In brief

Iranian-funded power project

Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is due in Sri Lanka on April 28 to inaugurate construction work on an Iranian-funded hydro power project.

Iran is paying for the 450-million-dollar Uma Oya power project which is slated to produce 100 megawatts of electricity annually.

TMVP accuses Tiger chief

The TMVP has accused LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran of not being keen on a peaceful solution to the problem in the North.

“Prabhakaran only believes in an armed solution to the problem and is not interested in any peaceful means to resolve the crisis,” TMVP leader Pillayan said.

Lay down arms, says Govt

Defence spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government is willing to talk to LTTE provided it laid down arms.

“We will not tolerate any kind of violence and would be willing to talk to the LTTE if it gives up arms,” he said.

Rice from Myanmar

The Trade Ministry said that 10,000 metric tons of rice imported from Myanmar will be issued to the local market from the first week of next month. According to the sources the one-kilo of rice named ‘Rangoon Kakulu’ will be sold between Rs. 50 to 55.

The government decided to import 100,000 metric tons of rice from Myanmar which will be sold through Cooperative Societies.

Police escape mine explosion

Police personnel in a route clearing patrol in the general area Thambalagamuwa narrowly escaped from an LTTE claymore explosion which took place last morning.

The police personnel were returning after completing duty in a vulnerable area in Thambalagamuwa along the Pokurani-Kinniya road, when the terrorists activated the claymore around 6.15 am, sources said.

The Nativity story

The Nativity story will be screened at the Russian centre in Colombo on Saturday April 26 at 5.00 p.m.

The Nativity Story is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, winner of three awards, starring Keisha Castle Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass and Claran Hinds.

Karu remembered

The 25th death anniversary of one of ‘Ceylon’s’ best known broadcasters Karunaratne Abeysekera better known as ‘Karu’, will be commemorated today, by his family members.

Leukaemia patients need help

Dr. V.N. Rajasekaran has instructed to take Fathima Sameera and Fathima Rikasa suffering from leukaemia for treatment to the Meenachi Mission Hospital Examination Centre in India.

The treatment will cost Rs. 10 lakhs. The parents appeal to the public for financial assistance. Contributions could be sent to A/C No. 8570008679 at the Commercial Bank Branch at Grandpass, Colombo 14 or to the address: S.A. Gaffoor of No. 66/F, St. Joseph’s Street, Grandpass, Colombo 14.

Japanese magazine launched

Nihongo, the latest Japanese language magazine was launched recently.

This 28 page magazine, priced at Rs. 60, covers a wide ranging topics, Japanese history, culture, grammar, dialogue etc. Edited by eminent scholars, who are authority on the Japanese language, the monthly magazine is published by A. H. D. U. Sanjeewa at Weraduwa, Matara.