Monthly archive

At least 3,000 pregnant women have fled the fighting in Northern Sri Lanka in recent days and some 350 will give birth in the next month, according to estimates by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. The Ministry of Health has dispatched another 100 doctors to the rehabilitation camps in the North to cope with the situation, a Ministry spokes man said. With increasing influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the UNFPA is also stepping up its support for the health and safety of women and girls affected by the conflict, particularly those who are pregnant.Around 15 percent of women giving birth will develop complications that require blood transfusions or emergency surgical care.

By Thalif Deen, Inter Press Service

When the 192-nation General Assembly meets next week to elect 18 new members to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council (HRC), most of the candidates will win their seats without breaking a political sweat because of the almost entirely non-competitive nature of the vote. With the make-up of the 47-member HRC based on geographic composition, three out of five regional groups are fielding candidates to match the number of vacant seats, thereby "eliminating any meaningful competition and comparative scrutiny of candidates," according to a coalition of over 30 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Editor – Sri Lanka, Asian Tribune

After 30 years, Buddhists in the Jaffna peninsula and in Batticaloa celebrated Vesak on Friday, commemorating the birth of Buddha, his attaining Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana. "With the dawn of peace into the North, this seems a significant development towards the government's effort to unite the country", a Batticaloa resident said. "Colorful lanterns made from bamboo frames, Buddhist flags and other decorations were on displayed everywhere, even in the Jaffna peninsula."

M.A Qader-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Bangladesh

Main opposition BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain on Friday said the government sent the second notice to party chief Khaleda Zia on Thursday last regarding her house only to tarnish her image. In Thursday's notice, Khaleda was asked to show cause as to why she should not be asked to return the estate, including the house, within the next 15 days. However, BNP did not disclose receiving of notice till midnight. The BNP secretary general said the matter would be resolved in court. "It was needless to send the notice again as the matter is pending with the High Court," he said talking to reporters at his home in the city's Armanitola adding will give the reply of second notice as per law since his party chief Khaleda respects the law of the land.

By Wajid Ali Syed – Washington Correspondent for Asian Tribune

US House Appropriation Committee has approved $1.9 billion supplemental aid for Pakistan to help IDPs, food security and counter insurgency. The designated amount is above than the requested; Pakistan’s Ambassador to US informed the media. At a briefing today Ambassador Haqqani said the allocation means that the misconception about Pakistan, among the Congressmen, has been washed away. The funding actually required presidential report to Congress on whether Afghanistan and Pakistan were demonstrating the necessary commitment, capability and conduct.

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan

About 143 militants have been killed during the military offensive in Swat in the last 24 hours, Pakistan army says on Friday. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said the security forces will remain in the valley until the government's writ is established. ‘The army is now engaged in a full-scale operation to eliminate miscreants,’ Major General Athar Abbas said. ‘They are on the run and trying to block the exodus of civilians from the area. During the last 24 hours approximately over 140 militants have been killed in different areas,’ he said.

By Quintus Perera – Asian Tribune

Acuity – the stock brokering arm of HNB and DFCC indicated that Market opened on a positive note this week and remained bullish with the indices touching a new high for 2009 on improved activity. Investors continued to pick undervalued blue chip counters, pushing indices to the highest close since November 2008. All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed the week at 1896.0 points improved by a notable 57.6 points or 3.1% compared to the last week, while the Milanka Price Index (MPI) was up by 98.3 points or 5.0% to close at 2061.4 points. JKH remained the hot pick this week as the counter traded 4.0 million shares, adding closer to 25% or Rs.306.1 million towards week’s turnover amidst a string of crossings. JKH saw its share price rise by 8.3% during the week, to close at Rs.78.00 per share, while trading at a high of Rs.78.75 and a low of Rs.72.50 per share.