” migrant stand-off

MERAK, April 7, 2010 (AFP) – Indonesia moved Wednesday to end a six-month stand-off with scores of Sri Lankan migrants who have refused to leave a rickety boat after they were intercepted trying to reach Australia. Foreign ministry official Sujatmiko said the 205 migrants camped at the port of Merak, Java island, since October were […]

Sri Lankan president eyes new political dynasty

April 7, 2010 (AFP) – South Asia is no stranger to political dynasties, and Thursday’s parliamentary polls in Sri Lanka could mark President Mahinda Rajapakse’s first step in securing a legacy for his own “first family”. Rajapakse, 64, has campaigned for his eldest son, Namal, who is contesting the election in the family’s home constituency […]

Sri Lanka elections not free and fair: opposition

April 7, 2010 (AFP) – On the eve of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections, the main opposition accused the ruling party Wednesday of campaign abuses and said it did not expect polling to be free and fair. The opposition United National Party (UNP) said President Mahinda Rajapakse’s administration had used state-owned vehicles and buildings for campaigning […]

Sri Lanka plans $230mn waste energy plant

Apr 07, 2010 (LBO) – A Malaysian-Bahraini joint venture, Orizon Renewable Energy, plans to invest 230 million US dollars in Sri Lanka to set up a power plant that will generate energy from solid waste, the investment promotion agency said. “It also will ensure that no more lands are allocated to landfills.” A M C […]

Outsourcing Unit

Apr 07, 2010 (LBO) – India’s MphasiS has received concessions for its outsourcing unit in the island which will employ 500 people, Sri Lanka’s state investment promotion agency said in a statement. Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment said a deal was inked between BOI chief Dhammika Perera and MphasiS Lanka Limited director M G Raghuraman […]

Offshore Supply

Apr 07, 2010 (LBO) – The Sri Lankan unit of international ship supply firm GAC plans to expand its business with the acquisition of more craft, a senior official said. “We plan to invest on another two supply boats,” said Walter Rodrigo, director of GAC Shipping, which has a service from the southern port of […]

Platform Supply

Apr 07, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard, a listed ship builder, said it was getting ready to deliver the first of a series of four Multipurpose Platform Supply Vessels for a Singaporean client. Colombo Dockyard is set to deliver six vessels this year, including the Multi Purpose Platform Supply Vessels and a passenger […]

Sri Lankan stocks hit new high

Apr 07, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lankan stocks hit a record high and passed 3,900 points Wednesday as institutional and high net-worth investors bought index-heavy, high-value shares, brokers said. Colombo’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 3,909.61, up 39.26 points, while the Milanka index of more liquid shares gained 1.26 percent (56.12 points) to […]

Sri Lanka needs stable economy to progress: CB governor

Apr 06, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka needs a stable economy with low inflation and ‘reasonable’ interest rates to progress and reduce poverty, after recovering from a 30-year war, Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal said. In Sri Lanka, for the past several decades, deficit spending governments have created a need for high interest rates but […]

Sri Lanka apparel sector has vacancies: investment chief

Apr 06, 2010 (LBO) – Employment at Sri Lanka’s export processing zones have increased 3.7 percent by end 2009 and there are now unfilled vacancies at some firms, the head of Sri Lanka’s state investment promotion agency said. Deputy director general A M C Kulasekera said firms coming under the agency, which received tax concessions, […]

Oil Move

Apr 06, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to broaden its search for offshore oil and offer more exploration blocks in the Cauvery Basin in the island’s north as well as the south, the Central Bank said. The company’s Sri Lankan subsidiary Cairn Lanka has also called for bids to hire drilling rigs and logistic […]

Sri Lanka war-zone doctor stands for parliament

April 6, 2010 (AFP) – A doctor who drew world attention to civilian deaths during the Sri Lankan army’s defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels last year is to contest polls this week for a party that backs the man behind the offensive. Veerakathipillai Shanmugarajah, 40, was detained following the army’s final victory over the Tigers […]

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