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travel,tourism,email,books,magazines,software,computers,animation,lankadeepa,island,tamilnet,bbc,abc,cnn,weather,exchange rates,games,chat,socialism,online store,popular cds,cd,best hits"> <META NAME="author" CONTENT="Jinasena Hewage"> </head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <body onLoad="goforit()"> <!---google Adsense 728x90 start----> <center><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8857756292777964"; /* 728x90, created 6/15/11 */ google_ad_slot = "3877800486"; google_ad_width = 728; google_ad_height = 90; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script></center><br> <!---google Adsense 728x90 end----> <center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760"> <tr> <td valign="top"><img border="0" src="/amopics/go2logo2.jpg" width="134" height="50"></td> <td align="right" valign="top"> <TABLE width="100%" BGCOLOR=ffffff BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 CELLSPACING=0> <TR ALIGN=LEFT><TD><b> <FONT SIZE=-1 FACE=arial COLOR="#FF0000">Sri Lankan News, update throughout the day....</font></b></TD></TR> </TABLE> <!---cut box from here----> </td> </CENTER> <!---cut box end end here----> <!----Main table---> <center><TABLE BORDER=0 cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2" width="760"><TR> <!---right hand column ----> <TD bgcolor="#eeeeee" width="190" align="left" Valign="top"> <table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF"><td width="100%"><center><font face=arial><b> </b></font></td></tr></table></A> <center><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="1.5" COLOR=3333FF"> Time in Sri Lanka <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr><td><embed src="http://www.worldtimeserver.com/clocks/wtsclock001.swf?color=FF9900&wtsid=LK" width="150" height="150" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></td></tr> <tr><td><h.9 align=<CENTER></h.9></td></tr> </table> <HR SIZE=n WITH=w ALIGN=center > <!---google Adsense link start----> <script 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href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/local/CEXX0004?letter=S&lswe=sri%20lanka&lswa=WeatherLocalUndeclared&y=10&x=14#" target="_blank"><img src="/amopics/weather.jpg"VSPACE=5 border="0"></a></center> </b></font></CENTER> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="1" COLOR="#FF0000"> <center><b> </b></font></A></CENTER> <center><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="1.5" COLOR=3333FF"> <HR SIZE=n WITH=w ALIGN=center > <font size="-1" color="#3333FF"></center> <table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF"><td width="100%"><font face=arialsize="2" COLOR=000000" ><b>News Links</b></font></td></tr></table> <a href="lanka_links.htm" target="_blank"> *Sri Lankan News Papers, Radio Stations and Foreign News Sources</a><br> <a href="terror_1.html" target="_blank"> LTTE & Terrorism </a> <br> <a href="education.htm" target="_blank"> *Education</a> <br> <a href="emba.htm" target="_blank"> *Embassies </a> <br> <a href="http://www.doenets.lk/" 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bgcolor="#CCCCFF"><td width="100%"><font face=arial><b>Discussion Board</b></font></td></tr></table> <a href="/Guest/guest.html" target="_blank"> Give Your Ideas About Sri Lankas Situation</a> <br> <br> <table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF"><td width="100%"><font face=arial><b>More News Links</b></font></td></tr></table> <a href="http://www.priu.gov.lk/News%20Update/newsupdate.html" target="_blank"> Current Affairs</a><br> <a href="http://www.travel.state.gov" target="_blank"> Green Card</a> <br> <a href="http://www.slarmy.org/" target="_blank"> Sri Lanka Army</a><br> <a href="http://www.freemedia.at/index1.html" target="_blank"> Free Meadia</a><br> <a href="http://www.amnesty.org/" target="_blank"> Amnesty Inter.<br> <a href="http://in.biz.yahoo.com/020208/7/1fwqs.html" target="_blank"> Stock Prices</a><br> <a href="http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news?p=sri+lanka&c=news_photos" target="_blank"> News photos</a><br> <a href="newsarchive.htm" target="_blank"> ARCHIVES</a><br> <a href="pointof.html" target="_blank"> Point of view</a> <br> <a href="lanka_links.htm" target="_blank"> Weather </a><br> <a href="lanka_links.htm" target="_blank"> Exchange Rates</a><br> <font size="-1" color="#3333FF"> <a href="albumlos.html" target="_blank" > <font size="-1" color="#3333FF">Los Angeles Protest</font></a><br> <br> </TD> <!---right hand column end here----> <!---right hand margin----> <!----<td height width="5" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">&nbsp;</td> ----> <!---righthand margin end here----> <!---------------------Midle part--------------------------> <TD bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="440" Valign="top"> <!--- Head Line---> <!--- Head Line--> <!--- Pictures in both side starts here--- width="150" height="150" > <!--- News update starts here---> <img src="/amopics/slbanner4.gif" width="425" height="25""></a></center> <HR SIZE=n WITH=w ALIGN=center > <BR> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka announces new scheme for dual citizenship</font><BR> Sri Lanka today announced a new scheme to encourage those who have settled abroad to return home under a plan to revamp its dual citizenship laws. <BR><BR>Under the new scheme called 'Overseas Sri Lankans', facilities would be extended to persons who have terminated their Sri Lanka citizenship to enter Sri Lanka and to stay in the country, said Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, the acting government spokesperson.<b>(Economic Times)</B> <br><a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/sri-lanka-announces-new-scheme-for-dual-citizenship/articleshow/13218789.cms" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka security measures not relaxed despite the end of the war</font><BR> Sri Lanka has not relaxed security measures in the country or reduced the strength of its security forces despite the conclusion of the three-decade long war with the Tamil Tiger terrorist organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) nearly three years ago, the military has said. <BR><BR>The military has stressed that the security forces have taken top measures to consolidate national security and according to the Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya Army troops have been positioned to cover the entire island.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May17_1337237710CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka brewer hit by forex loss</font><BR> Profits at Ceylon Beverage Holdings Plc, Sri Lanka's top brewer fell 44 percent to 92 million rupees in the March 2012 quarter due to foreign exchange losses, though the underlying business grew. <BR><BR>The firm reported earnings of 4.40 for the quarter. In the year to March the firm reported earnings of 31.94 rupees per share on profits of 670 million rupees, up from 449 million rupees a year earlier.<b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1088511591" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka brewer hit by forex loss</font><BR> Profits at Ceylon Beverage Holdings Plc, Sri Lanka's top brewer fell 44 percent to 92 million rupees in the March 2012 quarter due to foreign exchange losses, though the underlying business grew. <BR><BR>The firm reported earnings of 4.40 for the quarter. In the year to March the firm reported earnings of 31.94 rupees per share on profits of 670 million rupees, up from 449 million rupees a year earlier.<b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1088511591" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka's apex court upholds government ban on websites</font><BR> Sri Lanka's Supreme Court Wednesday has rejected a petition filed by a media watchdog and upheld a government ban on certain news websites. <BR><BR>According to a report in Indian media, the apex court has said that the freedom of expression was not an absolute right and could be restricted and refused to hear the petition filed by the Free Media Movement (FMM) against government's ban on five websites.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May17_1337195647CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka sees significant Rupee gain on Government measures</font><BR> Sri Lanka s rupee will appreciate significantly and the central bank is ready to intervene to prevent  unnecessary movement in the currency, Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. <BR><BR> We expect the rupee to significantly appreciate from the current levels due to a very clear path that will be seen in our external account, Cabraal said in an interview in Nepal today.<b>(Bloomberg)</B> <br><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-16/sri-lanka-sees-significant-rupee-gain-on-government-measures.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Weerawansa should resign: GL was summoned to Washington  Tissa</font><BR> Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa should honour his word and resign, since the Sri Lankan delegation to the US, led by External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris, had been summoned to Washington by the Obama administration, the UNP said yesterday. <BR><BR>General Secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake told The Island that Weerawansa who paraded as a great patriot,had threatened to quit his ministerial portfolio, if the Rajapaksa regime ever allowed the US to dictate terms.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=52083" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka to free jailed ex-army chief - negotiator</font><BR> A member of parliament in Sri Lanka said on Wednesday he believed President Mahinda Rajapaksa would soon order the release from prison of the country's former army chief, revered by many of his compatriots for helping end a 25-year civil war. <BR><BR>"I met him (the president) this morning and we discussed some pending issues with regard to the release," Tiran Alles, an opposition legislator and a negotiator on behalf of Fonseka, told Reuters.<b>(REUTERS/Yahoo)</B> <br><a href="http://uk.news.yahoo.com/sri-lanka-free-jailed-ex-army-chief-negotiator-153347474.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka calls for Tamils to return </font><BR> Sri Lanka has offered Immigration Minister Chris Bowen an escape for Tamil refugees branded a threat by security agencies and locked in indefinite detention in Australia - saying they are needed back home. <BR><BR>''Help is required in Sri Lanka now,'' the country's top envoy to Australia, Thisara Samarasinghe, told The Age.<b>(The Age)</B> <br><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/national/sri-lanka-calls-for-tamils-to-return-20120516-1yrbf.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Tamil party ready to submit its stand on parliamentary select committee</font><BR> Sri Lanka's major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has decided to inform its position regarding the Parliamentary Select Committee next week. <BR><BR>TNA says that the written submissions will be handed over to both the government and the major opposition United National Party.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May16_1337145229KA.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka's April tourist arrivals rise 9 pct</font><BR> Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in April edged up 9 percent from a year earlier, government data showed on Wednesday, with annual visitor numbers having risen every month since a 25-year civil war ended in May 2009. <BR><BR>The island nation's tourism board expects over one million tourists in 2012 with revenue of more than $1 billion, 20.4 percent higher than last year's $830.3 million.<b>(REUTERS)</B> <br><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/16/srilanka-economy-tourism-table-idUSL4E8GG4EA20120516" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Government to re-open Kankasanthurei cement factory</font><BR> The Sri Lankan government is to re-open the cement factory in Kankasanthurei in the Northern Province. <BR><BR>State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Dayasritha Tissera has said the production process of the Kankasanthurei cement factory is to commence soon.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May16_1337141969JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Aide says grandmother not in house as Dhanuna came</font><BR> Giving evidence in the case filed against Dhanuna Tillekeratne s grandmother, a domestic aide who had been employed at her home told Court that Mrs. Tillekeratne (grandmother) had not been at her residence when Dhanuna Tillekeratne arrived there on February, 2010. <BR><BR>In this case Dhanuna Tillekeratne's grandmother Ellen Wimala Tillekeratne (80) had been charged by the CID that she provided accommodation to her grandson, after a warrant had already been issued for his arrest.<b>(Daily Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/18667-aide-says-grandmother-not-in-house-as-dhanuna-came.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Mahinda wouldn t have given in to India s pressure unlike JRJ - Lalith</font><BR> Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga on Monday asserted that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would have reacted differently if he had come under the same pressure as the late President J. R. Jayawardene. J. N. Dixit had been lucky that he had had to deal with JRJ and not President Rajapaksa, Weeratunga said. <BR><BR>Weeratunga was speaking at the launch of The Island staffer C. A. Chandraprema s book  Gota s War at the Waters Edge in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Among the distinguished invitees were many diplomats, including Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=52020" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Coconut scraping contest adds to fun of Sri Lankan New Year celebs in L.A.</font><BR> Before you can tweet 'coconuts and saris in the park,' it's over. A hand shoots up showcasing a cleanly scooped out, bald coconut shell. A new coconut-scraping champ is declared. <BR><BR>The crowd roars, cameras click, the DJ cracks a joke. No one's keeping time, so it's impossible to say if a record has been broken.<b>(LA BeeZ)</B> <br><a href="http://www.labeez.org/2012/05/coconut-scraping-contest-adds-to-fun-of-sri-lankan-new-year-celebs-in-la.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka tea exporters say they do not want low quality imports</font><BR> Sri Lanka's major tea exporters, who have made a proposal to liberalize tea imports to make the island a global centre for tea, say they do not want to import low quality teas for re-export. <BR><BR>Sri Lanka's Tea Exporters Association has made a proposal to liberalize tea imports for re-exports a move that is opposed by Dilmah, a successful brand owned by Sri Lanka's MJF group, which says that Sri Lanka should preserve its single origin status.<b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1214580165" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Partnership helps restore public services in rural Sri Lanka</font><BR> It s the morning rounds of the village mothers support group. Today, they re visiting one of the poorest families in this remote village in eastern Sri Lanka. <BR><BR>Their concern is Sujalan, the youngest of Packiyaluxmi s three children. He s 2 years old and recovering from severe acute malnutrition. <b>(UNICEF)</B> <br><a href="http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sri_lanka_62449.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Iranian filmmaker on Sri Lankan festival jury </font><BR> The Iranian director Mohammadreza Arab is on the jury of the SAARC Film Festival, which is currently underway in Colombo, Sri Lanka. <BR><BR>The festival is organized by the SAARC Cultural Centre which is a part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.<b>(Tehran Times)</B> <br><a href="http://tehrantimes.com/arts-and-culture/97884-iranian-filmmaker-on-sri-lankan-festival-jury" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka mulls freeing jailed ex-army chief</font><BR> Sri Lankan authorities are mulling a pardon for jailed former army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka amid international calls for his release, an official said Tuesday. <BR><BR>President Mahinda Rajapakse was likely to consider freeing Fonseka who is serving two jail terms over two separate cases -- one ordered by a military court martial and one by a civilian court, an official close to the president said.<b>(AFP/Google)</B> <br><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hZytNut-bR68MgoAa1PS5i_5PcOw?docId=CNG.86381d020d28a593c1ebb439651ed0c9.211" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> India encouraged LTTE in the 1980s:Book</font><BR> The Indian policy on Sri Lanka in the 1980s, the formative years of the LTTE, provided encouragement to the separatist group, a new book has claimed. The book, 'Gota's War', talks about India's "covert" role in LTTE's growth as the outfit carried out frequent terrorist strikes in the island. <BR><BR>The book authored by C A Chandraprema was launched on Monday in the presence of president Mahinda Rajapaksa.<b>(IBN live)</B> <br><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-encouraged-ltte-in-the-1980s-book/258125-40-100.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Textile workers hurt by lifting of quotas</font><BR> A World Bank assessment has concluded the abolition of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) multi-fibre agreement (MFA) on textile trade quotas failed to deliver wealth to Cambodian and Sri Lankan textile and clothing workers. <BR><BR>In fact, by most measures, the analysis concludes the 2005 liberalisation left these employees worse off, especially women.<b>(Just Style)</B> <br><a href="http://www.just-style.com/news/textile-workers-hurt-by-lifting-of-quotas_id114359.aspx" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> UNP doubts whether Govt. is genuine</font><BR> The United National Party (UNP) said today there were questions whether the Government was genuine about Monday s bilateral talks with the UNP though there was the possibility of a broad dialogue with all opposition political parties to resolve the national issue. <BR><BR>UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told journalists that even in past the UNP has had bitter experiences when it held talks with the government.<b>(Daily Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/18639-unp-doubts-whether-govt-is-genuine.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Book on Sri Lanka's conflict launched</font><BR> <table WIDTH=150 align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr> <td> <IMG SRC="/amopics/gotts_war_01.jpg" VSPACE=0 BORDER=0 ALT="Photo"></a> <FONT color="BLUE" size="2" face="Arial"> </td></tr></table> A book written on Sri Lanka's three-decade long conflict has been presented to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today at the Water's Edge in Battaramulla. <BR><BR>The author of the book titled "Gota's War: The Crushing of Tamil Tiger Terrorism in Sri Lanka", C. A. Chandraprema presented the book to the President and to the Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.The President was the chief guest at the event and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was the Guest of Honor.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May14_1337019772CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka ranked 21 in A T Kearney global outsourcing report</font><BR> Sri Lanka s fledgling outsourcing business, has scored well in a recent A T Kearney study, which gave high marks for the island s skilled talent pool and a strong business environment at competitive costs. <BR><BR> Sri Lanka is, in many ways, a hidden gem for outsourcing, said A T Kearney, a leading global management consultant, which ranked the island 21st among its global services location index. <b>(Lanka business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1763253844" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Unions sink differences to protect bank</font><BR> Banking sector unions affiliated to major political parties, including the SLFP, have launched a concerted campaign to pressure the government over the controversial deal under which the country s premier saving institution, the National Savings Bank recently purchased The Finance Company shares for Rs. 390 mn, which was about 65 per cent above its market price at that time. <BR><BR>The unions emphasized that the government needed to punish all those involved in the illegal transaction, though an attempt was now being made to save the culprits by simply reversing the deal. <b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51949" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka to release jailed ex-Army Commander</font><BR> Jailed former Army Commander of Sri Lanka Sarath Fonseka will be released soon, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said. <BR><BR>"We will release him soon," President Rajapaksa has told an Indian daily The Hindu on the sidelines of a function organized to launch a book on the Sri Lankan conflict.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May14_1337017734CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Canadian convicted of terror charge linked to Tamil Tigers sentenced to time served, released</font><BR> A Canadian who pleaded guilty to terrorism conspiracy for his role in a 2006 plot to supply separatist rebels in Sri Lanka was sentenced in a Brooklyn, N.Y. court on Monday to time served. <BR><BR>The sentence marks the end of a case that began six years ago, when Ramanan Mylvaganam, 35, was arrested by RCMP officers near Toronto and eventually extradited to the United States to stand trial<b>(National Post)</B> <br><a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/14/canadian-convicted-of-terror-charge-linked-to-tamil-tigers-sentenced-to-time-served-released/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka s top leaders hold reconciliation talks</font><BR> Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday held talks here to resolve differences over opposition's participation in a parliamentary panel to hammer out a solution to the Tamil issue. <BR><BR>Wickremesinghe led a United National Party (UNP) delegation to the 'Temple Trees', residence of Rajapaksa at his invitation.<b>(Zee News)</B> <br><a href="http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/sri-lanka-s-top-leaders-hold-reconciliation-talks_775256.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Huge LTTE arms dump unearthed in Sri Lanka</font><BR> Two years after the decisive battle in which the Tamil Tigers were vanquished, Sri Lankan security forces made their biggest-ever haul recovering 6,250 kg of hidden LTTE explosives. <BR><BR>The arms cache was busted in a joint search operation of Army and police in the former LTTE bastions of Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts on Sunday.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3417935.ece?homepage=true" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka declares National Dengue Prevention Week from today</font><BR> The Sri Lankan government is to begin a National Dengue Prevention Week today and dengue control activities will continue till May 20th. <BR><BR>Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has announced the national dengue control week in order to accelerate the programs launched to eradicate mosquito breeding sites.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May14_1336974900CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka Minister of External Affairs leaves for US </font><BR> Sri Lanka Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris will leave for the United States tomorrow, May 14, sources at the Ministry of External Affairs said. <BR><BR>The Minister is visiting the U.S. at the invitation of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May13_1336931503KA.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Atomic Energy Authority seeks funds to set up a nuclear emergency response programme</font><BR> Sri Lanka's Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) has commenced an emergency response programme with the Disaster Management Ministry in the event of a nuclear disaster. <BR><BR>The AEA is currently preparing a document requesting funds from the Power and Energy Ministry for its nuclear disaster mitigation programme.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May13_1336889764CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> SL to release information on war detainees</font><BR> The Sri Lankan government has decided to release the information on war detainees, a step seen as a response to the country's reconciliation commission report. <BR><BR>The ministry of defence in Colombo on Sunday said that a decision has been made to release information on the detainees, saying the details will be revealed only to the close relatives.<b>(IBN Live)</B> <br><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sri-lanka-to-release-information-on-war-detainees/257423-62-128.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lankan parties brace for snap elections</font><BR> Two major political parties in Sri Lanka are gearing up for snap polls for provincial councils with freshly launched reorganisation drives. <BR><BR>Snap elections for three of the nine provincial councils are expected to take place after September this year, a year ahead of the expiration of their terms.<b>(Times of India)</B> <br><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Sri-Lankan-parties-brace-for-snap-elections/articleshow/13107638.cms" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Indian worker's death exposes job racket in Sri Lanka</font><BR> The death of an Indian worker at a private steel plant in Sri Lanka on Tuesday has exposed the callous manner in which workers are brought to the island-nation, and trapped in factories from which there is no escape. <BR><BR>A 29-year-old Odisha worker, Manas Kumar Mallick, of Jajpur's Barapada village, who was working as an assistant fitter at Confab Steel Private Limited in Muddaragama in Gampaha district, was electrocuted in an accident classified as industrial.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3409273.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> opposition MP raises privileges issue against state electronic media head</font><BR> Parliamentarian of Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) Anoma Gamage has raised a privileges issue against the head of the state owned Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. <BR><BR>Gamage has in writing requested the Speaker of Parliament to summon the SLBC Chairman, Hudson Samarasinghe before the parliamentary privileges committee.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May12_1336803401JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Lanka drop plan to host Pak-Australia series</font><BR> Sri Lanka has dropped plans to host a limited overs series between Pakistan and Australia in August as it clashes with the island's Premier League, Pakistani cricket officials said Saturday <BR><BR>"It's disappointing," Pakistan Cricket Board's chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmed, told AFP.<b>(AFP/Google)</B> <br><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hn5YSHLPCuyQy6VbADiVoEfQo-ww?docId=CNG.42f4c4e5f8d62a6b4e022882f9a014b4.151" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> OPA lashes out at India, calls for abolition of 13th A</font><BR> Assuring its fullest support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa s efforts to settle the national issue, the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka has called for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. <BR><BR>The Executive Council of the OPA at a recent meeting has decided that the 13th Amendment was an impediment to the post-war national reconciliation process; therefore it should be done away with.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51684" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> National program to conserve energy</font><BR> Sri Lanka Friday launched the National Programme for the Conservation of Energy at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga. <BR><BR>All public officers including those of Ministries, Provincial Councils and Departments are to join the programme jointly launched by the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Presidential Secretariat.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May12_1336764320CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka monetary conditions tightening: Central Bank</font><BR> Sri Lanka's central bank kept its key policy rate unchanged at 9.75 percent saying monetary conditions are tightening and credit growth will moderate, eventually helping the exchange rate. <BR><BR>Sri Lanka's exchange rate came under pressure and the Central Bank lost foreign reserves as loan growth and imports were accommodated and accelerated with central bank credit (printed money) after sterilized forex sales started in August. <b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=202009034" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Arrest Sudharman before June 12: Magistrate</font><BR> The Kaduwela Magistrate and Additional District Judge ordered the Mirihana Special Investigation Bureau to arrest ITN Deputy Manager Sudharman Radaliyagoda at his office premises before June 12 and produce him in courts on or before that date. <BR><BR>Magistrate Ms. Lanka Jayaratna made this direction to the Police following submissions made by the counsel for the complainants J.A.Asoka Perera of Andiambalama and H.H.Sunil Thilak Bandara of Kelaniya who alleged that the suspect had swindled him by forging documents and collecting Rs 1.5 million from them promising to get them scrap iron that were detached from the Colombo Badulla Railway line.<b>(Daily Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/18547-arrest-sudharman-before-june-12-magistrate.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka shares end down 1.1 pct in thin trade</font><BR> Sri Lanka's stock market fell 1.1 percent on Friday, its ninth straight decline, in thin trade as concerns over a defaulted share deal weighed on sentiment. <BR><BR>The main share index fell 1.07 percent, or 55.38 points, to 5,108.56, led by the telecom sector after top mobile operator Dialog Axiata on Friday posted a posted a 530.9 mln rupee loss for the March quarter.<b>(REUTERS)</B> <br><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/11/markets-srilanka-idUSL4E8GB8HJ20120511" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka should 'ban' tea imports altogether: Treasury secretary</font><BR> Sri Lanka to 'ban altogether' through regulatory controls all imports of tea, finance secretary P B Jayasundera has said as a section of the industry is attempting free the island to become a global blending hub. <BR><BR>Treasury secretary P B Jayasundera speaking at a dealer conference of Dilmah, a top Sri Lanka based tea brand, said all existing imports of tea could be phased out over the next three years.<b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=610393087" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Man freed in NYC Tamil Tiger case</font><BR> A federal judge sentenced a U.S. citizen accused of supporting Sri Lankan rebels to time served in jail on Friday  about five years  after casting doubt on the terrorism case and calling the 20-year term sought by prosecutors excessive. <BR><BR>The wife and family of Sri Lankan immigrant Karunakaran Kandasamy wept as U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie announced the sentence in federal court in Brooklyn.<b>(Fox News)</B> <br><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/11/us-rep-for-sri-lankan-rebels-faces-sentencing/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka boat builders say duty on imported parts pushing up costs</font><BR> Sri Lankan boat builders say taxes on imported parts are pushing up production costs while they are losing domestic market share to foreign vessels that are allowed duty free. <BR><BR>The boat yards also want more access to harbours and waterways to expand the industry, officials said. <b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18015735" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka buys up local milk to spare the farmers' tears</font><BR> A few days ago the streets of the hill town of Hatton were dramatically, though briefly, turned white. <BR><BR>Dairy farmers from the surrounding highlands came to town and let loose 12,000 litres of fresh milk.<b>(BBC)</B> <br><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18015735" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sushma criticises demand for Eelam</font><BR> Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Thursday criticised the demand for a separate  Tamil Eelam' by some political parties in Tamil Nadu, even though the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)  the main political force of the Tamils in the island nation  favoured a genuine political solution within a united Sri Lanka. <BR><BR>Addressing the fifth State conference of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, she said the TNA leader, R. Sampanthan, whom she met as leader of a parliamentary delegation that went to Sri Lanka recently to study the Tamils' issue, emphasised that he wanted the Tamils to remain within a united Sri Lanka. He insisted only on a genuine political settlement.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/article3405582.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> JVP lashes out at Public Trustee over corruption</font><BR> President of the JVP-led Inter-Company Employees Union and Convener of the  Voice against Corruption Wasantha Samarasinghe yesterday went public with a series of alleged mega corruption scandals in State institutions and vowed to take legal action against them. <BR><BR>The institutions which came under his scathing attack were the Public Trustee s Department the Central Bank and the Mineral Sands Corporation, against whom he revealed the details at a news conference at the National Library Services Board auditorium.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51590" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Major constituent party of Sri Lanka's alliance government to undergo six month party re-organization</font><BR> The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the main coalition party of Sri Lanka's ruling alliance is to carry out a massive six-month long island wide party re-organization programme. <BR><BR>SLFP General Secretary, Minister Maithripala Sirisena told a press conference in Colombo that the first programme in the series would be held in the Anuradhapura District on the 12th and 13th of this month.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May10_1336657678JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Bodies of the Sri Lankan workers dead in Korean bar fire to be repatriated</font><BR> Amal Senalankadhikara, Chairman of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau says the remains of the three Sri Lankans burnt to death in a karaoke club in Busan, South Korea will be brought home tomorrow. <BR><BR>The remains are to be brought to Sri Lanka tomorrow evening on a flight from Korea.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May10_1336672969CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Trilingual Sri Lanka Task Force holds its preliminary discussion</font><BR> The seven-member Presidential Task Force for a Trilingual Sri Lanka held its preliminary discussion at BMICH Thursday under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga. <BR><BR>During the meeting the members have discussed various issues and practicalities about learning a second language.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May10_1336664792CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka stocks fall 1.77 percent on deal probe</font><BR> Sri Lanka's stock market fell 1.77 percent on Thursday, hitting a new three-month low and falling for an eighth straight session, dragged down by a payment default by the state-owned National Savings Bank, traders said. <BR><BR>The Indian Ocean island nation's treasury department has ordered an investigation into a deal in which the bank bought a 13 percent stake in The Finance Company PLC.<b>(REUTERS)</B> <br><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/10/markets-srilanka-idUSL4E8GABFF20120510" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Boat show to boost exports, local sales</font><BR> Sri Lanka is to hold its third international boat show later this month, looking to increase exports and also create a boating culture in the island and attract affluent local buyers. <BR><BR>"The two previous two boat shows held in 2008 and 2010 created new business ventures and led to increased orders for boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers," said Neil Fernando, chairman of the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute, set up to encourage local boat building. <b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=850776492" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka Cricket to guard against bookies ahead of World Twenty20 championship</font><BR> Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga has denied reports that the board had any information regarding bookmakers targeting this year's World Twenty20 championship. <BR><BR>Media reports, which said bookies were targeting the event, prompted the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit to meet officials of the Delhi Crime Branch where this possibility was discussed, reports The Express Tribune.<b>(Yahoo News)</B> <br><a href="http://in.news.yahoo.com/sri-lanka-cricket-guard-against-bookies-ahead-world-114637871.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka's jailed former Army Commander allowed to be treated at private hospital</font><BR> Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has today allowed the former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka to receive treatment at the Nawaloka hospital in Colombo. <BR><BR>Colombo High Court on May 04th directed the Commissioner General of Prisons to move the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader out of Nawaloka Hospital and admit him to the Colombo National Hospital when the prison officials complained that it was difficult to provide security to Fonseka while he is receiving treatment at a private hospital.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May09_1336587332KA.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> SAARC women group s Sri Lanka visit a success</font><BR> A new initiative to bring together women entrepreneurs in South Asia has begun on the right note with the  successful visit of an Indian delegation to Sri Lanka this week. <BR><BR> This is our first visit. A women s delegation from India will visit all South Asian countries. We had great interactions with a variety of women entrepreneurs here, Harbeen Arora, president, Creative Living Foundation and head of the 12-member delegation of SAARC Women s Initiative for Peace and Prosperity (SWIPP) told The Hindu, at the conclusion of her visit here.  Our next visit is to Bhutan, and then we will discuss on visiting other South Asian countries, she said.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3401035.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka may start blending its pure Ceylon tea</font><BR> Sri Lanka, one of the world's largest tea exporters, is considering blending a pricey tea with cheaper imported varieties for the first time to boost revenues, a top official said Wednesday. <BR><BR>Sri Lanka Tea Board chief Janaki Kuruppu said they were studying proposals to allow imported teas to be mixed with the more expensive Sri Lankan tea, better known by the country's former British colonial-era name "Ceylon".<b>(AFP/Google)</B> <br><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iUSTgwyg3fo9RscAjxpd6evAYbbg?docId=CNG.87f0636938fcc58e9d6270911b6b8c6a.771" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> SL sees rapid boom in boat building</font><BR> Sri Lanka has witnessed rapid boom in the boat building industry following the end of the three decade war in 2009, an official said on Wednesday. <BR><BR>Gamini B. Herath, Managing Director of the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute said the island nation recorded 152 percent growth in boat building industry compared to 2010 by earning in 149 million U.S. dollars in 2011.<b>(CRI)</B> <br><a href="http://english.cri.cn/6966/2012/05/09/2821s698273.htm" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka plans to bid for hosting Asian Youth Games in 2017</font><BR> Sri Lanka Olympic Committee is planning to place a bid to host the 2017 Asian Youth Games in the country's developing commercial hub, Hambantota in the South. <BR><BR>The Committee has planned to submit the bid application for obtaining the host status for the international event at the meeting of the Asian Olympic Committee to be held in Kuwait on May 24, Sports Ministry sources said.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May09_1336539724CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka turns to hydrogen fuel</font><BR> Sri Lanka will step into hydrogen fuel era shortly, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced yesterday. <BR><BR>"Interestingly, the entry will be through the small scale SME sector rather than large scale motor transport. UNIDO is planning the pilot project in Galle where hydrogen powered three wheelers supported by a mini hydrogen filling station.<b>(Asia One)</B> <br><a href="http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120509-344754.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Better to be a mother in China or Sri Lanka than India: report</font><BR> India appears not to be a happy place for women to become mothers, as it has been ranked 76th among 80  less developed countries, even below some of the poor African nations, according to a report released to mark the Mothers Day being celebrated across the world today. <BR><BR>The State of World s Mothers 2012 report by international child rights NGO  Save the Children has seen India slipping one position down from the 75th spot of last year s report.<b>(First Post)</B> <br><a href="http://www.firstpost.com/india/better-to-be-a-mother-in-china-or-sri-lanka-than-india-report-303347.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Trial against Dhanuna s mother fixed</font><BR> The trial of the money laundering case which was filed against Dhanuna Tillekaratne s mother Asoka Thillekaratne in the Colombo High Court today fixed for November 5. <BR><BR>Meanwhile High Court Judge Sunil Rajapaksa directed the witnesses to appear in Court on the next trial date.<b>(Daily Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/18497-trial-against-dhanunas-mother-fixed.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka appoints new Ambassador to U.N.</font><BR> At the end of a short-lived war waged through the media by a few diplomats, the Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday said that it had transferred its Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Tamara Kunanayakam, and appointed  team player Ravinatha Aryasinha as the new Ambassador. <BR><BR>Mr. Aryasinha, is now the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. Ms. Kunanayakam, a Tamil, has been posted to Cuba.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3398498.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Government seeks Rs 3.47 bn for vehicles</font><BR> The Government yesterday submitted a supplementary estimate of Rs. 347,500,000 to purchase 52 vehicles for several ministries and statutory boards. <BR><BR>The supplementary estimate was presented by Chief Government Whip, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51457" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lankan World Heritage site to get first ever green three-wheelers</font><BR> A World Heritage site in Sri Lanka is to have environmentally friendly hydrogen three-wheelers plying its preserved streets as a UN agency launches a pilot project to test green transportation in Sri Lanka, a statement said here on Tuesday. <BR><BR>Three-wheelers are banned in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Galle Fort, built in 1588 by the Portuguese who first colonized Sri Lanka known as Ceylon then, due to their emissions.<b>(XinhuaNet)</B> <br><a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/culture/2012-05/08/c_131575728.htm" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Ally of Sri Lanka's governing party says LLRC recommendations on political solution similar to its stance</font><BR> Ally of Sri Lanka's governing United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) says the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) on the political solution are similar to those presented by the party. <BR><BR>EPDP Leader and Minister Douglas Devananda has said the LLRC's recommendations on the political solution are similar to those presented by the EPDP for the past 20 years.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May08_1336490437JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka has not banned any Indian drug manufacturers - Indian Minister</font><BR> Sri Lanka has not banned any Indian drug manufacturer for supplying low quality drugs as some media reports in Sri Lankan press have reported, India said Monday. <BR><BR>In response to a question in lower house of Indian parliament Lok Sabha, Indian Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jyotiradiya M. Scindia has in a written reply said that no report on banning of any Indian drug manufacturer has come to the notice of Government of India.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May08_1336460670CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Hemantha allowed to appear for Duminda Silva</font><BR> Colombo high court judge Sunil Rajapaksa today (May 08) ruled that injured MP Duminda Silva, receiving treatment at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, can have legal representation. <BR><BR>Accordingly, the suspect in the Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra killing can be represented by lawyer Hemantha Warnakulasuriya in the case.<b>(Sri Lanka Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://english.srilankamirror.com/2012/05/hemantha-allowed-to-appear-for-duminda-silva/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Main opposition to discuss Right to Information Bill with the Speaker</font><BR> Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) is to discuss the Right to Information Bill with the Speaker when parliament meets today. <BR><BR>The UNP states that the Chief Opposition Whip is to hold a discussion on the matter with the Speaker.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May08_1336453376JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> How Tagore inspired Sri Lanka's national anthem</font><BR> Though the multi-faceted genius of Rabindranath Tagore comes through the massive body of literary works and the treasure trove of music and paintings he has left behind for awestruck admirers, his influence on the thought and nation building can be gauged from the fact that he not just wrote the national anthems for two countries, India and Bangladesh, but inspired a Ceylonese student of his to pen and compose one which would become the national anthem of Sri Lanka. <BR><BR>Ananda Samarakoon came to Visva Bharati, the university founded by Tagore in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Influenced by Tagore, he went back to his country, then under British rule, and composed the Sri Lankan national anthem, "Sri Lanka Matha." <b>(IBN Live)</B> <br><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/how-tagore-inspired-sri-lankas-national-anthem/255713-40-103.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka to address elephant conservation</font><BR> Amid increasing human-elephant conflicts ending in the deaths of many of the big animals, Sri Lanka says it is establishing a national conservation center. <BR><BR>Deputy Economic Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywaradana said the decision to create a National Elephant Conservation Center had been made to streamline protection techniques and address those conflicts, Xinhua reported Saturday.<b>(UPI)</B> <br><a href="http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/05/07/Sri-Lanka-to-address-elephant-conservation/UPI-31131336429791/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> GL writes to Indian CMs ahead of his USvisit</font><BR> In the wake of an Indian parliamentary delegation visiting Sri Lanka on a fact-finding mission, External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris has written to Chief Ministers of all Indian States on the progress made in the post-war national reconciliation process. <BR><BR>Responding to a query, Prof. Peiris said that the GoSL felt that it would be useful to brief Chief Ministers as part of the overall efforts to keep all stakeholders up to date.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51365" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka petroleum distributor detects substandard jet fuel shipment, averts another fiasco</font><BR> Sri Lanka's petroleum distributor, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has discovered that a stock of Jet A-1 fuel oil it imported was not up to the specifications when it inspected the shipment at the Colombo port. <BR><BR>The CPC has imported 20,000 metric tons of Jet A-1 fuel oil consignment from British Petroleum Co. in Singapore and 7,500 metric tons of the stock were found to be slightly off specifications upon inspection at the discharge Port of Colombo, the Acting CPC chairman D. Widanagamachchi has said in a statement.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May07_1336400959CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Catholic bishops of Sri Lanka urge the government to seriously look at implementing LLRC recommendations</font><BR> In an open letter to the government, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has urged the government to do all that is in its power to seriously look at the recommendations made by the Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. <BR><BR>The open letter signed by the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Bishop Norbert M. Andradi says that although no document can meet all the expectations and answer the needs of everyone, the LLRC Report, particularly its recommendations, contains much potential and hope for the future and therefore, it needs to be considered seriously.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May07_1336414369CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> SL Minor Tamil party hails Tamil alliance leader for hoisting national flag</font><BR> Leader of Sri Lanka's Democratic People's Front (DPF) Mano Ganesan says that the leader of the major Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA), R. Sampanthan hoisting the national flag at the Jaffna May Day rally of the joint opposition is a positive sign to the people of the south. <BR><BR>He said that the TNA had agreed to power devolution in a united and undivided country and now the government needs to take the lead.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May07_1336401931KA.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka arrests over 36,400 army deserters following war</font><BR> Following the end of three decade civil war, Sri Lanka has arrested over 36,400 soldiers who had deserted the army, a military spokesman said Monday. <BR><BR>Army Spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya said during the first three months of 2012, over 2500 ex-soldiers have been arrested and they were dealt with military law.<b>(News Track Indiar)</B> <br><a href="http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/05/07/336-Sri-Lanka-arrests-over-36-400-army-deserters-following-war-.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lankan gov't to bring back fishermen arrested by India </font><BR> Sri Lanka's Fisheries Ministry said Monday that it was making arrangement to bring back six fishermen arrested by Indian coast guards for breaching the Indian maritime boarders. <BR><BR>Ministry Secretary Damitha de Soyza told Xinhua that the Sri Lankan government through the ministry would get the fishermen released but it would take time depending on the state where they were taken into custody.<b>(News Track Indiar)</B> <br><a href="http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/05/07/304-Sri-Lankan-gov-t-to-bring-back-fishermen-arrested-by-India-.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Lanka to protest against Pillay</font><BR> Sri Lanka has decided to officially register its protest with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, over the role she and her staff played in adopting a resolution against the country in March last year, informed sources said yesterday. <BR><BR>The Daily Mirror learns that Sri Lanka s Permanent Secretary in Geneva Ms. Tamara Kunanayakam is working on the matter.<b>(Daily Mirror)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/18427-lanka-to-protest-against-pillay.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Lanka appoints presidential committee for LLRC implementation</font><BR> Sri Lankan cabinet has recommended the appointment of a presidential committee to decide which recommendations of a government panel that looked into the ethnic Tamil conflict are appropriate for implementation, a media report said today. <BR><BR>The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed in 2010 was mandated to look back at the separatist conflict with the Tamil minority and recommend ways to prevent repetition of the bloody clashes which spanned over three decades.<b>(IBN Live)</B> <br><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/lanka-appoints-presidential-committee-for-llrc-implementation/995188.html" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Opposition to push for Freedom of Information legislation</font><BR> The long delayed Freedom of Information Bill will be taken up with the Speaker by the Chief Opposition Whip when Parliament resumes this week, an Opposition spokesman said yesterday. <BR><BR>In July 2010, the Leader of the Opposition presented a Private Members Bill titled "Freedom of Information" based on the draft approved by the Cabinet in January 2003.<b>(Sunday Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51231" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> President opens Japan-funded last mass scale hydropower project </font><BR> <table WIDTH=150 align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr> <td> <IMG SRC="/amopics/president__open_hy_u_kotmal.jpg" VSPACE=0 BORDER=0 ALT="Photo"></a> <FONT color="BLUE" size="2" face="Arial"> </td></tr></table> Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa accompanied by the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Japan Katsuya Okada declared open the Upper Kothmale hydropower project today in the central hill country. <BR><BR>The President and the Japanese Deputy Prime Minister opened the sluice gate of the main dam of the power station and released water to the Kothmale Oya. President Rajapaksa unveiled the plaque of the project and strewed Jasmine flowers to the reservoir. Afterwards the President also opened the 2nd and 3rd sluice gates.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May05_1336229614CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Scholar urges Sri Lankan expats to stay calm over racial tensions back home</font><BR> A Sri Lankan Islamic scholar currently visiting the Kingdom said racial tensions following an attack on Dambulla mosque in Sri Lanka had greatly eased and the country s government is trying its best to resolve this issue amicably. <BR><BR> We firmly believe that very soon a satisfactory solution will be realized on the initiative of the government, M.I.M Rizvi Mufthie, president of the Colombo-based All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU) said in Riyadh on Friday. Abdul Cader Al Mashoor Moulana, the Sri Lankan president s coordinating secretary, was also present at the lecture.<b>(Arab News)</B> <br><a href="http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article626192.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lankan lantern makers feel the pinch from Chinese rivals</font><BR> They are round in shape, colourful, sturdy, covered with cloth, with a little Buddhist flag competing for attention among pictures of pretty flowers. <BR><BR>Chinese lanterns have slipped into Sri Lanka s Vesak market threatening to dislodge the traditional paper lanterns. <b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=375493747" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka wildlife officers end boycott of duties</font><BR> The wildlife officers in Sri Lanka Saturday (05) ended their week-long strike action launched demanding the police to arrest the suspects of an attack on the officers last week. <BR><BR>The All Ceylon Wildlife Association launched the strike on April 30 to refrain from their duties, following an attack by the angry villagers of Ambanpola on the wildlife officers in the North Western Province. <b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May05_1336234438CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> SL Government preparing Action Plan on implementation of LLRC recommendations</font><BR> The External Affairs Ministry of Sri Lanka is currently preparing an Action Plan on the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). <BR><BR>The External Affairs Ministry is to prepare the Action Plan taking into consideration the recommendations that have already been implemented, the ones remaining to be implemented and the stance of the coalition parties of the governing United People's Freedom Alliance .<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May05_1336205186JR.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Narcotics Offences: Sri Lanka to extradite 20 Pakistani convicts</font><BR> Over 20 Pakistanis who are serving life sentences in Sri Lankan prisons over narcotics offences are likely to be extradited back to Pakistan soon. The prisoners will continue serving their life sentences in Pakistani prisons. <BR><BR>An agreement for their transfer was signed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.<b>(Express Tribune)</B> <br><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/374364/narcotics-offences-sri-lanka-to-extradite-20-pakistani-convicts/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> opposition MP complains over violation of his privileges</font><BR> Sri Lanka main opposition United National Party (UNP) Kalutara district MP Palitha Thewarapperuma has lodged a complaint in Slave Island police station stating that his parliamentary privileges have been violated by the prison authorities. <BR><BR>Thewarapperuma says that the prison officials have not allowed him to visit former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka yesterday at the Nawaloka Hospital where he was being treated.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May05_1336195552KA.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Japanese deputy premier tours Sri Lankan hydro power plant</font><BR> Japan s Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, began his second day in Sri Lanka on Saturday touring the island s last hydro power plant that is being built with Japanese assistance. <BR><BR>Accompanied by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, Okada inspected the 150 megawatte Upper Kotmale hydro power project, that is scheduled to finish construction in June, Sri Lanka s power ministry said in a statement.<b>(Lanka Business Online)</B> <br><a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1007837038" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Buddhagaya: part of Sri Lankan heritage</font><BR> Bodh Gaya or Buddhagaya in Eastern India is situated at a distance of about 105 kilometres from Patna in the state of Bihar. <BR><BR>It is at Buddhagaya that the ascetic Siddhartha experienced the supreme enlightenment under a Bo tree. It is a part of Sri Lankan heritage not because the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura was brought from there, but because the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were predominant there from the fourth century A.D. until the 13th century A.D.<b>(Daily News)</B> <br><a href="http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/05/fea03.asp" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Govt. wants Ranil to ensure Sambandan s participation in PSC</font><BR> The government yesterday requested UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to persuade the TNA to attend the Parliamentary Select Committee on the National Question. <BR><BR>Acting Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing in Colombo, said that Wickremesinghe should ensure the participation of the TNA leader, R. Samabandan, in the Parliamentary Select Committee process.<b>(The Island)</B> <br><a href="http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51157" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> TNA MP apologizes for raising national flag</font><BR> Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah has apologized on behalf of party leader R. Sampanthan for raising the Sri Lankan flag at the May Day rally in Jaffna. <BR><BR>Sampanthan was seen holding up the national flag with opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe during the joint May Day rally.<b>(Colombo Gazette)</B> <br><a href="http://colombogazette.com/tna-mp-apologizes-for-raising-national-flag/" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Soldier kills colleague, commits suicide in Sri Lanka</font><BR> In a third instance in under a year, a Sri Lankan soldier on duty turned the gun on his colleague on Friday morning, before killing himself. <BR><BR>According to the Army, the incident took place at the check point adjacent to the Naga Deepa Vihara, the historic Buddhist Shrine near Jaffna town at 7 am. The soldier shot his colleague manning the post, before committing suicide.  There was an argument between the two over duty, said the Jaffna Security Forces Commander Mahinda Hathurusinghe told The Hindu, when asked about the incident.<b>(The Hindu)</B> <br><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3384487.ece" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka says 2012 trade gap to narrow by 10 pct</font><BR> Sri Lanka's trade deficit widened 67.5 percent in February year on year, data showed on Friday, but the central bank said stringent policy measures would cut the 2012 gap by at least 10 percent. <BR><BR>The island nation's trade deficit widened to $701.8 million in February from $418.9 million in the same month last year, while it expanded 59.7 percent to $1.7 billion in the first two months of the year, the central bank data showed on Friday.<b>(REUTERS)</B> <br><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/04/srilanka-economy-trade-idUSL4E8G459020120504" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka, Australia cooperate to curtail human trafficking</font><BR> The governments of Sri Lanka and Australia in the interest of both countries have pledged to cooperate on curtailing illegal migration and human trafficking. <BR><BR>Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry said the two countries have agreed to keep a vigil on the people smuggling activities during bilateral discussions held Thursday between the Australian Minister of Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, who was in Sri Lanka on an official visit from May 02 -04, and the acting Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera.<b>(Colombo Page)</B> <br><a href="http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/May04_1336144495CH.php" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5" color="#3333FF"> Sri Lanka Ports likely to sell two $500 mln, 10-yr bonds this year</font><BR> Sri Lanka's state-owned Port Authority is likely to sell two $500 million 10-year bonds this year to repay a series of yen-denominated loans and finance its investment projects, a top government official said on Friday. <BR><BR>"Initial expectation is to get $500 million, but our target is to get $1 billion to offset our yen loans and finance a few investment projects," Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Priyath Wickrama told Reuters in an interview.<b>(REUTERS)</B> <br><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/04/srilanka-bond-port-idUSL4E8G34M920120504" > <img src="/amopics/fullstory.jpg" border="0"></font></a><br> <BR><a href="http://www.go2lanka.com/post_card/junaid's%20sari%20Palace.htm"><img src="/amopics/junaidas_saripalce.gif"VSPACE=0 border="0"></a></center><br> <HR SIZE=n WITH=w ALIGN=center > <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" 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