thecolombotimes wishes a merry X-Mas and  a happy new year

A local investment company enters film making venture

 
Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
 
A local Investment company  - ABC Investments has now entered film making business and  plans to continue their film making for local and international theatres.
ABC Films PVT Ltd headed by Mr.John Shiran Dissanayaka says their first film is THE ROAD FROM ELEPHANT PASS authored by late Nihal de Silva , who won the state literary award for the best novel of 2003 and the Gratian Prize for 2003.
The company decided to invest Rs.24 million for this film and a veteran film producer Mr.Chandran Ratnum who is also the joint Managing Director at the ABC Films PVT Ltd  will direct the film.
The Muhurath Ulela of the film was held recently at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo with large participation such as film artists , Directors, producers and media.
“This film will shoot in Sri Lanka and the company plans to complete the production in August next year, said Mr. Ratnum.
“I read Nihal’s The Road From Elephant Pass .Before I completed the novel I had decided that I must make a motion picture of the book, said Ratnum .
Responding to media he  said that he wrote the film script and Nihal de Silva made his suggestions and corrections .
The ABC decided to film the film in the North Western province and plans to go international when it will completes.
According to the Chairman  of the National Film Corporation Asoka Serasingha , a number of foreign film makers and investors have shown their willingness to film their films in Sri Lanka .
“Some investors have signed agreements with local film makers to shoot their films here, he said.
However some film critics say that local film industry faces a verge of collapse due to the prevailing economic and war situation of the country.
End
 

 
Current Economy does not allocate a smooth situation for the masses-Dr.Hettigoda
 
Sunil C.Perera in Colombo
 
A veteran entrepreneur , Ayurvedic Physician and former Presidential election’s candidate Deshabandhu Dr.Victor Hettigoda says the current economy does not allocate a smooth situation for the masses and the government has no plans to protect Sri Lankan industries and other enterprises.
Speaking to media he said Sri Lanka must reduce its unwanted expenditure such as wastage funds for the large cabinet of ministers , for food imports and investing on unsuccessful projects.
“If Sri Lanka develops its own agricultural resources we can cultivate each land and become self sufficient on food.
However we need a lasting solution for the ongoing conflict, he said.
During last presidential Election Dr.Hettogoda had contested it and obtained a successful result and said if he becomes the president of Sri Lanka he will invite the LTTE leader to develop the country and be a member of the government.
“If he refuses to accept my invitation I will place my suggestion for the overseas governments and ask their suggestions to lasting peace into the country, he explained.
“Without Tamils and Muslims we cannot build a successful economy in Sri Lanka , he said.
He also proposed that Sri Lankan farmers need proper agri-market without buyer’s menace. He blamed the open market concept and said if the President J.R.J.did not opened the economy by 100 percent the local industries never dead.
“If the government gives priority for 50 percent for the local products we can improve local ventures and become self sufficient, he said.
He said he became joker during the Presidential election period due to his election manifesto.
“I proposed to give a milk cow to each house and setup a Grain Bank under the purview of the government. But the politicians criticized my proposals and said Hetigoda is a joker. Now the country wastes 17 billion rupee to import milk. If they understood and implemented my proposals  the government could improve the dairy industry and save billions of funds in Sri Lanka , he said.
He also proposes the current milk production in Sri Lanka must increase by 300 percent to face the international milk prices.
In India , the government does not import or use milk powder .They use liquid milk for their day to day purposes.
 
“ We must organise our polices and all plans should be prepared to cater the villages .At present the government has no plans to utilize overseas loans for the fruitful projects, he said.
At present Sri Lanka has 109 ministers. If a minister implement a new project per year , the country will receive 109  new projects per annum. During past few years the Great Britain faced IRA threats   and later they came into negotiated settlement. Sri Lanka needs similar type of settlement if we want to improve Sri Lanka, he said.
Speaking about local political Bikkus he said the Buddhist Bikkus and other religious leaders should not enter politics. They must guide the politicians and show the correct path.
During any election all masses excluding politicians become blind and vote for the broken promises. After the election the winning party destroy the country and become rich, he said.
He proposed that governments must follow good polices and develop the country if they love to the country and the masses.
End  

IOM on International Migrant's Day

On International Migrants’ Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says the successful management of global labour mobility can best be achieved through the implementation of comprehensive and cooperative policies that ensure protection of the rights of migrants and of temporary contractual workers. IOM is pleased to note recent strong indications that the world is ready for better management of global labour mobility.
“Protecting the human rights of migrants and of temporary contractual workers is paramount to ensuring global labour mobility delivers its full economic and human potential for the benefit of all
concerned,” says IOM’s Director General Brunson McKinley.
Labour mobility is a key feature of globalization with a significant impact on the global economy.
In 2007, migrant workers from developing countries sent home through formal channels more than US$240 billion, whilst at the same time making significant contributions to the economic growth
and prosperity of host countries. When effectively managed, interna
migrants acquire knowledge and skills which can promote development in the home country, as was highlighted during the Global Forum on Migration and Development held in Brussels in July 2007.
Despite their positive contribution to the global economy, migrant workers and temporary contractual labourers continue to face challenges in many parts of the world, including poor working conditions and various forms of abuse and discrimination.
To complement strong national legal frameworks, inter-state dialogue and cooperation on labour mobility are crucial for economic, developmental and social progress and are also the best
guarantee of respect for the human rights of migrants“Protecting the human rights of migrant and contractual workers can be achieved through strong partnerships between countries of origin and destination, agencies with an interest in labour mobility and other important partners such as the private sector,” says McKinley. “This is why IOM lends its support and expertise to regional dialogues, such as the very important Colombo Process of eleven Asian labour countries of origin.”
In January 2008, the Colombo Process ministers will meet in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Asian labour destination countries. “This meeting exemplifies the way countries of origin from Asia and countries of destination from the Gulf Cooperation Council can come together to find practical ways to improve the well-being of Asian contractual workers in the Gulf region,” says McKinley.
Whilst there is growing recognition that managed labour mobility is indispensable to global growth and development, much more needs to be done to ensure the safe and efficient matching of supplyand demand for global labour. Failing to recognize this will result in increased migrant smuggling,trafficking in persons and in more human rights violations.
“Promoting transparent recruitment and employment policies is essential to uphold the rights of migrants and contractual workers,” says Brunson McKinley. “Other measures to reduce their vulnerability include the provision of technical assistance to help countries identify their human resource needs and skills profiles as well as measures to facilitate the certification of qualifications.”
For IOM, preparing migrants and contractual labourers prior to their departure is also a critical step to ensuring they are aware of their rights and obligations.
In an increasingly mobile world, the international community needs to mobilize now to develop comprehensive and action-oriented approaches to manage labour mobility for the benefit of all.
End

In the guise of telephone officiers , Police enter photojournalist’s residence

 

The Free Media Movement (FMM) is disturbed to learn that officers of Criminal Investigation Division (CID) visited the residence of senior Reuters photojournalist Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi at Sarojinee Watta, Ratmalana at 11am on 11th December and questioned his wife. Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi was away covering a cricket match in Colombo. Disguised as telephone repairmen from the State telecoms provider Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), they had questioned his wife at length about his activities in the manner that they would interrogate a suspect of a serious crime.

Saying that they were from SLT, the CID personnel had first inquired Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi’s full name from the gate and then insisted that they check his phone (landline) as they had a list of contacts in the North and East to whom they wished to ascertain whether calls had been made. No ID was shown.

When they were informed that Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi worked at Reuters they pretended to not know about it.

Probing questions were asked on the details of Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi’s family, his wife’s family and his parent’s family. We are informed that their chief interest was in how often and how recently Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi visited the embattled North and East of Sri Lanka.

At the end of this de facto interrogation, one of them had shown their CID ID card and left. The FMM finds this incredible behaviour of the CID yet another marker of the culture of impunity and lawlessness that State authorities act under to quell media freedom. The CID knew full well that Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi was not at home.

Their questioning was meaningless and should they wished to know details of his work and travel, Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi is easily contactable. We can only interpret this chilling behaviour of the CID to be directly aimed at instilling fear and anxiety in the mind of not just Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi but all journalists who investigate and report on the conflict in Sri Lanka in a manner that does not toe the line of official propaganda.

We are also disturbed to note that Mr. Lokuhapuarachchi told the FMM that he feels his telephone conversations are being tapped of late.

Sadly, the intimidation of journalists in wartime is not new in Sri Lanka. What is disturbing today is the degree to which the Government, through its tacit support of these arbitrary actions of State authorities including the Military and Police, very gravely undermines media freedom and the freedom of expression.

The intimidation of journalists into silence is the mark of a totalitarian regime, the emergence of which in the South is cause for deep concern. The FMM deplores this incident and urgently calls upon the Government to respect the right of journalists to independently, accurately and impartially carry out their duties.

End

 

NO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP GIVEN TO MODERATE PEOPLE’S VIEWS
  

 

By Jehan Perera

The decision of the Supreme Court to order the dismantling of permanent security checkpoints and to facilitate the movement of traffic on public roads has suddenly changed the landscape of Colombo.  The well known checkpoints, at various entry points to the city, which often delayed the smooth flow of traffic, have a desolate appearance.  Almost immediately motorists took advantage of the court decision to park their vehicles on the sides of roads.  However, in a time of escalating war, this decision is likely to be one over which there will be a lot of heartburn.
 
In his judgment the Chief Justice Sarath N Silva said that waging war against the state is the severest of offences punishable with death and that members of the security forces have the fullest power to maintain public order and to take action against those who are waging war and are committing other related offenses.  He observed however that when action is directed against persons who are not thus engaged in war and committing related offenses, every precaution and safeguard had to be taken to minimize the resultant hardships.
 
It is unlikely that anyone with bombs in their vehicle would go through a permanent checkpoint knowing full well in advance that it is there, but would find an alternative way to get to their destination.  This is obviously what has been happening in the context of the bombings in Colombo and elsewhere.  The increased frequency in this type of attacks by multiple parties suggests that a new phase of the conflict has been entered, with non-combatants being targeted in order to gain the military upper hand.  This needs to be swiftly checked by national and international condemnation and pressure upon the culprits.

Despite the mass arrest of Tamils, stricter controls at check-points and night visits by armed forces personnel to Colombo households, the security situation has been showing a continuous deterioration rather than improvement. The question the government and the Sri Lankan people now need to confront is whether these attacks on civilians will be halted by a reliance only on increased security measures, even if more skillfully implemented than at present. There is also a need to deal with the issue of security through political means. 
 
Unfortunately due to the unwillingness of both the government and opposition to critically address the issue of national security through political means, there has invariably been an abdication of decision making to the defence authorities which the judiciary has been compelled to deal with in order to uphold the human rights and democratic freedoms of the citizenry.   But there is a constitutional limit beyond which the judiciary cannot be expected to go in remaking the political framework, which is the responsibility of the elected political leadership.
 
 
TARGETING CIVILIANS
 
The worst feature of the present phase of conflict in Sri Lanka is the manner in which civilians have had to suffer.  Civilians have been targeted through bombs left in public places, claymore mines that target public buses, air bombings that destroy civilian infrastructure and deliberate shootings.  Civilians have been used as human shields and been forced out of their homes in large numbers to facilitate military operations.  LTTE leader Velupillai Pirapaharan’s most recent speech alleged that the Sinhalese nation was trying to eliminate the Tamil nation.  This is an argument of the same genre as the crude logic that alleges that all Tamils are LTTE.  Both are formulas to justify the targeting of civilians.
 
In these circumstances the recent people-friendly judicial decision was undoubtedly a bold one, more so as it is taken during a time of war.  In February 2002 when the government signed the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE, a similar order to dismantle security checks and barriers went out to the security forces from the government headed by then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.  But that decision was made in a time of honeymoon with the LTTE when peace seemed to have dawned and when both the government and LTTE seemed to be moving towards a political solution to the ethnic conflict.  
 
Periodically there have been suggestions that Sri Lanka is heading towards increased militarization and military rule as a result of the government’s seeming determination to engage in all out war against the LTTE.  But any such impression has been dispelled by the acquiescence of the defence authorities in the Supreme Court’s decision.  Just as they deferred to the then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe’s decision to remove the checkpoints in 2002, the defence authorities have deferred to the judiciary today.  Once again the resilience of the institutions of democracy in Sri Lanka has made themselves felt with the latest Supreme Court decision. 
 
Unfortunately the weakness of democracy in Sri Lanka at the present time is that there is little or no political leadership being given to the large section of people who wish for a political solution to the ethnic conflict on a humanitarian and just basis to all.  In the past two years, since the advent of the present government, it has been left to the Supreme Court to take bold decisions that are mindful of the basic human rights of the Tamil people.  Earlier in June this year, when it seemed that an unstoppable security juggernaut had started to evict Tamil people who were temporary residents in Colombo, the Supreme Court stepped in to stop that mass violation of human rights.
 
The problem is that the main political parties are not playing their due role with regard to educating the people and standing up for the just rights of the Tamil people in particular.  The recent proposals put forward by the UNP for a new constitutional order are an example of this reluctance to take up issues pertaining to the ethnic conflict.  The UNP has demonstrated political astuteness in proposing a curtailment of the powers of the Executive Presidency and making it accountable to Parliament and also proposing other aspects of good governance.  However, they have had little to say about the solution to the ethnic conflict or about preserving the human rights of the people in this time of war.
 

PEOPLE’S GOODWILL
 
The Supreme Court decision on the removal of checkpoints was also one of the topics discussed at a meeting of the Colombo District Network of organizations and individuals of the National Peace Council.  There were about 80 participants drawn from different walks of life­some being retired school principals and government servants, others being young private sector employees.  One of the most encouraging moments at the meeting was the reaction to the statement of a Tamil participant with regard to the Supreme Court decision.  She said that she could not be entirely happy with the decision because the problems of the Tamil people would not end with it.
 
The security threats by the LTTE, which has exploded bombs targeting civilians in Colombo make it imperative that the security forces adopt alternative means of foiling these acts of terror.  The Tamil participant said that now the security forces would be doing more random checks which could pose even dangers to the general public.  She gave the example of how a police officer had entered a bus and asked one of the Tamil passengers to open a box.  If the box had contained a bomb, she feared the entire bus and all the passengers would have been blown up.  She proceeded to list a number of harassments that Tamil people were being subjected to on a routine basis.
 
What was very moving was the spontaneous applause that this woman received when she came to the close of her peroration.  Most of the other participants were Sinhalese, but what she had said had touched them.  There was a communion of spirits of people touched by the higher qualities of empathy, compassion and solidarity.  There is likely to be a vast reservoir of such goodwill in society that could even now salvage Sri Lanka from the moral abyss that the current phase of war is taking the country towards.  But there needs to be strong political leadership that can harness these positive energies.
 
In these bleak days, the main burden of providing a voice to the people’s aspirations for justice, fair play and inter ethnic harmony has fallen upon civil society organizations.  Members of civil society groups are generally best equipped to present alternative views at seminars, build networks of like-minded groups, and to advocate through email and media campaigns.  Despite their limited capacities they have kept alive the notion that there is indeed an alternative way of governance and conflict resolution, and that the people will give their backing to such leadership.  But in the final analysis it is the political leadership, with macro scale decision making power, who must shift the parameters of society and take us to a better future.

Siddalepha plans to introduce 15 varieties of herbal beverages into local and international markets

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A recently setup BOI company Hettigoda Ayurvedic Food and Beverages [PVT] Ltd plans to introduce 15 verities of herbal drinks and a specially designed Ready to Eat Breakfast within a period of two month.

Chairman of the company Deshabandu , Dr. Victor Hettigoda says the company invests around 300 million rupees and the company has island wide distribution network to reach all beverage dealers of the country.

According to the company the manufacturing plant is already located in Ratmalana and the company plans to use newest technology to manufacture these beverages.

The company has hired a British national who specializes in beverage manufacturing sector to maintain all manufacturing process.

The company’s Chairman said it has already discussed with overseas buyers to expand market network in Germany, UK, France, Sweden and other neighbouring countries.

At present the company has held its test trails and all new products have obtained local and international quality certification.

Mr.Hettigoda said initially around two hundred thousand bottles will be issued to the market per day and the company recruits 230 workers to handle the manufacturing plant.

Responding to queries he said the price factor of these products is very low when comparing price of the 200 ml water bottle.

"We want to popularize herbal drinks among the masses .At present low quality water bottles are in the market, but charges very exorbitant prices. Our aim is to make people aware on herbal drinks, he said.

the company’s chairman said the all herbal ingredients will be collected locally to manufacture these herbal drinks.

Speaking to media he said the international market is always open for quality products. However it is un-catcheable market due to the international quality standards.

"If we produce quality products we can compete in the global market, he said.

At present the Siddalepha group manufactures a various types of herbal medicines and obtained market approval from UK, Germany, France, USA, England, Japan and India to market 15 herbal products in these countries.

End

 

Janadhuka alleviation program initiated by UNP will continue

The UNP has been a Party that has shown primary concern for the people. Therefore, it had to represent the will of the people by rejecting the wavering, anti national and despotic policies of the Govt. trampling and crushing the masses with untold burdens and hardships.

This is a Govt. that is having no plan, program or aim drifting on corruption, tyranny and wastage of people’s monies. Unlike a party that changes its color and policies within just 25 days, UNP has always been steadfast in its policies, plans and programs. Once again we emphasize that UNP as a Party will continue to pursue its objectives totally oriented to the upliftment of the people and alleviation of their hardships. Abductions, intimidations and murder threats to MP’s under this Govt. is no secret. The UNP severely condemns these actions brazenly committed by the Govt. which the country witnessed during the pre budget period. The Govt’.s backslide has begun, and this cannot be averted any longer by its continued lies, false promises and deceits.

End

President scoffs at national govt.

By Munza Mushtaq
Hot on the heels of a major Budget victory, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ruled out a national government with the country’s main opposition, the United National Party (UNP).
The decision was conveyed to government members during a gala dinner hosted at Temple Trees on Friday night to celebrate the government’s Budget triumph.

UNP dissident and now Construction and Engineering Services Minister, Rajitha Senaratne told The Nation yesterday that the President had informed him on Friday that he was no longer interested in teaming up with the UNP to establish a national government as he believed that he was capable of ruling the country on his own.

Government members including ministers and deputy ministers were invited to Temple Trees by the President soon after the Rajapaksa-led administration won the crucial third reading of the 2008 Budget with a majority of 47 votes in Parliament on Friday evening.

The invitation was to celebrate the government’s successful victory during the vote despite a few hiccups, which included the defection of National Heritage Minister Anura Bandaranaike to the opposition.
The government members were accorded a sumptuous meal on Friday night, which included the choicest of wines and other alcoholic beverages to celebrate the government victory.

The President had initially briefed his ministers about the victory and the government’s next move. He had also announced that plans were underway to resume the All Party Conference as early as this week and that a solution to the ethnic conflict would be announced very soon.

The Nation learns that the President had taken a decision to resume the APC following his Japanese tour which ended last week. Japan, a co-chair, had urged Rajapaksa to consider a solution to the conflict on an urgent basis and bring out a package acceptable by all parties in Sri Lanka, which may have led to his decision to resume APC sessions.
End

Anura B. crossed over to the opposition

 Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Anura Bandaranaike, National Heritage Minister crossed over to the opposition.

According to the sources, Anura Bandaranaike came to the parliament around 3.30 PM along with UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe and Ravi Karunanaike from the opposition entrance and sat in the front row of the opposition bench.
End

Caritas commerates thrid year of the tsunami disaster

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Caritas Sri Lanka commemorated three years of the Tsunami disaster with the handing over of 76 houses to beneficiaries in collaboration with Caritas Trincomalee–EHED and other implementing partners on Wednesday, December 12th 2007 at Konesapuri, Trincomalee.  The theme for this year’s commemoration was, ‘Empowering communities through rebuilding lives.’

The Chief guest, Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Chairman of the National Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Kingsley Swampillai, Bishop of Batticaloa and Trincomalee, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Anradi, Bishop of Anuradhapura, Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando, Bishop of Badulla, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka and Rev. Fr. Francis X. Dias, Diocesan Director of Caritas Trincomalee - EHED together with other distinguished National and International Caritas Staff, were welcomed according to traditional Hindu customs. 

The guests were led in procession to the ceremonial plaque to the sound of traditional music and dance. The Tsunami plaque was ceremonially declared opened by the chief guest and the crowd was led with an inter-religious prayer session which was conducted by the peace unit of Caritas Trincomalee – EHED.

The housing site in Konesapuri is a multi-donor site on a land provided by the Government. From a total of 500 houses, 103 houses were built by Caritas Trincomalee – EHED in this relocation site. Twenty seven (27) houses have already been handed over to the affected families in phase one. “Caritas Trincomalee – EHED has built 418 houses and 86 are in progress and we will be handing over 76 houses to new beneficiaries. Caritas Trincomalee – EHED had initially chosen 4 DS division in Trincomalee sites to construct houses, namely, Mutthur, Kinniya, Kuchchaveli and Town and Gravets with a target to build 827 houses but due to the conflict situation we had to withdraw from Mutthur,” said Fr. Francis X. Dias in his welcome address. 

“Caritas Sri Lanka has completed a total of 6338 permanent houses for the tsunami affected while 1562 are still in progress, according to the statistics upto 30th November 2007,” explained Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC addressing the crowd.  Caritas Sri Lanka was able to achieve this target through the continuous collaboration and support received from the worldwide Caritas Confederation representing 162 member countries. “We acknowledge your contribution especially Caritas Switzerland, Caritas Austria and Luxembourg for supporting this housing scheme,” he further stated. In his address he also thanked Bishop Chairman, the Bishops Conference and the Tsunami Task force members.  Rt. Rev Dr Kingsley Swampillai too thanked the donors in his address, “Thank you to our generous donor partners and communities, God provided us these kind donors to rebuild the nation.”
The Government have also maintained close contacts with Caritas Sri Lanka and have supported initiatives to rebuild the lives of the tsunami affected. This fact was evident by the message sent by Honourable Minister Basil Rajapakse, for the event as he could not attend the ceremony. The message was read by Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando. “Caritas Sri Lanka has provided shelter to thousands of people affected by the disaster and have closely worked with the beneficiaries,” he read.

The additional Government Agent of Trincomalee, Mr. Nadaraja also praised the efforts by the, “Directors and the officers of Caritas Trincomalee – EHED who supported the Government in the recovery process to ensure a better life for the people. “They are committed to build the nation,” he said. 

Mr. Theivendirajah, Manager Tsunami Programme relating his tsunami experience of said, “As Pope Benedict XVI asks us to do, Deus Caritas Est(God is Love) and as  ‘Caritas’ means love, it is the responsibility of the church and Caritas Sri Lanka to show solidarity and love towards the people affected.” 

Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera also reiterated the fact the, “church is committed to rebuild the lives of the people and that it should embrace the needs of the people. The Peace Task Force established by the Catholic Bishops Conference is also committed towards advocacy and building mutual understanding among all people. It is our duty to build a strong inter-religious alliance.”

Representatives from Caritas Switzerland and Belgium also expressed their gratitude and congratulated Caritas Sri Lanka for handling such a catastrophe and for succeeding in providing relief to those affected. 

The chief guest Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony together with other distinguished guests symbolically opened these new houses. The Tsunami song, cultural dances and sharing of experiences by the beneficiaries enlivened the day’s celebration. 
END

 

SL government condemns British High Commissioner’s statement
 
Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
A local legislator Jeyeraj Fernandopulle said in parliament on Thursday that the government thoroughly condemns the facts stated by the British High Commissioner at the Dudley Senanayake commemoration oration.
The Minister replying to a query made in this regard by JVP parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa also said the British High Commissioner has no right to meddle in the internal political affairs of the country.
Mr. Weerawansa inquired on the measures to be taken against the High Commissioner for making a statement in contrary to the diplomatic norms of the country.
Member Rauf Hakeem has complained that security provided to himself and three other members who sat in the opposition has been reduced from yesterday. Minister Fernandopulle responding to this accusation said the security entitled to a party leader has been provided to Mr. Hakeem as well. The protection provided to an ordinary parliamentarian has been provided to the three other defected MPs.
End

UNP gets exclusive right to publish “Siyarata”

   
By Susitha R. Fernando
The Colombo Commercial High Court yesterday issued a permanent injunction preventing UNP’s official newspaper “Siyarata” being published by anyone else other than the UNP. Commercial High Court Judge Ms. Rohini Walgama made this order following a civil suit filed by General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, chairman of the Media Committee, Lakshman Kiriella and the publisher of the ‘Siyarata’ newspaper Egodage Nihal Abeysekera.

When the case was came up before the court, the plaintiffs had asked court to issue a permanent order preventing the UNP’s official newspaper ‘Siyarata’ being published by defendant R. M. D. Sirisena of Temple Road, Kirulapona, Colombo-5 or anyone else under the same or similar title. Earlier the court had issued an interim injunction.

Filing under the Intellectual Property Act, through attorney-at-law G. G. Arulpragasam the plaintiffs said ‘Siyarata’ was the official publication of the United National Party since 1954 and the public of Sri Lanka have at all times associated ‘Siyarata’ and the goodwill and reputation attached to it with the UNP. 
 
End

Deutsche Bank appoints new head of global transaction banking in Sri Lanka

Deutsche Bank has announced the appointment of Hemaka Perera, as the new head of global transaction banking in Sri Lanka, effectively immediately.  
In his new role, Mr Hemaka is directly responsible for leading product innovation and growing the bank's transaction banking corporate platform in Sri Lanka. He will report locally to Deutsche Bank's chief country officer in Sri Lanka, Rohan Rodrigo, and regionally to Thomas DuCharme, head of global transaction banking (GTB), Deutsche Bank Asia.

Prior to this role, Mr Hemaka was senior relationship manager, GTB, Deutsche Bank, where he managed a portfolio of multinationals and large local public and private sector corporate clients. Mr Hemaka holds a master of business administration from the Edith Cowan University, Perth Australia.

Mr Rodrigo said: "Sri Lanka is one of the key strategic markets for Deutsche Bank and we are optimistic about its growth prospects and potential. Mr Hemaka's appointment reinforces Deutsche Bank's commitment in Sri Lanka whilst supporting our expanding client base."

 

Conservatives put Darfur to the fore again after Salih Mahmoud Osman is awarded

EU's top human rights prize

 

Strasbourg 11th December -- A human rights hero whose own family has suffered death and torture and who was imprisoned by the Sudanese government for over seven months in 2004 without charge or trial was today presented with the EU's top human rights prize in the European Parliament.

Salih Mahmoud Osman risked his own life to provide legal and medical aid to the countless victims of Sudanese civil wars. As well as dealing with the victims of abuses, Mr Osman has catalogued the crimes that have taken place in the Darfur region, becoming the voice of Darfur and a symbol for the establishment of the rule of law in Sudan .

Mr Osman's candidacy was promoted by Nirj Deva MEP, Conservative Coordinator of the Development Committee, who said:

"Conservatives were instrumental in initiating Mr Osman's name as a candidate for the Sakharov Prize. As our leader, David Cameron, has for two years urged collective action in Darfur I am humbled and pleased that now the whole Parliament has accepted our nomination. In the face of violence and arbitrary power, Mr Osman stands up for true dialogue and justice. 
"I am delighted that I was able to get the Parliament to honour him for his work so that we can highlight the appalling genocide in Darfur, a continuing killing field which we must not let the world forget about as we did in Rwanda . Both Zimbabwe and Sudan are a continuing blot on the conscience of our generation."                        

Addressing the plenary in Strasbourg, President Pöttering said: "In the face of violence and arbitrary power, Mr Osman stands up for dialogue and justice. And there can be no democracy without justice. By granting the Sakharov Prize to Salih Mahmoud Osman, the European Parliament shows its support for the action of this courageous man who has become the voice of Darfur, and through him, for the establishment of the rule of law in Sudan".
According to the sources over two decades during Sudan's various civil wars Salih Mahmoud Osman (b.1957) has risked his own life to provide legal and medical aid to the countless victims of the conflict. Working with the Sudan Organisation Against Torture ("SOAT') he has given legal protection and representation to the victims of human rights abuses.
In its work SOAT has been successful in overturning judgements of death or amputation and they are engaged in a campaign to have rape established as a war crime.
As well as dealing with the victims of abuses, Mr Osman and SOAT have also been active in cataloguing crimes that have taken place - particularly in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Mr Osman's fight against injustice in Sudan has had a personal cost. Members of his own family have been killed, tortured, or burned out of their homes by the militias. He himself was imprisoned by the Sudanese government for over seven months in 2004 without charge or trial. On 8 November 2005, he was awarded Human Rights Watch's highest honour for his work in Sudan.
 Mr Osman currently serves as a Member of the Sudanese National Parliament. In that new role, he is focused on promoting the rule of law through the implementation of the provisions of the interim constitution.
End
 

ITI  developed technology for manufacturing of rice crackers

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

The Industrial Technological Institute [ITI] says it has developed technology for the manufacture of rice crackers after several years of research .

The ITI said the new rice crackers have two flavours such as chicken and chocolate . The ITI developed this technology for a multi-national company in Sri Lanka- CIC Ltd  and the company now follows this technology to manufacture rice based crackers .

According to the company it is interesting to manufacture the new food item .

After several laboratory trials, the researchers at the Food Technology Section of the ITI was able to develop a product to match the  company’s  requirements.

Rice crackers are flat crispy snacks made with puffed rice grains attached to each other. Although seemingly straight forward, much research is required to produce a satisfactory product, as crackers cannot be made with all varieties of rice. Trials carried out with different varieties

revealed that varieties with low amylose content were necessary for the production of high quality rice crackers, said ITI spokesman.

During the research a batch of sweet and savoury rice crackers have been manufactured and issued to CIC Ltd., for test market trials from their sales outlets. A launch of this product will also held shortly.

Meanwhile local marketers say promoting of rice based sweets would assist the farmers to sell their paddy at a reasonable rate.This effort will be a great assistance for the farming community in the country.

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SL’s first ever uninterrupted satellite TV channel launched

 

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

 

Local film Directress Sumithra Peiris launched Sri Lanka ’s first uninterrupted 24 hour  cinema satellite TV channel CITI HITZ  at a simple ceremony held on Monday in Colombo .

This channel includes Sinhala movies , tele-dramas and interviews with film stars and other film artists .

Chairman of ONAIR  WORLD PVT LTD  Nimal Laxapathiarchchi says this channel would be aired through the Dailog TV .

“At present local film industry is faced a number of problems and most of film theatres face low income due to the lack of film viewers .However we introduced this Cinema channel to attract local viewers and cater the cinema industry, he said.

Chief Guest of the occasion Sumithra Peiris said the mobile phone service providers must introduce hand phone TV channels to popular cinema and other tele-dramas in Sri Lanka .

According to the ONAIR WORLD the CITYHITZ will feature a unique blend of Sinhala movies , tele-dramas to attract viewers  and the viewers would be able to enjoy all their favorite content uninterrupted , with no commercial breaks .The channel will carry full leangth Sinhala movies and dramas ranging classic hits from the 1960s to the latest blockbusters .

The DIALOG Telecomm said its TV channel has over 50,000 viewers and plans to attract another 100000 viewers within next year.

The channel uses digital broadcasting system to telecast its programmes and the Chief Executive Officer of the Television  Nushad Perera   said the DIALOG plans to introduce mobile phone based TV channel within a short period.

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Sri Lanka maintains good export growth-Prof.G.L.

 

Sunil C.Perera in Colombo

 

Local legislator, Professor G.L.Peiris says the country could maintains good export growth and achieves 14 percent increase when comparing last year’s  export performances.

Addressing the two day Workshop on Good Standardization and Conformity Assessment Practice organized by the UNITED NATIONS INDUTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION [UNIDO] in Colombo on Monday the minister said the high quality and internationally accepted standards could increase the export volumes .However the minister said most of industries are located in the Western province and the masses of the other provinces face lack of equal income due to the lack of industries in their areas.

He said the government has launched Export villages in the rural areas to solve this income imbalance .

Minister Tissa Witharana said the international buyers need quality products and the government has introduced a number of measures to produce quality products and the services.

Minister Kumara Welgama said the representatives from the SAARC countries are responsible for standardization and conformity assessment [SCA] .They can share their views and information on ongoing and planned activities to upgrade their SAC systems and to discuss cooperation as a key element to their regional integration process during the two day workshop.

According to the organizers regional economic integration has the potential to be a powerful force for both growth and political confidence building in South Asia . But intra-regional trade is hindered by high tariffs ,low quotas ,poor infrastructure and diverse and complex requirements in standards and customs.

The start of the implementation of the South Asian Preferential Trading Agreement [SAFTA] in January 2006 has opened  a window of opportunity to push regional integration forward. The Countries of the SAARC are  characterized by significant differences in their level of development , which is reflected by major differences in their quality infrastructure .Some countries already have an internationally recognized standards and conformity assessment infrastructure , whereas some others are faced with a weak , infant or non-existing standards and conformity assessment system.

In this perspective , to ensure that services required by producers , governments and consumers in the SAARC region are harmonized and available on a regional basis , the understanding of the regional dimension of SCA is an essential step towards regional integration.

The UNIDO is a key player in trade capacity building in the SAARC region and it has implemented a SCA project at the regional level and is also supporting the efforts of individual members to upgrade their standards and conformity assessment capabilities.

ISO is also addressing the regional dimension of standards and conformity assessment procedures and is adapting its actions to respond to the growing importance of regionalization of standardization and related activities.

In this prospective , ISO and UNIDO have proposed to the SAARC secretariat to organize a workshop to assess both the level of development of SCA systems in the region and the ongoing and planned technical assistance being received. The objective is to identify best practices and solutions for SCA harmonization and cooperation among SAARC countries.       

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 NO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP GIVEN TO MODERATE PEOPLE’S VIEWS

By Jehan Perera

The decision of the Supreme Court to order the dismantling of permanent security checkpoints and to facilitate the movement of traffic on public roads has suddenly changed the landscape of Colombo.  The well known checkpoints, at various entry points to the city, which often delayed the smooth flow of traffic, have a desolate appearance.  Almost immediately motorists took advantage of the court decision to park their vehicles on the sides of roads.  However, in a time of escalating war, this decision is likely to be one over which there will be a lot of heartburn.
 
In his judgment the Chief Justice Sarath N Silva said that waging war against the state is the severest of offences punishable with death and that members of the security forces have the fullest power to maintain public order and to take action against those who are waging war and are committing other related offenses.  He observed however that when action is directed against persons who are not thus engaged in war and committing related offenses, every precaution and safeguard had to be taken to minimize the resultant hardships.
 
It is unlikely that anyone with bombs in their vehicle would go through a permanent checkpoint knowing full well in advance that it is there, but would find an alternative way to get to their destination.  This is obviously what has been happening in the context of the bombings in Colombo and elsewhere.  The increased frequency in this type of attacks by multiple parties suggests that a new phase of the conflict has been entered, with non-combatants being targeted in order to gain the military upper hand.  This needs to be swiftly checked by national and international condemnation and pressure upon the culprits.

Despite the mass arrest of Tamils, stricter controls at check-points and night visits by armed forces personnel to Colombo households, the security situation has been showing a continuous deterioration rather than improvement. The question the government and the Sri Lankan people now need to confront is whether these attacks on civilians will be halted by a reliance only on increased security measures, even if more skillfully implemented than at present. There is also a need to deal with the issue of security through political means. 
 
Unfortunately due to the unwillingness of both the government and opposition to critically address the issue of national security through political means, there has invariably been an abdication of decision making to the defence authorities which the judiciary has been compelled to deal with in order to uphold the human rights and democratic freedoms of the citizenry.   But there is a constitutional limit beyond which the judiciary cannot be expected to go in remaking the political framework, which is the responsibility of the elected political leadership.
 
 
TARGETING CIVILIANS
 
The worst feature of the present phase of conflict in Sri Lanka is the manner in which civilians have had to suffer.  Civilians have been targeted through bombs left in public places, claymore mines that target public buses, air bombings that destroy civilian infrastructure and deliberate shootings.  Civilians have been used as human shields and been forced out of their homes in large numbers to facilitate military operations.  LTTE leader Velupillai Pirapaharan’s most recent speech alleged that the Sinhalese nation was trying to eliminate the Tamil nation.  This is an argument of the same genre as the crude logic that alleges that all Tamils are LTTE.  Both are formulas to justify the targeting of civilians.
 
In these circumstances the recent people-friendly judicial decision was undoubtedly a bold one, more so as it is taken during a time of war.  In February 2002 when the government signed the Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE, a similar order to dismantle security checks and barriers went out to the security forces from the government headed by then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.  But that decision was made in a time of honeymoon with the LTTE when peace seemed to have dawned and when both the government and LTTE seemed to be moving towards a political solution to the ethnic conflict.  
 
Periodically there have been suggestions that Sri Lanka is heading towards increased militarization and military rule as a result of the government’s seeming determination to engage in all out war against the LTTE.  But any such impression has been dispelled by the acquiescence of the defence authorities in the Supreme Court’s decision.  Just as they deferred to the then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe’s decision to remove the checkpoints in 2002, the defence authorities have deferred to the judiciary today.  Once again the resilience of the institutions of democracy in Sri Lanka has made themselves felt with the latest Supreme Court decision. 
 
Unfortunately the weakness of democracy in Sri Lanka at the present time is that there is little or no political leadership being given to the large section of people who wish for a political solution to the ethnic conflict on a humanitarian and just basis to all.  In the past two years, since the advent of the present government, it has been left to the Supreme Court to take bold decisions that are mindful of the basic human rights of the Tamil people.  Earlier in June this year, when it seemed that an unstoppable security juggernaut had started to evict Tamil people who were temporary residents in Colombo, the Supreme Court stepped in to stop that mass violation of human rights.
 
The problem is that the main political parties are not playing their due role with regard to educating the people and standing up for the just rights of the Tamil people in particular.  The recent proposals put forward by the UNP for a new constitutional order are an example of this reluctance to take up issues pertaining to the ethnic conflict.  The UNP has demonstrated political astuteness in proposing a curtailment of the powers of the Executive Presidency and making it accountable to Parliament and also proposing other aspects of good governance.  However, they have had little to say about the solution to the ethnic conflict or about preserving the human rights of the people in this time of war.
 

PEOPLE’S GOODWILL
 
The Supreme Court decision on the removal of checkpoints was also one of the topics discussed at a meeting of the Colombo District Network of organizations and individuals of the National Peace Council.  There were about 80 participants drawn from different walks of life­some being retired school principals and government servants, others being young private sector employees.  One of the most encouraging moments at the meeting was the reaction to the statement of a Tamil participant with regard to the Supreme Court decision.  She said that she could not be entirely happy with the decision because the problems of the Tamil people would not end with it.
 
The security threats by the LTTE, which has exploded bombs targeting civilians in Colombo make it imperative that the security forces adopt alternative means of foiling these acts of terror.  The Tamil participant said that now the security forces would be doing more random checks which could pose even dangers to the general public.  She gave the example of how a police officer had entered a bus and asked one of the Tamil passengers to open a box.  If the box had contained a bomb, she feared the entire bus and all the passengers would have been blown up.  She proceeded to list a number of harassments that Tamil people were being subjected to on a routine basis.
 
What was very moving was the spontaneous applause that this woman received when she came to the close of her peroration.  Most of the other participants were Sinhalese, but what she had said had touched them.  There was a communion of spirits of people touched by the higher qualities of empathy, compassion and solidarity.  There is likely to be a vast reservoir of such goodwill in society that could even now salvage Sri Lanka from the moral abyss that the current phase of war is taking the country towards.  But there needs to be strong political leadership that can harness these positive energies.
 
In these bleak days, the main burden of providing a voice to the people’s aspirations for justice, fair play and inter ethnic harmony has fallen upon civil society organizations.  Members of civil society groups are generally best equipped to present alternative views at seminars, build networks of like-minded groups, and to advocate through email and media campaigns.  Despite their limited capacities they have kept alive the notion that there is indeed an alternative way of governance and conflict resolution, and that the people will give their backing to such leadership.  But in the final analysis it is the political leadership, with macro scale decision making power, who must shift the parameters of society and take us to a better future.
End

Doha Bank signs fund transfer deal with Lanka’s Hatton bank

Doha Bank has entered into an agreement with Hatton National Bank (HNB) of Sri Lanka for online electronic funds transfer from here to the island-nation. The banks agreed to generate local business for each other, particularly from non-resident Sri Lankan staying in Qatar.

The agreement was signed December 3 at the Doha Bank head office by CEO R Seetharaman and Jayantha Perera, Senior Deputy General Manager (International Business Development) of HNB.

Seetharaman highlighted the presence of the Sri Lankan community in Qatar. He said that there is a need for the banking industry here to have a convenient home country banking arrangement in Qatar for Sri Lankan expatriates to conduct money transfers and for other banking needs.

The tie-up will benefit the Sri Lankan community here and also in Dubai, where Doha Bank has a presence. The services will be offered through the bank's International Relations Centre.

Perera said the arrangement with Doha Bank will benefit Sri Lankan expatriates in Qatar in meeting their home country banking needs and quick remittance of money from here at an affordable cost in a convenient way.

He said this initiative would grow to other areas with an ultimate aim of serving Sri Lankan expatriates, both at individual and the corporate levels, globally.

Present at the signing were A G Abeyesekara, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Sri Lankan embassy, Abdul Rahman Al Meer, Executive Manager (Retail Banking), Abdullah Al Assadi, Head of Private Banking and R Ganesan, Executive Manager (International Banking).

German owned Sport Hotel  attacked by a criminal gang for the second time within one week.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

The Hotel “Aquarius Sports Resort, Beach Road, Marawila” had been attacked the second time within a week.
" Last night a gang of approx 15 to 20 “unmasked” men  gutted down 12 rooms . The estimated damage goes in multi million SLR. At the time of the incident German and American guests were residing in the hotel, fearing for their lives.  The incident happened at 01.10h on Wednesday 05th Dec 2007 – The Police was informed with  119 at 1.18h – the  Marawila Police  came at 1.35h together with our security who went to the Police Station to bring two Police officers to the site, since they were unable to come on their own, said Dr. Dietmar Doering, Chairman of the Aquarius Hotel.

"On Poya day, just one week ago 4 rooms of our hotel, which has been leased out to a local party, were smashed by which looks like the same or related gang. A driver of a Government Minister from the area had refused to pay a bill and a subsequent fight resulted in the destruction of our 4 hotel rooms and 2 shops in Marawila. Vehicles too were smashed. The total damage was around SLR 15 Million.  A high level  supported settlement subsequently  resolved the dispute while none of the parties claimed damages from the other party, he said.

"We are now in progress of winding up all hotel related operations in Sri Lanka with immediate effect, since the lives or our guests, staff and securities are in great danger. Law and order is no longer in the hands or in control of the authorities here. We are also in progress of issuing warning notices to European Travel Trade Organisations based on the incidents which happened here last night, he explained.

"We are under the strong impression  that all culprits are known to the relevant Police Station but no arrests had  been done, either on the first incident nor now at the second one. Should the first people be killed that appropriate action is taken by the authorities here?The American and German Embassy had been informed in the early hours of today. The American Consular instantly reacted and advised to be updated of the situation. The German Embassy was informed too but did not respond or reacted so far, he said.
End

Security Measures Alone Cannot Protect Civilians

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A pattern of attacks on the civilian population appears to have taken hold with with the latest claymore mine attack on a public bus in Kebettigollewa in the Anuradhapura district, where a similar claymore mine attack took the lives of more than 60 people last year in June. The National Peace Council condemns this bomb blast suspected to be by the LTTE which took place on December 5, killing 16 persons and wounding at least 38 others. The increased frequency in this type of attacks by multiple parties including government forces suggests that a new phase of the conflict has been entered, with non-combatants being targeted in order to gain the military upper hand.

The events of the last week strongly suggest that despite the mass arrest of Tamils, stricter controls at check-points and night visits by armed forces personnel to Colombo households, the security situation is deteriorating rather than improving. These measures do not appear to provide greater civilian security and we are now seeing the tragic result of this lack of protection. The question the government and the Sri Lankan people now need to confront is whether these attacks on civilians will be halted by a reliance only on increased security measures.

This point has been raised by the Supreme Court in its recent ruling against security checkpoints that dot the city. In the course of a judgement of a case filed for alleged arbitrary arrest and detention at a checkpoint on a main road in Colombo, the Supreme Court pointed out that checkpoints obstruct the free movement of Sri Lankan citizens and that checkpoint personnel harass them as they go about their lawful business. The court also pointed out that these checkpoints had been of limited effectiveness in preventing attacks.

We ask the government to consider whether the current security measures are successfully combating the horrifying attacks on civilians of the type we have seen in the recent past. NPC believes that a military approach will not end the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka, nor will guarantee the safety of civilians. We take strength for our own continued activism in favour of democratic rights from the judicial support for the fundamental rights of Sri Lankan citizens to be treated as equals before the law and to enjoy their full freedoms.  We call for a resumption of political dialogue on a political solution while demanding an end to attacks on civilians by all sides and for the protection of civilians at all times.
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Saudi court to hear appeal of condemned Sri Lankan maid

An appeal hearing was set to take place yesterday in the case of a Sri Lankan housemaid condemned to death in Saudi Arabia, the Arab News reported.

A three-judge panel will hear the appeal of Rizana Nafeek, who was convicted of strangling to death her employer's four-month old baby in 2005, the English language daily reported.

"There is every possibility of Rizana being acquitted and for her to be free from this case once and for all," Sri Lanka's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Hussain Bhaila, told the paper. Another Sri Lankan housemaid, Anista Marie, was rescued from her abusive Saudi employers and will receive a 5,000 dollar payout and a ticket home after going public with allegations of ill-treatment, a Sri Lankan diplomat in the ultra-conservative kingdom said in September.

Around 550,000 Sri Lankans live and work in Saudi Arabia, many of them as domestic helpers or drivers. They are a key source of foreign currency for Sri Lanka.

End

Grand Lyon offers further assistance to Sri Lanka

Mr.Dakshitha Talgodapitiya, Alain Joly and Tima Lazarus addressing the press conference

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A leading French Community organization -Grand Lyon plans to further assists Sri Lankan community projects and said the organization is willing to complete the second phase of the walasmulla Hospital which assists to installation of sewage and surface drainage systems and collection and disposal of solid and toxic waste .

This project is expected to be commenced immediately by the Technical Division of the Chamber of Construction industry Sri Lanka, said Vice President of the Grand Lyon Mr. Alain Joly .

Speaking to media he said the Grandlyon will also undertake a community based water and sanitation Management project in the Hatton area to supply water to 115 families and a maternal School in the plantation sector.

Honouring a pledge made to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, by Alain Joly, Vice President of Grand Lyon assisted to fund the Refurbishment of the Water Supply Scheme at the Walasmulla District Hospital which included the provision of a purification plant. The project, which was carried out as a gift from the people of Grand Lyon of France, was inaugurated on 25th July 2007 by Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister of Ports and Aviation and Irrigation and Water Management in the Company of Madam Claude Lardy, President of Bioforce, France and Mr. Guy Peyretti, Deputy Director General of Grand Lyon.

Grandlyon , with an Annual budget of 1.5 Billion Euros , oversees Water, waste ,Traffic management among it’s activities, for the City of Lyon and 55 surrounding smaller towns with a total population of 1.7 million .

This project was executed by the Chamber of Construction Industry as a part of it’s CSR initiative in association with the Chamber's Development Partner, Bioforce Development Institute of France, within a short span of four months.

Having completed the upgrade of the water supply scheme, Mr. Alain Joly visited Walasmulla Hospital on last week in the company of Mr. Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya, CEO/Secretary General of the CCI,and Ms.Rambukwella,Ms.Amy Fernando of INVESTOR SERVICES ASIA to personally identify further needs of the hospital and has now sought the assistance of the Construction Chamber to undertake a project involving refurbishment of sewage and drainage systems and installation of appropriate methods for collection and disposal of solid and toxic wastes.

Walasmulla District Hospital, situated in the Hambantota District, has been in existence for over 100 years and caters to the Medical Needs of over 100,000 persons. The proposed project is designed to eliminate contamination of ground water and will put an end to open solid and toxic waste dumps and release of sewage, fecal matter, foul and waste water without proper treatment, which has been a cause for concern. Efforts of Grand Lyon to improve the overall hygiene and environment of Walasmulla Hospital were discussed with Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, who was visited by Mr. Alain Joly in the company of Grand Lyon’s local representatives Mr. Tima Lazarus, Ms.Shriani Rambukwella and Mr. Thalgodapitiya on Wednesday morning. Minister Rajapaksa while thanking Mr. Alain Joly for his personal commitment and humanitarian efforts, expressed his appreciation to Grand Lyon and the Chamber of Construction Industry for their contribution.

During the discussions Minister Rajapaksa also emphasised the need to provide capacity development of the hospital to undertake an effective maintenance programme to ensure accrual of real benefits on the substantial investment made by Grand Lyon and the efforts of the Construction Chamber in execution of the project. He also requested Grand Lyon - Bioforce CCI Partnership to visit Walasmulla on a regular basis to monitor the progress of the Project and assess the needs of the hospital, while assuring his personal participation and intervention. On behalf of President Rajapaksa, the Government of Sri Lanka and the people of Walasmulla, the Minister conveyed his gratitude to grand Lyon and the Construction Chamber for taking the initiative and looked forward to a long term association to improve the quality of life of the people in the area.

Minister was also very appreciative of the Construction Chamber's efforts to train construction craftsmen by establishing a centre at Thamaduwa, a few kilometers away from the Walasmulla Hospital.

Walasmulla District Hospital is now being upgraded to the status of a base hospital. Technical Studies for installation of sewage and surface drainage systems and collection and disposal of solid and toxic waste are expected to be commenced immediately by the Technical Division of the Chamber of Construction industry Sri Lanka.

According to the sources ,Mr.Joly also paid a courtesy call on ,Michel Lummux, the French Ambassador for Sri Lanka & The Maldives .

End