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‘s Mendis says he owes it to Murali
July 27, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis said that team-mate Muttiah Muralitharan played a key role in his success against India in his debut Test here. Mendis took eight wickets in the match as Sri Lanka thrashed India by an innings and 239 runs to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-Test […]
South Asian meet to open in Sri Lanka focussing on trade and terror
July 26, 2008 (AFP) – An eight-member South Asian meeting opening in Sri Lanka Sunday will focus on boosting regional trade and stepping up moves to combat terrorism, Colombo’s foreign minister said Saturday.Officials of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will start meetings Sunday in the run-up to a main two-day summit starting […]
Oil prices could drop if Iran concerns allayed: OPEC president
ALGIERS, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – The price of oil could drop to between 70 and 80 dollars a barrel if the dollar strengthens and concerns over Iran are reduced, OPEC chief Chakib Khelil said Saturday.“If the dollar strengthens and if the crisis with Iran is resolved, the trend in oil prices should be to […]
At least 55 injured in blasts in western Indian city
AHMEDABAD, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – At least 55 people were injured as a series of blasts rocked the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Saturday, senior officials said.The Press Trust of India news agency, quoting city police, said at least two people also died in the explosions but this could not immediately be confirmed. […]
Oil prices slide, metals correct on hopes of end to US money printing
LONDON, July 25, 2008 (AFP) – Oil prices fell further this week, leaving them about 20 dollars off record highs, while there were also losses for metals futures.OIL: Oil prices headed south again amid a drop in fuel demand across the United States, the world’s biggest consumer of energy. Crude futures had risen earlier Friday […]
Military hardware close to venues proves tourist trap
BEIJING, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – “What is that?” asked a surprised and intrigued local resident as he looked at the missiles deployed near the main Olympic stadia in Beijing.Retired 55-year-old Ji Xiu had taken advantage of the new number six bus route to cross from her home on the opposite side of Beijing with […]
India crash to big defeat after Murali-Mendis magic
July 26, 2008 (AFP) – Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis made a mockery of India’s strong batting reputation as Sri Lanka won the opening Test by a record innings and 239 runs here on Saturday.But Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene requested the officials to review the decisions under a new experimental rule and they changed […]
Sri Lanka stocks fail to sustain recovery
July 25, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankan stocks slumped Friday after a short-lived recovery with brokers saying fears that deteriorating economic conditions could erode company profits were likely to keep the market in the doldrums. The All Share Price Index closed down 0.58 percent (13.73 points) at 2,370.10 while the more liquid Milanka fell 1.19 […]
Slippery Future
July 25, 2008 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings said the future of the bunkering business of Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings was uncertain after a court ordered the return of land which held a tank farm, but said its ‘AAA(lka)’ rating was unchanged.Fitch Ratings said the firm may be able to either re-negotiate access to the […]
Retirement Plan
July 25, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankans must start making specific plans to save and invest money early enough to help at the time of retirement or in an emergency, financial sector professionals say. Having a structured savings scheme automatically reduces the reliance on debt, Premaratne says. Most young people have not planned their future […]