The gravity of the water problem in the Hambantota district is amply demonstrated by this group of children trudging along a desolate path to the main Kataragama Highway to collect drinking water distributed by bowsers as a temporary measure to tide over the present water crisis.     (Picture by Saman Sri Wedage)

Extortionists plunder drought relief

Organised groups of extortionists have stepped in to plunder lavish drought relief offerings now pouring into the Hambantota District according to reports reaching Colombo yesterday.

Sri Lankan donors who have carried their contributions to be handed personally to afflicted families are being forced to leave their gifts in the hands of the racketeers and turn around, Mr. Granville Ratnayake, Co-ordinator of the Drought Relief Bureau told the 'Daily News' yesterday.
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Draft Commission Bill ready

by Ravi Ladduwahetty

The Draft Bill for the setting up of the four independent commissions will be ready by today, Secretary to the President Kusumsiri Balapatabendi told the Daily News yesterday. The Draft Bill for the setting up for the four commissions - Public Services, Judicial Services, Elections, and Police were being finalised yesterday.
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Rs. 20 m for emergency relief

by Nadira Gunatilleke

The Department of Social Services has allocated Rs.20 million for emergency relief in drought stricken areas, Deputy Director, (Rehabilitation), D. Hettiarachchi told the Daily News yesterday.
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Travel advisories from UK relaxed

The opening lines of the travel advisory issued by the Government of the United Kingdom has now been relaxed from the earlier "Advice Against all holiday and none essential travel to Sri Lanka until further notice" to "Most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble free".
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Other Stories

• Murder of Customs Officer:Police to seek Interpol India assistance
  
  
• Uninterrupted train service assured
  
  
• World Bank mission visits Jaffna
  
  
• Mid-day meal for students in drought-hit areas next week
  
  
• Five youth arrested
  
  
• Common policy on transfers
  
  
• Rs. 800 m loan scheme for agro based industries
  
  
• Japan contributes US $ 370,000 to Colombo Plan
  
  
• CTC wins breach of contract case
  
  
• Balapitiya land acquisition case: CA rules in favour of petitioner
  
  
• Colombo Magistrate Court Lawyers Assc. Centenary
  
  
• Red Cross drought relief reaches Hambantota
  
  
• News in brief

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