Author: lbostgadmin
Spin kings may give World Cup twist and turn
GROS ISLET, St Lucia, March 13, 2007 (AFP) – Just about the one thing captains at the World Cup seem to be agreed on is that pitches will generally be slow and assist spin bowlers. Last week both England skipper Michael Vaughan and Australia captain Ricky Ponting talked up the tournament prospects of their frontline […]
‘s shadow follows India and Sri Lanka
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, March 13, 2007 (AFP) – Rahul Dravid and Mahela Jayawardene hope to step out of history’s shadow at the World Cup. India have not won the tournament since 1983 and this time round it is Dravid’s turn as skipper to attempt to break that long wait for a second title. The […]
Bookies fear Ashes rivals in World Cup betting bonanza
LONDON, March 13, 2007 (AFP) – One of Britain’s leading bookmakers is hoping anyone other than England or Australia wins the Cricket World Cup. William Hill has estimated that more than 100 million pounds will be gambled on the World Cup. “Considering England’s recent on-off form it might surprise people that England are our worst […]
‘s interest
SEOUL, March 13, 2007 (AFP) – South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun said Tuesday his government could scrap free trade talks with Washington if Seoul’s economic interests are not properly reflected in a final deal. Roh instructed his cabinet to consider “real economic benefits” in forging a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, saying […]
Armed police sent in to tackle latest Chinese riot
BEIJING, March 13, 2007 (AFP) – Police poured into a central Chinese city to quell riots sparked by rising bus fees, residents said Tuesday, in the latest incident to highlight rising social pressures in the fast-changing country. Detachments from the People’s Armed Police joined local security forces in Yongzhou city in Hunan province overnight Monday, […]
Competitive Drive
March 13 (LBO) – Intense competition among Sri Lanka’s telcos will drive growth, with Dialog leading the pack and lifting earnings of its parent Malaysia Telecom, the investment bank Morgan Stanley said in a report. Sri Lanka is expected to top foreign contribution to Malaysia Telekom with 13 percent, followed by Bangladesh at six percent […]
Plastic Money
March 13 (LBO) – Visa International will give Sri Lanka’s 1.5 million plastic card market a boost, by issuing mini debit cards with Sampath Bank, officials said. Sampath says the card will be issued to all new customers who open accounts with the Bank and will be available to existing account holders. They could also […]
Sri Lanka rupee weakens; money rates ease
March 13 (LBO) – The rupee closed lower against the dollar but overnight call money rates came down from the previous day’s highs to around 16 to 18 percent on Tuesday dealers said. The government is expecting the proceeds of a 215 million dollar bond issue later this week. Updated-highest call rate/correction dollar rupee Call […]
Southern Harbour
March 12, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Monday signed up two Chinese firms to build the proposed Hambantota Port in Southern Sri Lanka, with financing expected from the Chinese government. SLPA hopes the project will provide 6,000 direct employment and 50,000 indirect employment opportunities in the area, with nearby Matara, Ratnapura and […]
Six die in fresh Sri Lanka clashes
COLOMBO, March 12, 2007 (AFP) – Six people died in fresh clashes between government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka’s embattled north and east, the military said Monday as aid groups warned of a refugee crisis. Suspected Tiger rebels set off a roadside bomb that killed a government security guard in the north […]
Sobers declares 2007 World Cup open
DANIEL TOWN, Jamaica, March 12, 2007 (AFP) – The 2007 Cricket World Cup, the first to be held in the Caribbean, was opened here on Sunday in a three-hour, two-million dollar opening ceremony. Sir Garfield Sobers, arguably the greatest player the game has ever known, declared the 16-team, 49-day, 51-match tournament open. “On behalf of […]
” claims
SYDNEY, March 12, 2007 (AFP) – Australian captain Ricky Ponting accused Sunil Gavaskar of being “high and mighty” after the Indian legend branded the world champions an unpopular team, reports said here Monday.“They might want to start to look at the way they play their own cricket rather than looking at us.” Ahead of Australia’s […]