newslanka.org

Sri Lanka’s new Cricket Captain Mahela Jayawardena says he decided to take up the captaincy after considering the present situation of the national team. He also emphasized the decision was not taken because of an outside pressure. Mahela made this statement addressing a media briefing held at the Sri Lanka Cricket in Colombo today(26).
Former skipper T.M. [...]

University admission applications for the academic year 2011/12 will be accepted from Sunday(29), the University Grants Commission said. The handbook on university admissions will also be issued on the same day(29), it disclosed.
(JNW)

Memorandum of Understanding is to be signed with Italy to recognize Sri Lanka’s certification of sailors, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. Under this MoU, the Italian Maritime Administration will facilitate the Sri Lankan seafarers to be employed on Italian Flag Vessels without holding an equivalent certificate of competency issued by the Maritime Administration of [...]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of a 20-30% oil price spike if Iranian exports are disrupted. The IMF warned that if the West imposed financial sanctions on Iran, it would be tantamount to an oil blockade, and the shock to the market could be as bad as from Libya’s revolution last year.
Iran produces [...]

Graham Ford has been appointed Sri Lanka coach, replacing Geoff Marsh. Ford, the former South Africa coach, will begin his assignment with the triangular ODI series in Australia next month. His appointment is the latest decision by Sri Lanka Cricket to revamp the setup around the national team – the captaincy was changed on Monday and, last [...]

Hours after Tillakaratne Dilshan resigned as Sri Lanka captain, the country’s new selection panel appointed former captain Mahela Jayawardene in his place to lead the ODI squad to Australia for the tri-series in February involving the hosts and India. Angelo Mathews was named vice-captain of the 15-member squad which also included Dilshan.
Farveez Maharoof, the bowling allrounder, andChanaka [...]

Tillakaratne Dilshan has stepped down as Sri Lanka captain in all three formats, a day after the ODI series against South Africa concluded.
“Dilshan has resigned as Captain in all three formats of the game,” a Sri Lanka Cricket release stated. “Members of the Executive committee take this opportunity to thank Dilshan for his commitment and [...]

For once, the choke was almost on the opposition in a game involving South Africa. Sri Lanka almost messed up what had been the perfect big ODI chase. Their openers had blazed away and their middle order had kept up with the asking rate. Kumar Sangakkara was batting on a silken century with Sri Lanka [...]

Ashantha de Mel, the former Sri Lanka fast bowler, has been named the chairman of the country’s new selection panel, which replaced the one headed by Duleep Mendis. The appointment, made by the sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, could be the first in a series of changes in Sri Lankan cricket, which could include the axeing [...]

Demining in areas reserved for resettlement of displaced civilians has been completed, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya said.  Demining in other areas will also be completed within the next two years, he disclosed addressing a media briefing held at the Army Headquarters yesterday(17).
(JNW)

‘Abimansala-2′, welness resort for disabled soldiers in South will be inaugarated by the Army Commander tomorrow(19).  It will be located at Wilpitawatta, Udumulla under Athuraliya Divisional Secretariat.
The new ‘Abimansala-2’ project, estimated to cost around Rs 240 million upon completion lies in a 10-acre serene natural environment with rich bio-diversity and waterways, bordering ‘Haliela Wewa’, and was [...]

South Africa took an unassailable 3-0 lead after the most closely fought game of the five-match series thus far, with the result settled in anticlimactic fashion by the Duckworth-Lewis method. Thundershowers interrupted play at the end of 34 overs of South Africa’s chase, at which time the teams were on even terms but the hosts [...]

Sri Lanka’s batting turned up on a slow East London pitch after the no-show in Paarl but a scratchy performance was not enough to push South Africa, though the hosts managed to give themselves some nervy moments during the chase. Sri Lanka’s three big batsmen failed once again and it was only due to the [...]

Error made in Advanced Level district rankings has been caused in the last stage of issuing results, the Experts Committee appointed to look into the matter has said. However, the Examination Department was able to rectify it within a shorter period. Amended results are accurate, the committee has said.
(JNW)

The Cabinet has approved signing of MoU with India to obtain a grant equal to US $ 260 million for construction of 49,000 houses for IDPs  in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The project is to be implemented in three modes.
Under mode 1, about 38,000 houses in the Northern and Eastern Provinces will be reconstructed, with a [...]

Salaries of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Ceylon Electricity Board and Water Board employees are to be increased by 18%, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. In addition, a monthly allowance of Rs.2500/- will also be given away, the Minister added.
(JNW)

No Visa fees are to be charged from children under 12 years of age  and for transit passengers who stay in the country up to 48 hours, the Cabinet has decided. It would be very much favourable for Sri Lanka, as it would make this system attractive while boosting visits by foreigners with their children, Cabinet [...]

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani will arrive in Sri Lanka for a two day official visit on January 15, on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Qatari delegation will consist high ranking officials of the Qatari government and several leading business tycoons of Qatar.
The Emir of Qatar is due [...]

South Africa’s season of outlandish results produced another jaw-dropper as Sri Lanka subsided to 43 all out, their lowest total in one-dayers. The shorter format was widely expected to make the one-day series a more even contest than the Tests, but Sri Lanka’s 258-run defeat in Paarl was the third largest in ODI history, giving AB de [...]

Report of the committee appointed to look into the G.C.E. Advanced Level district result issue has been handed over to President Mahinda Rajapakse by the chairman of the committee Secretary to the Ministry of Technology and Research Dhara Wijethilake at Temple Trees today(11).
Other members of the committee Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo Professor Shanika Hiriburegama, Vice Chancellor [...]

The government is to increase the fleet of Sri Lankan airlines to 27 by 2015, Minister of Civil Aviation Priyankara Jayaratne stated. In addition the number of sea planes will be increased up to 5, he added.
(JNW)

The government is to link up with the University of Colombo to begin a degree programme for pilots, Minister of Civil Aviation Priyankara Jayaratne said. Main objective of this is to train rural youth to be pilots in the next decade, he added.
(JNW)

The Met Department and the Disaster Management Center has emphasized Sri Lanka will have no impact from the tsunami triggered by the earthquake struck off northern Sumatra. Indonesia issued a tsunami warning early today(11) after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 occured.
The quake was 420 km (260 miles) southwest of Banda Aceh, the U.S. [...]

 Indonesia issued a tsunami warning on Wednesday after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Sumatra.
The quake was 420 km (260 miles) southwest of Banda Aceh, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Indonesia’s meterological and geophysics agency, which said the quake was 7.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, routinely issues tsunami warnings for quakes over 7 magnitude.
Local [...]

A National Dengue Prevention Week has been declared from Monday(16), the Ministry of Health has announced. 5 deaths have been reported during the first week of the new year, it added.  Therefore, the decision in this regard was taken at a special discussion held at the Ministry today(10).   
(JNW)

Students for Grade One classes of schools throughout the island will be enrolled on Monday(16), the Ministry of Education has announced. Main ceremony in this regard will be held at the C.W.W.Kannangara Central College at Mathugama, it added.
(JNW)

If any letters with stamps containing symbols of LTTE are received steps will be taken to remove the stamps and distribute the letters, the Postmaster General M.K.B. Dissanayake said. The UN-affiliated Universal Postal Union (UPU) has also been requested to stop the circulation of such stamps, he added.
According to the UPU, all countries are obligated [...]

The Navy has confisticated the boat and arrested a crew of 4 in Hambanthota, who attempted to smuggle 22 persons to Australia who taken into custody near Rekawa area, Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasooriya said.
(JNW)

A Royal visit took place in Sri Lanka recently with the arrival of Prince Michael of Kent. Prince Michael was accompanied by Princess Michael during the tour in Sri Lanka. They were here on a private visit which paved the way for them visit a few tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Among the places they visited in [...]

The naval contingent assigned for the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission has left for Haiti. A total of 44 naval personnel including 02 officers, 10 senior sailors and 32 junior sailors were among them, the media unit of Navy said. They will be deployed for the mission along with 118 army personnel and 41 air [...]

A “smart” internet-connected television that has the ability to have its hardware upgraded every year has been unveiled by Samsung. The device has a slot at which allows new kit to be added to boost processing performance and add new features.
The innovation may help reassure shoppers concerned about their screen becoming outdated.
The move is aimed at [...]

The Sri Lankan first-class season will begin on January 20, a Sri Lanka Cricket official has said. The first-class Premier Tier A and B league matches had been postponed indefinitely last month, in part because of a lack of funds to run the tournament. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) then had to wait until a new committee [...]

Gangodawila Magistrate has ordered the Police to remove all students from Sri Jayawardenapura University premises, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said.
(JNW)

A 380 aircraft has landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the first time for refuelling on its way to Dubai, Minister of Civil Aviation Services Priyankara Jayaratne said. A 40 % increase has been recorded in aircraft landings in the BIA during 2011, when compared to year 2010, he disclosed.
(JNW)

Recent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy are mere allegations sans any proof, the Union External Affairs Ministry of India said.
Deepak Mittal, Director, BSM (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives) Division, Ministry of External Affairs, made the submission in a counter affidavit filed in reply to a couple of contempt of court [...]

Allrounder Albie Morkel has been called up to South Africa’s one-day squad for the five-match series against Sri Lanka because of an injury to batsman Dean Elgar.  
Fast bowler Wayne Parnell also suffered a pinched nerve during a SuperSport Series match but he has been cleared for the ODIs. The series begins in Paarl on January [...]

South Africa won their first home series since 2008, a period in which they had been denied on five occasions, prevailing over Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to take the rubber 2-1. An innings defeat seemed the most likely result at the start of the day, but a wicketless pre-lunch session and another century from [...]

The government has decided to issue free passports for Sri Lankan refugees who return home from Tamil Nadu. Around 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamils live in refugee camps and residencies privately sought by them in Tamil Nadu due to LTTE terrorist activities that prevailed for more than 3 decades.
On the initiative of  the President in his capacity as [...]

The government has observed the economic difficulties that are being faced by the people due to law’s delays and pending legal cases.  With the view to overcome this situation, a system of judicial mediation  is to be introduced as a first step in Court proceedings  and pre-trial procedures are to be adopted thereafter. Judicial mediation [...]

South Africa produced an exhibition of blistering seam and swing in the first innings, followed by nagging persistence in the second, to nip out 12 of the 18 wickets they needed for victory at the start of the third day. Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander delivered spells of unmitigated menace to demolish Sri Lanka’s last eight first-innings [...]

Deadline for accepting applications for rescrutinizing of Advanced Level answer scripts has been extended till January 17, Commissioner General of Examination Jayantha Pushpakumara said. Earlier it was due to conclude on January 08.
(JNW)

MP Ajith Perera has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Opposition Whip by the Advisory Committee of the United National Party. The post was earlier held by MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.
(JNW)

Over 100 Army sportsmen will be awarded at the Army Colours Night ceremony that will be held at Sugathadasa stadium today(05). Secretary of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapakse will be the chief guest of the occasion.
(JNW)

EU member states have agreed in principle to ban imports of Iranian crude oil to put pressure on the country over its nuclear programme. The move is expected to be announced formally at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting at the end of January.
The US, which recently imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, welcomed the news.
Iran has [...]

There was a sense of déjà vu as the action unfolded on the second day at Newlands, before Graeme Smith ended Sri Lanka’s agony with an aggressive declaration that came 30 minutes before tea. Jacques Kallis was balletic in the morning, and AB de Villiers ballistic after lunch to leave Sri Lanka facing for a [...]

A former Chairman of the United National Party N. Panditharathne has passed away.  He was an accountant  by profession and functioned as the Director General of the Mahaweli Authority as well. General secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake said that the late Mr.Panditharatne rendered a yeoman service for the progress of the party.
(JNW)

Age limit of 35 years for the Law entrance examination has been removed from this year, Principal of Law College said.
(JNW)

Number of students applying for re-scrutinizing of Advanced Level answer scripts has increased by 50 to 60% compared to last year, Deputy Post Master General K.A.S. Senadheera stated.
(JNW)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approached the BCCI about the possibility of hosting IPL matches, the new SLC president, Upali Dharmadasa, has said. The idea has been proposed as a way for SLC to raise additional revenue because the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) failed to get off the ground last year, after the BCCI’s [...]

Alviro Petersen made a memorable return to Test cricket, and Jacques Kallis enjoyed his new-found batting freedom as South Africa made a merry mockery of Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl at Newlands. Kallis had a sense of occasion, converting his 114-ball century into a 150-plus score in his 150th Test. His first ton against Sri [...]

Nuwan Kulasekara, the Sri Lanka fast bowler, will join the squad for the ODI series in South Africa after four months on the sidelines. Lasith Malinga, Upul Tharanga and Kosala Kulasekara will also be part of the one-day leg of the tour, while Chanaka Welegedara, Kaushal Silva, Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kanishka [...]

Upali Dharmadasa has been elected unopposed as president of Sri Lanka Cricket, along with the rest of his team, in the board’s first election in seven years. The election, overseen by the sports ministry, was marked by the late withdrawal of all opposition candidates. 
 Nishantha Ranatunga was voted in uncontested as secretary and Nuski Mohamed was [...]

Foundation stone for the ‘Lotus Tower’, tallest in the South Asia, will be laid on January 20, Director General of Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Anusha Palpita said. It will be situated between the Beire Lake and D.R.Wijewardena Mawatha, he disclosed. The construction work of the tower is scheduled to be completed within 30 months.
The construction of the Lotus [...]

Sri Lanka Cricket is set to hold its first election in seven years on Tuesday, after a series of interim committees controlled by the political class, and at a time when the board is in financial disarray off the field, and its team displaying patchy form on it. The election itself [...]

Police is to upgrade the existing CCTV cameras installed in Colombo City, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said. This will be carried out in order to identify the individuals and number plates of the vehicles, he added.
(JNW)

Ceylon Transport Board will launch a luxury bus service on the Southern Expressway tomorrow(03). The first bus will begin its journey from Maharagama at 7.30 a.m.  tomorrow(03), the CTB said.
(JNW)

Thissa Hewawitharana has been appointed as the new Commissioner General of Education Publications, the Ministry of Education has announced. The pot was vacant after the former Commissioner General W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara was appointed as the new Commissioner General of Examinations.
(JNW)

A crime data analysis is to be established at the Police Headquarters tomorrow(03), Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said.
(JNW)

Wife and two children of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s rebel leader Kumara mahattaya have been detained for questioning at the Katunayake airport, the Police said. They were about to leave for Bangkok, it added.
(JNW)

European leaders have warned of a difficult year ahead, as many economists predict recession in 2012. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was experiencing its “most severe test in decades” but that Europe was growing closer in the debt crisis.
France’s President Sarkozy said the crisis was not finished, while Italy’s president called for more sacrifices.
Growth [...]