Everything you need to know about Lanka: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Everything you need to know about Lanka: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Chennai, May 21 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has reiterated that Katchatheevu, the fishing islet has to be retrieved back by India in an endeavour to provide a permanent solution to the problem of Indian fishermen.
Chennai, May 21 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu and surrounding areas from Sri Lanka.
Colombo, May 19 (IANS) Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Saturday renewed his pledge to fight all "external elements" seeking to "disrupt" the country's peace.
New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) India has told Sri Lanka not to dilute the autonomous powers granted to its Tamil-majority northern province ahead of provincial elections, official sources said Friday.
Panaji, May 17 (IANS) When Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar travels to Israel next month, he will be hoping to persuade its tour and travel companies to add the popular beach tourism-oriented state to their itineraries.
Asia will one day be filled with 'millions of men desperate for women', researchers warned last week.
Sydney, May 16 (ANI): Cricket Australia (CA) has reportedly condensed the five-match series of one-day internationals against England into a 15-day period in January 2014.
New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) The Indian Railways have completed phase I of a 43-km rail link from Medawachchiya to Madhu Road in Sri Lanka at a cost of $81 million, an official statement said Wednesday.
Kampala, May 15 (IANS) Uganda's national cricket team has been invited for a tour to Sri Lanka after the east African nation put up an impressive show at the just concluded World Cricket League Division III in Bermuda.
Colombo, May 15 (IANS) At least seven people have been killed by stormy weather that has affected over 7,000 people in Sri Lanka, authorities said Wednesday.
The May 14-17 visit "signifies the strong diplomatic, cultural and military ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan", reported Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
London, May 12 (ANI): Current New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and former skipper Ross Taylor have reportedly put their problems behind them and have joined hands in a bid to defeat England in the first Test at Lord's.
Islamabad, May 10 (ANI): The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has pledged to get to the bottom of the sudden decision of captain Mushfiqur Rahim's resignation, hinting that there were other contributing factors behind the decision.
Chennai, May 10 (IANS) DMK president M. Karunanidhi Friday said India should not only boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) slated to be held in Sri Lanka later this year but also gather the support of other countries to prevent the summit from being held in the island nation.
Mohali, May 9 (IANS) The following is the scoreboard of the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here Thursday.
Colombo, May 9 (IANS) Former Tamil Tigers who have completed rehabilitation programmes have expressed interest in entering politics, the Sri Lankan media reported Thursday.
Johannesburg, May 9 (ANI): Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim will reportedly step down from his post after playing two Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe this weekend.
Colombo, May 8 (IANS) The first quarter results of tourism for the year show the lowest quarterly growth since 2011, bringing in a total of 288,798 tourists to Sri Lanka, latest data showed here Wednesday.
Dubai/London, May 6 (ANI): The International Cricket Council today announced that the annual ICC Cricket Committee meeting will take place in London on May 28 and 29.
Dubai, May 6 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) Monday announced that its annual Cricket Committee meeting will take place in London May 28-29.
Colombo, May 5 (IANS) British Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka in November, the government said here Sunday.
New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Hardwork and belief finally ended cricketer Dinesh Karthik's three-year-long wait to return to the national fold.
London, May 3 (IANS) All-rounder Ravi Bopara returned to the England ODI squad as the selectors picked him up in the 15-man squad for the last ICC Champions Trophy 2013 commencing June 8. The same squad will also play in the three-match NatWest ODI series against New Zealand from May 31.
London, May 3 (IANS) A Muslim politician and government critic arrested in Sri Lanka must be immediately released or charged with an internationally recognizable criminal offence, Amnesty International said.
Colombo, May 3 (IANS) Sri Lanka Friday said that Canada's "hostile criticism" of Colombo strengthened "evil forces" and did not contribute to the reconciliation process in the island nation.
Sydney, May 3 (ANI): Australia's Twenty20 captain George Bailey, who has been newly appointed as the vice-captain for the ICC Champions Trophy squad, said that he has come out more stronger from the adverse results of the one-day series against England last year, which was clean-swept by their rivals 0-4.
Colombo, May 2 (IANS) Angelo Mathews will lead the Sri Lankan cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy to be held next month in England, and spinner Ajantha Mendis has once been again overlooked for the 15-member squad announced Thursday.
Pune, May 2 (IANS) Sri Lankan Angelo Matthews has decided to step down from Pune Warriors captaincy for the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Kuala Lumpur, May 2 (IANS) There will now be three groups, instead of four, at this month's Badminton World Federation's (BWF) Sudirman Cup to be held here from May 19 to 26.
Colombo, May 2 (IANS) Pakistan has now eased tariffs on three commodities it directly imports from Sri Lanka, the industry and commerce ministry said Thursday.
Colombo, May 2 (IANS) Sri Lanka kicked off an international conference here Thursday to attract investment and showcase the country as a port hub, a top official said.
London, May. 1 (ANI): Amnesty International has accused Sri Lanka of intensifying a crackdown on dissent, urging the Commonwealth to not hold its summit there unless the human rights situation improves.
New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) India will open their campaign in the the last edition of the ICC Champions Trophy with their Group B match against South Africa at Cardiff on June 6. The biennial tournament is being would wound up as the ICC is unable to slot it in the crowded cricket calendar.
Washington, May 1 (IANS) Highlighting the attacks on a Tamil-language newspaper in Sri Lanka, the United States has said it would continue to "very directly" press its concerns for press freedom bilaterally as also through the international community.
Sydney, Apr 30 (ANI): Australian cricketer Matthew Wade has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate for the role of vice-captain for the one-day side for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Colombo, April 29 (IANS) Sri Lanka's post-war tourism arrivals continue to boom with numbers growing by 11.6 percent in February when compared with the same month in 2012, official data showed Monday.
Colombo, April 29 (IANS) The Australian government repatriated 25 more Sri Lankans who tried to illegally migrate, bringing the total number of boat people returned to over 1,000, the Australian embassy said Monday.
Sydney, Apr.28 (ANI): An Australian politician has accused the government of ignoring the human rights violations taking place in Sri Lanka and focusing more on domestic politics.
Guruvayoor (Kerala), April 28 (IANS) Its decades long ethnic conflict over, Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a major competitor to Kerala's ayurvedic system of medicine, a leading industry expert says.
London, Apr. 27 (ANI): Canada has launched a blistering attack on Sri Lanka's 'appalling' record on democratic accountability.
Colombo, April 26 (IANS) Sri Lanka and India have had talks on issues relating to the maritime boundary line separating the two countries, the Sri Lanka Navy said Friday.
Beijing, Apr. 26 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lanka and India have had more talks on issues relating to the Maritime Boundary Line dividing both countries, the Sri Lanka Navy said on Friday.
Wellington, Apr 26 (ANI): Former New Zealand Test captain John Parker has formally tendered an apology to coach Mike Hesson over comments regarding the axing of former captain Ross Taylor, which had been made in a document infamously titled as 'The Taylor Affair'.
New York, April 25 (IANS) The Human Rights Watch said Thursday that a senior Commonwealth advisory group should recommend the organisation shift the venue of its November 2013 Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from Sri Lanka.
New York, April 25 (ANI): A senior Commonwealth advisory group should recommend the organization shift the venue of its November 2013 Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from Sri Lanka unless the government makes prompt, measurable, and meaningful progress on human rights, Human Rights Watch said today.
St. John's (Antigua), April 25 (IANS/CMC) The Sri Lanka A team will tour the Caribbean in June to play a series of matches against the West Indies A in all formats, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced.
Colombo, April 23 (IANS) Bangladesh Tuesday said it will back Sri Lanka on the human rights issue, the Sri Lankan President's Office said, reported Xinhua.
Beijing, April 22 (IANS) The second stop of IPC Athletics Grand Prix Tour kicked off here Monday, after the first stop held in Dubai last month.
Chennai, April 22 (IANS) Tamil actor-director Cheran, known for films "Autograph", "Thavamai Thavamirundhu" and "Yuddham Sei", has launched his personal website in a bid to stay connected to his fans.
Beijing, Apr. 21 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Sunday said he was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of lives and devastation as a result of the earthquake in southwest China.
Sharjah, April 21 (IANS/WAM) Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and north Africa, "will continue to set standard for the low-cost travel segment, offering great fares to an ever growing range of destinations".
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) In a bid to service regional and Buddhism tourist destinations, Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, will start flight services between Dehradun and Lucknow from May 2, an official said Saturday.
Colombo, April 19 (IANS) Sri Lankan police Friday arrested 44 people who were preparing to leave for Australia by boat, a police official said.
Colombo, April 19 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lankan police on Friday arrested 44 people who were preparing to leave for Australia by boat.
Colombo, April 19 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lankan police on Friday arrested 44 people who were preparing to leave for Australia by boat.
New Delhi, Apr. 18 (ANI): As part of an endeavor to boost mutual cooperation between the navies of the two Asian neighbours, three Indian Naval ships, 'INS Sujata, INS Tarangini and the coast guard ship ICGS Varuna', berthed at the Colombo port yesterday.
Washington, Apr. 17 (ANI): The bomb attacks during the Boston Marathon have highlighted the use of IEDs to target large gatherings, inflicting mass damage with a device that is difficult to detect.
Chennai, April 15 (IANS) The DMK-backed Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) Monday decided to approach the supreme court to cancel the 1974 agreement between India and Sri Lanka and also declare the islet Katchatheevu as part of India.
London, April 15 (ANI): Scientists have stressed the need for novel measures to tackle malaria hotspots in countries with low levels of the disease.
Sydney, Apr 14 (ANI): Pakistan cricket authorities have suspended two umpires, including one international, after they were found guilty of being willing to spot-fix in return for money, in a sting operation carried out by a private Indian TV channel.
Chennai, April 12 (ANI): Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V.Narayanasamy on Friday termed Sri Lanka Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa's claim that India was responsible for creating terrorism in his country as unacceptable
New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The last 11 Indians in Sri Lanka's main prison are praying that they be repatriated to India soon, after 20 fellow prisoners finally flew home last month.
New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) German sportswear giants adidas Wednesday roped in Delhi Daredevils captain Mahela Jayawardene as its brand athlete.
Colombo, April 10 (IANS) Battling with a challenging global environment, Sri Lanka's Central Bank is confident of posting 7.5 percent growth in 2013, despite failing to maintain a 6.2 percent budget deficit, its latest report said Wednesday.
Colombo, April 10 (IANS) Sri Lanka Wednesday blamed India for the Tamil separatist war which dragged for 30 years on the island.
Colombo, April 9 (Xinhua-ANI):The United States has called on the Sri Lankan government to make public a crucial inquiry made by the army into allegations of war crimes during the last phase of the country's brutal three decade war, an official said here on Tuesday.
Colombo, April 9 (IANS) Sri Lanka needs to get serious about post-war reconciliation and account for war crimes if it needs to avoid grief, US Ambassador Michele J. Sison has said.
Colombo, April 8 (IANS) Sri Lanka Monday described as "erroneous" media reports that its navy was killing and harassing Indian fishermen, and said that the latter frequently entered Sri Lankan waters.
Chennai, Apr 8 (ANI): Finance Minister P Chidambaram has criticised Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not supporting the UPA government's efforts to pass a resolution in Parliament on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.
Chennai, April 7 (IANS) Minister of State Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan has urged industry lobby body FICCI to cancel a trip of Indian MPs to Sri Lanka to voice solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils.
Bangalore, Apr 7 (ANI): Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko has called for an independent international investigation into war crimes allegations agaisnt Sri Lanka and also demanded that the Tamils in Sri Lanka should be allowed a referendum to decide their fate.
Beirut, April 7 (IANS) Human Rights Watch has urged the UAE not to deport 19 Tamil refugees to Sri Lanka because they would be at serious risk of torture and persecution upon return.
Chennai, April 6 (IANS) DMK president M. Karunanidhi said Saturday his party MPs and Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) meeting would meet the envoys of various countries in London to press for shifting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) out of Sri Lanka.
Colombo, April 6 (IANS) The navy Saturday arrested 26 Indian fishermen who were in Sri Lankan waters, a navy spokesman said.
Sydney, Apr 6 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook expressed confidence about his team's long-term success, saying that his team's dominance in the game may go through until the World Cup in two years.
New Delhi, April 4 (ANI): Sri Lanka's Leader of Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe called on President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.
Colombo, April 4 (Xinhua-ANI): The Government of Sri Lanka has rejected efforts to block trade with Tamil Nadu and has insisted that economic relations should not be disrupted despite political tensions.
Colombo, April 4 (Xinhua-ANI): Twenty Sri Lankans have been returned after attempting to illegally migrate to Australia by boat, the Australian High Commission said in a statement here on Thursday, bringing the total number of returnees to 963.
Colombo, April 4 (IANS) Sri Lanka has rejected moves to block trade with Tamil Nadu and has insisted that economic relations should not be disrupted despite political tensions, an official said Thursday.
Colombo, April 4 (IANS) Twenty Sri Lankans have been returned after attempting to illegally migrate to Australia by boat, the Australian High Commission said Thursday, taking the number of returnees to 963.
New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said the Indian government's "quiet diplomacy" stood vindicated in the row with Italy and worked in taking a balanced line on Sri Lanka despite pressure to take a far tougher stance. He also maintained that Prime Manmohan Singh might still go to Pakistan if he had a "sense of comfort" that such a visit will result in a "substantive engagement" and "delivery".
Panaji, April 4 (IANS) There will be no Commonwealth Games (CWG) like "confusion" in raising infrastructure for the Portuguese Commonwealth Games scheduled to start in Goa in November this year, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said Thursday.
London, Apr. 4 (ANI): The office of a Tamil newspaper was attacked and staff beaten by masked men in northern Sri Lanka.
Colombo, April 3 (IANS) Trade unions manning Sri Lanka's main port have threatened to block about $2 billion worth of imports and exports to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, media reports said here Wednesday.
Beijing, Apr. 3 (Xinhua-ANI): Following the deportation of a UK national for having a Buddha tattoo on his arm, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka John Rankin has called for religious tolerance and understanding of cultural divisions.
Beijing, Apr. 3 (Xinhua-ANI): Trade unions manning Sri Lanka's main port have threatened to block about 2 billion U.S. dollars' worth of imports and exports to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu after tensions flared, local reports said here on Wednesday.
Colombo, April 3 (IANS) An office of a Tamil newspaper was attacked in the northern Sri Lanka Wednesday, police said.
Islamabad, April 1 (IANS) Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani will visit Sri Lanka April 4-5 to take part in the third round of bilateral political consultations, it was announced Monday.
New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Activists of the Communist Party of India(CPI) and students of Delhi University staged a protest here on Sunday over a demand for strong action against the Sri Lankan Government for genocide committed on the Tamil population of that island nation.
Colombo, March 31 (IANS) A Sri Lankan Tamil political party said Sunday that it will continue to push for a UN mechanism to investigate alleged human rights abuses in the island nation.
Islamabad, Mar 31 (ANI): Misbahul Haq is hopeful Pakistan's own Twenty20 tournament like the Indian Premier League (IPL) would bring back international cricket in the country.
Some disadvantages of the decline of national-level parties are obvious. These include the coalitions that are cobbled together to form governments at the centre and in the states, and the resultant political instability. But a third more worrisome fallout is the growing clout of regional leaders who might otherwise have remained mostly on the sidelines.
Chennai, Mar. 30 (ANI): With Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan joining the chorus for boycott of Commonwealth meeting in Colombo over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy on Saturday said Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will take a final call on it after holding discussions with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.
New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said the UPA government rejects the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution calling upon it to treat Sri Lanka as an unfriendly state, impose economic sanctions on Colombo and ask the UN to pass a resolution calling for a referendum on an independent Eelam state.
Chennai, March 29 (IANS) DMK president M. Karunanidhi Friday reiterated that his party will not provide any external support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) central government.
Chennai, March 29 (IANS) Union Shipping Minister and senior Congress leader G.K. Vasan Friday said that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the Leaders' Retreat in November should be shifted out of Sri Lanka.
Colombo, March 29 (Xinhua-ANI): The police in Sri Lanka on Friday said they were investigating an attack on a fashion store warehouse by a mob including several monks.
New Delhi, Mar.29 (ANI): Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam has expressed his anxiety and concern over a plethora of issues, including the safety of the Sri Lankan cricket players and other visitors in Tamil Nadu.
London, Mar. 29 (ANI): A mass grave discovered in November in Sri Lanka is roughly 25 years old, a forensic archaeologist has said.
Mumbai, March 28 (IANS) Pune Warriors India Thursday announced Sri Lankan all rounder Angelo Mathews as their captain for the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
