Three LTTE suspects who were being held at the Anuradhapura prison have escaped early this morning, Police said. A search operation has been launched to apprehend them. - STO
Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara believes Sri Lanka's experience of playing in finals proved decisive as they managed a narrow two-wicket win against Bangladesh in the final of the Tri-Nation Tournament. "It is tough on them [Bangladesh] especially after trying so hard," he said, "but it was not to be. I guess our experience in finals won us the game." Having shot out Bangladesh for 152, Sri Lanka were tottering at 6 for 5 at one stage during the run-chase, but Sangakkara's gritty 59 off 133 balls, along with a cameo from Muttiah Muralitharan, proved to be crucial as Sri Lanka held on for victory.
"I just wanted to bat as long as possible and try to get as close to the target as possible," said Sangakkara. "We rarely see a collapse like that and it was unexpected because we have some of the best batsmen in the world but that's cricket and we had an off day. The key was to try and fight it out."
Sri Lanka Army 55 Division soldiers this evening (Jan 14) liberated Chundikulam, the landmass that links the Jaffna peninsula with the mainland. According to the defence sources, Sri Lanka Army has liberated the whole Jaffna peninsula from terrorist clutches with this victory. Heroic troops of 551 Brigade (1 Gemunu Regiment, 1 Sri Lanka Light infantry and Commandos) joined in accomplishing this mission and it is observed that large number of vehicles including dozers, buses, tractors, canters and boats have been destroyed by exploding most of them by the fleeing LTTE terrorists.
Troops have found the fifth runway constructed by the LTTE, east of Iranamadu tank adjoining the old Kandy road which runs via Olumadu on Wednesday evening, the Defence Ministry said. The runway complex is 50m wide and over 1000m long and is situated in the thick jungle with a massive bunker line and a trench line around the runway complex with mine fields and booby traps, the Ministry web site said. A hanger has been found in the complex.
Over 650 civilians turned up in government controlled areas overnight in an area north of the coastal area of Chundikulam as well in the Paranthan area from the LTTE controlled areas, Military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said Wednesday.
Three hundred and thirty three civilians arrived in the Kevil area north of Chundikulam while 322 persons entered the Paranthan area, he said.
The group which arrived in Kevil consisted of 100 males and 133 children.
- ST news
Click Here to download Airtel's Tower details.
Click Here to download Airtel's ful detailed tariff sheet details.
Airtel - The newest mobile network in Sri lanka launched their service. The network published their charges. The connection registrations started and a huge crowd registered their names to get an Airtel Sim.
The Revolution in Mobile network tariffs started with the launch of this network called Airtel, visit your branch to get your sim card if you registered by filling the form. The connection will be activated on a recharge of Rs 100 and you will receive a talk-time bonus of Rs 100 within 48 hours.
India have confirmed a short series in Sri Lanka on next month comprising five ODIs and one Twenty20 game and placed renewed faith in their bilateral ties, which had hit a low during the previous administration headed by Arjuna Ranatunga.
The dates for the proposed Indian tour are yet to be finalised but N Srinivasan, the BCCI secretary, told reporters in Colombo that the series will be held during the two-week window in Sri Lanka's Pakistan tour itinerary - January 28 to February 14. Duleep Mendis, Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) chief executive, stated that the venues will be Dambulla and Colombo. "We are in the process of finalising the venues," Mendis said. "Most probably the Colombo venues will be the R Premadasa Stadium and the SSC."
Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training has taken steps to establish a University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTECH) and to upgrade nine technical colleges, one from each province as Colleges of Technology (COTs), Minister of Vocational and Technical Training Piyasena Gamage said at the media conference held at the Government Information Department today (13).
These steps have been taken in order to provide,
1).Pedagogical training up to Degree level for training serving in Technical & Vocational Education Sector and industry and perhaps teachers in the proposed technology stream in the secondary school education.
2).Courses to study for middle level technical personnel with qualifications acceptable for admission to UNIVOTECH up to degree level and,
3).Courses of study for those who seek middle level National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) to upgrade their competencies.
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says he is concerned about "systematic efforts" against Sri Lankan media, following the killing of Lasantha Wickramatunga who was an Australian permanent resident. - DM news
The sensational Sri Lankan cricket star / Great spinner "Ajantha Mendis" is now the fastest wicket taker in One-Day Internationals with 50 wickets taken in 19 matches.
Ajantha Mendis achieved this historic attainment breaking the record of Ajith Agarkar of India who took the same number of wickets in 23 matches.
Ajantha took his winning wicket against Zimbabwe in the Grameen Phone tri-nation series, played in Bangladesh on Today (12).
SLAF MI-24 helicopter gunships and fighter jets made precision air assaults at two identified LTTE gathering points located in general area Iranamadu, in support of the advancing TF-3 and 57 Division troops this morning (Jan 12). According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, MI-24 helicopter gunbships launched air assaults at an LTTE gathering point located 1km Southeast of the Iranamadu tank at around 8.15a.m.
A separate air strike was launched by SLAF jets at an LTTE gathering point located 2km North of the Iranamadu Tank at 9a.m.
- LankaNewZ
The lawyer appearing for the suspect arrested in connection with the Sirasa incident had told Courts today that the supposed anonymous phone call alleging that the suspect was seen loading weapons into his vehicle, was received 16 hours after the incident.
- LankaNewZ (D-N)
Airtel - The newest mobile network in Sri lanka launched their service. The network still didn't publish their charges. The connection registrations started from last Monday and a huge crowd registered their names to get an Airtel Sim.
The Revolution in Mobile network tariffs started with the launch of this network called Airtel, today. They launched their official web site in Sri Lanka, www.airtel.lk/ Visit your branch to get your sim card if you registered by filling the form. The connection will be activated on a recharge of Rs 100 and you will receive a talk-time bonus of Rs 100 within 48 hours.
- LankaNewZ
What is the best mobile netwok in Sri Lanka? Vote is now open... - LankaNewZ
The final thrust of the Government's military offensive to deny Tiger guerrillas any domination of territory begins next week in their remaining stronghold of Mullaitivu.
This follows the Army's re-capture on Friday of Elephant Pass, described as the gateway to the Jaffna peninsula and thus securing the entirety of the A-9 Kandy-Jaffna highway. Troops are now consolidating their positions along this highway. Thereafter, troop movements and supplies to the peninsula, now sent by sea and air, will be moved by road. The movement of civilian transport services is to follow. Troops have laid siege on Mullativu from all directions. On the north-eastern coast the Navy has placed a tight cordon, a security source told The Sunday Times. Unlike in previous thrusts, the troops are moving with great caution to avoid civilian casualties, the source added.
An estimated 400,000 or more civilians are said to be in the Mullaitivu area. Besides the indigenous population, around 250,000 are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have fled to guerrilla controlled areas from western Wanni.
The past week has seen the Air Force stepping up attacks on guerrilla targets.
- St news
The A9 highway was declared open today at a special ceremony held in Elephant Pass with the participation of Army officers and soldiers who were part of the operation to take control of the area. However civilian movement will be allowed only later. Officers and soldiers walking down the newly cleared highway. Pix courtesy Army Media
State security forces today (10) captured the fourth LTTE runaway maintained 10 kilometers west of Mullaithivu town, said Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara. The Army spokesman said that the runaway was 100 meters wide and two and half kilometers in length. Two empty hangers were also recovered in close proximity.
There are buildings near the runaway and the Army believes they are LTTE control rooms. Because of the possibility of booby traps, Army was clearing the area with extra caution, said the Army spokesman.
- LankaNewZ
A MP of the Sri Jayawardhanapura Municipal Council was arrested today (09) at Maharagama in suspicion of causing destruction to Depanama transmission station of Sirasa Media Network.
The police suspects that the Defender vehicle belonged to this Municipal councilor has been used for the attack. - [LeN]
Journalists and media rights activists held a protest against the killing of senior journalist and Editor in Chief of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickramatunga in front of the Lake House premises in Fort today. The picture shows several journalists holding placards at the protest. Pic by Berty Mendis
Troops have taken control of the Elephant Pass area and the A9 road, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said a short while ago.
Addressing the nation on national television the president announced the A9 highway was now in total control of the government after 23 years.
President Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to the security forces for taking control of the area.
"Today I address you at a time when our brave soldiers have achieved a special and historic vicotry. Our war heroes were able to completely liberate Elephant Pass from the clutches of the LTTE," he said.
