London, Oct.11 (ANI): Former England fast bowler, Ian Botham has slammed Sri Lanka for planning to send a second string for the Test series in England next summer because 13 seniors will be released to play in the big-money Indian Premier League.
Beefy believes the decision will make the two Test series a farce.
The Sun quoted him as saying: If I was totally honest, I feel it is a total waste of time. England has got the Ashes coming up and I think it is a bit of an insult to the English public to send a weakened side. It wasnt so long ago that England said they would send a weakened side to the ICC Champions Trophy and were threatened with a big fine. It seems maybe the authorities need to sit down and look at the congestion. I dont think England need to clutter up their itinerary unless Sri Lanka send a proper side,” he added.
Sri Lankas Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge has conceded the tour could be jeopardised by his decision to release their stars. He said: I told Sri Lanka Cricket to release the 13 IPL-contracted players and select a team with the remaining group of players, who are also equally talented, for the England tour. If there is any problem it should discussed and sorted out. (ANI)
Action with a heart Headline Animator
Saturday, October 11, 2008
LTTE Deputy Sea Tiger leader killed?
LTTE Deputy Sea Tiger Leader "Chelian" and 2 others are believed killed in a claymore attack on his vehicle in un-cleared areas, Defence sources said. However the LTTE is yet to confirm it.
President with ex-eastern and northern warlords
President Mahinda Rajapaksa discussing a point with TMVP leader Vinayagamurthy Muralitharana alias Karuna Amman while Social Service and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda looks on after the All Party Conference today. Pic by Sudath Silva
Civilian woes mount as Kilinochchi health services stumble
Health services in Kilinochchi are relocating along with fleeing civilians as increased medical help is now sought in other areas, according to a report today on Colombo Tamil daily Virakesari’s website.
The situation is adding to the misery of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), as Kilinochchi health services were already under severe strain due to shortages of medicines.
The Virakesari report says:
Health and medical conditions
As civilians continue to abandon the town of Kilinochchi and keep moving to the interior in droves, the number of patients at the Kilinochchi hospital is also dwindling. Health officials say a neighbourhood clinic in Dharmapuram, a Kilinochchi suburb is where the patients are seeking medical assistance now. The clinic is overwhelmed due to the increased number of patients.
Many patients are seeking treatment for diarrhea and also for snake and insect bites.
More than 50 percent of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are without proper shelter facilities. Over 90 percent lack lavatory and sanitary facilities. The rain, only a few days for now but conditions for IDPs are expected to worsen when the seasonal downpours start in full force in the coming days.
Health officials fear of increased activity of communicable diseases amidst lack of medical facilities.
Medicines are a scarcity in Vanni; once again, medical supplies that were meant for the Kilinochchi district was turned away at Omanthai check point by Sri Lanka military on Oct 6th, according Health officials.
A section of the medical equipment was taken to a building at the Visuvamadu Maha Vithiyalayam, the main school in one of the large agricultural hamlets near Kilinochchi. However, attempts to function a medical facility there has not succeeded as of yet, according to sources at the Kilinochchi hospital.
Air attacks
A brief two day lull in raids by Sri Lanka air force was broken when Paranthan came under air attack in the early hours of Friday Oct 10th morning around 6:25 AM. A Paranthan Hindu Maha Vithiyalayam grade 5 student and her mother who is among the teaching staff at the school died, after sustaining injuries. 7 others were injured in the air attack that took place near Paranthan, Kumarapuram Murugan Temple.
Banks and other government offices
The entire government offices and banks have moved out of Kilinochchi. The government secretariat has moved to Kandavalai and the banks have relocated to Dhrmapuram.
Food convoys
A second set of food convoy was expected, but none arrived under World Food Programme (WFP) protection this week. Officials and displaced persons are hoping a food convoy would arrive at least by next week.
The situation is adding to the misery of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), as Kilinochchi health services were already under severe strain due to shortages of medicines.
The Virakesari report says:
Health and medical conditions
As civilians continue to abandon the town of Kilinochchi and keep moving to the interior in droves, the number of patients at the Kilinochchi hospital is also dwindling. Health officials say a neighbourhood clinic in Dharmapuram, a Kilinochchi suburb is where the patients are seeking medical assistance now. The clinic is overwhelmed due to the increased number of patients.
Many patients are seeking treatment for diarrhea and also for snake and insect bites.
More than 50 percent of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are without proper shelter facilities. Over 90 percent lack lavatory and sanitary facilities. The rain, only a few days for now but conditions for IDPs are expected to worsen when the seasonal downpours start in full force in the coming days.
Health officials fear of increased activity of communicable diseases amidst lack of medical facilities.
Medicines are a scarcity in Vanni; once again, medical supplies that were meant for the Kilinochchi district was turned away at Omanthai check point by Sri Lanka military on Oct 6th, according Health officials.
A section of the medical equipment was taken to a building at the Visuvamadu Maha Vithiyalayam, the main school in one of the large agricultural hamlets near Kilinochchi. However, attempts to function a medical facility there has not succeeded as of yet, according to sources at the Kilinochchi hospital.
Air attacks
A brief two day lull in raids by Sri Lanka air force was broken when Paranthan came under air attack in the early hours of Friday Oct 10th morning around 6:25 AM. A Paranthan Hindu Maha Vithiyalayam grade 5 student and her mother who is among the teaching staff at the school died, after sustaining injuries. 7 others were injured in the air attack that took place near Paranthan, Kumarapuram Murugan Temple.
Banks and other government offices
The entire government offices and banks have moved out of Kilinochchi. The government secretariat has moved to Kandavalai and the banks have relocated to Dhrmapuram.
Food convoys
A second set of food convoy was expected, but none arrived under World Food Programme (WFP) protection this week. Officials and displaced persons are hoping a food convoy would arrive at least by next week.
Police seek public support to identify female suicide bomber
Police has released the photograph of the female suicide bomber who had exploded herself targeting the vehicle convoy of Minister Maithripala Sirisena in Boralasgamua on Thursday (Oct 9).
Police suspect that the suicide bomber has lingered in the Colombo and its suburbs during past few days. Public can provide any information they know about the suspect on following telephone numbers:
119
2662311
2662323
2854931
Two civilians died and 5 others suffered injuries in the suicide bomb blast that took place on Tuesday afternoon.(SLDefence)
Police suspect that the suicide bomber has lingered in the Colombo and its suburbs during past few days. Public can provide any information they know about the suspect on following telephone numbers:
119
2662311
2662323
2854931
Two civilians died and 5 others suffered injuries in the suicide bomb blast that took place on Tuesday afternoon.(SLDefence)
Two foreigners nabbed with heroin
The Police Narcotics Bureau arrested two foreign nationals with over 500g of heroin on September 29 in Wattala, police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said.
He said when the first suspect was arrested the Narcotics Bureau seized 62g of heroin from his possession.
"Following the interrogation the suspect disclosed he swallowed the heroin capsules and after admission to Colombo National Hospital 17 heroin capsules were found," SSP Gunasekera said.
He said when the first suspect was arrested the Narcotics Bureau seized 62g of heroin from his possession.
"Following the interrogation the suspect disclosed he swallowed the heroin capsules and after admission to Colombo National Hospital 17 heroin capsules were found," SSP Gunasekera said.
Air Force destroys several LTTE positions
Air Force fighter jets in a series of air sorties yesterday destroyed an LTTE senior leader’s hideout, a Black Tigers hideout, a communication centre and LTTE reinforcements.
Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said in twin air raids yesterday around 6.30 a.m. Air Force fighter jets carried out aerial attacks targeting an LTTE communication centre 3 km northeast of Paranthan and a senior Tiger leader’s hideout two kilometres northeast of Killinochchi. “Both targets were completely destroyed and the LTTE suffered intense damage,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Air Force fighter jets raided a Black Tiger den located 1.5 km west of Paranthan yesterday around 7.00 p.m.
In a separate aerial attack, Air Force fighter jets launched an air raid in support of army 58-Division targeting a gathering of LTTE reinforcements. “The target was attacked around 2.15 p.m. It was located 12 km northeast of Nachchikuda,” Wing Commander Nanayakkara said.
The air sorties were carried out following reliable information provided from ground intelligence and air surveillance.(Dailynews)
Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said in twin air raids yesterday around 6.30 a.m. Air Force fighter jets carried out aerial attacks targeting an LTTE communication centre 3 km northeast of Paranthan and a senior Tiger leader’s hideout two kilometres northeast of Killinochchi. “Both targets were completely destroyed and the LTTE suffered intense damage,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Air Force fighter jets raided a Black Tiger den located 1.5 km west of Paranthan yesterday around 7.00 p.m.
In a separate aerial attack, Air Force fighter jets launched an air raid in support of army 58-Division targeting a gathering of LTTE reinforcements. “The target was attacked around 2.15 p.m. It was located 12 km northeast of Nachchikuda,” Wing Commander Nanayakkara said.
The air sorties were carried out following reliable information provided from ground intelligence and air surveillance.(Dailynews)
Commander extols achievements and salutes troops on Army Day
Marking another milestone in the annals of the Sri Lanka Army, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, in his address on Army Day, yesterday and its 59th anniversary, commended all his soldiers on achievements made by the Army for the sake of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Sri Lanka Army last morning marked its annual Army Day and 59th Anniversary after it was officially raised in 1949. A series of commemorative events, giving pride of place to religious and humanitarian services, got off to a start on October 4 at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi after all the Army flags were blessed.
Other poojas, prayers and services of the Hindu, Catholic and Islamic denominations and various other special programmes at provincial levels followed.
Yesterday’s event at the Army Headquarters marked the climax as hundreds of senior officers and other ranks thronged to listen to their 18th Commander at a time when the country is on its way to getting rid of terrorism for ever.
The day’s proceedings commenced after Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka inspected the Guard Turnout at the entrance to the main building at his office premises.
The Commander later received the Guard of Honour, accorded by troops of Gajaba Regiment (GR) in conformity with age-old military traditions.
Lt. Gen. Fonseka later on hoisted the Army Flag to the tunes of auspicious drums. The Army Song, “Sagarayen wata - me mage mau rata.... Rakimu sada”, As the clock struck 9.13 a.m. religious observances of major Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Islamic denominations commenced after administering Pansil. The Commander offered Pirikara and other tokens of appreciation to members of the clergy to symbolize the Army’s gratitude to them.
Two minutes silence was then observed in memory of the fallen War Heroes and others who went missing in action, in their sacred mission of defending the Motherland. The Commander in his customary address called upon all Army personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
Lt. Gen. Fonseka accompanied by President of the Army Seva Vanitha Branch Anoma Fonseka visited the Colombo Military Hospital and distributed gifts to injured personnel.(Daily News)
The Sri Lanka Army last morning marked its annual Army Day and 59th Anniversary after it was officially raised in 1949. A series of commemorative events, giving pride of place to religious and humanitarian services, got off to a start on October 4 at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi after all the Army flags were blessed.
Other poojas, prayers and services of the Hindu, Catholic and Islamic denominations and various other special programmes at provincial levels followed.
Yesterday’s event at the Army Headquarters marked the climax as hundreds of senior officers and other ranks thronged to listen to their 18th Commander at a time when the country is on its way to getting rid of terrorism for ever.
The day’s proceedings commenced after Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka inspected the Guard Turnout at the entrance to the main building at his office premises.
The Commander later received the Guard of Honour, accorded by troops of Gajaba Regiment (GR) in conformity with age-old military traditions.
Lt. Gen. Fonseka later on hoisted the Army Flag to the tunes of auspicious drums. The Army Song, “Sagarayen wata - me mage mau rata.... Rakimu sada”, As the clock struck 9.13 a.m. religious observances of major Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Islamic denominations commenced after administering Pansil. The Commander offered Pirikara and other tokens of appreciation to members of the clergy to symbolize the Army’s gratitude to them.
Two minutes silence was then observed in memory of the fallen War Heroes and others who went missing in action, in their sacred mission of defending the Motherland. The Commander in his customary address called upon all Army personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
Lt. Gen. Fonseka accompanied by President of the Army Seva Vanitha Branch Anoma Fonseka visited the Colombo Military Hospital and distributed gifts to injured personnel.(Daily News)
Lanka-Palestine joint front against terror
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama assured to work with the State of Palestine on a common ground to fight and defeat terrorism and restore democracy in both nations.
Minister Bogollagama told the media in Colombo that defeating terrorism and promoting democracy topped the agenda of Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas.
“During the discussion, we stressed the need for defeating terrorism to restore democracy,” he said.
Sri Lanka will be model for countering terrorism. “Terrorism is a global challenge and Sri Lanka is facing this grave challenge with a higher level of capacity.
The East was liberated from terrorism and democracy was restored in the region.
The Government is launching a humanitarian mission in the North to liberate the region and civilians engulfed by terrorism. Once the North is liberated, Northerners will enjoying democracy and freedom,” Minister Bogollagama remarked.
Minister Bogollagama said the visit of Palestine President Abbas was a milestone strengthening cooperation and relations between the two nations.
“President Abbas made history with his first visit to Sri Lanka. This will further strengthen our relations,” Minister Bogollagama said.
The Minister asserted that Sri Lanka and Palestine had inked bilateral agreements on Technical Cooperation and Practical training and several other sectors such as human resources, science, culture, education, tourism and health care
The Sri Lankan Government is willing to extend support and assistance to the Palestinian people in the broad spheres of development.
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause and the Sri Lanka- Palestine Solidarity Society will keep the relationship warm and unique.”
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki observed that both Sri Lanka and Palestine were facing terrorism.
“Palestine is sharing three pillars with Sri Lanka and they are fighting terrorism, promoting democracy and economic development.
“On this basis the bilateral agreements will strengthen the relationship between the two nations”, he added. Minister Malki noted that the Palestine Government is glad for the support and cooperation extended by the Sri Lankan Government in the development process in Palestine.
“We are overwhelmed and encouraged by the support of the Sri Lanka government.” he added.(Daily News)
Minister Bogollagama told the media in Colombo that defeating terrorism and promoting democracy topped the agenda of Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas.
“During the discussion, we stressed the need for defeating terrorism to restore democracy,” he said.
Sri Lanka will be model for countering terrorism. “Terrorism is a global challenge and Sri Lanka is facing this grave challenge with a higher level of capacity.
The East was liberated from terrorism and democracy was restored in the region.
The Government is launching a humanitarian mission in the North to liberate the region and civilians engulfed by terrorism. Once the North is liberated, Northerners will enjoying democracy and freedom,” Minister Bogollagama remarked.
Minister Bogollagama said the visit of Palestine President Abbas was a milestone strengthening cooperation and relations between the two nations.
“President Abbas made history with his first visit to Sri Lanka. This will further strengthen our relations,” Minister Bogollagama said.
The Minister asserted that Sri Lanka and Palestine had inked bilateral agreements on Technical Cooperation and Practical training and several other sectors such as human resources, science, culture, education, tourism and health care
The Sri Lankan Government is willing to extend support and assistance to the Palestinian people in the broad spheres of development.
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause and the Sri Lanka- Palestine Solidarity Society will keep the relationship warm and unique.”
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki observed that both Sri Lanka and Palestine were facing terrorism.
“Palestine is sharing three pillars with Sri Lanka and they are fighting terrorism, promoting democracy and economic development.
“On this basis the bilateral agreements will strengthen the relationship between the two nations”, he added. Minister Malki noted that the Palestine Government is glad for the support and cooperation extended by the Sri Lankan Government in the development process in Palestine.
“We are overwhelmed and encouraged by the support of the Sri Lanka government.” he added.(Daily News)
UNP calls for talks with LTTE
The main opposition in Sri Lanka has called upon the government to restart talks with the Tamil Tiger rebels.
The United National Party (UNP) said the current conflict with the LTTE destroys thousands of lives.
Speaking to journalists in Colombo, opposition leader of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council (SPC), Ranjan Ramanayake, commended UNP leader for starting a peace process with the Tigers at a time there was only minimal loss of life.
Maj Gen Janaka Perera
The popular actor and the member of the UNP Working Committee accused the government of "taking revenge even from the battlehardened soldiers" for maintaining a view against the government policy.
Maj Gen Perera and 27 others were killed in a suicide blast on Monday
The remains of Maj Gen Janaka Perera were sent away from Ratmalana airport after keeping it for nearly four hours on Friday, he said.
The government was earlier accused of not helping to airlift Gen Perera's remains to Anuradhapura despite pledges from the Prime Minister.
Maj Gen Perera, a former chief of staff of Sri Lanka Army and the opposition leader of North Central Provincial Council, was killed in a suicide bomb blast in Anuradhapura on Monday.
Death threats
UNP on Thursday said the party has serious doubts over the young person who blasted the bomb killing 28 people and injuring more than 80 others.
The UNP is trying to whitewash the Tamil Tigers
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella
Police accused the Tamil Tigers but the UNP says the government should take the responsibility as Gen Perera was not provided with security despite repeated requests.
Ranjan Ramanayake who sustained injuries during the election campaign accused the government of putting his life also in danger by not providing security.
The government is yet to provide official vehicles, office and security to SPC opposition leader despite repeated threats, he said.
'Supporting LTTE'
Defence Affairs spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella accused the UNP of trying to gain a political advantage over the death of Gen Perera.
He told BBC Sandeshaya that there is no opposition leader position for the provincial councils according to 13 amendment.
“The UNP is trying to whitewash the Tamil Tigers,” he said.( BBCSinhala)
The United National Party (UNP) said the current conflict with the LTTE destroys thousands of lives.
Speaking to journalists in Colombo, opposition leader of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council (SPC), Ranjan Ramanayake, commended UNP leader for starting a peace process with the Tigers at a time there was only minimal loss of life.
Maj Gen Janaka Perera
The popular actor and the member of the UNP Working Committee accused the government of "taking revenge even from the battlehardened soldiers" for maintaining a view against the government policy.
Maj Gen Perera and 27 others were killed in a suicide blast on Monday
The remains of Maj Gen Janaka Perera were sent away from Ratmalana airport after keeping it for nearly four hours on Friday, he said.
The government was earlier accused of not helping to airlift Gen Perera's remains to Anuradhapura despite pledges from the Prime Minister.
Maj Gen Perera, a former chief of staff of Sri Lanka Army and the opposition leader of North Central Provincial Council, was killed in a suicide bomb blast in Anuradhapura on Monday.
Death threats
UNP on Thursday said the party has serious doubts over the young person who blasted the bomb killing 28 people and injuring more than 80 others.
The UNP is trying to whitewash the Tamil Tigers
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella
Police accused the Tamil Tigers but the UNP says the government should take the responsibility as Gen Perera was not provided with security despite repeated requests.
Ranjan Ramanayake who sustained injuries during the election campaign accused the government of putting his life also in danger by not providing security.
The government is yet to provide official vehicles, office and security to SPC opposition leader despite repeated threats, he said.
'Supporting LTTE'
Defence Affairs spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella accused the UNP of trying to gain a political advantage over the death of Gen Perera.
He told BBC Sandeshaya that there is no opposition leader position for the provincial councils according to 13 amendment.
“The UNP is trying to whitewash the Tamil Tigers,” he said.( BBCSinhala)
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