Visiting the Vavuniya IDP camps: an uplifting experience, says Indian editor

The last phase of Sri Lanka’s low-intensity military conflict saw the elimination of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a military force. It simultaneously witnessed a poignant human drama in which some 300,000 Tamil civilians were rescued by force of arms from a terrorist organisation that, claiming to fight for their freedom, had no compunction in using them as a human shield.

Most of these internally displaced Sri Lankans are now housed and cared for by the government in transitional relief camps located in five demarcated zones of the 1500-acre Menik Farm on the outskirts of the town of Vavuniya in the mainland North. International concern has been expressed over the present condition and the future of these Tamil civilians, who include a large number of children, women, and senior citizens. source by: ada derana

Visiting the Vavuniya IDP camps: an uplifting experience, says Indian editor

The last phase of Sri Lanka’s low-intensity military conflict saw the elimination of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a military force. It simultaneously witnessed a poignant human drama in which some 300,000 Tamil civilians were rescued by force of arms from a terrorist organisation that, claiming to fight for their freedom, had no compunction in using them as a human shield.

Most of these internally displaced Sri Lankans are now housed and cared for by the government in transitional relief camps located in five demarcated zones of the 1500-acre Menik Farm on the outskirts of the town of Vavuniya in the mainland North. International concern has been expressed over the present condition and the future of these Tamil civilians, who include a large number of children, women, and senior citizens. source by: ada derana

Moves for a bus fare hike?

A prominent passenger bus owners’ union has reportedly told the media today (July 02) that they will have to increase bus fares as the government had increased diesel prices by Rs. 3.00.

But when Adaderana contacted a passenger bus owners’ union head immediately after the fuel price hike on Wednesday, he said that the increase would not be felt that bad by the bus operators and they might not decide on a fare hike.

However, the private bus operators’ union is to discuss the matter further and decide upon an increase in fares, it is reported.

Video of Michael Jackson's final rehearsal released

The video showing Michael Jackson rehearsing just two days before he died has been released to the media. Jackson sang "They Don't Care About Us" a song from his "HIStory" album and went through an energetic dance routine along with eight male dancers. source by : daily mirror.
Video: CNN
Updated @ 03/07/2009 07:54

Sri Lanka loan depends on Executive Board: IMF spokesperson

The award of a stand by loan for Sri Lanka by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is awaiting approval of its executive board, which is yet to set a date to consider the loan, IMF spokesperson Caroline Atkinson told reporters in Washington. She said discussions are continuing. Source by : daily mirror
Updated @ 03/07/2009 07:39

Welcome Asian Netball Champions

The Asian Netball Champions returned home this evening (July 01). The Sri Lankan netball team was welcomed by Sports Minister Bandula Basnayake and a special reception accorded by the Sports Ministry. This year, Sri Lankabeat reigning champions Singapore78 to 48 to become the Asian champions after eight years. The towering height and score machine behind this victory was Tharjani Shivalingam, whose height of over six feet helped to push up the scores for Sri Lanka. Source by : ada derana

Sri Lankan FM commences China visit

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama commenced a four day visit to China on Wednesday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, the Foreign Ministry said in a short statement.

Bogollagama will pay courtesy calls on Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Li Keqiang during his visit, said the statement.

The Sri Lankan foreign minister is scheduled to speak on "Post Conflict Sri Lanka and the Way ahead" at China Institute of International Studies.

He will also meet the business community and the Sri Lankan expatriate community in China during his visit.

Updated @ 01/07/2009 10:06 PM

Tamil govt will be formed in Lanka: MK

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday expressed hope that a government led by Tamils would be formed soon in Sri Lanka. He also said that the ailing Tamils in the island nation could at present get respite only through the Mahinda Rajapakse government. Source by : daily mirror
Updated @ 01/07/2009 06:48 PM