Sri Lanka's trade deficit contracts 20.7 percent in February 2014

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 Sri Lanka's trade deficit in February 2014 narrowed by 20.7 percent to US$ 504 million as earnings from exports substantially increased while expenditure on imports declined during the month, the Central Bank said Monday releasing the External Sector Performance review.


Earnings from exports in February 2014 increased significantly on a year-on-year (YoY) basis by 5.4 percent to US$ 841 million, while expenditure on imports declined by 6.2 percent to US$ 1.345 billion.

The cumulative trade deficit for the first two months of 2014 contracted by 12.5 percent, as the growth in export earnings of 13.9 percent outpaced the 1.1 percent increase in import expenditure.

Improved performance in agricultural exports, followed by industrial exports, led the significant growth in exports.

Earnings from agricultural exports increased 15.3 percent for February to US$ 201 million, out of which tea exports increased by 11.7 percent and amounted to US$ 116 million.

Earnings from industrial exports, which account for more than three fourths of total export earnings increased by 2.5 percent, year-on-year, to US$ 637 million in February 2014, reflecting an increase in earnings from export of textiles and garments by 6.6 percent to US$ 396 million.

Expenses on fuel imports increased marginally by 0.6 percent to US$ 421 million in February compared to same month in 2013 and expenses in most of other categories declined.

During the month Workers' Remittances grew by 6.9 percent to US$ 502.0 million and earnings from tourism increased 33.6 percent to US$ 205.0 million. However, inflows to the government from Treasury Bills and Bonds declined 71.8 percent YoY and only earned US$ 202.5 million.

By the end of 2013, Sri Lanka's gross official reserves amounted to US$ 8.3 billion, while total international reserves, which include foreign assets of commercial banks, amounted to US$ 9.4 billion.

The domestic foreign exchange market has remained relatively stable during the year so far up to 22 April 2014, with the rupee marginally appreciating by 0.11 percent against the US dollar, the Central Bank said.

Sri Lanka Opposition Leader to convey party's vision for future of country to the public

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Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe says he aims to convey the party's vision and goals for the future of the country to the public and raise awareness in the current situation of the country.


Speaking to ColomboPage exclusively, the Opposition Leader, who is currently finishing up a fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, dismissed the media reports which said that he will not contest the Presidency at the next Presidential elections.

Wickremasinghe said although he has not ruled out himself from contesting for the presidency, he is open to consider others and will make a decision on a presidential candidate only after President Mahinda Rajapaksa formally announces a Presidential election.

However, the party's immediate goal is to start a grass root campaign to educate the general public on the government's economic policies and how those policies and massive scale corruption affecting them, the Opposition Leader said.

He said to attain sustainable peace and reconciliation in the country, the government needs to start a dialogue with the Tamil party and resolve their grievances. Pointing out that Tamils lack a generation of political leaders due to the three-decade long war, the Opposition Leader noted that it's imperative for the Tamil parties to groom moderate leaders to take reins after their senior leaders.

A future UNP government, he said, would reinstate the 17th Amendment to the Constitution and repeal the 18th Amendment to limit the powers of the executive presidency and would establish a system where the cabinet and parliament would have more powers than the President. He added that major reforms are needed in the health, education and financial sectors.

The opposition leader urged the Sri Lankan public as well as the expatriate community to rally around the party regardless of the religion, ethnicity and political affiliation to eliminate corruption and restore democracy and good governance in the country.

Packer completely exempt from taxes - UNP

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The UNP today accused the government of granting complete tax exemptions for James Packer and Ravi Wjeratne. Speaking at a press conference UNP MP Harsha De Silva charged that the government has planned to completely exempted them from the 12% VAT and 2% M.B.T and in place only imposed a new 5% casino tax.



He claimed that despite this the government continues to mislead the public by stating that the hotel project does not include a casino. This talk is similar to claim by the Hambantota Mayor that he brought a toy pistol to protect UNP MPs, Harsha stated.


When two monkeys mate the result is another monkey and when two casino giants get together the result will surely be another casino, Harsha claimed. 


    

Disciplinary action against Sanga, Mahela: Sumathipala slams ‘brainless’ move

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Launching a scathing attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket officials over a possible move to conduct a disciplinary inquiry on the country’s most senior cricketers, a former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief today said it is a “foolish” decision taken by “brainless” officials.  


It was reported yesterday that former Sri Lanka captains Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara could face disciplinary action over remarks they had made on arriving in Colombo after winning the ICC World T20 title. 

Sri Lanka Cricket had decided, at yesterday’s executive committee meeting, to refer the matter to the SLC’s disciplinary committee, an ex-co source was quoted as saying by media report. 

The entire world must be laughing at us for the decision to take disciplinary action against Sri Lanka’s star players, who led the country to victory in the Asia Cup and World Twenty20, former SLC president, MP Thilanga Sumathipala, said.

“The move will tarnish the good image of cricket in Sri Lanka in the face of the international community.  The entire world must be laughing at the fact that disciplinary action is being taken against Mahela and Sangakkara, the best players of the Sri Lanka team which won the World Cup.”

“Aren’t they ashamed?” he questioned, adding that it is a “stupid” thing to do.

He stated that the biggest questions are as to why two world-class players such as Mahela and Kumar had made accusations against the cricket administration, why are they doing it in public and why is the administration behaving in this manner.  

“When the ICC decided to expel Arjuna Ranatunga over the Muralitharan issue we saved the sport from the players’ side. But today when the players have brought fame to the country by bringing home a World Cup, the administration is chasing after the players as if they have done something wrong,” he told Ada Derana. 

He stated that the best way to resolve such issues is to invite cricketers for discussions behind closed doors as conducting disciplinary inquiries on them will only worsen the already disastrous situation.

If you take a stance that ‘I am the Chairman’ or ‘I am the Secretary’ the players are below us and they have personally slung mud at us, then it will only prolong this battle, he said.

Sumathipala stated that personal issues have to be put aside and the reputation of the country, sport and player should be given priority when resolving such matters of importance.  

Terming the decision to take disciplinary action against Mahela and Sanga as an “unintelligent” move, he said the cricket administration would face a grave problem if they follow through with it. “It will only worsen the SLC’s already tarnished reputation and widen the gap between players and the administration.”

He said it is regrettable that attempts are being made to probe such world-renowned sportsmen. 

He said the country will not easily get two gentlemen like Jayawardena and Sangakkara in this era and that if they had made any mistake there is a process to resolve it.
  
      

Mathews to captain ODIs and Tests, Malinga for T20s

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Angelo Mathews has been appointed the Captain of the ODI and Test team while Lasith Malinga appointed the Captain of the T20 team. Lahiru Thirimanne has been named as the Vice Captain of the ODI, T20 and Test teams, SLC said a short while ago.


The SLC added that the appointment will be valid until March 2015. 

Scenarios of possible Canadian involvement in Syria revealed

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Internal documents obtained by a Canadian newspaper show that Ottawa has drawn up at least five scenarios in which it could be involved in the three-year Syrian conflict, including the deployment of Canadian Forces.


The Ottawa Citizen paper said on Monday that while Canada’s federal government has no official plans so far for the country to be dragged in the conflict, the National Defense has developed five scenarios to address the problem of “rapidly deteriorating conditions in Syria, its impact on neighboring countries and … the importance of Middle East stability.”

Military intervention is included in one of the potential scenarios, per the existence of is “a legitimate armed opposition group has been recognized” by Canada.

The scenarios rest on the several assumptions, such as the Syrian government remains “defiant,” and include possible outcomes for each plan, including those “most likely” and the “worst case.”

Worst case scenarios include extremist groups getting ahold of advanced or chemical weapons or the conflict spilling beyond Syria’s borders.

Further specifics about the remaining scenarios have been censored.

Theodore Karasik, the Dubai-based Director of Research and Consultancy at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), reasons that the conflict affects a myriad of countries not just in the region but globally.

“Many countries face the threat from the Syrian theater because jihadists there have gained incredible battlefield experience and were further indoctrinated of jihadist violence,” he told Al Arabiya News.

Karasik urged all countries prepare adequately if they intervene in the conflict which must include a contingency plan.

“Not only militaries but police forces have to be prepared as well,” he added.

While the United States and its main ally, the United Kingdom, have both had their parliaments veto a military airstrike against the Syrian regime over chemical weapons accusations last year, a source who spoke to Al Arabiya News on the condition of anonymity said “in [neighboring] Jordan, the Brits are on ground already, in special operations forces.”

Hinting at additional covert support from other nations, the source added: “It is to varying degrees of how these [NATO] countries are involved and under what circumstances.”

Additional documents show that Canada has already started training anti-sectarian activists, journalists and others so they can provide a political alternative to Islamic extremist groups if the fighting stops.

President worshipped at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa worshipped at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy yesterday and received blessings for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The President is seen participating in religious observances before the Sacred Tooth Relic. Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, MP Lohan Ratwatte and Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela also participated.

South Korea ferry death toll rises, hopes fade for hundreds missing

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The death toll from a capsized South Korean passenger ferry rose to 25 on Friday as parents of missing schoolchildren blamed the ship's captain for the tragedy after he and shipping company officials made emotional apologies for the loss of life. 


Of 475 passengers and crew on the Sewol ferry, which capsized in calm seas on Wednesday, 179 people are listed as safe and 271 are still missing. 

South Korean authorities were due to restart rescue efforts on Friday morning and to deploy an unmanned submarine to inspect the vessel. Divers, hampered by strong tides and murky waters, have been unable to gain access inside the ferry. 

Theories about the cause of the accident swirled and an official investigation was due to resume with questioning of the captain. The vessel started to sink on Wednesday on a routine trip out of the major port of Incheon to the holiday island of Jeju, 480 km (300 miles) to the south. 

Coastguard officials have said the investigation was focused on possible crew negligence, problems with cargo stowage and structural defects of the vessel, although the ship appears to have passed all of its safety and insurance checks. 

The captain, Lee Joon-seok, faces criminal investigation, which is standard procedure in South Korea. Relatives of those who died have accused him and some of his crew of being among the first to leave the vessel. 

Both 69-year-old Lee and the company that owns the ship have apologised for the loss of life, although neither has admitted responsibility. 

Most of those on board were children from a high school in the suburbs of Seoul who were on a field trip to Jeju. 

Relatives were in mourning overnight in a hospital in the city of Mokpo, close to the port city of Jindo, which is acting as a rescue centre. Some of them spoke bitterly of the captain. 

"How could he tell those young kids to stay there and jump from the sinking ship himself?" said Ham Young-ho, grandfather of 17-year-old Lee Da-woon, one of the dead. 

Lee has not made any public statement on whether or why he may have left the vessel before many of the passengers. 

Witness accounts say crew members instructed some passengers to remain where they were as the ship listed sharply and then capsized in about two hours 25 km (16 miles) southwest of Jindo, a large South Korean island connected to the mainland. 

HUNTING FOR CLUES 

South Korean media have reported the ship may have turned before listing sharply to port, but investigators have declined to comment. 

While Lee and some of the crew members have been criticised for their role in the sinking, he was described as a "veteran" by Chonghaejin Marine Co Ltd, the owner of the vessel. 

"He is a veteran captain who has run such passenger ferry between Incheon and Jeju for 20 years," said Song Ki-chae, who heads one of Chunghaejin's branch offices. 

Song paid tribute to Park Ji-young, one of the crew members who died after escorting children to safety and helping them don life jackets. 

Of the 20 crew, half are not accounted for. 

Officials will investigate Chunghaejin, the unlisted operator, which owns four other vessels, and which reported an operating loss of 785 million won ($756,000) last year. 

Earlier efforts to locate survivors inside the hull, which is still partly above water, did not succeed. Data shows that the speed of the underwater current varies throughout the day and, at its strongest, hit 10km/h, making diving impossible. 

Although the water at the site of the accident is relatively shallow at under 50 metres (165 feet), it is still dangerous for the 150 or so divers working flat out, experts said. Time was running out to find any survivors trapped inside, they said. 

"The chances of finding people in there (alive) are not zero," said David Jardine-Smith, secretary of the International Maritime Rescue Federation. However, he said conditions were extremely difficult. 

"There is a lot of water current and silt in the water, which means visibility is very poor and the divers are basically feeling their way around."

US is looking to resume a 'more comprehensive' military relationship with Sri Lanka

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The United States is looking for resuming a "more comprehensive" military relationship with Sri Lanka once the Sri Lankan government makes progress towards reconciliation and accountability, a top U.S. official said.


Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said that following the March UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, the U.S. continues to call for credible efforts to ensure accountability and justice.

"We look forward to a resumption of a more comprehensive military relationship once the Government of Sri Lanka has made better progress toward reconciliation and accountability," Biswal said delivering a speech at the Harvard University in Boston.

"Sri Lanka has fortunately ended its civil war, though reconciliation has proved challenging," the Assistant Secretary has said.

In March the UNHRC in Geneva adopted a resolution on Sri Lanka sponsored by the United States, the United Kingdom and three other countries requestingthe Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to undertake a comprehensive independent investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka.

Kidney racketeers used Facebook

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The alleged international kidney racket, which came under the police radar following the death of a city youngster in Sri Lanka, has been using Facebook and other social networking sites to identify victims.


Kishanbagh resident, Dinesh Maroo, who died in Colombo allegedly after a kidney transplant, had at least six Facebook friends with whom he had discussed kidney donation in the past.

One of them, named “Nv Kidney” had also had an e-mail correspondence with Dinesh, who sent his passport copy and ID proof to him, probably for visa and air tickets, his family members said.

Meanwhile, CCS police has taken few people into custody from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in connection with the case. Officials said that they had traced the persons who were in touch with victims through email and Facebook.

The police has also tracked two other victims who went to Colombo with Dinesh on March 22. One of them has also undergone a kidney transplant in a Lankan hospital. The racketeers had called the victims to Colombo with job offers, said police sources.

The Facebook friends of Dinesh have accounts under false names and have uploaded statuses seeking attention of people for kidney donation. The scam attracts victims through these status messages and then convinces them over chat and email correspondence.

The racketeers have also given advertisements on the internet. CCS police officials said that they were investigating a nexus active on social networking sites.

Chat details of Dinesh reveal that the racketeers, who also claim to be medical doctors, had convinced the victims that they would not face any physical trouble after the transplant, and had offered lakhs of rupees as compensation. They had chosen Sri Lanka for the operation to avoid police surveillance, sources added, Deccan Chronicle reports.



Govt justifies troops presence in North

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A day after three key operatives of the banned LTTE were killed in a major military operation in Sri Lanka's north, the government today justified maintaining troops in the former war zones. 
 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's special envoy on human rights and Government Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said yesterday's incident has underlined the need to keep the military on alert. 
 
"We were asked and criticised about the presence of the military in the north and the need to scale down its presence by the international governments at the Geneva UN Human Rights Council...We explained to them the need to keep the military going as it was a decision for a sovereign government to take in view of the national security needs," he said. 
 
"Yesterday's incident was clear evidence of that," Samarasinghe said after briefing the outcome in Geneva to the Buddhist high priests in the central town of Kandy today. 
 
The Army said three armed suspects who attempted to escape the troops were killed in a cordon and search operation in the area of Padaviya in North Central Province on April 11. 
 
Samarasinghe reiterated the call made by Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G L Peiris. 
 
He said Sri Lanka would not cooperate with the UNHRC in implementing the resolution adopted late March which was aimed at setting up an international investigation on the country's alleged human rights abuses during the final phase of the war with the LTTE. 
 
"We will not participate as we have no confidence in such a process. We are a government which is committed to achieving reconciliation through credible local mechanisms," Samarasinghe said. 
 
He said Sri Lanka would not give into attempts by the pro-LTTE diaspora to destabilise the country. 
 
The Sri Lankan government claimed that pro-LTTE diaspora is moving the Western governments to act against it. 

Sri Lankan Army soldier dies of accidental fire during training

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A Sri Lankan army soldier has died of gunshot injuries sustained during a training exercise in the general area north of Vavuniya in the North.


The soldier, Lance Corporal S.K Raja of 7 Military Intelligence Corps (MIC), who was engaged in a training exercise succumbed to accidental gunshot injuries on late Thursday (10) on admission to Padaviya Hospital, the Army said.

He was in engaged in a training exercise together with several fellow soldiers when the accidental fire, believed to have originated from one of the guns of a fellow-soldier, caused injuries to the deceased soldier.

Military Police investigations into the soldier's death are in progress.

Earlier local media reported that an army soldier was killed in the operation to capture the three LTTE operatives in the area. The Army shot and killed the three LTTE suspects during a shootout.

379 arrested for drunk driving

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The Police Department says that legal action has been taken against 211 motorists who were driving under the influence of alcohol, following operations carried out within 24 hours (from 6.00am yesterday) in various parts of the island. 


The Police Headquarters launched special round-the-clock operations from April 10 to apprehend drunk drivers in view of the festive season. 

Cases have been filed against a total of 379 motorists so far, since the commencing of the operations on April 10, out of which 208 are said to be motorcyclists. 125 of them were three-wheeler drivers while the rest (43) are drivers of other vehicles. 

Police also said that 3 bus drivers have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Gnanasara and Vijitha Theros need psychological help - Dilan

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General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, Galabodaaththe Gnanasara Thero and Secretary of the Jathika Bala Sena Watareka Vijitha Thero should both get psychological help, Minister of Foreign Employment Promotions Dilan Perera stated.

He told Ada Derana that he calls upon medical specialists to help cure the psychological problems of these two Theros as their behaviour was discrediting and bringing shame upon Buddhism adding that they were two sides of the same coin.

Speaking on the incident in which Gnanasara Thero stormed a press conference and verbally abused Vijitha Thero, Minister Perera charged that Gnanasara Thero was fulfilling a contract for the western countries in coalition with UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay.

He added that the BBS was engaged in trying to confirm accusations by the Western world that there is no religious harmony in Sri Lanka and that Buddhists were a violent group.

The Minister strongly condemned the actions of the BBS group and reiterated its agenda to discredit Sri Lankans in front of the whole world.

Modi will not betray Tamils - Vaiko

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MDMK general secretary Vaiko said that a Modi-led Government at the Centre would not repeat the blunders of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government in Sri Lankan Tamils and fishermen issues.


Mobilising support for the party candidate in the Tenkasi (reserved) segment N. Thirumalaikumar at Sankarankovil on Friday, he said the UPA government, in which the DMK was a vital constituent, paved the way for the “massacre of Sri Lankan Tamils” by providing men and materials to the island nation’s armed forces.

Even after 578 Tamil fishermen were hunted down on the highseas by the Sri Lankan navy, the Indian Government did nothing to save its citizens.

If BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was given an opportunity to lead the new government, he would never repeat such blunders. “I guarantee the voters that he will never betray the Tamils,” Mr. Vaiko said. 

He assured that he would continue to be the first person to safeguard the welfare of minorities, The Hindu reported.

World champs get what they asked for-SLC

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Sri Lanka cricketers who refused to sign their annual contracts and left for their victorious campaign in the ICC World T20 tournament in Bangladesh over a disputed payment from International Cricket Council (ICC) events, have been assured of receiving almost what they demanded and have actually clinched much more with the prize money for winning the world title, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Treasurer Nuski Mohamed told “Daily Mirror”.
SLC has promised the team US $ half a million (Rs. 65 million) as participation fee and win bonus of US $ one million (Rs. 130 million). The prize money for winning the ICC World T20 title is US $ 1.1 million (Rs. 143 million).
Mohamed said that SLC would receive US $ 8.9 million from the ICC World T20 for taking part in the event and pointed out that with the prize money of US $ 1.1 million, the total amount SLC would receive from ICC would be US $ ten million.
The team which would receive the participation fee of US $ half a million plus the US $ one million win bonus added to the US $ 1.1 million prize money would make it a total of US $ 2.6 million, a figure which would further be enhanced by the match fees and seniority fees bringing the total figure to around US $ 2.8 million or a percentage of 28 from the total SLC income from the event.
The discretion of how participation fees, prize money and win bonus would be distributed among team members lies with the team captain, and the usual practice is to distribute it equally which means each player can expect to earn in the range of US $ 200,000 (Rs. 26 million) for their world title winning performance.
“We haven’t received money from ICC yet. It might take more than a month for that money to come though I think prize money would be released quickly by ICC,” said Mohamed.
“We do not get involved in distributing prize money or bonuses. The team has the discretion on how they disburse that money among team members,” said Mohamed.
He added that players have little excuse now to refuse signing the annual contracts as they have received the percentage they demanded from the year’s only ICC event.
“When they come to this side one day, they will understand the position. We are not here just to pay the national team. We have much bigger responsibilities to keep the game alive. If the game dies without money, will there be a national team to win world titles?,” questioned Mohamed.
“We have to look after the schools, clubs, districts, provinces, ‘A’ team, Youth teams, women’s cricket, academies. Then we have to maintain grounds and stadia. You have to understand that we do all these things with this money we get from the ICC. That is why we cannot pay them as they demand, because if we do, from where can we find the money to do all that development?,” questioned Mohamed. He however said they had no qualms about recognising achievements and would be prepared to reward the players according to the performances.
“We have been reasonable to the limit we can be reasonable. Take the last Asia Cup in 2012. We even lost to Bangladesh and lost all our matches. Despite that poor performance we had to pay them all that money. But now, things are different. There are less doles, but massive incentives if they perform. That’s the difference,” Mohamed added.
Mohamed revealed that the prize money or participation fees due to SLC from Asia Cup had still not been received.
“The finance committee of the Asian Cricket Council has to meet and finalise those payments. I am also in that committee, but we haven’t still fixed a date for the meeting. We will probably meet later this month to sort that out,” said Mohamed.
Mohamed said that Sri Lanka players who won the Asia Cup would be awarded a US $ 100,000 winning bonus as promised by the SLC.

SL should honour commitments made in 2009 - UN

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The United Nations recalled the commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government in its joint statement with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in May 2009 and urged Sri Lanka to remain committed to its undertaking.


The UN spokeswoman Eri Kaneko, who spoke to Daily Mirror, urged the Sri Lankan Government to constructively engage and cooperate with the OHCHR in implementing the resolution adopted at the 25th UNHRC session in March.

She made these comments in response to several statements made by the government recently on the upcoming investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law during the conflict period in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Kaneko also referred to External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris’s statement that the resolution was not welcome in Sri Lanka.

“The Secretary-General has consistently underlined the importance of an accountability process for addressing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Sri Lanka. He welcomes the determination by the HR Chief to advance accountability and promote lasting peace and reconciliation in the country,” Ms. Kaneko said adding that the UN would remain engaged with Sri Lanka to support efforts to make progress in accountability, reconciliation and a lasting political solution.

Sri Lanka Army says wanted LTTE suspect Gopi shot dead

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Apr 11, Colombo: The wanted LTTE suspect Ponniah Selvanayagam Kajeeban alias Gopi was among the three LTTE operatives killed by the Sri Lankan security forces in a clash last night in Vavuniya, the military spokesman has confirmed.


Earlier reports said the security forces in a search operation for the wanted LTTE suspect Gopi had clashed with suspected LTTE operatives Thursday night in the Vedivachchikallu in Nedunkerni, Welioya, Nadunkarni area of Vavuniya.

Three LTTE operatives were killed during the shootout between the army soldiers and the suspects when the soldiers surrounded the suspects' hideout. Earlier reports said a soldier was also killed.

"The three suspects were identified as Gobi, Appan, and Thevian. Judicial inquiry is being held at the scene of the shooting," Army spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya was quoted in local media as saying.

The security personnel have recovered arms, ammunition, explosives and other material from the hideout, the spokesman has added.

US says New Year brings a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans

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Apr 11, Washington DC: The United States today said the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year brings a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans to join together in the spirit of tolerance, reconciliation, and peace.


In a press statement issued Friday, the US Secretary of State John Kerry, on behalf of President Obama and the American people offered "warmest greetings to the people of Sri Lanka and the vibrant global Sri Lankan diaspora"

"This New Year brings a new opportunity for all Sri Lankans to join together in the spirit of tolerance, reconciliation, and peace. As Sri Lankans gather to mark the potential of the New Year, we join in celebrating with you," his message said.

"As you continue your work to build a prosperous, democratic Sri Lanka, I offer my best wishes for a safe and happy holiday and a prosperous, peaceful year ahead."

Lankan issue will not affect congress in polls- Vasan

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Union Minister and senior Congress leader G K Vasan today said the centre's stand in abstaining from voting on a US resolution on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka at the UNHRC would not affect the party in the Lok Sabha elections.


"No way the Sri Lankan issue will affect the Congress in this election," he told reporters responding to criticism of the UPA government's stand by most parties in Tamil Nadu.

He said it was the Congress-led UPA Government that had allocated crores of rupees for the rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Tamils.

The resolution, which sought an international inquiry into alleged war crimes in the last stages of the conflict with the LTTE in 2009, was adopted by 23 votes.

Noting that the Congress was contesting the April 24 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu on its own after a long gap, he said the party's chances were bright.

He said during his campaign tour of the state, he could see enthusiasm among the Congress workers.

Attacking the Jayalalithaa government, he said it was suppressing the role of the central government in various welfare schemes being implemented.

India into World T20 against SL

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India beat South Africa, comfortbaly, by seven wickets, to book a place in Sunday's final of the World T20 2014, against Sri Lanka.


Batting first, after winning the toss, South Africa managed to score 172 for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs, but India were hardly troubled on their way to reaching the target.

Virat Kohli top scored for the Indians with 72, while Ajinkya Rahane scored 32. Dale Steyn was South Africa's most expensive bowler as he conceded 36 runs in his four overs.

U.S. committed to working with the people of Sri Lanka - envoy

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The United States remains firmly committed to working with the people of Sri Lanka to build a future in which all of Sri Lanka's citizens can achieve their aspirations, its envoy to Colombo said.


"We have been a longtime friend of the Sri Lankan people, in good times and in bad," the U.S, Ambassador to Colombo Michele Sison said Thursday addressing the Foreign Correspondents Association.

She said the United States upholds its commitment to the people of Sri Lanka through a broad relationship that extends to economic development, education, access to justice, and other activities island-wide.

Speaking of the U.S.-led resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council, the envoy said the U.S. concerns regarding the lack of reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, ongoing human rights issues in the north and east, and attacks against journalists and religious minorities have not been addressed five years after the end of the war.

The U.S. for the third time sponsored a resolution on Sri Lanka at the 25th session of the UNHRC. The resolution was adopted with a majority of 11 votes in the Council last month.

This time the resolution requests a comprehensive investigation, to be undertaken by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes committed in Sri Lanka, by both sides, during the 2002-2009 period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission report.

She said the resolution does not preclude the domestic process, but is meant to support a genuine, credible, and transparent domestic process and the UN High Commissioner's investigation can and should support the government's own efforts to fulfil the recommendations of the LLRC.

"We encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to take heed, to fulfill its own obligations to its people, and to take meaningful, concrete steps on reconciliation and accountability. This reflects genuine concern on the part of the United States for all communities in Sri Lanka. We also encourage the Government to cooperate fully with UN mechanisms," the envoy said.

The Ambassador said the reconciliation is a lengthy process and must be started in earnest as soon as possible.

"We believe that creating economic opportunity must go hand in hand with political reconciliation."

She stressed that the U.S. and all others who supported the Sri Lanka resolution at the UN Human Rights Council sent a clear message that the international community is committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote greater peace, stability, and prosperity for all citizens of Sri Lanka.

Ready to support a common candidate: SF

11:28 AM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

Democratic Party (DP) Leader Sarath Fonseka said today his party was prepared to support a common opposition candidate at the next presidential election if a suitable candidate was selected.


“We are not prepared to support anyone but we will support a common candidate, who has a good track record,” the former Army Commander told a media briefing. He said his party was ready to support a joint effort by all opposition parties to topple this Government while maintaining their separate identities.

Elated at his party’s electoral success, Mr. Fonseka said DP members, supporters and well-wishers were happy about this achievement amid so many obstacles and hardships.

“As a political party we are only about a year old, but we competed with powerful and experienced political parties and therefore the votes and the number of seats we obtained is by no means considerable,” he said.

Mr. Fonseka said the DP was also glad about the increased number of votes obtained by other political parties at this election.

Meanwhile he said that his civic rights have also been restored and that he would contest at future elections. He said that having had the opportunity of casting his vote at the elections to the Western Provincial Council meant he could also represent the people at a future election.

The former Army Commander was released in May 2012 but without the restoration of his civic rights.

Herath fifer takes Sri Lanka into semis

11:26 AM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

A remarkable spell of bowling by left arm spinner Rangana Herath (3.3-2-3-5) saw Sri Lanka pull off a remarkable 59-run victory against New Zealand to book their berth in the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament.


Playing his first match of the tournament proper, the spinner remarkably claimed five wickets for three runs as New Zealand managed only 60 in 15.3 overs.

With the victory, Sri Lanka joined South Africa in the last four from Group One.

New Zealand began their chase one batsman short after all-rounder Corey Anderson dislocated a finger trying to take a catch.

Herath took four wickets in his first three overs to leave the Kiwis reeling at 29 for five in the eighth over.

Kane Williams (42), the only Kiwi batsman to manage double digits, tried his best to offer some resistance but could not stop New Zealand from folding for their lowest total in 20-over cricket.

Leading Sri Lanka in the absence of Dinesh Chandimal, who served a one-match ban for his team’s second over-rate offence in 12 months, Lasith Malinga initially watched in dismay as Trent Boult wrecked his top order with a three-wicket burst.

Jimmy Neesham (3-22) then polished off the tail to bowl Sri Lanka out for 119 in 19.2 overs but New Zealand’s hopes of an easy chase were soon over as they capitulated.

Indian Coast Guard to hand over 17 Sri Lankan fishermen

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Indian Coast Guard will hand over 17 Sri Lankan fishermen released from Indian custody and their 10 boats to Sri Lankan Navy at the International Maritime Boundary Line on Tuesday, Indian media reported.


India's move comes after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in gratitude to India's decision to abstain from voting on a UN resolution against Sri Lanka, ordered the immediate release of all 98 Indian fishermen and their boats detained by Sri Lankan authorities.

Complying with the President's order, Sri Lanka Navy Sunday handed over 19 Tamil Nadu fishermen and their 4 boats to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line off Mannar.

It is expected that the President's gesture will prompt both sides to resume the stalled discussions between the fishermen of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu soon.

SL bans LTTE fronts

11:23 AM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

The Sri Lankan government has in a decisive move with far reaching implications proscribed as foreign terrorist entities, several overseas organizations suspected of being fronts of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).


The government banned the organizations as “foreign terrorists” utilising the UN Security Council Resolution 1373 which was brought about by the USA on September 28, 2001 after the attack on World Trader Center in New York on September 11, 2001.

It is expected that External Affairs Minister Prof. Gamini Lakshman Peiris will announce details of the proscription imposed on such foreign terrorist entities later this week.

The report said:

“It is learnt that the Sri Lankan ministry of External Affairs has gazetted legislation outlawing several organizations reportedly functioning in several countries including the USA, Canada Britain, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, France and Australia.

“Among organizations proscribed are the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) headed by New York lawyer Visuvanathan Ruthirakumaran,Global Tamil Forum headed by Catholic Priest Fr.SJ Emmanuel,the LTTE group led by Perinbanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyavan and the tiger group led by Sekarampillai Vinayagamoorthy alias Vinayagam.

It is expected that External Affairs minister Prof.Gamini Lakshman Peiris will announce details of the proscription imposed on such foreign terrorist entities later this week.

The proscribed entities listed in the Gazette consist of the main LTTE and 15 other alleged front organizations of the tigers.The proscribed organizations are as follows-

01. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam a.k.a LTTE a.k.a Tamil Tigers.
02. Tamil Rehabilitation Organization a.k.a TRO.
03. Tamil Coordinating Committee a.k.a TCC
04. British Tamil Forum a.k.a BTF
05. World Tamil Movement a.k.a WTM
06. Canadian Tamil Congress a.k.a CTC
07. Australian Tamil Congress a.k.a ATC
08. Global Tamil Forum a.k.a GTF
09. National Council Of Canadian Tamils a.k.a NCCT a.k.a Makkal Avai
10. Tamil National Council a.k.a TNC
11.Tamil Youth Organization a.k.a TYO
12. World Tamil Coordinating Committee a.k.a WTCC.
13. Transnational Government Of Tamil Eelam a.k.a TGTE
14. Tamil Eelam Peoples Assembly a.k.a TEPA
15 .World Tamil Relief Fund a.k.a WTRF
16. Headquarters Group a.k.a HQ Group
According to authoritative sources the organizations listed as suspected terrorist entities functioning on foreign soil fall under four broad categories reportedly under the overall control of four key individuals.
They are the organization/s under-
1. Perinbanayagam Sivaparan alias “Nediyavan”;
2. Rev.Fr. SJ Emmanuel
3. Visuvanathan Ruthirakumaran
4. Sekarampillai Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayagam
Explaing further the rationale behind such proscription at this juncture, informed sources stated that the fundamental objective was to appraise foreign countries, particularly Western nations of how LTTE fronts existing amidst members of the Tamil Diaspora resident on their soil were now financing the revival of LTTE activity in Sri Lanka.

The Government is concerned about the recent attempt to revive the LTTE in Sri Lanka. All evidence unearthed so far indicate that funds, support and assistance from LTTE front organizations are primarily responsible for the attempted tiger renaissance in Sri Lanka.

Since the UN resolution 1373 expects countries to assist one another to combat terrorism, Sri Lanka will request the host countries to investigate the activities of such organizations and key members on their soil and take appropriate action.

Sri Lanka will provide particulars about such key activists as authorities in Sri Lanka are in possession of the entire data base of former LTTE senior leader Veerakathy Manivannan alias Castro who was in charge of the LTTE international secretariat which directed and coordinated overseas LTTE activity until early 2009.

Castro simply abandoned his office in Pudukudiyiruppu and escaped when the Sri Lankan armed forces advanced thereby letting the data base with particulars of overseas LTTE activity fall easily into the lap of the security forces.

The Government is also likely to obtain cooperation from these Western countries to proclaim LTTE activists abroad as offenders” listed as Wanted or to be watched through related INTERPOL notices.

Speaking further authoritative sources said that as a result of the proscription coming into force Sri Lankan nationals in the Island will be forbidden to maintain contact or links with members of the proscribed organizations. This would prevent Sri Lankan political parties and leaders from obtaining funds from such entities for undertakings in Sri Lanka. This move is likely to affect several members of Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka.
This would also forbid Sri Lankan politicians and Non –Governmental Organization (NGO) activists being in contact with representatives of such entities either in Sri Lanka or during trips abroad.

Sections of the media in Sri Lanka giving wide coverage to statements and interviews given by officials of such organizations will also be restricted from doing so.

Furthermore, the proscription will also render members of these proscribed entities liable for arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA) if and when apprehended while visiting Sri Lanka.

It is learnt that extensive dossiers of key individuals from these proscribed organizations and their activities abroad would be provided to the respective countries concerned in due course.

Sri Lankan authorities are expected to strictly enforce provisions of the proscription under UN resolution 1373 after the Sinhala –Tamil New Year in April this year.

Hirunika gets highest preference votes in Colombo

11:21 AM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

Hirunika Premachandra daughter of assassinated former MP Baratha Lakshman Premachandra has received the highest number of preference votes in the Colombo District with a total of 139,034 votes.




S.M. Marikkar has received the highest number of preference votes from the UNP from the Colombo District with 67,243 votes.



Colombo District (UPFA)

Hirunika Premachandra – 139,034

Udaya Gammanpilla – 115,638

Upali Kodikara - 47,822

Roger Seneviratne – 44,011

Malsha Kumaratunga – 43,324



Colombo District (UNP)

S.M. Marikkar – 67,243

Manju Sri Arangala – 45,654

Mujubar Rahaman – 42,126

Niroshan Padukka – 33,846



Colombo District (JVP)

K.D. Lalkantha – 45,460

US, Sri Lanka military cooperation on CBRN defense

11:20 AM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

The United States and Sri Lanka militaries will conduct an international defense workshop in Colombo on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense despite the somewhat strained political relationship between the two countries over the US-led UN resolution.


The Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) Tempest Express 24 Workshop on CBRN Theme will be held from 31 March-09 April 2014 at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The workshop for operational-level multinational planning activities is co-hosted by the United States Pacific Command on behalf of the US Department of Defense and Sri Lanka Office of the Chief of Defence Staff on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

A 20 member US delegation of MPAT staff is scheduled to participate in the workshop along with delegations from 20 other countries namely, Australia, Cambodia, Germany, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Bangladesh, Canada, Japan, Maldives, New Zealand, Vietnam, Brunei, France, Korea, Mongolia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Sri Lanka Amy spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said 23 participants from the Sri Lankan Defence Forces will take part in this exercise with 21 observers from the relevant Ministries and Departments of Sri Lanka.

Representatives from local humanitarian organizations UN OCHA and Sri Lanka Red Cross are also scheduled to participate.

The workshop aims to improve Sri Lankan government's and military's capabilities to respond to Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear-Toxic Industrial Materials (CBRN-TIM) disasters requiring international assistance and provide greater exposure to multinational military planning.

The workshop will focus on operational-level multinational planning activities and develop CBRNE portions of Sri Lanka's national disaster plans.

The Military Spokesman said the exercise will promote mutual understanding and interoperability of participating countries and their armed forces and other relevant agencies.

Officials from Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Coast Guard, Port Authority, Police, Fire, Medical and Civil Defence will attend the workshop.

Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage and the US Ambassador to Colombo Michel J Sisson are scheduled to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the event.

Sri Lankan court grants permission to former Army Commander to proceed with defamation case against deputy minister

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A court in Sri Lanka today granted permission to former Army Commander, Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka to proceed with his defamation case against a deputy minister of the government.


Mount Lavinia District Judge Gihan Chandraranawana has granted leave to proceed with Fonseka's defamation case against Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena demanding compensation of Rs.1 billion, local Daily Mirror reported.

Fonseka has filed the defamation case against Gunawardena for allegedly stating that the female LTTE cadre disguised as a pregnant woman carried out the suicide attack on Fonseka to take revenge from him for jilting her and not for the sake of the war.

The deputy minister has allegedly made this statement while participating in a political programme in a private television channel.

The district judge has issued notice on the deputy minister to appear in court on May 22.

India had cheated SL Tamils: TNA

12:17 PM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) opposed India for its decision to abstain from the US sponsored resolution in UNHRC which was passed today.


TNA MP Suresh Premachandran told foreign media that India had cheated the Sri Lankan Tamils by the stance it had taken with regard to the resolution.

However TNA Parliamentary group leader R. Sampanthan commenting on the matter told Daily Mirror that India must have had some reasons to abstain from voting for the resolution.

“We will come to know the reasons behind India’s stance in due course and we don’t want to comment on these now,” he added.

However Mr. Sampanthan welcomed the resolution and said his party hopes that the Sri Lankan Government would cooperate with the UNHRC in implementing the resolution.

He added that TNA is ready to play a role in this process together with the Sri Lankan Government.

“This resolution is a victory for all Sri Lankans who struggle for truth, justice and reconciliation,” he further said.

UN vote on Sri Lanka sends a clear message - US

12:16 PM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

The United States says that Thursday’s vote in the UNHRC, on a resolution calling for an international probe into alleged human rights violation in Sri Lanka, sends a clear message that the time to pursue lasting peace and prosperity is now and that justice and accountability cannot wait.



The US-sponsored resolution, promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka, was adopted at the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today, with a majority of 11 votes.

Twenty-three (23) counties, including US and UK, voted in favor and 12 voted against it while another 12 nations abstained from voting on the resolution, which for the first time explicitly calls for an international probe.

“Today’s vote in the UN Human Rights Council sends a clear message: The time to pursue lasting peace and prosperity is now; justice and accountability cannot wait,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

He stated that the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the international community to support the Government of Sri Lanka as it pursues reconciliation and respect for human rights and democratic governance.

“That’s why the resolution requests that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights continues monitoring the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. That’s why it calls on the Office to conduct an investigation into allegations of serious human rights abuses and related crimes during Sri Lanka’s civil war. And that’s why the United States will continue speak out in defense of the fundamental freedoms that all Sri Lankans should enjoy,” he said in a statement, released by the US Department of State.

“We are deeply concerned by recent actions against some of Sri Lanka’s citizens, including detentions and harassment of civil society activists. Further reprisals against these brave defenders of human rights and the dignity of all Sri Lankan citizens would elicit grave concern from the international community.”

“The Sri Lankan people are resilient. They have demonstrated grit and determination through years of war. Now, they are demanding democracy and prosperity in years of peace. They deserve that chance,” Kerry said.

He further said that the United States stands with all the people of Sri Lanka. “We are committed to helping them realize a future in which all Sri Lankans can share in their country’s success.”

Sri Lanka rejects the UN resolution approving an international probe

12:11 PM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

Sri Lanka flatly rejected the UN resolution led by the United States and adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today calling for an international investigation into alleged human rights violations as an conspiracy by interested parties "seeking a regime change".


Addressing the media in Hambantota after the UNHRC voted to adopt the resolution with a majority of 11 votes, Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said the interested parties seeking to topple President Rajapaksa's government have planned the international resolution conspiracy.

He said the countries voted in favor of the "unethical" resolution tabled by the US had no choice but to go along with the US because they could not reject US pressure for economic reasons.

He questioned why the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, who wanted an international inquiry just after the end of the war, was entrusted with the UN probe. The Minister praised India for abstaining from the vote saying that India's decision not to vote was significant.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa also rejected the UNHRC vote to adopt the resolution which called for a "comprehensive independent investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka".

"We reject this. This resolution only hurts our reconciliation efforts. It does not help," President has told AFP by phone.

The President has told AFP that he is not discouraged but would press ahead instead with his own reconciliation plan.

"But I am not discouraged. We will continue with the reconciliation process I have started," he has said.

He has remarked that despite the passing of the resolution he take comfort that India abstained from voting.

India explaining its decision to abstain from voting said the resolution HRC25 has the potential to hinder the efforts of Sri Lanka rather than contribute constructively to its efforts in reconciliation.

India had voted in favor of the two previous resolutions sponsored by the US on Sri Lanka.

UNHRC adopts resolution on Sri Lanka

12:06 PM KThajee , Posted in , 0 Comments

The US-sponsored resolution promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka was adopted during the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council today with a majority of 11 votes.


Twenty-three counties voted in favor and 12 voted against it while 12 nations abstained from voting on the resolution, which for the first time explicitly calls for an international probe.

Members of the 47-nation U.N. Human Rights Council agreed to set up the yearlong investigation, estimated to cost $1.46 million, based on the recommendation of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

The council approved a US-led resolution authorizing Pillay’s office to launch “a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka.” The inquiry also seeks to hold perpetrators accountable.

India, South Africa Japan, and Indonesia were among the countries which abstained from voting on the resolution while Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, China, Russia, Maldives voted against it.

The resolution was taken for vote following much delay after Pakistan suggested a no-action motion to postpone it due to insufficient funds and China demanding time for an explanation prior to the vote.

The no-action motion, backed by Cuba and Russia, was eventually defeated with a majority of 9 votes. 16 members voted in favour while 25 voted against and 6 states abstained.

Due to the defeat of the no action motion, the call to remove the paragraph empowering an international investigation was taken up for vote.

The paragraph was kept in the resolution with 23 voting to keep the paragraph and 14 voting to remove it and 10 abstaining.

Countries that voted ‘Yes’:

Argentina, Austria, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Peru, South Korea, Romania, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, United Kingdom and the United Station of America.

Countries that voted ‘No’:

Algeria, China, Congo, Cuba, Kenya, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Venezuela and Vietnam

Countries that Abstained: 

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Gabon India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Namibia, Philippines and South Africa  

England beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in World Twenty20

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England beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in their World Twenty20 super 10 Group One match at Chittagong, Bangladesh on Thursday ending Sri Lanka's 14-match winning streak.


England after winning the toss set Sri Lanka to bat and Sri Lanka set England 190 to chase with 55 from Dilshan Tillakaratne and 89 from Mahela Jayawardena.

In reply England's Alex Hales hit 116 out of 97 balls to claim victory and stay alive in the tournament. Sri Lanka's Nuwan Kulasekara claimed England's all four wickets.

Sri Lanka, although tied with South Africa in the point table with 4 points each, is at the top of the table with the better run rate.

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