News for 'Rajapaksas'

Sri Lanka pulls out of SAARC summit

Sri Lanka pulls out of SAARC summit

Rediff.com30 Sep 2016

"Sri Lanka regrets that the prevailing environment in the region is not conducive for holding the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj in Lanka ahead of Modi visit

External Affairs Minister Swaraj in Lanka ahead of Modi visit

Rediff.com6 Mar 2015

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Colombo on Friday on a two-day trip to set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka next week, the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian premier in over 25 years.

Tamil mood simmers yet again thanks to Lanka

Tamil mood simmers yet again thanks to Lanka

Rediff.com6 Aug 2014

The Sri Lankan cartoon faux pas has revived the slackening pan-Tamil mood in Tamil Nadu, says N Sathiya Moorthy

Lanka's ruling party, opposition sign pact

Lanka's ruling party, opposition sign pact

Rediff.com23 Oct 2006

The cooperation of the two main parties will be useful to pass required laws in parliament if required to implement any decisions taken at the negotiating table.

President Pranab to attend Mandela's memorial service

President Pranab to attend Mandela's memorial service

Rediff.com9 Dec 2013

President will lead a five-member delegation to the memorial service.

India condemns suicide attack in Sri Lanka

India condemns suicide attack in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com26 Apr 2006

The Sri Lankan President appreciated India's gesture and thanked it for the support and solidarity shown, the statement said.

Grand opening to South Asian Games

Grand opening to South Asian Games

Rediff.com18 Aug 2006

A spectacular opening ceremony, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, marked the start of the 10th edition of the Games, in Colombo on Friday.

India played key role in polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil areas: CM

India played key role in polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil areas: CM

Rediff.com8 Oct 2013

India played an instrumental role in ensuring the holding of polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil-dominated Northern Province and it must now assist in rebuilding the war-ravaged region, newly elected Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran said on Tuesday

The Office of Missing Persons

The Office of Missing Persons

Rediff.com23 Nov 2018

Few debut novels in recent times have been received with such critical applause as Akil Kumarasamy's Half Gods. 'The prose itself is a marvel,' declared The New York Times Book Review. A glimpse of Akil Kumaraswamy's ability to 'distill the mysteries of the human soul', revealed in this excerpt from her story The Office of Missing Persons.

PM Modi arrives in Frankfurt on his way home

PM Modi arrives in Frankfurt on his way home

Rediff.com1 Oct 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Frankfurt en route to New Delhi after concluding his visit to the US where he met President Barack Obama and agreed to make joint efforts to dismantle terrorist safe havens besides stepping up cooperation in defence, energy, economy and space.

The rise and rise of Bangladesh

The rise and rise of Bangladesh

Rediff.com12 Jul 2019

'Beijing is comfortable with Hasina's pragmatism -- perceived as 'pro-India', but staying out of Indian orbit and receptive to forging close ties with China and yet, siding with neither neighbour,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Sushma meets foreign envoys in New York

Sushma meets foreign envoys in New York

Rediff.com25 Sep 2014

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of seven countries, including the United Kingdom, on the sidelines of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.

5 Indian fishermen on death row in Sri Lanka to be released

5 Indian fishermen on death row in Sri Lanka to be released

Rediff.com12 Nov 2014

What comes as a relief to five families, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has agreed to pardon and release the five Tamil fishermen serving a death sentence for drug smuggling in the island nation.

Sri Lanka cricket hits new low as India series beckons

Sri Lanka cricket hits new low as India series beckons

Rediff.com11 Jul 2017

Taking the series 3-2 in Hambantota, 11th-ranked Zimbabwe registered its maiden series win in Sri Lanka, and first overseas triumph in eight years.

More than 100 buried alive, hundreds missing in Sri Lanka landslide

More than 100 buried alive, hundreds missing in Sri Lanka landslide

Rediff.com30 Oct 2014

At least 10 persons were killed and up to 300 missing on Wednesday after a massive landslide triggered by monsoon rains struck central Sri Lanka, forcing authorities to deploy the army to conduct rescue operations.

60 pc turnout for polls in Sri Lanka's former LTTE bastion

60 pc turnout for polls in Sri Lanka's former LTTE bastion

Rediff.com21 Sep 2013

Voters in Sri Lanka's Tamil majority Northern Province on Saturday began voting in the first local elections in 25 years to elect a council to govern the former war zone, four years after the military defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam after decades of bloody civil war.

Lanka to issue absence certificates for 16,000 disappeared persons

Lanka to issue absence certificates for 16,000 disappeared persons

Rediff.com5 Mar 2014

As many as 16,000 Sri Lankans -- who disappeared during the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam -- will be issued certificates of absence instead of death certificates, head of a probe panel said on Wednesday.

Muslims offer Friday prayers under military protection in Sri Lanka after riots

Muslims offer Friday prayers under military protection in Sri Lanka after riots

Rediff.com9 Mar 2018

Several homes, businesses and mosques in the hilly Kandy district have been damaged in anti-Muslim riots.

Set to be NSA, Ajit Doval has his work cut out

Set to be NSA, Ajit Doval has his work cut out

Rediff.com27 May 2014

Ajit Doval, former director of the Intelligence Bureau and the likely NSA, has an enviable record for courage under fire, reports Vicky Nanjappa/Rediff.com

President hosts dinner for SAARC leaders, PM Modi

President hosts dinner for SAARC leaders, PM Modi

Rediff.com27 May 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday night hosted a dinner for visiting South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi where the guests were treated to a variety of dishes drawn from various parts of the country.

'Is your faith so fragile that a mere film can provoke mindless outrage?'

'Is your faith so fragile that a mere film can provoke mindless outrage?'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2014

A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.

Villagers celebrate homecoming of fishermen released from Sri Lanka

Villagers celebrate homecoming of fishermen released from Sri Lanka

Rediff.com21 Nov 2014

oyous and emotional scenes were witnessed at Thanachimadam village in Tamil Nadu where celebrations broke out on the arrival of 5 fishermen, who had escaped the gallows after spending 3 years in a Sri Lankan prison, with families and friends greeting them.

Vijay: All issues over release of Kaththi resolved

Vijay: All issues over release of Kaththi resolved

Rediff.com21 Oct 2014

The A R Murugadoss-directed action film had run into rough weather with about 150 groups, under an umbrella organisation spearheaded by T Velmurugan, opposing the movie alleging that producer Lyca Productions were close to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapajksa.

Pak army chief's visit to Male must worry India

Pak army chief's visit to Male must worry India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2018

'Without doubt, General Bajwa has deliberately snubbed India.' 'But why did he do that?' 'The Male leadership is simply fed up with Indian interference,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Fresh violence in Lanka's Kandy; Internet shut

Fresh violence in Lanka's Kandy; Internet shut

Rediff.com7 Mar 2018

Arson attacks continued on Wednesday and Muslim-owned businesses were targeted by the mobs.

India, ISIS, Sri Lanka and the US: What's going on?

India, ISIS, Sri Lanka and the US: What's going on?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2019

In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, allegations have been made that the Muslim militants in Sri Lanka draw sustenance from India. An overarching impression is being created that the ISIS is gaining ground in India, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Relations with neighbour may be sour, but we would still invite them to a wedding at home'

'Relations with neighbour may be sour, but we would still invite them to a wedding at home'

Rediff.com22 May 2014

Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's invite to the heads of governments of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation-member countries has the stamp of approval of not only President Pranab Mukherjee but also the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Cricket Buzz: England told to stay vigilant amid Lanka political crisis

Cricket Buzz: England told to stay vigilant amid Lanka political crisis

Rediff.com30 Oct 2018

England, who have won both the one-day and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, play a two-day practice match in Colombo before heading to Galle which hosts the first of the three Test matches from November 6.

President, PM condemn serial blasts in Mahabodhi temple

President, PM condemn serial blasts in Mahabodhi temple

Rediff.com7 Jul 2013

Expressing deep anguish over the blasts, President Mukherjee said it was a "senseless act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks who had gathered to worship at this temple dedicated to the great apostle of peace -- Gautam Buddha", while Prime Minister Singh said such attacks on religious places will "never be tolerated".

UN agrees to defer Sri Lanka's war crime report

UN agrees to defer Sri Lanka's war crime report

Rediff.com17 Feb 2015

The UNHRC agreed to defer the report on Sri Lanka's alleged human rights violations.

President to host lavish dinner for VVIPs

President to host lavish dinner for VVIPs

Rediff.com25 May 2014

Gujarati popular dish kela methi nu shaak, mouth-watering chicken chettinad from Tamil Nadu, Punjab's dal makhani and Bengali dish Potol Dorma will be served at a private dinner hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee for visiting foreign dignitaries on Monday.

Jaya had her revenge, but Karunanidhi won the war

Jaya had her revenge, but Karunanidhi won the war

Rediff.com8 Aug 2018

Sandhya Ravishankar describes the thorny relationship between the two political titans of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa, both now part of the ages.

Why are our neighbours wary?

Why are our neighbours wary?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

Blackmail on one side and bullying on the other doesn't make for a constructive partnership, says Sunanda K Datta-Ray.

'Modi's invitation to SAARC leaders was a masterstroke'

'Modi's invitation to SAARC leaders was a masterstroke'

Rediff.com26 May 2014

Narendra Modi has sent across a very strong message to the states that they may have their concerns but not the last word on foreign policy, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing C D Sahay, tells Vicky Nanjappa.

215 killed as blasts rock Sri Lanka on Easter

215 killed as blasts rock Sri Lanka on Easter

Rediff.com21 Apr 2019

Seven persons had been arrested in connection with the blasts.

Don't worry India, China has no military presence in Lanka: SL Army chief

Don't worry India, China has no military presence in Lanka: SL Army chief

Rediff.com27 Oct 2014

Sri Lanka's Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera on Monday allayed India's fears on increasing Chinese military presence in the island nation, as he categorically stated that his nation will never compromise on India's national security or for that matter of any other country.

Now TN parties want India to stop training Lankan navy

Now TN parties want India to stop training Lankan navy

Rediff.com3 Dec 2013

After stepping up attacks on the Union government over India's participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka last month, chorus is mounting in Tamil Nadu among opposition parties over the country's offer to train Sri Lankan Naval personnel.

Govt formation discussions in BJP gain momentum

Govt formation discussions in BJP gain momentum

Rediff.com23 May 2014

Consultations within the Bharatiya Janata Party on government formation gained momentum on Friday with Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi holding a long meeting with party chief Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders.

10 days after Sri Lanka's Easter blasts, questions remain

10 days after Sri Lanka's Easter blasts, questions remain

Rediff.com1 May 2019

Even as the polity find ways and means to address the genuine concerns and fears of the society, the Sri Lankan State apparatus would have to unravel these mystery-questions with convincing answers, and a road-map to the future, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

In Sri Lanka, Pope gives message of 'respect for all'

In Sri Lanka, Pope gives message of 'respect for all'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2015

Pope Francis on Tuesday called for respect of human rights and healing of racial and religious hatred as he arrived on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, days after a new government assumed power in the country.