Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, has called for "a balanced approach" in addressing the objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Noting that "Sri Lanka remains fully committed to the nuclear non-proliferation commitments of the NPT and have steadfastly and consistently supported the global initiatives on non-proliferation", Ambassador Aryasinha noted that "nuclear non-proliferation however remains one of three pillars of the NPT, which requires equal attention along with the other two - promotion of safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and nuclear disarmament".

Britain has called on the Sri Lankan government to protect journalists and ensure freedom of expression.

British Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said that Britain continues to have serious concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka, including in regards to freedom of opinion and expression, and in light of recent attacks on a number of journalists.

He said the British Government is concerned at reports of interference with the programming of the BBC, and consider the provision of impartial news to be very important as do many people who listened to the service.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday dismissed the recently announced 20% cut in aid by the US as being significant since the actual value of the reduction was only $ 2 million whilst two key support programs were nearing completion anyway.

“Though the media harped on the 20% aspect, the reduction meant only $ 2 million to $ 6 million from $ 8 million previously. US aid is also insignificant from an overall country figure. Despite the US move, countries such as Japan, India and China as well as multilateral donors such as the World Bank and ADB have approved or extended financial support with over 100% increases,” Minister Rajapaksa told editors and senior journalists during the breakfast meeting chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

Daya Master is demanding??

The ex LTTE spokesman Daya Master says that he will definitely contest in the  Provincial Council election in the Northern Province.

He said that he has been invited by two political parties and he has not yet chosen the party.  But, he stressed that he will be with the party which will be in line with his political stability,

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, the Leader of the Democratic Party says that there persists in the country at present, a form of terrorism, more dangerous than the terrorism that existed in the North.

He made this observation at an event held in Gampaha on Sunday.

This event was held to mark the opening of the first operations office of the Democratic Party in Gampaha.

United National Party General Secretary Tissa Attanayake engaged in religious observances which was held at the Lanka Ji Temple in Sawara Katori, Japan on Sunday.

This report was filed by our Newsfirst correspondent in Japan Samantha Perera.

This happening was organised by the Tokyo Branch of the United National Party.

India’s DMK party today once again appealed to the Indian government to exert pressure for shifting the venue of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from Sri Lanka where it is slated to be held in November, the Press Trust of India reported.

Party President M Karunanidhi, citing media reports, said a recent Commonwealth Legal Conference at Capetown where Chief Justices of 27 countries had participated, had resolved that Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting in London on April 26 should decide on removing Sri Lanka from Commonwealth among others.

The Indian government says the Sri Lankan nay has been told not to fire on Indian fishing vessels.

Indian Defence Minister AK Antony in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today said that from time to time there are reports of incidents of attack on Indian fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy.

He said that the Indian government has been consistently taking up such issues with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that the Sri Lankan Navy acts with restraint and Indian fishermen found near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) are treated in a humane manner.

Bishop of Mannar, Most Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph said he never stood for the separation of the country nor rejected any viable political solution to the national question. The Bishop made this statement in response to the lead story published in The Nation last week titled "Mannar Bishop, TNA Resurrect LTTE's ISGA Demand".