Microsoft KB: February 2011

Sri Lanka's main opposition asks government to hold elections to remaining LG bodies on one day

Monday, February 28, 2011

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) has said the Election Commissioner's decision to postpone elections in several local government bodies was inadvertently helpful to the government and has called on the government to take measures to hold elections to the remaining local government bodies on one day.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake has told the media that Elections Chief Dayananda Dishanayake's decision has helped the government to hold local government elections in a scattered manner.

Attanayake says the Local Government Act does not give the power to the Elections Commissioner to postpone elections without a court order.

"However, in this instance, he has explained to the party secretaries that it was done due to a practical issue," Attanayake has said.

According to Attanayake, everything depended on the court ruling on the writ applications.

He has explained that although there are several cases filed, all the cases are based on three or four issues. Therefore the court could consider the matter accordingly.

Nevertheless, Attanayake has observed that the decision would help the government to hold the local government elections in a scattered manner.

"The government did not call for elections in several municipal councils like Badulla, Anuradhapura and Matale after saying elections to municipal councils in areas where World Cup cricket matches [...]

Two Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets collide in mid-air

Two Israeli-built Kfir fighter jets of the Sri Lankan Air Force on a fly pass rehearsal have collided with each other and crashed near Yakkala in Gampaha this morning, the Defence Ministry reported.

The aircraft were reportedly rehearsing for the air show to be displayed at the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force that begins on Wednesday.

Casualties from the accident are still unknown, an Air Force spokesman has told local media.

An Air Force announcement on the event says during the mega celebration the Air Force would "exhibit its adventurous feats such as Air operations and rescue operations in the sky to delight the spectators."

Celebrations are to begin tomorrow and continue until March 10 at the Ratmalana Air Force Base.

UK removes breast milk ice cream from shop

Local government officials have confiscated ice cream made with human breast milk from a London shop amid concerns the dessert is unsafe.

A spokeswoman from Westminster City Council said Monday it was responding to two complaints from the public over whether a shop should be selling edibles made from other people's bodily fluids and awaiting guidance from Britain's Food Standards Agency. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with council policy.

The official said the ice cream, marketed as "Baby Gaga" and launched last week, is being tested with the full cooperation of The Icecreamists, the parlor marketing the dessert.

Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk.

Sri Lankan court orders prison officials to provide hot water facilities to jailed ex-Army chief

A Sri Lankan court has once again ordered the prison officials to provide former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka with hot water facilities.

The Colombo High Court had issued the directive after it was informed that Fonseka has not yet been provided with hot water facilities as directed by courts in an earlier occasion.

The court had ordered the prison officials to provide hot water facilities to Fonseka and report back on the next court date.

Fonseka is currently serving a jail term at the Welikada Prison after he was convicted by a court martial.

In September last year, a court martial found Fonseka guilty of four charges related to alleged irregularities in military procurements during his tenure as Army Chief, and sentenced him to a 30-month rigorous prison term.

Sri Lankan government -Tamil alliance talks postponed

The third round of the talks scheduled for tomorrow between the Sri Lankan government and the major Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have been postponed until after the forthcoming local government elections, sources say.

The TNA was to discuss several issues concerning the Northern and Eastern provinces and the people living in those areas at the talks scheduled for Tuesday March 01.

The talks have been postponed due to the ongoing election campaign for the March 17 local government election, TNA sources have told Press Trust of India.

The TNA has also extended an invitation to the minor Tamil party People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) to join the discussions scheduled for tomorrow as well.

Discussions between the TNA and the government commenced in order to address issues related to the resettlement of people in the North, the troubles faced by Jaffna fishermen and finding a solution to the ethnic issue.

The first round of talks between the government and the TNA was held on January 10 and the second round of talks was held on February 3.

Sri Lanka President opens Red Cross-funded Lifeguard Training Center

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremonially opened a new swimming pool and a lifeguard training center at the Pannipitiya Dharmapala Vidyalaya today at the invitation of the school's Principal, K.G. Wimalasena.

The Training Center for Swimming, Water Rescue and Survival Center was constructed by the Past Pupils' Association of Dharmapala Vidyalaya in association with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society with funds from Taiwan Red Cross Society.

Prasanna Dasanayke, Chairman of the Financial Commission of the Past Pupils' Association was instrumental in establishing the Center to provide training in life saving methods.
Speaking at the occasion President Rajapaksa said that sports is an essential factor for a healthy life an d pointed out that sports help to develop patience, courage and the ability to face any challenge.
Government ministers, parliamentarians, staff, students and parents also participated in the event.

Shiv Sena demands classical status for Marathi

Shiv Sena has taken up the cause of Marathi by writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to accord classical language status for the ancient language spoken the world over by 95 million people.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has written to Singh pleading for according the status, detailing the reasons why Marathi makes the grade.

Languages thus far declared to be classical are Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu.

Making a case for Marathi, Raut wrote that the language owes its origin to Sanskrit and is considered as the first to be evolved from it.

He said though the language was much older, the first written record -- a document in Marathi -- dates back to 700 AD and was found in present day Karnataka.

Marathi prospered during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the rule of Peshwas and was the official language of many kingdoms outside present day Maharashtra from Thanjavur and Gingee in Tamil Nadu to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, he said.

The work of saint poets Mukundraj, Dyaneshwar, Tukaram and Namdev took Marathi to its zenith, he said.

The 'abhangas' (hymns) of Sant Namdev have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib and some have even been found in present day Laylpur in Pakistan, the letter stated.

Raut said literature spanning topics like astrology, medicines, ancient religious texts like Vedas and Puranas have also been written in Marathi.

He wrote that Marathi is spoken, besides [...]

Government staff lathicharged

city police on Friday resorted to mild lathicharge after members of the Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association (TNGEA) created a commotion on Wallajah Road. They were attempting to gain entry into the New Secretariat campus to meet Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

About 300 TNGEA members have been staging a hunger strike for the last two days demanding that the State government should fill 1.76 lakh vacant posts in the government.

Though police tried stopping the protesters near the Government Guest house, they paid no heed and marched on. However, they were stopped near the Triplicane Police Station and assured that five of their representatives would be permitted inside to meet the chief minister.
However, association members raised objection and tried to gain entry to the Secretariat. In the melee, traffic movement on Wallajah Road was affected.
Police soon resorted to a mild lathicharge. While some employees suffered minor injuries, one had to beadmitted in the government hospital. Kumar, an armed reserve police personnel, was also hospitalised for treating a leg injury.
"The DMK government had promised in its election manifesto to fill the posts that had been lying vacant for a long time, but they failed to fulfill it," said V Devan, former treasurer of the association.
Later, the police allowed five association members into the secretariat and they submitted their representation to the Chief Minister.
Hold talks, says [...]

DMK allots three seats to Indian Union Muslim League

The DMK Saturday inked a seat-sharing deal with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for the ensuing Tamil Nadu assembly polls, taking the total number of such deals to two.

Representatives of both the parties met at DMK's headquarters here Saturday and arrived at a deal whereby IUML will contest from three constituencies.

The DMK had earlier entered into an agreement with PMK for 31 seats.

Meanwhile, DMK's seat sharing talks with its major ally Congress remained inconclusive after the second round Friday.

'We have put forward several proposals. I am not in a position to say what they are. Once the talks fructify, we will announce the details,' Tamil Nadu Congress chief K.V. Thangkabalu told IANS.

He declined to confirm or deny whether Congress is seeking a share in power if the alliance is voted back to power, and if it wants a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) and around 80 seats to contest in the ensuing polls.

According to DMK leaders, the party is not agreeing for pre-poll agreement on power sharing and is willing to part with only 53 seats for the Congress as it has to accommodate few more parties into its fold.

Further, the DMK on its own should contest from at least 130 seats so as to have a chance of securing majority on its own in the 234 member Tamil Nadu assembly.

For the past five years, AIADMK General Secretary J. [...]

Sri Lanka and UK agree to increase the number of flights between two countries

Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom have come to an agreement to increase the number of flights between the two countries, Airport and Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka reported.

Accordingly, the number of direct flights between the two countries is to be increased to 21 from the present 14 flights.
The British government has also agreed to extend these flights to Canada, says the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Ranjith Silva. Consequently, Sri Lanka will operate seven flights in a week to Canada, an official said.

In addition, several leading British airline companies have also agreed to commence flights to Sri Lanka, he added.

The bilateral agreement between Sri Lanka and UK in regard of strengthening services in the civil aviation sectors were signed last week by a special Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation Ranjith Silva.

President recognizes industries promoting local products and services

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today at the Temple Trees awarded the Soorya Singha and Swarna Hastha certificates to industries that promote local products and services.

The awards organized by the Maubima Lanka Padanama (Foundation) recognize the Sri Lankan entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering contribution towards a formidable and sustainable national economy in keeping with the standards and regulations defined by the Foundation.

At the occasion the Foundation presented a special award to President Rajapaksa for dawning an era of self-sufficient economy.
The Mawbima Lanka Padanama encourages consumption of locally manufactured items, provide protection, and encourage uplifting of local industry.
Present at the occasion were Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Ven. Athuraliye Rathana thero and Mawbima Foundation Chairperson Ariyaseeli Wickramanayaka

India fishermen delegation to visit Sri Lanka

With Indian fishermen facing problems along the Sri Lankan border, Government on Saturday decided that a delegation of fishermen associations from Tamil Nadu will visit Colombo for discussions with their counterparts.

The decision was taken at a meeting convened by Foreign Secrertary Nirupama Rao with officials of various departments like the Defence Ministry, Coast Guard and the Tamil Nadu Government.
The meeting, in which Tamil Nadu was represented by Chief Secretary S Malathi and the Fisheries Secretary, "emphasised that resorting to firing and use of force in such situations as had happened in January 2011 had no justification".

"Satisfaction was expressed at the release of the 136 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Government," an official statement from the MEA said. Sri Lankan Navy had apprehended these fishermen last week after they crossed into its waters.

India had strongly condemned the use of force against its fishermen and last month dispatched Rao to Colombo to register its strong protest with the Sri Lankan Government.

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had on Wednesday asked the fishermen to be "conscious of the sensitivities" on the Sri Lankan side and their fishermen.

The meeting, which was also attended by the Director General of Coast Guard, welcomed the convening of the Indo-Lanka Joint Working Group on Fishing proposed for March, which would also discuss the proposed draft MoU on development an [...]

Oscar 2011 Winners List

Complete List Of Oscar 2011 Winners

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, February 27 has been wrapped after unveiling the winner for Best Picture. Coming out as no surprise, "The King's Speech" takes the coveted prize after taking three other trophies that night.

Colin Firth, whom the movie's producer praises for "acting royalty", wins best actor title following Tom Hooper's win in Best Directing category. Earlier at the ceremony, the movie has claimed Best Original Screenplay for David Seidler's script.

"Inception" is another big winner in terms of number, pocketing four nods. The Christopher Nolan-directed sci-fi is recognized for Achievement in Cinematography (Wally Pfisterin), Sound Editing (Richard King), Sound Mixing (Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick), and Visual Effects (Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb).

As expected before, Natalie Portman snatches the trophy for Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. It is the only award claimed by "Black Swan" after Darren Aronofsky loses the best director title.

Scooping multiple awards that night are "The Social Network" with three, as well as "Toy Story 3", "Alice in Wonderland [...]

CBCID submits report to housing board

The Crime Branch CID, which investigated land acquisition compensation claims following the directions of the Madras High Court in 2007, has submitted its report to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB).

A release recalled that the court had directed the agency to investigate complaints of irregularities in claiming and awarding enhancement of compensation towards lands acquired by the TNHB.

As many as 1,740 claims for enhancement of compensation pending in 12 districts across the State were taken up for verification.

A special team, comprising 12 Inspectors, conducted the investigation and submitted the comprehensive report to the Managing Director, TNHB, for further action.

The claimants concerned could approach the land acquisition offices to ascertain the status of their claims, the release said.

Cricket Live Score: WI vs NED 2011 ODI Live Streaming.

West Indies vs Netherlands (WI vs NED) ICC World Cup Live Cricket Score.

WI vs Ned: Netherlands elect to bowl against West Indies. Netherlands skipper Peter Borren won the toss and opted to field against West Indies in the World Cup match at Ferozeshah Kotla stadium in New Delhi on Monday.

The Netherlands have gone in with the same team which lost to England.

For the West Indies, Nikita Miller has come in for Dwayne Bravo.

Injury-ravaged West Indies will have plenty to play for when they take on an inspired Netherlands.

Reeling under a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa on Thursday, West Indies were dealt another blow when key all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

West Indies were largely expected to lose to the stronger South Africa but it was the manner of their defeat that rankled their fans the most.

They looked easily capable of putting up a total closer to 300 after promising knocks by Darren Bravo, Devon Smith and Dwayne Bravo but threw it away all, thanks to some reckless shots.

The Netherlands proved their grit despite having just four professionals in the squad when they gave England a mighty scare in Nagpur.

Led b [...]

New Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force assumes duties

The New Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama formally assumed duties as the 13th Commander this morning.

The former Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Logistics, Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama succeeded Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke who relinquished his duties as the Commander yesterday at the SLAF Headquarters.

(Photo courtesy of SLAF)
Upon his retirement from the Commander post Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke is to continue his duties as the Chief of Defence Staff, a post he was holding in an acting capacity.
Air Vice Marshal Abeywickrama who joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot branch on 19 April, 1980 is a product of Royal College in Colombo. On successful completion of training he was commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on 3 April 1982.
During his 30-year career Air Vice Marshal Abeywickrama has received many honors including the 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama' and the 'Rana Sura Padakkama' for acts of bravery during flying missions in the North-East conflict zones, and the 'Utthama Seva Padakkama' as recognition to devotion to duty, [...]

Sri Lanka Tourism promotes the "Wonder of Asia" at the New York Times Travel Show

Sri Lanka Tourism and SriLankan Airlines took part at the North America's premier travel event "The New York Times Travel Show" held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York City from February 25-27, 2011.

The 2011 show attracted over 16,000 travel professionals and enthusiasts as well as over 600 exhibitors representing over150 countries. This year the event is expected to draw over 40,000 highly coveted consumers and 7,000 trade professionals. Sri Lanka Tourism and SriLankan Airlines have consecutively participated at this show since its inauguration.
The Sri Lanka Tourism booth was officially opened on Friday, Feb 25 by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Palitha Kohona and Head of SriLankan Airlines in North America and Honorary Director for Sri Lanka Tourism in the US Dillan Ariyawansa. Also present was the PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray along with other distinguished guests.

Sri Lanka's participation at the show included cultural presentations. The world renowned Sri Lankan Dance troupe,"Channa-Upuli," flown in courtesy SriLankan Airlines performed on Saturday and Sunday on the Asia Stage which is one of six cultu [...]

Sri Lankan government grants merit scholarships to Northern students

The Sri Lankan government under a special endowment has granted scholarships to students in Northern Province who excel academically, to continue their studies.

The government has recently awarded Presidential Scholarships to 788 students in the Northern Province, who passed GCE Ordinary Level examination with high marks.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda and Northern Province Governor G. A. Chandrasiri had awarded the scholarships to the selected students at a ceremony held on 23rd February at Jaffna Hindu Vidyalaya.

The students were from the conflict-affected areas of Valikamam, Jaffna, Vadamarachchi, Thenmarachchi, Kilinochchi, Madhu, Mannar, Thunukkai, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya.

In addition, 100 laptops had been given to the students who were selected to the university with high marks, the President's Office said.

Marxist JVP and SLFP candidates for Sri Lanka's local government elections clash

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Candidates of Sri Lanka's Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for the upcoming local government elections clashed in the Hambantota District today, the police said.

The JVP has also complained of being harassed by the police when preparing for its national rally in Tissamaharama today.

JVP sources said that the Tissamaharama police had not given permission for the party members to make announcements of its main rally in Tissamaharama to be held today.

The party members have then launched a campaign to announce the rally with the help of tom-tom beaters.

The police have arrested the tom-tom beaters and the party members and had released them after a few hours.

Meanwhile, a clash between the candidates contesting the forthcoming local government elections and their supporters from the JVP and the SLFP has injured many people and five persons have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.

The Tissamaharama Police said the clash took place in Weerawila this morning and that five persons have been admitted to the Debarawewa Hospital for treatment.

The Tissamaharama Police are inquiring into the incident.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs in their group A cricket World Cup match at R Premadasa Stadium here today.

Pakistan after winning the toss set Sri Lanka a target of 278 to chase. In reply with Pakistan cheaply dismissing Jayawardena for 2 Sri Lanka only managed to score 266/9 in 50 overs.

Pakistan: 277/7 (Misbah-ul-Haq 83 not out, Younis Khan 72; Rangana Herath 2/46, Thisara Perera 2/62).

Sri Lanka: 266/9 (Chamara Silva 57, Kumar Sangakkara 49; Shahid Afridi 4/34).

Gautham Menon- All set for his new film

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Gautham Vasudev Menon's Nadunisi Naaygal has been torn by the critics, but the film went on to take a good opening.

NN made on a shoe string budget , as per trade sources will get a share around Rs 1.10 crore from releasing centres in Tamil Nadu in its first week!

Meanwhile last Sunday, Gautham Menon left for an exotic foreign locale to complete the script of his new film in Tamil.

The film will start rolling in July with a big star. As per sources it will be a typical Gautham genre, romantic musical film laced with action.

Meanwhile Gautham Menon is embarking on a new mission, to make his VTV in Hindi with Prateik Babar, Omy Vaidya and Amy Jackson.

AR Rahman has handed over all the seven songs for the Hindi remake which has dialogues by Javed Akthar.

The shooting of the film will start March middle and it will be completed in one single schedule.

Vijayakant’s party to join hands with AIADMK

Ending days of uncertainty over its electoral strategy, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) of actor Vijayakant on Thursday said it would join hands with the AIADMK in seeking to oust the DMK regime in Tamil Nadu.

A three-member DMDK election panel opened formal talks with the AIADMK – the first sign that Mr. Vijayakant's five-year-old party is also turning to alliance politics. So far, the actor-politician has been maintaining that his alliance was "only with God and the people".

"We want to oust the DMK regime in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, we are with the AIADMK," DMDK presidium chairman Panruti S. Ramachandran told reporters at the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's headquarters here after a 75-minute meeting.

Preliminary talks on seat-sharing between the two parties had begun. "The talks were cordial and the sharing of seats will be decided soon," Mr. Ramachandran said.

He said the people of Tamil Nadu wanted a change of government.

To fulfil the people's aspirations, our leader Vijayakant also wants all opposition parties in the State to unite to trounce the ruling party at the hustings.

Asked whether his party was concerned over the number of seats, Mr. Ramachandran said, "What we are concerned with is the DMK government's exit."

To a question on whether the DMDK would join the government in the event of the AIADMK-led alliance getting elected t [...]

Korea to support Sri Lanka on environmental issues

Young June Park, visiting South Korean Vice Minister for Trade and Energy of Ministry of Knowledge Economy of South Korea has expressed his government's support to Sri Lanka to minimize environmental issues that arise from the accelerated development in the country.

He extended his government's support when he met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (23).

Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Prof. G.L. Peiris, and Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Dr. Choi Ki Chul were also present.

The visiting Minister also held discussions with the Minister of Environment Anura Priyadharshana Yapa at the Environment Ministry.

Their discussions focused on a strategy on proper disposal of garbage resulting from the newly launched industries and trade hubs. Chairman of the Central Environment Authority Charitha Herath was also present at the discussions.

In discussions with the Economic Development Minister of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, Park expressed Korea's commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, especially, in investment and tourism sectors.

Sri Lanka-Pakistan face off in ICC World Cup today

Sri Lanka is to take on Pakistan today in the second Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo under flood lights.
Both teams have won their first matches in Group A tying the point table with 2 points. Sri Lanka won against Canada by 210 runs while Pakistan beat Kenya by 205 runs in their first match.

So far in the World Cup major teams played with minnows in the first round and Sri Lanka-Pakistan encounter will be the most intense match played between two equally strong teams.

The match is to start at 2:30 p.m. local time.

Sri Lanka is not interested in renewing GSP+ with EU

Sri Lanka has told a visiting European Union delegation that it does want to renegotiate the withdrawn GSP+ tariff concession and it is a "closed book".

Addressing a press conference Friday, Jean Lambert, the leader of the visiting European Sri Lankan inter- parliamentary delegation said from talks with Sri Lankan government officials they understand the government is no longer intending to renew the GSP+ trade deal.

"Our understanding from what the government is telling us is that for (the government) this is a closed book - it does not intend to put in a further application for GSP Plus," Ms. Lambert said at the media briefing.

Lambert said the government instead had asked to develop a relationship on a fresh basis and asked for EU support for small and medium enterprises and training in skills development and marketing.

"The government now hopes to look toward small and medium enterprise development with the EU- move on from the GSP+ issue and develop a better relationship," she added.

The European Union, citing Sri Lanka's failure to meet human rights conventions relevant for benefits under the scheme, suspended the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) plus tariff concession for Sri Lanka that provided tax free access to European markets for the country's products, especially for garment exports in August 2010.

The seven-member delegation which toured many parts in the island expr [...]

Another TN man dies in Benghazi

As violence raged in Libya, Thalaivankottai, a little-known hamlet in Tamil Nadu's southern district of Tirunelveli, lost another of its sons.

T Ashok Kumar (24), who was injured in the accident that killed the first victim, Murugaiah, died in a hospital in Benghazi on Wednesday.

Ashok Kumar along with Murugaiah (42) and M Muthukumar (29), also from Tirunelveli, were trying to flee the unrest in Libya when their vehicle met with an accident.

Murugaiah died on the spot and the other two were admitted to hospital with injuries. Tirunelveli district collector M Jayaraman said he got confirmation about Ashok Kumar's death from the ministry of external affairs.

Mom, I got buried': Quake victim's texts from rubble

The first text message said: "Mommy, I got buried." About 40 minutes later: "Mommy, I can't move my right hand.'' Then, a brief call from New Zealand's earthquake rubble to parents in the Philippines pleading to send help. After another harrowing hour in a crumpled building, when she sent a half-dozen more texts about increasing pain, continued shaking and overwhelming smoke, came the final one: "Please make it quick."

That was the last the Amantillo family heard from 23-yearold student Louise Amantillo, who is among dozens of foreigners missing after their language school disintegrated in Tuesday's collapse of the CTV building in Christchurch.

"Her voice was shaking, like she was really scared. I know she was in pain,'' said her mother, Linda Amantillo, who was desperately hoping that her daughter was still alive three days later.

Officials have said they are certain no one was still surviving in the ruins of the CTV building, and that up to 120 bodies are entombed there.

It has been a painful three days for the Amantillos, a medical family from Iloilo province, since that first text came across.

"We told her, 'You can make it, you can make it. Be strong and pray,'" her father, Alexander Amantillo, said. At 3.32 pm, the family received Louise's last message. Linda Amantillo tried to call her daughter. But all she heard was a recorded response askin [...]

Sri Lankan minister promises northerners to restore everything they lost

A Sri Lankan government minister today said that it was important to learn from the past rather than regret over the incidents that had taken place and the people of the North would be provided with everything they had lost.

Youth Affairs Minister Dullas Alahapperuma addressing a ceremony at the Jaffna Technical College has said that the President has promised to restore all that has been lost by the northerners.

However, he has said the lives of their children and their childhoods that were lost during the war cannot be restored.

Minister Alahapperuma along with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda was participating in a ceremony held today to launch the modernization of the Jaffna Technical College.

The Minister has added that the government would take steps to provide the required facilities, infrastructure, and technology to uplift the standard of education in the North.

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