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Economic Strength

chathura — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:00:09 +0000

Sri Lanka president warns of external fallout
LBO-Lanka Business Online

More prosperity in past 3 yrs: MR

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:57 +0000

"The country has seen more prosperity within the past three years than what the country witnessed during the 50 years that preceded it. Today the same people who want a gun to save their lives, want electricity, want a good roads system, they want good higher education and they want a democratic and clean Sri Lanka. The results of all our development projects are received by the villagers who consist of over 80% of the population of the country and we will continue to work towards making all those within the country equally prosperous. It is not only our hope to ensure that all people benefit equally from our projects but its also a challenge,” President Rajapaksa said in his address to the nation, at the 64th Independence Day celebrations currently being held in Anuradhapura. (HF)

We are committed to free education

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:53 +0000

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the nation a short while ago said that his government is committed to free education and a free health care system. “When C.W.W. Kannangara introduced the free education bill, with those like S.A. Wickramasinghe, N.M Perera, J.R. Jayawardena and a host of others, D.A. Rajapaksa was also with them. We are committed towards a free education and a free health service for our people and we won't let anyone take that away from us,” he said. (HF)Tweet

We are self sufficient: MR

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:48 +0000

The President said that the country, today, is not only self sufficient but in a position to export food to the rest of the world. ”The economic downturn in the world obviously affects us. But through programmes like Gama Neguma and Divi Neguma the agriculture sector has witnessed mega development. The world is facing a food crisis but today not only are we self sufficient but in a position to export food to the rest of the world,” he said. (HF)

Committed to implement LLRC recommendations

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:44 +0000

The President addressing the nation in Anuradhapura said that the government is committed to implement the recommendation of the LLRC report.

“In the report it was stated that all groups are equally responsible for the ethnic conflict in the country. Anyone who believes in their conscience must take this into account. We presented the learning’s of the committee report on December 17 and within these six weeks we have worked our utmost to ensure that the recommendations are implemented,” he said.

The President went on to point out that races in this country don’t have different provinces. “The implementation of the proposals of any extremist group won’t be useful to the country. We want permanent and sustainable peace and we are committed to this vision. Any race or ethnic group does not belong to a different province or city. The country belongs to all races and ethnicities alike,” he said. (HF)

PSC is best place to solve problem: MR

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:41 +0000

The President today reiterated his commitment to the proposed Parliament Select Committee in order to discuss the national issue. “The fact that parliament is supreme and is the place that represents the will of the people does not need to be reminded. It is because of this that I believe that the Parliament Select Committee would serve as the best place to find a solution to any problem. The PSC would provide a clear platform to sit down and discuss issues pertaining to the nation,” he said. (HF)

MK Stalin coronation on hold, again

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:37 +0000

The general council of the DMK which met here on Friday adopted 24 resolutions condemning the Jayalalithaa government for its anti-people policies and the Union government for its indifference towards the attack on Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy.

Though it was widely believed that 59-year-old M.K. Stalin, the younger son of Muthuvel Karunanidhi would be elevated as party president, the party played it safe against the backdrop of the indictment of A. Raja, the former Telecommunication minister, by the Supreme Court on Thursday, which cancelled the 122 licenses of the 2G spectrum issued during his tenure.

The DMK, which has been enjoying uninterrupted ‘power’ in the centre since 1999 either as an ally of the BJP or as a partner of the Congress-led UPA government, is more bothered about safeguarding the party’s position in New Delhi than anointing Stalin which it fears might lead to intra-party problems because of an aggrieved M.K. Alagiri, the elder son of party chief Karunanidhi.

“Karunanidhi’s children themselves are fighting with each other for power. Stalin, Alagiri and Kanimozhi are at each other’s throat and Karunanidhi will not aggravate the quarrel by making some announcement at this juncture,” said Gnani Sankaran, a DMK watcher.

Karunanidhi, nearing 90, knows very well that coming out of the UPA at this juncture would lead to the DMK finding itself in a no man’s land as Chennai is ruled by arch enemy Jayalalithaa. She will not lose a second to pounce on Karunanidhi and his clan the moment they are left with no friends in Delhi.

Party insiders told this newspaper that Stalin could be elevated to the party’s top position on a later date. “Right now, we are worried about the legal implications of the SC judgment. Our immediate and top most priority is to regain our status as the leading party in Tamil Nadu. With Karunanidhi in the best of health, the succession issue could be decided and finalised on another occasion,” said a close confidante of Karunanidhi.

He said the party could not waste its time and energy on a controversy which may arise in the eventuality of Stalin’s promotion as working president or party president. “There is still enough time when we can take up the issue and by that time we hope to tame Alagiri too,” said the party leader.

Earlier it was believed that the general council was convened with the intention of making it known to one and all that hereafter Stalin would be the party chief and Karunanidhi would play the role of an elder statesman. It was also decided that party general secretary K. Anbalagan would propose Stalin’s name as party chief.

But Thursday’s judgment and the fear of an open revolt by Alagiri forced Karunanidhi and other chieftains to postpone the move. (Source: DNA)

1,450 inmates released

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:33 +0000

1,450 inmates were released today in lieu of Independance Day. The prisoners were released on a special pardon by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The released inmates were convicted for petty offences, and those who were imprisoned due to non payment of fines. Inmates over 70 years of age were also among those who were released today. (Supun Dias)

Deyata Kirula to open today

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:17 +0000

The national state exhibition 'Deyata Kirula' will be declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at 5.30pm today. The exhibition is to be held at a 600 acre site in Oyamaduwa in Anuradhapura and is the largest exhibition to be held since the inception of the series. Deyata Kirula will be open to the public till February 10.

Visitors will be asked to purchase a Development Lottery ticket priced at Rs.20 for entry and school children will be granted entry free-of-charge. The exhibition will comprise of stalls from all Wijeya Newspapers Limited are the media sponsors for the event. (HF)

Independence Day message from Pakistan PM

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:05:13 +0000

The following is a message sent for Independence Day from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani:

“On behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend heartiest and warmest greetings to Your Excellency, the government and the people of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the auspicious occasion of 64th National Day of the country. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close, cordial and cooperative relations in all fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The bilateral cooperation has witnessed a significant progress and diversification. I am confident that our bilateral relations will be further strengthened and consolidated to the mutual benefit of our two countries in the years ahead under your leadership.”