NEWS BRIEFS

Bus fare hikes contrasted with bus services

A Presidential advisor on transport and other domestic affairs, says that any bus strike is unfair, as the bus magnates are hardly offering a service to bus travelers. "We all know it,'' he says.

He says however, that what's needed is a compromise; bus fares cannot be jacked up arbitrarily, but while listening to the grievances of the commuter, it is also vital that a fair effort should ensue to ensure a commensurate stepping up of services.(A feature article/interview will be carried next week.)

Late President's 100th birth anniversary

The J. R. Jayewardene commemoration took place this week. It would have been the late President's 100th birthday. Encomiums came in from far and wide, and UNPers paid tribute to the colossus who changed the face of the UNP and the country.

Security forces compelled to take defensive measures, President to Kofi Annan

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the Sri Lankan security forces had been compelled to take measures to defend themselves in the face of widespread provocations by the LTTE. President Rajapaksa and Mr. Kofi Annan are in Havana, Cuba, participating in the 14th Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement. Mr. Kofi Annan indicated to the President his willingness to assist in whatever way he could in bringing about peace in Sri Lanka.

CORRECTION -- Oops, wrong Latheef in the Photo

Last week's story "I shall not hold a political post under a MDP government'' carried the wrong photograph. Our apologies go out to the subject of the interview Mohhomed Latheef former member of the M.D.P. The interview was by Jayanthi Mendis.