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Japan backs UN war crimes probe into Sri Lanka war
June 20, 2010 (AFP) – A visiting Japanese envoy said Sunday his country backed efforts by the United Nations to investigate alleged war crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the final months of its ethnic conflict. Yasushi Akashi, whose country is a major donor to Sri Lanka, ended a five-day visit saying he detected a […]
” govt: report
June 20, 2010 (AFP) – A senior leader of Sri Lanka’s defeated Tamil Tiger rebels has agreed to help the government in its post-war reconstruction efforts, a state-run newspaper reported Sunday. The UN estimates that up to 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict which began in the 1970s. The UN has also […]
Future of whaling in the balance at global meet
PARIS, June 19, 2010 (AFP) – Pro- and anti-whaling nations face off next week in a battle over the 24-year-old ban on the commercial killing of whales. Gathering in Agadir, Morocco, the 88 countries of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) will tussle over controversial changes to a moratorium that has become an icon of green […]
Sri Lanka forum promotes joint South Asian stand at trade talks
June 19, 2010 (LBO) – South Asian countries like Sri Lanka have a common interest in forging a common regional stand in world trade talks, trade experts and economists told a meeting in Colombo. “If formalities are made to delay imports it becomes a trade barrier,” Sen said. He said South Asian countries should get […]
Dilshan shines as Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh
DAMBULLA, June 18, 2010 (AFP) – Tillakaratne Dilshan starred with bat and ball as Sri Lanka trounced Bangladesh by 126 runs on Friday to virtually book their place in the Asia Cup final. Dilshan smashed 71 off 51 balls and claimed three wickets as the defending champions piled up a commanding 312-4 in their 50 […]
Sri Lanka seeks to raise rubber output with rain guards
June 18, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to encourage small farmers tapping rubber to use rain guards to reduce production disruption by rain and provide more supplies for industry helped by high prices, an official said. Small farmers are likely to be the main suppliers of rubber in future, he said. Local consumption of […]
Sri Lanka to ink trade deal with India after addressing concerns: minister
June 18, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka wants to extend economic links with India by signing a new trade agreement once concerns are addressed, 10 years after the first free trade deal was inked with the neighbour, a government minister said. The agreement is also expected come with mutual recognition of standards to prevent health […]
Sri Lanka marks Tiger defeat amid probe pressure
June 18, 2010 (AFP) – Sri Lanka staged a delayed victory parade Friday to mark the first anniversary of the end of its 37-year civil war as pressure mounted for a probe into alleged crimes committed during the fighting. President Mahinda Rajapakse took the salute at the ceremony attended by thousands of troops drawn from […]
‘s protest over war crimes panel
June 17, 2010 (AFP) – The United Nations will set up a panel to probe war crimes in Sri Lanka despite repeated protests from the island’s hawkish government, a top UN envoy announced in Colombo on Thursday. Sri Lanka has named a “lessons learnt” panel to study issues that led to conflict, but it has […]
Sri Lanka needs high gear government to drive economic engine: official
June 18, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lankan private sector is the engine of growth and the government should embrace the Japanese example and formulate policies that would help people run their economic lives smoothly, a senior official said. “Private sector is the engine of growth and the public sector is the gear box,” Sunil Jayantha […]
Sri Lanka tuition ban will hurt poorer students: lawmaker
June 18, 2010 (LBO) – A state decision to ‘ban’ tuition classes in Sri Lanka on Sundays will hurt poor families most as richer people will still be able to bring individual private tutors to their homes, an opposition lawmaker has warned. Police have already started to ‘raid’ cheaper mass tuition classes in rural areas […]
Sri Lankan stocks close flat
June 17, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lankan stocks closed flat Thursday with Dialog Telekom shares heavily traded, brokers said. Hatton National Bank closed at 294.00 rupees, down 1.00, Nations Trust Bank closed at 49. 75, down 75 cents, Sampath Bank closed at 336. 00 rupees, up 25 cents and Seylan Bank closed at 76.00 rupees, […]