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May 21 (CP) Colombo- Sri Lankan government generally respected religious freedom last year although in some instances, local authorities were not effective in responding to attacks on members of minority religious groups, the United States said in a report.
The International Religious Freedom Report for 2012 released Monday by the U.S. Department of State said the Constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom but there were reports of societal abuses and discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
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SECURITY - SITUATION
Supreme Court of Sri Lanka issues notice to public officials over FR against power tariff hike
May 21 (CP) Colombo- Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today issued summons to the respondents of a fundamental rights petition filed against the increase of power tariff.
The Lawyers for Human Rights and Development (LHRD) of Sri Lanka filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court on May 14 appealing for an order to suspend the new electrical tariff structure.
Sri Lanka Bar Association to provide legal assistance to workers suppressed during strike
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has agreed to provide the necessary legal assistance to the working masses in the event of any suppressive action against them for engaging in the nationwide strike that was held today.
Sri Lanka's n Bribery Commission charged of sailing to investigate some complaints
May 21 (CP) Colombo- An anti-corruption movement in Sri Lanka, Voice Against Corruption (VAC) has said the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption has failed to investigate some complaints lodged with it.
VAC Convener, Wasantha Samarasinghe said the Commission has failed to investigate complaints made by the public to the commission.
Asian Human Rights Commission raises doubts on investigations into Sri Lanka's mass grave
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), a regional non-governmental organization that monitors human rights in Asia, says that serious doubts have emerged regarding the future investigations into the mass grave at Matale in Sri Lanka.
** Related Story ::Sri Lanka's CID records statements from kin of the disappeared in Matale during Marxist insurrection
Daughter of Sri Lanka's Marxist party founder remanded for assault
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The eldest daughter of Rohana Wijeweera, the late leader and founder of Sri Lanka's Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was arrested by the police for allegedly assaulting her mother and younger brother.
Mahabage police arrested the 32-year-old woman Dasun Easha Wijeweera and produced her before the Wattala Magistrate Monday.
Suspect dies in police cell
Drug dealer arrested
Bus plunges over a precipice: 24 injured
LTTE man flees Lanka, caught en route to Nairobi
Two Japanese naval ships arrive in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit
May 20 (CP) Trincomalee- Sri Lanka Navy, in accordance with naval traditions, welcomed two Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships arrived at the Port of Trincomalee Monday.
The two Japanese Defence Force ships "Suzunami" and "Kirisame" arrived at the Port of Trincomalee on 20th May 2013 on a goodwill and supply visit, the Navy said. (Sri Lanka Navy Photo)
Sri Lanka Navy brings home fishermen released from India
May 20 (CP) Kankasanthurai- Sri Lanka Navy Monday (20) brought home 9 Sri Lankan fishermen released from the custody of Indian officials.
Indian Coast Guard Ship "Rajkamal" has handed over the released fishermen along with their fishing boat to the Sri Lanka Navy at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the seas off Kankasanthurai. (Sri Lanka Navy Photo)
Sri Lanka's CID records statements from kin of the disappeared in Matale during Marxist insurrection
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka has commenced recording statements from the family members of people disappeared in the Matale area during the 1988-1989 insurrection of the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).
Rights group says respect for basic rights, liberties declined in Sri Lanka in last 4 years
26 Karaikal fishermen to be released from Lanka Monday
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NEWS - HIGHLIGHTS
Take Katchatheevu back from Sri Lanka and redraw IMBL, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister asks Indian PM
May 21 (CP) Chennai- The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J. Jayalalithaa today reiterated her call to take Sri Lanka's Katchatheevu islet back and redraw the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to stop the alleged attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy an allow them to carry on fishing without hindrance.
Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013 to focus on rebalancing the economy
May 21 (CP) Colombo- This year's Sri Lanka Economic Summit to be held in Colombo in July will focus on rebalancing the economy.
The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013 organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will be held From July 9-11, 2013 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo under the theme 'Re-Balancing the Economy'.
Sri Lanka's 2014 Deyata Kirula development program to benefit 3.2 million people
May 20 (CP) Colombo- Sri Lanka will hold its 8th annual Deyata Kirula National Development programme next year in the Puttalam and Kurunegala districts in the North Western Province and Kegalle District in Sabaragamuwa Province, the Economic Development Ministry announced today.
Sri Lankan President congratulates Intel Science and Engineering Fair winner
May 20 (CP) Colombo: Sri Lankan student, Dinesh Kapuge from Mihinthale Central College, a winner of the 2013 Intel Science and Engineering Fair met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today at the Temple Trees. President Rajapaksa honored the teenager with a plaque recognizing his achievement.
FINANCE
Sri Lanka's Singer debenture issue oversubscribed
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The latest debenture issue of Sri Lanka's Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC to raise Rs. 2 billion has been oversubscribed, the company announced Tuesday in a stock market disclosure. The debentures will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Fitch Affirms Sri Lanka's Hatton National Bank at 'AA-(lka)'; Outlook Stable Ratings
May 21 (CP) Colombo- Fitch Ratings has affirmed Hatton National Bank PLC's (HNB) National Long-term rating at 'AA-(lka)'. The Outlook is Stable.
The agency has also affirmed HNB's outstanding subordinated redeemable debentures of Rs. 6 billion at 'A+(lka)'.
Fitch Rates Sri Lanka's Melsta Regal Finance 'A+(lka)'/Stable
Sri Lanka bourse slip from 19-month high on profit-taking
IMF calls for second round of reforms to boost govt. revenue amidst limitations of expenditure cuts
SL’s Singer raises Rs.1.5bn in debt securities
UK's Cleveland Bridge signs £35 million deal with Sri Lanka to build 210 bridges
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The UK's Cleveland Bridge Ltd. has signed a £35 million deal with the Sri Lankan government to build 210 permanent steel bridges in rural areas across the country.
The three-year project is partly funded with a loan of £ 35 from the Export Credits Guaranteed Department (ECGD) of the UK.
Sri Lanka's consumer authority to raid traders selling low quality toiletries
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka will conduct raids to crackdown on traders selling low quality toiletries such as soaps and shampoos.
Nepal’s first Forbes Dollar Billionaire to expand investments in Lanka
NTPC set to ink pact for Sampur project in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: Palagama Beach
May 20 (BAHL) Palagama Beach bills itself as 'not the trendiest and grandest resort': a wholly accurate statement, it might be just the reason you end up wanting to stay there. This is a rustic boutique beach hotel with 10 cabanas and two villas to choose from, set on Alankuda Beach, a rugged coastal stretch in Kalpitiya.
Beware travelers to Sri Lanka of extortion scam by immigration officers
POLITICS - GENERAL
Sri Lanka's unions and opposition vow further agitations against electricity rate increase
May 21 (CP) Colombo- Sri Lanka's trade unions and opposition political parties announced that more agitations are ahead against the increase of the power tariff as the strike launched Tuesday to send a message to the government failed to make any impact.
Sri Lanka Opposition Leader says teachers not paid salaries for this month
May 21 (CP) Colombo- Opposition Leader of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremasinghe has said that teacher in the state sector have not yet been paid their salaries for this month.
He told parliament that the teachers have not been paid their salaries despite an assurance that it would be paid today.
Controversial Buddhist movement in Sri Lanka opposes 13th Amendment and referendum for the Northern and Eastern Provinces
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The controversial Buddhist movement in Sri Lanka, the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) has opposed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and a referendum for the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Sri Lanka unions say strike a success, government differs
May 21 (CP) Colombo- The Coordinating Committee for a Joint Trade Union Alliance of Sri Lanka says today's token strike launched to protest the increase in the electricity tariffs is a success while the government says there was no effect in the public sector.
Special health protection plan for clergy in Sri Lanka
May 21 (CP) Colombo- Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health under the directions of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa will implement a special health protection plan for the clergy of all faiths, a Health Ministry spokesman said.
The President has instructed Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena to establish the special plan since the clergy, especially Buddhist monks, are vulnerable to non-communicable diseases due to the religious activities affecting their dietary routines.
Strikes hit Sri Lanka but have limited effect
TU alliance threatens to cripple all sectors All bark and no bite – govt.
President orders special health protection plan for clergy
Don’t fall prey – John Seneviratne
Lanka’s woman Thavil players fading away
Main coalition party of Sri Lankan government asks people not to join the strike tomorrow
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The main coalition party of the Sri Lankan government, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) today asked the workers to refrain from participating in the massive strike action planned for tomorrow to protest the electricity tariff hike.
Sri Lanka builds 46 km electric fence to contain wild elephants
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The Wildlife Resources Conservation Ministry of Sri Lanka has commenced construction work on erecting a 46 kilometer long electric fence to contain wild elephants from invading rural villages.
The fence from Annasigala in Thanamalwila to Icepeella in Wellawaya will prevent elephant encroachment into villages in the Thanamalwila and Wellawaya areas in Uva Province.
Sri Lankan government accused of trying to prevent workers from participating in strike
May 20 (CP) Colombo- Trade union leaders in Sri Lanka say the government has applied various tactics to prevent workers from resorting to trade union action on the 21st demanding the withdrawal of the increased electricity tariff.
Academics of Sri Lanka universities to boycott lectures tomorrow
May 20 (CP) Colombo- The Federation of University Lecturers Association (FUTA) in Sri Lanka says that university lecturers would boycott lectures on the 21st to support the nationwide strike action planned to protest the electricity tariff hike.
Private bus owners in Sri Lanka to hold one day token strike today
May 20 (CP) Colombo- A private bus owners association of Sri Lanka, All Island Private Bus Owners Federation (AIPBOF) will launch an island wide token bus strike Monday demanding an increase in bus fares.
The AIPBOF has called for a 10 percent increase in bus fares with immediate effect.
Chairman of Sri Lanka power authority says a price has to be paid for continuous power supply
May 20 (CP) Colombo- Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board W.B. Ganegala says that consumers would have to pay a certain price for receiving a continuous power supply.
He told the media that Sri Lanka is the only country in the SAARC region that provides electricity throughout the day.
A comprehensive brain-gain initiative for Sri Lanka launched amidst wide public and private sector support
May 20 (CP) Colombo- WorkInSriLanka, a volunteer-led initiative to advocate Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for highly skilled individuals and high caliber businesses, was launched at a forum at the Taj Samudra, Colombo, on 14 of May 2013 with Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal as the Chief Guest.
India second largest development aid giver to Sri Lanka
Tamil refugees sheltering in UAE granted asylum in the USA and Europe
May 20 (The National) DUBAI- Four Sri Lankan refugees sheltered in the UAE for seven months have been granted asylum in the United States, Sweden and Finland. They were among 45 Tamils who fled their home last October to seek asylum in Australia.
SPORTS
India IPL 'spot-fixing': Cricketers' remand extended
May 21 (BBC) A court in India has extended custody of three cricketers, arrested last week over allegations of spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan will remain in police custody for five more days.
Their families say they are innocent. Last week Sreesanth's lawyer said the allegations were baseless.
More : SPORTS
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Welegedara's chances improve for Champions Trophy
May 21 (ESPNCI) Chanaka Welegedara's prospects of traveling to England for the Champions Trophy have improved, after a scan on his landing foot and ankle revealed no breaks or fractures. He has not been fully cleared however, and will be assessed in the next two days before a final call is made on whether he can join the touring squad, which departs on Sunday.
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Kandamby, Dilruwan help Rest of Sri Lanka lift trophy
May 21 (ESPNCI) Offpsinner Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath took three wickets apiece in the final of the List-A tri-series in Pallekele, as Rest of Sri Lanka inflicted a 79-run loss on SLC Combined, to take the title. Batting first after winning the toss, Rest of Sri Lanka were all out for 205, riding on fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Thilina Kandamby.
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Royals suspends contracts of trio
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WORLD
India pays homage to its youngest PM Rajiv Gandhi
May 21 (Xinhua) NEW DELHI- India on Tuesday paid homage to the country's youngest Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was assassinated on this day 22 years ago while on a poll campaign in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the late Prime Minister's wife and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, and other senior Ministers offered floral tributes at his memorial in the national capital Tuesday morning.
More : WORLD
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Seven Muslims jailed over violence in Burma's Meiktila
May 21 (BBC) Seven Muslims have been jailed for their role in religious clashes in the Burmese town of Meiktila in March.
One man was jailed for 34 years for killing a monk; the others received sentences ranging from two to 14 years for crimes including unlawful assembly and religious disrespect.
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Pakistan election: Imran Khan walks after rally fall
May 21 (BBC) Pakistani politician Imran Khan has walked a short distance, two weeks after falling and injuring his spine at an election rally, his PTI party says.
Mr Khan was fitted with a brace and was able to stand upright, Shireen Mazari, the party information secretary said. He walked unaided for about 300m.
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Massive tornado rips through Moore, Oklahoma: 51 killed, including 20 children; more feared dead
May 21 (AP) A devastating, two-mile-wide tornado touched down near Oklahoma City on Monday, killing at least 51 people—including at least 20 children—decimating homes, businesses and a pair of elementary schools in the suburb of Moore.
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About Sri Lanka ::-
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Introduction to Sri Lanka ::- Sri Lanka is a beautiful island paradise in the Indian Ocean with white sandy beaches lush greenery, exciting adventures, amazing wildlife, cascading waterfalls and a rich heritage. The island of Sri Lanka is roughly pear-shaped. The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq km. Sri Lanka’s coastline is about 1,340 km (about 833 mi) around. The people in Sri Lanka are warm and friendly. Sri Lankans are known for hospitality in all over the world. People in Sri Lanka ethnically fall into four main categories. The population of Sri Lanka is about 20 million. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Sri Lanka has a democratic government. Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Sri Lanka became a plantation economy, famous for its production and export of cinnamon, rubber and Ceylon tea, which remains a trademark national export. By 1996 plantation crops made up only 20% of export, and further declined to 16.8% in 2005 (compared with 93% in 1970), while textiles and garments have reached 63%. The GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.5% during the early 1990s, until a drought and a deteriorating security situation lowered growth to 3.8% in 1996. The economy rebounded in 1997-2000, with average growth of 5.3%. Sri Lanka, with an income per head of $1,350, still lags behind some of its neighbors including Maldives and Mauritius but is ahead of its giant neighbor India. Its economy grew by an average of 5% during the 1990s during the 'War for Peace' era. According to the Sri Lankan central bank statistics, the economy was estimated to have grown by 7% last year, although inflation had reached 20%. |
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