News in brief

Rizana's acquittal likely

Lawyers have filed fresh objections to the appeal against the judgment in the case of Sri Lankan housemaid Rizana Nafeek who was sentenced to death by a three-member Bench in the Dawadmi High Court.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hussain Bhaila, who had discussions with Rizana's lawyer, Khateb Al-Shammary, told Arab News that there is every possibility of Rizana being acquitted.

Military victories

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda attributes the military victories achieved so far to the strong political leadership and people's support.

In a television interview, the Navy Commander underlined the need for collective dedication of the Armed Forces and all Forces.

India to import more cloves

India should be able to import cloves from Sri Lanka at cheaper rates, as the island nation is likely to witness a higher production of the commodity.

India is virtually the only importer of cloves from Sri Lanka and higher production prospects in the island would be beneficial for it as the commodity would become cheaper.

12 fishermen released

A group of 12 fishermen released by the Sri Lankan Navy reached Rameswaram early on Friday.

Coast Guard vessel ICGS "Kittur Chennamma", which received them from the Lankan Navy and handed them over to Assistant Director of Fisheries S. Vel Pandian, The Hindu reported yesterday.

Enhancing Lanka - Pakistan trade

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance the volume of bilateral trade to $1 billion per annum from $385 million in the next few years, officials from both sides said in Islamabad.

Visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told a news conference here that the two South Asian States wanted to expand the scope of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA).