In brief
Language
President Chandrika directed all government departments in early July to recruit more Tamil staff to give effect to constitutional provisions which entitle citizens to transact official business in Sinhala or Tamil language.
Arrested
Sicilian police arrested 350 illegal immigrants, including Sri Lankans on 18 July. Indonesian police took into custody 22 Sri Lankans attempting to go to Australia on 28 July from Kupang in West Timor.
Reform
Over 55 people were injured when police dispersed students demonstrating in Colombo on 30 July against educational reforms. Under new plans students will study three subjects for university entrance instead of the current four and face an aptitude test.
Stranded
Over 2,500 people are stranded in Trincomalee from 3 July following disruption of ship services to Jaffna. North-East Governor Gamini Fonseka ordered payment of Rs 50 a day for each person from 1 August.
Deserters
The Army announced a two-week amnesty for 10,000 deserters beginning on 10 July. Reports say by the end of the month 4,200 had reported for duties. Army deserters are alleged to be involved in murders and robberies in southern areas.