Customs sources say the elephant tusks found hidden in a container and taken into custody at the Colombo Harbour

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board yesterday appealed to the public to use water sparingly and sounded warning that if the dry weather persists any longer, the Water Board might have no option but to impose water cuts in Colombo and urban...

Nugegoda District Judge Champa Janaki Rajaratna yesterday refused to issue an order restraining the United National Party (UNP) from holding a disciplinary inquiry against UNP parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya.

The special presidential pardon granted to former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka had only reduced his prison term by nine months and 25 days and therefore his conviction and civic disability remain unchanged, a senior legal expert said yesterday. He...

The United National Party (UNP) said yesterday the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) action plan presented by External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris in Washington was different to the one presented in Sri Lanka. He asked why the...

A six-year-old child was drowned in an unprotected 10-foot deep bathing well when attempting to rescue a fish from being swallowed by a water snake, the Gandara police said. The child E.R. Hasindu Kaushan was a resident of “Pathum” Baddegammedda in...

In a move to expedite the prosecution of LTTE suspects, the government will establish three new High Courts in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar within a month, Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament...

Large crowds have begun to flock to the banks of the Kelani river at Pugoda and Kumarimulla every morning to pan for gold in the river. A rumour that sand miners had found traces of gold mixed with the sand in the river had spread fast across the area...

Basing on the 2600 Sambuddhathwa Jayanthiya the Sri Lanka National Hospital conducted a variety of programmes during the Vesak Season by observances of principles. The Hospital staff presented a special Bakthi Gee Programme conducted by Veteran Singer...

Lion Hiranjan Perera received the International President’s appreciation certificate from International Director Lion Sunil Watawala and Governor Priyantha Fernando at the 306 B1 District Convention recently.

A Sri Lankan who attempted to smuggle a stock of gems out of the country, valued more than Rs.1.6 million was arrested at the Katunayake International Airport by the Customs officers. He was in possession of several varieties of precious stones...

A weapons manufacturing hideout in the Dediyagala area in Akuressa was raided by the Matara Division Anti-vice Squad where they found hundreds of half-made guns similar to T56 assault rifles. The factory was operated on the guise of a wood workshop....

An Action Plan to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) will be ready soon, External Affairs Ministry said yesterday.“it is being prepared by a Committee headed by presidential secretary Lalith...

Eleven university lecturers who overstayed their study leave abroad had returned to the country to serve at their respective universities, Higher Education Minister S.b.dissanayake said in Parliament. Minister Dissanayake said that the government had...

A protest and a procession to be held yesterday in Vavuniya by the “Sahodarathwaye Janatha Pawura” (Peoples wall of Brotherhood) affiliated to the JVP had to be cancelled after the police obtained a restraining order against it from the Vavuniya...

The construction of the first ever ‘National Construction Technology Park’ (NCTP) was launched yesterday at the Peliyagoda Sri Lanka State Engineering Corporation premises by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on the invitation of...

Several senior government officials and a private sector executive were warned and ordered to pay state costs for neglecting mosquito breeding grounds in their institutions by Matugama Magistrate Daminda Ramanayaka Weligodapitiya. Matugama Government...

A fire that broke out at a timber mill near a CEB substation in Badulla had destroyed timber stocks and a timber loading machine worth millions of rupees and a vehicle, Police said yesterday. The police said timely action to douse the fire averted a...

Soldiers attached to the Colombo 14th Division arrested two youths who allegedly possessed 320 packets of heroin, each containing 30 milligrams during a foot patrol in the Balapokuna Road in Kirulapone yesterday. The arrest was made at around 8.30 am...

A gale and torrential rains experienced in Welimada area on Tuesday evening (22) caused minor damage to several houses. A mound of earth that rolled down a nearby hill caused damage to the cooperative filling station in Welimada town causing...

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) arrested a wanted lady who had cheated Rs.4.3 million and had taken thirteen gold coins from youth by promising them with employment abroad. She had promised them that they will be sent to the Middle East, Canada and...

A massive Rs.868,000 had been spent monthly during the period between 2005 and 2009 in terms of rental for the building that housed the National Police Commission though it was not functioning at that time, Parliament was informed yesterday. UNP MP...

All Heads of State and Opposition Leaders in Sri Lanka were dictated by the western powers and the President is the only leader who did not toe the line of not only of the western powers but also any other country, Youth Affairs and Skills Development...

Teachers unions yesterday said the Education Ministry Secretary should immediately issue a new circular on a cabinet decision to withdraw a decision to stop the transfer of advanced level students from national schools not that it could hamper the...

Timely action taken by the government to cancel the National Savings Bank (NSB) deal that had caused a controversial situation had saved the bank and its depositors, Deputy Minister of Finance Gitanjana Gunawardene informed Parliament...

Around 30,000 cottage industries are planned to be set up under 'Divineguma Programme' and the work on 10,000 of them will commence this year, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry stated in a Media release. Minister Douglas...

University non-academics who called off a two-day countrywide strike yesterday after a failed attempt to obtain a wage increase and allowances which were promised to them, threatened to go on strike again soon for an indefinite period until the Higher...

A top level delegation from South Korea visited the Ratnapura district to seek the possibility of developing the rural economy, provincial officials said yesterday. Issuing a statement, Sabaragamuwa Province Additional Secretary Sunil Leelalanda...

A 3-year-old child, who had swallowed ointment thinking that it was ice cream died on admission to the Jaffna Hospital. The ointment, that was bought by the child’s mother to treat a leg disorder that she had, had been placed within reach of the...

Chief Opposition Whip John Amarathunga had been appointed as the acting Opposition Leader to oversee the work of the party in the absence of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who would be leaving for Australia on an official visit shortly. On...

Two former LTTE cadres had been arrested in connection with the killing of a Tamil millionaire who returned to the country from Canada after 30 years, sources said. It was revealed that that the millionaire was a Tamil who had left Sri Lanka 30 years...

Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage had threatened to suspend the services of any officer attached to the Sri Lanka Athletics Association found guilty of misleading the Asian Athletics Association for two years in Parliament...

The UNP opted not to ask an oral question which was to be raised by its Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake in Parliament yesterday. Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardene offered to table the question which dealt with the pardoning of prisoners...

The main opposition UNP yesterday requested that a Parliamentary Select Committee be set up to look into the transaction where the National Savings Bank (NSB) had purchased shares of ‘The Finance Company’ (TFC). UNP National List MP, Dr. Harsha De...

A heart patient still needs to be on a waiting list for nine months to a year to get his surgery performed at one of the five government hospitals where such facilities are available, Parliament was informed yesterday. UNP MP for the Kurunegala...

Out of due respect I do not believe you should form a new party. The people respect you for giving peace and bringing glory to this country. But you are a military man and not a political leader -Ajith. There are no political parties in this country...

General Sarath Fonseka you are our hero! We are glad that you have stepped out of the darkness and let your voice be heard. – G.P Jayatilleka You are one of the few people with credibility that can address the international community’s concerns on...

A motorcycle collided head on with a van at Nehinna on the Nehinna – Dodangoda road. The rider miraculously escaped unhurt while the female pillion rider died on the spot. The victim Uditha Jeewarangi Sirikumari (21), a resident of Nehinna was not...

The UNP always has a lot to say but hardly ever produces any positive results. I will not believe in this until it actually happens. – Srilal Perera This is an extraordinary plan! Hooray to the UNP! It is good to know that the main opposition has...

A gas distribution centre received extensive damages when it caught fire at around 1.20am yesterday morning in Lunugala. The fire which broke out at the shop that sells gas cylinders was doused after several hours by the Badulla Municipal Council fire...

The leader of a gang wanted in connection with several robberies was taken into custody by Baduraliya police. The incident that led to his arrest was the alleged theft of a schoolteacher’s gold chain at Kalugala junction. The suspect had the gold chain...

Two youths were arrested on a tip off when they were allegedly selling heroin in the Katana area. Police said they were targeting school boys at the time of the raid. Police was also able to find several sachets containing heroin. The suspects are...

A gang of four alleged treasure hunters were taken into custody by Meegahatenna police during a raid in Ridivita, Polgampola. Police said the suspects were in the process of digging in the Naikanda rock in Ridivita. During the raid police seized the...

A man allegedly stabbed his wife to death and he took his own life by taking poison when an argument broke out over a longstanding personal dispute, police said. The incident was reported in Anamaduwa on Tuesday night. He was admitted to the Chilaw...

Sri Lanka targets to become a major prawn exporter in the region in the coming years and earn a minimum US$ 100 million by 2015 from prawn exports, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said. Addressing the monthly progress...

The Police Commission which was reactivated this year said yesterday it would investigate any complaint. received in an impartial manner, for its only strength was reporting to Parliament as they did not have the powers once vested in them by the 17th...

Former Commander of the Army Gen. Sarath Fonseka who was imprisoned for more than two years has been released. It is through powers vested with the President to pardon convicted offenders as stipulated in clause 34 in the Constitution. It is how this...

Against the backdrop of grave planetary changes, Sarath Fonseka’s release, G.L. Peris’ visit to Washington DC and the third anniversary of the defeat of the LTTE, an evaluation of the requirements of reconciliation are in order. There is a need to...

Pakistan pace bowling great Wasim Akram has rated Sri Lanka’s explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya among the most difficult batsmen he ever bowled to. Jayasuriya’s favourite opponent is Pakistan. He scored 1490 runs against them at 51.37 with four...

We publish extracts of a letter sent by two persons named Eshan Perera and Nimal de Alwis claiming to be on behalf of the parents of the players of Royal College. The letter which claims to have been signed by the parents of the players of Royal...

Capt. Damindra Fernando and Marleen Billen won the men’s and women’s titles respectively at ‘India Cup’ Golf Tournament organized at Royal Golf Club, Colombo, last week. Alex Lee finished as the runner up in the men’s tournament while Roshini Sangani...

Captain of the IRB Sevens World Series Champions, New Zealand, DJ Forbes said that he felt privileged to play in this year’s Carlton Super Sevens tournament and was keen to impart his knowledge to develop the game in Sri Lanka. Forbes is among a list...

Defending champions Dharmaraja College scored an easy 4 - 0 win over Trinity College in their Kandy Schools boys under 19 hockey tournament match played at the University grounds, Peradeniya yesterday. At half time Dharmaraja College led 2-0. Centre...

Pushpadana Girls College, Kandy, scored a fine 2-0 win over the strong St. Anthony’s Girls College, Kandy, in their Kandy Schools girls under 19 hokey tournament match organised by the Kandy District Schools Hockey Association and played at Campus...

Matale Youth Cricket Club posted a six wickets win over Rothman SC in their SLC Division 3 Inter-club tournament match played at the Bernard Aluvihare Stadium Matale on Sunday. Having bowled out Rothman SC for 125 in 23.1 overs Matale Youth CC reached...

SAN JOSE, May 23 (Reuters) Costa Rican Nery Brenes is burning up the track with a heavy training schedule as he seeks a third gold medal in 10 months when he competes at the London Olympic. The 400 metres runner followed his title triumph at the...

Jolly Boys SC Matale posted a 2-0 win over Malwatte SC to bag ULM Latheeb challenge trophy in the final of the Matale Region inter-club soccer tournament 2012 for Veterans over 40 concluded at Bernard Aluvihare Stadium, Matale on Sunday May 13. Jolly...

The Second Automobile Association Ceylon (AAC) President’s Trophy snooker championship got underway at the AAC billiards table yesterday. Picture shows the chief guest at the opening ceremony Stanley de Silva (left) former president of the Billiards...

Sri Sumangala College, Panadura emerged under 19 badminton champions at the Inter School Badminton tournament organised by the Sri Lanka Badminton Association. The tournament was held at Royal College Colombo. Seven schools participated in this event...

D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd., “Avi” Sports Equipment has come forward to sponsor a very promising Sri Lanka Cricket under 19 player, Tharindu Kaushal from Deva Pathiraja College, Rathgama. The one year “Avi” sponsorship became a reality through the...

The 2nd President’s Trophy Open Snooker tournament organized by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) which got underway yesterday at the AAC billiards table saw fancied cueists making steady progress. The tournament is of a five day span. Of the...

Pakistan pace bowling great Wasim Akram has rated Sri Lanka’s explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya among the most difficult batsmen he ever bowled to. Jayasuriya’s favourite opponent is Pakistan. He scored 1490 runs against them at 51.37 with four...

Ashwin, gay son of BCCI president N Srinivasan, is determined to go all out against his `homophobic’ dad, who, he alleged, has used his clout to unleash a cycle of violence against him and his partner Avi Mukherjee. Ashwin has taken his fight against...

After partying Saturday night away in Munich following Chelsea’s Champions Leagues win, you’d think Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley would want to have a night in. But after a victory parade through the streets of West London on Sunday afternoon,...

In yet another twist to the molestation case of US national Zohal Hamid by a Royal Challengers Bangalore player, the victim is said to be withdrawing the case against Australian player Luke Pomersbach and RCB director Sidhartha Mallaya. Two days after...

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has released pictures of his surprise wedding to model Kyly Boldy on Twitter. The pair tied the knot in an unannounced ceremony at the exclusive Wogan PICTURE PERFECT: The couple’s wedding photos will come as a...

The first thing you see is a police motorcyclist riding slowly along the route. Next come a couple of patrol cars, a BMW in Olympic torch livery of white and gold, and maybe a Range Rover carrying local VIPS. There’s a brief lull. And then it begins....

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has opened its seventh Agriculture & Micro Finance Unit (AMFU), stepping up its support to farmers and micro level entrepreneurs. Located in Hingurakgoda, the seventh AMFU of the Bank was declared open by the Assistant...

As the rest of the world struggles with sluggish growth, it is tempting to see Asia as a bright spot in the global economy. The region is likely to maintain what, from the perspective of Europe or the US, looks like a miraculous growth rate of 7...

Having completed three years after eradicating terrorism, this is an ideal time for all of us to look back and analyse our recent achievements in many aspects such as social, economic, etc. Thus, citizens of a country who suffered almost three decades...

This writer, as a concerned individual and a right thinking citizen has keenly observed the controversial debate on ‘Tea Hub’ with much sense. Many learned professionals of both camps (TEA Vs PA + TSH ) have aired their technical viewpoints over this...

The average price of the top grade Kenyan tea rose to $3.68 per kg at auction his week from $3.56 per kg previously, traders said on Tuesday. The east African nation is the world’s largest exporter of black tea and the crop is one of its largest hard...

Sri Lanka’s Hapugastenne and Udapussellawa Plantations, controlled by James Finlays said, losses were making it difficult to replant tea but it was trying to improve productivity and was expanding rubber and timber. Hapugastenne Plantations lost...

The prevalence of high price of natural rubber, although very volatile, over the last few years, has stimulated many countries to show keen interest in investing in overseas rubber plantations, which is believed to be a safe move. But some pundits...

Across Sri Lanka, the telephone remains the most accessible and popular method for reaching out and reconnecting with a friend or family member in a faraway land. Hearing, naturally though, is no substitute for seeing a loved one’s face and holding...

An international study carried out by TNS Sifo on behalf of IFS concludes that companies should look for innovative, proactive and responsive ERP vendors in order to achieve successful implementation projects. The vendor’s ability to listen and be...

KPMG Sri Lanka yesterday released its Fraud Survey Analysis 2011/2012 which revealed the various types of frauds, the financial consequences of frauds, the perpetrators of frauds, how organisations respond to fraud and the strategies to mitigate fraud...

Bieco Link, one of the largest activated carbon manufacturers i n Sri Lanka has gained a new lease of life with fresh business direction and the l atest engineering enhancements under the new management of PCH Holdings. Following the successful...

Supremesat ( Pvt) Ltd. signed the investment agreement with the Board of Investment yesterday with very ambitious plans to take Sri Lanka into the global space race. With an initial investment of USD 20 million which will be further increased up to...

Sri Lanka’s Treasury yields fell across maturities at Wednesday’s auction with the 3-month yield slipping 41 basis points to reach 11.58 percent, around the levels seen in the secondary market over several days. The 6-month yield fell 8 basis points...

Despite the improved turnover levels helped by the crossings seen in index heavy John Keells Holdings and DFCC, market took a dive with benchmark ASPI witnessing a triple digit fall. Yesterday Securities Exchange Commission introduced trading...

Noel Ryan, Senior Vice President at Danfoss International, who is also the President of Danfoss India is on a two-day business visit to Sri Lanka. Danfoss, a Danish multinational company is represented in many parts of the world with its brand and...

Investor sentiment continued to weaken despite the announcement of interim measures to be adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to mitigate settlement risks in the wake of the recent NSB-TFC controversy. However, reactions...

Sri Lanka’s premier blue-chip, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) recorded 61 percent year-on-year (YOY) increase in net profit during 4Q12, largely helped by change in fair value of an investment property, the interim financials of the firm showed. The...

The World Bank (WB) has identified weak investment climate and lack of efficiency in public spending as constraints for Sri Lanka to achieve its growth ambitions, the global lender announcing its FY 2012-2016 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the...

The first quarterly draw of the Nations Trust Bank Nations Saver Promotion was held recently in the presence of an official from the Western Provincial Council and 6 winners from each branch were selected and awarded an array of electrical home...

E.A. Dayawathie, a 56-year-old teacher from Matugama recently won the top prize of Rs.1 million in Seylan Bank’s (February) ‘Thagi Pita Thagi’ draw and thereby became the fourth millionaire to date. “I never expected to win the top prize. And yes of...

HSBC has rolled out six new currency trading pairs tied to the offshore RMB. HSBC is now providing a continuous 24-hour streaming of rates through its single dealer platform, proprietary API1 as well as supporting the global inter-dealer primary...

NDB has yet again transformed the country’s vehicle financing platform by extending its unique leasing facility with no guarantors and down payments, to enable the financing of registered vehicles. This special financing scheme for registered vehicles...

Amana Bank further strengthened its Independent Sharia Supervisory Council with the inclusion of AshSheik Mufti Muhammad Hassan Kaleem, an established Islamic banking academic and practitioner from Karachi, Pakistan. Ash-sheik Hassan Kaleem is a...

Virtusa, the global IT solutions provider yesterday launched the Akura school management system that uses the latest technology in managing and monitoring the overall performance of students and the records of teachers at school level. “Akura is an...

The ‘Appzone Champions 2012’ Award Ceremony saw mobile application developers honored for excellence in seven different categories. The competition, now in its second year, looks to recognize developers who have been successful in the development of...

Liyanadura Pipunika Vimanthi Silva and Liyanadura Nipun Kavishka Silva from De Mazenod College were winners of a team award in the computer science category, people at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society...

With inter net crimes increasing drastically worldwide, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently commenced a Diploma programme which aims to give professionals a t horough understanding on how to safeguard their...

WSO2 recently announced its partnership with five of Sri Lanka’s top organisations which use their middleware solutions to facilitate business productivity usinginnovationandvision. Among the many global companies signed up over the last few years,...

Firstsource Dialog Solutions, the joint venture between Firstsource s Solutions and Sri Lanka based Dialog Telecom Axiata PLC announced that it has significantly grown it’s Sri Lankan business since inception in May 2011. Firstsource Dialog Solutions...

Bharti Airtel (‘Airtel’), a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa said that Airtel has joined an elite club of global brands by making it to this year’s Brandztop 100 Most Valuable Global...

The Brandix group's initiative to forge closer links with national higher education institutions for mutual benefit took an important step forward recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with t he University of Colombo. The...

The ‘Inter national Congress 2012' of Asian Alliance Insurance was held recently at Indra Regent Hotel, Bangkok as a residential event under the theme ‘Asian Alliance Avurudu Asiri'. The event experienced a participation of over 100 professional sales...

Hu t ch i son Telecommunication Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. became the first mobile operator in Sri Lanka to introduce an automated reload machine (ARM) similar to a self-service terminal used by the banking industry. The automated reload machine which will be...

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has donated a computer-based language laboratory to the Joint Service Language Training Institute (JSLTI) of the Ministry of Defence, extending its community initiative on IT support to the armed forces and police. The new...

Following a day of impassioned presentations recently, the opening segment of Venture Engine drew to a close with the selection of the Top Ten aspiring entrepreneurs. Each participant brought a stream of innovative and effective ideas to the table,...

Retirement ceremony for former Zonal AGM - Sunil De Saram of People's Bank was organised by the staff of People's Bank Outer Region at Mount Lavinia Hotel recently.

farce presented by the Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia Asocial “safety net” is vital to ensure the smooth functioning of any society. It is important because it ensures the protection of the least well off in society; the poor, the...

A poster campaign aiming to discourage people from logging onto Facebook while walking has been set up in New York. Notices have popped up around the US city advising people about the hazards of changing their status on the social networking site...

15. I am an early bird. I love being up while it’s still dark – it’s a magical time. I love to say my prayers at that time of the morning – there’s something about it. 16. I won the Showboat Karaoke Competition in 2000. It was the biggest musical...

Vibrant in ambience yet relaxed, Scarlet Room serves the finest global cuisine with an emphasis on Mediterranean specialties. With walls in the colour of scarlet and spectacular photographs of life in the island, this restaurant has a captivating...

The Galadari Hotel’s most sought-after pastry shop the Café 64 comes to life with Strawberry magic from the 25th to the 31st of May 2012, from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. The café has been energized with an instant boost of strawberry passion as the Hotel’s...

The second concert of the Chamber Music Plus series will be on the 26th of May 2012. It will feature the artist Muhanned Cader, and a Sri Lankan musical legend, Malinee JayasinghePeris on piano playing Mahler’s Piano Quartet with CMSC principals...

Yvonne and Chula de Silva celebrated the Sinhala New Year at their residence with their friends. This annual event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The avurudu table comprising of all the traditional sweetmeats such as Konda...

In a modern world increasingly dominated by email and social networks, they may be considered by a luxury purchase irrelevant to the younger generation. But it seems the appeal of the humble fountain pen is timeless, as retailers have reported that...

A British newspaper has launched a bread-infused scratch and sniff edition. The front and back pages of Lincolnshire publication The Grimsby Telegraph was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread as part of a promotion, and deputy editor Michelle...

Wearing just her nightclothes, a young woman dangles perilously from a third-storey window as a group of her friends try to drag her to safety. The dramatic photograph was taken by a guest at the Bromley Court Hotel, in Bromley, Kent, on Saturday...

Most of us will have felt the pain of a bee sting. Luckily most of us will have avoided the dreaded pain of a tarantula hawk or a fire ant. Justin Schmidt felt all three of these - and 147 other horrible, burning sensations - after a dedicated...

RC Bridges, nicknamed ‘The Buffalo Whisperer’ and his wife Sherron, share their Texas home with 2,400lbs Wildthing and recent 900lbs arrival Bullet. Both are still growing, and could reach up to 11ft tall and weigh as much as 2,500lbs. The couple are...

The last words of one woman who died at Mt Everest’s highest base camp were ‘save me,’ according to a close friend. Toronto native Shirya ShahKlorfine was one of the four who were confirmed dead after a ‘traffic jam’ of mountaineers rushed to scale...

DAMASCUS, May 23, 2012 (AFP) - Syrian forces tried to storm the rebel bastion of Rastan Wednesday under cover of heavy gunfire, shelling and rocket bombardment, reports said, as Damascus admitted sanctions were biting hard. The rebel Free Syrian Army,...

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, May 23, 2012 (AFP) - Security officials claimed at least four insurgents were killed in a US drone strike on a militant compound in a lawless tribal area in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, said. “The drone fired two missiles...

MOSCOW, May 23, 2012 (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday staged the first successful testlaunch of a new intercontinental missile designed to penetrate the defence system now being deployed by NATO despite Moscow's fierce complaints. The highly-symbolic...

BAGHDAD, May 23, 2012 (AFP) - Attacks in Iraq killed eight people and wounded 33 on Wednesday, security officials said, as Baghdad hosted key nuclear talks in its latest effort to emerge from decades of isolation. Three people were killed and 14...

RIYADH, May 23, 2012 (AFP) - Seven aid groups on Wednesday warned Western diplomats that Yemen was on the brink of a “catastrophic food crisis” and urged them to bolster efforts to salvage the situation as they meet in Riyadh for an international...

A group of six world powers is due to hold fresh talks with Iran about its controversial nuclear programme. The talks are being held in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, at Iran's request. They come a day after the UN'S nuclear watchdog held talks with...

CARACAS, May 22, 2012 (AFP) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez promised on Tuesday an “unprecedented” victory in the upcoming presidential election in his first appearance since returning from his latest trip to Cuba for cancer treatment. “The defeat we...

KARACHI, May 22, 2012 BBC reported police saying at least 10 people died after gunmen opened fire on a political rally in Pakistan's volatile southern port city of Karachi. The report added Thirty-five other people - including two journalists - were...

There are 22,488 likes on the Choco Luv Facebook page. But that was the last time I checked. It could be 23,000 the next time I decide to have a look. Since it opened to the public in Wellawatte a year and a half ago, it has been nothing more than an...

Jazz cannot wait for concert halls. It cannot be heard everywhere in the streets. This is not only about the bands and celebrations that regularly take place at MLH but especially about the syncopated rhythms of Jazz that will highlight MLH next week...

INGREDIENTS 225gms of sugar 110ml water 0.5 teaspoon of vinegar 2 tablespoons of golden syrup 25gms of butter 6 apples 6 wooden skewers DIRECTIONS Dissolve the sugar in the water over a moderate heat. When it has dissolved, stir in the vinegar,...

A dessert made of a banana cut in half lengthwise and placed in an individualsize bowl (preferably oblong). The banana is topped with three scoops of ice cream (traditionally chocolate, vanilla and strawberry), over which sweet syrups are poured...

Any space tends to develop stagnation in terms of energy flow unless it is aligned and changes carried to avoid accumulation of such stale energy. The human body is quite sensitive to the environment and changes, being aware of our surroundings and our...

Cinnamon Grand Colombo celebrated Vesak over the weekend, paying homage to Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage. The Vesak festivities at the hotel offered both local and foreign visitors a chance to experience vesak at its best. Cinnamon...

John Keells Hotelsgroup announced the certification of‘green Globe Awards’ to 5 of its resorts and hotels for sustainable tourism. The certifications were received by Chaaya Village Habarana, Chaayablutrincomalee and Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo –...

(Daily Mail) People are losing touch with their taste buds because of the pace of modern life, researchers claim. A survey found that 60 per cent of those polled admitted to never or rarely tasting what they eat. In tests, 79 per cent were unable to...

As a rule, games that coincide with movies or TV series are usually a disappointment. Examples such as the Transformers still haunt us. If you are thinking of Batman: arkham asylum/ arkham City, then keep in mind that those games are not based on the...

Google has made an all-out effort to create a complete eco system for users. As a result, it has recently moved into online storage, music, movies, and now with Google Listen, podcasts. The app, which is available for download from the Android Market...

Technology addicts may be at risk of sagging jowls, according to aesthetic experts. It is believed that smartphone and laptop use, could cause facial skin and muscle to lose its elasticity as people spend an increasing amount of time sitting with...

Stay-at-home mothers are not as happy as mothers who are employed, a new study has showed. Gallup found that nonemployed mothers in the U.S. experience more negative emotions such as worry, sadness, stress, anger and depression, than those who...

Planetary influence for the day.good news and a happy day for those born under Gemini – Cancer – Virgo – Libra – Capricorn – Aquarius – Pisces You are likely to carry out your plans successfully. Adversaries in your workplace will be brought together...

Heritence Kandalama, popularly known as Kandalama Hotel is one of the most talked about hotels in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry. Since its opening in 1994, hundreds of newspaper articles and stories have been published about the hotel. The...

Premium daily deal site Mydeal.lk announced a tie up with major hospitality brands in the country to offer its loyal customer base and Sri Lankans who want to the get the best deals on a host of holiday and travel options, the chance of a...

The First Batch of students from ‘Harpo School of Hospitality and Tourism Management' (HSHTM) had their Award Ceremony held recently at the Asha Trust Foundation in Mount Lavinia. 11 young people from the Bodowitta area in Mount Lavinia received their...

Long a symbol of Asian countries, in Sri Lanka the trishaw, or tuk tuk as it is known, is an all purpose vehicle. Reliable, easy to operate and generally an inexpensive method of travel, many visitors to the sunny shores of our island never pass on an...

Everyone who has ever been to Italy has fallen in love with its history, landscapes, art, architecture, and, of course, its food. 2 June marks the National day of Italy. In honour of the day, MLH has brought in a specialty Chef from Italian Chef...

Cinnamon Lakeside brings a taste of 'The Land of the Rising Sun' in a variety of beverages. Explore the tastes of this ‘Japanese Sake Mixology' at The Lounge, a unique alternative to a standard mocktail and cocktail. Bringing together distinctive...

The Sushi Bar at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo serves a traditional Japanese meal this month. Katsudon is especially popular amongst Japanese students who indulge in the dish before exams as it loosely translates “to be victorious”. Acquire a taste for...