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Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts

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

5:57 AM

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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

6:46 PM

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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

7:15 AM

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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

7:03 AM

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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

6:56 AM

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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.

President worshipped at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy

9:30 PM

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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.

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

9:22 PM

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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

8:56 PM

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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

10:42 AM

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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

10:37 AM

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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

10:35 AM

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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

10:56 PM

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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.

World champs get what they asked for-SLC

10:16 PM

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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

10:10 PM

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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

10:06 PM

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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.

India into World T20 against SL

11:18 AM

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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

11:16 AM

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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

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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

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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.

SL bans LTTE fronts

11:23 AM

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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.

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