World Indigenous People's Day this year in Vakarai in the Batticaloa

World Indigenous People's Day this year in Vakarai in the Batticaloa[ Thursday, 07 July 2011, 04:13.30 AM GMT +05:30 ]The indigenous people of Sri Lanka are to commemorate the World Indigenous People's Day this year in Vakarai in the Batticaloa district of the Eastern Province.

World Indigenous People's Day will be held on 30 and 31 July and the Sri Lankan indigenous Veddah community leader Uruwarige Wanniyaleththo has extended an invitation to the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa to participate in the ceremony.

This invitation was extended by chief of Uruwarige Wannilaahthto at the President's House in Kandy yesterday.

The Veddah Chief says that all indigenous people living in various parts of the island will be invited for this ceremony.

Vakarai, the area where the ceremony will be held this year is famous for Muhudu Veddah community who makes their living by indigenous fishing.

Vakarai was once the stronghold of the Tamil Tiger rebels in the Eastern Province.

Sri Lanka's state radio Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation reported today the President had focused his attention on the problems of the indigenous people and 500 million rupees had been allocated for the welfare of the Veddah community.

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Under world leader Neluwa Priyantha shot dead by the police

Under world leader Neluwa Priyantha shot dead by the police[ Monday, 04 July 2011, 04:52.58 AM GMT +05:30 ]A most wanted criminal was shot dead by the police Special Task Force in Sooriyawewa last night.

Police spokesman SSP Priyashantha Jayakody said that underworld leader Neluwa Priyantha was killed when he attempted open fire on the STF after he was arrested.

Neluwa Priyantha was wanted over several murders and crimes and had been evading arrest over a long period of time.

After his arrest, the suspect was taken to a location where it was believed that he had a cache of weapon hidden.

When the hidden weapons were found the suspect had attempted to use one to attack the police forcing the police to open fire.

In the ensuing confrontation the suspect was killed, the police media spokesman said.

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