Sri Lanka confident ahead of Canada clash at World Cup

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka (AFP) – Kumar Sangakkara believes Sri Lanka will have too much firepower for minnows Canada as the 1996 champions launch their World Cup campaign at a new stadium on Sunday. Despite having little knowledge of Canada, and of the ground in the tourist town of Hambantota, Sangakkara is confident his team will […]



ADB provides funds for Hambantota development projects

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By : Nishanka De Silva) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided funds for several development projects to develop infrastructure facilities in the Hambantota district. Under this programme, ADB has donated 49 million rupees for the construction of the new office complex for Weeraketiya Pradesheeya Sabhawa. The foundation […]



President Rajapaksa pays obeisance to Sacred Tooth Relics

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana) President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid a courtesy call on the Chief Incumbent of the Malwaththa Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwave Sri Sidhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka thera after observing religious rites at the Sri Dalada Maligawa on 18 February. […]



President Rajapaksa inspects Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana) President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on an inspection tour on 18 February. This new International Cricket Stadium is one of the venues chosen by Sri Lanka Cricket authorities for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The first One Day International match at this […]



Sri Lanka bans banners, musical instruments at grounds

Source: Reuters – By Ranga Sirilal COLOMBO, Feb 18 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka has banned spectators from carrying defamatory banners, posters, glass bottles and also drums and bands to Cricket World Cup venues, police said on Friday. Sri Lanka, co-host of the tournament with Bangladesh and India, is hosting 12 matches including the quarter-finals and […]



Navam Poya Day observed at Temple Trees

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana) The Dhamma desana (Buddhist sermon) organized at Temple Trees on every Poya Day was held to mark the Navam Full Moon Poya day today on 17 February 2011. The sermon was delivered by the Venerable Meegaswewe Somarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Gangula Siri Parama […]



Annual Navam Perahara of Gangarama Temple parades the streets

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By : Nalin Hewapathirana) The city of Colombo was transformed under the weight of 100 colourful elephants with vibrant colours, sounds and sights last night when the Navam Perahara of the Gangarama Temple paraded the streets the day before the Navam Full Moon Day on 16 February 2011. […]



Deyata Kirula successful- Progress Report Presented

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana) Progress report of the’Deyata Kirula- 2011’ Development Exhibition which was held in Buttala area in Monaragala district concurrently with the 63rd Independence Day celebrations, presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by the Chairman of the Exhibition Organising Committee Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya at the Temple Trees on […]



Safe and healthy shelter for every family- Jana Sevana housing project launched

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Nalin Hewapathirana) “The aim of the government is not to evict poor people from shanties, but to allow them the right to live in decent houses in a more appropriate environment. The slum dwellers should not be slum dwellers forever. These people are denied basic facilities throughout […]




Jeena madam released on bail

The main suspect known as Jeena madam who had allegedly managed a brothel at a shopping mall at Kollupitiya was released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday. Although the main suspect Rosemary Felicia Perera allies Jeena was released on bail she was still in remand custody for another case being heard at Colombo […]



Jana Sevana Launches Million Houses tomorrow

The Jana Sevana Housing Development Project aimed to construct one million houses will commence tomorrow under the Chairmanship of President Mahinda Rajapakse at Mihindupura Housing Project in Kirulapana. 60 thousand of these houses will be constructed during this year. The Minister of Engineering, Housing Construction and Common Amenities Mr. Wimal Weerawansa disclosed this when a […]



Top 10 batting knocks in the World Cups

NEW DELHI: Brief run-down of the top batting knocks in the World Cup (against Test playing nations only) ahead of the 2011 edition which starts on Saturday. 1. Sourav Ganguly (India) – 183 (158 balls, 17 fours, 7 sixes) v Sri Lanka, Taunton, 1999 Ganguly provided a taste of what T20 might be like with […]



The new British High Commissioner in Colombo presents his letter of credence to Sri Lankan President

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma The newly appointed British High Commissioner (HC) to Sri Lanka, Mr. John James Rankin, presented his letter of credence from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday, 14 February 2011 at the formal ceremony organized by the Ministry of External Affairs at the […]



Credentials presented by two High Commissioners and six Ambassadors

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix By: Sudath Silva) Two High Commissioners and six Ambassadors were newly appointed to Sri Lanka and have presented their credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s Office on 14 February 2011. They presented their letters of credence at the formal reception organized by Ministry of External Affairs […]



Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to be planted in Buddhagaya to mark 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi

Onlanka News – By Janaka Alahapperuma (Pix by: Sudath Silva) A sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura was brought to Temple Trees which is ready to be send to India on Monday 14 February. The sapling to be taken to India for planting at Buddhagaya to mark the 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi celebrations […]