News in brief

Treasure hunters arrested

Nine treasure hunters, including a man in robes, were arrested by the Giriulla police yesterday, along with six priceless gold statues. Police believe that the treasure hunters had stolen the statues from a 'treasure trove' near Dambulla.

Lankan youth held at Changi airport

Officials at Singapore's Changi International Airport arrested a Malaysian woman and her two adult offsprings for attempting to sneak three Sri Lankan youngsters to the UK. An airport security officer, who suspected that the children's identities did not match the Malaysian passports, arrested the London-bound suspects.

25 terrorists killed

At least 25 LTTE terrorists were killed and many wounded in clashes in the Wanni and Northern defence lines, according to military reports. In the Welioya front at Kokkuthuduwai and Welioya, three terrorists were reported killed in separate clashes that erupted ahead of LTTE defences.

Three soldiers also suffered injuries when troops confronted LTTE terrorists while advancing into enemy defences at Janakapura and Andankulama.

More jobs for Lankans

The Government has taken steps to explore the possibility of providing job opportunities for Sri Lankans in developed countries, according to Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Keheliya Rambukwella. He said the Government will be eyeing Japan, which has already entered into several agreements pertaining to the issue.

International pressure vital

The Leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), V. Anandasangaree stressed the necessity of international pressure to prevent the LTTE targeting innocent civilians in pursuit of their unrealistic dream. He said that India should play a major role in this regard.