Kilinochchi Within Sight

Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told parliament today concluding the debate on the Defence Ministry budget allocation, that Kilinochchi is within sight and they would pursue the target towards eradication of terrorism.

LTTE Terrorists Attack Civilian Bus

LTTE terrorists carried out another cowardly attack at the civilians by targeting a civilian bus plying from Anuradhapura to Jankapura this evening. According to the available information the terrorists have detonated a roadside bomb around 8.15p.m at Abhimanpura, on the Kebithigollawa - Padaviya road. At least 15 civilians have been killed and 23 others injured as the fully packed bus was deliberately targeted by the terrorists. Correct deaths and casualty figures are yet be known.

Soldiers & civilians carry a victim of the land mine explosion to emergency room in Anuradapura, hospital about 200 kilometers northeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday, Dec 5, 2007. A land mine explosion blamed on Tamil separatists tore through a passenger bus crowded with civilians in northern Sri Lanka on Wednesday night, killing at least 15 people and wounding 23 others, the military said.

Roof falls at Asgiriya

A group of English cricket fans viewing the match at the Asgiriya cricket stadium suffered cuts and bruises when the tin roofing sheets above their heads collapsed following strong winds. Picture shows a police officer inspecting some of the injuries.

Health workers defy Court go ahead with sick note campaign

Health workers yesterday defied a Court order against their proposed trade union action and went ahead with their planned two-day sick note campaign yesterday.

The Colombo District Court on Monday issued an order barring the Health Services Trade Union Joint Front (HSTUJF) and 14 other health sector trade unions from going ahead with their sick note campaign on Tuesday and Wednesday.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who met union representatives on Monday evening, instructed the Health Ministry to immediately pay overtime and holiday pay to paramedical staff irrespective of the attendance registration through the finger print machine.

HSTUJF Convener Gamini Kumarasinghe told The Island that two union members, both minor employees, attached to the Colombo National hospital, were arrested by the Maradana police yesterday morning. He alleged they were arrested on the verbal request of the Health Minister’s National Hospital Organiser on the recommendation of the Minister. But, police said, they were obstructing those who reported for duty.

Troops confront LTTE terrorists in Yala

At least four terrorists were seriously injured say, defence sources today (December 04) when troops confronted an LTTE group 30 kilometres north of Yala at 5.10 p.m.

According to sources, troops have confronted with a LTTE group while conducting search operations in the area. Security in the area has been tightened assisting the ongoing search operations, security sources further said.Latest reports say, security forces are on the trail of the fleeing terrorists. Meanwhile, a soldier was reported injured during the confrontation.

Sanath Jayasuriya announces retirement from Tests

Sanath Jayasuriya, the ‘Master Blaster’ who almost single-handedly changed the character of the one-day format of cricket and who has been one of the most consistent performers with bat and ball for Sri Lanka over the past 15 years, announced that the Kandy Test against England will be his land.

"I will be retiring from Tests after this match," Jayasuriya confirmed to a television channel covering the series. "I wanted to end my Test career in Sri Lanka, particularly in Kandy. I will continue playing one-day internationals."

Jayasuriya said that it was the right time to retire: “There are some young guys coming up, and I wanted to go while on top. Life without cricket will be tough, but I will still be playing one-day cricket and contributing to the team."

Jayasuriya played 109 tests, scoring 6885 runs including 14 centuries and 30 fifties at an average of 40.02 and 403 one-day internationals, scoring 12,207 runs (25 centuries and 64 fifties) at an average of 32.63 and a blistering strike rate of 90.40. He has also bagged 97 test wickets and 307 in one-day internationals, making him one of the greatest allrounders seen in both forms of the game. He has been a brilliant fielder and has been one of the most successful captains in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.