Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, who crooned the melodious number “Lag Ja Gale” from the 1964 film “Woh Kaun Thi”, is delighted that the song has completed 50 years and says that it still sounds fresh. Composed by the late Madan Mohan, the track was picturised on Sadhana and Manoj Kumar. Lataji shared her joy through her tweet saying that beauty of the song was in the fact that it remained evergreen, despite being created half-a-decade ago.

Sri Lanka and Seychelles have signed five agreements which will further

consolidate the solidarity between the two countries. It has been decided to initiate a joint commission between Sri Lanka and Seychelles. The agreement in this regard was signed at the State House yesterday in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Seychelles President James Michel. The commission will direct the bilateral relations mechanism including singing of agreements, implementation, progress review, identifying and solving problems. Five agreements on identified areas were signed to develop bilateral relations. The agreements include bilateral political advocacy, tourism industry relations, cultural relations, implementations of sustainable energy projects and technical investment promotions and on sports. Minister G.L. Peiris and Seychells Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton signed the agreements. A group of people including Seychelles Vice President Danny Faure, Minister S.B. Dissanayake, Monitoring MP Sachin Vas Gunawardena, Parliamentarians A.H.M. Azver, Udith Lokubandara, Lohan Ratwatte, Ranith de Soysa and Thenuka Vidanagamage, Presidents Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Seychelles Rajatha Piyatissa were present on the occasion.

The President has declared open the Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Seychelles.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on an official tour of Seychelles, declared open yesterday, the Sri Lanka’s High Commission situated at the Capital Building on Independence Road, in Victoria. Sri Lanka and Seychelles commenced diplomatic relations in 1988. The first residential office was setup in December last year and Rajatha Piyatissa was appointed as the first Sri Lanka High Commissioner there. Seychelles President James Michel, Vice President Danny Faure, Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton and Seychelles Opposition Leader Vavel Ram Kalavan were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Minister G.L. Peiris said that strengthening relations with African countries were mentioned in the Mahinda Chinthana Policy. He said that President Rajapaksa has decided to allocate a plot of land to Seychelles High Commission in Sri Lanka, in the capital city. Seychelles Sports Minister said that the development of relations between the two countries would contribute to global peace. Meanwhile, the President has declared open the new branches of several Sri Lankan organizations in Seychelles. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a state visit has declared open the new branches of Mihin Lanka, Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka Insurance and the Nawaloka Medical Centre in the Capital of Seychelles yesterday. Branches of the Bank of Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation are located in the Capital City Building on the Independence Avenue. The Mihin Lanka office is situated at the Ibrahim Building on Francis Rachel Avenue. President Rajapaksa also declared open the new Nawaloka Medical Centre at the City Mart Building in Francis Rachel Avenue, Victoria. Seychelles President James Michel, Vice President Danny Faure and Minister for Community Development Vincent Meriton joined President Rajapaksa for the opening ceremonies.

The annual Ramazan fasting period commences

with the sighting of the new moon. The Colombo Grand Mosque announced that the new moon was sighted last night in Sri Lanka. Accordingly Muslims began the fasting month from this morning. They will end the fasting period with the sighting of the new moon next month called, Shawwaal which follows the Ramazan period, according to the Islam calendar.

The Government took steps to recommence the construction of the Kalametiya

Fisheries Harbour which was earlier disrupted due to various reasons, with the aim of benefiting a large number of fisher families. The construction began under the patronage of Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne. The Government has allocated nine billion rupees to build the harbor. The Fishing communities in several areas including Kalametiya, Bata-atha South, will be able to engage in the fishing industry with the construction of the harbor. A group of people including Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Deputy Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratne were present on the occasion.

Five historic stone statues have been recovered

from the Mahaweli River. The Hasalaka Police have found five historic statues and a part of a foot of a statue under water near the Randenigala, Minipe Yoda Ela Anicut. The statues had been found during a search operation conducted by the Hasalaka Police O.I.C. Ruwan Kumarasekera and other officers, following a tip off received from a villager. It is believed that the statues had been hidden. Police said that the statues would be handed over to the Archeological Department for further investigations.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage,

who is due to retire, met Army Commander Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake at the Army Headquarters. They had a cordial discussion and exchanged mementoes. A group of senior Army and Navy officials were present on the occasion.

This is the era where everyone is entrusted

with taking the motherland towards a free future, rescued from ruthless terrorism, to a peaceful and independent future with patriotism. Has anyone of us got a moral right to betray the heroic soldiers and the motherland for narrow political gains ? The motherland, which was suffering for decades under ruthless terrorism, is now experiencing peace due to the sacrifices made by the heroes of our time. Can we be ungrateful to forget the sacrifices made by the heroic soldiers who gave away their lives, limbs and blood to the motherland? It was the intelligence units which supported Army, Navy and Air Force, with accurate intelligence information, when they were engaged in the war. The nation has not forgotten the treacherous acts committed by the United National Front Government of 2002 which betrayed the intelligence units for narrow political gains. It was able to raid the safe house at the Athurugiriya Millennium City Housing Complex and to reveal the details of the heroic soldiers, enabling the LTTE to assassinate them. Many valuable lives of the intelligence officials were lost due to that betrayal. The second phase of that betrayal is now being enacted. UNP Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera has begun to reveal the details of present Heads and Members of Intelligence units with the aim of getting narrow political gains. We do not understand the benefit to the nation by revealing intelligence officials to the world by Mr. Samaraweera. However it would be beneficial to the LTTE diaspora and pro-terrorist elements in the world who are trying to take revenge from the heroic soldiers. It was not only Mr. Mangala Samaraweera but several other UNP strong men made statements to de-motivate the heroic soldiers when the war was on a decisive stage. Some strong men of the UNP at present are going against the opinion of Mr. Samaraweera in the face of the protest of the people about the betrayal of Mr. Mangala Samaraweera which is endangering the lives of heroic soldiers for the second time. Meanwhile all religious leaders protesting against the betrayal of Mr. Samaraweera say that the protection of soldiers and intelligence officials, is a duty of the nation.

Meanwhile Police have launched investigations into the complaint lodged at the Mirihana Police stating that the statement of Mr. Magala Samaraweera has endangered the lives of heroic soldiers.

The Nawalapitiya forest officials have detected

a major timber racket committed using forged documents. The racket has been done by using forged documents, letterheads and rubber stamps of the Timber Corporation officials. The forged documents showed that the timber had been purchased from the Timber Corporation. Nawalapitiya forest officials have detected the racket when the timber was being transported in a lorry. The Nawalapitya Police have assisted to arrest the suspects.

A massive crowd has come to watch the musical show

organized in connection with the 35th Anniversary of the Independent Television Network. The musical show was organized in connection with the 35th Anniversary of the ITN, the pioneer television channel in the country, was held last night at the Galle Face Green in Colombo. “Flash Back” music band led by Roshan Fernando backed the artists. “Sensation” dancing troop added colour to the show. Fort Police and Sri Lanka Ports Authority assisted to hold the event. A massive crowd including Chairman of ITN – Rosmand Senaratne, Board Members Hasheem Omar and J. Devapiran, General Manager Aruna Wijesinghe and other officials were present on the occasion.

The heroic soldiers were able to permanently silence

the brutal LTTE terrorists which was predicted by many as undefeatable. It was a result of many sacrifices. If not the motherland would have continued to be under the curse of terrorism. Two heroic soldiers were killed when LTTE attack them with small firearms in Jaffna, Wethilakeiney area on 29th June 1992. LTTE terrorists exploded a landmine in Trincomalee, Thiriyaya area on 29th June 1995, taking the lives of six heroic soldiers. On 29th June 1998, LTTE terrorists launched an attacked in Vavuniya and four heroic soldiers sacrificed their lives. Several terrorists attacks took place in Mannar and Palliyagodella areas killing five soldiers on 29th June 1999. Two sailors sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country when terrorists attacked a naval craft in Northern Sea on 29th June 2008. The brutal terrorism was ended on 18th May 2009, at Nandikadal lagoon. By that day on 29th June, 29 people including 27 heroic soldiers and two innocent civilians had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the motherland. The brave leadership of Commander in Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to eradicate the brutal LTTE terrorism which was said to be non-achievable by many. The heroic soldiers who marched forward on accurate directions of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapksa taught the lesson of eradicating terrorism to the world. Even after the victory which stunned the world, the peoples’ leader has been able to teach a new lesson to the world. He has been able to do so by ending the tradition of sending home the soldiers by paying them a compensation after a war. The present Government led by the peoples’ leader has been able to look after the disabled soldiers under the patronage of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The peoples’ leader has been able to teach a new lesson to the world by eternally looking after the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their limbs on behalf of us. As the peoples’ channel ITN says over and over again never to forget the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives on behalf of us.

The Defence Ministry has directed officials to take stern action against those who instigate racism over face book, twitter and other social media. It has been found during the past few days that certain people publicize false information through social media provoking the public. It has also been observed that some are selectively targeted and false accusations are made against them without any responsibility. It is said that such activities contribute to instigate racism and to create hatred against various people in the society. The laws preventing such extremist activities are existing even at present. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has directed security authorities to take stern action against those who instigate racism.

Thousands of people have joined the co-existence walk with the participation of all religious leaders. Religious Leaders representing all religions joined the walk which commenced near the Galle Face Green. Police Headquarters had organized the walk depicting reconciliation among the people. Followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism and Islam who came from various parts of the Island said that the religious amity should be further strengthened. The walk commenced from Galle Face Green and ended at Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple. Religious Leaders conducted several sermons.

The inaugural procession of Ruhunu-Kataragama Maha Devalaya will tour the streets tonight. The inaugural procession of the historic Ruhunu Kataragma Maha Devalaya will commence tonight at the auspicious time of 7.45 p.m. The procession is scheduled to arrive at Walli Amma Devalaya through the main street and return to the Maha Devalaya following the traditions. Devotees belonging to all religions were scheduled to hoist the flag this evening at the mosque situated at the Kataragama sacred area. The procession of Kataragama which has a history of 1900 years, is conducted with the participation of all communities. All measures are in place for the procession under the patronage of Basnayaka Nilame of Kataragama Maha Devalaya Shashendra Rajapaksa.

The mega musical show organized in connection with the 35th Anniversary of the Independent Television Network, the pioneer of local television, will be held tonight at Galle Face Green in a grand scale. One of the leading musical bands in the country “Flash Back” will provide music for the many artists who would take to the stage tonight. The main sponsor of the event is CDB Leasing while Rathi, Abans, Purit-Unilever and Coca-Cola are the other sponsors. We invite you to be there to experience this mega musical show.

Gems and jewellery stolen from a shop at Bentara, has been found in Ratnapura. Elpitiya Unresolved Crimes Division officials have arrested suspects along with a part of gems and jewellery stolen on the 15th of this month from a shop in Bentara. The value of the gems and jewellery found is about 1.8 million rupees. Elpitiya Police said that investigations are continuing to arrest several more suspects on information provided by the suspects who are under custody.

The installation ceremony of Free Trade Zone Toast Masters Club was held in Seeduwa. Chief Guest of the ceremony was Divisional Governor of the Western Province Niroshan Motha. The Executive Committee plans the meetings and maps and steers the course of the club for next year. The Free Trade Zone Toast Masters Club has performed well in the education year 2013/2014 and they were able to achieve highest status by winning the Golden Gavel Plus award, at the ovation 2013/2014 Annual Conference of Toast Masters International District 82 at Goa India recently. Many officials were present on the occasion.

People who had become victims of terrorism were rescued due to the enormous sacrifices made by the heroic soldiers led by the Commander in Chief. If not, no one could have been able to prevent the country becoming a playground for terrorism. Three soldiers sacrificed their lives in Trincomalee when LTTE terrorists attacked them on 28th June 1986. An ambush by terrorists on 28th June 1992 took the lives of 8 soldiers in Jaffna – Wethhilakeiney. On 28th June 1995, LTTE terrorists launched several attacks. 107 heroic soldiers sacrificed their lives in Mandathivu Island while providing security for the people in the area. On the same day terrorists launched several attacks at Poonarine, Badulla junction and Kebithigollewa killing 15 soldiers. LTTE terrorists inhumanly hacked to death 6 innocent Tamil civilians at Mandathive frightening the whole area. On 28th June 1999 LTTE terrorists launched a motor attack at Yodawewa area killing 2 soldiers. 2 innocent civilians were shot dead by LTTE pistol gang on 28th June 2000, in Batticaloe. 4 heroic soldiers sacrificed their lives due to LTTE bomb attacks at Nawathurai and Palavi areas on 28th June 2007. The brutal terrorism was ended at Nandikadal lagoon on 18th May 2009. By that day on 28th June LTTE terrorists had taken the lives of 158 including 149 heroic soldiers and 9 innocent civilians. The brave leadership of Commander in Chief and President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to eradicate terrorism which the whole world said it could not be ended. Even after the victory which stunned the world, the peoples’ leader has been able to teach a new lesson to the world. He has been able to do so by ending the tradition of sending home the soldiers by paying them a compensation after a war. The present Government led by the peoples’ leader has been able to look after the disabled soldiers under the patronage of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The peoples’ leader has been able to teach a new lesson to the world by eternally looking after the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their limbs on behalf of us. As the peoples’ channel ITN says over and over again never to forget the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives on behalf of us.

America is a documentary movie directed by Dinesh D’Souza.

America is more important to the world than we could ever imagine. A story that imagines that the United States lost the Revolutionary War and therefore never existed.

The movie will be theatrically released on the 2nd of next month.

America is a documentary movie directed by Dinesh D’Souza.

America is more important to the world than we could ever imagine. A story that imagines that the United States lost the Revolutionary War and therefore never existed.

The movie will be theatrically released on the 2nd of next month.

Chinese second-seed Li Na suffered a shock third round exit at Wimbledon after going down 7-6, 7-6 to the Czech Republic’s Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

The Australian Open champion has never felt comfortable on the slick lawns of the All England Club, with her best showing being three quarter-final appearances in eight visits. She is the highest seed to fall so far at this year’s championships.

It is knockout time at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. A South American blockbuster of a day awaits, with hosts Brazil taking on Chile and Colombia facing Uruguay.

Chile, whom many have tipped to do well, are set for their stiffest test of the tournament so far when they play a Neymar-inspired Brazil. The hosts started slowly but produced an exceptional performance against Cameroon in their final Group A game to secure top spot. From Belo Horizonte we go to Rio de Janeiro, where the eye-catching Colombians take on the feisty Uruguayans, who will be without their controversial star man Luis Suarez. The Colombians have delighted crowds with their cut-throat counter attacking, led by Monaco’s James Rodriguez and Porto’s Jackson Martinez.

The Maldives is seeking Sri Lanka’s support to develop its defence services.

The meeting between President Rajapaksa and Maldivian Defence Minister Col (Ret.) Mohamed Nazim was held at the Tourist Resort in the Kurumba Island.

The defence situation between the two countries was discussed at length during the bilateral discussions held between the President and the Maldivian Defence Minister. At this meeting the Maldivian Defence Minister sought from the Sri Lankan President the support to acquire knowledge, training and other facilities needed to the develop the defence services in the Maldivian State. He emphasized to President Rajapaksa the immediate need to fulfil the needs of several sectors within the Defence Services. Sri Lanka is already imparting military training to the Maldives.

In addition to the assistance provided in various areas including the training of soldiers, President Rajapaksa agreed to look into other requests and assist Maldives in whatever possible manner.

While thanking Sri Lanka for its support in developing Maldives’ defence sector, Col. Nazim appreciated Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s contribution. As two countries located in the Indian Ocean, he said this kind of cooperation will not only help each other but it will also help maintain stability in the region. The Defence Minister outlined some of the areas with which Maldives hopes Sri Lanka could assist, including search and rescue operations in the sea, disaster management, preventing sea pollution, education and training for Maldives soldiers.

Col. Nazim further said that Maldives has formed a special unit to protect the country from certain international forces attempting to destabilize nations. The Defence Minister requested Sri Lanka’s assistance in providing air combat training for this unit, to which President Rajapaksa agreed. The Maldivian Minister further requested to explore the possibility of Sri Lanka manufacturing boats for the Maldivian coast guard and sought assistance from the Bank of Ceylon to obtain credit facilities for this purpose.

President Rajapaksa concludes his tour of the Maldives after receive a very warm welcome and holding a series of productive talks. He left for a state visit to the Seychelles from Male.

President Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa, who arrived in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport on Thursday, were warmly received by the Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the Maldivian First Lady. President Rajapaksa and the First Lady arrived in a boat parade from the airport to the main jetty in the capital Malé and were accorded a red carpet welcome.

President Rajapaksa was accorded a 21-gun salute by the National Defense Force of Maldives. Maldivian officials said President Rajapaksa is the only foreign leader after the Queen Elizabeth to receive such a grand welcome in the Maldives.

Presidents of Sri Lanka and Maldives held a one-to-one meeting on the same day of arrival, followed by official bilateral discussions between the delegations of both countries. The Presidential International Media Unit said that during the discussion, a number of matters of mutual interest were discussed and several agreements reached. Three agreements were signed in the presence of the two Presidents.

President Rajapaksa also met the former President of Maldives, the Maldivian Defence Minister as well as the Foreign Minister and had discussions.

Ending a successful visit to the Maldives, the President left Male for the Seychelles this morning. During his stay in Seychelles, the President will hold bilateral discussions with Seychelles President James Michel and is also scheduled to open the Sri Lankan Embassy in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles.

The Rajarata University has been temporarily closed. A group of students who surrounded the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University had prevented him from leaving his office last night. The decision to close the University has been taken due to the actions of the students.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ranjith Wijewardena said that the students had detained him even without permitting him to take his dinner last night.

The Vice Chancellor said that they were taken hostage from last afternoon. They were even not permitted to leave the office in the night. The students were surrounding their office and even did not permit to get down food. Also power supplies were disconnected. He said that students cannot be permitted to run the institutions according to their whims and fancies.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama said that this situation had surfaced as a result of the initiatives by a handful of students.

Prof. Hirumburegama said that the situation which prevailed at the Rajarata University from yesterday was very pathetic. Its only a handful of students that were causing chaos and paralyzing the studies of the other children. Prof. Hirimburegama said that any disputes should be sorted out through discussions. Except for some minor incidents, the University network was operating smoothly. She said that the entire network is impacted due to the behavior of a group of students.

This year’s G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will commence on the 05th of August. The Grade Five Scholarship Examination is scheduled to be held on August 17th.

The time schedule for this year’s Advanced Level Examination and the Grade Five Scholarship Examination has been announced.

Accordingly this year’s GCE Advanced Level is scheduled to begin on the 05th of August and continue until the 29th. 234 thousand 197 school candidates have applied for the Examination. The number of private candidates is 62,134. Accordingly, Examinations Commissioner General W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara said that the total number of candidates scheduled to sit the Advanced Level Examination is 296 thousand 331. He said that admission cards for the Advanced Level Examination is scheduled to be mailed before the 10th of next month.

Meanwhile, plans have already been drawn up to conduct the Grade Five Scholarship Examination on the 17th of August. There will be 334 thousand 662 candidates sitting this Examination.

Switzerland has said that freedom and happiness in the North were consolidated due to the dawn of peace. The Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka emphasized that this honour should go to the Sri Lankan Government.

Ambassador of Switzerland Thomas Litscher made this reference when he met Northern Governor G.A. Chandrasiri after a tour of the North. Their meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Jaffna. Massive development can be witnessed in the North since the end of the conflict. Some are making various statements on the situation prevailing in the North. But the Swiss diplomat said he could be satisfied with the environment prevailing in the North. Civilian life has fully returned to normalcy. As such the Government pointed out to the Swiss Ambassador that the extent of development achieved within a short span since ending the war cannot be neglected. The Swiss diplomat assured assistance from his Government for more development projects in the North.

Sri Lanka soars 41 places to rank 74 in UN e-Government Development Index.

Sri Lanka has advanced to the 74th position, making the biggest progress by a member country from its preceding ranking in the 2014 United Nations eGovernment Development Index (eGDI).

At the preceding survey determining the eGDI which was in 2012 Sri Lanka’s position out of 193 countries was 115. Thus the 2014 United Nations eGDI of Sri Lanka is a jump traversing 41 positions.

The rank reached by Sri Lanka out of 193 countries also places it within the first half of the highest ranked countries as well as the in the first position out of South Asian countries. The Maldives is at the 94th position.

The 2014 UN – eGov Development Index Report said the Sri Lankan Government has made a substantial effort to develop its online portal which now ranks 74th in the world. The online portal offers A-Z government web indexes, 108 e-services for citizens, 51 e-services for businesses and 10 non-residence related e-services. The portal also offers extensive mobile and SMS services, an e-participation portal, government forms easily accessible online, a developed open data portal with data available in various formats, as well as a whole-of-government strategy.

E-government describes the use of technologies to facilitate the operation of government and the disbursement of government information and services. e-Government, short for electronic government, deals heavily with Internet and non-internet applications to aid in governments.

The Economic Development Ministry has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme to support the Divi Neguma Livelihood Development Programme to withstand climate related shocks.

The agreement was signed between Ministry Secretary, Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka and UNDP Country Director, Sri Lanka Razina Bilgrami to implement a four year project worth 410 million. It will strengthen the existing government investments in rural livelihood development.

The project titled, “Strengthening the Resilience of Post Conflict Recovery and Development to Climate Change Risks in Sri Lanka,’ will focus on building models of climate change adaptation in three districts- Puttalam, Kurunegala and Ratnapura.

The project seeks to address the climate-related problems such as frequent drought, floods, landslides and coastal storms, posing a serious threat to the government’s objective of developing strong rural economies to bridge the urban-rural income disparity, particularly in post conflict zones.

Many development projects are being implemented within the Uva Province, while mobile services are being successfully organized to address issues of the people.

A community-centred health development programme was held at the Kalubululanda Maha Vidyalaya in parallel to the Village to Village and House to House Community Mobile Service Programme. It was organized by the Welimada MOH Office on the instructions of the Badulla Regional Health Services Director’s Office.

Free Medical Clinics were held and treatment provided for the residents of the area. Many Eye and Dental Clinics were held. A large gathering patronized in these programmes.

The massive destruction unleashed during the era in which the country was plagued by terrorism is inestimable. Also the number of lives grabbed by the ruthless terrorists is also unaccounted for.

This features refreshes the memories of the incidents that happened on 27th June during the dark era.

The lives grabbed by the tiger terrorists on 27th June are being reminisced in this dark memories episode. The terrorists who planted a bomb in the Puliyankulam area took away the lives of three war heroes on 27th June 1987. The terrorists launched a series of attacks in the Hulan-nuge and Lahugala areas on 27th June 1991 targeting the civilians. 18 innocent villagers were killed in these ruthless terrorist attacks.

Heavy fighting raged between the war heroes and the tiger terrorists in the Vavuniya area on 27th June 1992. Three war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland as a result of this attack. On the same day the terrorists unleashed a powerful mortar attack in the Vettilaikerni area. Three war heroes were killed in this incident.

Again in the year 1999 on a day like today, four war heroes lost their lives in a clash which erupted between the soldiers and the terrorists in the Irattaperiyakulam area. Demented by the heavy defeats suffered, the tiger terrorists targeted an attack at a group of innocent civilians in the Mailambaweli area on 27th June 2006. Three civilians died in this terrorist attack.

In the year 2007 also on a day like today, the terrorists mooted an RPG attack on a group of war heroes within the Avaranthalawa area. Four brave soldiers made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland.

Accordingly, the number of lives grabbed by the ruthless tiger terrorists on 27th June throughout the dark period was 62. It included 24 civilians. The other 38 were members of the Security Forces who gave up their lives on behalf of the motherland. President Rajapaksa, who is also the Commander in Chief succeeded in uprooting the ruthless tiger terrorism which the world claimed as indomitable, due to his unflinching leadership.

Forces advanced in the humanitarian operations under the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and succeeded in ending the coerciveness of the terrorists, enthroning genuine freedom in the country and providing a fitting lesson to the entire world.

Even after achieving this magnanimous victory unprecedented across the globe, the President succeeded in providing another. Usually it is the tradition of countries to compensate a soldier who waged a war and send him home. But President Rajapaksa deviated from this tradition giving another superb lesson to the world.

The President and the current Government have taken the necessary initiatives to inject new life to the war heroes who were rendered totally disabled on behalf of the nation. This programme is being mooted on a concept of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Yesterday’s war hero is a heroic soldier today. As such the people’s leader has succeeded in looking after them for sacrificing their eyes, hands and limbs. As a result of which all communities are now enjoying unbridled freedom.

As the Family Channel we always repeat this fervent appeal to the nation in this dark era episode not to forget these heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.

“Our two countries have been very good neighbours for a long time. We do not approve undue external pressure over countries. That is why the Maldives consistently stood for Sri Lanka at international fora. We will continue to do so in shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka.” This was emphasized by Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The Maldivian President laid this emphasis joining in an official discussion with President Rajapaksa and his delegation. The talks were held at the President’s Office in Male.

The Maldivian leader said that their countries have been subjected to harassments and too much foreign intervention. This should stop. He said that they should stand together in this respect.

We see that Maldives progressing ahead with a new vigor. Maldives’ role in SAARC is commendable. President Rajapaksa thanked Maldives for supporting Sri Lanka at international fora. President Rajapaksa pointed out that friendship and cooperation among South Asian countries will not only be beneficial to the countries in the region but also helps world peace and stability. He said they should speak in same voice at a common platform.

President Rajapaksa identified certain areas of cooperation including the development of hospital service in Maldives, education, scholarships, youth development, sports, vocational training, culture, crime prevention, security and military training.

The Maldivian leader said they experience a huge shortage of doctors and the lack of specialists was a big problem. As such he sought help from President Rajapaksa who readily agreed to it.

It was revealed at this meeting that the pension issue of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Maldives had been sorted out. The discussion was joined by many Parliamentarians of both countries.

Meanwhile, Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathima Ibrahim hosted a banquet last night in honour of President Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa and their delegation. The banquet was hosted at the Tourist Resort of the Kurumba Islands. It was attended by a distinguished gathering from both countries. Maldivian songs and dances added colour to the event.

No one can forget the priceless services discharged by the war heroes to enthrone genuine freedom in the country vanquishing terrorism.

United National Party Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera has got involved in committing the mortal sin of a mass betrayal of such valiant soldiers.

This directly amounts to fulfilling the needs of the Tamil Diaspora which supports the tiger terrorists.

The outstanding services discharged behind the scenes by the intelligence officers with self-sacrifices to the priceless tasks of the heroic soldiers to bring to a halt the cruel war are countless. The intelligence sleuths are operating round the clock to safeguard the country sans any political involvement. Their dedications are a gift to the country. It was not only today that the United National Party betrayed such heroic soldiers.

UNP authorities disclosed not only to the country but also to the world about the Millennium City Quarters when the ruthless war was battering the country.

Can anyone forget the history of the killing of the Intelligence Officers by the tiger terrorists as a result of this Millennium City revelation by the UNP? The UNP has such a history. Isn’t it the revelation of names of Intelligence Officers who are dedicated to protecting the country even today another mass betrayal and going against the country?

What the UNP Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera is now engaged in is fulfilling the objectives of the Tamil Diaspora for the resuscitation of the LTTE terrorism in the country.

Also isn’t it the opinion of the entire United National Party that is being portrayed in the statements made by Mangala Samaraweera.

When the great war heroes after ending the cruel terrorism which plagued the country for 30 years captured Thoppigala, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe could not bear it. As such he saw this location as a forest area.

Following suit UNP Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella claimed that any bull could wage war, belittling the victories achieved by the war heroes.

It was also the same with another tiger loyalist UNP Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake. He too could not bear the triumph of the war heroes. He too undermined their victories.

It is not a surprise for the country the efforts made by the UNP which has such a history of betraying the Intelligence Officers who are totally dedicated to safeguarding the country. We are ready to unconditionally reveal to the country about the massive betrayal being made by Mangala Samaraweera, who joined the United National Party, collaborating with the Non-Governmental Organizations against the country and also the Tamil Diaspora loyal to the tigers. Mangala Samaraweera is well known to be a character which is against the country in the past as well as in the present. We are ready to reveal more information about him in the future.

46 Indian fishermen who were in Sri Lankan custody have been released. These Indian fishermen from Rameshwaram and Podukkottai had strayed into Sri Lankan waters from 11 boats. As a result they were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. These Indian fishermen were detained in the Jaffna prison following Court orders. They were produced in the Kayts and Mannar Courts yesterday. These 46 fishermen were ordered to be handed over to the Indian Navy. The ruling on the seizure of the boats from these fishermen are due to be given tomorrow.

Today is the eighth death anniversary of Lt. Gen. Parami Kulatunge who was killed in a brutal LTTE terrorist bomb attack. Born in the year 1951, Parami Kulatunge had his academic studies at Trinity College in Kandy. He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 20th July 1971 and was appointed as Second Lieutenant after his basic training. Parami Kulatunge while holding many senior Portfolios in the Sri Lanka Army including the 22nd Brigade Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, rendered yeoman service fulfilling his responsibilities on behalf of the unity of the motherland and eliminating terrorism. Ranasoora, Vishishta Seva Bushana, Utthama Seva and Deshaputhra are the main military decorations he had received. He represented Sri Lanka at many Defence Seminars abroad discharging the valuable task of portraying the brutality of LTTE terrorism to the world. The significant task discharged by Parami Kulatunge in the liberation of the Jaffna Peninsula from the LTTE terrorists during his 35 years of service was an indelible mark registered in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. Parami Kulatunge was killed in an LTTE suicide attack at Pannipitiya in the year 2006, while he was holding the third highest post in the Sri Lanka Army. He will be remembered as a man with a heart by his peers and a grateful nation for the major roles he played in liberating the country from the terrorists. The country would have been deprived of more loyalists if the ruthless terrorists were not routed from the motherlands following the unflinching leadership of Commander in Chief President Rajapaksa.

Many assumed that the LTTE was indomitable. But the war heroes succeeded in routing this outfit due their bravery and courage.

The flames of terrorism would have burnt the entire country, causing astronomical damage, if this scourge was not eliminated root and branch.

The tiger terrorists lurking in the Vavuniya area mooted an attack targeting war heroes on 26th June 1990, killing five soldiers. Again the ruthless terrorists lying in ambush unleashed a heinous assault on 26th June 1992 targeting the war heroes. As a result six war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the unity of the country.

The terrorists reeling from successive defeats, stormed into the Kayankeni area on 26th June 1995 aiming for another brutal assault. They opened fire at a group of war heroes and thus took away the valuable lives of five brave soldiers.

Two more war heroes who were according security to civilians in the Mannar area were killed by the tiger terrorists on 26th June 1996. In the year 1997 on a day like today several terrorist attacks were mooted at the war heroes within the Vavuniya and Manthottam areas. The terrorists killed seven war heroes in these assaults.

The next target of the terrorists was Vavuniya. In this assault unleashed on 26th June 1998, the terrorists took away the lives of four war heroes. On 26th June 1999, another gruesome assault was mooted by the tiger terrorists targeting a group of war heroes who had joined the Ranagosa Operation. 24 valiant soldiers gave up their valuable lives in this attack on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

In the year 2000 on a day like today the terrorists took away the lives of four more war heroes mooting a ruthless attack in the Chavakachcheri area. On 26th June 2008, two brave soldiers had to sacrifice their lives on behalf of the motherland following an attack mooted at Janakapura in the Welioya area.

Terrorism which plagued the country in this manner causing massive destruction and shedding blood was brought to an end from the Nanthikadal Lagoon enthroning enduring peace. By then the terrorists had taken away a total of 67 lives on 26th June throughout the fear psychosis period. It included two civilians. The other 65 were members of the Security Forces who battled and gave up their lives on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

The Commander in Chief President Rajapaksa succeeded in defeating militarily the ruthless terrorist outfit which was assumed by the world as indomitable and proving that there was no room for a resurgence of terrorism.

Forces advanced in the humanitarian operations under the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and succeeded in ending the coerciveness of the terrorists, enthroning genuine freedom in the country and providing a fitting lesson to the entire world.

Even after achieving this magnanimous victory unprecedented across the globe, the President succeeded in providing another. Usually it is the tradition of countries to compensate a soldier who waged a war and send him home. But President Rajapaksa deviated from this tradition giving another superb lesson to the world.

The President and the current Government have taken the necessary initiatives to inject new life to the war heroes who were rendered totally disabled on behalf of the nation. This programme is being mooted on a concept of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Yesterday’s war hero is a heroic soldier to-date. As such the people’s leader has succeeded in looking after them for sacrificing their eyes, hands and limbs as a result of which all communities are now enjoying unbridled freedom.

As the Family Channel we always repeat this fervent appeal to the nation in this dark era episode not to forget these heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.

President Rajapaksa begins an official tour of the Maldives.

The President was accorded a very warm welcome on his arrival in the Maldives.

President Rajapaksa left the island this afternoon on a four day official tour of the Maldives and Seychelles. The President and First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa reached the Ibrahim Naseer International Airport this afternoon.

The President and the First Lady were warmly greeted at the Airport by the Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathima Ibrahim. There was a 21 gun salute accorded on behalf of the President by the National Deence Force of the Maldives. It was followed by a military parade after the rendering of the National Anthems of the two countries. There was a colourful event presented by school children of the Maldives.

Thereafter the President and his delegation were conducted to the President’s Office in Male in a cultural procession.

President Rajapaksa during his official stay in the Maldives will have bilateral discussions with his Maldivian counterpart. It will be followed by official talks between the two leaders. Several agreements with respect to health and investments are due to be inked. Former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is also slated to meet President Rajapaksa.

The Maldivian President will hold a banquet in honour of President Rajapaksa and the First Lady. After the visit to the Maldives, President Rajapaksa will leave for Seychelles on an official tour.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris and S.B. Dissanayake, Parliamentarians Sajin Vass Gunawardena, A.H.M. Aswer and Uditha Lokubandara, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne are the other members of the delegation.

The Ven. Delduwe Gnanasumana Thera has said that Sri Lanka

has entered a golden era which had so far not been witnessed in history. He said everyone should unite to further carry forward this religious, societal as well as cultural development.

A ceremony to felicitate the Chef Incumbent of the Kalapaluwawa Sri Dharma Vihare in Rajagiriya, the Ven. Delduwe Gnanasumana Thera was held at Temple Trees under the patronage of President Rajapaksa. The Ven. Gnanasumana Thera is the pioneer of the Vishwa Shakthi programme. The function was organized marking 50 years of his life as a Buddhist monk.

Delivering a special Anusasana, the Venerable Thera said that everyone should identify their responsibilities and work accordingly. The Ven. Gnanasumana Thera emphasized that the victories achieved by the country along with the outstanding mega development drive since routing terrorism should be maintained as it is in the future.

He pointed out that the nation is now having a feeling towards the country which had hitherto not been witnessed. The prelate mentioned that such a situation has surfaced mainly due to examples endowed to the nation by an exemplary Head of State.

Ven Gnanasumana Thera said claimed that he had not seen any era in Sri Lanka as successful as the governing period of President Rajapaksa. He blessed the President who completed the war and is working towards the development of the country.

The Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera also delivered an Anusasana. Members of the Maha Sangha including Registrar of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya the Ven. Matale Dhammakusala Nayake Thera and a delegation from Japan and London were present at this felicitation ceremony.

Defence Sectors have emphasized that Intelligence Officers are there on behalf

of national security and not on behalf of meeting political objectives. This was emphasized by Brig. Ruwan Wanigasuriya at a news conference held at the Media Centre of the Defence Ministry.

The Brigadier was responding to a query raised by a journalist at the news conference with regard to an accusation made by United National Party Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera that Intelligence Officers were working to fulfil political aims.

Brig. Ruwan Wanigasuriya at a news conference yesterday revealed of a plan to divulge information of intelligence officers similar to the Millennium City mass betrayal and made a request not to engage in such activities. But before the lapse of several hours, United National Party Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera without heeding to this request, summoning a news briefing made such a revelation accusing intelligence officers of acting based on political aims. Brig. Wanigasuriya at today’s news conference totally rejected the accusations made by Mangala Saramaweera that intelligence officers were working to fulfil political objectives.

The first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force in preparation

of the State Visit by His Holiness Pope Francis to Sri Lanka was held at the External Affairs Ministry yesterday.

Pope Francis is scheduled to begin his visit to Sri Lanka on the 13th of January next year. He will be in the island until the 15th. All arrangements regarding the State Visit of His Holiness the Pope were discussed comprehensively at this meeting.

It was agreed that a further discussion would take place with the advance team from the Vatican due to visit Sri Lanka next week. The first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force was held under the patronage of Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi and Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Charitha Herath were present at this discussion. Also Ministry Secretaries including Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Dr. Nihal Jayatilake and Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Dhammika Perera and a group including Senior State officials were present at this meeting.

The Bharatiya Janatha Party Leader has called on the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

to meet the Sri Lankan President to solve the recurring fishermen’s issue.

According to India’s Financial Express newspaper, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo to work out a compromise to resolve the recurring issue of the arrest of Indian fishermen.

In a statement, Dr. Swamy also called upon Jayalalithaa to visit Jaffna in Sri Lanka. He said that the Tamil residents in Jaffna were objecting to what they claimed was poaching by Indian fishermen in areas near Jaffna Peninsula. He further claimed that Indian fishermen were invariably crossing the international medial border line in the Gulf of Mannar.

Dr. Swamy’s statement follows a letter from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his personal intervention for securing the release of all Indian fishermen jailed by the island nation for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters.

Vasantham TV, the sister channel of Independent Television Network

commemorates its Fifth Anniversary. Many programmes have been launched to mark the event.

Vasantham TV, as a sister Channel of ITN embarked on its journey on 25th June 2009 to entertain the Tamil speaking fraternity within the Northern and Eastern Provinces, mainly after they were battered in the face of brutal activities of the LTTE terrorists.

Another objective of this Channel was to meet the Television media needs of the Tamil speaking community in other parts of the country. Vasantham TV during the last five years succeeded in attracting a large number of viewers to link particularly the polity of the North and the South who were deserted as a result of terrorism with the world. Accordingly, Vasantham TV succeeded in taking the lead among all other Tamil media TV Channels within this short period. It did not limit itself purely to providing entertainment to the viewers, but also had a variety of programmes dealing with culture, religion and education. Also within this short period it had succeeded in being feted with a number of Awards.

A special Pooja was held at the Vishnu Kovil in Mutwal to mark the Fifth Anniversary of Vasantham TV. Independent Television Network Chairman Rosmand Senaratne, Board of Directors member J. Devapiran, General Manager Aruna Wijesinghe and Deputy Directors General as well as the members of the Staff joined in this Pooja. More special programmes were organized to mark the Vasantham TV Anniversary.

Dates of the Annual Kandy Esala Perahera Festival have been announced.

Diyawadana Nilame of the Kandy historic Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela officially announced the dates of the Annual Festival of the Kandy historic Sri Dalada Maligawa at a special conference held at the Ran Ayudha Mandapaya of the Maligawa.

Accordingly, the proceedings of the Festival will begin after the planting of Kap at the four Devales at the auspicious time of 8 am on the 27th of next month. The Kumbal Perahera will be held from the 01st to the 05th of August. It will be followed by the Randoli Perahera to be held from the 06th to the 09th of August.

The final Randoli Perahera will parade the streets on August 10th. The Water Cutting ceremony will be held the following day with the day Perahera, drawing to a close the Esala Festival.

Prof. Sudarshan Seneviratne has been appointed

as Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner to India.

Sudarshan Seneviratne received the letter of appointment as the new High Commissioner to India from President Rajapaksa at temple Trees. He received his academic studies from Ananda College in Colombo and had served as the Head of the Archaeology Study Division of the Peradeniya University.

He secured his Honorary Degree from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in India. Prof. Seneviratne has authored around 75 books.

The people who had been battered by the 30-year-old war can

well remember that dark era. The number of lives taken away by the terrorists during this dark period are inestimable.

The atrocious activities carried out by these merciless terrorists are being reminisced in these episodes of the dark memories.

The LTTE outfit intensified its terrorist activities in the North and East by the year 1986. The attacks unleashed by the terrorists were also intensified. In 1986 on a day like today the terrorists massacred 16 innocent Sinhala civilians by planting a bomb in a vehicle.

On 25th June 1992, these barbaric tiger terrorists unleashed a mortar attack in the Palaly area. As a result three war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland. Heavy fighting raged on 25th June 1997 in the Periyamadu area between the tiger terrorists and the members of the Security Forces who were engaged in a humanitarian operation. The terrorists suffered heavy damages in these skirmish. The country was also deprived of the valuable services of 83 war heroes, while the gallant soldiers achieved success in this operation. Mankulam was the next target of the terrorists.

They mooted a mortar attack on 25th June 1998. Three war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country in this incident. Eight more war heroes gave up their lives for the unity of the motherland in another terrorist attack in Odduvil North on 25th June in the year 2001.

Terrorism which was fast spreading like a pestilence and which plagued the country for 30 years had taken away a total of 126 lives on 25th June throughout the dark era. This included 19 innocent civilians. There other 107 were war heroes who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the unity of the motherland.

President Rajapaksa as the Commander in Chief succeeded in routing the LTTE terrorists from the Nanthikadal Lagoon at Wellamulliwaikkal without yielding to external pressures due to his unwavering leadership. This was the very same outfit that the world considered indomitable.

Forces advanced in the humanitarian operations under the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and succeeded in ending the coerciveness of the terrorists, enthroning genuine freedom in the country and providing a fitting lesson to the entire world.

Even after achieving this magnanimous victory unprecedented across the globe, the President succeeded in providing another. Usually it is the tradition of countries to compensate a soldier who waged a war and send him home. But President Rajapaksa deviated from this tradition giving another superb lesson to the world.

The President and the current Government have taken the necessary initiatives to inject new life to the war heroes who were rendered totally disabled on behalf of the nation. This programme is being mooted on a concept of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Yesterday’s war hero is a heroic soldier to-date. As such the people’s leader has succeeded in looking after them for sacrificing their eyes, hands and limbs as a result of which all communities are now enjoying unbridled freedom.

As the Family Channel we always repeat this fervent appeal to the nation in this dark era episode not to forget these heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.