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Indo-Lanka to broaden defence dialogues

Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar says that the country will provide a large number of Sri Lankan defence personnel with opportunities to train in India in the future. During his meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa today he also emphasized on the need to spread the current defence dialogues between the nations to ground and air forces. The Defence Secretary who is on a three-day visit to the Island nation with an aim to enhance defence ties between the two countries also expressed of the agreement to hold a joint naval exercise in Sri Lankan waters in 2011. He further revealed that the Indian Air Force plans to perform a display for the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. (Pic courtesy President media)

Those at risk will be provided with AH1N1 vaccine - HM

Necessary steps have been taken in order to provide those who are at risk of being infected with the influenza AH1N1 virus (Swine flu) with vaccine injections, the Ministry of Health stated. Measures have been taken to provide the vaccine to pregnant women, diabetic and asthma patients, Health Secretary Dr. T.R.C. Ruberu said. He explained that it is important to always keep the hands washed and clean, shield the mouth when sneezing at all times and also to avoid overcrowded areas as much as possible in order to prevent from being infected by the virus. However the Secretary to the Health Ministry advised people to avoid being unnecessarily worried and think that everybody has to be injected. The Ministry will identify those who are in need of the vaccine and then they will be treated, says Dr. Ruberu.

Solar power to light up the streets

The Ministry of Power and Energy in the near future will be experimenting with solar energy to power the county’s street lamps. The aim of this project will be to save the immense electricity and the Rs.4 billion expenditure being spent annually to light up these street lights. Almost 700,000 street lamps are operational in urban and rural areas around the country, the Ministry stated. The Sri Lankan electricity system has had to make an excessive contribution towards lighting these lamps.

LLRC will hear representations by UN Panel - LLRC

If the government is to facilitate the UN Secretary General’s Panel to visit Sri Lanka, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) will hear such representations on the basis of its warrant and all the normal procedures will be followed for the hearings, the LLRC said in a statement.

Minister Ranawaka opposes govt. invite to UN committee

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that he strongly opposed the government’s decision to invite the UN special committee appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. He claimed that by allowing the UN committee to discuss the matter with the Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Commission it will only seem like the government was extending its support to this report which could breathe new life to the UN committee.

Lanka’s tea output down 8.9pc on bad weather

Colombo—Sri Lanka’s tea production in November fell 8.9 percent year-on-year due to heavy rain but rose 14.2 percent in the first 11 months of 2010 from a year earlier, the state-run tea board said. Tea output in November dipped to 26.67 million kg from 29.28 million kg in the same month last year. Output in January to November jumped to 302.45 million kg from 264.8 million in the same period last year. “Heavy rain affected the pruning in the second half of November, “ said H.D. Hemarathne, director general of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. “But overall the output is good due to fairly good weather and better agricultural practices throughout the year. We expect output of at least 325 million kg and export revenue to definitely be over $1.4 billion,” he said. If this forecast proves accurate, both output and export earnings would be at a record high this year. Output fell 9 percent to 289.8 million kg last year from an all-time output peak of 318.7 million kg in 2008 due to adverse weather a...

Police nab chain-snatching gang in Hikkaduwa

The Hikkaduwa Police has managed to apprehend an elusive group of gold chain-snatchers. According to the police the group comprises of five individuals all between the ages of 19 and 23 and also includes an army deserter. 15 gold chains, two motorbikes and a three wheeler were found in possession of the arrested persons and had been taken into police custody. Two razor-sharp knives, allegedly used to scare their victims before snatching the chains, were also recovered by police.

211 rehabilitating LTTE cadres pass A/L

Out of the 360 rehabilitating LTTE cadres that sat for the 2010 G.C.E Advanced level examinations 211 have succeeded and passed, Commissioner General Rehabilitation, Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe expressed. Therefore a majority of the former Tiger rebels, who are still under rehabilitation programs, have passed the Advanced Level General Certificate of Education, he stated. The Commissioner General said he believes that out of the group of young LTTE cadres that have managed to succeed in the A/L exams, two may be qualified to enter the medical faculty while 40 of them may enter universities.

Anura Yapa slams UNP’s contradictory policy

Anura Priyadarshana Yapa today in Parliament criticized what he claimed were contradictory statements issued by two senior UNP MPs, and termed the situation as similar to a ‘Rae Daniel Dawal Migel’ scenario. The Minister said this in relation to the fact that United National Party MP Karu Jayasuriya has allegedly said that a war crimes investigation should be conducted on Sri Lanka. However Sajith Premadasa had said in Parliament today (December 06) that war crimes had only been committed by the LTTE. The Minister added that concurrently the United National Party (UNP) employs the same strategy and says one thing to Sri Lankans while saying another to foreigners. He claimed that the ultimate goal of the UNP is to change the political backdrop of Sri Lanka with the help of foreigners.

Few versus a Nation…

Scores of Sri Lankan expatriates protested against the few pro-LTTE elements that had come to demonstrate, in front of the Hotel ‘The Dorchester’ where President Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently staying in London.

Prathibha Sambhawana - 2010

Prathibha Sambhawana , a felicitation ceremony organised in recognition of recent National level achievements of students of the College in sports and several other activities will be held on 08th December from 9.00 a.m onwards at Dr C.W.W Kannangara Memorial Hall. Colonel Lalantha Gamage, Commander of Commando Brigade and a distinguished old boy will grace this occasion as the Chief Guest. Guest of Honour will be Mr Ranu Karunasekera , Managing Director of South Lanka Stell (PVT) Ltd [Source Richmond College official website]

Wikileaks reveals more controversy on Sri Lankan war crimes

The United States questioned if Sri Lanka would thoroughly probe war crimes allegations as the accusations involve President Mahinda Rajapakse and other top leaders, WikiLeaks said Wednesday. The controversial website, citing one of thousands of diplomatic cables it obtained, said US Ambassador Patricia Butenis saw some progress in Sri Lanka in investigating alleged abuses during last year’s bloody finale of the civil war. But she was quoted as saying in a January cable: “There are no examples we know of a regime undertaking wholesale investigations of its own troops or senior officials for war crimes while that regime or government remained in power.” “In Sri Lanka this is further complicated by the fact that responsibility for many of the alleged crimes rests with the country’s senior civilian and military leadership, including President (Rajapakse) and his brothers and opposition candidate General Fonseka,” she said, according to WikiLeaks, AFP reports. Full Cable; Friday, 15 Jan...

Airtel Laucned a new & tune

Bharti Airtel has unveiled New Logo & refreshed 1min Signature tune along with the announcement to launch 3G services. India’s most leading telecom service supplier, Bharti Airtel has unveiled the new logo of the company on Thursday, 18th November. Along with the logo, the company has also declared to launch 3G services in the country before the end of 2010. The actor, Shah Rukh Khan is the brand ambassador of Airtel and he is called by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal over the company’s 3G network marking the first Airtel 3G calls. Since Bharti Airtel inception has been done, it is at the front position of technology and has pioneered a number of modernizations in the telecom segment. The company is organized in the four tactical business units including Mobile, Enterprise, Digital TV and Telemedia. Services of the mobile business are provided in countries like India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Enterprise business supplies nationwide and worldwide long distance services to telcos a...

Fonseka to be given exercising facilities and kept in a suitable cell - HC

The Colombo High Court today rescheduled the ‘White Flag’ case to November 23 as Former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka was not present in court due to his ailment. The lawyers representing Fonseka told court that he had suddenly taken ill as a result of the injuries he sustained after the suicide attack. The lawyer went on to say that some of the injuries Fonseka sustained to his intestine and lungs in the suicide attack had been aggravated owing to the fact that he had no facilities to exercise. The attorney also stated that after heavy showers the cell where Fonseka was being kept at Welikada had developed a leak causing the cell to be flooded. The Three judge bench which examined the statement instructed the prison officials to provide facilities for Fonseka to exercise and also to house him in a suitable and a cell that does get wet during rainy days.

Wanted

Despite leading newspaper’s refusing to publish the girls photographs, Sri Lankan Police has issued 83 girls images yesterday to all media organizations in the country with a view of seeking help from public to take them into custody. Among those images there are 81 of women and 4 men’s images. These girls have acted in XXX (porn) videos [Sri Lanka]. Please inform about these people dial 119. [Pic by Gossip Lanka]

Lankan maid alleges nail torture in Jordan

Sri Lanka is probing allegations that one of its nationals employed in Jordan was forced to swallow nails, in the third case involving alleged torture in three months, an official said. A housemaid identified as D. M. Chandima has told the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Amman that her employer forced her to swallow six nails, an official at the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka said. “We are awaiting a full report from doctors,” the head of the bureau, Kingsley Ranawaka, said adding that the authorities would decide on the next steps after looking at the medical evidence. The report came as another Sri Lankan housemaid who had been working in Kuwait accused her employer of driving 14 wire nails into her body as punishment for failing in her work. The woman, identified only as Lechchami, 38, underwent surgery to have the nails removed after returning home to Sri Lanka, the director of the hospital in the northwestern town of Kurunegala said on Saturday. The doctor said ...

Navy develops flood relief teams

Flood relief teams of the Sri Lanka Navy have been developed in Colombo to help people affected by the flood, Navy spokeman told Share Blogs shortwhile ago. Several areas in Colombo still remain highly flooded and thunder showers are expected in the evening according to the Meteorological Department.

LANKA TO OPPOSE THAMILSELVAN STATUE IN FRANCE

Sri Lanka will oppose the erection of a statue of former LTTE political wing leader S.P. Tamilchelvan in France, Spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry Bandula Jayasekara told Ada Derana a short while ago. Jayasekara added that discussions are underway between the French government and officials regarding the matter. We took immediate steps as soon as the External Affairs was notified of the matter, he added. Jayasekara stated that the French government’s stand on the issue is yet to be conveyed.

Richmond GUESTO 2010

Richmond GUESTO [Ball] on 6th november @ Waters Edge from 07.00 pm. This evevt is arrange by 80 - 90 Old boys of Richmond College Galle. For more details please visit www.richmondcollge.lk

US TAMILS TO SUPPORT OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS

US Tamils are disappointed in Obama’s human rights record, but they (Tamils for Obama) cited President Obama sending Samantha Power and David Pressman, two of the administration’s senior foreign policy advisors, to Colombo to confer with Sri Lankans. The US Tamils see these as positive signs that the Obama administration is likely to pay closer attention to Sri Lankan affairs during his next two years in office. The Bush administration, the Tamils say, was never on their side and so they don’t expect the Republicans to be friendly or helpful to them in the future, which they think is another reason to vote for the Democrats. “US Tamils should vote for the Democrats this year,” a spokesman for Tamils for Obama said. “We have reasons to hope that the Obama administration will take actions that will help Tamils in Sri Lanka if they still have a cooperative Congress. We have no expectation that the Republicans will help us, so we hope they don’t get control of Congress. The spokesman ...

High noon murder at Wellawawaya.

The brutal murder of a 60 year old woman at wellawawaya was reported this afternoon. Police said that the suspect had attacked the woman, killing her and injuring two other women. Two injured women had been admitted to the wellawaya hospital and later transferred to the Monaragala base hospital since their condition was critical....

Human smuggling: Crackdown goes too far: Report

While Canadians aren’t thrilled to see boatloads of people — including both economic migrants and genuine refugees — turning up here seeking asylum, as 492 Tamils from Sri Lanka did this summer, does Ottawa need to slap them in jail for a year, deny them permanent residency and cut their health coverage to tell the world that we won’t be played for patsies? That’s the question Parliament must ask as it studies Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s tough new crackdown on human smuggling. The Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act that Public Safety Minister Vic Toews unveiled Thursday warrants critical study before it is rushed into law. In effect, the bill would create a less worthy category of refugee — people whom Canada’s public safety minister deems to have arrived in a “human smuggling event.” They would pay a heavy price for it. The vast majority of refugee claimants arrive in Canada by air or by land. The few who arrive by sea, as did the Sun Sea mi...

Fire at Norochchole

A sudden fire has broken out at the Norochchole Thermal Power Plant in Kalpitiya today morning. According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman, Vidya Amarapala the fire has irrupted due to the clogging up of a chimney that emits waste from the combustion of coal. Mr. Amarapala added that there are no human casualties from the fire. While almost 90% of the fire has been extinguished, additionally Sri Lanka Air force and Navy personnel have also been deployed in order to assist with the task, Ada Derana correspondent stated.

GL SLAMS ‘COLONIAL’ RIGHTS GROUPS

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris rejected “colonial” criticism Tuesday of a government-appointed civil war probe, after foreign rights groups snubbed an invitation to attend. New York-based Human Rights Watch, London-based Amnesty International and Brussels-based International Crisis Group last week accused the panel of a cover-up and refused an offer from Colombo to appear before it. Peiris said in a speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a leading think-tank based in London, that the rights groups had displayed a “most unattractive attitude.” “It smacks of an attitude that is almost colonial, patronising and condescending, the assumption being that other people must step in because Sri Lankans are unable to chart a course for their own future,” he said. Peiris, who is in London for talks with the British government, said the LLRC was based on similar reconciliation commissions in countries such as South Africa. He urged rights groups and ...

Lankan soil not used by LeT to train terrorists - Peiris

NEW DELHI: Despite a probe by its defence authorities, Sri Lanka has found no evidence to suggest that the island nation’s territory is being used by terror group LeT to train terrorists. Sri Lankan foreign minister G L Peiris, who is on a four-day visit to India, said on Saturday there is no merit in such claims. Earlier, one of the accused in the Pune bakery blast case had said LeT operatives were being trained in Lanka. “The matter was brought to our notice. It was examined by our defence authorities but we have not found anything to establish it,” Peiris told TOI, adding that the two countries were involved in an intelligence sharing mechanism to prevent any such activity. Indian security agencies had taken up with their Lankan counterparts about the disclosure made by the Pune bakery blast accused. Though the training was said to have taken place in an area close to Colombo, Lankan authorities denied this citing heavy presence of security personnel in the area. Over the issue o...

Ranil headed for Europe today

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasingh is scheduled to leave for Europe today on an official visit. He will meet with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Geneva, Switzerland during his visit. The UNP leader who will be staying in Europe till the 27thOctober is planned to travel to several countries including England. He is scheduled to hold talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron and other heads of state. Ranil Wickramasingh will also tour Norway and hold discussions with its Minister for International Development and Environment, Erik Solheim.

Over 4000 ex-LTTE rebels rehabilitated in Sri Lanka

Over 4,000 former Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka have been rehabilitated and reintegrated in the society, officials said on Saturday. “We have rehabilitated over 4,000 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels and sent them back to their families. Six thousand more are to be rehabilitated,” Xinhua quoted commissioner general of Rehabilitation Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe as saying. Sri Lanka detained thousands of ex-rebels from the former LTTE territory during the last days of the government troops’ military operation in May last year. The government has put them through rehabilitation since then. The latest batch of 498, more than a half of them women, were released in the northern town of Vavuniya on Friday. The released former rebels have gone through vocational and English language training. The private sector firms have shown interest to recruit them -- mostly in the apparel export sector. (IANS)

POLICE SEARCHING FOR MORE STUDENTS

The police have begun investigations into the alleged involvement of another group of university students regarding the incident where students had allegedly entered into the Ministry of Higher Education premises by force and damaged state property. The Cinnamon Gardens police had informed court that the students currently under arrest are being questioned regarding the matter. The police stated that they intend to arrest the other parties involved in the incident through the information they have uncovered by inquiring the arrested suspects and viewing footage of the protest that led to the unpleasant incident. The total cost of the damage property amounts to over Rs. 200 000, the police had earlier informed the court.

Stocks pick up after fall

The stock market went up significantly after the initial fall this morning, said Colombo Stock Exchange sources. By day’s end stocks which fell as much as 5.7% in intra-day trade closed up at 1.4 per cent. ASI 6,628.83+94.81. Milanka 7,166.88+47.13 (+0.5%). Turn over Rs. 4.3 billion.

Don’t move hostel, Kelaniya University students agitate

Students of the Kelaniya University are agitating for a written assurance from the Vice Chancellor that the male hostel within the university premises will not be moved out. Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake had earlier directed the University authorities to move the male hostel away from the university and provide alternate hostels from outside the premises. The existing male hostel was to accommodate female students instead. However, the students have opposed this move and insist that the authorities let the male hostel remain as it is at present.

Kotte Dy. Mayor runs amok at TV Derana studio

Kotte Municipal Council Deputy Mayor Janaka Ranawaka along with several others had entered the TV Derana studio complex at Delkanda and assaulted an employee this afternoon (October 11). A complaint over the incident has been lodged with the Mirihana Police.

RARE ALBINO WATER SNAKE DISCOVERED

An albino snake belonging to the species Sri Lanka Keelbacked Water Snakes, biological name Xenochrophis asperrimus has been discovered at Kottawa this evening. According to Indrajith Perera who had found the water snake in a ditch after some children had informed him, this albino may probably be the first of the species recorded in the world. After detecting the snake, Mr. Perera, who himself is a nature lover, had contacted Mendis Wickremesinghe, another environmentalist and together had identified the snake to be a Sri Lankan Keelbacked. Normally frequenting the fresh waters, the normal Sri Lankan Keelbacked is mainly found in the upcountry and wet regions. Measuring around three and a half feet when fully grown, the female lays around 30 to 40 eggs at a time, which takes 72 days to hatch, said Indrajith Perera. A newborn measures around 20 centimetres, he added.

WORLD’S LARGEST CUP OF TEA FROM LANKA

Sri Lanka the world’s no 1 tea exporter created the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest tea cup (1000 gallons) a short while ago.

Ranil visits Fonseka at Welikada

United National Party and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Sarath Fonseka at the Welikada Prisons a short while ago, party sources told Adaderana. Mr. Wickremesinghe had inquired from the prisons authorities regarding the facilities provided to former Sri Lanka Army chief Sarath Fonseka, the sources said. He had informed Sarath Fonseka regarding the letter he had submitted to President Mahinda Rajapaksa requesting his release, the sources added. Ranil Wickremesinghe had assured Mr. Fonseka that as the Opposition Leader in Parliament, he would do his utmost to assist him as an elected Member of Parliament.

Sudesh Peiris takes first medal at Commonwealth games

Sudesh Peiris won the first medal for Sri Lanka at the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 today when he clinched the Bronze medal for the 62kg weightlifting event. Sudesh lifted a total weight of 272kg breaking the current Sri Lankan record for the category.

Mother, daughter killing: Two suspects arrested

Further investigations carried out by police on the female body found in the Pallaru Lake yesterday has led to the arrest of two suspects. The suspects, when questioned had revealed information regarding a dual murder, said Police Spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody. In addition to the female body recovered from the Pallaru Lake in Sammanthurai, police have uncovered information regarding a possible second body in the same lake belonging to the daughter of the female found yesterday. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the two suspects had committed the murders due to a personal dispute and had discarded of the bodies in the Pallaru Lake.

Bread price up again

The price of a 450g loaf of bread has been increased by Rs. 3 with effect from midnight tonight, the Bakery owners association President, M.K. Jayawardena said a short while ago. The last bread price hike was on September 10, 2010 which saw an increase of Rs. 3.

Why now and not earlier asks Mervin

While respecting Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, he would like to ask the Venerable monk why he has not spoken or protested on the other Courts Martial which are so frequent in the military establishment, said Gampaha District Parliamentarian Mervin Silva. Addressing a gathering at Kelaniya to commemorate World Elders’ Day in the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Division, Mr. Silva said that there were so many, specially from the villages who had been Court Martialled earlier and no one had raised any cries on their behalf. “If Sarath Fonseka is innocent, the courts will consider the evidence if an appeal is made and release him. I too was put in jail but as I was proved innocent I was set free by the courts,” Mervin Silva added. If at all anyone is to fight for the release of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, they have to do it legally and constitutionally and not by engaging in protests and marches, added Mr. Silva. He also said that Ven. Sobitha Thera is a person he holds in hi...

Prisons are not new for the JVP – Somawansa

The JVP says that they do not accept the sentence imposed on Sarath Fonseka by a court martial appointed by the president and ratified by the president as well. JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said that the verdict was politically motivated and that even the people who voted for the government are against it. Addressing a media gathering at the party headquarters in Battaramulla today he said that prison is not a new place for the JVP and that they are willing to go to jail in order to protect the people’s rights. Somawansa added that the verdict of the people is much stronger than any other verdict. “I want to question all the Sri Lankans whether they accept the sentence given down to the former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka?” he spoke. JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva who was also present at the event said that island wide protests will take place tomorrow (02 October) along with a demonstration in France against the sentence imposed on Sarath Fonseka. It will be followed by a Protest...

PM nominates Aswar to Parliamentary Council

UPFA MP A.H.M. Aswar has been nominated by the Prime Minister to the Parliamentary Council, Parliament sources told Ada Derana. Meanwhile yesterday Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe nominated D.M. Swaminathan as his nominee for the Council.

US businessmen to meet in Sri Lanka

A second annual conference to attract US investment to Sri Lanka will be held in Colombo Oct 12-14, giving business executives a chance to expand businesses in the island. The conference is organised by the Sri Lankan embassy in the US and the Office of the US Trade Representative, the US Department of Commerce, the US embassy in Colombo and the Sri Lanka Trade Ministry. “Our first conference last year gave people a good look at Sri Lanka, and the potential for businesses there,” said Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to the US. “Now some of those businesses are planning to begin operations in Sri Lanka. We want to make sure that business people know the advantages of investing here,” he said. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa met US investors during a business development luncheon last week. He explained to them the benefits of doing business with Sri Lanka. Those benefits include Sri Lanka’s free trade agreements with India and Pakistan that gives US businesses ...

Kubuntu 10.10 Release Candidate

The Release Candidate of Kubuntu 10.10 is available now for one last round of testing. 10.10 RC features a joint image for Desktop and Netbook, a new Mobile variant, a new application focused package manager and much more. Do let us know how it works for you. [This is a free and open source operating system]

Anoma thanks President

Anoma Fonseka wife of former Army chief Sarath Fonseka today addressing a press conference sarcastically thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for serving her husband who rigorously fought in the battle field with a rigorous imprisonment. She added that she was however not disappointed by the verdict and will fight for her husband’s freedom. Anoma also stated that through this act the President unveiled his true image to the world to see.

Canada OK’s most Sri Lankan refugee claims – Analysis

The refugee board accepted 85.2 per cent of Sri Lankans claiming refugee status in Canada during the first six months of 2010 — a rate that is on the high end among countries. An analysis by CBC News of numbers released by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada showed 345 Sri Lankan claims were accepted in six months, while 50 were rejected. Another 705 claims from that period are waiting to be processed. Only six countries had higher acceptance rates, with Eritrea at the top of the list with 93.8 per cent of claimants accepted. Afghanistan had only a slightly higher acceptance rate than Sri Lanka, at 85.5 per cent. The board avoids speaking about individual cases, and would only say that acceptance rates indicate the claimants were able to prove that sending them back to their original country could get them killed. Immigration lawyers and human rights advocates say most of the Sri Lankan claimants Canada processes are Tamil. They say the high number of claims accepted speaks...

China’s billionaires not ready to give like Gates

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have star power, but even they may struggle to persuade China’s billionaires that celebrity philanthropy is a must. Chinese billionaires feel insecure about their wealth, and trustworthy charities are lacking. Still, as China’s wealth gap widens, the super-rich should start thinking up ways to look more generous. The Middle Kingdom is home to more dollar billionaires than anywhere except the United States, according to Forbes. But charitable giving accounted for only 0.1 percent of China’s GDP in 2009, versus 2 percent in the United States. Buffett and Gates are set to hold a banquet in China as part of their philanthropy-themed world tour, but some local moguls have reportedly kept a wary distance. Chinese billionaires aren’t quite like their U.S. counterparts. Charity probably feels like a luxury for the first generation super-rich, most of whom are still building their wealth in China’s young, fast-growing economy. Many want to leave their empire to the...

Qatari red tape delays Lankan’s body being brought home

Explaining the circumstance of the death of a Sri Lankan at Doha in Qatar on July 7, the Embassy in Qatar states that the body would be flown to the island within a week. The delay has been due to the documents pertaining to the incident being delayed by the Qatari police. The embassy also states that the Qatari sponsor of deceased P.G.D.L. Bandara had requested a thorough police investigation into the incident. This had caused the delay according to the Embassy. According to the sponsor, Mr. Bandara, an employee of a company by the name of Sultan Suwaidi Trading & Construction, Doha had set himself on fire at an abandoned accommodation away from the company accommodation on 06. 07.2010. He was immediately rushed to the Hamad Medical Corporation. The next day the hospital had pronounced him dead. Following this, Mr. Bandara’s sponsor had urged for a thorough investigation regarding the death. According to Qatari law, its police authorities would not grant permission for a body to b...

Teen gives birth, NCPA steps in

A fourteen year old girl has given birth to a child at the Castle Street Maternity hospital, Anoma Dissanayaka, Chairperson, National Child Protection Authority told Ada Derana. The new born is reported to be underweight and undergoing special treatment. The teenage girl’s father is not there and the mother is reported to be mentally retarded, Anoma added. She also stated that none of the girl’s family members were visiting her at the hospital and Doctors at the hospital had become suspicious when a 28 year old man had started visiting her regularly and had informed the NCPA. The NCPA has taken the responsibility to protect and house both children under their care until inquires are completed, Anoma said.

BODY OF MISSING CHILD FOUND IN TEMPLE PIT

The body of a child who allegedly went missing has been found from a pit at the Pabodarama Temple in Balapitiya. The seven year old boy is also the brother of a monk at the Temple. A complaint had been lodged with the Ambalangoda Police on September 27 that the boy was missing. The deceased was resident of Madampagma, Galagoda. Police are conducting further inquiries.