HC - During cricket encounter in Wales

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London, Dr. Chris Nonis assured that he had done all he could to stop any violent incidents during or after the cricket match played between Sri Lanka and India last Thursday (20) at Sofia Gardens Grounds in Cardiff, Wales. 

Asked by The Sunday Island what action he had taken, the High commissioner said that before the Championship Trophy Cricket Tournament started in the UK, he had discussed the security arrangements for the Sri Lanka Cricket Team with the Counter Terrorism Unit, Diplomatic Protection Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Metropolitan Police, Protocol Directorate and SO15, the special security group.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday warned the government of dire consequences in case the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won the first northern provincial council election.

The Defence Secretary was responding to a statement attributed to Petroleum Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, at Wednesday’s post-cabinet media briefing, that the election would be held in accordance with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Minister Yapa ruled out the possibility of diluting the 13th Amendment before the election.

Asked whether he would publicly campaign against the decision, the Gajaba Regiment veteran said: "As the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, my responsibility is to warn the government of the grave repercussions of empowering a hostile provincial administration with land and police powers. Police powers in the hands of those still pursuing a separatist agenda can pose a severe threat to national security."

In a new study, a team of researchers has discovered that massive earthquakes in the range of 8 to 8.5 magnitudes on the Richter scale have left clear ground scars in the central Himalayas.

In a new study, a team of researchers has discovered that massive earthquakes in the range of 8 to 8.5 magnitudes on the Richter scale have left clear ground scars in the central Himalayas.

This ground-breaking discovery by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has huge implications for the area along the front of the Himalayan Mountains, given that the region has a population density similar to that of New York City.

• CCC calls for greater transparency

The new tariffs that have been made effective from 12th April 2013 will entail significant increase in electricity costs for all industry sectors. On average, the increase is estimated at around 20% - 30%. It will be difficult for businesses to absorb such an increase and it will result in a sharp fall in profitability, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

"The tariff increase will acutely affect businesses engaged in producing goods and services for exports, as they are already facing severe competition from other countries and losing their market share. Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports contracted by 7.4% in 2012 and by over 18% in January 2013.