A special Ashirvada Pooja was conducted by the Most Ven. Dr. Ching Thung of the Pure Land Educational Institute in Australia to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka while wishing for a peaceful and prosperous country. The Ashirvada Pooja was conducted by Ven. Thung who arrived at the invitation of the President together with the novice monks of the institute as well as Dayakas from China, Japan, Taiwan and India. A Seth Patheema was also conducted in memory of Security Forces personnel who laid down their lives to free the country from terrorism. The Ashirvada Pooja was organised by International Advisor to the President on Religious Affairs and Chief Sanghanayake of Taiwan Ven. Bodagama Chandima. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen being greeted by Most Ven. Dr. Ching Thung. Chief Sanghanayake of Taiwan Ven. Bodagama Chandima is also in the picture. Picture by President’s Media Unit

VAAS FURTHER REMANDED, WIFE SUMMONED

*Prosecution witnesses receive threatening calls

*Ex- DIG’s twin revolvers to Government Analyst

Colombo Additional Magistrate A.M Shaheed yesterday further remanded interdicted former DIG Vaas Gunawardena untill July 9, 2013. Six other suspects who had been taken into custody in connection with the killing of businessman Mohamed Siyam were detained until the completion of the ongoing investigations.

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Non state universities will absorb those left out - SB

Non-state and foreign university participation in fulfilling the higher education needs of students who are unable to enter state universities should be highly appreciated”, said Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake. The Minister was addressing the international partnership conference of University of Wolverhampton,

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IT competency in SL may reach 70% in five years – CB Governor

Plans are afoot by the Government to increase the Information Technology competency to 65 to 70 percent within next five years, said Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. He was speaking as Guest of Honour at the Inaugural Session of the National Preparedness Against Cyber Attacks Cyber Security Summit 2013 at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel yesterday.

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Five dead in van, train collision

At least five people were killed and several others injured when a van collided with a train at a railway crossing near the Aluthgama Railway Station yesterday evening. Police said the van had collided with the train travelling from Maradana to Hikkaduwa at the Ganegama railway crossing which according to area sources is unprotected.

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