Index

We wish our readers a merry Christmas
		Today's Top News Economy in crisis — GDP growth near zero, budget deficit zooming The national economic growth is projected to fall to near-zero this year — 0.5% according to reliable estimates — down from 6% in 2000, with a considerable slowing in the import-export trade, tourism and industrial activities according to a state-of-the-economy brief provided to the new government. Full story
The festival of Christmas comes once a year. And the traditional crib reminisces the birth of Jesus Christ which took place in Bethlehem in Judea over 2000 years ago. - (Picture by Jude Denzil Pathiraja)


		*Christmas at Crescat* Boulevard**

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		Central Bank Governor A. S. Jayawardena presenting a memento to K. N. Choksy shortly after he assumed office as the country’s new Finance Minister last week. Deputy Minister Bandula Gunawardena is also in the picture. - (Pic by Siripala Halwala)
NEWS
Offensive operations will cease but forces on high alert Vital gazette still not out, delay in CBK’s office? Archbishop’s Christmas message stresses Change in political culture and creation of new Sri Lankan society Committee to resolve ethnic conflict Island Capers Cherry picking? PM’s India visit raises peace hopes Probe into mystery death of two brothers arrested by STF Monk and murder suspect make debut in parliament Attempted jail-break from Galle prison One dead, two injured, one escapes Three PA politicians evading police arrest Astrology paper apologises for rigging election forecast PM’s battle for peace begins with President Malinga needs urgent surgery Dinuka needs your help Cancer cases shoot up


		MP-elect D. M. Dassanayake who has been remanded in connection with election-related violence was given special permission to attend the opening of the new session of Parliament last week. He is pictured here in the parliamentary complex with a prison officer who escorted him. - (Pic by Eranga Jayawardena)
FEATURES
Christmas comes but once a year Thoughts on the advent to the Season X-Mas the season for caring, sharing and forgiving Bethlehem's brightest star shine on Review Mirage Joys of the season Ranbanda Seneviratne: You did not forsake us there where the Yoda Ela bends PEOPLE and Events In the midst of the festivities, time’s winged chariot A new Buddhist Economic Development Model Ministerial allocations: A management nightmare! The communication process and the politician "Six thousand miles from where I was born, at last I had come home"

BUSINESS
Sri Lanka vows to revive economic reforms Local and foreign companies take profit on stock market Sri Lanka economy heads for more trouble Coconut crop downturn sends oil prices up to record heights Policies for Economic Growth The Importance of the American Market for Developing Countries Colombo -7 condominium wins contractors’ excellence award National Equity saw unit value surge 22% in Oct.-Nov. Employees’ compensation drives Ceylon Brewery into mid-year red Shell-Laugfs in a fresh battle over autogas American & Ceylon Chambers link to help education & skills development Bartleet’s weekly market commentary

DEFENCE
Peace moves going according to new government’s plan Cops and robbers Personal Perspective Second Time Round

Kalyx fashion show at the Hilton
LEISURE
Trail blazers in men’s fashions Health Visual problems due to nervous disorders Destiny Child's 8 days of Christmas Shaggy on Swarnavahini Osteoarthritis Geoffrey Bawa presented world’s top architectural honour The splendour of Thebes A Jungle Party

SPORTS
Proposal to rename De Soyza Stadium, Moratuwa Pakistan’s Women’s cricketers hopeful of a good tour Well done Sri Lanka but don’t discard the drawing board Are ICC Match Referees necessary? A ringside physician introduced for first time in Sri Lanka’s boxing Wesleyite Mahendra Dissanayake excels in both sports and studies
Mahela Jayawardena Star of Sri Lanka	Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

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