|| - LankaNewZ - ||

A country starved of international cricket for over six months celebrated with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to the efforts of Salman Butt and Khurram Manzoor, who made light work of the 220-run target. Pakistan took full advantage of a jaded Sri Lankan side still circumspect with their form after struggling against weak sides in the recent months.

Sri Lanka were outclassed particularly in the batting and the wounds are taking way too long to heal. Their relatively potent bowling attack struggled to script a turnaround for the team's fortunes as a whole and with the first breakthrough coming as late as the 38th over, it was curtains for Sri Lanka.

Pakistan's discipline, impressive for a team denied of opportunities to play as a unit in the last year, carried them through. Save for a poor start with the ball, there were no other signs of rustiness and the positive body language showed they were happy to be back and performing against stronger opposition. - Cric

2 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed during the sea confrontation with Navy, yesterday, were recovered while floating in the seas off Mullaittivu, Tuesday (Jan 20).

According to Naval media sources, an immediate search operation was launched following the fierce gun battle that erupted at around 11.30p.m., on Monday. 4 LTTE attack craft were destroyed by the naval craft on patrol, forcing terrorists to retreat with heavy damages, the sources said. A fast attack craft sustained damages when an LTTE suicide boat exploded during the intense naval gunfire assault, the sources further said.

The Government has planned to initiate an intercity bus service from Colombo to Jaffna shortly.

A spokesman for the Transport Ministry told the Daily News the Government will streamline the passenger bus service in the recaptured areas of the Northern Province with immediate effect for the benefit of commuters.

He said the Government will rehabilitate the A9 road which it had taken full control of after 23 years. The intercity bus service will commence soon after reconstruction work of the A9 road was completed," he noted.

"We have planned to operate five return journeys on the A9 road per day from Colombo to Jaffna," he said.

Meanwhile, a passenger transport service will be initiated from Vanuniya to Jaffna as well. At present, the Vavuniya depot is providing a good service by operating buses on 19 routes for the convenience of those living in these areas.