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Sri Lanka wide-eyed primate caught on camera for the first time
LONDON, July 19, 2010 (AFP) – A “cute” primate so rare it was thought to be extinct has been caught on camera in the forests of Sri Lanka for the first time, scientists said Monday. The Horton Plains slender loris is a small, nocturnal animal which can grow up to 17 centimetres (six inches) long […]
Oil prices fall in Asian trade
SINGAPORE, July 19, 2010 (AFP) – Oil prices dipped in Asian trade Monday as sentiment was dampened by weak US economic data that spurred concerns of slow demand in the world’s largest energy consumer, analysts said. “There is still some negative sentiment, but at the moment (the price) hasn’t fallen precipitously. Given the data flow, […]
Clinton announces major aid projects for Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, July 19, 2010 (AFP) – US Secretary of State Clinton on Monday announced a raft of major aid projects focused on water and energy for Pakistan. The aid is a key part of the effort by the US administration to engage more fully with Pakistan, which has long seen Washington as interested only in […]
Sri Lanka domestic air services chased by 13 firms: official
July 19, 2010 (LBO ) – Thirteen firms that applied to start domestic air services in Sri Lanka after the end of a 30-year war are awaiting the final nod from the island’s aviation ministry and the president’s office, an official said. Director general of Sri Lanka’s civil aviation authority H M C Nimalsiri said […]
Sri Lanka central bank independence hurt by law
July 19, 2010 (LBO) – A groundbreaking book by a former Sri Lankan central banker has shown how the institutions independence could be improved so that it can better resist fiscal and political pressure to print money and generate inflation. Economic analysts have warned that direct subscriptions to Treasury bill auctions is a ‘quantity easing’ […]
Floor Tussle
July 18, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Bharti Airtel unit has taken floor prices imposed by the regulator to court complaining that it helps the market leader and hurts the consumer, a media report said. Bharti Airtel Lanka, has petitioned Sri Lanka’s supreme court, The Island newspaper said Saturday. The court has to agree to […]
‘s Dreamliner completes first flight outside US
FARNBOROUGH, July 18, 2010 (AFP) – Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner jet, whose delivery to clients faces fresh delays, landed here Sunday after its first flight outside of the US ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow. The test plane landed at Farnborough airport at 9:08am (0808 GMT), watched by journalists from around the world, ahead of the […]
Paranavitana, Sangakkara flay India in first Test
GALLE, July 18, 2010 (AFP) – Tharanga Paranavitana and skipper Kumar Sangakkara hit centuries as Sri Lanka dominated the rain-hit opening day of the first Test against India on Sunday. The left-handed duo put on 181 for the second wicket to lead Sri Lanka to 256 for two in their first innings before heavy rain […]
‘s Test finale in Sri Lanka
GALLE, July 17, 2010 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan was geared up to bowl for the last time in the first Test against India from Sunday, but bad weather threatened to disrupt his swansong. The prolific off-spinner, 38, will retire from Test cricket after the opening contest of the three-match series […]
Sri Lanka tea trade sees strong demand
July 17, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lankan tea prices are likely to stay strong on good demand from consuming countries and possible shortages caused by disruption of production at key origins like India, officials said. Tea Exporters Association chairman Jayantha Keragala said Sri Lankan tea prices were attractive right now. “At the moment we’re enjoying […]
US urges Maldives to accept foreign mediation
July 17, 2010 (AFP) – The United States on Saturday urged the Maldives to accept international offers of mediation to resolve a political crisis that has led to angry street demonstrations. Their intervention prompted Nasheed to reappoint his 13-member cabinet last Tuesday, a week after they resigned en masse. But the mediation has done little […]
Sri Lankan central banker writes pro-poor book
July 17, 2010 (LBO) – A former Sri Lankan central banker has written a book that can open the eyes of third world policy makers and impoverished citizens helping them escape state-induced poverty caused by high inflation. “Money does not raise economic growth, but it is the fundamental cause of high rate of inflation that […]