News in brief

Rice hoarders warned

The Consumer Affairs Ministry of Sri Lanka vested powers in the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to take legal action against any person hoarding rice, trying to control the price of rice or selling rice at exorbitant prices or at blackmarket rates. According to Ministry sources, some traders with political influence sell a kilo of rice around Rs.100.

The sources said these traders are trying to create an artificial scarcity of rice in the market by hoarding the product that they had bought at very low wholesale prices from paddy farmers.

India hails APRC proposals

India has welcomed the All- Party Representatives' Committee's (APRC) interim recommendations for devolution of power in Sri Lanka. The Indian External Affairs Ministry pledged that the Government of India will continue to work with Sri Lanka and its people to bring about a settlement of the issues.

Air Force jets bomb LTTE base

The latest gunbattles across the Northern Province killed 17 terrorists and one government soldier, the military said yesterday. Fighting raged throughout Friday along the front lines, south of Wanni, where the latest series of separate clashes left 17 Tigers and one soldier dead. Air Force jets bombed an LTTE transport base in Kilinochchi.

Final nail in LTTE coffin

If New Delhi decides to strengthen the hand of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and gets more involved in the Sri Lanka problem it would drive the final nail to the coffin of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Hindustan Times said in its main editorial. The influential Indian newspaper said President Rajapaksa's policy has got the Tamil Tigers to be on the run.

Karuna seeks asylum in UK

Former LTTE military leader for the Eastern Province, Karuna Amman plans to seek asylum in the United Kingdom after a British court sentenced him to nine months in prison for travelling to London under a forged passport. His lawyer David Phillips told the BBC that Karuna will soon make a formal application for asylum.

Book on Sigiriya graffiti to be launched

The 'Mystique of Sigiriya - Whispers of the Mirror Wall' authored by Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara will be launched on February 1st at 5:30pm at the Speaker's official residence. The book revolves around graffitos that were carved on Sigiriya's Mirror Wall. It aims to give familiarity to the reader about the true essence of the Sigiriya verses. The author is reported to have responded differently and in a subtle manner on the provocative verses, pertaining to the sensuality of the Sigiriya graffiti. Reviewers have recommended this book for readers who want to rediscover the historic poetry of the Sigiriya era.

Ramboda Pass tunnel completed

The 220-metre long tunnel on the Gampola-Nuwara Eliya road on the Ramboda Pass has been completed. The media coordinator, Ministry of Highways and Road Development, R.M.P.B. Rathnayake said: "Construction work started two years ago on the Ramboda tunnel. We are now expecting to open this tunnel shortly," he said. He said the advantage of the Ramboda tunnel is that the transportation time between Gampola and Nuwara Eliya could be reduced to less than one hour.