All Blogs
’s rising foreign commercial loans
April 4, 2007 (LBO) – Increased reliance on foreign currency loans by Sri Lanka’s government and private sector could spell danger ahead if they are not managed properly, the Central Bank has said in its annual report. High foreign non-concessional borrowings could increase the vulnerability of the external sector to various shocks, the bank warned […]
China sees “historic opportunities” in South Asia
NEW DELHI, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – China declared Tuesday that South Asia was on the brink of “historic opportunities” and sought stepped up cooperation with the region. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made the statement as he welcomed Beijing’s new observer status at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). “We all belong […]
‘s Bashar still searching for right mix
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar said his side had still to find the right approach to building a score after their nine-wicket World Cup Super Eights defeat against New Zealand. “Whoever wins the World Cup this time will have to work very hard.” During their 10-wicket reverse in […]
New Zealand skipper Fleming eager for Aussie clash
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming cannot wait to play Australia after his side drew level on points with the reigning champions in the second round of the World Cup following a crushing nine-wicket victory against Bangladesh. “Three in five days (New Zealand play Ireland in Guyana on […]
Pietersen wary of silent assassin Murali
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – Kevin Pietersen may have once disdainfully reverse-swept Muttiah Muralitharan for six but that hasn’t lessened the England batsman’s respect for the Sri Lankan spin wizard. “Against Sri Lanka or Australia you cannot slip up for five or 10 overs in the one-day game, you’ve got to nail […]
Fleming ton sees New Zealand home against Bangladesh
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, April 2, 2007 (AFP) – New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming’s 102 not out set the seal on a comprehensive nine wicket victory against Bangladesh in the World Cup Super Eights match here Monday as his side moved a step nearer the semi-finals. Bangladesh next play South Africa in Guyana on Saturday with […]
ICRC condemns Sri Lanka bus attack
GENEVA, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – The international Red Cross on Tuesday condemned a bus bombing on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast which left 16 people dead, including three children, and injured 25 others. “The International Committee of the Red Cross deplores the civilian casualties caused by an attack yesterday on a civilian bus in Ambalangoda, […]
Sri Lanka says 23 Tiger rebels killed after bus bombing
April 3, 2007 (AFP) – Sri Lankan security forces have killed at least 23 Tamil Tiger rebels in fresh fighting in the island’s east following a deadly bus bombing, the defence ministry said Tuesday.“In the limited humanitarian operation on the west and south of Batticaloa, we have found 10 bodies of the LTTE cadres,” spokesman […]
Sri Lankan, South Asian leaders say must “root out terror” for economic progress
NEW DELHI, April 3, 2007 (AFP) – South Asian nations must “root out terrorism” to turn around the fortunes of their underperforming trading bloc, the countries’ leaders told a regional summit here on Tuesday. Economic progress in the troubled region, home to nearly 1.5 billion people or one-fifth of humanity, is impossible without overcoming security […]
Cross-over MP back in Sri Lanka opposition
April 03, 2007 (LBO) – Former United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Edward Gunasekera, who crossed over to the government and became deputy minister of railways, crossed back to the opposition UNP Tuesday. His move created an uproar that caused the Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara to adjourn parliament. Gunasekera tried to make a statement in the House […]