http://www.defence.lk MOD News - www.defence.lk - 24/7 en-us Copyright (c) 2006 Ministry of Defence and Urban Development - SriLanka Thursday 02 February 2012 05:40:15 GMT Thursday 02 February 2012 05:40:15 GMT webinfo@defence.lk http://www.defence.lk/mashd.gif http://www.defence.lk 02/02/2012 05:38:01 As the United States' and European Union's combined sanction against Iran take effect, small nations like Sri Lanka are extremely worried said President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Foreign Journalists, yesterday( Jan 01), at the Temple Trees in Colombo. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120202_02 02/02/2012 05:38:01 The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized financial institution of the United Nations, will grant a US$ 22.2 million to Sri Lanka to improve irrigation infrastructure and crop diversification, and help create new market opportunities for smallholder farmers in Northern Province, a statement released by the Fund said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120202_01 01/02/2012 07:19:56 Two hundred bogus asylum seekers from Sri Lanka are reportedly stranded in West Africa, according to a BBC news report. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120201_02 01/02/2012 05:21:10 Matters related to maritime security and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean dominated the inaugural meeting of the India-Sri Lanka annual Defence Dialogue held here Tuesday (Jan 31). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120201_01 31/01/2012 11:17:36 Ranaviru Seva Authority donated set of custom-made Three Wheelers to disable war heroes who risked their lives and limbs to eliminate the terrorism from the country. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120131_05 31/01/2012 11:02:36 Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that none of the Majors General directly involved in eelam war IV had made a testimony to any US lawyer, in New York in 2010, alleging extrajudicial killings of civilians, surrendering LTTE cadres and dissident journalists during eelam war IV. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120131_04 31/01/2012 08:53:48 The Health Ministry received Rs. two billion from the Global Fund to develop health facilities in the Northern Province as a response to a request made by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120131_03 31/01/2012 08:53:48 A natural prawn farming project was launched under the guidance and assistance of NAQDA in the Chundikulam reservoir in the Kilinochchi district by Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120131_02 31/01/2012 08:53:48 Sri Lanka has been named among the top five destinations in Kuoni's annual poll of where UK customers want to spend their holidays. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120131_01 30/01/2012 08:53:48 Sri Lanka Army, taking one more great step forward in the reformulation of its training modules that cater to the needs of multifaceted present and future scenarios, established its first state-of-the-art Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Headquarters at Diyatalawa on Sunday (29) during a brief ceremony. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120130_02 30/01/2012 08:53:48 'In finding solutions to whatever issues the country faces, the government would always look for home-grown methods, that meet the aspirations and needs of the people, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120130_01 28/01/2012 08:53:48 Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said that 14 new hotels are being constructed in the Pasikuda Tourist Zone by the private sector businessmen investing Rs. 6,530 Million for the construction of these hotels http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120128_03 28/01/2012 08:53:48 Business Monitor International (BMI) believes the outlook is still bright for Sri Lanka tourism and forecast a 55% rise in tourist arrivals to 1.42mn tourists over BMIs newly extended forecast period to 2016. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120128_02 28/01/2012 08:53:48 Sri Lanka needs our support says Europe http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120128_01 26/01/2012 08:53:48 During 2011, earnings from tourism grew at a healthy rate of 44.2 percent to US$ 830 million in 2011 compared to 2010, the Central Bank reported Wednesday in its External Sector Performance Reviews. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120127_02 26/01/2012 08:53:48 A foreign diplomatic delegation, including US Deputy Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs recently met Major General A.W.J.C. de Silva, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Kilinochchi with a view to receiving an update on various development and security roles of the troops. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120127_01 26/01/2012 08:53:48 Newly built five storied building was ceremonially declared open by H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Defence Services College premises this (26th January) morning. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120126_04 26/01/2012 08:53:48 The Colombo City Tour, Sri Lanka's first ever open deck sightseeing tour which is a venture of Sri Lanka Tourism and Ebert Silva Holidays will be celebrating its 2nd Anniversary on Saturday (28). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120126_03 26/01/2012 08:53:48 Offering a novel experience to the youths in the North and the South based on mutual understanding, co-existence and confidence, a youth training camp was held recently held in Vavuniya organized and sponsored by the National Youth Services Council, at Vavuniya "Seva Lanka" Institute. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120126_02 26/01/2012 08:53:48 Actions are afoot for the resumption of regular flights from Colombo - Jaffna. Accordingly, ExpoAir domestic aviation company in Sri Lanka has announced the resumption of regular flights. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120126_01 25/01/2012 08:53:48 Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna (SF-J) in association with Kokuvil-based Kavaloor Jeganathan Foundation awarded twelve students with valuable prizes appreciating their success in G.C.E. A / L Examination 2011. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120125_02 25/01/2012 08:53:48 Today (25th January 2012) marks the LTTE brutal attack on the most Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic in the ancient city Kandy in 1998. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120125_01 23/01/2012 08:53:48 Going to Sri Lanka for the first time gave us an excuse to buy some new maps. That's how our journeys always start. The journey we worked out took us straight from Colombo on the west coast up to the ancient sites of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, in the centre of the island. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120123_04 23/01/2012 08:53:48 The government yesterday, (22 Jan) reintegrated another batch of 78 rehabilitated former Tamil Tiger members to the society, after successful completion of their rehabilitation programme. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120123_03 23/01/2012 08:53:48 The past five years has seen a record rise in the expansion and improvement of the country's road network. New roads have built at a pace never seen before in all regions of the country. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120123_02 23/01/2012 08:53:48 'The majority of Sri Lankans are peace loving and hospitable. It is only a handful that create mischief and damage the country's image, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120123_01 22/01/2012 08:53:48 Sri Lanka's impressive economic growth is motivating the U.S. Department of Commerce to urge their companies to have a second look at the island nation, a top official said Friday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120122_03 22/01/2012 08:53:48 President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared 2012 as the Year for a Trilingual Sri Lanka today. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120122_02 22/01/2012 08:53:48 A group of American students and professors from the University of Dubuque in Iowa arrived in Sri Lanka recently as environmental tourists, taking part in a curriculum that includes a two-week field course in Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120122_01 21/01/2012 08:53:48 The government is planning to establish an advisory body to formulate legislation on the devolution of power. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120121_04 21/01/2012 08:53:48 Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on his return from a four day official visit to Sri Lanka has said that Sri Lanka has paved the way for development as evident from Colombo's commitment on the rehabilitation, resettlement and the welfare of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to the ethnic Tamilian community. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120121_03 21/01/2012 08:53:48 The 15th UN contingent, expected to leave for Haiti shortly on UN Peace Keeping Missions, had their passing out parade at Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) Training School at Puttalam. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120121_02 21/01/2012 08:53:48 The third Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) 2012 will open today (Jan.20) at the Alfred Durayappah Stadium in Jaffna and conclude on 22. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120121_01 20/01/2012 08:53:48 The brave men and Women of armed forces and Police who had sacrificed their noble lives to save the motherland from the ruthless terrorism in the past 30 years were commemorated; and honoured their beloved parents and wives by awarding "Uttama Pooja" medal. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120120_02 20/01/2012 08:53:48 The Minister of Economic Affairs, Hon Basil Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone to construct the Colombo Lotus Tower,a multi-functional Telecommunication Tower today (Jan 20). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120120_01 19/01/2012 07:45:17 The government will take measures to grant a pension to Civil Defence Department members, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120119_03 19/01/2012 05:46:04 We believe that continuation of the dialogue between the Government and the TNA would pave the way for political settlement, including under the rubric of the Parliamentary Select Committee, India's External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120119_02 19/01/2012 05:30:40 Lance Corporal Sanjeewa Kumara of Sri Lanka Army received a house by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Seva Vanitha Unit yesterday (Jan 18) at an event at Padukka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120119_01 18/01/2012 04:07:31 The Honorable External Affairs Minister of India, Mr. S.M. Krishna, visited the District General Hospital in Kilinochchi today(Jan 18), where a ceremony was held for him to handover critical medical equipment to improve the standard of medical care and to obviate the need to refer a number of cases for treatment to Jaffna or to Colombo via ambulances. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_10 18/01/2012 11:08:45 I recently travelled to Sri Lanka with the intention of writing a travel piece. Admittedly, I spent less time travelling and more time, well, never mind, but my so-called travels did end up in a rather interesting whale watching excursion. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_09 18/01/2012 11:08:45 An area exceeding 1,934 out of 2,061 square kilometers of lands in the North which were dotted with land mines and booby traps have been cleared by the end of 2011. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_08 18/01/2012 10:15:25 The Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development organized a meeting to review progress of all other Seva Vanitha Units, which comes under the Ministry. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_07 18/01/2012 10:45:58 Welfare Association of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development today, (18 Jan) organized a meditation programme for its staff members. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_06 18/01/2012 09:22:12 A record 2798 school students of 54 schools in the Vavuniya Educational Zone under Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni were rewarded with school books and accessories with the generosity, extended by '1972 Old Boys Group' at Colombo Royal College. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_05 18/01/2012 09:53:12 A team of senior officers of Los Angeles Law Enforcement Authority headed by Chief Matt Woolman from Los Angeles Country Sheriff's Department paid a courtesy call on Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa this morning (18th January) at the Defence Ministry premises. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_04 18/01/2012 08:25:49 Sri Lankan Americans gathered at the Embassy of Sri Lanka on Friday, Jan. 13, to take part in Thai Pongal, the harvest festival that celebrates the sun, the fruits of the earth and the renewal of the spirit. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_03 18/01/2012 07:56:30 Sri Lanka Army, affording its deserving recognition to permanently dependent valiant war heroes commence the challenging task of erecting the second wellness resort, 'Abimansala - 2' in the South Welpitawatta, Udumulla under Athuraliya Divisional Secretariat. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_02 18/01/2012 05:02:36 The first sod of earth was cut at an auspicious time yesterday (17th January) under the patronage of President's Secretary Lalith Weerathunge for the building of Lotus tower, the highest multifunctional communication tower in South Asia. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120118_01 17/01/2012 12:59:53 The online vehicle verification project developed by Dialog Axita (Pvt) Ltd was launched by the Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tuesday (Jan 17). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120117_05 17/01/2012 01:41:44 Thai Pongal, the most important day of Hindu's to thank the sun god was celebrated in grand scale on 15 January 2012 in the East. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120117_04 17/01/2012 09:55:10 Ex-LTTE cadres were provided with excellent rehabilitation facilities in order to enable their smooth transition in to society despite the baseless allegations the various diaspora groups make using several foreign media and persons. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120117_02 17/01/2012 05:56:10 More than Rs.500 million has been allocated this year for development of Jaffna University, according to the Minister of Higher Education S. B. Dissanayake. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120117_01 16/01/2012 09:34:50 The newly constructed ten storied building premises for the Narahenpita Police station was declared open today (Jan 16) at No: 560, Elivitigala Road - Colombo 05. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120116_04 16/01/2012 06:40:52 Yesterday (15th January) more than 10, 000 people crossing the Elephant Pass (EPS) gateway to Jaffna peninsula had to stop for a while to taste the largest "Pongal" cooked by security forces members in Jaffna celebrating the "Thai Pongal Day". http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120116_03 16/01/2012 06:40:52 The Sri Lankan government is fully committed to working towards fulfilling the mandate of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group to address issues relating to cooperation in the fisheries sector between the two countries. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120116_02 16/01/2012 06:40:52 Mega development projects costing around Rs 21,000 million will be implemented for the welfare and well-being of the people in Anuradhapura parallel to the Deyata Kirula development exhibition 2012, Deyata Kirula National Exhibition Committee president and Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120116_01 15/01/2012 06:40:52 Naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in the North-western Naval Area took timely action to save the life of an injured whale, which had washed ashore on the Vella beach in Kalpitiya on 13th January 2012. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120115_04 15/01/2012 06:40:52 A massive recruitment program has been launched to enlist Tamil-speaking men and women from the Northern and Eastern provinces to foster a good relationship between diverse ethnic communities, Police Media Spokesman, SP Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120115_03 15/01/2012 04:06:08 On this Thai Pongal Day, the most popular event in the Hindu religious calendar, I wish the Sri Lankan Hindus prosperity, peace and happiness in the coming Year and beyond. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120115_02 15/01/2012 04:45:52 A massive recruitment program has been launched to enlist Tamil-speaking men and women from the Northern and Eastern provinces to foster a good relationship between diverse ethnic communities, Police Media Spokesman, SP Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120115_01 15/01/2012 12:40:52 Preliminary arrangements have been made to commence construction activities on the Jaffna Railway Restoration Project, Jaffna Government Agent Emelda Sukumar told the Daily News. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120114_02 15/01/2012 08:16:10 The postage stamp fraud of the pro-LTTE expatriates in the West has straddled the Atlantic with Canada too discovering that 'Diaspora Tamils' there have resorted to this method of spreading pro-separatist terrorist propaganda via the national postal service. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120114_01 13/01/2012 12:49:17 There was a time in the modern history of post war Sri Lanka, that huge demanding for IDPs in welfare villages be resettled immediately before the onset of monsoon rains. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120113_03 13/01/2012 06:47:12 The British government yesterday said that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report has many constructive recommendations for post conflict reconciliation and urged the government of Sri Lanka to implement its recommendations soon. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120113_02 13/01/2012 05:22:20 Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the launching event of the film "Prathiru", Thursday (Jan 12), at the Sri Lankan Film Corporation's Taranganee Cinema hall. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120113_01 12/01/2012 05:19:27 "The human rights situation in Sri Lanka has greatly improved and it was understood that there is no discrimination against the Tamil community in Sri Lanka" stated the Canadian Parliamentarians delegation representative Dr. Daniel. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120112_02 12/01/2012 05:47:04 Pro-LTTE groups in Tamil Nadu, all out to paint a black picture of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a person whose hobby is to kill Tamils have set upon a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil for being the husband of one of his cousins. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120112_01 10/01/2012 09:13:16 The naval contingent assigned for the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission left for Haiti on 07th January 2012. A total of 44 naval personnel including 02 officers, 10 senior sailors and 32 junior sailors were among them. They will be deployed for the mission along with 118 army personnel and 41 air force personnel. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120110_03 10/01/2012 09:13:16 A Royal visit took place in Sri Lanka recently with the arrival of Prince Michael of Kent. Prince Michael was accompanied by Princess Michael during the tour in Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120110_02 10/01/2012 09:13:16 The number of Sri Lankan refugees returning home has dropped in 2011 when compared with the previous year due to suspension of the Colombo-Tuticorin ferry service, latest UNHCR statistics show. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120110_01 09/01/2012 09:13:16 Recent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy are mere allegations sans any proof, the Union External Affairs Ministry of India said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120109_01 09/01/2012 09:13:16 The Cabinet has approved a proposal put forward by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development to authorize the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai to issue passports to the returning refugees without levying a fee of Rs. 4,400. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120109_02 07/01/2012 09:13:16 The 04th Golf Course in Sri Lanka “Eagles’ Golf Links” declared open today (07th January 2012) by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Sri Lanka Air Force Academy Chinabay. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120107_04 07/01/2012 09:13:16 Under "Ranaviru Pranama 2012" project initiated for war heroes, 57 blocks of land in Welikanda - Aselapura "Ranaviru Gammanaya" were given ownership Saturday (Jan 07) by Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Chairperson of Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120107_03 07/01/2012 11:32:08 It is apparent that inspite of the elimination of the LTTE that the sole obstacle to reconciliation remains the inability to differentiate between what the Tamils have or do not have and what the Eelaamists desire and aspire but will not be given. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120107_02 07/01/2012 04:50:52 In the course of my researches into the emergence of Ceylonese nationalism in the British period, I delved in considerable detailinto an event that was referred to then as "the 1915 riots" -the term "riots" in South Asia being a mechanical reproduction of the terminology of the British legal lexiconto describe affrays of all sorts. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120107_01 06/01/2012 06:28:21 Now, it is time the world stopped the rant and took note of the comprehensive report that the Government has recently released of a fact-finding commission established to look into the last and decisive phase of the conflict during which the security forces have been accused of committing atrocities against an organisation... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120106_03 06/01/2012 07:04:15 The 20th International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting between Sri Lanka and India was held onboard the Indian Coast Guard Ship Vajra at the Indo- Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Line off Kankasanthurai on 05th January 2012. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120106_02 06/01/2012 07:04:15 The most glittering and much-awaited award ceremony in the Army calendar, the 'Army Colours Night - 2011' with its theme 'Reconciliation Through Spotrs' presented colours and laurels to those who outshone in the field of Army sports on Thursday (5) evening. . . http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120106_01 05/01/2012 07:04:15 Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of 35 Indian fishermen on 03rd January 2012. The fishermen and 02 Indian fishing boats were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Gangadevi in the seas north-west of Delft. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120105_04 05/01/2012 04:52:14 "Security wise, we are dependent on Sri Lanka - there are large security concerns that can affect both countries in the Indian Ocean. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120105_02 05/01/2012 03:14:14 A global survey carried out by a reputed Equity and Bond Trading Institution has said that the high 8.4% economic growth enjoyed by Sri Lanka in the third quarter is the fourth best in the world. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120105_01 04/01/2012 03:50:23 "I hope that all professionals will contribute to the national cause by putting aside whatever personal or political differences they may have and work together for the future. We must understand that the peace we enjoy is a window of opportunity for all us to take this country forward" said Secretary Defence. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120104_06 04/01/2012 03:50:23 A Crime Information Analysis Central Unit was formulated in the Police Department with the aim of minimizing the crime rate and prevent crimes in this new era of the country by identifying criminals' modus operandi and bringing them to book, Inspector General of Police N K Ilangakoon said. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120104_03 04/01/2012 02:23:21 As the first assignment away from the Army Headquarters in the New Year, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, took time off to visit the Gajaba Regiment (GR) Regimental Headquarters at Saliyapura on Tuesday (3)... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120104_02 04/01/2012 02:02:14 The French government should ensure that publications like the four stamps issued by La Poste of France, depicting images related to the LTTE, including its insignia, should not happen and their publication be cancelled, said External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris yesterday. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120104_01 03/01/2012 10:40:20 Responding to recent media reports stating that several stamps bearing the LTTE terrorist outfit's psychopath Chief Prabhakaran and the Tiger terrorist emblem have been issued in France, the French embassy says that no such stamps are part of its official philatelist programme. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120103_04 03/01/2012 04:20:37 Grade 5 Scholarship Vishishtha Pranama function organized by Hon. Reji Ranathunga Trust Fund was held at the main auditorium of St. Jeoshep College yesterday (01st January 2012). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120103_03 03/01/2012 04:20:37 The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has raised 50,000 Canadian Dollars as a donation to the Amnesty International (AI). This money was raised in a Walk-A-Thon held in Sep.2011 for the express purpose of funding the AI. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120103_02 03/01/2012 04:20:37 The signing of the agreement for the construction of the 350 meter tall Lotus Tower Building and the Leisure Garden, which will be the tallest tower in South Asia will take place tomorrow. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120103_01 02/01/2012 04:04:37 "We should continue with the good work assisting the country's development drive", said Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120102_02 02/01/2012 04:04:37 The newly formed British-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce (BSLCC) is wooing the Diaspora based in the UK to invest in the North and the East. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120101_02 01/01/2012 04:04:37 The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report sets the framework for practical reconciliation in Sri Lanka, said Australian Member of Parliament Telmo Languiller who is on a brief visit to look into the ground situation in post war Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20120101_01 31/12/2011 04:04:37 Embracing all the victories we have achieved, we should step forward as a resurgent nation. This progress will be expedited by forging a political tradition that is based on new thinking. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111231_01 31/12/2011 09:08:30 Representatives from India's foreign, fisheries and defence ministries and navy, and representatives from the Indian States of Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh will arrive in Sri Lanka to hold talks on resolving fishing disputes. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111231_02 31/12/2011 08:21:30 The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report sets the framework for practical reconciliation in Sri Lanka, said Australian Member of Parliament Telmo Languiller who is on a brief visit to look into the ground situation in post war Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111231_01 29/12/2011 07:37:22 As part of its community service projects, Sri Lanka Navy renovated the Pannai Causeway for the benefit of the people visiting the historic island of Nagadeepa in the Jaffna peninsula. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111229_04 29/12/2011 06:22:49 President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he considers India first and others later. "As soon as I came to power, I went to India and got their support; after that, I did not have to bother about the UN, UK, US, and so on. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111229_03 29/12/2011 07:45:49 With the increased activities of the Tamil militants in the early part of 1985, the animosity and resentment of the Tamils towards the North East Muslims took a more acrimonious turn. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111229_02 29/12/2011 05:28:47 sri Lanka Army, a household name that remains indelibly etched on the memory of every patriot, resident here or elsewhere, is in fact comprised of a dazzling array of talent and an unequalled string of successes,... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111229_01 28/12/2011 07:06:44 Sri Lanka will hold accountable every person accused of war crimes during its decades-long civil conflict, the island nation's ambassador to the U.S. says. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111228_03 28/12/2011 07:06:44 Sri Lanka will hold accountable every person accused of war crimes during its decades-long civil conflict, the island nation's ambassador to the U.S. says. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111228_02 28/12/2011 04:59:23 The Army's premier seat of learning, Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa was honoured and received one more feather in its cap on Tuesday (27) when it had the most rare and distinguished honour of welcoming the first-ever foreign President to the year-end Commissioning Parade (Passing out Parade) as the Chief Guest. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111228_01 27/12/2011 06:44:04 The Russian Government on December 22, said that the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) will help accelerate the national reconciliation process and strengthen peace in Sri Lanka. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111227_02 27/12/2011 04:01:58 At a time Sri Lanka-Maldives bilateral relationships and developmental cooperation are on a very strong sound footing, His Excellency, the President Mohamed Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives arrived at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport tyesterday morning (26 December) to a warm welcome, following a cordial invitation extended to him... http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111227_01 26/12/2011 07:39:29 The Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC) stated that the while some 'Tamil diaspora groups' seek to contribute constructively to broad based reconciliation efforts, some other diaspora groups, especially, thosedescribed by some as supporting the LTTE, seem to adopt an adversarial approach. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111226_02 26/12/2011 07:39:29 Sri Lankans commemorate thousands of people who were killed by 2004 Boxing Day tragedy today (Dec 26). http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111226_01 25/12/2011 07:39:29 Archbishop of Colombo Rev Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Thursday said that the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) reflects the voice of Sri Lankans who have suffered for decades due to the ravages of conflict. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111225_02 25/12/2011 07:39:29 The story of Christmas has great meaning to all humankind. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a stable in Bethlehem, is a powerful reminder of the message of humility, love, and sharing that is spread with the ringing of Christmas bells in this festive season, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message to mark Christmas. http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111225_01