The Government has made arrangements for the farmers who own paddy lands in the Ariyalai East High Security Zone (HSZ) to commence their cultivation activities. Earlier, public access was restricted in the area due to security concerns.  The security forces have confirmed that the present security situation is satisfactory and the farmers can be allowed to engage in cultivation.

by: Don Asoka Wijewardena

The Cashew Corporation will introduce a new less toxic wood preservative through Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) to the market shortly. Several experiments carried out by the Corporation have revealed that the eco-friendly wood preservative will be entirely organic and non-toxic, the Cashew Corporation said. 

Air Defence Command included in new SLAF structure

Sitting in the upper level of the Air Force Headquarters, he has a bird’s eye view of Colombo to observe what is happening in the City. Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke has a clear view on what he had done during the past two years and also to be done in the near future considered to be the final stage of the war. In an interview with the Daily News at the Air Force Headquarters, he very clearly rejected pro-LTTE media allegations that civilians get affected by air raids of the SLAF saying that they are extremely cautious about the civilian presence around the targets they are selecting. He says the people can now realize the effectiveness of the air raids they had carried out during the past two years, as the LTTE’s fighting capability has been severely affected by the series of air raids carried out by the Air Force.

Rohan MATHES - reporting from Ruwanwella  

Ruwanwella, 19^th August:

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that after the lapse of a prolonged period of absolute tolerance and patience and failed negotiations with the LTTE, his Government eventually responded in the language best understood by the terrorists with the strong resolve of not turning back until the very last terrorist is captured.  President Rajapaksa made this assertion when he presided and addressed a mammoth and colourful rally at the Ruwanwella Esplanade yesterday, in support of the UPFA candidates contesting the forthcoming Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections on August 23.