News in brief

CJ to open Jaffna court complex

Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva PC will open the state of the art multi-storey Court Complex in the heart of the Jaffna city on Wednesday. The three-storied building facing the Jaffna Library was architecturally designed in harmony with the rich traditions and the landscape of Jaffna. The Legal and Judicial Reforms Project spent approximately Rs. 170 million for the 60,000 sq ft complex.

Work on four projects under way

Work on the Rs. 10 billion Weheragala, Deduru Oya, Rambhakan Oya and Kakeriobadha Oya projects, a part of a mega hydro development program initiated by the Government are under way easing the water problem faced by farmers for cultivation while fulfilling the requirements of drinking water needs, electricity and freshwater fishing.

Growing demand for coconut products

There is a growing for Sri Lanka's coconut products owing to their outstanding quality. Coconut product exporters have received internationally renowned certificates for the outstanding quality of their exports of coconut related products. Accordingly the Government has taken several measures to uplift the industry.

Two suspicious boats fired at

Security Forces said that they fired at two suspicious boats in the seas off the wild life park of Yala in the deep southeast coast. The boats were fired at on Friday evening by troops who were engaging in security clearance at the Yala National Park since Monday.

70% of LTTE's finances crippled

Seventy percent of the LTTE's financial capability globally had been crippled the anti-terrorism parley in Colombo was told. The international community's active support is required to combat the LTTE and cripple its fund-raising network. Researcher, Centre for Counter Terrorism Shanaka Jayasekara, urged adding that the LTTE had extended its fund-raising capability globally, including the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. These countries have taken steps to stop LTTE movements and fund-raising activities.

Showers to continue

By Anura Maitipe

The inter monsoonal rains will continue. Over 70 millimetres of rain was experienced in most parts of the country during the past few days, a spokesman for the Meteorology Department told the "Sunday Observer". As a result of heavy rains during the past few days the water levels of Kalu Ganga, Gin Ganga, Walawe Ganga, Menik Ganga, Kelani, Nilwala and Mahaweli rivers have increased sharply. Thunder showers will continue in many parts of the country during the evenings with strong winds, he said.

The National Building Research Institution (NBRI) has warned the people about the possibility of sudden earthslips in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Matara, Galle and the Hambantota districts.

Gamini Dissanayake commemorated

The 13th death anniversary of late Minister Gamini Dissanayake falls on October 23. The Gamini Dissanayake Commemoration Society has organised a floral tribute to the Gamini Dissanayake statue at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, today at 9 a.m. The chief guest will be the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara. On this occasion school bags containing books and equipment will be donated to 100 schoolchildren selected from low income families in Colombo West.