1.The first cabinet meeting in Kilinochchi chaired by the President Rajapakse was held last week.
2.As a quick response to a complaint made over the phone by the farther of the deceased Dr. Miss Niluka Lakmali Wijenayaka, the President appoints a specialist committee demanding an immediate investigation. Dr. Niluka Lakmali Wijenayaka passed away after contracting Dengue while working in the Dengue Pediatric Section in the Badulla hospital.
3.Sri Lankas first ever liver transplant surgery was successfully completed last week after a marathon operation conducted by a team of 15 doctors in the Colombo National Hospital.
4.Tharu Dilena Reyak, a gala concert organized by the Seva Vanitha Unit under the Brave Hearts project was staged last week presenting a galaxy of prominent Sri Lankan artists. Some video footage of this gala concert is included in this news bulletin.

Local News Brief 11/7/10

1. Suramya Raththriya, the musical concert, with Amarasiri Peris, Amal Perera and Nalaka Anjana was staged to a capacity crowd on Sunday, July 11 2010 at the Basen Centre, Burwood. Extracts of the Suramya Raththriya concert are included in this news bulletin.
2. Ruvinie Gee Muthu Mini musical concert and the CD launch was held on Saturday, 10th July 2010 at the Rowville Secondary College Performing Arts Theater. Extracts of the Ruvinie Gee Muthu Mini concert are included in this news bulletin.

Lankan News Brief 10/7/10

1. Minister Wimal Weerawansa has ended the death-fast on last Saturday after the President visited him and urged him to abandon the protest. The minister was admitted to the military hospital for emergency treatment. The fast was held outside the main UN compound in Colombo.
2. Sri Lankan spin-wizard Muttaiya Muralidharan has announced that he would quit test cricket after the next first test against India on the 18th of July. Murali's farewell speech (in Sinhala) is included in this news bulletin.
3. Commemoration ceremonies were held for the living legend and the singing superstar Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala who passed away on the 7th of July 1987. Some song clips of Jothi are included in this news bulletin.

Local News Brief 4/7/10

1. It is planned to ceremoniously open the great shrine hall of Dhamma Sarana temple in Keysborough on the 18th of July. The chief incumbent of the temple Venerable Naotunne Vijitha Thero provides information about the ceremony.
2. The combined schools netball team of Sri Lanka participated in the Waverley International Schools Netball Championship which was held in the Waverley Netball Centre. Sri Lanka won four matches out of eight. This news bulletin gives some video footage of the matches and follows the Sri Lankan team to the Lake Mountain.

Lankan News Brief 4/7/10

1. For the first time, a Sri Lankan president is on an official visit in Ukraine.
2. Minister Wimal Weerawansa says that Sri Lanka has not betrayed policies due to external pressures.
3. Brigadier Udaya Madawala has been appointed as the new army spokesman.
4. Training certificates were ceremoniously granted to fifty eight male and female previous LTTE members after successfully completing a training program.

Local News Brief 27/6/10

1. Poson celebrations of the Dandenong Dhammadeepa Meditation Centre included a large rotating Lantern and Thorana (Pandall).
2. Pranama Prasanga - A tribute concert for the three ladies, Malini Jyasinghe, Ramani Liyanaarachchi and Devika Rupasinghe was held on the 26th of June 2010 with attendance of a large crowd. Some traditional and modern dance items of this concert presented by Rangana Udumbara Dance Troupe, Vishver Rangayathanaya and Ama Siriwardena Performing Dance Academy are included in this news bulletin.

Lankan News Brief 26/6/10

1. Poson has been celebrated, in grand scale, all over the country.
2. Russia is in dismay since the Secretary General of United Nations appoints a committee to advise him on Sri Lanka’s internal matters.
3. At a function held at the President’s House, wheelchairs were donated to a group of disabled children which included children disabled due to terrorist’s activities.
4. Two teenagers have drowned while bathing in a lake.

Local News Brief 20/6/10

1. Dandenong Dhammadeepa Meditation Centre displays Kulan Ranasighe’s Thorana (Pandall) and large lantern as part of Poson celebrations.
2. A valuable lecture on how to engage Buddhism to solve problems in life was delivered by Venerable Udahene Silarathana Thero at the Latrobe University Undercroft Lecture Theater.
3. Seniors meet and enjoy at the East Bentleigh senior citizen’s centre as part of a community services program conducted by the Sinhala Cultural and Community Services Foundation.

Lankan News Brief 19/6/10

1. The first National Victory Day was celebrated in a grand scale in Colombo on last Friday to commemorate courage, dignity and the selfless sacrifices paid by the war heroes. The nation paid tribute to all war heroes consist of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Defense Force during the colourful pageant held at the Galle Face Green which demonstrated the military might of Sri Lanka.
2. Japan emphasises that the international community should not influence or involve in Sri Lanka’s internal matters.
3. Retired General Sarath Fonseka and his son-in-law Dhanuna Thilakarathna are suspects of the pending habeas corpus court case.

Local News Brief 15/6/10

The Weeramantry International Centre for Peace Education and Research based in Colombo has conducted a project involving students of the universities across the country to study and investigate post-war evolution of peace and harmony amongst the Sri Lankan young generation of different racial backgrounds. An emeritus professor of Monash University and a retired judge of International Court, Professor Weeramantry is currently in Melbourne and we had the opportunity to discuss with him about his latest project to research and investigate evolution of ethnic harmony in Sri Lanka based on Training for Trusteeship annual workshops.

The complete interview of Mahinda Wijerathna with Professor Weeramantry and a documentary on the 'Training for Trusteeship' workshop will be available soon in our Features section.

Lankan News Brief 14/6/10

1. President Rajapakse has returned from an official visit to India after further strengthening close bilateral relationships between two countries.
2. Twentysix supporters of General Sarath Fonseka have pledged allegiance to the government.
3. Severe whether conditions prevail in the country due to continuing weather disturbances in the Bay of Bengal and increased monsoonal activities.

Local News Brief 6/6/10

1. A special Dhamma sermon was delivered by Venerable Harispaththuwe Ariyawanshalankara Thero at the Kesborough Dhamma Sarana temple.
2. A relatively large Vesak Lantern and a Thorana (Pandal) were constructed by Mr. and Mrs. Kulan Ranasighe and displayed at their residence in Nobel Park. Mr. and Mrs. Ranasighe have demonstrated a fundamental Sri Lankan custom of displaying individually constructed Vesak decorations to general public. This large Thorana and Lantern will be redisplayed at Dandenoing Dhamma Deepa temple during the Poson celebrations (on 19/20 and 26/27 of June 2010).
3. Professor Weeramantry delivered a lecture regarding “Unity of Sri Lankan youths” which was organised by the Sinhala Cultural and Community Services Association.
4. A musical concert was staged in aid of providing fundamental sanitary facilities to Helasirigama. This event was organised by the Aus Lanka Audio Visual Association.

Lankan News Brief 5/6/10

The most awaited movie and glamour event of South Asia, the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA 2010) ceremony has been concluded successfully in Colombo.
Watch the highlights of IIFA in its full glory in this news bulletin.

This one of largest Bollywood movie event watched by more than 600 million Bollywood movie lovers attracted a large crowd to the Sugathadasa indoor stadium. This event included a celebrity cricket match and a fashion parade. (It has been reported that Lara Dutta's wardrobe has malfunctioned during this event!)

Special VESAK Edition 30/5/10

1. A giant integrated Thorana (Pandal) is on display at the Damma Sarana temple. A video footage of Thorana together with an exclusive interview with a temple committee member Bhadra Weerakoon is included in this news bulletin.
2. A grand Vesak Lantern and the relics of Lord Buddha are on display at the Shakya Muni temple in Berwick. An exclusive interview with the chief incumbent Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Digamadhulle Wimalananda Thero and a video footage of this grand Vesak Lantern are included in this bulletin
3. A beautiful Bhakthi Gee session organised and presented by old Anandians (with assistance from old Royalists) was held in Dandenong Damma Deepa temple. An exclusive interview with the President, Old Anandian's Association of Melbourne and a video footage of Bhakthi Gee are included in this bulletin.
4. A special Sil program conducted by the chief incumbent of the Paramitha Buddhist temple, Venerable Pallewela Devarakshitha Thero with focus on children was held in the Paramitha Buddhist temple in St Albans.
5. A huge Thorana (possibly the largest in the southern hemisphere) is on display at the Daham Niketanaya, Yuroke temple. A video footage of this huge Thorana is included in this news bulletin.

Lankan News Brief 29/5/10

1. Prseident Rajapakse assures sovereignty of Sri Lanka and emphasises that no one will be allowed to probe into Sri Lanka’s internal matters. President categorically denies the unsubstantiated war-crime allegations manifested by the west. Al-Jazeera’s exclusive interview with President Rajapakse is included in this news bulletin.
2. Vesak has been celebrated in grand scale right throughout the country. A large number of giant lanterns and grand Thorana’s (Pandals) are on display attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. Local tourists/pilgrims are pouring into the North in masses to celebrate Vesak while worshiping religious icons. This news bulletin covers all key Lankan Vesak attractions.
3. Sri Lanka is in preparation for the forthcoming IIFA 2010 (Indian International Film Awards) which would attract a large number of regional tourists. Construction works in Sugathadasa indoor stadium are near completion. It is expected for 600 million people to watch this spectacular extravaganza which will be held in Colombo during this coming week.

Local VESAK News Brief 23/5/10

1. A spectacular Vesak Thorana (Pandal) has been constructed at the Daham Nikethanaya temple in Yuroke and was opened to a large gathering of spectators during, 22-23 May 2010, the last weekend. Display of Thorana is continuing during this weekend. A video of the Thorana and Vesak decorations of the temple is included in this news bulletin.
2. A commemoration of the 2600th year of Buddha’s enlightenment by the Victorian Buddhist Community was held during the last weekend, at the Melbourne City Town Hall. Vennerable Vijitha Thero of Kesborough Damma Sarana temple represented the Sri Lankan Buddhist community and facilitated a meditation session.
3. Venerable Harispatthuwe Ariyawansalankara Thero delivered a special Damma sermon on Saturday the 22nd of May, to a large gathering at the Damma Sarana temple in Keysborough.
4. A session of Bhakthi Geetha (Buddhist devotional songs) was conducted by the seniors on Sunday the 23rd of May during the regular gathering of senior citizens in the East Bentleigh community centre. This event was organised by the Sinhala Cultural and Community Services Foundation.
5. The most senior member of the Sinhala community in Melbourne, as known as Loku Amma, passed away on the 18th Tuesday at the age of 96. Her funeral took place on 22nd of May, Saturday, at the Blair Chapel of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

Lankan News Brief 22/5/10

1. President Rajapakse has taken over as the new Chairman of the G15 on last Tuesday at the G15 summit held in Tehran, the capital city of Iran.
2. Floods in 8 districts due to pre-monsoons and monsoons have affected over 500,000 people. Eighteen deaths were reported by last Friday. The government has initiated a program to provide permanent accommodation for the people living along cannel banks.
3. General Fonseka assures that war crimes were not committed to his knowledge by the government or the armed forces during the battle against LTTE terrorists.
4. Dr. Palitha Kohana, the ambassador to the UN, replies on Ch4 to the international community about the unsubstantiated claims regarding war crimes. The video clip of the interview is included in this news bulletin.
5. A renowned vocalist and music director Mr. Narada Disasekara has passed away on last Wednesday at the age of 77. He has contributed to many memorable songs such as Pipi Pipi, Etha Gaw Ganan durin, Mulu Hadin Mama and Galana Gangaki Jivithe. Mr Disasekara won the award for the best male vocalist at the Sarasaviya film festival in 1964 for Galana Gangaki Jivithe from Ranmuthuduwa. This news bulletin contains some memorable song clips of Narada Disasekera.

Local News Brief 17/5/10

1. A Sri Lankan cultural festival was held on last Saturday (15/5) as part of a Multicultural Cinema Project organised by the Whittlesea Council. The Sri Lankan segment was organised by the Northern Melbourne Sri Lankan Association. A number of cultural events including Sri Lankan music/songs (Daya and the Clan), dancing (Visharad Keshala Apparakka) and screening of the highly acclaimed Sri Lankan movie Aba were the key features of this cultural festival. A clip from Aba is included in this news bulletin.
2. As part of Vesak celebrations, a session of Bhakthi Gee (Buddhist devotional songs) was held on last Sunday (16/5) at the Dandenong Arts Center. This event was organised by the Aus Audio Visual Arts association.

Lankan News Brief 15/5/10

1. Ranaviru week commemoration ceremonies are underway to mark the anniversary of freeing Mother Lanka from terrorism and to felicitate war heroes.
2. About two hundred thousand pilgrims were stranded in the area of Somawathiya Maha Viharaya due to heavy rain and traffic congestion. Government has directed emergency services including army and air force to provide essential supplies and for the evacuation of affected people. Two deaths of seniors have been reported.
3. Ailing mother of Velupillai Prabhakaran , Ms. Parvathi Pillai, has returned to Sri Lanka from Malaysia. In last April, she has been refused an entry visa to seek medical treatment at the Chennai airport. Later, the Indian government has imposed a number of conditions to Ms. Pillai in order to grant an entry visa for treatment and stated that she should leave India once her treatment has completed.
4. The nominations for the IIFA 2010 (International Indian Film Academy Awards), which will be held in Sri Lanka, have been announced. View the movie clips of the nominations for the best film, best actor and best actress categories in this news bulletin.

Local News Brief 9/5/10

1. A Paduru Saajjaya was held yesterday, Saturday the 8th May at the Brentwood Youth Club, Ferntree Gully Rd, Glen Waverley to compensate the Sri Lankan artists who volunteered in Mai Gee Rawaya held on the 1 st of May.
2. Thanikale, a music concert presented by MiLiN Rupasighe in tribute to his mother Devika Rupasinghe was held today, Sunday, at the Drum Theater Dandenong.

Lankan News Brief 8/5/10

1. Sirasa Superstar Season 3 Grand Finale was held this Saturday in a grand scale at the CR&FC grounds in Colombo.

Shanika Madhumali or Arjuna Rukantha?

See the winning song, emotional comments from the judges and have a feel for the ambiance of this largest TV show of Sri Lanka.
2. Recently appointed deputy minister for media, Mr. Mervyn Silva has resigned after being appointed as the deputy minister for highways.
3. General Fonseka has spoken at the first press conference since his arrest.
4. Sri Lanka expects to gain from the International Indian Film Academy awards 2010 which will be held in next June.
5. Sri Lanka wrapped up a 57 run win over West Indies at the ICC World T20 match in Barbados. Mahela Jayawardena scored an unbeaten 98 from 56 balls.

Local News Brief 2/5/10

1. In aid of Nisala Arana Meditation Centre, Mai Gee Rawaya music concert, presenting Ranil Mallawaarchchi, Priyankara Perera, Sathis Perera and Anuradha Perera was held on the 1st of May at the Drum Theater Dandenong. Dance items were presented by Visharad Keshala Aparakka of Bahratha Kala Ashramaya.
2. Gee Rasa Ganga music concert with one of Sri Lanka’s legendary instrumentalists and music composers, Maestro Dr. Shelton Premaratne and one of Melbourne’s talented female vocalists Kanchana Sandamali was held on the 2nd of May at the Performing Arts Theater of the Rowville Secondary College. Dance items were presented by Abhina Rangayathanaya

Lankan News Brief 1/5/10

1. Sri Lanka celebrates the May day in a grand scale as a free country after defeating the LTTE terrorists.
2. The President receives a warm welcome in Bhutan at the 16th SAARC summit.
3. General Fonseka MP, addresses the 7th Parliament of Sri Lanka.
4. Sajith Premadasa urges UNP leadership to follow an internal democratic process for party appointments.

Local New Year News Brief 26/4/10

1. The New Year celebrations organised by the Sinhala Cultural Foundation was held on last Sunday in East Bentleigh in presence of a large gathering.
2. The New Year festival of the Victorian Sinhala Language School (Brentwood) was held on last Sunday in the Brentwood Secondary College, Glen Waverley
3. A festival of Short Films made by Sri Lankans living in Victoria was held on last Sunday in the Chandler Theater, Nobel Park. The event organised by the SCATS was attended by a packed and enthusiastic audience.
4. Ve Prashansa, a Christian Music concert was held on last Saturday at Our Lady Help Of Christians in Narre Warren.

Lankan News Brief 25/4/10

1. President Rajapakse led ruling party has secured a landslide victory by obtaining 144 seats based on the final outcome of the general election. UNP managed to secure only 51 seats. Tamil Alliance has received 13 seats while General Fonseka and JVP receiving 5 seats.
2. President Rajapakse has ceremoniously appointed 37 cabinet ministers and 39 deputies. All non-cabinet ministerial positions were abolished
3. The Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has arrived in the island to participate in a media awareness program on the IIFA 2010 (International Indian Film Academy Awards) which is to be held in the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo in June 2010.

Local News Brief 18/4/10

1. The Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival organised and hosted by the Old Boys Association of the Sri Lnkan German Technical Training Institute for all Sri Lankans living in Melbourne was held today, Sunday, for the 18th time at the Dandenong show ground. It is estimated that more than 6000 people attended the New Year celebrations this year.
2. The musical fiesta Wasantha Udanaya organised by Skyway Travel and Cargo was held yesterday, Saturday, at the Springvale Town Hall.
3. The Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival organised and hosted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Alumni Association was held yesterday at the Brandon Park Community centre, Glen Waverley. A large number of past-pupils of the university attended the celebrations while strengthening the family ties amongst them.

Lankan News Brief 17/4/10

1. The people of Sri Lanka and President Rajapakse celebrate the first New Year since eliminating terrorism from Sri Lanka.
2. On behalf of President Barak Obama and people of America, the Secretary of State, MS. Hilary Clinton congratulated all Sri Lankans around the world to mark Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
3. The renowned artist Somarathna Dissanayake's movie Siri Raja Siri has won another international award.
4. A large fuel storage complex used by the Tiger terrorists has been found in northern Sri Lanka.
5. The official polling cards are distributed for the re-poll in Namwalapitiya and Trincomalee.

Local News Brief 11/4/10

1. The monthly Atawisi Buddha Pooja and Dhamma programs were held yesterday at the Keysborough Dhamma Sarana temple.
2.The re-union concert of Super Golden Chimes was held yesterday for the first time in Melbourne to a capacity crowd. The Besen centre, Burwood, Melbourne, with a capacity for 999, was full.
3.The New Year celebrations organised by the Western Victoria Sri Lankan Buddhist Association was held today at the Brimbank Secondary College with a large crowed.

Election News Brief 10/4/10

The ruling party, UPFA, obtained a massive victory in Sri Lanka’s general election held on last Thursday. UPFA has secured 117 seats so far while UNP is managing to secure only 46 seats. DNA (Gen Sarath Fonseka and JVP) has lost grounds and been reduced to 5 seats. TNA has secured 12 seats. So far results for 180 seats have been released out of 196 contested seats. The electoral commissioner has ordered a revote in Nawalapitiya and Trincomalee. Polls ended relatively peacefully without large scale violence. However, low level violent incidents were reported in some places.

Local News Brief 4/4/10

1. A Shakya events presentation, Rasa Madhura musical concert of Rohana Weerasighe, Sunil Edirisighe and Uresha Ravihari was staged yesterday evening at the Besen Centre.
2. Gunadasa Madurasighe’s popular play Raja Sabawa was staged this evening at the Besen centre.
3. Mahinda Richmond family get-together and a friendly cricket match organised by the OBA was held last week.
4. Upcomming events:
i. The Super Golden Chimes reunion concert on Saturday the 10th of April
ii. Simon Navagaththegama's staged drama Subha Yasa on Sunday the 11th of April

Lankan News Brief 3/4/10

1. The wife of General Fonseka, Mrs Anoma Fonseka, says that the General has developed a respiratory condition and he is not offered specialist medical advice. The government says that General Fonseka is in good health and navy doctors are checking him everyday while providing 24 hour medical attention.
2. Sri Lanka’s first ever tele-cinema village was inaugurated by the President last week. All artists were overjoyed with government’s support to cinema and television productions.
3. President visits the North and gives a commitment for a terror free society and economic development.
4. The state government of Tamil Nadu decides not to prematurely release LTTE member Nalini Sri Haran jailed for Rajive Ghandi assassination.

Local News Brief 28/03/10

1. The monthly Sil program was held yesterday at Keysborough Dhamma Sarana Temple
2. Gimhana Rangana Gala Concert (organised by the OBA of the German Technical Training School of Sri Lanka) was held yesterday at the Besen centre to a capacity crowd
3. Melbourne SPUR annual dinner dance was held yesterday at the Springvale Town Hall

Lankan News Brief 27/03/10

1. Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo has denounced the use of sacred images of Jesus Christ in political advertisements of General Sarath Fonseka
2. Visa to enter Sri Lanka was not granted to the popular hip-hop singer Akon since he has featured in a video song that portrays scantily-clad women dancing in front of a stature of Lord Buddha.
3. A one million rupee reward is offered for accurate information of whereabouts of Danuna Thilakarathne, son-in-law of General Sarath Fonseka

Sooriya Kantha (YT)

Renowned singer in the 70’s and 80's Abeywardena Balasooriya has passed away on 27/3/10 at the age of 63. The funeral arrangements have been made for the 31st of March in Colombo.

Sooriya Kantha is one of many memorable songs sung by Mr. Balasooriya.

Election and Party Views (YT)

Election Expectations (YT)

Lankan News Brief 21/03/10

1. Bodhi Chiththa Mehenin Wahanse of Nisala Arana hermitage is planned to visit overseas for a period of time
2. The monthly Atawisi Buddha Pooja and Dhamma programs were held yesterday at the Keysborough Dhamma Sarana temple.
3. A family get-together organised by the Alumni Association of Colombo University was held today.
4. The inaugural massive rally of the government election campaign was held on last Friday in Kandy.
6. General Fonseka appears before military court martial on last Tuesday and Wednesday.
7. NFF demands an investigation of General Fonseka's secret letter to the British Channel 4 TV station
8. According to the National Geographic Channel, Sri Lanka is the second best tourist destination in the world.

Lankan News Brief 15/03/10

1. The monthly Sil program was held at the Keysborough Dhamma Sarana temple
2. A seminar on Stress Management organised by Nisala Arana hermitage was held last Saturday
3. Bhadragee Mahinda Jayathilake's book Buddha Dhamma was launched.
4. The non-Aligned movement which is 2/3 of the UN strongly condemns UN Secretary General's decision to probe Sri Lanka
6. The court martial proceedings against General Fonseka are scheduled to start on the 16th. Gen. Fonseka's lawyers are questioning the legitimacy of the military court and expect to seek Supreme Court intervention to stop the proceedings.
7. President Rajapakse emphasises the strength of the vision of the people – vision for the future, the 'Mahinda Chinthana' which is based on the working people of Sri Lanka
8. ITN was honoured with People's Award as the most popular TV channel in Sri Lanka.

Midweek News Update 11/03/10

1. The Indian Foreign Secretary Ms. Nirupama Rao has extended an invitation for President Rajapaksa
2. General Fonseka has ended the hunger strike
3. A leading UNP member Paul Perera with a group of UNP activists has joined UPFA.
4. The holy relics of the heart of St. Anthony have been brought in procession from the airport
5. A public seminar on “STRESS MANAGEMENT for Health & Longevity - Role of MEDITATION” organised by “NISALA ARANA” will be held at 1:30 PM on 13/3/10 at Block W, CHISHOLM Institute of TAFE, Dandenong. ( Melway Ref: 90 F4).
6. The mega concert Rhythma will be staged on the 13/3/10 at 8PM, at the Springvale Town Hall with Desmond De Silva, Dalreen Suby, Priyantha Fernando, Jayasri Twins and See7th. Tickets at the gates or contact Naz 0412 126 176, VeeJay 0450 924 522

Lankan News Brief 07/03/10

1. The monthly meditation program was held at the Keysborough Dhamma Sarana temple
2. Popular drama Sulanga Mata Katha Karai staged in Brisbane and Melbourne
3. The annual Knox cultural festival was held with a large Sri Lankan presence.
4. The local Battle of the Blues was played last week in the Mulgrave Reserve, Wheelers Hill.
5. A massive protest in Colombo to denounce associations of US Robert Blake and UK David Miliband with pro-terrorist organisations.
6. Charges against General Fonseka and Ms. Thilakaratne will be framed in civil courts under the Exchange Control Act.
7. Although the Supreme Court has decided that General Fonseka’s arrest is not illegal, a retired chief judge says that it is illegal.

Lankan News Update 27/02/10

1. General Fonseka’s arrest is not illegal. The Supreme Court has rejected the plea to free General Fonseka
2. General Fonseka has handed nominations for the general election through his wife to contest under the JVP led Democratic National Alliance.
3. Sri Lanka strongly protests the associations of US Robert Blake and UK David Miliband with pro-terrorist organisations.

Lankan News Brief 24/02/10

1. Dr. Hettiarachchi's lecture on health was the highlight of the monthly get-together of senior citizens of northern suburbs.
2. The annual Bharathanatyam concert of the Melbourne's renowed Sri Lankan Dance School Natyalaya was presented to a capacity crowd on last Saturday.
3. 33 year UNP veteran Mr. Lokubandara has joined SLFP.
4. A group of Maha Sangha including Venerable Professor Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thero says that they reject with strong disgust the statements made by the opposition leader Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe which discredit the Maha Sangha.
5. General Fonseka's personal secretary S A H de Silva (alias Shah Silva) has been arrested. CID says that he is an internationally wanted criminal.
6. CID has sought assistance from the international police (INTERPOL) on pending arrest of Mr. Dhanuna Thilakaratne (a son in law of General Fonseka).

Keeping Democracy Part 1 (YT)

Keeping Democracy Part 2 (YT)

Lankan News Brief 19/02/10

1. The Colombo Magistrates Court has issued a warrant to arrest Dhanuna Tilakaratne (a son in law of General Fonseka).
2. Mrs. Tilakaratne (the mother of Dhanuna) has been arrested and released on bail.
3. More claims and counter-claims raised by both sides regarding the arrest and conspiracy theories.
4. Mrs. Fonseka is in the media limelight - The wife of a senior army officer replies to Mrs. Fonseka.
5. A valuable Dhamma book has been launched. Free copies are available.

Lankan News Brief 15/02/10

1. A special Dhamma program was held at the Keysborough temple for the Navam Poya.
2. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea made by Mrs. Fonseka against the arrest of her husband.
3. The opposition leader has met with the President regarding General Fonseka.
4. A school girl has died from food poisoning and many school children have received hospital treatment.

Ranwan Karalin

Vetaran singer and painter Susil Premaratne has passed away on the 11th of February at age 85. He is a son of pioneering Buddhist painter M. Sarlis.

Ranwan Karalin is one of many memorable songs sung by Mr. Premaratne.

General Fonseka's arrest

General Fonseka's arrest

9/2/10 Special News Update

Details on Fonseka's arrest

Mrs. Fonseka, Army and Choas

Independance Day - More News

1. Independence Day celebrations held by Sinhala Cultural and Community Services Foundation at the Springvale town-hall on 6/2/10
2. Pahan Pooja held at the Daham Niketanaya in Yuroke on 6/2/10
3. President’s visit to Russia
4. A report on longstanding friendship between Russia and Sri Lanka (Interesting facts are included in this report)

Independance Day (Updated)

President's Address: 4/2/10

Muthu Kirilli (low quality)

Veteran teledrama and film actor Mr. H. A. Perera has passed away at the age of 60. Mr. Perera became popular with his role as Dias Mudalali in the teledrama Doo Daruwo in early nineties and recently through ITN's Muthu Kirilli.

Sevwandiye (low quality)

Mr. Pathiraja Dayananda, a well known film and teledrama director has passed away at the age of 65. He has directed well acclaimed films such as Hathdinnath Tharu and Selinage Walawwa.

A song from Hathdinnath Tharu (1973) starring Vijaya Kumarathunga and Malini Fonseka:

A massive Satyagraha(YT)

Gotabhaya on BBC (YT)

Road ahead: President speaks

Post election feedback(YT)

The Victory Speech

31-01-10 Lankan News Brief

Mrs. Rupasighe's funeral details

Sathischandra Tribute

Family fears for safety(low quality)

Reuters Rajapakse Wins(YT)

Fonseka Complains (YT)

Report 1 (low quality)

Report 2 (low quality)

Report 3 (YT)

24-01-10 Lankan News Brief

News Brief Part 2-1

News Brief Part 2-2

voting continues... (YT)

grenade attack... (YT)

17-01-10 Lankan News Brief

Funeral of Mrs Malini Jayasinghe

The Audition by Mrs Jayasinghe

Kalasuri Sathischandra Edirisinghe