South Africa wins a nail biter

South Africa took on New Zealand in the 18th match of the World T 20 played in Chittagong.

Batting first South Africans scored 170 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs and J P Duminy top scored with 86 runs.

In reply the Kiwis made a valiant effort to chase down the target but fell short of 2 runs as the proteas bowled superbly to restrict the Kiwis for 168 runs.

Dale Styen was the pick of the bowlers grabbing 4 wickets and Imran Tahir picked up 2 wickets.

World T20: Netherlands crash to lowest-ever score, lose to Lanka by 9 wickets

Sri Lanka dismissed the Netherlands for the lowest score in Twenty20 international history as they cruised to the top of Group One in Chittagong.


The sorry Dutch were bundled out for 39 runs in 10.3 overs, 17 fewer runs than the previous worst total.


Only Tom Cooper made double figures as Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis took three wickets apiece.


Sri Lanka knocked off the runs in five overs for the loss of only one wicket to complete a nine-wicket victory.


The Netherlands had reached the Super 10 stage courtesy of a thrilling chase against Ireland on Friday in which they hit 19 sixes in 13.5 overs.

Missing plane lost, Malaysia says

Malaysia's prime minister has announced on the basis of new analysis it must be concluded that missing flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.

Najib Razak said Malaysia Airlines had informed the families of the 239 passengers and crew.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 went missing after taking off from Kuala Lumpur on 8 March.

The announcement came as the search effort in the southern Indian Ocean completed a fifth day of operations.

Teenage girl shot dead in London

A teenage girl thought to be aged about 15 has been shot dead in east London.

Police were called shortly before 16:00 GMT to an address in Eastway, Hackney.

The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three youths aged under 18 were arrested nearby and taken into custody at an east London police station.

Officers attended the scene, together with London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

Buy Elvis Presley's 12-Pound 'Aloha From Hawaii' Cape

A 12-pound cape custom-made for Elvis Presley for the singer's famed 1973 performance Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite was up for auction.

The full-length cape, adorned with an American eagle and stars and inlaid with semi-precious stones, measured nearly five feet in length, but when Presley tried it on in rehearsals, he found it too heavy to be worn onstage for the show.

Designer Bill Belew was forced to create a lighter replacement for Presley, with the original sent back to Graceland.

Update : Video : Government is now an old tree: a statement from the opposition leader.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe says that in order to decrease the cost of living the UNP should be put into power.

Participating at a people’s rally held in Colombo Central yesterday, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe said that the time had come to replace the enfeebled tree with the tree called UNP.

Update : Monday, 24 March 2014 - 7:48
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Only alternative is the UNP: says Opposition Leader.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasingha states that UNP is the only political alternative that can solve the issues faced by the public.

Opposition leader made this statement participating at a meeting held in Maradana today.

India beats West Indies.

India put up yet another clinical display to tank defending champions West Indies with a commanding seven-wicket victory in a group league encounter to brighten their chance of a semi-final berth in the ICC World T20 in Mirpur yesterday.

It was an authoritative all-round performance from India as they first restricted the West Indies to a modest 129 for 7 and then knocked off the runs with two balls to spare.

Yuvraj Singh 10 was a bit scratchy in the end but Raina finished with a square cut off Narine.

Solutions to cost of living problem only from the current government : says President.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that only the current Government can provide solutions to the cost of living problem.

Participating at a people’s rally held in Katunayake yesterday the President said that by now many groups were expressing varied views about cost of living.

However on this occasion the President said further that only the current Government could solve also the cost of living problem just as it ended the war.

De Villiers tipped to succeed Smith

AB de Villiers is the most likely candidate to succeed Graeme Smith as South Africa's Test captain, but if he is to assume the additional responsibility it might mean a change in team structure.

Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock called de Villiers the "natural choice," but warned he would have to stop wicketkeeping to accept the leadership.

De Villiers is presently the Test team's vice-captain, wicketkeeper and Number 5 batsman, and Boucher does not think he can take on any more.

Vietnam probes 'missing jet debris'

Vietnamese navy planes have spotted what could be fragments from the missing Malaysia Airlines jet, that disappeared almost two days ago.

Officials said it was too dark to be certain the objects were from Flight MH370, which had 239 people on board.

A multinational team is searching for wreckage and ships will try to confirm the find, after dawn.

Investigators are also checking CCTV footage of two passengers who were travelling on stolen passports.

Sri Lanka German trade tops 852 mn US dollars.

Sri Lanka German trade has hit record heights last year with the total trade turnover exceeding 852 million US dollars.

Reports state that total trade turnover was in the excess of 771 million US dollars in 2012. Sri Lanka exported goods to Germany to the tune of 452 million US dollars, while German exports to Sri Lanka stood at 319 million US dollars.

For the first time trade balance too has narrowed from 133 million US dollars, to 83 million US dollars.

Update :Video: Killing of student in Gampaha result of an attempted theft

The shooting incident which took place in Walpola - Gampaha which resulted in the death of a 19 year old A/L student yesterday is believed to have been the result of an attempted theft.

The Peliyagoda CID is conducting investigations in to the incident and information on suspects have also been revealed.

Police Media Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana stated that the gang had attempted to rob a shop belonging to the victims.

Richard Gere - Richard Gere Hands Over Bedford Post Inn Restaurant To Chef Michael White.

Actor Richard Gere has tapped Chef Michael White to take over his Bedford Post Inn restaurant in New York.

The Pretty Woman star opened the place in 2007, but White will now handle all operations for the space and rename it Compania.

Gere will hold on to control of the rest of the eight-bedroom inn.

Video: 3 individuals buried under earthen berm in Gannoruwa - One dead

One of the workers who were hospitalized after being buried under a mound of earth while preparing earthen berms along the Gannoruwa – Peradeniya road had died.

The police stated that 3 individuals were buried in this manner and the other two individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital.

The deceased was a 30 year old man hailing from the Poodaluoya region.

The development work on the road is being carried out by the Road Development Authority and the 3 workers who met with the accident were employed by a private contractor.

Update :Video: The best way to safeguard human rights is peace - Afghan Leader tells President

Afghanistan President Hameed Karzai who is here on a three day official visit to Sri Lanka had bilateral talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning.

The Afghan President was given all diplomatic marks of respect including a guard of honor when he arrived for talks at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

During the talks, President Karzai said that the best protector of all human rights is peace.

He pointed out that the path to human development and prosperity is peace and Sri Lanka has achieved such lasting peace.

President Karzai said that Sri Lanka has been rated for its top social and economical development to become one of the top nations in South Asia.

He said therefore his country wants to follow suit of a development agenda similar to that of Sri Lanka.

During the discussion, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he praises President Karzai’s administration which has been giving leadership to Afghanistan in its decisive era of circumstances.

President Rajapaksa also stated that Sri Lanka is ready to give its fullest support to Afghanistan in its daunting effort to achieve lasting peace.

Later the two countries signed four important agreements.

Meanwhile the Afghan President had also convened a media briefing in Colombo this evening to educate journalists about his tour of Sri Lanka.

Korea-Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Club Launched.

The Korea-Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Club was launched recently in Seoul. The club was created to enhance the cultural and economic relationship between Sri Lanka and South Korea. One of its main goals is to promote tourism, a core area of growth for Sri Lanka-Korea relations.

Sri Lanka is already being vigorously promoted in Korea’s main markets, particularly through a series of promotional campaigns that will be presented throughout the year. This club will provide the additional boost for the tourism campaigns.

Simon Cowell is planning to buy a house next door to Justin Bieber.

The 'X Factor' boss is said to be in talks with an estate agent to buy a six-bedroom, £5.4 million home in Los Angeles for his new family, but the house is in the gated community of Calabasas known as 'The Oaks' where the 'Baby'

singer is known for throwing wild parties at his own mansion.

A local resident said, and I quote: "You have to wonder whether Simon's people are even aware that Bieber lives in the neighbourhood.

"If he does move here with his family, he should know that the kid is a non-stop menace when he's in residence, throwing all night parties with his pals and generally wreaking havoc." Unquote.

Unstoppable Shahid Afridi says he had license to fire vs Bangladesh; India take on Afghanistan today.

His blistering 25-ball 59 helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by three wickets and reach the finals of the Asia Cup and Shahid Afridi today said he was always confident of scoring the required runs as the situation gave him the license to play shots.

Afridi blasted seven sixes and two fours to turn the game on its head after Pakistan were 225-5 in 41.2 overs, chasing Bangladesh's record score of 326.

Meanwhile, India would look to sign off their disastrous Asia Cup campaign on a positive note when they take on spirited debutantes Afghanistan in their last round-robin league match on Wednesday.

Hamid Karzai arrives in Sri lanka

The President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai arrived in Sri Lanka today, at the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The visit which was scheduled to take place last month was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Three Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries on cooperation in training of Afghan nurses in Sri Lanka, Education and Sports are due to be signed during the visit.

This will be the first-ever State visit to Sri Lanka by the President of Afghanistan.

Video : Update : We completely reject Navi Pillay's report - Prof. G. L. Peiris addresses Geneva sessions

Addressing the 25th Human Rights Sessions in Geneva today Professor G.L. Peries said that the Sri Lankan Government rejects the report submitted by UN Human Rights Commissioner Navaneedan Pillai on Sri Lanka.

Professor Peries said that the UN Commissioner’s report has contravened accepted UN norms.

During his 15 minute speech to the UN Human Rights session today, Professor Peries said that the Government has no necessity to change the demography of the North.

Having explained the development achievements of the country after ending the war, Professor Peries stressed the Constitutional right of every citizen to live in a place of his or her discretion.

He further said that Sri Lanka condemned the unnecessary interference by the UN Human Rights Commission in its domestic affairs.

Meanwhile a petition against Sri Lanka carrying the signatures of 38 internationally known human rights activists including Desmond Tutu of South Africa has been handed over the UN.

Petitioners have requested the UN to appoint an international commission to investigate human rights issues in Sri Lanka.

It has also stated that a resolution should be passed during the current Geneva sessions with regard to this proposed international commission on Sri Lanka.

The petitioners stated that such a resolution would push Sri Lanka towards achieving reconciliation.

Among the signatories to the petition are TNA Leader MP R. Sampandan, Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran and Bishop of Mannar Rayappu Joseph.

Meanwhile Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that any proposal requesting an international investigation on alleged human rights violation incidents in Sri Lanka is an interference of the country’s internal affairs.

Issuing a communiqué, the Archbishop stated that the LLRC was appointed to look into the grievances of the affected parties.

Meanwhile the Eastern Muslim Citizens Forum is preparing to hand over a letter to all Muslim diplomatic missions in Colombo requesting them to support Sri Lanka during the Geneva Human Rights sessions.

Oscars: Jared Leto wins best supporting actor prize

Jared Leto has won the first Oscar of the 86th Academy Awards, picking up best supporting actor for his role in Aids drama Dallas Buyers Club.

Meanwhile, Father and son Will and Jaden Smith were big winners at the annual Razzie awards, picking up three prizes for their sci-fi flop After Earth.

Jaden, 15, won the statuette for worst actor, while his famous father won the supporting actor Razzie.

The pair were also voted worst screen combo.

Video : President arrives In Myanmar

President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Myanmar today to participate at the BIMSTEC Summit where leaders of seven Asian States will meet.

President Rajapakse is scheduled to address the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow.

He will also meet Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Myanmar leaders on the sidelines of the sub-regional grouping.

Members of the BIMSTEC grouping which is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Video : A new Gym in Kurunagala

A newly constructed Gym was ceremonially opened by Colombo District MP R Dumindha Silva and North Western Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara today.

Another revelation about Muslim Congress

Information was unearthed about persons who provided reports to UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillai during her tour of Sri Lanka before the Geneva session.

NFF Media Spokesman Mohammad Musammil told a media briefing today that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has provided reports against Sri Lanka not only to Navi Pillai but also to friendly countries in the Middle East.

Meanwhile a media briefing was convened by the National Ownership Organization and leaders of all religious denominations today.

Addressing journalists, Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera said that Sri Lanka is only a signatory to the UN Charter of protecting Human Rights therefore neither individual countries nor persons can bring charges against Sri Lanka

Video : UN Human rights council session opens in Genewa; Ban Ki Moon accepts Navi Pillai's report on Sri lanka

The 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced in Geneva today.

The inaugural statement was made by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon followed by UN Human Rights Council Commissioner Navaneedan Pillai.

Ban Ki-moon, during his statement, applauded the report presented by Navaneedan Pillai on the accountability and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka.

The UN Secretary General further said that Navaneedan Pillai acts fearlessly to protect the rights of the oppressed.

In her statement before the session, Pillai stated that making any accountability process successful on the basis of rule of law is still a distant dream.

She insisted that governments should stop all acts of vengeance against UN representatives and other individuals who work with the UN.

Airbus to increase production

Europe's largest aerospace group, Airbus, has recorded a rise in full-year profits and company sources said it will increase output of its A320 jets.

Net income rose 21% to 3.6 billion euros in 2013, a year when Airbus delivered a record 626 planes. Revenue rose 5% to 59.3 billion euros.

Airbus sources said they expected to deliver a similar number of planes this year.

It would increase production of its A320 jets to 46 planes a month from 42 by 2016.

Oscars: Gravity eyes prizes as countdown begins

The final countdown to the Oscars has begun, with space thriller Gravity expected to scoop multiple awards at today's ceremony in Los Angeles.

The 3D film is likely to dominate the technical categories, with Alfonso Cuaron tipped for best director.

But Oscar watchers have predicted British director Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave to win best picture.

The 86th Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, take place at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.

A suspect in the Buddha Gaya attack arrested.

The National Investigation Agency has arrested a suspected Indian Mujahideen activist in connection with Bodh Gaya serial blasts from a village in Bihar’s Arwal district.

Acting on a tip off, the NIA team arrested the suspected Irfan from Auwgila village on Saturday.

Immediately after his arrest, the NIA team took Irfan to Patna in a vehicle under tight security for questioning in connection with the Bodh Gaya serial blasts.

The Indian Mujahideen had carried out serial blasts at the Mahabodhi temple and adjoining areas in Bodh Gaya in which two persons were injured on July 7th, 2013.

UNHRC conference begins today: President to Myanmar

The UNHRC’s 25th session begins in Geneva today.

It will be held till 28th this month.

While UN Secretary General Baan Ki Moon and UN Human Rights Commissioner Navaneethan Pillai will make its initial statements, the US, UK and Canada too are scheduled to express views today.

These three countries support the resolution submitted against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC session this time.

Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa will leave for Myanmar today to participate at the BIMSTEC Summit where leaders of seven Asian States will meet.

President Rajapaksa will also meet with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Myanmar leaders on the sidelines of the sub-regional grouping.

The members of the BIMSTEC grouping which is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris left the country day before yesterday for Myanmar ahead of President Rajapaksa’s arrival for the two-day official visit.

Professor G L Peiris will then travel to Geneva on the 4th to lead the Sri Lanka delegation at the UN Human Rights Council’s 25th regular sessions.

The Minister will address the UNHRC member States on March 5th and present Sri Lanka’s case.

Sri Lanka’s Special Envoy on Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe is also a part of the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva.