More gravy for politicos’ relatives

Youth Affairs Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi’s husband Kanchana was very likely to top the Ratnapura UPFA list, political sources said. Although the top SLFP leadership had initially declined to accommodate the former Sub Inspector on the Ratnapura list, the minister managed to reverse the decision at the last moment, the sources said.Irrigation Minister Jayatissa Ranaweera’s son Ravindra, too, was among the 13 successful UPFA candidates, the sources said. Among the candidates fielded by the ruling coalition were nominees of the UNP Democratic Group. They included Amarakeerthi Atukorale, a coordinating secretary to C. A. Suriyaarachchi, non-Cabinet Minister of Land and Land Development. The UNP Democratic Group fielded three candidates in the Kegalle and two in Anuradhapura districts.Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Seneviratne’s son Dr. Parakrama Seneviratne and the minister’s son-in-law, too, contested the Kegalle district.Junior Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya’s first cousin who is also his coordinating secretary contested the Kegalle district.Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karaliyadde’s sister Kalyanawathie the present chairperson of the Kebitigollewa Pradeshiya Sabha contested the Anuradhapura district on the UPFA ticket.Former UNP Minister A. M. S. Adikari’s wife Rani contested the Anuradhapura district on the UNP ticket.

If UNP wants, General Election in 3 months - Dullas

Minister Dullas Alahapperuma today said today that if the UNP wants a general election now, the Goverment will go for one in three months.

We challenge Govt. to hold Gen. Election - Tissa

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake addressing a press conference today stated that compared to the 2004 Provincial Council elections the UNP vote base has increased while the Government vote base has decresed. "We challenge the govt to hold a general election instead of PC polls" he added.

Exceptional Beijing Olympics ends!

The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games was held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in northern Beijing at 8 p.m. today with a magnificent firework display, a display of fireworks that formed a huge circle in the sky which symbolized the complete success of the Beijing Games. The magnificent fireworks display quickly transformed into a beautifully choreographed display of dancing and drumming in traditional Chinese culture, circle is a symbol of perfection, harmony and renewal.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge speaking at the closing ceremony said, "The Beijing Olympic Games are truly exceptional Games." "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent," he said. He praised the athletes as "true role models" and thanked the people of China, all the volunteers and the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Summer Olympics in his speech.
At the Beijing Olympic Games, miracles were produced and dreams fulfilled. 38 world records have been refreshed at these Games. American swimmer Michael Phelps grabbed eight gold medals in the Beijing pool with seven fresh world records, while Jamaican Usain Bolt was double crowned in men's 100m and 200m sprint with record speeds. Their superb performance has excited the whole world.
The Olympic flag was handed to London mayor Boris Johnson on behalf of the 2012 hosts. London will host the 2012 Olympics.

C4 explosives detected in Grandpass

A stock of powerful C4 plastic explosives weighing eight kilograms with detonators and wires were recovered from a house in Henamulla Housing Scheme in Grandpass today.