Category: Other
Landmark Case
COLOMBO, Sept 16, 2013 (AFP) – Sri Lanka Monday brought criminal charges of corruption against former chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake whose sacking earlier this year was internationally criticised as a blow to judicial independence.The impeachment process was launched in November after several Supreme Court decisions went against the government of Rajapakse, who has tightened his […]
Sri Lanka plantations facing labour shortages
Sept 14, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s large plantations, especially those growing tea, are facing labour shortages, with young people moving out to cities in search of other jobs, a senior industry official said.During feudal and European colonial times Sri Lanka had to import labour from India for many activities ranging from tapping toddy, peeling […]
US nominee for South Asia post sees strong Indian economy
WASHINGTON, September 12, 2013 (AFP) – The nominee to be the top US diplomat for South Asia said Thursday that India’s economy remained strong despite recent concerns, and that further liberalization would strengthen relations. Biswal would replace Robert Blake, a former US ambassador to Sri Lanka who frequently urged the island to provide greater accountability […]
‘s Horana Plantations moves into oil palm
Sep 12, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Horana Plantations Plc, said it was moving into oil palm cultivation by initially planting 300 hectares of the crop, while also adding cinnamon and forestry to the mix. Some plantations have also grown trees to fire tea dryers but face restrictions. Corrected. Opening para/headline. Sri Lanka’s Horana Plantations […]
Rape Crisis
BANGKOK, September 10, 2013 (AFP) – Nearly a quarter of men surveyed in six Asia-Pacific countries admit to committing rape, often against their own partners, according to a UN report published Tuesday that exposes widespread violence against women.Based on anonymous interviews with more than 10,000 men aged between 18 and 49-years-old in Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, […]
Sri Lanka rubber exporter hit by falling prices
Sep 09, 2013 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Eastern Merchants, a rubber export firm said it lost 17 million rupees in the year to March 2013, from a profit of 105 million rupees a year earlier as world rubber prices dropped.Car sales in India had plunged 20 percent and listed Indian tyre companies had also performed […]
Nasheed faces tricky run-off in Maldives election
MALÉ, September 8, 2013 (AFP) – The ex-leader of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, faced disappointment Sunday after failing to secure a majority in presidential polls he hoped would seal his return to power 18 months after he was toppled.Nasheed now faces a tricky run-off election on September 28 after he won the first round of […]
New India central bank chief may face short honeymoon
NEW DELHI, September 8, 2013 (AFP) – The euphoria which greeted new central bank governor Raghuram Rajan has been unprecedented in India’s normally sober financial world but the honeymoon may be shortlived.In fact, Rajan’s comments suggest he is likely to be “more hawkish”, said CLSA economist Rajeev Malik said. The former top finance ministry advisor […]
Arrested
COLOMBO, September 7, 2013 (AFP) – Sri Lankan police have arrested a navy officer suspected of involvement in smuggling people in fishing boats to Australia, officials said Saturday. Australia announced tough new measures in mid-July to discourage illegal boatpeople. Since then, local police have apprehended three boats and detained 300 Sri Lankans, including 56 women […]
Sri Lanka offered hi-tec dairy farm by Dutch firm
Sept 06, 2013 (LBO) – A Netherlands based company has offered to set up a hi-tec dairy farm with processing facilities with high yield milch cows, provided suitable land with fresh water is made available, officials said. Velema Holdings, a Netherland based investment firm, is offering to put together a turnkey dairy facility if about […]
” violence
MALE, September 5, 2013 (AFP) – The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives goes to the polls this weekend for a presidential election that will test its young democracy 18 months after a violent change in leadership. Its more than 1,000 islands sit aside the world’s most important east-west shipping channel and its strategic location […]
‘s plans
MUMBAI, September 5, 2013 (AFP) – India’s rupee strengthened and stocks jumped Thursday after new central bank governor Raghuram Rajan outlined a reform plan aimed at boosting investor confidence and stabilising the ailing currency.The rupee climbed to 65.75 against the dollar, gaining nearly two percent from its previous close, on investor hopes the worst could […]