The Lanka Academic
 
MARCH 28, 2004 EST, USA
 
A NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED BY LACNET
 
VOL. 4, NO. 357
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F R E E      C L A S S I F I E D S
2004 ELECTION LIVE COVERAGE LAcNet will be carrying 2004 election results live. As we successfully did in 2001, we will also predict the outcome of the election based on our analysis. See here for details.
T  O  P      H  E  A  D  L  I  N  E
‘Who is your Prime Minister?” UNF asks UPFA
Alladin Hussein in Colombo, March 28, 2004, 11.42 pm. The United National Front (UNF) has called upon its main rival, the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), to announce to the country who their potential Prime Minister candidate is. The UNF’s spokesman G.L. Peiris recently pointed out that the UPFA has taken a strange policy and is keeping mum about their potential Premier candidate. “Usually any party, publicise who their candidate is for the post of Prime Minister, but the Alliance has strangely kept quiet on the matter,” he said.

UNF sources attributed the silence to a battle within the alliance, saying too many are vying for the prestigious post. The contenders include Lakshman Kadiragamar, Anura Bandaranaike, Mahinda Rajapakse and several other SLFP seniors.

However SLFP fronliner Nimal Siripala de Silva claims that President Kumaratunga will decide who the best is suited for the Premier post at the conclusion of the elections, in the event they form a government. “She might decide according to the most number of preferential votes secured by these contenders,” he said.
Published: Sun Mar 28 12:43:25 EST 2004

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Security tightened in Colombo after shooting incidents
Alladin Hussein in Colombo, March 28, 2004, 11.39 pm. Security has been stepped up in Colombo and suburbs, following two shooting incidents at Wellawatte and Kotahena during the weekend, allegedly by the LTTE. According to police sources, police stations in the Colombo district are carrying out sudden search operations, to apprehend any persons linked to the LTTE and the recent shooting incidents, which left former Minister of Hindu Affairs T Maheswaran, and EPDP activist K. Sagar injured. Meanwhile, the CID has also begun investigating the incidents. The injured former Minister, who underwent treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo, was transferred today to a private hospital due to security reasons.
Published: Sun Mar 28 12:40:13 EST 2004 Back to the top
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Tillakaratne quits as Sri Lankan skipper after series loss to Australia
Associated Press, Sun March 28, 2004 10:17 EST . JOHN PYE - AP Sports Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Hashan Tillakaratne quit as Sri Lankan cricket captain Sunday, immediately after Australia beat his lineup in Colombo to become the first touring lineup to sweep a three-test series in Sri Lanka - . But the 36-year-old lefthander salvaged his batting position with an unbeaten 74 in Sri Lanka - 's first innings in the third test at Sinhalese Sports Club.

After his dismissal for 17 in the second innings, trapped lbw by Jason Gillespie, Sri Lanka - lost four wickets for four runs and was all out for 248 chasing 370 to win.

``It's high time someone else took over. I want to concentrate on my batting ... I'm still available for selection,'' he said. ``I don't want to block opportunities for someone who wants to be the captain.''

Vice-captain Marvan Atapattu scored 118 in the first innings his first test hundred against Australia and emerged as the most likely successor for Tillakaratne as skipper. Atapattu is captain of Sri Lanka - 's limited-overs squad.

Tillakaratne's record as captain wasn't brilliant. His only win in 11 tests was the series-deciding third test against England in December. He was involved in four losses and six draws.

Tillakaratne said Sri Lanka - had chances against Australia but didn't take them.

``I think we pushed them again, but again they fought back very well,'' he said. ``They played very good and competent cricket in the series and we learned a lot of lessons from them we just couldn't finish it off.''

He said Muttiah Muralitharan's series haul of 28 wickets proved good bowling worked against the Australians, but that Sri Lanka - 's bowling depth wasn't strong enough to finish them off.

``As usual, Murali bowled very well, but we lacked support for him.''

Tillakaratne has scored 11 centuries and 20 half centuries in 83 tests since his debut against Australia in 1990. He made 172 runs in six innings this series against the Australians.

(jp)
Published: Sun Mar 28 17:19:35 EST 2004 Back to the top

Sri Lanka tightens security ahead of parliamentary election
 Associated Press, Sun March 28, 2004 11:05 EST . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Sri Lankan authorities have stepped up security in the capital and in the east following two shootings apparently connected to parliamentary elections scheduled for this week, the military said Sunday... Back to the top
Qatar interested in Lanka airport project
 tradearabia.com, March 28, 2004. Qatar has shown a keen interest in participating in a project to develop and operate Sri Lanka's second international airport, said a visiting Lankan official... Back to the top
Warne snares four wickets; Australia sweeps series; Murali reported
 Associated Press, Sun March 28, 2004 09:50 EST . JOHN PYE - AP Sports Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Shane Warne took four wickets but missed a world record Sunday as Australia won a tumultuous finale by 121 runs with eight balls to spare and became the first touring team to sweep a three-test cricket series in Sri Lanka - ... Back to the top
Cricket-Coach Dyson takes flak over Sri Lanka s poor showing
 cricmania.com, 03-28-2004 . COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's coach John Dyson came under severe criticism in the local media with calls to review his contract after the national team's dismal performance against Australia... Back to the top
SRI LANKA ’ S MURALITHARAN ON REPORT FOR SUSPECT BOWLING ACTION
 sportsfeatures.com, 28th March 2004. SRI LANKA’S MURALITHARAN ON REPORT FOR SUSPECT BOWLING ACTION The ICC today confirmed that Sri Lanka spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action following concern over his new delivery which spins away from the right-handed batsmen... Back to the top
In Sri Lankan elections, marginalized Tamils hope to finally vote again
 Associated Press, Sat March 27, 2004 19:35 EST . DILIP GANGULY - Associated Press Writer - THIRIYAI, Sri Lanka - (AP) Just before dusk settles over this remote village, three Tamil farmers sit on a fallen mango tree and do something they haven't done in 20 years they talk about how they will vote Friday... Back to the top
Murali reported for suspect action
 rediff.com, March 28, 2004 18:53 IST. Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was reported for a suspect bowling action on Sunday, Sri Lanka cricket Board officials said... Back to the top
Sri Lanka election may not produce clear winner
 reuters.com, 28 March. COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka votes this week for the third time in four years but a majority for either side is unlikely and a messy political feud that has stalled efforts to end war with Tamil rebels is set to continue... Back to the top
Sri Lanka on alert as election violence escalates
 channelnewsasia.com, 28 March 2004 1527 hrs . COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's security forces have stepped up their guard after gunmen shot and wounded a top election official and a candidate amid fears of more violence ahead of April 2 elections... Back to the top
Sri Lankan police accused of torture
 etaiwannews.com, 28 March. An Asian human rights group yesterday accused the Sri Lanka's police of the "gruesome" torture of suspects in custody, saying the island's law enforcement is nearing collapse due to a lack of discipline... Back to the top
Election candidate, poll official shot in Sri Lanka
 Associated Press, Sat March 27, 2004 12:15 EST . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) Unidentified gunmen shot and seriously wounded a candidate in Sri Lanka - 's forthcoming parliamentary elections in the capital on Saturday, while a poll official was shot in the island's east, officials said... Back to the top
Tamil Politician Wounded in Attack
 Voice of America (VOA.COM), March 27, 2004. 20:00 EST. In Sri Lanka, unidentified gunmen have shot and seriously wounded a Tamil candidate for parliament as violence flared in advance of next week's general elections Back to the top
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