Sri Lankan president arrives on three-day official visit

Kathmandu, 29 Oct: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived Thursday on a rescheduled three-day official visit ahead of planed Maoists anti-government protests Sunday.
He laves for home Saturday before the launch of the agitation.
Security for the visitor was tight.
Roads were closed for vehicular from the airport to Soaltee Hotel for one hour for enhanced security.
The president goes on a pilgrimage to Lumbini Friday.
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CPN-UML lawmakers ask govt. not seek solution outside parliament

Kathmandu, 29 Oct: CPN-UML lawmakers asked government Thursday not to bypass parliament to pass the annual budget 2009/10.
The budget hasn’t been approved with Maoist obstruction of legislative proceedings for more than five months.
The lawmakers asked government led by CPN-UML to seek a consensus with Maoists.
Government is contemplating use of force, proroguing parliament and promulgation on an ordinance to enforce the budget.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, three days ahead of the threatened Maoist protest, suggested amendment in the constitution to meet Maoist demands.
Maoists at one time had demanded amendment to clearly define powers of the president.
Maoists have adopted a hard attitude to government.
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Curfew in Bara

Kathmandu, 29 Oct: Local administration Bara slaped a curfew around Kasuwa area after violence broke out Thursday over granting of a fish pond tender without contract.
Police fired several rounds of teargas shells to control rioters.
Curfew continued for the second day Thursday in Bhojpur where Maoists attacked and seriously injured a campus chief there.
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