled out of control. The victim’s husband was also admitted to the hospital for suffering burn injuries which he sustained while attempting to save her.
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26 Karaikal fishermen to be released today

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:02:43 -0700

Protests by the fishermen community and political parties have yielded result with the Sri Lankan government ordering the release of the 26 Karaikal fishermen on Monday.

The fishermen who are in the custody of the Sri Lankan government will be released after being produced before the Lankan court, said Union Minister of State V Narayanasamy.
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Person dies after being struck by train on unprotected crossing

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:17:07 -0700

A person was killed after being struck by a train at an unprotected crossing in the Uruwela area in Kosgama, police stated.

The train was traveling from Colombo to Avissawella at the time of the incident while the victim was a 40 year old resident of the Lower Kosgama area.
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Two persons killed in accident on Batticaloa-Valaichchenai road

Sun, 19 May 2013 20:32:38 -0700

Two persons were killed when a van collided with a motorbike on the Batticaloa-Valaichchenai road last night at around 7.30pm, police stated.

The two vehicles collided head on while the two victims were residents of the Eravur area.
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Karunanidhi disapproves of ban on pro-Tamil Eelam meeting

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:38:58 -0700

DMK president M Karunanidhi today disapproved of Indian government action of banning a pro-Tamil Eelam public meeting at Cuddalore besides clamping prohibitory orders preventing Dalit-based outfit Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan from attending events in Villupuram district.
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Buses joining strike to lose route permits

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:45 -0700

The route permit of buses supporting the strike action scheduled to be launched from midnight today (19) will be cancelled, the Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC) Roshan Gunawardana said.
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Not a word about Sarath Fonseka on Victory Day

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:20:25 -0700

Even though the war victory was celebrated in a grand scale in Galle Face yesterday, not a single word was spoken about the former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka, who was instrumental in defeating the LTTE, UPFA MP P. Digambaram said.

The National Workers Congress leader, who crossed over to the government after contesting the General Election under the UNP, stated that the large sum of money spent on celebrating Victory Day could have been put to better use by spending it on disabled soldiers.
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Six children injured in �elephant stampede�

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:19:26 -0700

Six children were injured in stampede when a female elephant ran amok during the annual Perahera (pageant) of the Kapugoda Sri Wardanarama Viharaya in Kandana last night.
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Two skeletons found atop Yadissakanda

Sun, 19 May 2013 02:25:53 -0700

Two human skeletons have been discovered on the top of the Yadissakanda in Kurunegala.

The discovery was made following a search carried out by police according to information received.

Police suspect the skeletons belong to a male and a female. Investigations are ongoing.
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Body of missing sailor recovered

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:19:52 -0700

The body of the Navy sailor, who was reported missing after a small vessel belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy capsized during the Victory Day celebrations in Galle Face, has been discovered this morning.

The body was recovered from the Bambalapitiya beach, Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said.
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61 Bangladeshis to be returned home from Sri Lanka

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:18:53 -0700

The Bangladeshis were detained along with 77 Rohingyas on February 2, 2013 stranded in a boat around 50 nautical miles off Akkaraipattu.

Sixty-one Bangladeshis, who were in Sri Lankan detention camps for four months after being picked up by the navy in February, are scheduled to be returned to their home country from Colombo around Sunday noon.

They are to be flown in on Sri Lankan carrier, Mihin Lanka, scheduled for touchdown at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30am, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mustafa Kamal told the Dhaka Tribune.
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TV Derana unveils largest transmission tower in N�Eliya

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:18:13 -0700

Sri Lanka’s Premium Entertainment Channel, TV Derana today unveils the largest transmission tower built in the highest peaks of Nuwara Eliya.

Fitted with Europe’s DVB-T2 digital terrestrial transmission system, the tower is another step in providing clear picture quality to TV Derana viewers across the island to watch their favorite programmes uninterrupted.
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15-year-old girl stabbed and killed in Mahasenpura

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:11:22 -0700

A 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death using a sharp object in the Mahasenpura area in Polonnaruwa.

Police are yet to determine the motive behind the murder, which had occurred last evening, while the main suspect has fled the area.
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Ceremony held in honour of fallen soldiers

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:35:06 -0700

A ceremony was held in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war at the National War Memorial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte which the fallen soldiers’ families attended.
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TNPF members arrested by Mannar Police

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:40:47 -0700

A group of persons including two leaders of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) have been arrested by Mannar Police today over a commemoration ceremony.

The General Secretary of the TNPF, S. Gajendran and National Organizer, S. Manivannan are said to be among the group of around 15 party members arrested.
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Navy sailor missing after boat mishap during victory parade

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:40:06 -0700

Two navy personnel had fallen off a small Sri Lanka Navy vessel which was involved in an accident during the Victory day Parade at the Galle Face Green this morning.

The boat had capsized during the parade causing both sailors to fall overboard. One of them has been rescued while the other sailor is reported missing at sea.
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Two held with firearm and grenade

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:50:41 -0700

Two individuals have been arrested for the possession of a locally manufactured ‘Galkatas’ firearm and a hand grenade.

Information had revealed that the motorcycle used by the suspects has also been reported stolen and that they have committed several robberies using it.
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Businessman stabbed and robbed

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:50:02 -0700

A person was stabbed and injured using a sharp object before being robbed of Rs 350,000 in the Owitigala area in Matugama.

The victim was admitted to the Weththawa Hospital and later transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.

The wounded man has been identified as a businessman from Matugama.
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IOC to operate oil plant in Sri Lanka with local ally - report

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:42:29 -0700

Ending a decade-long uncertainty, India has proposed to Sri Lanka that it is willing to operate an oil storage plant in Trincomalee harbour, a crucial strategic asset, jointly with a local partner.

This key arrangement will provide India a major advantage, considering that the Trincomalee plant is the largest fuel storage facility between the Gulf countries and Singapore.
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We trusted in our youth when the world asked us to give in to terrorists � President

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:32:24 -0700

The entire world was asking Sri Lanka to give into the terrorists and avoid confrontation with them, but we chose to trust in the strength and courage of the country’s youth, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

He stated that this is the reason that defeating terrorism was a possibility and that today Sri Lanka has become a great country devoid of the fear of death.
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Deterrent action for Indians found fishing in Sri Lankan waters

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:31:46 -0700

The Indian government is planning “deterrent” action against Indian fishermen violating international waters with Sri Lanka, finding that trawlers and ships from India are the biggest source of confrontation with the island nation.

The decision to slap penalties and even suspend the licences of fishermen who are repeat offenders of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) stems from their refusal to heed the earlier warnings.
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Roads leading to Parliament closed for War Heroes Commemoration

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:31:09 -0700

All the entry roads leading to Parliament grounds will be closed from 2.00pm today (18) due to the war heroes commemoration, police said.

Advising motorists traveling on these roads to use alternate roads, Police said the roads will be reopened after the end of the national war heroes’ commemoration, near the memorial situated at Parliament ground, Kotte.
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Workers choose homelessness over abuse in Saudi Arabia

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:26:33 -0700

Saudia Arabia has long been a beacon of hope for many Sri Lankans who flock there to pursue a higher salary and a better life than they would otherwise get at home.

About 1.8 million Sri Lankans live and work abroad, and about 90 percent of them do so in the Middle East – accounting for foreign exchange income of US$5.2 billion last year.
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India asks Sri Lanka not to take any step regarding provincial powers

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:21:43 -0700

Concerned over reports of Sri Lankan government considering removal of land and police powers from the provinces prior to the elections in the Northern Province, India today asked it not to take any step against their own commitments relating to the 13th Amendment.
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Businessman kidnapped in Piliyandala

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:12:23 -0700

A businessman has reportedly been kidnapped from the Siddamulla area in Piliyandala by an unknown group.

The kidnap victim’s wife has lodged a complaint with the Piliyandala Police over the incident, the Police Spokesman’s Office said.

The complaint states that a group of individuals had arrived in a car and kidnapped the businessman yesterday.

Piliyandala Police have launched investigations.
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India�s investments in Sri Lanka topped US$1 bln since 2003

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:11:39 -0700

Indian companies have invested nearly USD 1 billion in Sri Lanka since 2003 and this figure could rise above USD 2 billion in the next five years, Indian envoy to Colombo Ashok K Kantha has said.

With investment inflows of USD 160 million in 2012, nearly USD 2 billion worth of FDI had been committed by Indian companies for the next five years or so, he added.
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UPDATE: 2 dead, 3 injured in Thalangama bus accident

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:52:22 -0700

Two persons died and another three were injured when a private bus was involved in an accident near Thalangama North Hospital today, hospital sources told Ada Derana.

A tire of the bus, traveling from Colombo to Meegoda, had exploded causing it to lose control and crash into the bus stop in front of the hospital.

The wounded persons were admitted to the hospital, however two of them had later succumbed to injuries.
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How will the new electricity tariff affect you? (Amended)

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:17:08 -0700

How will the new electricity tariff affect you following the amendments made to the tariff increase?

After the Public Utilities Commission granted the CEB approval to increase the electricity tariff, the President in his May Day speech announced that concessions will be granted to those using between 60-180 units while those using less than 60 units will not be affected by the tariff increase.

The new tariff was implemented on April 20.
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