Updated on Friday, August 02nd 2008; 21:30 Hrs. SST (16:00 Hrs. GMT) The 15th SAARC Summit opened on a grand scale this morning, injecting new life to the South Asian region .

Former soldier Upali Wijekoon says he will be contesting the North-Central Provincial Council from the Freedom Alliance to enhance the value of the sacrifices made by thousands of war heroes for the country.

A new Regiment has been set up for all Army Officers and soldiers serving in the Presidential Security Division (PSD). Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka participated in a ceremony to hand over official emblems and caps for the members of the Presidential Security Force Regiment. The event was held at the Presidential Secretariat. Brig. Jagath Alwis will be serving as the Commander of the Brigade.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has received the report of the All Party Committee to solve the national conflict. Chairman of the Committee and Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana handed it over to the President at the Presidential Secretariat today.(2008/01/23) It is considered as a maiden step to finding solutions to the conflict. Government said future proposals will be based on this package. Representatives of all political parties involved in this Committee were present on this historic occasion. Party leaders acclaimed the President on the submission of such a report under his mediation in the midst of disputes and challenges. The President said he appreciated the immense contribution received from representatives of the Committee in submitting such a dossier. The All Party Committee held 63 sessions before releasing this report. Finally the Committee headed by Minister Tissa Vitharana succeeded in preparing a report with a set of solutions acceptable to all. President Rajapakse said the sole aim of everyone was to enthrone peace in the country. A political solution is important for the national conflict. As such the government is dedicated to fulfilling this need. But terrorism does not need a political solution. The President emphasised the need of the hour is to eliminate terrorism. The All Party Representatives Committee proposed an enduring solution to the conflict. It received immense support. The President praised the daunting task fulfilled by the Committee successfully. The President added that the government's intent is to find a political solution acceptable to all including the North and East. Meanwhile sources emanating from the Presidential Secretariat said the report will be submitted to the Cabinet tonight. Thereafter it is due to be released. (less)

There is a high response from the business community for the "Api Wenuwen Api" programme implemented for the benefit of the Armed Forces and the Police. (15/02/2008) The government unveiled this programme to build 50,000 houses under the Ranaviru village concept. Many members of the business community had positively responded paying heed the President's plea for their support. Several businessmen handed over their contributions to President Rajapakse at Temple Trees yesterday. 5000 houses are coming up at Ipalogama in Anuradhapura under the 1st stage. The President monitored the work on the scheme, accompanied by several businessmen. They applauded the project and consented to providing assistance for the success of the housing scheme. Work on 1620 houses is due to be completed by May and handed over to the war heroes. Each unit equipped with required infrastructure, will cost 2.4 million rupees. Each house will be given with a down payment of 800,000 rupees. The balance will be recovered in 20 years. Government will spend one million rupees on each unit and it solicits the support of private businessmen and philanthropists to bear the balance cost. The President said they had already received a high response. Among the private contributors are the Ceylinco Group of Companies, John Keells Group of Companies, Laugfs Gas Company, the Nawaloka Group of Companies, Dialog GSM, the Ceylon Tobacco Company, N.B. Foods, the Bathiya Company, the Euro Nippon International Company, the C.A. Company, the M.C. Bank, Harsha International Company, General Sales Company and Cargills Private Ltd. The Assistant Customs Director Ranjan Piyasiri Danthanarayana has also made a contribution. In addition, Chairman of Ceylinco Group of Companies Lalith Kotelawala donated 100 million rupees to the Mahinda Rajapakse International Stadium, which is under construction in Homagama. Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapakse, Chairman of the Strategic Enterprise Management Institute Willie Gamage and Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle were present.

Army Commander Interviewed by ITN part 1/12

Army Commander Interviewed by ITN part 10/12

Army Commander Interviewed by ITN part 11/12

Army Commander Interviewed by ITN part 12/12

Army Commander Interviewed by ITN part 2/12