Tag: Sri Lanka
UN urges Sri Lanka to disarm paramilitary group
Aug 9, 2007 (AFP) – The United Nations on Thursday urged Sri Lanka to disarm a pro-government paramilitary group operating in the east of the island to ensure safety and security for aid workers and residents.John Holmes, the UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, ended a four-day tour of the country […]
Sri Lanka credit outlook upgraded by S&P
August 8, 2007 (LBO) – Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) has upgraded the outlook on Sri Lanka’s B+ foreign currency rating from negative to stable on the eve of a maiden sovereign bond issue. S&P said it was upgrading the outlook on account of better revenue collections, the elimination of fuel and electricity subsidies […]
‘s Saudi envoy denies recall move
RIYADH, Aug 8, 2007 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia said Wednesday his imminent reposting was not related to a report criticising his handling of a mission seeking clemency for a teenager condemned to death.A.M.J Sadiq told AFP he was scheduled to return to Columbo on Friday after having a transfer request accepted, […]
UN envoy tours Sri Lanka amidst clashes
COLOMBO, Aug 8, 2007 (AFP) – Six people have been killed in clashes across Sri Lanka’s embattled regions as a top UN relief envoy visited, officials and rebels said Wednesday.Tamil rebels are seeking an independent homeland for the ethnic Tamil minority in the Sinhalese-majority nation.Warplanes also bombed rebel targets in northern Manner district, the defence […]
Sri Lanka fuel pricing framework under threat?
August 8, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s new fuel pricing formula, seen as crucial to maintain economic stability and low inflation, is under threat barely two months after it started as opposition groups mounted pressure on the government. Subsidizing fertilizer and energy, together with the internal conflict has been identified as key factors that undermine […]
Once Bitten¦
August 07, 2007 (LBO) – Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) may put off overseas expansion following its experience in Sri Lanka where it lost money after being forced to under-price fuel and government subsidies got delayed, Indian media reported. State-owned IOC is delaying an entry to Malaysia and Indonesia where oil subsidies are also in place, […]
Six killed as UN envoy visits Sri Lanka
Aug 7, 2007 (AFP) – Sri Lankan troops killed six suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in overnight clashes in the north of the country ahead of a visit by a top UN rights envoy to the embattled region on Tuesday, officials said. Sri Lankan troops on foot patrol opened fire at the suspected rebels, killing six […]
Sri Lankan under fire over rights abuses
NEW YORK, Aug 6, 2007 (AFP) – Unlawful killings, abductions and other violations by government forces in Sri Lanka have increased dramatically amid escalating conflict on the island, a human rights group said Monday.Victim and eyewitness accounts indicate a “shocking” rise in such abuses since 18 months ago, when major fighting between the military and […]
Sri Lanka says no credible evidence for abuse charges
Aug 6, 2007 (AFP) – Sri Lanka said Monday there was no credible evidence for a rights group’s claim that government forces were responsible for intensifying abuses on the island, such as unlawful killings and abductions.“These allegations are not based on credible evidence,” Sri Lanka’s defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said after the New York-based body […]
Sri Lanka entry to ASEAN was opposed by Singapore: report
August 06, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s entry to the ASEAN at the formation of the regional grouping was opposed in 1967 by Singapore, a retired Thai diplomat has revealed in an interview. Sompong Sucharitkul was an aide to Thai foreign minister Thanat Khoman, who was a founder signatory of the Bangkok declaration that formed […]
Flood Havoc
NEW DELHI, Aug 5, 2007 (AFP) – The death toll from raging floods in India neared 1,100 Sunday as more people drowned in swollen rivers that have stranded millions in their homes, officials said.Every year the monsoon causes the river to flood in Assam, a remote state of 26 million people. Four people died overnight […]
Top UN official to visit Sri Lanka as conflict deepens
Aug 5, 2007 (AFP) – A top UN official is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this week to discuss the island’s deepening Tamil separatist conflict and the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire, officials said Sunday.John Holmes, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, will hold talks with Sri Lankan leaders […]