In brief
Sentence
Colombo High Court sentenced two Airforce men to nine years imprisonment on 7 February. They are accused of entering the home of Sunday Times journalist Iqbal Athas in February 1998 and threatening him with death.
Arrest
Four soldiers were arrested by police in connection with the abduction and rape of a British tourist on 5 February in Polonnaruwa District.
Custody
Gangster Moratuwa Saman was taken into custody by police in Mt Lavinia relating to the murder of Rohana Kumara, editor of Sinhala journal Satana (Battle) in September 1999.
Nomination
Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s senior member and Hambantota MP Mahinda Rajapakse was nominated on 4 February as leader of the Opposition.
Pongu Thamil
Huge crowds participated in Pongu Thamil rallies held in Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Mannar and Trincomalee in February, demanding the recognition of the Tamil right to self-determination.
Elected
Jayalalitha Jayaram won the by-election in Andipitty electorate on 21 February in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, by a majority of 41,000 votes. She was appointed Chief Minister of the state on 2 March.
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