South Africa overwhelmed a brittle Sri Lanka by an innings and 81 runs at Centurion with victory sealed before tea on the third day when Vernon Philander claimed his tenth wicket of the match. The home side’s bowlers needed just 39.1 overs to dismantle the opposition batting line-up for a second time to reinforce the pre-series predictions that this could be a very one-sided contest.
Sri Lanka’s cricket has taken a worrying nosedive since they finished runners up at the World Cup. Even then there were rumblings of discontent and now their on-field performances are suffering. This limp second innings followed previous collapses this year against England at Cardiff (82), Australia at Galle (105) and further problems in UAE against Pakistan. There is no shame in being beaten by South Africa at Centurion – this was their 13th victory in 17 Tests at the venue – but Sri Lanka barely put up a fight. Across two innings the batting lasted 86.5 overs; less than a day’s play.
Philander continued to pile up the records with match figures of 10 for 102 to make it four five-wicket hauls in six Test innings. Dale Steyn could easily have had a bagful himself with probing late swing at pace and he regularly beat the outside edge. Morne Morkel continued to be a concern with another erratic display but produced a rising delivery to remove Thilan Samaraweera which will have been a confidence booster. South Africa were also gifted Mahela Jayawardene’s wicket when he contrived to run himself out trying for a run that would have taken him to 10,000 in Test cricket. The confusion summed up Sri Lanka’s state of mind.
South Africa 411 (de Villiers 99, Boucher 65, Smith 61) beat Sri Lanka 180 (Philander 5-53, Steyn 4-18) and 150 (Philander 5-49) by an innings and 81 runs
(ESPN)
December 17, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Results of the G.C.E Advanced Level results will be definitely issued on Monday(19), Deputy Minister of Education Gamini Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa told the parliament today(17). Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake yesterday said the Advanced Level results may be released on Monday(19).
However, when contacted Commissioner General of Examinations Anura Edirisinghe said the results will not be released on Monday(19).
(JNW)
December 17, 2011 at 10:00 am
It wasn’t all one-way traffic on the second day in Centurion but South Africa ended in a very commanding position, having built a lead of 209 with AB de Villiers’ 99 the cornerstone of their innings. He and Ashwell Prince added a crucial 97-run stand for the sixth wicket, which was supplemented by a useful hand from the under-pressure Mark Boucher, after Sri Lanka had hauled themselves back into the contest with a spirited display .
The difference in the quality of the attacks was on stark display because even though Sri Lanka had periods where they were on top, they couldn’t sustain pressure throughout. When Jacques Kallis, who had taken a nasty blow on the helmet from Dilhara Fernando before lunch, was caught at third slip South Africa were 173 for 5 and an even contest wasn’t far away. However, despite a number of near-misses the visitors couldn’t strike again until the lead was close to three figures and Boucher’s unbeaten 49 ensured there was no way back for Sri Lanka. By the close the last five wickets had added 216.
Sri Lanka were convinced they had de Villiers caught behind on 69 – when the score was 273 for 6 – off Angelo Mathews, who had just removed Prince to offer a glimmer of hope. Tillakaratne Dilshan immediately asked for a review. There was a faint, and very short-lived, mark on the inside edge shown by Hot Spot but not enough conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision. Dilshan’s reaction suggested he thought otherwise.
By the time de Villiers was removed, slashing low to point one short of his 13th Test hundred, South Africa were forging ahead. de Villiers’ dismissal was notable, however, as the batsman took the fielder’s word that the ball had carried; it was the type of catch third umpires have often turned down.
Given that the pitch retained plenty of help for the pace bowlers it was an exceptional innings from de Villiers who reined in his natural instincts, with his fifty taking 91 balls. He gained some criticism for being over aggressive against Australia but judged the requirements perfectly on this occasion, yet never missed an opportunity to score whether through sweet straight driving or powerful pulling.
South Africa 389 for 9 (de Villiers 99, Boucher 49*, Tahir 24*) lead Sri Lanka 180 by 209 runs
(ESPN)
December 16, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Cut off marks required to enter popular schools based on Grade 5 scholarship Sinhala medium examination results will be issued on Monday, the Ministry of Education said. The cut off marks to enter popular schools based on Grade 5 scholarship Tamil medium examination results will be released after December 25, the Ministry added.
(JNW)
December 16, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Final report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission has been presented to the parliament by the Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva. Speaking at the occassion the Minister said, the government has already taken measures with regard to some recommendations mentioned in the report.
The commission has pointed out that all parties should act united to take decisions with regard to the recommendations made by it. Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva stated that the government totally agrees with it.
The commission has also submitted several valuable suggestions with regard to land disputes. The government has already given priority for the resettlement of IDPs and providing basic facilities to them. All families displaced owing to the conflict will be resettled in their native places. The government also accepts LLRC proposal to appoint a national land commission. Furthermore, it will totally ban the private possession of illegal weapons as well.
(JNW)
December 16, 2011 at 10:39 am
G.C.E. Advanced Level results may be released on Monday(19), Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake said. “All problems with regard to the issuing z-scores for the Advanced Level results have been solved. Therefore, results may be issued by 19th Monday”, he stated.
However, when contacted Commissioner General of Examinations Anura Edirisinghe said the results will not be released on Monday(19).
“The committee appointed to determine how to issue z-score for the Advanced Level results of the old and new syllabuses have asked for more information from the Examination Department. We will hand over them to the committee on Monday. If they reach a final decision, the department will be able to release results within several days”, the Exam’s Chief disclosed.
(JNW)
December 16, 2011 at 10:10 am
Predicting Test cricket in recent weeks has been a fool’s game, but the opening day at Centurion went largely according to expectations as Sri Lanka struggled to handle the home side’s bowling attack on a helpful pitch. Vernon Philander continued his prolific emergence with his third five-wicket haul in three matches – making him just the fifth bowler to achieve the feat – as Sri Lanka crumbled to 180. Although Graeme Smith fell moments before the close it was emphatically South Africa’s day and they are on course for a handsome lead.
As they had against Australia, Philander and Dale Steyn combined to do much of the damage with nine wickets between them which ensured a poor day for Morne Morkel didn’t seriously cost the home side. After being inserted on a green pitch there were low expectations for Sri Lanka so three down at lunch represented a decent morning’s work and then during the afternoon 156 for 4 was the basis for a competitive total. However, Sri Lanka have dealt in some serious collapses this year and here they registered a demise of 6 for 24 in five overs with Philander and Steyn both claiming two wickets in two balls.
South Africa 90 for 1 (Rudolph 27, Steyn 0*) trail Sri Lanka 180 (Mathews 38, Philander 5-53, Steyn 4-18) by 90 runs
(ESPN)
December 15, 2011 at 10:10 pm
The U.S. military officially ended its war in Iraq on Thursday, rolling up its flag at a low-key ceremony with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta nearly nine bloody years after the invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.
“After a lot of blood spilled by Iraqis and Americans, the mission of an Iraq that could govern and secure itself has become real,” Panetta said at the ceremony outside Baghdad’s still heavily-fortified airport.
Almost 4,500 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis lost their lives in the war that began with a “Shock and Awe” campaign of missiles pounding Baghdad, but descended into sectarian strife and a surge in U.S. troop numbers.
U.S. soldiers rolled up the flag of American forces in Iraq and slipped it into a camouflage-colored sleeve in a brief, symbolically ending the most unpopular U.S. military venture since the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 70s.
The remaining 4,000 American troops will withdraw by the end of the year, leaving behind a country still tackling a weakened but stubborn Islamist insurgency, sectarian tensions and political uncertainty.
“Iraq will be tested in the days ahead, by terrorism, by those who would seek to divide, by economic and social issues,” Panetta told the rows of assembled U.S. soldiers and embassy officials at the ceremony. “Challenges remain, but the United States will be there to stand by the Iraqi people.”
Saddam is dead, executed in 2006, while an uneasy politics is at work and the violence has ebbed. But Iraq still struggles with insurgents, a fragile power-sharing government and an oil-reliant economy plagued by power shortages and corruption.
U.S. President Barack Obama, who made an election promise to bring troops home, told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki that Washington will remain a loyal partner after the last troops roll across the Kuwaiti border.
(Reuters)
December 15, 2011 at 8:45 pm
The Lotus Pond – Mahinda Rajapakse National Performing Arts Theatre constructed at the Nomands Ground in Colombo 07, was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapakse a short while ago.
Construction of the Theatre began in May 2008 and the total cost of the project was Rs. 3,080 million. Forty percent of the total cost of the project was provided by the Chinese government as a grant.
This five-storeyed building complex has a floor area of 14,000 square metres. The Lotus Pond in Polonnaruwa has given inspiration to the architecture of this theatre.
It is equipped with ultra modern facilities such as an auditorium with 1,288 seats, parking facilities for 500 vehicles, library and training facilities. There are also facilities to conduct educational and research activities.
(JNW)
December 15, 2011 at 6:20 pm
A 350 meter high, multifunctional TV and Telecommunication Tower to be constructed in Colombo, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. It would be able to used by 50 telecasting services. 10 telecommunication services and 50 radio broadcasting services, he disclosed.
(JNW)
December 15, 2011 at 2:30 pm
The cabinet of ministers has decided to implement a policy to conduct a health assessment for the resident visa applicants to Sri Lanka, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. This would be carried out according to a proposal made by Minister of Health Maithreepala Sirisena.
With the increased development activities taking place in the country after the conflict situation, it has been observed that quite a large number of foreigners obtain resident visas to Sri Lanka to participate in investment and other related activities.
Accordingly, an Immigration Health Unit will be established at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to verify the health assessment documents of those immigrants
(JNW)
December 15, 2011 at 12:22 pm
The government has decided to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. It will put into act according to the voluntary pledge given in the course of its participation at the Universal Periodic Review meeting at the UNHRC in 2008, the Minister disclosed.
The government considers it important to implement the Human Right Action Plan to enable successful engagement with several international human rights organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council.
On a proposal made by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, it was decided to convene an Inter-ministerial committee under his chairmanship and further to undertake initial work for Sri Lanka’s participation in the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review in October 2012.
(JNW)
December 15, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Railway line from Kalutara to Aluthgama will be closed for renovation from January 01, the Department of Railways said. The Kalutara-Galle railway line is scheduled to be open after the renovation in March next year, it disclosed.
(JNW)
December 15, 2011 at 11:28 am
One of the reasons for the setbacks Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered is the politics within the game of cricket, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage has said. “It’s worse than our politics”, Minister Aluthgamage told the parliament at the debate held on the vote on account of the Ministry of Sports today(14).
“Sri Lankan cricket team should not have suffer continuous defeats against Pakistan team, since it has the capabilities to counter them. Therefore, I am not willing to accept those defeats” , he said. However, the Minister said all the problems within the team were discussed and have been solved.
“The team went to South Africa with much expectations. If the current team does not deliver, then I am ready to prepare a team for the next World Cup using the players of Sri Lanka ‘A’ team”, the Minister emphasized.
(JNW)
December 14, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Stern laws will be introduced to prevent sports personnel using banned substances, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage said. Accordingly, they will be imposed with a life ban for sports if found guilty of using them, he told the parliament today(14).
(JNW)
December 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Dilan Perera says an electronic digit card will be issued for Sri Lankan migrant workers through the state banks from December 18. It will be able to use as a debt card as well as an identity card that could be produced abroad.
“Since this card will carry a photo and information about its holder, he or she will be able to overcome if any difficulty is faced in a foreign country”, the Minister told a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday(13).
(JNW)
December 14, 2011 at 6:51 am
Army is ready to transport, distribute and sell vegetables if needed, Army Spokesman Brigadier Nihal Hapuarachchi said.
(JNW)
December 13, 2011 at 5:10 pm
