Fire Alarm

A fire broke out at the Kukule Hydropower station late Thursday night due to a suspected technical fault, damaging one of the two 40 MW generators. A fire broke out at the Kukule Hydropower station late Thursday night due to a suspected technical fault, damaging one of the two 40 MW generators. The fire was […]

Sri Lankan chopper attacked

A Sri Lankan airforce helicopter came under attack Wednesday while on its way to the island’s restive eastern coast to pick up foreign diplomats, a military official said.A Sri Lankan airforce helicopter came under attack Wednesday while on its way to the island’s restive eastern coast to pick up foreign diplomats, a military official said. […]

Sri Lanka budget burdens larger companies

Sri Lanka’s 2006 budget plan announced last week could spur investment in less developed areas of the country, although the government’s pro-poor focus also means higher taxes which could hit corporate profitability, analysts and investors said.Sri Lanka’s 2006 budget plan announced last week could spur investment in less developed areas of the country, although the […]

Low expectations at world trade talks

Trade ministers from 149 countries sat down for global trade talks today, in Hong Kong, flanked by anti-globalisation protests outside.Trade ministers from 149 countries sat down for global trade talks today, in Hong Kong, flanked by anti-globalisation protests outside. Hong Kong is playing host to the sixth Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) […]

More blasts in Sri Lanka amid fresh peace moves

A powerful mine exploded just missing a police patrol on Monday after Japan offered to host talks between Sri Lanka and Tamil Tiger rebels to save their tottering truce, officials said.A powerful mine exploded just missing a police patrol on Monday after Japan offered to host talks between Sri Lanka and Tamil Tiger rebels to […]

Trade assistance to poorer countries increasing; WTO, OECD

Trade assistance to poorer countries from rich countries have increased over last four years, says WTO and OECD.Trade assistance to poorer countries from rich countries have increased over last four years, says WTO and OECD. Trade aid – technical assistance and capacity building to help poorer countries take part in international trade – went up […]

Rs. 2.3 bn Swedish grant for

The Swedish Govt. extended a 2003 development cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, making a fresh grant of Rs. 2.3 bn available over 2006 and 2007.The Swedish Govt. extended a 2003 development cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, making a fresh grant of Rs. 2.3 bn available over 2006 and 2007. The funding will fund peace initiatives, […]

Japan offers to host talks to save Sri Lanka truce

Japanese peace envoy Yasushi Akashi Sunday invited Sri Lanka and Tamil Tiger rebels to meet in Japan for talks to save their ceasefire, which is threatened with collapse after 34 people were killed in fresh violence.Japanese peace envoy Yasushi Akashi Sunday invited Sri Lanka and Tamil Tiger rebels to meet in Japan for talks to […]

Sri Lanka irked over Norway comments on peace bid: report

Sri Lanka has expressed concern over Norway’s remarks that it would only resume the role of peace broker in a three-decade ethnic conflict if both sides agree to a set of conditions, a press report said Sunday. Sri Lanka has expressed concern over Norway’s remarks that it would only resume the role of peace broker […]

Behind Budget Lines

How practical is a budget that seeks high defense spending and a big government? How practical is a budget that seeks high defense spending and a big government? International rating agencies, that gave Sri Lanka speculative grade ratings on Friday, also highlighted challenges facing the economy. Deterioration in the security situation, delays in the public […]

Scary Budget…

Defense spending was hiked by a massive Rs. 25 billion from the levels proposed a month ago as top Generals said they are ready for war if pushed in to it.Defense spending was hiked by a massive Rs. 25 billion from the levels proposed a month ago as top Generals said they are ready for […]

Sri Lanka army prepares for war and hopes for peace

Sri Lanka’s combat aircraft and ground troops are ready to be deployed at short notice in the aftermath of a wave of violence that killed 31 people, the military top brass announced Friday.Sri Lanka’s combat aircraft and ground troops are ready to be deployed at short notice in the aftermath of a wave of violence […]

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