Category: Other
Probe Call
COLOMBO, February 16, 2014 (AFP) – The United Nations’ human rights chief has recommended an international investigation into war crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the final stages of its Tamil separatist conflict, a report said Sunday.The local Sunday Times newspaper in Sri Lanka said Navi Pillay has asked the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) […]
Boat People
COLOMBO, February 12, 2014 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s police arrested 75 would-be asylum seekers on Wednesday, including nine women and six children, who were trying to leave for New Zealand illegally by boat, police said.The group was arrested in the southern coastal town of Moragolla, the first large-scale arrest of nationals in months after Australia, […]
Tribute
AFP.com/Correspondent) Mel Gunasekera became AFP’s first full-time woman correspondent in Colombo when she joined in January 2007. She had covered Sri Lanka’s Tamil separatist war and its bloody finale in 2009 and was widely respected across the country.On February 2, she was murdered at her Colombo home after confronting a burglar.By Amal Jayasinghe When a […]
‘s roads
NEW DELHI, February 8, 2014 (AFP) – India’s Maruti Suzuki said Saturday it had halted production of its iconic first small car, the Maruti 800, which revolutionised road transport for millions of Indians.The boxy, four-seater hatchback — the first car ever owned by many Indian middle class families — first rolled off the production line […]
Tribute to Mel Gunasekera (1973-2014)
Tribute to Mel Gunasekera (1973-2014) The Founding Editor/ LBO This page is dedicated to the memories of Mel Gunasekera A journalist of distinction, who knew no bounds to her loyalty – to her family, profession and friends. Lakshaman Bandaranaike – Publisher LBO Mel Gunasekera (1973 -2014) Who knew no bounds to her loyalty Mel took […]
Tribute
Feb 06, 2014 (LBO) Writing being my bête noire it is with some trepidation that I write this. I can picture Mel chiding me, Aiyo, what men! Poor show Tones! The start of the week saw me wake up to yet another morning of my wife’s Facebook rituals. Only this time, it was going to […]
India eases visa rules to boost tourist numbers
NEW DELHI, February 6, 2014 (AFP) – Tourists travelling to India from 180 countries will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas after New Delhi announced an “historic” overhaul of its strict visa regime.Most foreigners currently have to wait several weeks before learning whether they will be allowed to enter […]
Aftermath
By Nalaka Gunawardene Feb 05 – So it was a known construction worker cum odd job man who killed senior Lankan journalist Mel Gunasekera. The man, hunted down within the same day Mel was stabbed to death in her suburban home, was apparently familiar with the place and the family’s routine. When she recognised him, […]
Passing
Feb 04, 2014 (LBO) – Mel was regarded by colleagues as a hard-nosed financial journalist even after she switched to a more lucrative job with an international ratings agency, but few would have known of her other passion – motor sports and classic cars. Our last conversation a few days earlier was all about the […]
Appreciation
Feb 04, 2014 (LBO) One of the most humbling experiences in my professional life is the opportunity I had, to work with Mel Gunasekera for nearly ten years and to build a rewarding friendship.Mel took over the challenge of building LBO at a time most people were skeptical about the future of web as a […]
Obituary Notice
Gunasekera, Melicia (Mel) – Dearly beloved daughter of Marcus and Manel Gunasekera and loving sister of Dayan died under tragic circumstances. Cortege leaves residence 55/4, Gemunu Mawatha, Sri Subuthipura, Battaramulla at 2.30 pm on February 4, 2014 for service at Our Lady of Fatima Church Battaramulla. Burial will be held at Roman Catholic section of […]
Crime
Feb 02, 2014 (LBO) – Mel Gunasekera, a senior Sri Lankan financial journalist and founder editor of Lanka Business Online, was found murdered at her house Sunday, police said.Investigators were working with a bloodstained fingerprint and close-circuit-television-footage, police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said. She was alone in the house, in Battaramulla, while her parents and […]