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Britain's Terrorism Act will get mixed reception
NandoTimes,
february 12.
Anti-terrorist legislation that comes into force next week is hailed by
the government as a powerful weapon against international violence. But
opponents say the law will stifle dissent, whether online or on a
T-shirt.Potential targets are already reacting sharply."It's goodbye to the peace talks" if Britain bans the Tamil Tigers,
London-based spokesman Anton Balasingham was quoted as saying in a
Tamil-language newspaper published in Sri Lanka.
"London has, let's face it, been a base for groups exploiting the
freedoms of this country," said Paul Wilkinson, director of the Center
for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St. Andrew's
University.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 14:58:29 EST 2001
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ASK THE GOVERNOR!
Q&A WITH THE GOVENOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is a semi-autonomous body at the
apex of the financial sector in Sri Lanka today. The objectives of
the Central Bank include the stabilization of domestic monetary values
and the preservation of the external stability of the Sri Lankan
Rupee. It is the advisor to the Government of Sri Lanka on economic
affairs and it is responsible for the implementation of Exchange
Control Regulations. On January 23rd, 2001, the Central Bank
permitted flee float rates for the Sri Lanka Rupee, leading to a
massive 6.62% overnight depreciation of its value. The UNP is seeking
the mediation of the Court of Appeal to quash this controversial
decision. With this backdrop, we invited the Governor of the Central
Bank, Mr. A. S. Jayawardene to be the guest at our current Question
and Answer session. Submit your questions for Mr. Jayawardene between
February 5-19, 2001, and check
answers here.
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Muralitharan injured
Yahoo India,
february 12.
Sri Lanka has been struck by a blow which changes the balance of its
forthcoming Test series against England. Muttiah Muralitharan, not only its most important
bowler but one of the finest spin bowlers of the moment, is almost certainly out of the first Test
which begins on February 22 in Galle, and may miss the whole three-Test series.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 18:30:49 EST 2001
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UNP withdraws petition
Frederica Jansz in Colombo,
3.05 p.m. SLT Monday February 12.
A petition filed by the United National Party (UNP) against the re-election
of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge as Head of State in 1999
was withdrawn today. Tilak Marapone, who appeared on behalf of the UNP,
told the Supreme Court today that his client wished to cancel the petition.
The petition was filed by the then General Secretary and present Deputy
Leader of the UNP, Gamini Atukorale. Atukorale in his petition said that
Kumaratunge's re-election as President, on December 21, 1999 was not by
free and fair means.
The Supreme Court declared the petition null and void.
Published: Mon Feb 12 09:10:56 EST 2001
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LTTE mortar attack at Pesali
Frederica Jansz in Colombo,
10 a.m. SLT Monday February 12.
An estimated 15 to 20 LTTE cadres launched an attack at armed troops at
Pesali last evening around 5.30 p.m. Pesali is located between Mannar and
Thalaimannar. Security forces said the attack was successfully repulsed by
the Lankan Navy who claim to have destroyed a large number of rebel boats
in the ensuing fire.
Published: Mon Feb 12 09:10:56 EST 2001
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LTTE threatens to abort peace process - if UK bans the Tigers
Frederica Jansz in Colombo,
9.50 a.m. SLT Monday February 12.
The LTTE have issued a threat stating that if Britain were to ban the rebel
group it would not engage in peace negotiations with the Lankan government.
The Tiger's announcement followed reports that Britain is preparing a list
of terrorist organizations that would be proscribed under the new law which
comes into force later this month.
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge meanwhile is reported to have
identified a team of government negotiators who are to begin talks with the
rebel group. Where the first round of discussions will be held is not yet
known though both parties are reported to have agreed to meet in a European
destination. Chief facilitator Norway, is expected to suggest either
Norway, Britain or France as possible locations for the first round of
talks to be held. President Chandrika Kumaratunge however has said that the
discussions should not be held in a Capital city where the focus of the
dicussions will draw media attention.
The decision by the British to ban the LTTE and other terrorist groups
around the world would depend on taking into consideration the nature and
scale of the groups' activities, the threat it poses Britain, the extent of
its presence in Britain and Britain's commitment to support the
international community in the fight against terrorism. The UK is expected
to announce within the next eight days its first list of identified
terrorist organizations.
The slowly manouvered peace process now hangs in the balance as the LTTE
has threatened to scuttle the talks if they are included on this list.
In another related development, Pakistan has pledged a 20 million rupee
loan to Sri Lanka to help the government purchase military hardware for
armed troops fighting the LTTE in the country's northern peninsula. The
Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force have been asked to prepare lists of
what military items are required to support the fighting strength of the
forces.
Published: Mon Feb 12 09:10:55 EST 2001
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SC confirms Chandrika election
The Hindu (International),
Tuesday, February 13, 2001.
COLOMBO, FEB 12. The Supreme Court today confirmed the victory of the President, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, in the 1999 presidential election after the Opposition United National Party (UNP) withdrew a petition questioning the verdict. Giving reasons for the withdrawal, the UNP assistant leader, Mr. Gamini Athukorale, who was the petitioner, said in a statement that it was prompted by the Court's decision not to admit certain kinds of evidence like misuse of the media and printing of extra ballot papers.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 18:34:59 EST 2001
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Soldiers survive for nine months in Sri Lanka jungle: report
123India.com,
Feb 12 2001 11:23 IST.
COLOMBO, Feb 12 (AFP) - Two soldiers who were presumed dead after their camp was overrun by Tamil rebels in April last year have reported to an army base in northern Sri Lanka, the defence ministry said Monday. The pair had survived the rebel assault against the Elephant Pass army garrison at the entrance to the Jaffna peninsula and taken refuge in the jungle for nine months, the mass-circulating Lankadeepa Sinhalese daily reported.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 03:33:38 EST 2001
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LTTE ready for talks if UK puts off ban
Times of India,
12 February 2001 .
Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels
have agreed to hold peace talks in a European
country but warned they would pull out if
Britain banned them under new
anti-terrorism laws.Newspaper reports said Sunday that both the
government and Tamil separatists accepted a
suggestion from peace-broker Norway that
negotiations are held in Europe, with the
venue likely to be Norway, Britain or France.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 16:55:13 EST 2001
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Sri Lanka To Lobby Govts To Outlaw Tamil Tiger Rebels
Yahoo India,
February 12.
Eighteen Sri Lankan ambassadors from Europe, the U.S. and parts of Asia met Monday to coordinate a campaign
to persuade foreign governments to outlaw the Tamil Tiger rebel movement.The guerrillas, who have been fighting for a separate homeland since 1983, are banned only in Sri Lanka, neighboring India and the
U.S. They have fund-raising offices or front organizations in about 20 countries, and their international headquarters is in London
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 08:53:37 EST 2001
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University mooted for Uva
CDN,
Monday, 12 February.
A committee has been appointed to undertake a feasibility study to establish a national university in the Uva province by Higher Education and Information Technology Development Minister Indika Gunawardena. The Committee Chaired by Posts and Telecommunication Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva is required to examine and report on degree courses and programs to be offered to cater to the needs of the changing economy. It is also required to study and suggest a location for the university and recommend the initial intake to the new university. In addition, the committee will also make recommendations on teaching and learning methods, staff requirements, the organisation of academic activity, faculties and departments. "All provinces other than Uva have at least one national university. Uva has a campus affiliated to the Sabaragamuwa university but the need for a national university for this province was felt for sometime," a spokesman for the Ministry said.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 04:00:16 EST 2001
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All post offices to be modernised with latest technology
Island,
Monday, 12 February.
According to the policy of the government measures had already been taken to modernise all post offices in the country with latest technology and scientific methods in order to provide facilities to the public in urban and rural areas, said Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Nimal Siripala de Silva in Anguruwatota in the Bulathsinhala electorate.The Minister was addressing a meeting held at Madurawela on the occasion of opening of the new building of D. D. H. Jayawardene Memorial Post office at Anguruwatota in Bulathsinhala.The Anguruwatota Post Office which had been constructed in a plot of land donated by the late D. D. H. Jayawardene, ex-Chairman, Munwatta VC was ceremonially opened by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva following the invitation of Kalutara District (PA) MP Bulathsinhala SLFP organiser, Bandula P. Gunawardene.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 03:50:48 EST 2001
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Sri Lankan Airbus makes emergency landing after tyre burst
123India.com,
Feb 11 2001 14:30 IST.
COLOMBO, Feb 11 (AFP) - A Sri Lankan airlines Airbus A-340 aircraft made an emergency landing after one of its nose wheels burst on take off from the country's only international airport Sunday, officials said. The control tower advised the aircraft to return to base while emergency services were placed on maximum alert, airport officials said adding that the cause of the tyre burst was under investigation.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:32:42 EST 2001
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Balasingham's home in London attacked
Sunday Leader,
11 February 2001.
A detailed investigation has been launched by the British Police into an incident of violence suspected to be an attempt on the life of LTTE Political Adviser and Theoretician Anton Stanislaus Balasingham, now domiciled in London.According to reports from London, a group of unidentified persons had invaded the premises of the Balasingham residence in the Greater London area and attempted to forcibly enter the house by trying to break down the front door on the night of Saturday February 3, at about 2.00 am.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:58:41 EST 2001
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Pakistan extends $20m loan to Sri Lanka
CNN,
February 11.
Pakistan has extended a 20
million dollar credit line to Sri
Lanka to obtain military
procurements urgently required
for the government's battle
against Tamil Tiger rebels. The latest offer of assistance was conveyed to the government by a
high ranking army delegation Pakistan's military ruler, General
Pervez Musharaff, sent to Colombo last month. Pakistan has been vying with its arch rival, India, to support Sri
Lanka's military campaign against Tamil Tiger rebels.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 13:47:17 EST 2001
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CBK gives top job to harassed cop
Island,
Sunday, 11 February.
In a strange twist of events, a senior policeman who was unceremoniously kicked out of a province in December last year for political reasons has been placed in charge of an ambitious country-wide anti-crime drive.Sirisena Herath, the then DIG of the Central Range was transferred to police headquarters as a result of differences with some of PA's bigwigs during the violent parliamentary election campaign in the Central Range particularly the Kandy district. Herath's vacancy was filled by DIG Mahinda Balasuriya who accused his predecessor of failing to provide adequate security to the Dalada Maligawa.Herath has been appointed DIG, Crimes with powers to co-ordinate and monitor the anti-crime drive, police said yesterday adding that president Chandrika Kumaratunga has approved the appointment.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 09:48:26 EST 2001
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Jaya irked by Cong, TMC joint stand
Yahoo India,
February 12.
AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalitha thought a couple of weeks ago that she had dealt a mortal
blow to the Tamil Maanila Congress?s plans of joint action with the Congress to strike a decent bargain in an electoral
alliance for the Assembly elections. That things have gone awry was proved by her cryptic remark, to a question as to
when AICC observer Pranab Mukherjee would meet her, ?Ask Mr Moopanar.?However, in the last couple of days, with the AIADMK roping in the pro-LTTE Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) into her
alliance, the Congress has been forced to fall back on the old warhorse, G K Moopanar, TMC president, to work out an
honourable alliance for the AICC.
More...
Published: Mon Feb 12 08:55:50 EST 2001
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Dy. Health Minister granted bail
Island,
12 february 2001.
The Kandy High Court Judge Mr. Sisira de Abrew recorded a bail order of Rs. 10,000 with two sureties on the Deputy Health Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon who was on remand in connection with the death of Chaminda Dias on the last Parliamentary Election day-October 10, 2000 near the
Kiralagolla polling station, in Dambulla. Senior Counsel for the suspect Mohan Peiris and Shanaka Ranasinghe moving for bail for the suspect last Friday (09) told the High Court Judge that the suspect was receiving further treatment in a hospital after an urgent surgery. The surgery was done in the States and presently he was under intensive care,
the counsel told the Judge.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 21:16:13 EST 2001
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ICC to probe new fixing allegations
Age,
12 February 2001.
The International Cricket Council will investigate allegations that four West Indian batsmen took money to throw their wickets away in a one-day match in Australia.
The allegations are revealed in a 13-page document submitted to the ICC and reported by London's Observer newspaper. It is also alleged that:an Australian woman doctor became a top West Indian bowler's mistress and paid players large fees for information that earned her a fortune; that the director of an Australian building society doubled as a bookmaker, recruiting cricketers.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 18:40:57 EST 2001
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Norway peace bid hits new snags as Tigers fear British ban
123India.com,
Feb 11 2001 11:17 IST.
Norway's attempt to broker peace in Sri Lanka has hit a new snag with Tamil Tiger rebels threatening to pull out if they are outlawed by Britain this month, reports here said Sunday. The separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas who maintain their "international secretariat" in London have told Norway they fear proscription under Britain's new anti-terrorism laws, the Sunday Times newspaper said.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 02:00:35 EST 2001
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Ban on LTTE will not affect peace talks: Lankan President
The Hindu NUS,
18.00 hrs (IST) on February 11, 2001.
Colombo, Feb. 11. (PTI): Banning the LTTE by Britain would not affect the ongoing peace talks between the Government and the Tamil rebel outfit, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga said today. Citing the example of Britain itself engaging the Irish Republican Army in peace negotiations after outlawing it, Kumaratunga refuted LTTE's propaganda that proscribing the outfit in Britain would affect the Oslo-backed peace process, State- owned Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation radio said quoting the President.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 09:32:29 EST 2001
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Solheim back for further talks
CDN,
11 February 2001.
Norwegian peace envoy Erik Solheim is very likely to find his mission at the crossroads when he arrives in Colombo this week. This situation has arisen in the wake of LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham insisting that the government should reciprocate the LTTE's ceasefire before any talks could begin when he met Mr. Solheim in London last week.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:43:23 EST 2001
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Buddhism's holiest Temple scouts talent to replace sacred jumbo
123India.com,
Feb 11 2001 09:40 IST.
KANDY, Sri Lanka, Feb 11 (AFP) - Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine is still searching for an elephant to replace a sacred one that died 12 years ago, and for the right jumbo the job will come with a life of privilege and leisure. At the Temple of the Tooth in this picturesque hill town, the top elephant leads a pageant every August with Buddha relics on its back. The chosen animal can expect to lead the life of a true VIP, and command much respect into the bargain.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 00:36:34 EST 2001
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Maj. Gen. Janaka Perera tipped for high post
cdn,
11 February 2001.
Major General Janaka Perera, who retired from the Army from January 31, is tipped to be posted as Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Australia. Major General Janaka Perera has been summoned before the Parliamentry Committee which selects Sri Lankans for high posts.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:49:05 EST 2001
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Does anyone care to find out John's identity?
Yahoo India,
11 February 2001.
Mark Waugh's testimony before the investigators of the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Unit in Melboure on Saturday has confirmed that Mukesh 'MK' Gupta and 'John' are two different Indian bookmakers and raises questions about the authorities seeming lack of interest in finding out 'John's' identity.In Sri Lanka in 1994, an Indian who introduced himself as 'John' told Mark Waugh that he was a bookmaker who wanted information about games during the Singer Cup series and the Australian summer.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:38:58 EST 2001
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Cricket-New Zealand break series duck v Sri Lanka
Yahoo India,
11 February 2001.
New Zealand won the fifth and final one- day international against Sri Lanka in Christchurch by 13 runs on Sunday and ended Sri Lanka's chances of making a clean sweep. The final tally was 4-1 and it was a fitting finale to a low-scoring series, with New Zealand scoring 282 and Sri Lanka falling short on 269.
More...
Published: Sun Feb 11 05:35:12 EST 2001
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