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.

President Congratulates Murali

President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered his congratulations Muttiah Muralidharan on breaking Shane Warne’s record for the highest number of test wickets.

In his message to Muralitharan, the President said: “Congratulations to you on establishing the new record for the highest number of wickets taken in Test Cricket.

Your achievement makes Sri Lanka proud and brings new glory to Sri Lankan Cricket.

“Your success today is all the more great as it was achieved in the midst of many challenges which you were able to overcome through the years you have been representing Sri Lanka in Cricket. This achievement is a reward for your dedication to the game of Cricket, especially to your immense contributions as a team player and commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship. I wish you continued success in bringing more honour to Sri Lanka.”

‘Murali’- Highest Wicket Taker in Test Cricket

Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, Muttiah Muralitharan became the highest wicket-taker in test cricket this morning when he bowled Paul Collinwood for 45 on the third day of the first test between Sri Lanka and England at Asgiriya.

Braking Shane Warne’s 708 wicket record. Murali got 709 wickets in his 116th Test while Warne played 145 matches to get his 708.

Claymore mine near Air Force Commander's

The Airforce has found a claymore mine near Summit Flats close to TNA MP Sivajilingham's house. The Air Force Commander's residence is also in close proximity.

The sources said, that the bomb is an improvised explosive device made out of C-4 high explosives, and also contained large amount of tiny steel balls. The weight of the bomb is about 1.5 Kg, the sources added.

Summit residencies are situated in the High Security Zone, Colombo. The civilians in the area have informed the police with regard to an unattended parcel appeared opposite the TNA parliamentarian's house this morning. The Air Force BD team has defused the bomb which had been made to trigger off by an electrical detonator.