Author: lbostgadmin
Genetically modified crops get mixed response in Asia
MANILA, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – With food prices hitting record highs the jury is still out in Asia as to whether genetically modified crops hold the key to future food security.The Philippine government has openly embraced the commercial growing of genetically modified (GM) corn, but neighbouring countries appear less than enthusiastic. “There has been […]
Oil powered Norway gradually turns into the wind
UTSIRA, Norway, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – As Norway prepares for a future after oil, the gale-force potential of harvesting wind power off its long coastline has become an increasingly attractive proposition.“Wind-mapping shows that … Norway is among the (world’s) most ideal locations for wind power, both on the coast and offshore,” said Norwegian Deputy […]
Black Gold
May 10, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to award its first offshore oil exploration contract before the end of May, petroleum minister A H M Fowzie said. The ministry was preparing a paper on bids received for offshore exploration and its recommendation to submit to the cabinet of ministers for approval next week, he […]
Microsoft appeals against record EU anti-trust fine
BRUSSELS, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – Microsoft on Friday lodged an appeal at a European court against a record 899 million euro (1.39 billion dollar) fine imposed on it by the EU Commission for defying a landmark anti-trust ruling.“Microsoft today filed with the Court of First Instance an application to annul the Commission decision of […]
Sierra Leone seizes container of banned toxic Chinese toothpaste
FREETOWN, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – Health authorities in Sierra Leone on Friday seized a container filled with banned toothpaste from China, which contained high levels of a toxic substance that could cause kidney and liver failure.Last year health authorities in several countries including the United States and Hong Kong warned against brands of Chinese […]
Sri Lanka Tamil Tigers attack as govt holds key local polls
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 10, 2008 (AFP) – Tamil Tiger rebels sank a naval cargo ship moored in the northeast of Sri Lanka on Saturday, in an attack coinciding with key provincial elections in the east of the island.The guerrillas said their Sea Tiger commandos managed to infiltrate the tightly-guarded port of Trincomalee in the […]
Sri Lanka Navy supply ship sunk by Tamil Tigers
May 10, 2008 (LBO) – Tamil Tiger guerillas have sunk a Sri Lanka Navy supply ship in the Northeastern Trincomalee port, in the early hours of Saturday, the military said. The defence ministry said an underwater explosion at 2.15 am had damaged the auxiliary vessel A-520 when it was moored at the Ashroff jetty. The […]
Serendipity
May 09, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to start searching for oil onshore after the accidental discovery of gas seeping from the ground, government officials said. Petroleum minister A H M Fowzie said Friday the government has received technical support from Egypt to start the initial exploration work. The accidental discovery of signs of […]
On Hold
May 09, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is keeping retail fuel prices at current levels despite crude oil prices soaring to new highs and mounting losses at the state oil retailer, Petroleum minister A H M Fowzie said. The state-owned oil refiner Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had run up losses amounting to seven billion rupees […]
‘s east coast holds key polls
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – A heavy security blanket was thrown over eastern Sri Lanka ahead of Saturday’s local polls, seen as a key test for the hawkish government as it escalates the war against Tamil rebels. President Mahinda Rajapakse is hoping the east’s first provincial council elections in 20 years will […]
”Karuna released into immigration detention
May 9, 2008 (AFP) – A former leader of Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger rebel splinter group, jailed in Britain since January, has been released and transferred to an immigration detention centre, officials said Friday.Vinayagmoorthy Muralitharan, also known as Colonel Karuna, was released Thursday following his imprisonment for possessing false documents, the British High Commission (embassy) […]
Indian inflation at 7.6-pct in April
NEW DELHI, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – India’s annual inflation rate rose marginally to a near four-year high at 7.61 percent on the back of rising food prices, official data released Friday showed.The government immediately announced prices were stabilising and would soon come down after weeks of steady increases. Inflation moved up for the week […]