Karannagoda claims Rs 500 m from Fonseka

Former Navy Commander and presently National Security Advisor and Highways and Road Development Ministry Secretary Wasantha Karannagoda has sent a letter of demand to presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka claiming Rs 500 million as damages for defamation in an interview given by the latter to Sirasa TV wherein he had made false statements against him (Karannagoda) to bring him into ridicule, disrepute and contempt in the eyes of the public.

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Ven Dambara Amila Thera refused bail

Horana Magistrate and Additional District Judge Anushka Seneviratne yesterday refused bail to Ven. Dambara Amila Thera, who had been remanded in connection with several complaints of collecting money with the promise of employment abroad. The monk was placed in remand till January 8, 2010.

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Mahinda Chintana:

Over 98 percent fulfilled

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday when he came into power he introduced a people friendly manifesto Mahinda Chinthana and told the public if it could be successfully implemented, the benefits would be for the whole country.

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Govt encourages public/private sectors in agriculture:

Subsidy scheme increases demand for fertilizer

The demand for fertilizer has increased rapidly due to the Government's subsidy scheme. The Government is encouraging the public and private sectors in agriculture development. The average fertilizer imports per annum are around 600,000 - 650,000 MT. However, during 2008 it grew up to 800,000 MTs, which shows that there is a big demand for fertilizer, a senior official of CIC Agri Business told Daily News Business.

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