http://www.defence.lk MOD News - www.defence.lk - 24/7 en-us Copyright (c) 2006 Ministry of Defence - SriLanka February 08 Monday 2010, 03:01:14 February 08 Monday 2010, 03:01:14 webinfo@defence.lk http://www.defence.lk/mashd.gif http://www.defence.lk 08/02/2010 12:37:59 Chairperson of Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha unit Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa declared open the new Montessori school at the "Ranajayapura" war hero's housing scheme in Ipalogama yesterday (8 Feb). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100208_02 08/02/2010 09:45:14 description>Martin Luther King III, the son of renowned American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., said that Sri Lanka now has an opportunity to become a symbol of non violence and justice. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100208_02 08/02/2010 03:01:14 description>The Deyata Kirula exhibition at Pallekelle, Kandy is breaking records of crowds visiting exhibitions even in Colombo. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100208_01 07/02/2010 15:54:54 description>This evening, I stand before you having been pronounced only a few days ago, the 6th Executive President of my country, on the basis of an election held nationwide on a free and fair basis. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100207_05 07/02/2010 03:42:03 description>India has extended further assistance to the persons being resettled in the Northern Province of the country. The closest neighbour has expressed willingness to provide 800,000 bags of cement required for housing construction. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100207_01 07/02/2010 03:42:03 The Construction work on new Mannar Bridge and the causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland are now nearing completion, with funds by the Japanese Government. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100207_02 07/02/2010 03:42:03 President Mahinda Rajapaksa left the island yesterday morning (06th Feb) on an official visit to Russia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Dimithri Medvedev. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100207_03 07/02/2010 03:42:03 The first Psychosocial Centre in the newly resettled areas in the Northern Province, a long-felt need for addressing issues, related to mental well-being of children in war-affected areas, was recently opened at Mallavi Central College, Thunukkai in the Mullaitivu District by Maj. General Kamal Gunaratne, Commander, Security Force Wanni & Competent Authority for IDPs. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100207_04 01/02/2010 09:42:03 In view of 62nd National day celebrations and "Deyata Kirula" exhibition, security will be enhanced in Kandy throughout the period, said Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_06 01/02/2010 05:00:53 Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has called upon the Tamil diaspora to help the government to develop Jaffna into a commercial hub. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_05 01/02/2010 05:00:53 The Brooklyn federal courthouse on January 26 sentenced two LTTE supporters to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release in connection with their efforts to purchase almost $1million worth of high-powered weaponry for LTTE. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_04 01/02/2010 05:00:53 New Delhi: India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI has) received the "documentation" confirming the death of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran, prime accused in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, from the government of Sri Lanka, Home Minister P Chidambaram said yesterday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_03 01/02/2010 05:00:53 Fifty six rehabilitated youngsters had been handed over to their parents. They have been given training in various fields. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_02 02/02/2010 05:00:53 The World Food Program (WFP) has increased its assistance to continue the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation by 3.288 billion rupees... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100202_01 01/02/2010 05:00:53 Sri Lanka Army troops continued their clearing operations uncovered more LTTE military hardware from Vavuniya ,Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday (31 January), military sources said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100201_07 01/02/2010 05:00:53 Another batch of ex-LTTE members, totaling 56, who had undergone rehabilitation have been handed over to their parents. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100201_05 01/02/2010 04:35:02 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) of United States has ranked Sri Lanka among the top ten fastest economies in the World. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100201_04 01/02/2010 04:35:02 The World Bank had agreed to provide Rs. 2400 million to develop roads in in the backwoods of the Badulla District, Health Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100201_02 01/02/2010 04:34:58 Defence spokesman and Foreign Employment Promotion Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday that the Government would not hesitate to arrest anyone whose conduct would be detrimental to national security. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100201_01 31/01/2010 03:06:56 Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe visited "HMAS Glenelg" at the Port of Colombo on 29 January 2010. Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe visited "HMAS Glenelg" at the Port of Colombo on 29 January 2010. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100131_05 31/01/2010 03:06:56 Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama called upon the Tamil diaspora to help the government to develop Jaffna into a commercial hub. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100131_04 31/01/2010 03:06:56 Praising Sri Lankans for re-electing President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the second time, the Diaspora Dialogue for Peace and Development, an organisation comprising Tamil expatriate professionals, has urged all political parties to put behind their differences and join hands with the President to rebuild the North and the East. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100131_03 31/01/2010 03:06:56 Celebrations to mark Sri Lanka's 62nd Independence Day will be held on February 4 beside the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100131_02 31/01/2010 03:06:56 The Jaffna peninsula is attracting a large number of local tourists from Southern areas and the historic Nagadeepa Vihara in the Nagadeepa isle. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100131_01 30/01/2010 08:2:03 India and United States congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his victory at the recently concluded Presidential Election and expressed their desire to further strengthen relations with Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100130_03 30/01/2010 07:34:12 The EU in a press release yesterday welcomed that the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka, the first election of this kind for many years, took place in an overall peaceful environment and congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his reelection securing huge majority. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100130_02 30/01/2010 05:50:32 President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday emphasized that proposals contained in his second manifesto Mahinda Chintana Idiri Dekma should be implemented without any delay starting from now. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100130_01 29/01/2010 07:55:36 Mahinda Rajapaksa's victory in Sri Lanka's presidential election has exceeded all expectations, including the most optimistic projections made within the President's camp on the basis of hard-nosed pre-election opinion polls. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_06 29/01/2010 07:55:36 The Terrorist Investigation Division has arrested one of the most wanted senior members of LTTE named 'Rajan' recently, said DIG Nimal Wakishta, head of TID in Colombo Division. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_05 29/01/2010 05:26:17 Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat "HMAS Glenelg" Thursday (Jan 28), arrived in the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_04 29/01/2010 05:26:17 Inability to cope with losses is common to humans. Opposition presidential candidate Gen. (retd) Sarath Fonseka has found it difficult to come to terms with the ignominious defeat he suffered at Tuesday's election. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_03 29/01/2010 05:26:17 Expressing relief that Sri Lanka's presidential elections had beeb concluded relatively free of violence, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday reiterated his call to the country's political parties to abide by the official results and to pursue any concerns peacefully. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_02 29/01/2010 02:48:02 A conspiracy to assassinate the President, his family members and key government officials, has been revealed, Director General Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle said yesterday. Suspects include a prominent female member of the UNP. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100129_01 28/01/2010 02:48:02 President Mahinda Rajapaksa won a historic and resounding victory in the Presidential Election held held on 26th January, the first free and fair election in which the entire country could participate in nearly three decades, and also the first such election since the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka in May last year. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100128_01 27/01/2010 09:59:13 His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa has been elected the 6th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka prompting Celebrations Island wide. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100127_05 27/01/2010 09:59:13 Turning a new leaf in the annals of political history in the country,UPFA candidate,President Mahinda Rajapaksa is now on the verge of sweeping the election to elect the sixth executive president of the country. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100127_04 27/01/2010 05:04:55 Several Former LTTE cadres who had surrendered to the Government troops after being disillusioned by the cruelty and barbaric nature of the LTTE terrorists were rehabilitated and handed over to their relatives on the 24th of January 2010. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100127_03 27/01/2010 03:51:39 The election to elect the Sixth Executive President of Sri Lanka was peaceful in all parts of the country. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100127_02 27/01/2010 03:51:39 The Government has taken measures to develop the historic, sacred Thiruketheeswaram kovil in Mannar for the convenience of a large number of devotees coming from both Sri Lanka and India. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100127_01 26/01/2010 10:01:42 The government and security forces are alert on attempts being made by various elements to sabotage the peaceful presidential election said Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle Director General Media Center for National Security at a Media Briefing to day(26). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100126_03 26/01/2010 05:24:42 Sri Lanka is on the threshold of a new beginning. The ruthless terrorism that hindered the country' s development for almost three decades has been eradicated completely from its soil and the country is in the process of a renaissance. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100126_02 26/01/2010 04:22:38 It is all systems go as the nation elects its sixth Executive President today, the first Presidential poll to be held in post war Sri Lanka. A total of 14,088,500 eligible voters will cast their ballot in 11,098 centres throughout the country. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100126_01 25/01/2010 16:29:34 I respectfully call upon our people to safeguard democracy and the dignity of the motherland by united, resolute, calm and peaceful behaviour to ensure Sri Lanka's position in the community of nations as one that respects human rights and protects democracy, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a statement on the eve of the Presidential Election. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_11 25/01/2010 07:32:26 Sri lankan troops of 563 Brigade recovered 2 compasses (Type 55) , 2 hand grenades and 3 Binoculars during their search operations in general area Sinapurasankulam yesterday (January 24 ). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_10 25/01/2010 06:47:48 The Police department plans to deploy a heavy contingent of police officers to prevent violent poll related incidents before and after the Presidential election tomorrow to ensure the safety of the public. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_09 25/01/2010 03:28:27 The emigration wing at international airports in the southern Indian state of Kerala has been directed to maintain strict vigil as the enforcement agencies have warned of the possibility of Sri Lankan Tamils boarding international flights with fake passports. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_08 25/01/2010 03:28:27 Germany has provided medical equipment worth one million Euro to Chettikulam Hospital near Vavuniya. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_07 25/01/2010 03:28:27 The CID yesterday commenced investigating Saturday's seizure of two T-56 rifles and 54 hand grenades from a temple in Maligawatte by police Special Task Force personnel. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_06 25/01/2010 03:28:27 "United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions but stand as one. Let us all work together to ensure a brighter future for our children, a developed nation and an educated\morally rich society," President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_05 25/01/2010 03:28:27 A Colorful Passing Parade Overlooking the Thambalagamuwa Lagoon A total of 356 recruits from the 142th Regular and 100th Volunteer Course passed this morning (22 January 2010) at SLAF Base China bay after completing 18 weeks of challenging training. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_04 25/01/2010 03:28:27 The Sri Lanka Navy's largest passenger craft "Jetliner" which served as a life line between the North and East during the Humanitarian Operations set sail on a new journey at the Launching Ceremony of Jetliner Entertainment Cruise Venture yesterday (22 January 2010) at the Port of Colombo. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100125_03 24/01/2010 03:28:27 Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel arrested a supporter of the common opposition presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka with two T-56 riffles and 54 hand grenades around 7 PM today (Jan 23). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100124_03 24/01/2010 03:28:27 A New York court sentenced two men to 14 and 26 years in prison Friday for providing support to the Tamil Tigers separatist group, the Justice Department said Friday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100124_01 24/01/2010 03:29:27 On the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka committed to donating 1,000 kgs of tea for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100124_02 23/01/2010 05:02:27 A federal court in the United States on Friday handed out lengthy prison sentences to two arms buyers for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a designated foreign terrorist organization in the U.S. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100123_05 23/01/2010 04:05:27 German Ambassador Jens Ploetner, who visited the first Resettlement site in Jaffna on the Punkuditivu island, which was coordinated by the German Organisation Weltthungerhilfe (Agro-Mart), said... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100123_04 23/01/2010 04:40:27 In the back drop of opposition claims that the Rajapaksa government messed up the foreign policy of the country, Dr Palitha Kohona foreign secretary and permanent representative to the UN, speaks to C.A.Chandraprema about the foreign policy of the Rajapaksa regime. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100123_03 23/01/2010 03:20:27 Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative at the UN Dr. Palitha Kohona on Thursday (Jan 21) accused Western countries of making an abortive bid to thwart the security forces' victory over the LTTE. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100123_02 23/01/2010 02:45:27 Anybody attempting to sow the seeds of terror among the people by engaging in undemocratic activities during the election would be severely dealt with according to the law, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100123_01 22/01/2010 01:51:27 Sri Lanka committed today (22 Jan) to donating 1000 kgs of tea for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti in addition to the financial pledge of US$25,000/-. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_08 22/01/2010 11:46:28 Seva Vanitha Unit of Ministry of Defence has donated large amount of walkers and clutches to Sri Lanka Army for the use of disabled war heroes who made immense contribution during the humanitarian operation, today (22 Jan). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_07 22/01/2010 05:29:47 All office buildings, warehouses, office quarters, new tube wells and other amenities are being provided under a Rs.30 million project in Kilinochchi. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_06 22/01/2010 05:28:40 Sri Lanka will now be recognised as a country with a 'Middle Income Emerging Market' status with The International Monetary Fund (IMF) graduating Sri Lanka from the list of Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) eligible countries on 11 January 2010. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_05 22/01/2010 05:39:32 The government in its' Uthuru Wasanthaya concept has distributed fishing equipment and boats to resettled fishermen in Pooneryn, Kilinochchi. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_04 22/01/2010 05:29:56 Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has stressed that the people should not permit this country to be betrayed and led it towards a blood bath. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_03 22/01/2010 05:29:56 "Any sportsman or sportswoman in the country from Dondra to Point Pedro could now engage in sports activities in any playgroun", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he declared open the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium today in Diyagama in Homagama. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_02 22/01/2010 04:41:21 Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe recently appearing on pro LTTE TV channel GTV (Global Tamil Vision) sought support of LTTE remnants for UNF-TNA-JVP candidate Sarath Fonseka at the forthcoming presidential election. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100122_01 21/01/2010 15:12:46 De-mining team recovered 02 x Anti-Personnel mines and 126 x MPMG ammunitions during de-mining operations in Adampan yesterday (January 20). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100121_10 21/01/2010 03:42:34 A function organized by the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit to donate scholarships for the children of the security forces personnel and give interest free housing loans for the families of the valiant troops who sacrificed their lives in the war was held at the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order premises this morning (20). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100121_06 21/01/2010 03:42:34 Major General Prasanna Silva says that a section of the international community not only rejected Sri Lanka's calls for arms, ammunition and equipment but also prevented aircraft carrying urgently needed items from flying over their airspace. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100121_02 21/01/2010 03:42:34 President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday emphasized that he would never allow the subjugation of the freedom achieved and the democracy protected by sacrificing thousands of precious lives. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100121_01 20/01/2010 03:17:13 The Railway Department will launch its third rail-bus service from tomorrow between Trincomalee and Gal Oya in the Eastern Province under the Negenahira Navodaya project. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100120_02 20/01/2010 03:17:13 The Government of Japan has provided grant assistance amounting to Japanese Yen 29 million (approximately Rs. 36 million) for the purpose of preparing detailed designs for the construction of five bridges in the Eastern Province, a press release from the Japanese Embassy said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100120_01