In Brief

Army Chief commends achievements

Hot on the heels of the capture of Iunukkai, Uyilankulam and the southern edge of Akkarayankulam tank, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka flew to Wanni Security Forces Headquarters. Highly impressed by invaluable ground achievements, gained by his troops in the Wanni theatre of humanitarian operations, the Commander commended General Officer Commanders in Divisions and all soldiers on their selfless commitment and contribution to the nation at this critical juncture of our history.

Iranian Deputy Oil Minister to visit Lanka

Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Mohammed Reza Nematzadeh is scheduled to pay a visit to Sri Lanka on Friday to finalise the oil and petrochemical agreements signed by the two sides. Nematzadeh, who is also the President of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), is due to attend talks with Lankan officials to finalise the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract of the billion dollar Iranian-funded improvement and expansion project for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation-owned refinery at Sapugaskanda.

Pak chamber to participate in SAARC Fair

A high level delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and leading exporters will participate in the 3-day 8th SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry trade fair being held in Colombo from August 28.

FPCCI President Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh told APP on Friday that leading Pakistani exporters will establish their stalls at the fair to attract foreign investors. The fair will help us explore the potential market of Sri Lanka and SAARC member countries,” he said.

UNP’s WPC member arrested

UNP’s Western Provincial Council member Jayantha Silva, along with some underworld gangsters, were arrested on the PC election’s eve last night at Deraniyagala in Sabaragamuwa Province. Police sources said they were arrested at a road block near the Deraniyagala town with some illegal weapons. Deraniyagala Police believe the Provincial Council member and his supporters were on their way to violate election rules when they were arrested.

Govt condemns attack in Pakistan

Government of Sri Lanka has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack on an ordnance factory in Wah, near Islamabad on Thursday. In a message to his Pakistani counterpart, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, while unequivocally condemning the terrorist attack, has expressed sympathy for those who had suffered as a result of this atrocity. He further said that Sri Lanka stands by the Government and the people of Pakistan in their effort to establish peace, security and stability.

Argentina football champions in Beijing

Argentina emerged Olympic football champions in Beijing yesterday. The former World champions beat Nigeria by one goal to nil in an exciting game played at the National Stadium before a capacity crowd. Angel Di Maria booted the solitary goal of the match as Argentina retained its Olympic gold.

Nano technology lab soon

Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology A.N.R. Amaratunge said that the equipment to set up a laboratory for Nano Technology is now being bought.

Nano Technology, a special system of technology is becoming increasingly popular in the industrial sector worldwide.

Permits for hospitals

Hospitals should obtain an environment protection permit before December 3 to dispose of waste matter injurious to health to continue their services from January 1. Programs for the disposal of garbage are being implemented in government hospitals.

X’mas postal service

The Postal Department will provide a special postal service to despatch greeting cards and gifts in time, during the Christmas season to Lankans abroad.

The last date to despatch parcels to Canada and the US by sea mail is October 16 while the air mail service is December 4.

Facelift for 11 towns

The Government has taken steps to develop eleven towns which are on the approach roads to the Southern Expressway. It will be a four-lane expressway. Approach junctions will be set up at 11 points from Kottawa (on the Colombo-Ratnapura Road) to Godagama (on the Matara-Akuressa Road).

Loans for entrepreneurs

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority has launched a special loan scheme at a concessionary interest rate for small and medium scale entrepreneurs. Small and medium scale entrepreneurs who are recommended by companies islandwide involved in the gem industry who hold a permit issued by the Gem and Jewellery Authority are entitled to this loan.