Daily NEWS Srilanka

President Rajapaksa who was honoured with the highest Award of the Bahrain

returns to the island completing his two day official tour.

The President began his official tour of Bahrain last Monday. On arrival in the capital Manama, the President was accorded a very warm welcome by the Prime Minister of Bharain Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Governor of Muharak Salman Bin Hindi.

Bahrain which has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world is a state rich in oil and recently it has undertaken large scale investments in the banking, financial and tourism enterprises. Sri Lanka and Bahrain began official state ties from the year 1992.

The most significant victory Sri Lanka achieved during this tour is the presentation of Bahrain’s highest state award to President Rajapaksa. The President received this prestigious Khalifa Medal from the King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Al Sakhir Palace. The President arrived at the Palace in a special procession led by horse carriages. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa accorded a rousing welcome to the President. A military Guard of Honour was also accorded to the President.

The medal has been presented to a handful of notable leaders and it is a notable achievement for Sri Lanka as the President had also been honoured with this Award.

Receiving the Award, the President emphasized that he seeks to build an enhanced dynamic partnership.

Thereafter four Memoranda of Understanding were inked between Sri Lanka and Bahrain. These related to Sports, Cultural and Arts. Another agreement was between the Colombo and Bahrain Universities.

During bilateral discussions, the two leaders discussed a number of matters of mutual interest while also expressing the mutual support of the two countries in the international arena.

The bilateral talks that took place during the tour between President Rajapaksa and the Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Khan Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa were the most significant. Views were exchanged with respect to several spheres. The Bahraini Prime Minister mentioned that this was the first time that a Sri Lankan President had visited Bahrain.

Another significant moment of the President’s visit was his meeting with the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain. The meeting organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bahrain was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

The President on his arrival at the Hotel was accorded a rousing welcome by the Sri Lankans. Addressing the Sri Lankan community, the President said he is very happy to have unveiled state ties with Bahrain even after a long lapse. Recalling the highest consideration given to the Sri Lankans by King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, President Rajapaksa said that the King had spoken very high of the contributions made by Sri Lankans.

When the President intimated to them about the presentation of the Khalifa Medal to him, the Sri Lankans highly appreciated it.

This gathering was organized under the auspices of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain Anura M. Rajakaruna.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, Risath Bathiyuideen and Dilan Perera, Deputy Minister Sarath Weerasekara, Western Provincial Councillor Nauser Fowzie and President’s Secretary Lalkith Weeratunge joined the President in this visit.

The Business meeting held under the patronage of Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris was an impetus to this tour. Details about the investment opportunities available for Bahraini entrepreneurs were revealed at this meeting.

Immediate treatment is being meted out to those who suffered injuries

following the train accident at Pothuhera in Kurunegala.

The accident happened when the intercity train plying from Colombo Fort to Vavuniya collided head on with the Rajarata Rejina train plying from Vavuniya to Matara near the Pothuhera railway station in Kurunegala.

Eye witnesses said that the intercity train collided with the Rajarata Rejina train which was stationed at the Pothuhera Railway station. The injured were immediately admitted to the Kurunegala and Polgahawela Hospitals. Members of the Security Forces as well as the residents extended their maximum support to transport the injured to the Hospitals.

Director of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital said that 45 who sustained injuries in the train accident were admitted to his Hospital.

The two locomotives and several carriages have been damaged. The rail track has also been damaged. Railway authorities said that it would take at least 24 hours to return the track to normality. Until then trains moving towards Kurunegala will operate only up to Polgahawela while trains from Vavuniya will run only up to Kurunegala.

Sri Lankans serving in the Middle East are being provided with face masks

and advice to protect themselves from the Corona Virus.

The MERS Corona Virus is at present spreading in Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. As such the Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Bureau has directed its special attention on Lankan workers serving in the Middle East.

Chairman of the Foreign Employment Bureau Amal Senalankadhikara said that of hearing of this development, Minister Dilan Perera issued immediate instructions to provide face masks to these Sri Lankan workers. Face masks are being given to migrant workers at the time they enter into agreements before taking their foreign jobs.

The Foreign Employment Bureau revealed that 50 thousand face masks had so far been issued. Employment Bureau stated that facilities have been provided for those who are returning to obtain medical assistance by presenting their passport in case they suspect that they have contracted the disease.

In the meantime reports have been received on many patients from European countries as well as from countries such as the Philippines and Thailand.

The Health Ministry announced that a Committee has been formed by the Foreign Employment Bureau in collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Muslim Affairs and Civil Aviation Services to prevent the MERS Corona Virus entering Sri Lanka.

SriLankan Airlines today became part of the ‘oneworld’ alliance offering

the full range of services and benefits of the world’s fastest growing and highest rated global airline alliance.

The national Sri Lankan carrier also becomes the first carrier from the Indian subcontinent to join any of the global airline alliances – and completes oneworld’s biggest expansion programme since the alliance was launched 15 years ago.

The landmark was celebrated today at a ceremony attended by Minister Sarath Amunugama and MP Namal Rajapaksa at the Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International airport.

From midnight, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka will be flying alongside some of the world’s leading carriers

SriLankan’s first flight as part of ‘oneworld’ will be UL318 departing from Colombo to the Kuala Lumpur hub of oneworld partner Malaysia Airlines at 7.45 am tomorrow.

It’s only six more days for the 2014 World Conference on Youth

to be held in Sri Lanka. All arrangements have been finalized for this Conference.

The World Conference on Youth will be held in Sri Lanka from the 06th to the 10th of next month. Final touches for the hosting of the conference are now in place. The inauguration of the Conference will take place at the Ruhuna Magampura International Conference Centre. The Conference Centre and the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport are ready to welcome the foreign delegates.

Also a special programme has been unveiled for health security in the Hambantota City and the suburbs. The Canteens are being frequently monitored. In addition our correspondents reported that Hotels and temporary lodgings are also being monitored. The programme mooted on behalf of health security is already in place.

In the meantime, 700 youth delegates from 159 countries will be attending the Youth Conference. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development said that all facilities required for the delegates will be accorded. There are also several added special features.

All arrangements are in place for the holding of the Youth Exhibition

which will showcase to the world youth fraternity the freedom that prevails in Sri Lanka.

The Youth Exhibition will open at the BMICH in Colombo on the 07th of next month in parallel to the World Conference on Youth 2014 which is scheduled to open in the island on the 06th of next month. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development is the organizer of the three-day Exhibition. The Exhibition has been titled “The Freedom enjoyed by the Sri Lankan Youth sans the fear of War.”

The aim of the Exhibition is to apprise the world of the creative skills of the Sri Lankan youth fraternity. There will be 50 Exhibition booths put up by State institutions as well as Non Governmental Organizations. Musical shows and cultural pageants will be held to entertain the visitors to the Exhibition which will be opened from 10 am to 10 pm.

A special traffic plan will be operative in Colombo in view of the May Day commemorations.

The Police said that a special traffic plan will be launched in Colombo and its environs in view of the May Day processions tomorrow. Accordingly the movement of traffic will be restricted on Kannangara Mawatha, Deans Road, Maradana Road up to Borella Junction. Traffic will be one-way from Pittala Junction and Malpara Junction to JOC Junction.

The Red Cross Junction, Glass House and Flower Road can only be used for vehicles coming for the May Day commemoration and also by residents of the area. Vehicles moving from Galle Road and Pettah to Negombo or Kandy can enter the Negombo Road from Olcott Mawatha in Pettah via Armour Junction and the Victoria Bridge. The same alternative routes can be used by vehicles plying from Negombo or Kandy to Havelock Road, Galle Road and Pettah.

There will be obstructions at the Borella Junction from 12 noon with the commencement of the May Day processions. As such vehicles moving towards Peliyagoda can ply via the Kanatte Roundabout, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Thunmulla, Galle Road and Pettah.

Vehicles moving from Kandy Road to Borella should travel from Ingurukade Junction via Armour Street, Main Street, Pettah, Kollupitiya, Duplication Road and Thunmulla. Vehicles plying from Kandy road to Narahenpita, Rajagiriya and Nugegoda should turn left from the Orugodawatte Junction and move along Kolonnawa Road, Rajagiriya, Cotta Road and Welikada, from 10 am until the main May Day procession ends.

The National Green Awards Festival will be held at the BMICH on the 12th of next month.

Arrangements have been made to hold this Festival organized by the Central Environmental Authority on a grand scale. Minister Susil Premajayantha said that winners will be presented with gold, silver and bronze medals at this Festival which will begin at the BMICH at 3.00 pm on the 12th of next month.

The Minister revealed these details at a media briefing held at the SLFI. Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority D.W. Prathapasinghe, Director General Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma and Media Advisor of the Authority Newton Gunaratne were present at the news conference.

First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa hands over

an MRI scanner to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

It is a donation made by the Chinese Government following the mediation of the Chinese Government.

The Policy Statement of the Western Provincial Council has been launched.

The launching of the Governor’s Policy Statement for the Sixth Western Provincial Council took place at the BMICH today. Governor Alavi Moulana launched the Policy Statement after it was presented to him by Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunge.

Sri Lanka and Bahrain have inked four Memoranda of Understanding. The Bahraini Prime Minister has said that the Sri Lankan President has discharged a noble service on behalf of regional stability and cooperation.

President Rajapaka who is on a two day official tour of Bahrain was accorded a warm and rousing welcome at the Al Sakhir Palace. The King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other high level Bahraini officials joined in this ceremony. Thereafter four MOUs were signed to further solidify ties and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bahrain.

Three Memoranda of Understanding related to sports, culture and arts while the other was between the Universities of Colombo and Bahrain.

President Rajapaksa opined that this visit being the first ever state visit of a Sri Lankan President is an indication of the “warmth and maturity of the relationship between our two countries.” During bilateral discussions, the two leaders discussed a number of matters of mutual interest while also expressing the mutual support of the two countries in the international arena.

President Rajapaksa has been presented with the prestigious Khalifa Medal, the highest honor in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Upon receiving the medal, the President said he is humbled and honored.

During the ceremony, the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa said the medal is being presented to President Rajapaksa “in appreciation of your Excellency and your friendly country, and in recognition of the efforts you are personally exerting to move with bilateral ties to a higher level of development and progress.

The Order of Al-Khalifa was founded in 1940 and revived in the 1970s. The medal honors the dedication of the late Amir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa to humanitarianism. The medal has been presented to a handful of notable leaders including the King of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Queen Elizabeth II, among others.

Receiving the Award, the President emphasized that he seeks to build an enhanced dynamic partnership. The President mentioned that the kind words, gracious hospitality and warm interactions will leave enduring and fond memories of this state visit, for him and his delegation, which undoubtedly will translate into active cooperation.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peisis, Risath Bathiuideen and Dilan Perera, Deputy Miniser Sarath Weerasekara, Provincial Councillor Nauser Fowzie, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Bahrain Anura M. Rajakaruna were present on the occasion.

France says Hambantota is on track with the new infrastructure to offer the necessary setting to attract investments. Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean-Paul Monchau said Hambantota is on track with the new infrastructure offering the setting required to attract investments, especially in the Port and in the Airport area. In a statement following a visit to the Southern Province, the French diplomat said he witnessed the development of Hambantota as a logistical hub while visiting newly-developed infrastructure such as the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and the Port of Hambantota. Monchau also met with the director of the Hambantota Chamber of Commerce, Krishanti Weerasinghe, in order to explore trade and investment opportunities between France and Sri Lanka.

The United People’s Freedom Alliance May Day rally will be held this year too under the patronage of President Rajapaksa at Campbell Place. The May Day procession will begin from near the Nelum Pokuna. The theme is “Protecting Freedom and the Motherland.”

These details were revealed at a media conference organized at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Headquarters to give information on the United Peoples Freedom Alliance May Day procession and rally. Addressing journalists Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the United People’s Freedom Alliance Government had taken action to continuously safeguard the rights of workers. He pointed out that the Government had provided optimum facilities that could be granted to the public workers.

The Minister pointed out that the Government did not take any initiative to cut salaries of public servants, or curtail the Samurdhi or the fertilizer subsidy. It took action to safeguard the status quo and even to add some more. Before the crafting of every budget the President summoned Government as well as Opposition Trade Unions. The Minister said that he discussed their requests and took action to sort them out. Decisions were taken mainly for the welfare of the working class. The Government maintains close relations with the working class as well as the public service. He was optimistic that around 600 thousand would join the May Day rally in Colombo. It would be become a very strong May Day rally.

Labour leaders gave a pledge to work in collaboration with the President and support him to fearlessly face challenges posed from the world.

The No Confidence motion presented by the United National Party against the Chairman of the North Central Provincial Council has been defeated. The United National Party tabled a No Confidence motion against the North Central Provincial Council Chairman T.M.R. Siripala. It was defeated by a majority of seven votes. The vote on the motion was taken up when the Provincial Council met today. 18 members voted against the motion while only 11 members voted in favour of the No Confidence motion. The proceedings were presided by Vice Chairman Jayantha Marapone. He did not cast his vote, while the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Councillor Wasantha Samarasinghe was not present to cast his vote.

The first foreign delegation which will be participating in the World Conference on Youth 2014 arrives in the island. All arrangements have been finalized for the opening of the World Conference on Youth in Sri Lanka on the 06th of next month. The meeting will continue with many special programmes until the 10th. The first delegation that will be participating in the Conference at the state level arrived in the island today. The delegation is from the Slovenian Republic, a European country. This foreign delegation plans to undertake a study on youth groups in Sri Lanka and youth activities, before the launch of the Youth Conference.

The Department of Meteorology today warned of severe weather conditions resulting from a sudden increase in the wind speeds countrywide.

The Disaster Management Centre quoting the Department of Meteorology said wind speeds would increase to between 70 and 80 kmph because of the tropical convergence zone in the atmosphere above Sri Lanka.

The Met Department also warned of heavy showers of up to 100mm at times. It said the possibility of sudden roughness of the sea areas around the island is high due to active cloudiness.

Showers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Pottuvil and in the deep sea areas off the western coast. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over the other sea areas around the island.

Meanwhile heavy rains were reported from many parts of the country particularly in the Central hills with the highest rainfall of 77mm reported from Katugastota while a rainfall of 74mm was reported from Matale, Palugaswewa a rainfall of 50mm, Castlereagh 62mm, Kotmale 58mm, Ukuwala 63mm, Mausakelle 45mm, Canyon 48mm and Bogawantalawa 48mm.

In the meantime, Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre Pradeep Kodippili has said that despite the heavy rainfall experienced country wide, no disasters have been reported. He also said that the warnings issued for the Districts of Ratnapura, Kegalla and Matale have been lifted.

Title deeds have been provided to 3000 more Mahaweli colonists who had not received legal deeds. The families which lived in these lands for a long period faced many problems due to lack of deeds. The handing over of the deeds took place under the patronage of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

No one will forget the atrocities committed by the LTTE terrorists during the conflict period.

It is the Sri Lankans who faced extreme hardships due to this insurgency. The terrorists inflicted fear and terror, destroyed lives and unleashed massive damage to public property.

But the heroic soldiers succeeded in pulverizing the terrorists and wiping out the dark shadows of terrorism and enthroning peace in the country.

The ruthless terrorists took away the life of an innocent civilian in Point Pedro on 29th April 1983 and thus embarked on their killing spree on this day throughout the dark era. The tiger terrorists took away the lives of three war heroes on 29th April 1986 in the Muttur area in a small weapons attack.

These ruthless LTTE cadres mooted an attack at a group of brave soldiers at Walkalai in Mannar on 29th April 1991. As a result of this assault 46 war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country.

The entire country was shocked by a heinous attack launched by the terrorists on 29th April 1992. The terrorists barged into the Karapola, Alinchipothana and Muthugala villages and slaughtered 130 villagers including toddlers while they were sleeping, further displaying their brutality to the entire world.

The merciless tiger terrorists targeted a missile attack on 29th April 1995 at an Avro aircraft flying from Anuradhapura to Palaly. They shot down the aircraft killing 96 war heroes. The tiger pistol gang murdered three innocent civilians in the Navakkena area in Jaffna. In the year 2001 also on a day like today the terrorists took away the lives of 25 war heroes in attacked mooted at Nagarkovil in Jaffna and in the Muhamalai area.

The next target of the tiger terrorists was Karayamulliwaikkal. 14 war heroes made supreme sacrifices in this assault launched on 29th April 2009.

Terrorism which plagued the country in this manner was wiped out root and branch on 18th May 2009. By then the number of lives taken away by these insurgents on 29th April throughout the fear psychosis period was 330. This included 137 civilians. The other 193 were heroic soldiers.

Following the fearless decisions taken by President Rajapaksa without yielding to pressure from external forces and under the proper guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the members of the Security Forces commenced their advancement in the humanitarian operations making supreme sacrifices. They finally enthroned sustainable peace in the country through many dedications.

The people of this country will never permit to destroy the freedom that is being enjoyed by them within the motherland. Certain organizations under the guise of human rights are exerting various pressure on the country with the aim of fulfilling the parochial aims of Western nations. The patriotic citizens are already aware of who they are and how they should be treated. As such they should be aware as to what fate would befall them.

The people of this country will never hesitate to defeat various forces and conspiracies safeguarding the Head of State as well as the country. This is mainly because the citizens love their motherland.

President Rajapaksa begins his official tour of Bahrain.

The President who left the island for Bahrain on a two day official visit reached the Manama capital this morning. The President was accorded a warm welcome at the Airport by the Prime Minister of Bahrain Khalifa Bin Salman Hamad Al Khalifa and Governor of Muharak Salman Bin Hindi. This is the first time that the President is visiting Bahrain.

The President will engage in bilateral talks with the King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifah during this official tour. Several MOU’s dealing on a number of fields are expected to be inked. A leading delegation from Sri Lanka is accompanying the President.

The President and the members of this delegation are due to attend a meeting with the Bahraini business community. President Rajapaksa is also due to meet the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain.

Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Deputy Minister Sarath Weerasekara and President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge are also accompanying the President.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island located in the Persian Bay. It is enriched with oil and very recently it has made large scale investments in Banking, Financial and tourism schemes. It also has a fast developing economy in the Arab world.

Official ties between Sri Lanka and Bahrain were launched in 1992.

Work on the Police Special Investigation Unit to deal with complaints related to religious activities gets underway.

The President emphasized the need for the establishment of a Special Police Unit to inquire into various complaints made with respect to religious activities.

Accordingly the Special Police Unit concerned was opened at the Ministry for Buddhist and Religious Affairs this morning under the auspices of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. This Special Police Unit will be accepting complaints with effect from today.

Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs M.K.B. Dissanayake said that places of religious worship are spread throughout the island and the people profess their faith according to their beliefs. But disputes arise due to the law being overlooked. This Special Unit with special coordination can investigate these minor incidents and sort them out before it goes beyond control.

Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon said this Special Unit will handle complaints from every part of the island. Accordingly if any issue with respect to any religion arises, it is better to lodge the complaint with this Unit rather than visiting the Police in the areas concerned.

Complaints can be lodged personally or could be faxed on the two given numbers. Accordingly the IGP said that the Special Unit will be dealing with complaints directed from any part of the island.

The work will be carried out under the supervision of Western Province Senior DIG Anura Senanayake and the guidance of SSP Ranjith Kodituwakku.

Any complaint with regard to obstructions for religious harmony can be directed to this Special Police Unit. The Contact numbers are 0112 30 76 74 or 0112 30 76 97. The fax numbers are 0112 30 76 88 and 0112 30 74 06.

Construction work on another 10 thousand houses on behalf of families living with less facilities in the Colombo City gets underway honouring another pledge given by the President.

At the inauguration of the Mihindusenpura Housing Project in Dematagoda, President Rajapaksa gave a pledge on behalf of the families living with less facilities. Fulfilling this pledge, construction work on 10 thousand more houses at seven locations within the Colombo City commenced today.

A notable feature was the launch of the construction at the same auspicious time with the participation of seven local engineering firms. The City of Colombo in the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. But the haphazard construction of illegal shanties in several locations within the City by the low income group has become one of the main obstructions for the country’s economy.

These housing projects are being launched under the guidance and supervision of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa based on the instructions of President Rajapaksa for the implementation of a pledge to make the Colombo City the commercial hub of Asia, as enunciated in the Mahinda Chinthana.

The Ministry of Economic Development is launching a new programme to generate more jobs for Sri Lankans in Malaysia.

The Ministry has unveiled the programme to prepare the background needed to direct unemployed young Sri Lankan men and women for jobs which provide a high salary.

Accordingly Sri Lankans will be directed to Malaysia to take up jobs after holding discussions with leading business enterprises and factory owners. Interviews for those who aspire to secure jobs in Malaysia were held in Kattankudi recently. The interviews were launched under the patronage of Deputy Minister M.L.A.M. Hisbullah. A large number of youths participated in the interviews.

Four Sri Lankans who attempted to smuggle in gold have been apprehended in India.

Three Lankan women were nabbed at the Bangalore Airport in India for attempting to smuggle in 169 kilograms of gold. They were apprehended by the Central Industrial Security Force. Indian Customs officials are probing the incident.

In the meantime, another Sri Lankan who attempted to smuggle in gold to India was taken into custody at the Thiruvananpuram International Airport yesterday. The value of the 360 gram gold was reported to be 1.1 million rupees. Indian media reported that the suspect had attempted to smuggle in the gold by concealing the haul in his baggage.

9000 motor accidents have so far been reported this year.

The number of accidents that have so far occurred from the first of January this year throughout the island is around 9000. Statistics indicate that 800 persons had been killed in these accidents.

The Police said that a majority of the accidents are attributed to the negligence of drivers and drunk driving. Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that the law was being strictly enforced against drivers who flout motor vehicle regulations, irrespective of their stature.

He revealed that the number of drunk drivers arrested and produced in Courts last year was 52 thousand. The number of drunk drivers so far apprehended from January first this year was 15 thousand 384.

38 thousand motor accidents were reported last year while the fatality figure was 2350.

The Police have rounded up an illegal weapons storage facility at Thihagoda in Matara.

The Thihagoda Police carried out the raid last night. They recovered firearms, ammunition and explosives.

A suspect has been arrested.

Inquiries are in place to determine whether any of the firearms produced at this facility had been used to commit any crime.

The number of internet connections in the country topped the 2 million mark last year.

According to Central Bank statistics. there were 2.012 million internet connections as at end 2013, up by 47% from 2012. The year 2013 also marked

fourth successive year of high double digit growth in internet connections from a low base though the rate of growth has dipped a bit.

In 2012, the growth over 2011 was 61.7% whilst in 2010 it was 109%.

Inland fishery development is successful. New Projects are being launched which yields a considerable yield with a low expenditure.

Successful Inland Fishery Projects are being launched at several places.

These projects are being implemented by the National Aquatic Authority and the Divi Neguma programme of the Economic Development Ministry.

The tiger terrorists perpetrated heinous crimes committing extensive human rights violations. They did so as they did not have the least awareness of the value of human lives. They continuously destroyed human lives insulting humanity.

If the LTTE was not obliterated, the number of lives taken away by the barbaric terrorists would have been countless. These episodes give a description of the atrocities committed by these barbaric insurgents.

The ruthless LTTE terrorists who took away the lives of four war heroes in the Karaveddi area on April 28th in 1985, commenced their killing spree on this day in the dark era with the intention of taking away more lives. On the same day another terrorist attack was mooted in the Thondamanaru area killing three war heroes. On 28th April in 1991, the terrorists targeted an attack on a group of war heroes in the Pulukulunawa area. As a result two war heroes were killed.

Again in the year 1992 on a day like today four innocent civilians had to give up their lives as a result of the ruthless attacks targeted on them while they were gathering firewood in the forest affiliated to the Somawathiya area. On 28th April in the year 1995, the entire country was deeply shocked due to the killing of 25 war heroes in a savage assault in the Kayts area in Jaffna.

On 28th April in the year 1998, two brave soldiers had to sacrifice their lives following a ruthless attack launched by the terrorists in the Kilali area. On the same day the terrorists targeted another attack in the Meegastenna area killing three brave soldiers. Eluthumaduwal was the next target of the terrorists.

Lurking in this area the terrorists killed three war heroes on 28th April in the year 2001. On 28th April in 2009, 17 war heroes had to make supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity of the motherland in an atrocious assault mooted by the terrorists within the Wellamulliwaikkal area.

Terrorism which scourged the country for 30 years was eliminated root and branch on 18th May 2009. By then the number of lives taken away by these barbaric terrorists on 28th April throughout the fear psychosis period was 88. This included 12 innocent civilians. The other 76 were heroic soldiers. Under the unwavering leadership of President Rajapaksa and the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the members of the Security Forces succeeded in enthroning permanent peace in the country.

The valiant soldiers succeeded in bringing peace to the country making supreme sacrifices on behalf of the nation. They are eternal heroes of the era. The Leader of the country had rendered a noble and priceless service to the country ending terrorism and providing a fitting lesson to the entire world, while at the same time looking after the soldiers who were rendered disabled in the battlefront.

Although certain local as well as extraneous forces have turned a blind eye on the heroism of these brave soldiers, the entire nation cares and loves them for bringing freedom to the country.

It is this heroism of these brave soldiers that is being reminisced in these episodes. These photographs may renew the memories of the war heroes. As such we again make a fervent appeal to dispatch photographs of heroes who made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country to us, we would ensure that these valuable photographs are safely despatched to you again.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the special Thai delegation said that the bond between the two countries which practice Theravada Buddhism is exceptional. The President said that the friendship between the two countries and the support given by Thailand as a Buddhist country was highly appreciated. The President mentioned this when he met the Thai delegation yesterday at the Temple Trees. The eight member delegation who are on a six day pilgrimage, led by Venerable Longpaha Somikaya Chithamoro of Udonkani Thailand, chanted pirith and invoked blessings on the President. Three Boo Trees, three Buddha Statues and relics from the Kotmale Mahaveli Maha Seya are scheduled to be taken to Thailand. A Boo sapling was presented to the President by Venerable Chithamaro Thera. The coordinator of the group Peni Kumbari said that it was a privilege to be part of the delegation. President’s Religious Affair’s Coordinating Secretary Venarable Watinapaha Somananda Thera, Global Tsunami Relief Service Chairman and Co-director Venerable Kirama Dhammananda Thera and a group were present on the occasion.

The society should protect our culture. The President has said that all media has a responsibility to protect the culture without destroying it. The annual executive of the year ceremony of the Capital Maharajah Organization was held in Colombo under the patronage of the President. Addressing the gathering President Mahainda Rajapaksa said that the media could play a decisive role to the progress of the society and democracy. The President requested the private sector to utilize the opportunities that have arisen due to the present peaceful environment in the country. The President pointed out that development plans should be made targeting the year 2050, but not the next five or ten years. He emphasized the need for the country to move forward on strong economic fundamentals and democracy. The President said that the development of the private sector along with the state sector was extremely important. He said that the cooperation of both these sectors can contribute to the long term development. He added that the Central Bank reports have confirmed the economic development of the country and the international community has accepted that Sri Lanka has the Asia’s fastest development rate next to China.

The President says that the Commonwealth should be a beacon of hope to the people. Leaders of the Commonwealth should work to strengthen quality of human capital and to develop relationships between the people. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival organized with the aim of celebrating the cultural diversity of Commonwealth nations, was held at the Temple Trees under the patronage of President Mahainda Rajapaksa and the First Lady yesterday. The President greeted all those who were present to celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Former Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom, diplomats and a large gathering were present on the occasion.

The scouts who have come to the Asia Pacific Scout Leaders Summit, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees yesterday. The President as the Chief Scout of Sri Lanka welcomed them officially. A group of people including Chairman World Scout Movement Sinam Hang, Secretary General Scott Tear, Asia Pacific Chairman Chao Shaw Paw and Sri Lanka’s Scout Commissioner Professor Nimal de Silva were present on the occasion. The Asia Pacific Scout Leaders Summit commenced yesterday in Negombo with the participation of more than 200 scout leaders from 30 countries. The Summit has been organized by the Sri Lanka Scout Association and Asia Pacific Office of World Scout Movement. This is the first time that such a summit is taking place in the country.

The Special Police Unit to investigate complaints into religious activities will come into operation from tomorrow. The President recently said that a Special Police Unit will be established to investigate into the complaints regarding various religious activities. Police Headquarters said that the unit will commence it’s operations from tomorrow at the Buddhist Religious Affairs Ministry. The complaints will be investigated staring from tomorrow. Meanwhile Attorney at Law Mapalagama Wimalarathna said that such a unit would assist in preventing clashes between religions. He further said that as lawyers they appreciate the decision taken by the President to set up the Special Unit. He further said that such units should be established island wide. He added that intellectuals believe that steps should be taken to prevent any conflict before it occur.

China has decided to build a Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka depicting the long standing friendship between the two countries. A discussion about the cultural centre which will be built at the B.M.I.C.H premises in Colombo, took place at the Ministry of Culture and Arts. Speaking on the occasion Minister T.B. Ekanayake said that it was an honour that China always stood by Sri Lanka. The representatives of both counties agreed to commence the constructions of the new cultural centre soon.

The main office and the zonal offices of the Divineguma Development Department commence operations from today. Minister Basil Rajapaksa declared open the main office of the Divineguma Development Department on Castle Street, Colombo. The Zonal office at Battaramulla, Sethsiripaya will overlook Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura areas. The zonal office of Gampaha, Kurunegala, Puttlam and Kegalle has been set up in Wariyapola. Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Matale Districts will be covered by the zonal office at Peradeniya Gatambe. The Zonal office of Monaragala, Ampara and Hambantota has been established in Hambantota. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee and Batticaloe districts comes under the zonal office in Anuradhapura. The zonal office in Vavuniya will cover Kilinochchi, Mulativu, Mannar, Vavuniya and Jaffna under its purview. The Divineguma Development aims to implement a major economic development programme to empower all families and to build a prosperous future for all citizens.

The Government has allocated 700 million rupees more to develop activities related to women and children. The Government has decided to allocate 700 million rupees to programmes aimed at preventing child abuse and violence against women. This amount has been given apart from the 1742 million rupees allocated by the previous budget to the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs. This was revealed during a discussion between Minister Tissa Karaliyadda, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and a group of officials. These funds will be utilized for projects such as building temporary shelters for vulnerable children, to set up 50 children and women development units, to implement livelihood programmes for widowed families and to set up dairy farms.

126 Management Assistants have been appointed to the North Central Province public service. They were recruited with the aim of filling vacancies at the state institutions under the North Central Provincial Council. Their appointment letters were handed over at the North Central Province Auditorium under the patronage of Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith. The Chief Minister said that the appointments were given without any political interferences. The North Central Province Public Service Commission said that the new recruits would be assigned to public institutions in remote areas where there are vacancies.

No one can estimate the crimes committed by the LTTE terrorists who destroyed lives and property for over 30 years. How many more lives could have been destroyed by the terrorists, if terrorism was not eradicated. The dark memories recall the memories of brutal terrorism. 27 heroic soldiers lost their lives when LTTE terrorists launched a massive attack on the Elephant Pass, military base on the 27th of April 1991. Another three soldiers died when the terrorists attacked them at Vavuniya on 27th April 1995. LTTE terrorists ambushed and killed 22 soldiers on the 27th of April 1997 at Pulmudei. The country lost five soldiers on the same day during a terrorist attack at Thopur. On the 27th of April 2001 LTTE terrorists shot dead two innocent farmers in Polonnaruwa and on the same day killed 28 soldiers in an attack on forward defence lines at Nagakovil-Muhumalai. On the 26th of April 2006, a LTTE claymore mine took the lives of three soldiers. The motherland lost the lives of 18 heroic soldiers when LTTE terrorists launched several attacks at Pudukudirippu on 27th of April. By the 18th May 2009 when the brutal terrorism was eradicated, 123 people including 121 soldiers and two civilians had been killed by the LTTE terrorists. The heroic soldiers marched forward sacrificing their lives to save the country on the brave decisions taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the directions of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. They achieved peace for the country after many sacrifices. The people in the country will not allow anyone to destroy the hard won freedom and peace. Certain organizations are trying to implement western agendas while covering behind human rights. The patriotic people in the country are aware about them and know how to handle them. Therefore the traitors know more than anyone else about their fate. The patriotic people will never hesitate to defeat various conspiracies and forces while protecting the Head of State and the country.

A request has been made to establish a Sri Lanka Trade Office in Balochistan.

The request was made by Speaker of Balochistan Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali when he called on President Rajapaksa today. The meeting took place at Temple Trees. Jamali requested to establish this Office in the Gawardar Port in Balochistan. It is a leading Harbour which daily ships 16 million barrels of crude oil to other countries. This Port also maintains many relations with other countries with respect to the transport of goods.

Expressing his views the President said many benefits can be accrued as the Hambantota Harbour is located just beyond 10 nautical miles from the world’s busiest sea route. It will also entice the reactivation of the historic Silk Route. Minister Prof G.L. Peiris, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Senevirtne were present at the meeting

China has reiterated its pledge to continue its support to Sri Lanka at United Nations forums.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin made emphatically mentioned this when he met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. He pointed out that China will continue to support Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council and at the Security Council. Mr. Liu said that “Sri Lanka will always find a friend in China.

President Rajapaksa appreciated China’s support to Sri Lanka at the UNHRC this year. China voted against the resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva last month and defended Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and national security. The President said the island suffered for 30 years and with China’s support managed to defeat terrorism,.

Mr. Liu thanked President Rajapaksa for his personal interest in Sri Lanka-China bilateral relations. He said Sri Lanka has established a close friendship with the Chinese leadership. He declared that this personal relationship will play a guiding role in China-Sri Lanka relations.

The Vice Foreign Minister also spoke about Sri Lanka’s concern on the balance of trade and said that the negotiations on the free trade agreement will help address these concerns.

For China, he pointed out that Sri Lanka is an important partner in the Indian Ocean region. He thanked Sri Lanka for assisting in the development of the 21st Century maritime silk route and adding that the two countries should deepen connectivity in the sea and in the air.

President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge, Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Senevirtne and China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao were present at this meeting.

Maldives has assured full support to Sri Lanka on the international front. This assurance has been given by Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon.

She called on President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning. Their discussions focused on a number of matters of mutual interest including education and further strengthening bilateral relations.

This is her second visit to Sri Lanka as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her last visit was when she accompanied Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen during the State visit to Sri Lanka in January of this year. Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Senewiratne were present at this the meeting.

Multi religious leaders have commended the initiative taken to establish a separate Police Unit on the instructions of President Rajapaksa to address religious issues.

This Special Police Unit will take initiatives if any issue related to any religion surfaces. The religious leaders referred to it as a significant initiative.

Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada Vihare the Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera referred to the support and cooperation of the President being always received for the proper operation of all activities related to religion. His recent initiative was not taken alone by him. It was taken after summoning all officials concerned and deliberating the matter. The prelate said this was an appropriate decision taken by the President.

Moulavi I.M. Safarullah Khan of the Jumma Mosque in Ratnapura pointed out that the country had a leader who treats all religions alike. It is appropriate that he has taken a decision to establish a Special Police Unit at a time when issues related to religions had surfaced. He expressed his gratitude to the President on behalf of the Muslims for the initiative taken by him.

The World Conference on Youth which will introduce the youth as a leader of not tomorrow’s world but that of today, is scheduled to open in Sri Lanka on the 06th of next month. Issues with respect to the youth are slated to be addressed according to the 2015 Post Development Agenda that will be crafted as this Conference.

The United Nations in the year 2000 introduced eight Millennium Development Goals to the world. Accordingly, the United Nations was active when working with the youth from the year 2000 to 2014. Thereafter the problem arose as to how the agenda that should be formulated after 2014 should be implemented.

Taking cognizance of this factor, action was initiated to hold the 2014 World Conference on Youth in Sri Lanka following a pledge given by Minister Dulles Alahapperuma at the Conference staged in Mexico in the year 2010. This is also the first time that the World conference on Youth is to be held in an Asian country.

The re-scrutinized results of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination have been released.

Expressing his views to ITN, Commissioner General for Examinations W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara said that the re-scrutinized results of the 2013 Advanced Level Examination results were posted on their official website.

Nearly 50 thousand candidates had sought a re-correction of their papers. 353 changes have been effected to grades. There is also a change in the marks and the difference is only about one.

Sri Lanka commemorates “World Book and Copyright Day” on a grand scale. It is observed annually on April 26th.

The commemoration ceremony was organized by the Extension Services Division of the National Library and Documentation Services Board. The importance of protecting patent rights in Sri Lanka was emphasized at this event.

Representatives from books publications, drama, film and mass media fields were represented at this event held under the patronage of Chairman of the National Library and Documentation Services Board Somaratne Balasuriya and its Director General W. Sunil. Director General of the National Intellectual Property Office Geethanjali Ranawaka and many scholars expressed their views.

Speaker of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly of Pakistan meets his Sri Lankan counterpart.

Balochistan Speaker Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali met his Sri Lankan counterpart Chamal Rajapaksa at the Parliamentary Complex at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. He was accompanied by Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie.

A parliamentary delegation of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly of Pakistan was also present.

Terrorism which was a scourge for the country had blighted hundreds of thousands lives. Its destruction was inestimable.

This is another episode of that dark era which was engulfed with brutality due to the atrocities committed by the barbaric insurgents.

The tiger terrorists took away the lives of six war heroes in an attack in the Muttur area on 26th April 1985 and thus commenced their killing spree on 26th April throughout the dark period. From then onwards April 26th was a significant day in their murder list. The tiger terrorists also considered 26th April in 1987 as such a day. On this day the LTTE terrorists planted a landmine in the Kuchchaveli area and grabbed the lives of five war heroes.

In the year 1997 also on a day like today, the terrorists took away the lives of three war heroes in an assault in the Maradamunai area. The hideous attack was unleashed by the tiger terrorists on the war heroes in the Muttur area on April 26th 2006. Three war heroes sacrificed their lives on behalf of the country in this attack. On the same day the tiger terrorists took away the lives of three more war heroes in a heinous attack in the Kuchchaveli area.

The barbaric terrorists mooted a gruesome assault on the heroic soldiers in Janakapura North on 26th April 2008. Eight war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the noble freedom of the motherland in this assault.

Accordingly the terrorists had killed five civilians on April 26th during the period terrorism plagued the country. They had also killed 46 war heroes in this period. The number of lives grabbed by the terrorists on April 26th throughout the dark era was 51.

The brave soldiers commenced their advancement in the humanitarian operations making supreme sacrifices following the unflinching decisions taken by President Rajapaksa and the appropriate guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Members of the Security Forces succeeded in ending the insurgency in the midst of various dedications.

The people of the country will not permit anyone to destroy this freedom and the peace that is being enjoyed by the entire nation.

Certain organizations which are exerting various pressure under the cover of human rights are doing so to achieve the parochial aims of the Western powers. The patriotic citizens have already identified these groups.

It is a long time ago that they have decided as to how these groups should be treated. Elements which go against the motherland are aware of as to what their fate should be, if they attempt to destroy this freedom in the country.

The entire nation will not be reluctant to defeat various forces and conspiracies, safeguarding the leader as well as the country. It is purely because that the patriotic citizens who love the country are living within the island nation.

President Rajapaksa has said that no room should be left for forces to destabilize the country. He requested the Trade Union leaders to portray the strength of the working class to the entire world on May Day. A meeting of Trade Union Leaders was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday under the patronage of President Rajapaksa. The Trade Union Leaders apprised the President of several issues that have surfaced in different spheres. The President told them that he valued the unstinted support extended by the Trade Union Leaders as in the past, to the programmes mooted by the Government to build the country. Certain groups are determined to reverse the development programmes that are taking place and destabilize the country. The President said that everyone should be cautious about it. Expressing their views at this meeting, the Trade Union Leaders emphasized that it is the President who had safeguarded the dignity and pride of the public sector employees. They claimed that the President will go down in history for rendering a significant service on behalf of the public service which was curtailed by previous regimes. The Trade Union Leaders deliberated on the challenges confronting the country. Several Parliamentarians were also present at this discussion.

The Tripitaka summarized and translated into simple Sinhala Language has been presented to the President. Two Tripitaka books summarized and translated into simple Sinhala Language by the Tripitaka Editorial Board and a Tika book were presented to President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. It is planned to translate 57 Pali sources books and prepare 49 Sinhala summarized books. 27 such books have already been printed. Four books have been compiled as hand written copies while another two books are being translated as hand written copies. This is operative as a special project at the behest of the President and under the guidance of the Buddhist Affairs Department. These books are due to be given to the public at affordable prices. The President handed over three more books to the head of the Tripitaka Editorial Board, the Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya the Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thera. A documentary DVD prepared with details of 32 conserved village Devales and places of religious worship of historic importance in the Eastern Province was handed over by the Secretary of the Buddha Sasana Ministry M.K.B. Dissanayake to the President. Members of the Maha Sangha including Mahanayake Thera and many senior officials were present

The South Asia Summit on Youth and Human Rights opened at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Performing Arts Theatre in Colombo today under the patronage of Minister Dulles Alahapperuma. The aim of this conference is to impart knowledge to the youth through education on the protection of human rights and its significance. The recommendations of this conference are due to be submitted to the World Conference on Youth which is slated to be held within the next few days. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr. Chris Nonis delivered the keynote address. In his address, Dr. Chris Nonis elaborated on how human rights were protected in Sri Lanka. He pointed out to the delegates of the conference how the human rights of the citizens in Sri Lanka were guaranteed after the annihilation of terrorism in the year 2009. The Summit is organized by the ‘Road to Rights’ Youth Led Movement in collaboration with the Youth for Human Rights International education programme under the supervision of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry, Mass Media and Information Ministry and National Youth Services Council. Chairman and Director General of the Youth Services Council Lalith Piyum Perera also addressed the gathering. The meeting will draw to a close on Sunday.

All arrangements are in place for the issue of Electronic National Identity Cards by the year 2016. Commissioner General for Registration of Persons R.M.S. Sarath Kumara said that the Identity Cards will be issued in both languages. He was addressing a news conference held at the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. He said the Government will bring down the eligible age to apply for a National Identity Card from 16 to 15 years from 2016.

The first patrol vessel gifted by Australia to the Sri Lanka Navy has arrived at the Colombo Port yesterday. The Bay Class boat was ceremonially welcomed in accordance with naval traditions on arrival. It is 38.2 meters long and has a 2.3 metre draught. With a maximum speed of 24 knots, the boat can cover a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Robyn Mudie were present.

A Special police unit is to be established within the religious affairs Ministry to inquire complains regarding future religious incidents. Measures are in place to establish this Special Police Unit at the behest of President Rajapaksa. This unit is to intervene and solve incidents of conflict and is responsible for taking measures against any incidents. The Police Unit will be set up under the guidance of Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon. The President revealed this at a meeting of editors of the Print and Electronic media at Temple Trees this morning. Meanwhile, at a media briefing at the Police Headquarters today, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana expressed views with respect to the establishment of this Special Police Unit. SSP Ajith Rohana said that on the instructions of the President this Special Police Unit will be established at the fifth floor of the Buddha Sasana Ministry at 135 Dharmapala Mawatha Colombo 07 on Monday the 28th. It will be known as the Unit in relation to complaints on religious activities. The Police Media Spokesman added that it will be headed by an ASP. In addition there will be a Chief Inspector and six male and female Police Constables.

147 countries has already confirmed participation in the 2014 World Conference on Youth. Only 100 countries had participated in the last Conference that was held in Mexico. The Government has assured that an opportunity would be given to groups joining in the Conference with a strong belief in Sri Lanka. The 2014 World Conference on Youth will be held in Sri Lanka from the 06 to the 10 of next month. All arrangements for the hosting of the conference has already been finalized. President of the United Nations General Assembly John William Ashe and Special representative of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon Ahmed Al Hendavi will attend the conference. Addressing a news Conference in Colombo today, Deputy Minister Mohanlal Grero said that 25 Ministers on Youth Affairs, 32 high ranking officials as well as 25 UN Regional Directors and Deputy Directors representing foreign countries have confirmed their participation in the Conference in Sri Lanka. All youth representatives will be in Sri Lanka by the 05th of next month. A special Cultural Pageant is due to be staged on 05th evening. Plans are afoot to hold the inauguration of the 2014 World Conference on Youth on the 06th of next month at the Magampura Ruhuna International Convention Centre under the patronage of President Rajapaksa. World youth will gather in Colombo on the 07th and 08th and deliberate on issues related to the youth. The journey of the youth in the world for the next few years will be decided on the Colombo Declaration to be launched at the end of the Conference.

Chairman of the National Youth Services Council Lalith Piyum Perera will be serving as the official spokesman of the World Conference on Youth.

They appraised the country about the real meaning of freedom and enthroned peace in the motherland. But there is one side of the life of the eternal heroes which no one has seen. There is also a group of heroic soldiers bearing the pain for their entire life as a result of the cruelty of the cursed war, while the entire country is reaping the benefits of the victory in the war. The Independent Television Network, the Family Channel of the country embarked on a journey in search of Abhimansala, which affords the glory of life of the eternal heroes of the era who have been rendered disabled by bringing real freedom to the entire country which was to be sunk in darkness. These heroic soldiers are bearing the repercussions of the cursed war as they had been rendered totally disabled. Their future would have been bleak if not for the launch of “Abhimalsala” – the Wellness Resort – a noble concept of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The first such Wellness Resort was built in Anuradhapura. The second such Resort was put up at Kamburupitiya in Matara. The third Wellness Resort which will also be providing lodging to the disabled soldiers will be declared open at Paangolla in Kurunegala tomorrow. Abimansala 3, is well-equipped with all therapeutic needs for dependent war heroes is to be manned 24 hours with medical facilities on hand. A mini hospital, physiotherapy unit, swimming pool, gymnasium, Ayurvedic centre, hydrotherapy unit, recreation centre, entertainment arena and facilities for family members including short-term visits, are among the major features in this complex. The war is now over. Victory has already been achieved. Those in the forces will look after their lives as they receive a salary. But the differently-abled soldiers have no work. Removing them from the forces after compensating would be suitable. This was the situation that prevailed during post conflict periods in countries which were embroiled in war. But the Commander in Chief President Rajapaksa and the Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, after a war which plagued the country for 30 years, have given a fitting lesson to the entire world. It is the lesson that heroism of the heroes who brought freedom to the country, is eternal. The world has been provided the lesson of imparting light to the lives of the differently abled soldiers, safeguarding them by expending a colossal amount of money. There is a place for those who are making baseless war crimes allegations against the country to step into and have a glimpse of it. It is “Abhimansala”, the Wellness Resort.

Government is providing more facilities for English Education in the North. Governor G.A. Chandrasiri said that the Government has unveiled a programme to provide the educational gear and financial assistance for the children to study English. 150 children selected under the programme were provided with bicycles and educational gear at the Kopai Teacher’s College.

The fishery industry has achieved a significant growth. Central Bank reports confirm that the growth last year alone was 5.5 percent. Production of sea fish increased by 6.9 percent last year while inland fish production declines by three percent. The Central bank said the average growth was 5.5 percent.

Ravindra Jadeja produced a brilliant all-round display after Dwayne Smith’s fine batting show as Chennai Super Kings defended a modest total to beat Rajasthan Royals by seven runs.

Put into bat, Chennai scored 140 for six, thanks mainly to opener Smith’s 28-ball 50 and Jadeja’s crucial 36 not out lower down the order and then shot Rajasthan out for 133 in 19.5 overs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium to post their second consecutive win in the tournament.

Sri Lanka Cricket announced the squads for the upcoming tour of Ireland and the T20 International against England, with wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella the only new addition, named for the first leg of the tour.

The squad for the Ireland tour during which two ODIs will be played is captained by Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne will serve as his Deputy. The Sri Lankan side will be captained by Lasith Malinga during the tour of England. The tour starts with two one day Internationals in Ireland.

The nation cannot forget the massive devastation unleashed by the tiger terrorists whose main aspiration was to destroy lives and property during the period ferocious shadows of terrorism spanned the entire country.

These inhumane atrocities were totally eliminated by the heroic soldiers from the Nanthikadal Lagoon with the enthronement of peace in the country mainly due to their dedications and supreme sacrifices.

The ruthless tiger terrorists who took away the life of a war hero in the Gurunagar area in Jaffna on 24th April 1984, embarked on their killing spree on the 24th of April within the dark era. The tiger terrorists mooted an RPG attack within the Seruwawila area in Trincomalee on 24 April 1991 killing five war heroes. Valachchenai in the Batticaloa area was the next target of the ruthless terrorists.

A civilian was killed in this assault launched on 24th April 2006 by the Pistol gang. Six war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland in another attack launched in the Myladdy area in Jaffna in the year 2007 also on a day like today. The terrorists launched several attacks on the war heroes in the Puthukudiyiruppu area on 24th April 2009. Six war heroes sacrificed their lives on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

The heroic soldiers succeeded in wiping out terrorism which was scourge for the country for three decades. 18th May 2009 was that historic day. By then the number of lives taken away by the merciless terrorists on 24^th April throughout the dark period was 27. Among them were four civilians. The other 23 were valiant soldiers.

The brave soldiers commenced their advancement in the humanitarian operations making supreme sacrifices following the unflinching decisions taken by President Rajapaksa and the appropriate guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Members of the Security Forces succeeded in ending the insurgency in the midst of various dedications.

The people of the country will not permit anyone to destroy this freedom and the peace that is being enjoyed by the entire nation.

Certain organizations which are exerting various pressure under the cover of human rights are doing so to achieve the parochial aims of the Western powers. The patriotic citizens have already identified these groups.

It is a long time ago that they have decided as to how these groups should be treated. Elements which go against the motherland are aware of as to what their fate should be, if they attempt to destroy this freedom in the country.

The entire nation will not be reluctant to defeat various forces and conspiracies, safeguarding the leader as well as the country. It is purely because that the patriotic citizens who love the country is living within the island nation.

The Protector 2 is a 2013 Thai martial arts film directed by Prachya Pinkaew. The movie stars Tony Jaa, Marrese Crump, Petchtai Wongkamlao and JeeJa Yanin.

Boss Suchart is the influential owner of a major elephant camp. When he was murdered in his own home the killer delivered three fatal blows on his body all evidence points to Kham, who was present at the crime scene and was seen with the victim the moment before he died. The movie will be released worldwide on the 2nd of next month.

Australia says its relationship with Sri Lanka can be more broader

as a result of the efforts made by both countries to fight people smuggling.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said that both countries must apply the same focus and co-operation that they have achieved on people-smuggling to the broader challenge of transnational crime/

The Australian newspaper reported that the number of Sri Lankans who became Australian citizens jumped 74 per cent to 3456 last year, while there were 4987 Sri Lankans who came to Australia legally with visas for work and for family reunions.

Morrison said the last illegal boat carrying Sri Lankans was months ago and all 79 on board were sent back to Sri Lanka. The Immigration Minister said stopping the arrival of illegal boats during the past four months had allowed the government to increase the number of places for humanitarian migration from 500 under Labor to 4000 a year.

Mr. Morrison said co-operation with Sri Lanka was one of a series of policies that have helped the Abbott Government “stop the boats.” These included turning boats back to Indonesian waters, offshore processing in Papua New Guinea, temporary visas and moves by Indonesia and Malaysia to stop entry to their countries without visas.

A group which was illegally migrating to Australia by sea has returned to the island.

These illegal migrants returned to the island with the mediation of the International Organization for Refugees. They were stranded in the Andaman Islands.

Legal action is to be instituted against this group which arrived at the Katunayake International Airport.

They are residents of Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Kalutara and Hambantota.

First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa has said that children

afflicted with autism should be nurtured with professional care and attention to enable them to be more confident and independent.

The First Lady expressed these views at the 2014 International Seminar on Autism in Malaysia yesterday where she joined her counterparts in Sudan, Kyrgyz Republic, Albania and Morocco to share autism-related initiatives and experiences to help autistic children and eradicate social stigma. The meeting is being attended by First Ladies of 22 countries. The conference opened under the patronage of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamed Najib Razak. Shiranthi Rajapaksa stressed parents or caretakers should identify the child’s skills that needed to be developed especially as some possess amazing talents.

Citing that creating awareness was an important step to treat the condition, as well as assisting families to cope with it, the First Lady urged society to work together, especially in education and social activities.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan First Lady called on the First Lady of Malaysia Rosmah Mansor at the Prime Minister’s official residence. On her arrival the Sri Lankan First Lady was accorded a very warm welcome by her Malaysian counterpart. Thereafter they had a cordial discussion.

Plans are afoot to launch a Monorail Service to overcome traffic congestion in Colombo.

It is expected to be undertaken with assistance from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

The Transport Ministry said that several projects have been planned at a cost of 1255 Billion Rupees to overcome traffic congestion within the Colombo City by the year 2035. The Transport Ministry has planned these projects in collaboration with JICA.

Accordingly plans are afoot to launch a monorail service, to locate all buses beginning journeys from Colombo to one centre and to coordinate rail and bus services. It has been revealed that there is a colossal wastage of fuel and human labour as a result of the severe traffic congestion within the Colombo City. The new projects are aimed at saving 213,000 million rupees as a result of operational charges annually.

A decline of 136,000 million rupees in travel time cost is also expected. Accordingly the Transport Ministry said that a massive economic benefit amounting to 349,000 million rupees could be achieved.

What is the prevailing situation in the new constructions within

the environs of Diyatha Uyana? Development is being carried out to beautify the area. This is an investigation made into the developments that are taking place in the location.

The Battaramulla town and its surroundings are highly populated. New roads and news buildings are under construction to meet the requirements. These news plans have been mooted by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

Construction work on an attractive new bridge replacing the existing narrow bridge was launched as a solution to traffic congestion. Its first stage was opened by President Rajapaksa recently. The new bridge is being constructed to suit the attractiveness of the environment and it is 210 metres long. The width is 25 metres. There are also six lanes. Construction work is in progress with the utilization of modern constructions skills. The Project includes pedestrian lanes. The entire project is being handled by the Ministry of Ports, Highways and Shipping.

A record number of pilgrims visited Sri Pada following the development work mooted

on the instructions of the President.

Several development activities were launched at Sri Pada at the behest of the President. The most significant among them was the installation of the “Dolos-mahe-pahana” and the bell tower and the construction of the “Ranveta.”

The Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada Vihare, the Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera said that more that 2.5 million pilgrims had arrived via the Hatton route and the Palabaddala route in Ratnapura. The prelate made this announcement at a meeting to apprise State officials of the ending of the Sri Pada pilgrimage season on the Wesak Full Moon Day.

With the Sri Pada pilgrimage season drawing to a close on Wesak Full Moon Poya Day, the Sacred Relics and the sacred objects will be transferred to the Buddhist Centre at Nallathanniya. Thereafter these will be taken to the Galpottawala Raja Maha Vihare at Pelmadulla from Nallathanniya. Arrangements have been made to hold an All Night Pirith Chanting on the 15th of next month after the arrival of the Sacred Relics and the Sacred objects.

Sri Lanka suspends sending workers to Libya.

The Foreign Employment Bureau said the decision has been taken considering the situation that is prevailing in Libya.

Accordingly taking up jobs through personal level or via Job Agencies has been suspended until further notice.

A group of officers of the Pakistani National Defence University visits the Naval Headquarters.

The delegation which is on a five day educational tour of the island was accorded a warm welcome. Its members had a cordial discussion with Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Jayantha Perera.

The delegation comprising 21 members of the National Defence University of Pakistan and led by Major General Noel Israel Khokhar arrived in the island on the 20th of this month.

The Cabinet has given the nod for the Jaffna Town Development Project.

The Urban Development Authority plans to build a Rest House at Muttamil Street in Jaffna under this Project. It will facilitate public employees and others arriving in the Jaffna City.

There is every prospect of increased Korean investments in Sri Lanka after the end of the conflict. This comment was made by Korea’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myang-Hwan to President Rajapaksa yesterday. The meeting between the Korean envoy and the President took place at Temple Trees. The South Korean representative cited the reintegration into society of the ex-combatants and the resettlement of the displaced posthaste are fitting example for the successful progress the country has achieve during the post conflict period. He pointed out that the Sri Lankan Government deserves world acclamation for the conduct of the first Northern Provincial Council poll in a free and fair manner and for the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons. The President told Korea’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myang-hwan that he was expecting the Commission reports to consider what initiatives should be taken in the future. President Rajapaksa requested the Korean representative to undertake a tour of the Northern Province. Claiming that more priority was to the North than the South in development, the President said it was important to view the development in the Province through a visit. Yu Myang-hwan underscored that the Korean Government was dedicated to maintaining cooperation and strong bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. He mentioned Korea’s willingness to extend maximum support to the Sri Lankan Government in development. Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne was present at this meeting.

The maiden session of the Sixth Provincial Council has been successfully concluded. The new Chairman of the Provincial Council is Sunil Wijeratne while Yasapala Koralage is the new Deputy Chairman. Mano Ganeshan declared that he will work in cooperation with the Government and set an example to the Chief Minister of the Northern Province. The inaugural meeting of the sixth Western Provincial Council was held at the Provincial Council Auditorium in Battaramulla today. The 104 members elected from the Western Provincial Council poll held on the 29th of March were present at the inaugural sessions. The newly elected Councillors first took their oaths before Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana. Councillor Royce Fernando who is in remand custody had also arrived to join in the oath taking ceremony under prison security. The first task to be discharged was the election of the Chairman. Sunil Wijeratne of the Government Group was again elected as the Chairman of the Council with a majority of 60 votes. George Perera who was fielded by the Opposition managed to get only 30 votes. Six votes were rejected. The first duty of the Chairman was to appoint his Deputy. Accordingly the Government group nominated Yasapala Koralage. He was elected as the Deputy Chairman securing a majority of 61 votes. Susil Kindelpitiya who was the opposition candidates succeeded in securing only 33 votes. Opposition Leader of the Council Manju Sri Arangala assured to build a joint opposition. But Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Councillor K.D. Lalkantha however said that they would not support any such initiative. The Western Provincial Council will meet again on the 13th of next month.

The Colombo Terrorist Investigations Division has arrested an IT teacher engaging in the preparation of posters, leaflets and documents to revive the LTTE. Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that he was a former LTTE cadre. The Police Media Spokesman said the suspect was a former LTTE cadre. The Terrorist Investigation Division officials who arrested the suspect sealed the building in Maanipaai in Jaffna where his computer classes had been held. SSP Ajith Rohana said the TID had seized the computers, Laptops and many accessories that were found there. Further investigation are in progress.

The Customs have arrested three women who attempted to smuggle in foreign currency notes to the value of 8.3 million rupees. Customs Media Spokesman Leslie Gamini said that the three women who had arrived from Chennai were apprehended at the Katunayake International Airport. The Customs Media Spokesman said that these three Sri Lankan women were apprehended at arrival terminal at the Katunayake Airport at around 10.15 last night. Among the suspects were a mother and a daughter. They had arrived from Chennai. They had left the country three days ago. On arrival they possessed foreign currency notes to the tune of 8.3 million rupees. These comprised US Dollars, Saudi Riyal, US Pounds and Euros. They had concealed the foreign currency notes on their person. Mr. Leslie Gamini said that Customs Officers are conducting inquiries.

Measures have been taken to sort out issues confronted by the civilians of Nedunkerni who were seriously impacted by terrorism. The discussion to address the problems of the Nedunkerni polity was held at the Nedunkerni Divisional Secretariat. The people were given an opportunity to directly present their problems to Government officials and secure solutions. State officials representing all public institutions in the area joined in these deliberations. It was organized with the aim of passing on the benefits of the massive development launched by the Government on behalf of the people who were severely affected by terrorism. Parliamentarian Unais Farook and Northern Provincial Councillor V. Jayatilake were present at this discussion.

Applications to admit students for Universities will be available from tomorrow. The University Grants Commission has announced that applications for University Admission for the Academic Year 2013/2014 will be entertained from tomorrow. Students who had been successful at the 2013 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination are eligible to submit applications. The Application forms can be obtained from the University Grants Commission and distributing agents countrywide. The University Grants Commission said that the closing date for entertaining applications will be the 19^th of next month.

Minister A.L.M. Athaullah has revealed that future elections for Local Councils will be held under the wards system which the President created for Local Government polls. Accordingly he said that the next polls will be held under this system. He was speaking at the launch of construction work on the multipurpose building at Thrippane under the Puraneguma Project.

The Government is mulling over increasing the Mahapola Scholarship Fund to 6000 rupees. Minister S.B. Dissanayake revealed this at the presentation of scholarships to students who qualified to enter Universities from the Kandy District. He also spoke of launching a programme to provide part time jobs to students pursuing studies in Universities. 711 students received scholarships from the Kandy District.

No one can forget the massive devastation unleashed by the tiger terrorist who main aspiration was the destroy lives and property a time when the ferocious shadows of terrorism spanned the entire country.

These inhumane atrocities were totally eliminated with the enthronement of peace in the country by the heroic soldiers as a result of their dedications and supreme sacrifices.

The tiger terrorists mooted an attack on the military camp in Kankesanthurai on 22nd April 1987 and killed 14 war heroes. Thus these barbaric insurgents embarked on their killing spree on 22nd April throughout the dark period. On the same day the terrorists launched another attack in Pulmuddai targeting a group of soldiers. As a result the country lost the valuable services of 17 brave soldiers.

On 22nd April 1995, the terrorists mooted a powerful assault in the Kattamunaivilan area, taking away the lives of 28 war heroes. In the year 1998 also on a day like today the terrorists lurking in the Paranthan area unleashed an assault on a group of war heroes killing two of them. On 22nd April in the year 2000 the tiger terrorists killed two more war heroes in an assault launched at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna.

These insurgents killed two innocent civilians in the Nelliadi area on 22nd April 2006. These civilians were engaged in cultivations in their farmland. The terrorists launched an attack at the Muhamalai Forward Defence Line in Jaffna on 22nd April 2008. As a result three heroic soldiers sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.

In the year 2009 also on a day like today the tiger terrorists carried out several attack in the Puthumathalan and Puthukudiyiruppu area targeting the troops providing security to the motherland. 12 war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

Terrorism which was a bane for the country for 30 years was annihilated on 18th May 2009. By then the number of lives taken away by the terrorists to quench their thirst for blood was 96. Among them were three innocent civilians. The other 93 were members of the Security Forces.

The troops commenced their advancement making supreme sacrifices following the fearless decisions taken by President Rajapaksa and under the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The troops brought freedom to the country ending terrorism amidst many dedications. The people of the country will not permit anyone to destroy this freedom and the peace that is being enjoyed by the entire nation.

Certain organizations which are exerting various pressure under the cover of human rights are doing so to achieve the parochial aims of the Western powers. The patriotic citizens have already identified these groups. It is a long time ago that they have decided as to how these groups should be treated. Elements which go against the motherland are aware of as to what their fate should be, if they attempt to destroy this freedom in the country.

The entire nation will not be reluctant to defeat various forces and conspiracies, safeguarding the leader as well as the country. It is purely because the patriotic fraternity which loves the country is living within the island nation.

Blue Ruin is an American thriller film directed by Jeremy Saulnier. It was screened in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival where it won the FIPRESCI Prize. The movie stars Macon Blair, Devin Ratray, Amy Hargreaves and Kevin Kolack.

The film follows a mysterious outsider whose quiet life is turned upside down when he returns to his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance.

Proving himself an amateur assassin, he winds up in a brutal fight to protect his estranged family. The movie will be released on Friday.

In a media release, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the World Cup winning National Coach Paul Farbrace has tendered his resignation.

The release also stated that in his resignation Farbrace has informed the SLC of his unavailability to continue with SLC. The resignation will take immediate effect in order to allow Farbrace to take up an appointment with the ECB. The release confirmed rumors reported by British news outlets last week about a possible move to England as assistant to the new England coach, Peter Moore.

Sri Lanka in an effort to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country after the end of the war is looking to woo Malaysian investors, especially in infrastructure development and the rapidly growing hospitality industry.

Malaysia’s High Commissioner Azmi Zainuddin has said that Sri Lanka offers immense opportunities for Malaysian investors, especially in infrastructure development.

The Malaysian diplomat in Sri Lanka said Malaysia should capitalise on its good bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka to have a bigger presence in the country.

He told Bernama, the National News Agency of Malaysia that the Sri Lanka Government is determined to attract investments to the country after the end of the 30-year-long civil war in 2009.
Malaysian companies have always been in the island, even during the war, especially in the telecommunications and infrastructure segments.

The Malaysian diplomat said that now there are more opportunities available and they should take advantage of it. Among others, the hospitality industry is booming in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, there is a lot of construction for new hotels, and they are big players in the industry,” he said, adding Jaffna and the Eastern Province, which are yet to be fully developed, offer immense opportunities.

A delegation of the National Defence University of Pakistan, will be arriving in the island today.

The high level 21 member delegation will be headed by Major General Noel Israel Khokhar. The aim to the visit of this delegation is to gain an overview of the defense, economic, domestic and foreign policies of Sri Lanka.

A statement from the Pakistani High Commission in Colombo said it will also help in exploring areas of mutual interest for enhancing mutual cooperation in various spheres.

The delegation will interact with a number of prominent officials from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and civil institutions including Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya and Chiefs of the Security Forces. During the course of their stay in Sri Lanka, the delegation will visit Jaffna, Trincomalee and Kandy.

The total kilometres of Expressway constructions and carpeted roads within two years has been 7000.

The road development programme has been launched veering all districts within the island. The Ministry of Highways and Ports and Shipping said that 7000 kilometres of carpeted roads and expressways had been newly added to the national road network. The total expenditure incurred on this work was 600 Billion rupees. The Southern Expressway.

The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and the Outer Colombo Expressways have been added to the national road network. Also many “A” Grade roads had been carpeted and totally developed. It is planned to build the Colombo-Kandy, Colombo-Hambantota and Northern Expressways in the future.

Taking cognizance of these developments, the Government had made arrangements to draw up a new national road map. It is planned to release the new national road map which will include the Expressways by the last week of next month.

Comprehensive investigations are in place for the arrest of an LTTE suspect who escaped last night while receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said that statements had already been recorded from several persons with respect to this incident.

The Police Media Spokesman said that an LTTE suspect who was in custody and receiving treatment at the Vavuniya Hospital had fled at around 3 o’clock this morning. This suspect Stanley Ramesh was arrested for engaging in terrorist activities. He revealed that the Police and Prison officials have embarked on an investigation.

What happened to the United National Party Parliamentarians who visited the South to view development? What is the truth in the publicity given by certain media? One of our media teams visited Hambantota to find out the truth.

Five United National Party Parliamentarians visited the South recently to have a glimpse of the development that has taken place in the region. MPs Ajith Manapperums, Ajith P. Perera, Eran Wickremaratne, Nalin Bandara Jayamaha and R. Yogarajan joined in this tour.

The visit was organized claiming that it was better to visit the South and study how the country was being developed rather than visiting the United States such as the Party Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe to study how to rule a country.

The group of UNP Parliamentarians visited the South on the Southern Expressway which clearly depicts the miracle of development. The UNP Parliamentary group first visited the Mattala Airport and they received a warm welcome there. Their observation of the Airport was also successful. They were able to have an awareness of the truth. But what happened?

What happened to the Hambantota Harbour? As they visited the Mattala Airport, they also visited the Hambantota Harbour. They also witnessed how the ships had come to the Harbour. The faces of these MPs explicitly indicated that they had understood the real situation at the Harbour. But what did actually happen?

The Southern polity could not really bear the false campaigns mooted by the UNP that no planes were landing at the Mattala Airport, no vessels were approaching the Hambantota Harbour and that the Hambantota Harbour would be transformed into a swimming pool under the UNP Government. These people made queries from the UNP Parliamentarians on the statements made by the UNP against these development activities.