News in brief

President fetes new BASL chief

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday congratulated W. Dayaratne who is tipped to be elected President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). In a telephone conversation, President Rajapaksa wished senior Bar member Dayaratne courage to act independently and all success as the new BASL chief.

Two PCs killed in explosion

Two policemen were killed in a LTTE claymore mine blast in Vavuniya yesterday. The duo were on regular duty when they were trapped in the terrorist claymore yesterday morning. Investigations are continuing with cordon and search operations, defence sources said.

LTTE equipment recovered

The Army recovered a haul of LTTE military equipment in a search operation conducted after a confrontation with terrorists in the Andankulam area in Welioya. Reports said at least four terrorists were either killed or seriously injured during the attack.

SPC to the rescue

The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has stepped into the process of manufacturing several pharmaceutical products locally which are required in large quantities in State Hospitals as a solution to meet the growing demand. At the initial stage the SPC manufactured six million 'Asprin' tablets.

Bilateral Extradition Treaty

The Government has finalised the process of preparing a bilateral Extradition Treaty with the Government of Turkey, placing particular emphasis on terrorism-related offences, the Foreign Ministry said. The statement said that the Treaty provides for extradition of fugitive offenders who are wanted for prosecution, trial and imposition or enforcement of a sentence in either country.