President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan delegation arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Indonesia yesterday. Indonesian Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng and Indonesian children welcomed the President on his arrival at the airport. Here an Indonesian child presenting a bouquet to the President. President Rajapaksa will be attending the two-day Bali Democracy Forum IV, on an invitation extended by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. External Affairs Minister Prof. G L Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardane, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Chief of Staff to the President, Gamini Senarath, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Indonesia, Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi were present on this occasion. Picture by Sudath Silva

Wild elephants to be insured

The National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) is making arrangements to insure wild elephants in the country in collaboration with the Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry. Discussions regarding this insurance scheme are to be finalised next week. All measures are in place to initiate this programme from January 2012, said NITF chairman Senaka Abeygunasekara.

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President in Bali for Democracy Forum IV

President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, Indonesia yesterday to attend the Bali Democracy Forum IV. The President and the delegation who arrived at the airport around 5.00 p.m (Sri Lanka time) was warmly received by Sports and Indonesian Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng,

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No Opposition member to move the cut

The committee stage debate on the Appropriation Bill on the financial Heads of five ministries yesterday was commenced by Livestock and Rural Community Development Deputy Minister H R Mithrapala. He did so since opening speaker from the Opposition who moved the cut and opens the debate as is the tradition, was absent when his name was called by the Chair.

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Lankans among chief gold smugglers into Chennai

Chennai airport is seeing a steady build-up of gold smuggling cases this year compared to last year. A senior customs official said Sri Lankans and Indians returning from Malaysia were involved in most cases registered in Chennai. Over 63 smuggling cases have been registered at Chennai airport since April 2011, against 45 cases last year.

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