UNP to launch Island wide program against the `Satakaye sapaya

Tissa Attanayake, Gen. Secretary of the UNP addressing the Media at the UNP Media unit, said that UNP which has an exclusive and unassailable reputation unlike other parties as always having stood by the people showing overwhelming concern for them whether in power or in opposition cannot stand idle and watch this Govt. ruthlessly oppress and impose hardships on them by the hour.

To counter this, the UNP is launching a program titled the ‘Satakaye Sapaya virudhatha” on the 3rd of April commencing initially at 120 electorates to be extended Island wide.As the whole country has begun to realize that the country should be rid of this ‘Satakaye sapaya’ curse , so has the UNP , the saviour of the country and people always, has decided to start this protest campaign to pack this Govt. home lock ,stock and barrel in keeping with the people’s wishes .As people are unable to voice their protests because of the Govt.’s murderous policies and atrocities directed against the freedom of expression of the people and Media, the UNP feels that it has to agitate on behalf of and alongside them, he asserted.

This protest campaign will be on a peaceful footing starting at 10.00 a.m. at the 120 electorates from all the main Towns. This program will highlight the curse that has befallen the country with cost of living , price hikes among other things spiraling out of control for the Govt. whereby burdens and hardships are imposed on the masses by the hour, not to mention the insecurity and panic they are trapped in even unable to sleep peacefully in their own homes fearing the ‘white van’ (symbol of abduction and murder allegedly by the Govt.) or unidentified persons forcibly entering houses and committing murder and mayhem.

Since independence, this is the first time this country once described as the ‘pearl of the Orient’ has been caught in such a black curse or Satakaye Sapaya . Just in the last few years from 2004, petrol price has risen by 149%, diesel by 150%, Rice (the common man’s staple food) by 136%, Bread by 236 %, Tea by 125 % apart from the tax, electricity, water and phone tariff increases. These are but a few of the countless increases! He lamented.

This Govt. has also set a record for making the largest number of false promises at elections and honouring none, while also fomenting State corruption, tyranny, profligate expenditure of people’s money and lawlessness on a scale hitherto unknown in this country, he exhorted.Attanayake urged everyone to give their unstinted support to this program burying Party differences as no one is spared from the evil spell of this ‘Satakaye sapaya’, he concluded.

LTTE mortars fall on Murukkan hospital

Mortars fired by the LTTE had fallen on Murukkan hospital this morning around 6.30 am. Two buildings have been damaged and casualty figures are yet to be known.

Alleged demand by SL diplomat for bribe Foreign Ministry orders probe into double-decker bus deal.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has ordered an immediate probe into Maha Nayake of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera’s allegation (published in The Island yesterday) that Sri Lanka missed an opportunity to purchase 65 double-decker buses from Singapore at concessionary prices as a Lankan diplomat had asked for a fee for negotiating the deal.
The Foreign Ministry says no such incident took place under the tenure of the present Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Singapore.
Full text of the Foreign Ministry statement:
The attention of the Foreign Ministry has been drawn to a news report which had appeared in The Isalnd and the Divaina of March 31, 2008 that referred to a statement said to have been made by the Most Venerable Asgiriya Maha Nayake Thero relating to a diplomat at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama immediately called for an explanation from Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Singapore and also directed the Ministry to ascertain the veracity of the substance of the report from the Most Venerable Maha Nayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter. The High Commissioner in Singapore has stated that the Mission had contacted the Most Venerable Maha Nayake Thero who had indicated that the alleged incident had taken place many years ago and that he would clarify this issue with the media.
The High Commissioner also has emphasized that during his tenure, there had been no offer for sale of 65 double-decker buses at concessionary prices as stated in the newspaper article.

Therefore, the Ministry wishes to emphatically state that the alleged incident had not taken place during the period of the incumbent Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Singapore.
Although the alleged incident is said to have occurred many years earlier, Foreign Minister Bogollagama in deference to the Most Venerable Maha Nayake Thero, has directed the Ministry and the High Commission in Singapore to conduct a detailed investigation into this matter.

SLT appoints Pooja as their special ambassador

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
SLT selected Pooja Umashanker as brand Ambassador for Broadband Services said Marketing and Sales Officer Ajantha Seneviratne of Sri Lankan Telecom at a press conference held at the Colombo Hilton. Her new role allows Pooja help shape the future of Sri Lanka by empowering Sri Lankans with endless possibilities of wireline broadband connectivity.
He said. "She is the right choice to help achieve SLT’s goal of making broadband services accessible to the Sri Lankan. Her wide appeal combined with her love for Sri Lanka is the right choice the SLT has made. "Pooja is the perfect ambassador and also she is also an enthusiastic user of the wireline broadband services.
Sri Lanka Telecom (www.slt.lk) is one of the country’s most valuable blue chip companies with an annual turnover in excess of Rs 40 billion. NTT Communications Corporation of Japan owns a 35.2% stake in Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), 49.2% is owned by the Government of Sri Lanka and 15.3% is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company was also awarded an AAA (sri) rating by Fitch Ratings Lanka followed by a BB- international rating by Fitch International and Standard & Poor’s.
SLT Group has a customer base of over two million including multinational corporations, large and small corporate, retail and domestic customers. Today with NTT Communications of Japan as a strategic partner, SLT provides facilities and services: voice, data, video and mobile to its customers, which are unmatched in scope. These services range from domestic and international voice, advance data transmission services which include internet services on leased lines, broadband [on ADSL] and dial up, data circuits, frame relay solutions to IP services such as IP-VPN based on IP-MPLS technology, total corporate solutions of multiple services, satellite uplink services and mobile telephony through the fully owned subsidiary Mobitel.
With a view to making Sri Lanka a broadband island, SLT is in the process of introducing the necessary infrastructure in the form of NGN [Next Generation Networks] using optical fibre backbone and broadband services such as IMS, IPTV etc.
SLT also provides high speed global connectivity to countries in the South Asian region through its investments in international submarine cables such as SMW3, SMW4 and the Bharat Lanka submarine cable [between India and Sri Lanka] and Dhiraagu-SLT submarine cable system between Maldives Islands and Sri Lanka.
Newly incorporated SLT Hong Kong Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom, is fully geared to provide services such as IP transit, IPVPN, IPLC and International voice traffic transit services to global telecom operators and corporates in Hong, Kong.

Fishermen stage Hartal in Kalmunai

The fisher folk in Saindumaradu area staged a hartal this morning in Kalmunai town, compelling the authorities to take immediate action against several unscrupulous individuals who use dynamite for off shore fishing.
More than 300 protestors participated. Sources claimed that some fishing huts have been burnt and the Kalmunai, Akkaraipaththuwa road has been blocked by the protesters and traffic paralyzed.

Japan's NTT sells Sri Lanka Telecom stake-traders

COLOMBO, April 1 (Reuters) - Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp (9432.T: Quote, Profile, Research) sold its entire stake of 35.2 percent Sri Lanka Telecom SLTL.CM shares to Malaysian mobile network operator Maxis Communications on Tuesday, traders said.
"The NTT deal was done, the trade happened in the market at the 50.50 rupees and 635 million shares were traded," said Harsha Fernando CEO at SC securities. "The NTT had sold whole stake they held in SLT to Maxis."

Voters will reject LTTE: Rajapaksa

B. Muralidhar Reddy
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said he had no doubt voters in the east were not “shortsighted” to give the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam an opportunity to make a comeback.
Addressing members and officials of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at its annual convention here on Sunday, Mr. Rajapaksa “challenged” the opposition United National Party (UNP) to win the coming Eastern Provincial Council election “even with the assistance of the LTTE,” the local media reported.
Election to the Eastern Provincial Council is scheduled for May. Several mainstream parties including the UNP and the JVP are taking part. Nominations for the election close on April 3.
“It is treacherous that certain male and female leaders trot the globe tarnishing the image of Sri Lanka on human and fundamental rights. The modus operandi was to urge the European countries and the U.S. to withdraw the GSP+ trade concession given to Sri Lanka and thereby weaken the economy. By doing so they revenge millions of employees and the industry,” he told the conference.
Detractors
“There were many detractors and whiners during the local government polls complaining [that] the time was not right and requested to postpone it. The heroic armed forces have been able to corner the LTTE to Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. The LTTE was regrouped and strengthened during the ceasefire agreement (CFA) and installed 120 mm. and 155 mm canons as they had been given a free hand to do whatever they want under the CFA. The LTTE had even demarcated a separate state under the CFA,” he said.
“The government would never take back the steps it took to liberate the north from the jackboot of the LTTE. With the steady progress of the armed forces in the warfront the people in the north have begun gradually but surely to enjoy the taste of freedom. The prices of goods have drastically come down in Jaffna and in some instances prices of certain goods are lower than Colombo.”

Emirates, SriLankan split widens

COLOMBO – In a further split between Emirates Airlines and SriLankan Airlines, the Dubai carrier said it would stop sharing routes with Sri Lanka's national carrier when its decade-long management contract expires this month.
The decision follows worsening relations between Emirates Airlines and Colombo, with talks between both sides collapsing after nearly two years of negotiations over renewing the contract.
In December, the government withdrew the work permit of the Emirates-appointed chief executive of SriLankan Airlines, Peter Hill, because he failed to "look after the interests of the majority shareholder".
However, the Dubai-based carrier said it would retain its near 44 percent stake and continue to have a board presence.
The Sri Lankan government has nominated and appointed a new chairman and directors to SriLankan Airlines, with immediate effect.
Emirates president Tim Clark told AFP in January that it was willing to sell all or part of its 43.6 percent equity stake in SriLankan.
Emirates will continue to serve Sri Lanka with 17 weekly flights to Colombo, effectively becoming a competitor of SriLankan.
All of which should make for interesting board meetings with three representatives from Emirates and three from the government, supported by the new chairman, Nishantha Wickremasinghe

Sri Lanka: Supreme Court and adequate recognition of rights/LTTE shells hospital

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in an opinion sought by President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the constitution of Sri Lanka and the Supreme Court rulings could g ive "adequate recognition to the provisions contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

A bench of five judges headed by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said in the ruling that the people could derive the benefits of the international covenant through the judiciary and the constitution.Under the constitutional provisions the President could seek the opinion of the supreme court of the country on any legal issue and this opinion was sought under that.

Minister Professor G.L.Peiris said the Supreme Court now has given a clear message to people who were trying to tarnish the image of the country. For the past few weeks Professor Peiris was spearheading a movement to eradicate anti-Sri Lanka mudslinging with the intention of saving the country's international reputation and thereby the national economy. Peiris said the enemies were attempting to stop the aid given to the country under false allegations.
The five bench of judges said "legal and constitutional processes prevailing in the country" could justify the rights recognized by the international covenant.
The panel of judges consisted of Chief justice Sarath N. Silva and Justices R.A.N.G. Amaratunga, Saleem Marsoof, A.M. Somawansa, and D.J. De S. Balapatabendi.
Professor G.L. Peiris who is the Minister in charge of international Trade said "Currently there are attempts to pressure the European Union to stop the GSP + facilities to Sri Lanka by claiming that the country's Constitution has not given adequate recognition to Civil and Political Rights."

Large Haul of war materials recovers by troops in BATTICALOA

On a search operation conducted by the troops, recovered 938 rounds of 12.7mm today (31) around 2.30pm in OMADIYAMADU area.
Meanwhile in NARAKAMULLA- THOPPIGALA area troops conducted a search operation and recovered the war materials .

Left parties of the alliance join with the Tamil parties to break UNP vote base

(Lanka-e-News, ) Lanka Samasamaja Party, Sri Lanka Communist Party, Sri Lanka People's Party, Democratic Left Front and Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party that are partners of ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) have decided not to contest to the Eastern Provincial Council with the UPFA.
Sri Lanka Communist Party Deputy General Secretary S. Sudasinghe said to Lanka-e-News that the left parties would contest in an alliance with the Democratic Tamil National Alliance comprised of EPRLF, PLOTE and Tamil United Liberation Front.
Accordingly, the Socialist People's Front of the left parties will contest under the Democratic Tamil National Alliance for Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts and under their own symbol for Digamadulla district. The Socialist People's Front nominations are to be submitted on April 02.
Mr. Sudasinghe said to Lanka-e-News that the left parties would contest with the Tamil parties to appear as an alternative force to the racist elements of the UPFA while not allowing to UNP to capture power in the Provincial Council.
He further said that in Digamadulla, they would march separately and attack in unity while in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts they would attack racism jointly in their election campaigns.

Lankaputhra Chairman resigns

The Chairman of the Lankaputhra Development Bank Vas Gunawardane was reportedly asked to resign from his post today. The former Bank of Ceylon General Manager Sarath Silva has been appointed in his place.

ELECTIONS IN EAST CAN HAVE MAJOR POLITICAL IMPACT

--Jehan Perera
The government has declared elections for the provincial council in the east to be held on May 10. This call for elections by the government has been a bold one.
The success of the government in conducting the local government elections peaceably in the Batticaloa district, which is one of the three districts that comprise the Eastern province, would also have emboldened the government to take up the challenge of elections. Although substantial areas of the Eastern Province had been under LTTE control, by mid 2007 the government was successful in driving the LTTE out of all areas that it had taken control over. The local government elections were conducted under more peaceful conditions than anticipated.
The forthcoming provincial council elections will be the first ever for the Eastern Province as a political unit. The last and only time that the voters in the Eastern Province experienced a provincial election was 20 years ago in 1988. At that time the Eastern Province was temporarily merged with the Northern Province under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of 1987, which lasted until 2006 when the Supreme Court declared the merger to be invalid. The merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces, which together comprise about 30 percent of the country’s land mass, and which ensured a Tamil majority administration, was the price that India demanded from Sri Lanka in order to disarm the LTTE and restore peace. The failure of the Indian Peacekeeping Force to achieve this latter objective made the merger vulnerable in law, as the conditions for the merger were not obtained.
In addition, the prospect of fueling Tamil separatism by enabling a Tamil majority administration over a substantial part of the country was a festering source of anxiety to the Sinhalese majority population. The provincial council for the merged North East Province was dissolved by a presidential decree in 1990 after its Chief Minister Varatharaja Perumal, frustrated by the lack of power and resources granted to him by the central government, made a futile unilateral declaration of independence.
In an ironic twist, provincial councils were established in the seven Sinhalese-majority provinces that did not ask for devolved power, but that too with only partial powers being devolved to them. After the negative experiment in operating the provincial council in the north east, no further provincial council elections were held in either of those two provinces. LARGER OBJECTIVES Several political circumstances appear to have induced the present government to take up the challenge of elections.
The first reason is that the election of the new Provincial Council could consolidate the separation of the Eastern Province from the Northern Province, by putting elected representatives from the east into positions of power that they would be reluctant to give up thereafter. While this would be a blow to Tamil nationalism that considers the two provinces to be the Tamil Homeland to which Tamils have special claim, their separation would assuage those who fear that a merged North East is a recipe for a future breakaway bid to independence, like Kosovo. Second, by bringing back the ballot to areas that had been totally ruled by the gun, the government also obtained a political triumph.
The elections were won convincingly by the armed breakaway faction of the LTTE, the TMVP which has allied itself with the government in what turned out to be a one horse race. This may have led the government to believe that it could repeat its triumph in the larger Eastern Province. On the other hand, the absence of the TNA and UNP which are the two main opposition parties that could have given the TMVP a battle for the votes of the people undoubtedly assisted the TMVP to score victory without having to resort to violence. Third, the holding the provincial elections for the east would do something to respond to the growing international demand for the government to embark upon a viable political process that could result in a political solution to the ethnic conflict.
The government’s answer, through the All Party process, has been to offer the 13th Amendment that was the outcome of Indian intervention in the country’s ethnic conflict in the latter half of the 1980s and which culminated in the signing of the Indo Lanka Peace Accord of 1987. The government has pledged to fully implement the 13th Amendment that established provincial councils with devolved power to the provinces. The problem for the government, however, is that the pursuit of these larger political objectives of consolidating the separation of the Eastern Province and assuaging the concerns of the international community may not necessarily lead it to victory at the forthcoming elections.
The victory obtained by the government and its ally, the TMVP, at the local government elections in the Batticaloa district may not be repeated at the elections for the entire province. The TMVP’s special strength in the Batticaloa district, which is predominantly Tamil, will not carry over to the rest of the province, and in particular to the Trincomalee and Ampara districts which are predominantly non-Tamil.
In addition, there is a further factor that will make electoral victory in the Eastern Province much more difficult for the government. Both the TNA and UNP boycotted the Batticaloa local government elections on the grounds that the TMVP’s retention of their arms posed a security threat to rival candidates. The refusal of the government to disarm the TMVP on the grounds of self-defense has been widely criticized by all rival political parties and by civil society groups. Many of the civil society groups even rejected the Batticaloa local government elections as failing to meet the basic standards of free and fair elections due to the fact of the TMVP being an armed group. UNP ADVANTAGE This time around, however, it is clear that at least the UNP will be contesting the Eastern Province elections despite the TMVP continuing to retain their arms. There is an obligation upon the government to ensure that the TMVP does not resort to violence or the threat of violence during the election.
The generally peaceful manner in which the Batticaloa local government elections took place may have served to reassure the country’s largest opposition party that contesting the elections will not translate into an automatic death sentence for its candidates at the hands of the TMVP. The UNP would also have seen that elections are the lifeblood of democratic politics and that boycotting an electoral process seldom wins admiration and inevitably leads to political marginalization.
In addition, there are indications that the UNP might be able to pose a strong challenge to the government at the provincial elections, which is now even fueling speculation that the government may wish to call off the elections. The UNP is currently negotiating with the SLMC, which is the strongest Muslim political party in the east which is its home base. As the Muslims constitute the largest single ethnic community in the Eastern Province at the present time obtaining the support of their main representative is likely to be beneficial to the prospects of electoral success. A further advantage that is likely to accrue to the UNP is the TNA’s decision to boycott the provincial council elections.
The conduct of elections in the Eastern Province only, which consolidates the de-merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces, goes contrary to the fundamental aspiration of Tamil nationalism, which affirms that the two provinces constitute the Tamil Homeland. The TNA seeks to represent both the interests of the Tamil community as well as those of the LTTE to which they are hostage. It is believed that the LTTE has denied the TNA permission to contest the Eastern province elections.
Tamil voters who prefer to vote for a democratic party rather than for an armed party, which is what the TMVP continues to be, could opt for the UNP. Needless to say, a positive electoral verdict for the government will embolden it to continue on its present path of military conquest over the LTTE followed by elections that consolidate government rule over previously LTTE-controlled areas.
The success of this strategy in the east would encourage the government to continue with its military campaign in the north against the LTTE, although it seems to have slowed down at the present time due to inclement weather conditions and stiff resistance by the LTTE. On the other hand, if the UNP-led opposition should get the upper hand at the Eastern Province elections, it would cast doubt on the long term electoral viability of the government’s counter-LTTE strategy. This means that the stakes at these elections are very high, and the temptation to resort to violence to win at any price has to be resisted.

'I commited three mistakes as Lanka President'

Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga said she has committed "three" mistakes during her nine-year reign, including dismissal of UNP-led government in 2004. Kumaratunga said she realised that an alliance with the Marxist JVP party was a mistake she committed while at the helm of affairs in the country.
Similarly, she said, the UNP-led government of Ranil Wickremesinghe should not have been dismissed in 2004.
The 62-year-old former president said she would reveal the third mistake she committed sometime in the future.
In an interview to a Sinhala weekly, Kumaratunga said her party the Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP) and the opposition United National Party should forge an alliance to resolve the 25-year-old Tamil ethnic conflict.
"I think the SLFP and UNP should come together and work out a common understanding to find a solution to resolve the conflict in the country," she said.
She also made it clear that neither she nor her sister Sumitra would enter active politics. Their brother and former foreign minister Anura Bandaranaike died recently raising questions about the future representatives of the legendary Bandaranaike family in politics.
Fifty nine-year-old Anura, son of Prime Ministers S W R D Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike was at one time considered a forerunner for the country's top post.

IIGEP observation ends today

The observation process of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) ends today. The IIGEP said it will submit a concluding report to the President and also issue a final public statement.
The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons was formed to observe an inquiry into 16 cases of serious rights violations, including the August 2006 massacre of 17 local employees of the French charity, ACF.
The panel said Monday in a statement that they were halting their efforts to determine whether the inquiries were being conducted "in accordance with internationally accepted norms and standards."
Earlier this month, the panel had accused the government of lacking the political will to investigate the incidents and said Sri Lankan authorities didn't meet the basic minimum standards in investigating serious rights abuses.
The IIGEP's final report is expected to be presented to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse next month and the panel's office will formally close on April 30, the group said.
Key international personalities, who were earlier invited by Rajapakse to observe the inquiry proceedings, have since left the island.
Colombo has come under fire for its rights record, with Human Rights Watch saying recently that at least 1,500 people - mostly ethnic Tamils living in the island's restive north and east - had "disappeared" between 2006 and 2007.
The New York-based rights group said Sri Lanka was one of the world's worst perpetrators of "disappearances" and abductions, and described the situation as a "national crisis."
Sri Lanka's cabinet last week approved a plan to enact laws to protect witnesses to crimes and to encourage them to testify in cases of abductions and disappearances.
International concern over the human rights situation in Sri Lanka has been mounting amid the government's escalating war against the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the Tigers launched their campaign in 1972 to carve out a separate Tamil homeland in the Sinhalese- majority island.
Fighting has stepped up since January, when Colombo formally pulled out of a six-year-old truce with the Tigers.

"Booby” traps, 145 explosive devices recovered & six terrorists killed

A soldier was reported injured during a confrontation in the KADDIMURAVIKULAM AREA, MANNAR on Sunday (30) morning around 9.50. While three LTTE terrorists including two females were killed during a confrontation on Sunday (30) between 9.00 and 10.45 in the morning in the VEDDAYANMURIPPU area, MANNAR.
A terrorist was also reported killed during an attack launched by Troops in the same area in the evening around 5.30 while another terrorist was also reported in another confrontation in the MALLIKATTIDAL area MANNAR on the same day (30) in the morning around 10.30.
During another attack by Troops a terrorist was also reported killed in the ADAMPAN area, MANNAR on Sunday (30) around 4.45 in the evening .
Meanwhile, In a search operation conduced by the Army on Sunday (30) in the afternoon around 12.50, a large quantity of an assortment of explosive devices and “booby” traps as given below meant to prevent advancing troops were recovered from the PARAYANAKULAM area, MANNAR.
It is significant to note that in the recent weeks Troops are recovering large quantities as well as a variety of locally designed LTTE anti- personnel mines and "booby” traps. These explosive devices have also been cunningly placed or concealed to result in heavy casualties which could indicate that the LTTE terrorists are experiencing depleting carders in their ranks due to heavy losses sustained by them.

Four terrorists killed & three injured in Vavuniya

A soldier was reported injured due to the explosion of an anti - personnel mine in the MADHU area while a terrorist was killed when the Army launched an attack in the VILAYATHIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA around 9.30 in the morning of Sunday (30).
A soldier was reported injured when a Improvised Explosive Device exploded in the PERIYAVILAYANKADUKULAM area, VAVUNIYA on Sunday (30) in the morning around 10.45. Meanwhile, on Sunday (30) afternoon around 1.50, two LTTE terrorists were killed and two others were reported severely injured when Troops attacked and completely destroyed a LTTE bunker in KALLIKULAM North area, VAVUNIYA.
One terrorist was also killed and another was injured during an attack launched by Troops in the PERIYAWALAYANKADDU area, VAVUNIYA around 2.30 in the afternoon according to LTTE communication intercepts while a soldier was injured during a confrontation with terrorists in the KIRUCHUDAN area, VAVUNIYA, on Sunday (30) in the evening around 4.45.

Move to postpone the Eastern PC Polls - Hakeem

The SLMC Leader, Rauff Hakeem charged that there was a move to postpone the Eastern Provincial Council Election by the government making the security issue as an excuse if the situation becomes unfavourable towards it.

SC orders release of Tiran’s money

The Supreme Court today ordered the release of Rs. 29 Million belonging to Tiran Alles which was frozen following government allegations that he raised money for the LTTE.
Suspect dies in police cell after taking poison A suspect who was kept at the Mount Lavinia police cell has committed suicide by taking poison last night. He has died on admission to Kalubowila hospital.

EPDP to go solo in East

EPDP led by Minister Douglas Devananda has taken a decision to go solo at the forthcoming Provincial Council elections in the East.

Another LTTE runway destroyed in Mullaitivu

Another LTTE runway located in west of Mullaitivu was bombed and destroyed by Air Force fighter jets this morning, the Media Center for National Security said.

Dhammika appointed Acting Secretary General

President Mahinda Rajapakse has appointed Dhammika Kitulgoda, a former Secretary General of Parliament to function as the Acting Secretary General, as Mrs. Priyani Wijesekara retired from the post today, the Presidential Secretariat sources said.

SL growth rate will increase this year

The UN Economic and Social Commission for the Asia Pacific region forecasts Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate will increase to seven percent this year.
This growth will stem due to increased efficiency in agricultural, industrial and services sectors. Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Studies Dr. Saman Kelegama says rising inflation has posed problems to a number of countries in the world.
Sri Lanka is also experiencing the difficult situation due to the rising inflation. Increasing fuel and food prices in the global market was the major reason for this situation. Dr. Kelegama expressed these views participating in launching of the UN Economic and Social Survey Report for the Asia Pacific Region.

Sri Lankan rebels say freed 22 child soldiers

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers Monday said they had released 22 child soldiers and disputed figures from the United Nations Children's Fund that the rebels still had hundreds of under-age fighters.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said they were also trying to locate families of 20 children still within their ranks.
The guerrillas accused UNICEF, which lists several hundred children in LTTE ranks, of not updating its database.
The rebels said another 41 child soldiers remained within their ranks but could not be released because most of them did not have parents or guardians.
Over the last two decades, the Tigers have promised to free children from their rank and file, but they have been accused of failing to take concrete action.
There was no immediate comment from UNICEF to the Tigers' statement, but the agency's website said there were 1,428 outstanding cases of child recruitment by the rebels at the end of February 2008.
"Of these, 181 are under the age of 18, and 1,247 were recruited while under 18 but have now passed that age," UNICEF said.
UNICEF said there were another 235 outstanding cases of child soldier recruitment by a breakaway rebel faction, the Karuna group, which operates in the island's east and is believed to help government troops fight the Tigers.
"UNICEF estimates that its database only reflects a third of the actual number of children recruited," the UN agency said adding that it continuously checks its figures to ensure accuracy.
International rights groups have alleged the Sri Lankan government colludes with the Karuna group to recruit children to fight the Tamil Tigers.
Tens of thousands have died in over three decades of fighting in the ethnic conflict.

Government will not postpone EP polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella emphasises the government’s stance on holding Eastern Provincial Council Election remains unchanged.
The government has no intention to delay the election. Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo today Minister Rambukwella reiterated the government would take every necessary action to hold the election free and fair.
It is the present government who gave the people of eastern province their supremacy by liberating the province from terrorism. He pointed out elections are being held to further safeguard the people’s supremacy. The local government election in Batticaloa was such a measure that was taken by the government. Speaking further Minister Rambukwella said the rumours spreading about the eastern provincial council election are false.

Joining the media briefing military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara disclosed two air raids that carried out to an air strip of LTTE at Mullative. The pilots have confirmed the air raids caused heavy damages to the LTTE.
The humanitarian operations in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya areas are continuously carried out despite bad weather. The forward defence line of the LTTE at Adampan in Mannar and Periya-pandi-virichchan at Vavuniya has been captured by the army troops.

During this month 678 LTTE cadres have been killed from confrontations with the Army troops. Furthermore, 73 army troops have also paid their supreme sacrifice during this period. 316 troops have been injured. Speaking further the Brigadier added the Army had also recovered large number of weapons of the LTTE during this month.

End

Nominations will end on Thursday

Accepting nominations for the eastern provincial council election will be concluded by mid night on Thursday. The time period for Independent Groups to submit deposits for the election will be concluded by midnight on Wednesday.
Assistant Election Commissioners of the Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee said the renowned political parties would handover their nominations by Wednesday and Thursday.

Assistant Election Commissioner of Trincomalee district M.S.K. Bandara said 242 thousand persons are eligible to vote in the district. Assistant Election Commissioner of Ampara Lakshmenthra Thennakoon pointed out around 3,700 officers and 400 vehicles are required for the election activities in the district. The number of voters in the district exceeds 493 thousand. Furthermore, around 340 thousand persons are eligible to vote in the Batticaloa district. Assistant Election Commissioner of Batticaloa S. Sudhakaran says around five thousand officers are required for the election.

Speaking to media , representatives of number of renowned political parties disclosed nomination lists for the upcoming eastern provincial council election are now being compiled. The United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance said all the arrangements have been finalised for the handing over of nominations for the election. The number of candidates who will contest for the election was decided at a special discussion yesterday.

Meanwhile, United National Party said arrangements for the election of the party will be finalised today. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has also finalised the number of candidates that will contest for the election.

After all the nominations are handed over the Elections Commissioner is due to announce the election date.
End

Government to woo Kaththankudi Muslims

 
A high-powered government delegation will visit the Kaththankudi Mosque Federation today in view of getting the support of Kaththankudi Muslims for the forthcoming general election.

Fishermen roughed up near Katchathivu

 

Fishermen were allegedly roughed up on mid-sea near Katchathivu by Sri Lankan Navy personnel early on Sunday.

Sri Lankan journalists urge Indian High Commission to get back the master tapes of 'Prabhakaran'

 


An umbrella media organization, comprising five organizations today urged Indian High Commission in Colombo to intervene to get back the master tapes of Sri Lankan film director Thushara Peiris's movie 'Prabhakaran' from the Gemini Studios in India.

The group in a letter to the Indian High Commissioner, Alok Prasad said, “We wish to register our disquiet about this incident and our concern here is with the principle, not the content of the film per se.”

Film Director Peiris was attacked in Chennai when he visited Gemini Studios last week by a group calling themselves the ‘Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association’.

“We believe that right to hold and express opinions are fundamental rights accepted by both our countries and enshrined in our respective constitutions. Making films or any other cultural production related to a social, an economic or political theme is to exercise this inviolable right. It is in this context that we believe the recent attack against Peiris is a violation of that right,” the release stated.

The five media organizations are Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum, Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance and Free Media Movement.

Two terrorists killed in Muhamalai

 

A LTTE terrorist was killed in a confrontation in the afternoon around 12.30 in the MUHAMALAI area, JAFFNA on Saturday (29) while another terrorist was killed in the night around 10.30 on the same day in MUHAMALAI.

4 LTTE cadres killed in clashes - Mannar

 

Four LTTE terrorists were killed in clashes occurred at Thirukeshwaram in Mannar this morning, March 30, defence sources said.

Army snipers deployed in general area Thirukeshwaram in Mannar gunned down three LTTE terrorists this morning, March 30. The incidents took place around 9.10 a.m., defence sources said.

Meanwhile, troops launched an attack targeting a group of LTTE terrorists in the same area around 10.20 a.m. this morning, March 30. Ground troops confirmed that one terrorist was killed in this attack.

SLMC to contest on UNP ticket

The SLMC would contest the first ever election to the Eastern Provincial Council on the UNP ticket, well informed sources said.

They had reached an understanding on an agreement, the sources said. This would pave the way for the SLMC to propose a chief ministerial candidate, the sources said, asserting an agreement between the UNP and the SLMC was a forgone conclusion.

The sources claimed the recent talks to explore the possibility of all Muslim parties coming together to contest the elections on the UPFA ticket had been a farce. The UNP and SLMC had agreed to join hands almost immediately after the government called the election, the sources said.

The UNP-SLMC coalition would pit itself against the UPFA which has the backing of breakaway LTTE group TMVP.

Although the SLMC hadn’t announced its chief ministerial candidate as yet M. L. M. Hisbullah, formerly of the PA and the incumbent SLMC chief in the Batticaloa District is believed to be a leading candidate.

Hisbullah was believed to be one of key movers of the bid to strike a deal with the SLFP, the sources said.

Others said SLMC General Secretary M. T. Hasen Ali, MP, would quit his National List seat to lead the UNP list. Ali wasn’t available for comment yesterday as he was in the East.

A final decision is expected to be announced by Tuesday.

Government sources said they weren’t unduly worried about the UNP-SLMC coalition as Eastern Province Muslims were well represented in Parliament.

Fighter jets bombed another Sea Tiger base in Mullathivu

Fighter jets of the Air Force have pounded another Sea Tiger base in Mullathivu. The Media Center for National Security says the aerial attack was launched around 12.40 pm today targeting a sea tiger camp in Chilawatte in Ampil in the Mullathivu district. The pilots have confirmed their target was accurate.

Government initiated 12 mega development projects-MR

President Mahinda Rajapakse says the government has initiated 12 mega development projects without confining its activities only to defeat terrorism.
New job opportunities have been created while increasing the salaries and wages of employees. The president said the United National Party despite being well aware of this situation is attempting to disrupt humanitarian operations in the North indirectly supporting the terrorists. President Rajapakse expressed these views addressing the 18th General Assembly of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party held at Temple Trees this morning.
Certain groups undertaking foreign visits allege the government that it commits human rights violations. The president describes this behaviour of such groups as taking revenge on the general public to avenge their hatred towards him. Speaking further president Rajapakse said before he came into office the request of the public was to liberate the north and east from the terrorists. Now this request has been fulfilled.
The United National Party which boycotted the local polls in the eastern province is now attempting to win the provincial council elections with the support of the LTTE. The president stated that the people in the area will never forget the fact that the east was liberated by the present government. The government has fulfilled its responsibility to establish democracy in the area. President Rajapakse also pointed out the importance of strengthening the SLFP along with the government’s development programmes.
Speaking on the occasion general secretary of the SLFP Minister Maithreepala Sirisena said the government has initiated a broad programme to boost the local economy. SLFP Treasurer Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle recalled the support of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna during the last presidential polls and said the government is ready to counter any type of challenge that comes in its direction.
10 proposals were passed in the 18th SLFP General Assembly today. A large crowd gathered attended the event.

Troops recover 300 Anti- Personnel mines & large stock of ammunition

Three hundred (300) anti - personnel mines were recovered by Troops in a search operation conducted between 8.30 in the morning and 2.00 in the afternoon by the Army in the JANKAPURA area, WELIOYA on Saturday (29) while a soldier was also reported injured and a hand grenade was recovered in the morning around 11.20 on Saturday (29) in a confrontation in the same area.
Meanwhile in another confrontation with terrorists a soldier was killed in action in the same area in the evening around 6.30 the same day (29). Another soldier was also killed in a confrontation around 11.45 in the morning on Saturday (29). A soldier was also reported killed in action around 3.10 in the afternoon on Saturday (29) in the KIRIIBBANWEWA area, WELIOYA while two soldiers were reported injured during a confrontation with terrorists on the same day around 1.00 in the afternoon.
On the same day (29), four terrorists were also reported injured and 3400 rounds of live T56 rounds, 1100 MPMG live rounds and ten (10) hand grenades were recovered by Troops during a fierce confrontation with terrorist in the same area of KIRIIBANWEWA, WELIOYA in the afternoon around 12.45.

Troops recover Anti -personnel mines

Troops continuing search operations in the TRINCOAMLEE area recover ten (10) anti - personnel mines from the GALMITIYAWA area.

A senior broadcaster launches a website to support disabled and disadvantaged youth in SL

Sunil C. Perera in Sri Lanka

A senior broadcaster and a drama therapist Rohana Deva Perera launched his official website - http://www.thidoratheatre.org/ to assist local disabled and disadvantaged youth and to help them using Performing Arts as a therapeutic tool by respecting each and every individual and their contributions to the entirety while celebrating differences of all communities of Sri Lanka.

Speaking to media he explained the inception and concept of THIDORA dates back to 1987, with its new phase, now being implemented.

The original name of the project was Natya Silpa Shalika, which was initiated by a popular and veteran dramatist late Dhamma Jagoda. After his demise, Rohana Deva [Chairman, Thidora] succeeded as the director of the Natya Silpa Shalika. During this period an enthusiastic foreigner, Wolfgang Stange, Founder of AMICI Dance Theatre Company, London, fancied this project, mainly due to the services rendered, and focused the project towards the disabled in Sri Lanka, for which he mooted finances through Interlink Trust, London.
It would be of significant interest to note that some of the achievements of the disabled youth through this project in various activities including dramas such as “Rosa Kele’, ‘Kekiri’ and ‘Procession comes, comes and goes.’

They were produced during weekly based theatre workshops in and around Colombo. They also won a special award for a production based on ethnic conflict, “Palm and Coconut”, from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka. This project is the first ever integrated theatre introduced to the disabled in Sri Lanka. Participating youths’ keenness and enthusiasm of their parents during the project was boundless. We also utilized theatre arts as therapeutic tools to enhance their mental and physical abilities.
In 1998, Natya Silpa Shalika joined the Sunethra Bandaranaike Trust to form the Butterfly Theatre Company. Its first production “Butterflies Will Always Fly” was directed by Rohana Deva and Wolfgang Stange. In 1999, the duo successfully directed “Flowers Will Always Bloom” with performances in London, New Delhi and Brisbane, in addition to several shows in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, the project was reorganized as Sunera Foundation with a view to spreading the techniques and methodology towards other parts of Sri Lanka. Rohana Deva was the live-wire of the Foundation and a key player performing several roles as the Creative Director and Consultant.
Thidora-Theatre Institute for Disability Oriented Research and Advocacy is established to make optimum use of resources and leading a mission towards the concentrated goals and objectives of the Mission.
When workshops are conducted in rural areas it is envisaged to make a viable survey of disabled and disadvantaged talents on various aspects for development through the project, be it dance, drama, puppetry, music or art. In that backdrop, hostel facilities would be an essential input to help them concentrate on their higher studies. Plans are afoot under THIDORA to set up a mini theatre to conduct experimental activities along with hostel facilities to accommodate the disabled and disadvantaged. The mini-theatre and the hostel will be equipped with disable friendly modern facilities.
Parents of participants Ananda Siriwardana and Chithra Thebuwana [a member of the governing body of Thidora] have already donated a land and built a small auditorium for the initial work to achieve our goals.
To proceed with the aims and objectives of the Project with a future developmental sphere the numerous activities of ‘Thidora’, it is envisaged that donations and contributions from individuals and organizations keen in the rehabilitation of the innocent and the children of the God, a descent way of life.
THIDORA conducts on an on-going basis weekly workshops for Disabled and Disadvantaged and designing the teacher’s Manuel to work with Autistic Children.The institution also formulated a set of Practical Techniques for the Members of the Committee and Designing the Teachers’ Manuel to work with Autistic Children in Government Schools. The Manuel is being designed by the National Institute of Education of the Ministry of Education.It conducts training of Trainers Program for Teachers at the Ceylinco Sussex Autistic School. "We work as Resource Partner of “Eagle Samana” of Eagle Insurance to conduct awareness program for the care-takers of children with Special Needs, he said..
Coming from an area famous for its “kolam” and “kavi nadagam” forms of traditional folk theatre, Rohana was inspired by a love of drama from a very early age as a growing up child. Rohana was impressed by the strong links between drama and spirituality and the way that the performing arts can be used to touch people's souls. His passion for drama led him to study at Natya Shilpa Shalika, under theatre legend Dhamma Jagoda, and at the State Institute of Theatre Arts (SITA), where he received a Diploma in Drama. He later became the Director of Natya Shilpa Shalika.
Rohana received a Diploma in Special Education from the National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka. He has successfully completed an intensive workshop on Services for Children with Special Needs, Emphasis on Intellectual Disability & PPD-Autism at MCTC Training Centre, Israel.
Rohana's strengths initially was eminent in his early work in street theatre, which he learnt under Gamini Haththotuwagama. This later culminated in his work with Simon Nawagethwgama for UNICEF, where he used street theatre to spread public health messages to people living in shanties and slums in Colombo.
He is also an experienced Puppeteer and was a past Chairman of the Panel on Puppetry of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka. In 1987 he led a Puppetry Group from Sri Lanka to Amsterdam and latterly a Puppet Group to Pakistan in 2000.
In between theatre work, Rohana used his Diploma on Writer-ship & Communication from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura to good effect as a Creative Journalist and Broadcaster for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. Rohana's work took a big step forward when he first met Wolfgang Stange through his work with the German Cultural Institute. The two began to work on a series of collaborative workshops for young people with disabilities, implemented by the Natya Shilpa Shalika.
Rohana’s desire to extend his healing work right across the country led to him working with Sunethra Bandaranaike and forming Sunera Foundation. Rohana Deva has acted as Consultant to the Sunera in matters relating to mapping out its work plans, supervising and ensuring their successful implementation. With Wolfgang's emphasis on dance and Rohana's focus on drama, their collaboration laid the foundations for all of the work that went on in Sunera Foundation workshops.
After beginning to work with people with disabilities, Rohana was overwhelmed by the strength of their humanity and the genuine warmth of their response to dramatic techniques.
He has also conducted advanced workshops for teachers in Special Education in Sri Lanka as well as for leading organizations abroad, in the UK, Norway, Australia, Italy and Israel.
In 2005, Rohana was bestowed with the title ‘Kala Suri’ (Expert in Arts) by the Government of Sri Lanka for his tireless efforts to help young people, the disabled and the less fortunate to integrate into society through their performances in drama and theatre.
End

Doha bank plans to strengthen trade and financial ties with Sri Lanka

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Visiting leading banker R.Seetharaman –CEO of the Doha Bank plans to promote trade ties with Sri Lanka and said the bank’s main aim is to promote non banking activities in Sri Lanka.Speaking to media he said his bank wishes to invest in infrastructure development, invest funds in economically viable sectors and promote fast money transferring activities with the local banks. He said that Sri Lanka has an opportunity to tap capital surpluses of oil-rich Gulf countries like Qatar as well as export professional services for a booming construction industry there. "The aim of my visit is to promote bilateral economic activity between Sri Lanka and Qatar and other Gulf Co-operation Council states," Seetharaman said.
The visit was arranged by Sri Lanka's Chamber of Construction Industries with the aim of exploring business opportunities and creating awareness among its members of the opportunities available in the Gulf. Explaining current banking trends he said a million of Sri Lankans are now serving in the gulf countries and the Doha bank’s plan is to provide a fast money transferring project for them. At present a number of local banks are with us, he said.Mr.Seetharaman had discussions with few local banks on Saturday and met various entrepreneurs to promote bilateral trade and investment activities.“We know Middle East is now booming and the Gulf Countries need skilled labour in construction sector and other sectors. The Construction Chamber could assist local labours to obtain employments and earn more, he added.
There are opportunities for investment authorities in GCC states to invest their surplus funds in fast growing economies of Asia, especially when Western economies slowing down, he said.
Qatar, with the third largest gas reserves in the world, and having the highest per capita income in the world at 70,000 dollars, was well placed to both make investments in the island, as well as import Sri Lankan professional skills because of the construction boom there.
There is over a trillion dollars worth of pure construction projects in the region right now.
Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya, Secretary General of the Chamber of Construction Industries, said Seetharaman's visit was timely as Sri Lanka was looking at exporting construction related professional services contracting capacities to Qatar.
He said the Gulf banker was the focal point of FDI from GCC states to Sri Lanka with special reference to infrastructure development.
"Sri Lanka needs large scale FDI particularly because of inadequate public spending in infrastructure development," Thalgodapitiya said.
Mr. Seetharaman was conferred by Honourable Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France, as the “Best CEO in Middle East Banking Industry 2008” by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute at the 5th Leading CEO Summit in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, held on 19th March 2008 in Dubai.
Mr. Seetharaman was also adjudged as the “Banker of the Year” at the 2007 Banker Middle East Industry awards in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, held on 16th May 2007 in Doha. He also won a number of international awards .
End

12 Independent Groups have made their deposits -ECs in EP

Assistant Elections Commissioners of Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa say 12 Independent Groups have made their deposits by yesterday for the forthcoming provincial council elections in the eastern province.
Assistant Elections Commissioner of Batticaloa S. Sudhakaran sent no political party has so far submitted their nominations. Accepting of nominations will end at 12.00 noon on the 3rd of next month. The time period allocated to submit deposit for the local polls will conclude at 12.00 noon on April 2nd. The Elections Commissioner will officially announce the date for polling after receiving nomination papers.
Meanwhile preliminary arrangements for the upcoming Eastern Provincial Council elections are under way and accordingly the applications for postal votes are ready in accordance with the voters list of 2006. The election secretariat says that a large number of security forces personnel are expected to apply for postal votes.End

SL's first open air zoo will open this year

The construction work of the first phase of the Sri Lanka’s first ever open air zoo is to be completed within this year. It is located at Pinnawala in Rambukkana. The government together with Sabaragamuwa provincial council will invest 100 million rupees for the construction process this year. Speaking at a media briefing held at the office of the Pinnawala zoo minister Gamini Lokuge disclosed the zoo will comprise three zones.End

Havelock City” mega shopping complex will begin this year.

The investment agreements have been signed for the construction of the biggest ever shopping complex in the Colombo city. The Havelock City private limited and the Mireka Capital Land Company will invest 60 million rupees in this regard. The construction of the three store “Havelock City” mega shopping complex will begin this year. Chief operation officer of the Overseas Reality Company which heads the project Rimaz Gauz says it will also include a cinema hall and cafeterias. Space has also been given for various institutions, departments and warehouse facilities. The construction work is scheduled to be completed by the year 2010.
On behalf of the government the investment agreement was signed by Director General of the Board of Investment Dhammika Perera, while the agreement letters were handed over by Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama. End

Mines removed

VAVUNIYA: Army troops who had observed a mine field were able to remove 78 AP mines in NAVATKULAM .

Army Commander Meets Wanni Ground Commanders

COMMANDER OF THE ARMY Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka met senior ground Commanders in Wanni area Saturday (29) morning at the Security Forces Headquarters- Wanni (SFHQ-W).
Wanni Security Forces Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya received the visiting Army Chief, accompanied by a few senior officers at Army Headquarters at the air strip.Latest, developments in the Security Situation and steps taken to provide basic facilities to IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) arriving here from un-cleared areas were briefed by the Security Forces Commander to Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka.
After listening to briefings by senior commanders on their respective areas, Army Commander issued further instructions on future security measures to be taken.

Lutheran World Relief responds to Sri Lanka flooding

Lutheran World Relief is providing emergency food rations to approximately 200 children under the age of 6 who have been displaced from their homes by recent torrential rains in Sri Lanka.
More than 7,000 people were forced from their homes by floods in Sri Lanka's Batticaloa region last week. Many of those people had already been displaced by fighting between the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels, and are now forced to move again.
Lutheran World Relief is working with the YMCA of Batticaloa to provide food rations to children in eight camps for internally displaced persons. LWR's Sri Lanka staff will continue to monitor the situation and may consider a longer term relief or reconstruction project if conditions do not improve.
The torrential rains that caused the flooding have ceased, and drier conditions are expected in the coming days.
'A rapid response is vital in the days following an emergency,' said LWR President John Nunes. 'Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have the agility to respond quickly to ensure that basic needs are met.'

Troops destroy two LTTE bunkers; dominate 700m neck of land

Troops in a pre dawn attack have destroyed two fortified bunkers manned by LTTE terrorists this morning (March 29). According to the defence sources at Mannar battlefront, Sri Lanka army infantrymen have launched the surprise attack around 4.a.m at the LTTE bunker defence located in Elanthivan area, South of Admapan.
Ground troops have confirmed that 10 LTTE cadres were killed in this incident. Also, a 700m stretch of land has been dominated, sources further said. The soldiers are consolidating their positions, the sources added.

No move against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council

The four-week-long Seventh Session of the UN Human Rights Council which concluded yesterday (March 28) in Geneva took action on more than 35 resolutions and decisions on the promotion and protection of human rights and Sri Lanka was not on its agenda once again.
There was no action taken by the Council on the country's human rights situation in any of the three standard forms, namely a resolution, a special session or a statement by the President of the Council.
A clear majority of members of the Council showed their solidarity with Sri Lanka in its efforts to promote and protect human rights while combating terrorism. Reference to Sri Lanka's human rights situation was made by several Western countries and Sri Lankan and international NGOs which attended the Seventh Session. However, such criticism fell well short of gaining necessary support within the Council for any specific action on Sri Lanka due to a successful briefing campaign spearheaded by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva. This campaign was a part of Sri Lanka's long-standing policy of open and constructive engagement with the international community on human rights issues.

COI to check international credibility of investigations

The Commission to Investigate serious Violations of Human Rights (CoI) will seek the opinion of the Attorney General on the international credibility of its investigations once the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) withdraws from the observation role next Monday, Secretary, CoI, S D. Piyadasa says.

CM aspirer’s pow wow with Pillayan

A SLMC strongman from Batticaloa district who aspires to be the chief ministerial candidate of the party has started talks with Pillayan faction in view of sharing the post with Pillayan in a UPFA-SLMC tie up. However the party hierarchy has completely ruled out an alliance with government and says it will go either solo or with the UNP.

Sri Lanka at risk of getting poorer

Poverty would increase in Sri Lanka both in the short and long run, the 60th report of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (Escap) 2008 said. According to the report India would suffer the most while Bangladesh will also suffer.

Supreme Court endorses Lanka's Human Rights commitment

The Supreme Court has determined that internationally accepted human rights conventions have been enshrined in Sri Lanka's legal system.
This verdict has been returned by the Supreme Court on a request by the President to seek a SC determination on Lanka's stand vis-a-vis the legal enshrinement of human rights, Export Promotion and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris told the weekly Cabinet press briefing.
He said this determination has nullified attempts by certain elements here and abroad to tarnish the human rights image of Sri Lanka.
He said these accusations have surfaced mainly in the backdrop of Sri Lanka reapplying for GSP+ duty free status for apparel and other exports to the European Union this year. The aim of these elements was to deprive the EU apparel quotas to Lanka and hurt its economy.
The GSP+ status is reviewed every three years and is applicable to 7,200 categories of goods.
The Minister said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who realised the immense loss that some elements were trying to cause to the country, requested the Supreme Court to determine whether Sri Lanka maintained and respected an internationally accepted human rights legal framework, which would satisfy the EU.
The Government's commitment to human rights has been reinforced by the Supreme Court verdict, he added.
"The apparel industry is the biggest beneficiary of GSP+. More than 350,000 are directly employed in the apparel sector and more than one million indirectly benefit. More than three million families depend on the apparel sector."
He expressed the hope that the Supreme Court verdict would be an appropriate answer to those who had attempted to show that Sri Lanka had no respect for human rights, with the aim of scuttling the GSP+ quota allocation.

No Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations due to CoL - Ranil

Due to the skyrocketing cost of living it has become almost impossible for the public to celebrate the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe said.
He said this at the inaugural convention of the People’s Force National Movement at the UNP Headquarters at Sirikotha in Kotte.
Mr. Wickramasinghe added that the Sinhala and Hindu New Year is the only celebration that has all the customs put together.

LTTE operative killed in accidental bomb explosion- Ampara

A LTTE terrorist was killed when a bomb he was carrying exploded in distances from the Murunkan temple at Alaiyadiwembu in Ampara district on Friday (March 28) at 7.30p.m.
According to Akkaraipattuwa Police, the LTTE operative was killed on the spot while no civilian was injured in the explosion. It is believed that the bomb has accidentally triggered off while the LTTE operative was carrying it hidden in his waist, Police further said.

Prabhakaran director gives up fast

Sri Lankan filmmaker Thushara Peiris who was subjected to a mob attack instigated by LTTE sympathisers in Tamil Nadu gave up his hunger strike yesterday after Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama's intervention to bring down film copies detained at Gemini Colour Laboratory in Chennai.
The Minister assured co-producer of Prabhakaran, Saman Thanthrige, of the Government's fullest co operation in this regard when the latter met the Minister on behalf of Peiris who is receiving treatment at a private Hospital.
Thanthrige gave a brief outline of the incident and sought the Foreign Ministry's direct intervention to bring the film copies back, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The Foreign Minster has immediately directed the Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai to look into the matter and make early arrangements to bring the copies back.
Accordingly the Deputy High Commissioner based in Chennai in coordination with the High Commissioner in Delhi have already taken initial steps towards this. Peiris was brutally assaulted by protesters opposite the Gemini Laboratory when he arrived there to hand over his debut film Prabhakaran for dubbing.
The Tamil Nadu Media has given wide publicity for this film slated for release in the State.
However, he has managed to escape with a deep laceration on his back after the intervention of Indian Police and intelligence service agents.
Peiris said the Filmamakers Association in Chennai has watched the film and suspended screening it in Tamil Nadu. They have directed the Gemini Laboratory not to release the film to the Director.
"The film is directed by me and it is my property. They should hand it back," he said. "Film Corporation Chairman T.M. Sanghadasa came to see me and promised all possible efforts to bring back the film.
"I went to the Gemini Laboratory to dub Prabhakaran which gives a clear picture of LTTE terrorist atrocities and child conscription to the world," he said.
But later I came to know that some film artistes and technicians have been hoodwinked by the LTTE sympathisers to protest against this film which according to them was anti-Tamil, he said.
"There is a misconception among the Tamil Nadu artistes that this film is anti-Tamil. It is not true," he added.

3 LTTE suspects arrested in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Police reportedly have arrested 3 LTTE suspects alleged of smuggling for the LTTE an internationally banned terror outfit on Friday(March 28) Indian media was quoted.
The LTTE suspects were been detained under the National Security Act(NSA) while 4 others were reported arrested under the same act for smuggling activities for the Maoist movement.
The LTTE suspects were identified as Murudapandi, Muthuramalingam and R. Raja now in detention at Puzhal and Madurai Central prisons in Tamil Nadu.
According to news reports, cases were filed against them under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and Criminal Law Amendment Act.

Corporate tea estates in Sri Lanka are withering

By P.K. Balachandran, Colombo,
Sri Lanka exported $1.3 billion worth of tea in 2007, the highest in the 141-year history of the crop in the island country. This has brought cheer to Sri Lankans, but tea industry experts see it as a flash in the pan. Sri Lanka produces 304 million kg per year and is the fourth largest tea producer in the world, after China, India and Kenya. But the large estates, which are in the corporate sector, are on the decline, with no prospect of an early recovery, notes N. Yogaratnam, consultant at the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM) in Colombo.
"The increase in the export earnings was due to a 16% hike in world prices due to a shortage created by the Kenyan political crisis. It was not because of high performance by the Sri Lankan tea industry. Tea production in Sri Lanka had actually declined by 6% when this happened," Yogaratnam told IANS.
"Kenya and south India have higher productivity than Sri Lanka. In Kenya, it is 2,300 kg per hectare and in south India it is 2,240 kg/ha. Intake (plucking) per worker per day is 20 to 22 kg in Sri Lanka while in Kenya it is 30 to 35 kg," he pointed out. "The cost of production is the highest in Sri Lanka. It is $2.2 per kg here while in Vietnam it is $0.75, and in Kenya and India it is $1.25," Yogaratnam said.
The corporate sector estates have not been replanting as much as they should. Only about 1% is replanted while it should not be less than 2%. However, the small-scale sector, which accounts for 70% of the national production, is a silver lining in the dark cloud. But small scale production has its own limitations in a competitive world market."In the case of small tea holdings, productivity is 1,850 kg per hectare. But the national average, taking into account the corporate estates, is only 1,520 kg/ha," Yogaratnam pointed out.
Unlike the small scale sector, the large scale estates face a heavy wage bill and overheads. Tea estate managements still have an expensive colonial style lifestyle, but the workers today are less slavish and more demanding as compared to colonial times. The politically powerful plantation workers have managed to get regular wage increases through strikes. The last wage increase in 2007 had imposed a burden of SL Rs.90 million ($833,000) on a corporate estate on an average, complained Lalith Obeysekere, chairman of the Plantation Services Group in the Employers' Federation of Ceylon.
"Since the privatisation of the tea estates in 1992, wages have gone up by 350 %, while productivity has increased very little," he pointed out. "Labour issues are critical because labour accounts for 60% of the cost of production," added Yogaratnam. With improvement in educational facilities, more money in their pockets and social changes around them, young tea estate workers are now leaving the estates and finding alternative jobs outside.
"The corporate estate sector loses about 10% of its workers every year, and there are no new entrants from south India to fill the gap as was the case in the colonial days," Yogaratnam said. The structural characteristics of corporate tea estates, and the sector's relations with the Sri Lankan polity are two other key factors shaping its destiny.
"The large tea estates are owned by the government but are leased out to private sector companies for management. The managements therefore do not have the sense of security or commitment of a small scale planter who owns his plantation. "Secondly, successive socialist-oriented governments have given facilities and concessions to the small scale planter but not to the corporate estates. While the small scale planter gets key inputs like fertiliser at a subsidized rate, the corporate estates have to buy at rising market prices," Yogaratnam pointed out. "The future for corporate estates is not rosy. The government should give them a helping hand through subsidies and other incentives," he said.

SLMC defers decision on Tree symbol, forging alliances

by Zacki Jabbar
A majority of SLMC members are for contesting the May 10, Eastern Provincial Council Election under its Tree symbol, but no finality was reached at its high command meeting on Wednesday night.
Informed sources said that the majority view expressed at the meeting was that the Tree symbol should not be sacrificed at any cost. "A section of the party said that all options should be explored before deciding on the strategy that needs to be adopted. However a final decision would be taken only after we finalise our list of candidates."
Those wanting the SLMC to retain the Tree symbol, reasoned that maintaining its identity in the East - which is the party’s main base was of paramount importance."Contesting under common symbols in other parts of the country was quite in order, but it would be a case of committing political suicide if such a course of action was followed in the region that gave birth to the SLMC."
Leader of the SLMC, Rauff Hakeem and party seniors on Thursday visited Ampara, Trincomalee and Batticaloa to finalise their list of candidates for the EPC polls.
"Our present focus is to select competent and popular candidates for the SLMC list. Forming alliances could be looked at thereafter", the sources said.
The SLFP, UNP and other Muslim political parties recently held talks with the SLMC to explore the possibility of contesting the EPC election under a common symbol.
The UNP and SLMC having discussed an electoral alliance on Wednesday, agreed to meet again on Sunday.

SLBC to shut down regional service - Kaviratne

From Jayaweera Bandara Atapattu
Administrative problems have led to a decision to terminate the regional services of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Central Provincial Council member Sanjeewa Kaviratne (UNP) warned of this impending move at a recent meeting of the council.
The hill country broadcasting service of the SLBC, the Kandurata Radio Service has been producing several social, religious and educational programmes.
Kaviratne urged the council to request the Minister of Media and information to continue with the important regional broadcasting service of the State-run SLBC.
SLBC officials of the Kandurata Service told The Island that the service was running at a loss due to overstaffing. Instead of 10 or 12 administrative and operational staff needed to run the service, 57 were employed causing a loss to the SLBC.

Plot to kill Gota hatched in Mutwal

by Hemantha Randunu
Police investigating an attempt on Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s life at Colpetty in December 2006 have established that terror strike had been planned by a group of senior LTTE members led by a priest at Mutwal.
It has also been found that the trishaw used in the attack had been fitted with a bomb at a religious place in Mutwal.
The police have ascertained details of the abortive assassination bid from a group of LTTE cadres including two women arrested in the Pettah recently while they were planning to launch an attack in Colombo. The police have traced a trishaw the LTTE had used to transport explosives for the December 2006 attack.
The police have detected C-4 explosives, detonators and arms concealed in a washing machine at the priest’s residence. A resident of Kilinochchi, he has been living in Mutwal with his wife for ten years.
The attack on the Defence Secretary, who was on his way to attend a National Security Council meeting at Temple Trees, was carried out by a male suicide bomber driving a red three wheeler. Two soldiers were killed in the blast and 18, including security forces personnel and civilians injured.

UNICEF sacks drug addicted Staff

The UNICEF has terminated the services of Ms Lisa Woods fined by courts for being in possession of heroin.
The Country office of UNICEF in Sri Lanka has informed the Foreign Ministry of its decision. Ms Woods left the country yesterday (28).
The Government has stressed the need for international agencies to exercise due diligence when appointments are made with a view to ensuring the high standards of integrity of their staff.
A Foreign Ministry communiqué issued yesterday said: "The Country Office of UNICEF in Sri Lanka has informed the Ministry that the services of Ms Lisa Woods, a Communication Consultant who was fined by the Courts for being in possession of 80 mg of heroin was terminated.
Consequently she left the country on 28th March 2008.
Ms Wood, a US national, had arrived in Sri Lanka on 5th March this year to work with the UNICEF on a 4-month assignment to assist the updating of the UNICEF website and to write donor reports.
Ms. Wood has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, of a private hospital in Colombo on 12th March as she was found unconscious in her Hotel. She was placed under arrest by the Police for the possession of heroin and produced before the Colombo Magistrate on 25th March.
The Government appreciates the co-operation extended by UNICEF to the law enforcement authorities and for the immediate administrative measures taken against the officer.
The Government reiterates the need for international organizations to exercise due diligence when appointments are made with a view to ensuring the high standard of integrity and conduct of their staff. This will require a thorough assessment of the individual staff members including previous records, in order to satisfy that the staff member concerned possesses an unblemished record. Such measures would avoid any negative consequences on the concerned agencies by the personal conduct of its officials."

Only STF, troops allowed to carry arms – STF chief

The Special Task Force will provide optimum security during the run-up and conduct of the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council elections, the newly appointed STF Commandant, DIG, K. M. L. S. Sarathchandra said.

PIU probes alleged malpractices at Open prison

The Presidential Inv estigations Unit has begun a probe into a number of malpractices alleged to have taken place in the Prisons Department run open prison camp at Hangilipola in Kurunegala. This follows a number of complaints received by the unit.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court rulings ignored

By BASIL FERNANDO
HONG KONG, China, A man who alleged that he was severely beaten by the police in Sri Lanka after he refused to pay a bribe of three valuable gems was granted leave to appeal by the Supreme Court. He complained that his constitutional right to be protected from illegal arrest, illegal detention and torture were violated by the police.
Within the last few months, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has made three decisions against police officers for similar violations of abusing their powers of arrest and torturing people purely to obtain bribes.

In one case, the petitioner stated that he was lawfully transporting furniture from Colombo to his permanent residence in Kalmunai when he stopped his truck for the night, as it was dangerous to proceed further in an elephant-infested area. He complained that a police officer appeared, searched the truck and asked for a bribe of 5,000 rupees (US$50), threatening the man he would be prosecuted for illegally transporting furniture if he did not comply with the request for money.

Despite the man's protestations of innocence and showing the officer a permit to transport the furniture (which, in fact, was not a legal requirement but which he had obtained through an abundance of caution), the police officer arrested him and took him and the truck to the police station. He was subsequently detained illegally and hit with a wire that injured him, causing severe pain.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of this petitioner and gave lengthy directions to the inspector general of police to take action to prevent similar occurrences, which the court stated were common abuses of power in the country.

A few months later the Supreme Court made another decision in a case involving a married couple who claimed that they too were illegally arrested, illegally detained and severely tortured due to their refusal to pay bribes demanded by the police. On this occasion, the bribe demanded was 2,000 rupees (US$20).

This family though was very poor as the husband, having suffered a head injury, had been paralyzed for several years, and consequently their means of livelihood was selling illicit liquor in their small village shop. The police officers in the area had a habit of obtaining bribes from them regularly by filing, from time to time, charges for selling illicit liquor against these two people alternatively, for which they had to pay small fines.

This particular incident took place on one occasion when they were unable to pay the bribe. The petitioners pleaded in court that one of the officers even demanded sexual favors from the wife and, in fact, tried to forcibly enter her bedroom at midnight through a window. Because the neighbors were awakened due to the woman's cries, they were able to catch the police officer. However, a large number of his colleagues soon arrived in a jeep and took the husband and wife to the police station, where they were assaulted and fabricated charges were filed against them.

In this case, the court again ruled in favor of the petitioners, declaring that their rights guaranteed by the Constitution had been violated and ordering that compensation be paid to them.

A third case was decided in favor of another man who complained to the Supreme Court that, while he was driving his car, he was stopped at a checkpoint and asked for his driving license. He handed over a duly authenticated duplicate license, as the original had been lost. The police officer threatened to prosecute this driver for possession of a forged document unless he gave the officer a bottle of perfume which was found in his car.

This petitioner declared his innocence, maintained the legal validity of his license and refused to comply with the demanded bribe. The officer retained the license and asked this person to leave the scene. As a measure of caution, however, he went to the nearest police station to make a complaint about this incident. Instead of recording the complaint, the police sent him back to the same checkpoint where he had had the incident.

Upon his arrival, the officers reacted furiously. They went back in his car to the police station and handed him over to the Fraud Bureau, which detained him overnight and charged him for possessing a forged document. The magistrate remanded him pending further inquiries and released him only when a report was filed from the registrar of the Motor Traffic Branch stating that the license was genuine.

On all of these three occasions, the Supreme Court has given very lengthy directives to the inspector general of police and the secretary of the Ministry of Defense on the measures to be taken to prevent the abuse of power by police and military authorities, particularly with regard to searches and arrests at checkpoints that have sprouted up all over Colombo and elsewhere. While the purpose of these checkpoints is to prevent security breaches, they are being used, in fact, as places to collect bribes.

The latest case that came before the Supreme Court this week only proves that the directives given by the court have in no way altered the practice of using the national security law for the personal benefit of the officers. While these four incidents are related to petty bribes, it has been acknowledged that the kidnappings that have been taking place in Colombo and elsewhere have also been used to extract money. If the situation around Colombo is like those just described, it is unimaginable the extent to which the abuse of authority is taking place in the north and east, where the country's conflict is much more acute.

While the authorities ignore the directives of the Supreme Court, despite the court repeatedly reissuing these directives, the government takes an attitude of encouraging this illegal behavior, not only among law enforcement officers, but also among members of the government itself.

The notorious incident regarding the conflict of the government minister, Mervyn Silva, with the country's state television channel, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corp., and the subsequent attacks on journalists did not provoke any responsible action on the part of the government. In fact, the government's reaction has created a public perception that it is part of the present-day ruling strategy to allow such a state of lawlessness to exist.

Sri Lanka deposit rate ceiling to fall in April

COLOMBO, March 28 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's central bank said on Friday it was lowering the ceiling on deposit rates offered by finance companies to curb lending rates effective next month.

The maximum rate on a time deposit with a maturity period of 12 months or less will be the maximum rate of 364-day Treasury Bills issued during the immediately preceding quarter, plus 2.5 percent.

For deposits with a maturity period of more than 12 months the maximum return will be 5 percent plus 364-day T-Bills.

The previous limits were 3 and 6 percentage points, respectively, above the relevant T-Bill yields.

"The Central Bank expects that these revisions of the deposit interest rate ceilings would, in turn, lead to the reduction of the lending rates of finance companies," the central bank said in a statement.

Finance companies in Sri Lanka offer returns on deposits high as 25 percent, higher than commercial banks. The market interest rate hovers around 18 percent.

Their borrowing cost are higher than banks, sometimes over 35 percent, but investors still go to finance companies for reduced bottlenecks and minimum due diligence.
Analysts see the central bank move as designed to spur economic growth which threatens to fall below target due to war, high inflation and soaring interest rates.

Two civilians killed

LTTE terrorists had shot Sinhalese civilians travelling in a lorry, engaged in sand mining in Colony No 16 in AMPARA yesterday(27) around 4.30 p.m. Two civilians were killed and one wounded. The injured were admitted to AMPARA hospital.

Two civilians wounded in Vavuniya

Two female Tamil civilians were wounded when unidentified gunmen riding a motor cycle lobbed a hand grenade at Communication Centre in MAHARAMBAKULAM, VAVUNIYA today(28) around 11.15 a.m.

Injured were admitted to the VAVUNIYA Hospital.

Five terrorists killed

An LTTE cadre was killed by Army troops in a confrontation in KIRIBBAWEWA in WELIOYA today (28) around 2.30 p.m.. Subsequently the dead body of the terrorist and a T56 weapon were recovered.

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in NAGARKOVIL, JAFFNA today (28) around 10. a.m.. an LTTE bunker was destroyed by the Army in KILALAY- JAFFNA today (28) around 5.30 a.m.. Heavy damages were caused to the LTTE.

An LTTE cadre was killed in an encounter with the Army in MUHAMALAI today (28) around 12.00 noon.

SLAF raids LTTE explosive dump - Iranamadhu

SLAF fighter jets raided an LTE explosive dump this evening (March 28) in a jungle patch at Udayarkatukulama located 20km East of Iranamadhu tank, Air Force sources said.

According to Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya the air sorties were made following precise air and ground reconnaissance information at around 4.30p.m.
"The LTTE explosive dump was totally destroyed in the air attack", Spokesperson Wijesooriya was quoted saying.

Rupavahini not militarized – Media Minister

Media Minister Spokesman Anura Priyadharsana Yapa today denied claims that the state owned Rupavahini is being militarized with the appointment of a retired Major General as the Director General of the Administration of the Channel.

Three new Majors Generals

Three Brigadiers, who are currently in the northern battle field, have been promoted to the rank of Majors General. They are Jagath Dias – (General Officer Command (GOC) -57-Vavuniya), Deepal Alwis (Military Secretary) and Jagath Rambukkpotha (GOC-56-Omanthai), military sources said.

SC says Rights Covenant recognized in SL

The Supreme Court has determined that the Constitution of the country and the decisions of the Supreme Court give adequate recognition to the civil and political rights contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and that individuals in the country derive the benefit and guarantee of rights as contained in the Covenant. The Court has further held that the rights recognized in the Covenant are justiciable through legal and constitutional processes prevailing in the country. The Supreme Court made the determination on an opinion sought by the President.

P.B appointed SriLankan Chairman

Finance Secretary P.B Jayasundara has been appointed as the Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines while a new board was also announced. The other Board members are Sunil Wijesinghe, Lalith de Silva and Nishantha Wickremesinghe.

The appointments come as the deal between SriLankan and Emirates Airlines expires at the end of March.
The government is to take over management of SriLankan Airlines starting April 1, when the management contract with Emirates ends. The government has said that it is seeking a greater say in the management of SriLankan Airlines.

Local private sector assists to bring back SL women in overseas

The private sector has expressed willingness to assist in bringing back to the island Sri Lankan women workers subjected to harassment in overseas.
The Navaloka group of companies has agreed to bear the entire expense involved in bringing back 42 Sri Lankan women subjected to harassment while working in Kuwait. Vice chairman of the group Jayantha Dharmadasa handing over the letter of agreement to minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday his company has decided to engage in this connection in order to fulfil a social responsibility.

Indian Navy warns fishermen not to venture into Sri Lankan territorial waters

(By: Walter Jayawardhana)
Vice Admiral Ram Prem Suthan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff designate of the Indian Navy sternly warned all Indian fishermen not to enter the territorial waters of Sri Lanka.
Vice Admiral Suthan said the Sri Lankan Navy has never fired at Indian fishermen inside the Indian territorial waters, referring to allegations that some fishermen have been fired at by the Sri Lanka navy.
He said due to the military conflict going on between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lanka Navy such incidents cannot be avoided inside Sri Lanka's territorial waters. He said Indian fishermen should stop venturing into Sri Lankan waters since the Sri Lanka Navy is not permitting their own fishermen to go into those war prone waters.
The Vice admiral said Indian Navy would not allow any fisherman of their country to be fired upon in side the Indian territorial waters. Therefore, it is imperative the fisherman should remain inside the territorial waters of India for fishing.
Eleven Sri Lanka fishermen taken into custody by the Indian Coast Guard at Karaikal, last month have been handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy at the maritime border by the Indian Navy.

Sri Lanka GDP Growth Unexpectedly Accelerates to 7.6%

March 28 (Bloomberg) --Sri Lanka's economic growth unexpectedly accelerated as increased exports of tea and rubber offset restraints on spending from five-year high interest rates and renewed violence in the island's civil war.
Gross domestic product expanded 7.6 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31 from a year earlier, compared with 7 percent in the third quarter, the Department of Census & Statistics said today. Economists expected a 6.6 percent gain. Growth in the South Asian island economy has been boosted by record commodity prices, which has pushed up export earnings for rubber and tea. That's made up for weaker domestic demand as the central bank holds interest rates at the highest level since 2002 to rein in inflation, now running above 20 percent.
``Agriculture exports are holding up but manufacturing and services are affected by inflation,'' said Geeth Balasuriya, analyst at HNB Stockbrokers Pvt in Colombo. ``This year will be tough given high rates.'' The Sri Lankan rupee was little changed at 107.81 to the dollar at 11:55 a.m. in Colombo, according to First Capital Treasuries Ltd. The yield on the 7.5 percent bond due in March 2009 was holding at 18.5 percent, according to First Capital.
Consumer prices in the capital Colombo rose 21.6 percent in February from a year earlier, after increasing 20.8 percent in January. February's inflation was the fastest since 2004, according to data compiled by the statistics department for a new index going back to that year. Sri Lanka's central bank has kept its benchmark repurchase rate unchanged at 10.5 percent for 13 straight meetings. Governor Nivard Cabraal said in a March 22 interview that ``tight monetary policy'' will be maintained through the end of this year on concern surging oil prices may fan inflation. The $27 billion economy expanded 6.8 percent last year, from 7.7 percent in 2006, the statistics bureau said today.
The Washington-based IMF expects growth of 6 percent in 2008, the slowest pace in three years. The government on Jan. 16 formally ended its 2002 cease- fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam saying the rebels had used the accord to rearm and prepare for further attacks. Sri Lanka is seeking $1.8 billion in aid and investment to help rebuild the eastern province captured from the rebels in July. Services, which represent about 60 percent of the economy, expanded 7.4 percent in the fourth quarter, matching the gain of the previous three months, according to today's report. Industry, which accounts for about a third of GDP, gained 8.5 percent from 7.5 percent in the third quarter.
Farm output grew 6.7 percent from 3.7 percent previously. ``Public expenditure on power and road projects may have boosted industry,'' said Vajira Premawardhana, head of research at Lanka Orix Securities Pvt. in Colombo. ``Inflation is hurting consumer demand and a U.S. recession will slow trade and growth going forward.'' Overseas sales from Sri Lanka, mainly garments for brands such as Victoria's Secret and Gap, have become less vulnerable to a U.S. slowdown as the island has secured more European markets, Cabraal said in a Jan. 31 interview. Sri Lanka, the world's second-biggest supplier of black tea, exported a record $1 billion worth of the commodity in 2007 on higher prices, and may earn more this year as violence disrupted supplies from Kenya, according to the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
Exports climbed 22.7 percent to a record $863 million in December from $704 million a year earlier, the Central bank said on Feb. 15.

Military says 17 Tamil rebels, 2 soldiers killed in Sri Lanka fighting

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: A series of battles along the front lines in northern Sri Lanka killed 17 ethnic Tamil rebels and two government soldiers, the military said Friday.The violence was part of a heavy increase in fighting in the country's civil war in recent months.
The government has vowed to crush the rebels by the end of the year, but diplomats and other observers say the army is facing more resistance than it expected.In the worst fighting Thursday, six Tamil Tiger rebels were killed when troops attacked their bunkers in the Mannar district bordering rebel-held territory in the north, the military said.
Six rebels were killed in other fighting in Mannar, while five rebels were killed in the Vavuniya district, the military said.Two soldiers were killed in fighting in the Jaffna peninsula and Welioya area, the military said.It was not possible to independently verify the military's claim because the war zone is restricted to journalists.
Both the government and the rebels often exaggerate their enemy's casualties and underreport their own.Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan did not answer a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.The Tamil Tigers have fought since 1983 for an independent homeland for ethnic minority Tamils who have been marginalized for decades by successive governments run by majority ethnic Sinhalese. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the violence.

Sri Lanka launches probe into mystery poster campaign

COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka have launched a probe into a mystery poster campaign that is asking would-be Tamil Tiger suicide bombers to turn themselves in to government hands in return for cash.
The campaign, run by an unknown pro-peace organisation, was urging extremists to change their minds in exchange for a new life overseas and 10 million rupees (93,000 dollars)."Police have launched an investigation into these mysterious posters that appeared in predominant Tamil areas in Colombo.
The government has no hand in these posters," military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.The posters, which show the picture of a suicide bomber's severed head, reads: "You also were born to live. Why should you carry bombs?"It asked those contemplating taking up the offer to call a government operated telephone line.But Nanayakkara said: "I myself called that phone number 118 today several times and it went unanswered. We think the poster campaign is a hoax, someone is trying to create some mischief."
The rebels use suicide bombers to stage devastating attacks mainly against security forces.Last November, the Tigers said 343 suicide bombers, including 93 women, had died since November 1982, when the first Tiger loss was recorded, though the organisation was formed 10 years earlier.The Tigers are fighting for an independent homeland for minority Tamils from the majority Sinhalese community in the island's north and east.

Discussions are underway to contest forthcoming PC polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Discussions within leading political parties in the country on contesting the eastern provincial council election have entered its final stage.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says several political parties have agreed to contest under the UPFA ticket.
The UNP has commenced initial activities pertaining to the election. The SLMC will declare its decision on contesting the eastern provincial poll on Monday. The JVP says it has commenced the selection for the candidates for the election.
The TNA is yet to take a decision on contesting the election. The acceptance of nominations for the eastern election commenced yesterday. Nine independent groups have so far made their deposits. Nominations are accepted till the 3rd of next month. However the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has postponed the date to take a final decision on contesting the eastern provincial council election to the 31st of this month.
Speaking to media General Secretary of the SLMC parliamentarian Hassan Ali said the politburo of the party took this decision at a meeting last evening.

UN worker fined for drug offence

A UNICEF consultant Ms Lisa Woods was fined Rs. 8000 by a Colombo Court for being in possession of 80mg of heroin.
A senior government official last night said the Ms Lisa Woods, a US passport holder, had arrived in Colombo on March 5.
Police said they responded to an emergency call after the UNICEF Office in Colombo had contacted the Renuka Hotel, where she was lodging, when Ms Woods failed to report to work on March 12. On the request of the UNICEF, the hotel management had opened Ms Woods’ room which had a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door, he said.
They had found her unconscious. The door had been opened in the presence of a foreign colleague of Ms Woods, he said. She had been admitted to the intensive care unit where a routine check of her clothes by the hospital staff had resulted in the recovery of 80 mg of heroin. It had been in one of the pockets of her denims, police said. Police arrested her on March 17 and produced her before a Magistrate who ordered her remanded till March 25. When she was produced before the Magistrate on March 25, a fine of Rs 8,000 was imposed on her on the charge of being in possession 80 mg of heroin.

Maheswaran killing suspects re-remanded

The Two suspects arrested in connection with the assassination of UNP Parliamentarian T. Maheswaran were yesterday produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Ravindra Premaratne and re-remanded till April 3.
The suspects named Valentino and Sudarshan were produced by the Colombo Crimes Division.
Earlier, three suspects, including a woman, who were taken into custody were released.
According to reports before Courts, the blood stain samples retrieved from the scene of the incident, a Kovil in Kotahena and the blood stains found on the revolver were identical.
The MP, a shipping magnate was shot at the Kovil allegedly by an LTTE hit man.

Refusal to allow S. Thomas’ rugby team practice at Police ParkProbe against top cop

The Police Department has ordered a high level inquiry into a refusal by a highly placed police officer to accede to a request from S.Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia to use the Police Park Grounds Bambalapitiya for rugby football practice for the College team, led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s younger son Rohitha.
The College had requested the use of the police ground as there was a security threat against the members of the President’s family.
The request to use the police ground was made by the President of the old boys’ rugby club of S. Thomas College Tissa Jayasinghe and Police Headquarters had agreed to grant the request. But the high official concerned had told him that no practices or matches for school teams could be allowed.
A few weeks back a claymore mine went off at Wellawatte and it was found that the bomb exploded around the time when the President’s son goes for his rugby practice. The intelligence unit believe the claymore bomb was intended for the President’s son.

Sri Lankan real estate holds up in tense times

'Resilient" is the word that almost everyone is using to describe Sri Lanka's housing market - and its economy in general.
Despite a long-running armed conflict and the 2004 tsunami, "Sri Lanka is one of the best countries around in which to have real estate," said Lalitha Saleem, senior manager of Ceylinco Housing & Real Estate, which is developing one of the Sri Lankan capital's largest new developments. "The market can go up very fast, showing high returns."
Specialists say sales have slowed in the last year, but there continues to be widespread optimism that real estate on this island of 65,740 square kilometers, or 25,380 square miles, will be a good investment in the middle to long range.
Many Sri Lankans living abroad have been putting their money back into the country through real estate purchases, and overseas buyers from India, Japan, China and Europe, particularly Britain, also have been taking an interest.
Since the 1980s, Sri Lanka has been torn by fighting between government security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a group fighting for a separate homeland for the island's ethnic Tamil minority. Most islanders are ethnic Sinhalese and mainly Buddhist; the Tamils are mainly Hindu - although both communities also have strong Christian minorities.
Most of the violence has been in the country's eastern and northern areas, although there are occasional attacks within the capital. Foreigners have never been targets, however.
"After a cease-fire in the conflict started back in 2002, you had a great wave of people from the diaspora investing here," said Chanaka Wickramasuriya, country head for Fitch Ratings, the international credit rating agency. "The Colombo district of Wellawatta, for example, saw a boom in apartment building, with 75 percent of all the new apartments in Colombo going up there because the Tamil diaspora was returning."
With a population of about 700,000, Colombo sprawls along the island's southwestern coast, with a long, sandy beach fronting the Indian Ocean. The city has a long history, too, with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences in the architecture of its old quarter.
Spreading out from there, the city takes on a more modern character heading south into more prosperous suburbs like Mount Lavinia.
The interest from expatriates who had left the country during the most intense fighting happened just as Colombo's housing supply was at its most scarce, pushing up prices and, eventually, the city skyline.
"Traditionally, Colombo had been a city of bungalows and houses," said Remaz Ghouse, chief operating officer for Overseas Realty (Ceylon). "But this surge in demand and the shortage of land pushed everything upwards."
At the same time, foreigners began taking an interest in beach properties on the stretch of coast south of the capital.
"Many foreigners wanted a piece of paradise," said John Wilson, a Colombo lawyer specializing in real estate law. "Business really boomed."
Prices - and profits - rose rapidly, too. "In its heyday, you were seeing 80 to 100 percent annual profit margins," Wickramasuriya said.
In 2006, the cease-fire collapsed. The conflict has escalated and, while the market has lost its spectacular momentum, values have remained high.
A new government in 2005 also re-introduced a stiff tax on foreigners buying property.
"Before then, there had been this window of opportunity," Wilson said. "But then it closed, and now foreigners must pay a 100 percent tax at the time of transfer of the property."
There are notable exceptions, however. If an apartment is on the fourth or higher floor in a building, the tax is waived - and certain major projects have been granted tax exemptions.
The tax predominantly applies to houses and bungalows, with the levy effectively preventing foreign ownership of land. As a result, the southern coastal strip has seen little new activity.
Yet, as an indicator of the market's resilience, specialists note that demand is still strong and returns are still high.
"We have three-bedroom apartments in Colombo at the high end going for around 60 million Sri Lankan rupees this year, when last year they were going for 50 million to 55 million," Saleem said, or the current price of $557,000, compared to the range last year of $464,000 to $511,000.
"Middle-range three-bedroom apartments are going for 30 million to 35 million rupees, when a year ago they were 20 million to 25 million rupees," she said.
Ceylinco is developing the luxury Trillium Residences in Colombo 8, one of the city's 15 numbered districts. The first stage of the three-part project is finished, with furnished three-bedroom apartments going for 30 million to 40 million rupees.

Sri Lanka: Silencing Dissent

As hostilities in Sri Lanka intensify and human rights abuses increase, threats to the media and media freedoms inside the country have increased dramatically, says a new Amnesty International report, Silencing Dissent, published today.
The organisation has found that since the beginning of 2006 at least ten media workers have been the victims of unlawful killings; at least two have disappeared; while others have been tortured and arbitrarily detained under emergency regulations (ERs) granting the government sweeping powers.
The report also shows that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) does not allow any independent local media in the territories it controls, and closely monitors and restricts the work of journalists. On occasion, the LTTE has also targeted journalists in other parts of the country.
“Investigations have stalled and no one has been brought to justice for the deaths of media workers including cases dating back to 1990. Amnesty International calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to bring the people responsible to justice and end immediately the impunity with which the security forces carry out their intimidation of the media,” said Pia Oberoi, deputy director of Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific programme.
“Clamping down on media freedoms corrodes free speech, strangles debate, and prevents a true assessment of human rights abuses taking place. Amnesty International condemns the government’s campaign of intimidation against the media, and calls on it to respect and protect the freedom of the media to work without fear.
Journalists have also been targeted in the South, particularly those covering corruption issues. On 16 August 2007 the personal security provided by the government to veteran journalist Iqbal Athas was removed. Athas had been given police protection after being repeatedly threatened by members of the security forces who were angered by his coverage of arms deals.
The organisation also called on the LTTE to end its policy of intimidation of and crackdown against the media in the areas it controls.
The Karuna faction, a splinter group of the LTTE reportedly acting with the consent of the government forces, is also reported to have harassed media and stopped the distribution of Sudar Oli and Thinnakkural in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara Districts (in the east) since at least January 2007.
In addition, there are increasing reports of intimidation of artists, including actors, writers and filmmakers. One film maker commenting on the banning of Asoka Handagama’s film Aksharaya (Letter of Fire) says the government is trying to ban the film as part of a general drive “to stop political and socially sensitive cinema”.
“Frequent attacks on journalists and a climate of impunity are turning Sri Lanka into an Orwellian state where critical voices are stifled” said Oberoi.
Amnesty International calls on Sri Lanka authorities and the LTTE to:
• Respect and protect the rights to life, liberty and security of media workers in compliance with Sri Lanka’s obligations under international law• Declare unequivocally that killings, threats, or other attacks on media workers will not be tolerated• Ensure that all cases of attacks on media workers, irrespective of the identity of perpetrators or victims, are promptly, independently, impartially and effectively investigated.• Respect and ensure respect for the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in compliance with Sri Lanka’s obligations under the ICCPR and other international treaties and standards.

Tissa’s FR case on Monday

By S.S.Selvanayagam
The Supreme Court yesterday listed the rights violation petition filed by senior journalist J.S.Tissainayagam against the officers of the Terrorist Investigation Division to be supported for interim relief next Monday.
The Bench comprised Justices Asoka de Silva, N.E. Dissanayake and Raja Fernando. President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva with J.C. Weliamuna and M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the journalist. Senior State Counsel K.P. Ranasinghe appeared for the respondents.
Court has already granted leave to proceed with this rights violation petition filed by petitioner Tissainayagam for the alleged infringement of his fundamental rights to freedom from torture, equality and equal protection under the law, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.
Petitioner Tissainayagam cited OIC Prasanna de Alwis, Director Nandana Munasinghe of the TID, IGP Victor Perera, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Attorney General as respondents.
In his petition, he complained that TID OIC Prasanna de Alwis was directly responsible for the detention, investigation and custody of petitioner and said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was vested with the authority to issue Detention Orders under the Emergency Regulations.Tissainayagam, an old Thomian and a political science graduate, started his career at Wijeya Newspapers Ltd, as a journalist for the Sunday Times and the Daily Mirror. He has been working as a columnist for the Sunday Times since 2007.
In May 2007, he developed a website “Outreach,” with financial support received from a largely German based organization called Facilitating Local Initiatives for Conflict Transformation (FLICT).
On March 6, police officers visited and searched the second floor of a building, where a press belonging to one N. Jasiharan is situated. The ‘OutreachSL office is situated on the ground floor of the same building.
Jasiharan and his wife were taken into custody by police officers of the TID. On the following day, March 7, police officers arrived at the ‘OutreachSL office with Jasiharan in their custody and searched the premises. Petitioner on being informed of this went to his office, as he was concerned about Jasiharan, But the police officers had left by then.
Tissainayagam went to the TID on the same day and asked them whether, as a staff member, he could meet Jasiharan. Tissainayagam was then questioned, arrested and detained.
He complained that the conduct of the respondent police officers, which amounted to discriminatory treatment on the basis of his ethnicity, had resulted in the violation of his fundamental rights

World Bank Supports Water Resources Planning and Dams Safety in Sri Lanka

In support of the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to ensure the safety of the public from risks of ageing dams and to manage its water resources, the World Bank today approved a US$65.33 million credit for the Sri Lanka Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning Project.

The project aims to improve the operational efficiency of 80 dams and to establish sustainable institutional arrangements for safety management and operations and maintenance of major dams in the country. Special attention will be paid to the safety of 32 of the 80 dams that have been categorized as high risk. The project will support the preparation of a National Water Use Plan by updating the Mahaweli Water Resources Development Plan, which entails the preparation of a Water Resources Development Plan for Mundeni Aru River Basin. Feasibility studies of priority water development options will also be undertaken.

“Improving the institutional capacity for integrated and multi-sectoral water resources planning and prioritization of water resources development investments is critical for Sri Lanka’s development,” said Naoko Ishii, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka. “The damage caused by the tsunami disaster has deepened the need and urgency for the country to protect the public from natural disasters,”she added.

Many of Sri Lanka’s 350 medium and large dams are ageing and have structural deficiencies and shortcomings in operation and monitoring facilities. Set up centuries ago, the wide irrigation and water resources systems have contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth and have sustained human settlements, particularly in rural areas. Dams, barrages, reservoirs, trans-basin canals, and irrigation systems serve the critical energy and human and environmental water supply needs of the country. In addition, they provide flood control in the river basins.

“Physical and analytical infrastructure for monitoring hydro-meteorological data, enabling detection and forecasting of water hazards are essential prerequisites for the implementation of early warning systems,”said Nihal Fernando, World Bank Senior Rural Development Specialist and team leader for the project.“The project will improve the hydro-meteorological information system, including upgrading of 50 hydrometric stations, better flood protection procedures, and establishment of a groundwater monitoring system,” he added.

Overall, the project will contribute to the broader goal of poverty reduction through higher productivity and by providing opportunities to improve the incomes of small and marginal landholders.

The credit is from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessionary lending arm, and has 20 years to maturity with a 10-year grace period. The total project cost is US71.66 million, of which the IDA Credit is US$ 65.33 million and the Government of Sri Lanka is contributing is US$ 6.33 million.

Seven detained under NSA

CHENNAI: The police on Thursday detained seven persons under the National Security Act. According to an official release, while four of them were attached to the banned Maoist organisation, the other three were involved in smuggling for the LTTE.
The Maoist cadres were arrested in Varsanadu in Theni district and cases were filed against them under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and Criminal Law Amendment Act.
The police identified the cadres as Mahalingam of Tiruppathur in Vellore district, Balamurugan, Sellur, Madurai, Muruganandam of Vridhachalam in Cuddalore district and Marudhu of Sivaganga district.
Those involved in smuggling activities for LTTE were identified as Murugapandi and Muthuramalingam and R. Raja.
While Mahalingam was jailed at the Puzhal prison all the six others were jailed in Madurai Central Prison, the release added.

Sri Lanka campaign to discourage suicide bombers

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has launched a mystery poster campaign inviting would-be Tamil Tiger suicide bombers to phone a government helpline in exchange for 10 million rupees ($92,000) and a new life overseas.
"Why should you die with a scattered body?" the red-and-yellow posters, placed in Tamil-dominated areas of the capital, Colombo, asked readers contemplating becoming members of what the rebels call elite "Black Tiger" suicide squads.
"You also were born to live. Why should you carry bombs?" the posters said alongside a fuzzy black-and-white photograph of a suicide bomber's severed head.
Sri Lanka's capital and other districts have increasingly been targeted by suicide attacks as the government and military vow to defeat the Tigers by December, pressing home an offensive against northern rebel strongholds.
The military, perhaps wary of scaring off genuine callers with rebel sympathies, said it was unaware of the posters, which invited readers to phone a government-operated 118 line that went unanswered when called by Reuters on Thursday.
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanyakkara said he did not want to comment on whether the failure to answer was a fatal campaign flaw or whether the line could be swamped by the poor in a nation where average yearly salaries are $2,230.
Police, who with the military man most road corners and major buildings in Colombo, said they were also unaware who placed the posters, which make no mention of a backer other than relying on a government number.
"We do not know who pasted up the poster," said Mangala Dehideniya, in charge of Wellawatta Police where many of the posters were placed.

The state of human rights in Sri Lanka

Since Sri Lanka is to be subject in a few weeks to the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it has been the subject of a spate of attacks by many organizations with interests in this subject.
Since Sri Lanka is to be subject in a few weeks to the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it has been the subject of a spate of attacks by many organizations with interests in this subject.
Though many of them repeat the same points, with more or less exaggeration and unwarranted generalization, it is sadly necessary to respond in detail to as many of them as possible. This paper will address the issues put forward by the Sri Lanka Democracy Forum. Sadly its confrontational approach, beginning in the very first paragraph with a sectarian characterization of the current government that insinuates it is not concerned about all Sri Lankan citizens, suggests that its assertions should be treated with care.
1. Failure by the State to address the grievances of minorities
The second paragraph asserts that, following the abrogation of the Ceasefire and the subsequent pulling out of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, there has been a marked increase in the terrorizing of Tamil and Muslim communities. This smacks of wishful thinking, in a context in which repeated terrorist attacks have led to the deaths of dozens of Sinhalese civilians, though in at least one case a Tamil schoolboy was killed along with his Sinhalese mates when they were victims of a suicide bomber at a railway station. Though the Government has continued with its struggle against terror, civilian casualties have been minimal, as was the case during its campaign to liberate the Eastern Province from terrorists. The reports of the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission makes it clear that, except in the case of one incident, and another single individual, there were no civilian casualties at all during military operations. The massive publicity given to that one incident, which occurred after firing based on mortar locating radar, makes it clear that any civilian casualties would be highlighted. The relative paucity of such media campaigns, despite the ongoing struggle in the North, makes clear the caution exercised by the military with regard to all Sri Lankan civilians, whether Muslim or Tamil or Sinhala. SLDF goes on to criticize the LTTE in its third paragraph but then claims that historically 'the state has failed to protect the minorities from armed non-state forces such as the LTTE and the Karuna faction'.
In such a context SLDF, if it is sincere in its criticism of the LTTE, should be glad that at last Sri Lanka has a government which is willing to take on the LTTE, and ensure that the terrorism SLDF attacks is crushed. At the same time no credit is given for the manner in which the Karuna faction, consisting of many individuals brutalized from childhood by LTTE practices, have now been brought into the political mainstream and are participating in electoral politics, something the LTTE always eschewed. Reclaiming former terrorists is not easy, but the task is now proceeding much more smoothly, with Karuna himself being in Britain whilst leadership has passed to a younger generation which may be more easily brought into a pluralistic process. In this context it is also preposterous that SLDF does not accept that the government, in expediting immediate political reforms, has made clear that it agrees with SLDF about a political solution to the problem of the minorities.
This, as SLDF recommends, has been attempted through significant changes to the current system of extreme centralization of power. SLDF has in parallel pronouncements blindly followed the assertions of parties supportive of the LTTE and its claim to be the sole representatives of the Tamil people, that the APRC proposals are inadequate and an imposition by the President. The fact that 13 of the 14 parties participating in the APRC signed the proposals, and that all Tamil and Muslim parties freely engaging in democratic politics have supported these, evidently means nothing to an organization that claims to be a forum for democracy.
Arguments regarding the positive nature of these proposals are available elsewhere, but meanwhile it is absurd that the SLDF does not realize that these proposals will ensure the 'substantial devolution of power to the regions' that it advocates, and that such power will be available to areas in the North and East, that have not had elected representatives exercising any powers in those provinces for several years. With regard to the SLDF concern about 'significant power sharing at the centre, which would empower minorities at not just the regional level but also at the national level', this is a general concern, but it should be noted that, while other minority parties were willing to engage in discussions about a second chamber based on regions, the TNA, the surrogate of the LTTE, declared that such discussions were meaningless except in terms of a final settlement with regard to devolution - which, going on past history, means an interim LTTE authoritarian administration.
2. Political killings etc
Though abuses in this area occur, SLDF notes the difficult circumstances under which the government operates, beginning with 'the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar by the LTTE'. Shortcomings are not targeted specifically at minorities except in terms of information that must be acted upon in the context of terrorism, as to which precautionary measures are essential if the population at large is not to suffer.
The incidents to which SLDF draws attention in Para 9 confirm the determination of the government to operate according to the law in enforcing security. In the first incident, a search operation was conducted with regard to Tamils from other parts of the country who had no reason for being in Colombo. Thousands of Tamils ordinarily resident in Colombo were not affected, nor were hundreds who could explain the rationale for being in the city though they were ordinarily resident elsewhere. However, expelling several of the rest, as done by some of the security personnel involved in the search operations, was wrong and was condemned as such by the Supreme Court, leading to prompt remedial action. With regard to the incident in December 2007, the term detention is inappropriate for questioning in which most were released on the very day.
Again it was those who could not establish the rationale for their presence who were actually detained, and most of these were released within a few days. Though the action might seem harsh, it must be seen in the context of bombs that had exploded and information received about the infiltration of the city by several suicide bombers. The ultimate responsibility of a government must be to all its citizens. Given a Supreme Court that has often found against the government, it may be assumed that generally the government does not violate fundamental rights, and that is will stand corrected when any agent does. The situation is a far cry from the days of impunity that characterized the 1980s, when in the very few instances when the Court ruled against the state the police officers concerned were promptly promoted.
3. Internal Displacement
In this section SLDF reproduces a number of canards that have been falsified by independent monitors such as those of the United Nations. Certainly much displacement occurred during military operations in the East during 2006/2007, but this was because the forces gave good notice which led to virtually no casualties. Unlike in similar situations all over the world, resettlement was prompt after the East had been cleared of the LTTE, and this was certified as such by the UNHCR report - 'Our staff monitoring the situation on the ground say the majority of people are eager to return home, the returns are voluntary and in line with international protection standards …. UNHCR will continue to monitor the returns and report directly to the government on any problems regarding the voluntariness and any deviation from the civilian characteristics of the move'. (p 32). Though several persons (though just about half the figure alleged) are still displaced, this is because a few areas still need to be cleared of the landmines laid by the LTTE.
Only with regard to the Sampur Security Zone are alternatives required, and this is for just 10,000 persons, as opposed to the original assumptions. Alternatives within the same district have already been found. SLDF is right to focus on the Muslims '"ethnically cleansed" from the Northern Province in 1990 by the LTTE'. The failure of successive governments to address this issue is a disgrace, and also testifies to the enormous influence of the LTTE, which for many years presented itself as the only organization with whom governments had to negotiate, thus forestalling firm action in this regard. The current government is determined to remedy the situation, and though many areas are still risky for return, it is hoped that soon these displaced persons will be restored safely, if they wish it, to their places of origin. SLDF again propagates the LTTE myth that the closure of the A9 southward from Jaffna is a horrendous act of the government.
That had to be closed because the LTTE, disguised as civilians, launched attacks on troop forward lines, in gross violation of the Ceasefire. No government can permit such risks to be repeated. However, despite attacks on shipping by the LTTE (including on a vessel carrying SLMM monitors), and a refusal to provide guarantees to the ICRC so that food ships could proceed safely (as SLDF reports), the government has ensured steady supplies to Jaffna. The last report of the UNHCR on Jaffna Welfare Centres testifies that most items, and all essentials, are not only available but also affordable. Another canard relates to free movement southward. Earlier the LTTE had tried to suggest that the government was restricting this, but in fact it was the LTTE that had refused earlier to give guarantees to keep the checkpoint open all week. Though as SLDF notes the LTTE has tried to prevent civilians 'from fleeing areas where there are military attacks, with the aim of using them as human shields',it is apparent that now the LTTE's reign of terror is ending, and that the people of areas still under LTTE control are asserting themselves more and more, albeit only gradually.
4. Right to reparations and remedies and lack of prosecutions of violations
SLDF begins by noting the problems in this respect caused by the LTTE, but after half a paragraph about these it has seven and a half that are critical of the government. Certainly prosecutions in Sri Lanka are slow, but this is a problem, if not a fault, derived from the system of justice that it has inherited from the British. Without making odious comparisons, we must realize that slowness in what is often considered a model of justice, and what seems comparative impunity, as in the Abu Ghraib cases, are part and parcel of a system that insists on particular procedures and high standards of proof before conviction. Sri Lanka also has problems of capacity and technical skill, as have been pointed out by a Scotland Yard review that was commissioned by the government with regard to a particularly worrying case, that of the MP Mr Raviraj. In that case the Yard commended what the police had done with what was available. It should be noted that, in this case, identified suspects, though initially thought to be associated with a political party in government, have fled to territory controlled by the LTTE. To make up for worries with regard to several well-publicized cases, the government has instituted a Special Commission of Inquiry, with observation by an Independent International Group of Eminent Persons.
Though some of the prestige attached to this group has been vitiated by the procedures adopted by their representatives on the ground, who made no secret once of wanting to issue a report in time for the meetings of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the system adopted showed that the government appreciated the difficulties and the lack of confidence that could result, and was attempting to make up for these. It should be noted that amongst the cases to be considered are the assassination of the former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, who was bitterly opposed by the LTTE. No one could be more anxious than the government to bring the culprits to book in this instance, but the failure to solve the case has to be endured.
Comments on the cultural insensitivity etc of the police are understandable given that, though applications have always been called from all citizens of the country, for various reasons, including diffidence caused by previous language policies, very few Tamils have joined in the recent past. More recently, there have been fears amongst Tamils, given the terrorist approach that Tamils serving in security forces were specifically to be targets of attack, being denigrated as traitors. Precisely for this reason, the government has begun a practice that successive governments in the past did not think of, which is recruitment specifically of Tamils. The first batch of these, dedicated to service in the predominantly Tamil speaking Eastern Province, passed out last month, and recruitment of several more is planned. Concerted efforts in language teaching have also commenced, at all levels of all the security forces.
5. National Institutions
The assertion of SLDF that authoritarianism is on the rise suggests complete ignorance of the current situation as well as of the sufferings of the past. First and foremost, the country has independent courts which have not hesitated to give verdicts against the government, in particular with regard to human rights applications. With regard to the national Human Rights Council, efforts of the opposition to make a political issue of the Constitutional Council, the full membership of which had not been recommended as required by the Speaker until very recently, have led to international assistance not being forthcoming to strengthen it as requested, despite a UNDP Stocktaking Report affirming the need for this. The failure of Civil Society members to attend meetings of the advisory committee set up by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights confirms what government has begun to worry about, that concerns are expressed more to obtain publicity than with a genuine will to correct things.
Clearly the government will have to proceed with reforms on its own, but this it has now planned to do, with a revitalization of advisory institutions, in particular regional ones, through strengthened civil military liaison in key areas. The categorical assertions regarding engagement with international actors also seem self-contradictory. The continuing stress on Sir John Holmes' comments on the country being a dangerous place for aid workers ignores his acknowledgment that that comment was an isolated remark, and also that it was based on a single incident which needs further inquiry. He has failed to respond still to the point that the agency concerned had not acted according to UN principles in unnecessarily exposing local employees to a dangerous situation without the safeguards expected, at a time when all other agencies were evacuating staff. Criticism of the government in this respect is based on the response of a single Minister which the government made clear did not represent the government position. However, until very recently, when employees of the UN make untoward remarks that do not represent the UN position, no apologies or corrections have been offered. This situation has now changed, with a new set of senior UN officials in place, which will help to avoid the impression of association with oppositional forces that previously characterized some individuals.
6. Child soldiers
The issue of child soldiers is vital, but SLDF has also fallen into the trap, first perpetrated by the LTTE, of equating the LTTE abuse of children with that of the Karuna faction. It is clear from detailed reports that this was systemic in the LTTE. Naturally the Karuna faction, which broke away from the LTTE, still has individuals who see nothing wrong with the practice, particularly in the context of the LTTE having begun to rerecruit all those disbanded by the faction soon after it split from the LTTE in 2004. However, with a change of leadership in the Karuna faction, which has shown itself anxious to enter the democratic process, it is hoped that old habits will die and the Eastern Province at least will be cleaned of this scourge. The main problem however requires more concerted action, and the tolerance displayed by the international community, not only to defiant violation of norms but continuing forced conscription, must stop forthwith, without hiding behind a cloak of balance.
7. Freedom of Expression
The idea that freedom of expression is threatened in Sri Lanka is ridiculous, when international agencies actually provide funding to an online paper that talks about Sri Lanka as 'a country at war and democracy that's hostage to the whim and fancy of a President and his coterie of murderous brutes'. The amount of criticism of the state and its organs that is contained in print and electronic media would astonish anyone who had to live through the massive censorship and controls of the eighties. There is however danger for Tamil language journalists, in particular in Jaffna, which is a legacy of the internecine warfare between the LTTE and former militants, whom it ruthlessly eliminated at the beginning of the Ceasefire period. The government is committed to stopping this phenomenon, but this has not been easy in the context of continuing action by the LTTE.
Conclusion
Certainly there are problems in Sri Lanka and the government welcomes assistance to overcome these, through training of relevant personnel, through the development of local institutions and in particular regional branches of these, through assistance with better maintenance of records. But most useful of all would be assistance to destroy the scourge of terrorism and of forced conscription. That would allow for relaxation of restrictions that have proved essential in the face of enormous and ruthless terrorist power. Certainly no government facing such power has as good a record as the Sri Lankan government and its armed forces, and the failure to appreciate the great regard shown for civilians, as compared with what occurs in conflicts elsewhere, it most regrettable

Catch the Beat with Songcatcher and Background Music exclusively from Dialog

Dialog GSM, Sri Lanka’s largest mobile communications service operator is all geared up to set the groove for millions of music lovers with the launch of ‘Dialog Songcatcher’ and ‘Dialog Background Music’, two very exciting value added services that are expected to create new ripples in the mobile industry by catering to the vibes of music lovers from across the country
‘Dialog Songcatcher’ will bring music direct to mobiles giving customers the luxury of downloading their favorite songs anytime, anywhere.
Songcatcher offers Dialog Post-paid and Kit Pre-paid customers the convenience of storing their favorite songs on their Dialog mobile as and when they hear them through a simple process of dialing 389 and holding the phone against any music generating source (i.e.: Radio, TV, Speaker) for 15 seconds. Upon capturing & identifying the music track, the Songcatcher will send in a SMS with details of the song name, artiste and a WAP link to download the available content in the form of a Ring Tone or MP3 format. Songcatcher is based on the music recognition technology where voice frequencies are used to recognize music patterns.
‘Dialog Background Music’ allows Dialog Post-paid and Dialog Kit Pre-paid customers to play Background Music during call conversations. Background Music includes songs, background effects and sound effects, spicing up the conventional phone conversations with Background Music to suit the mood. While options are plenty with an array of English, Sinhala and Tamil Background Music to choose from, customers are also given the opportunity to try out this exciting new feature by dialing ** followed by the recipients phone number and pressing keys 1 to 5 on the phone key pad during the call conversation.
Dialog GSM, continues to deliver the best in mobile telecommunications to its 4.3 million strong customer base granting customers a truly unique mobile experience. Speaking about the launch of Background Music Mr. Nushad Perera, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Telekom PLC said, “Dialog GSM has been reinventing the potential of mobile communications in Sri Lanka time and time again. With the launch of Songcatcher and Background Music we have added a new audio dimension to Dialog subscribers’ mobile phone conversation.
With the launch of these two features personalizing your mobile phone has reached a new level to not only including the setting of one’s phone but to also personalize conversations with background audio accessories.”
Songcatcher and Background Music services are bound to add more color to the ever expanding plethora of services offered by Dialog encircling hugely popular music related services such as Ring Tones & Ring In Tones.

Thambirajah released

Susanthi Thambirajah, who was arrested with journalist M. Parameshwari, was released by the Colombo Magistrates Court today after spending 16 months in jail. Parameshwari was released last year.

JVP MP Wijesinghe injured in a road accident

JVP Galle District Parliamentarian Chandrasena Wijesinghe was injured following a road accident in Galle in the early hours of today, while he was returning from Ampara. MP Wijesinghe is currently receiving treatment at the Karapitiya hospital and his condition is said to be out of danger.

Five terrorists killed, strong point captured by Troops in Welioya.

The Army launched an attack on a LTTE strong point in the North of JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA on Wednesday (26) killing five terrorists while two soldiers were also reported injured in the attack.
Five terrorist bodies as well as weapons were recovered by Troops in the search operation after the incident.
Troops killed two terrorists and recover stock of anti personnel mines etc
A large stock of anti personnel bombs and "booby" traps were recovered by Troops in a search operation conducted on Wednesday (26) in the KALADIMODAI AREA in the CHEDDIKULAM and MARIKATTIDAL area, MANNAR, between 6.00 in the morning and 6.00 in the evening.

A soldier was reported injured at KOILAMODDAI, MANNAR, on Wednesday (26) in the afternoon at 12.05.Meanwhile, two (02) terrorists were also killed in a confrontation in the MADHU Camp area on Wednesday (26) morning at 10.45 while a soldier was reported injured in the ADAMPAN area, MANNAR on the same day (26) in the morning at 10.10.

Wanni liberation operation in progress; LTTE suffer heavy damages

According to the military report reached from the forefront, 28 LTTE terrorists were killed and another 17 were either killed or wounded in clashed sparked in Northern and Wanni defences yesterday, March 26. Further it says, 22 more terrorists were wounded during these clashes. Six security forces personnel have made their supreme sacrifice while another 19 suffered injuries, the report further stated.
On the Jaffna theatre of battle, three LTTE cadres were killed in clashes occurred Muhamalai front. Meanwhile, one soldier was killed and two others suffered injuries in clashes in the same front.
On Wanni theatre of battle, in Vavuniya front, incidents are reported from Madu, Sulanamaruthamadu and Koilmoddai areas yesterday. Two LTTE cadres were killed in a confrontation took place in general area Madu while four others suffered injuries when the troops ambushed an LTTE movement in same area, the report said. Four army personnel were killed while seven others reported injured during confrontations took place in Sulanamaruthamadu and Koilmoddai areas.
In Mannar front, Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 gun ships launched an air raid targeting LTTE strongholds in general area Alankulam and by intercepting LTTE communication channel, it is revealed that 7 terrorists were killed while 18 others suffered severe injuries due to this attack. Meanwhile, five more terrorists were killed in separate confrontations took place in Kaddupulam and Sirikulam areas, troops confirmed.
One soldier received injuries due to an explosion of anti-personnel mine in general area Adampan. Meanwhile, five people including one army soldier, two STF personnel and two civil workers injured due to indiscriminate mortar fire launched by the LTTE in general area Giant's Tank, sources said.
Troops on clearing operations in general area Malikaittidal unearthed 48 anti-personnel mines and 8 booby traps while 25 more anti-personnel mines unearthed from general area Cheddikulam.
In Welioya front, troops launched an attack targeting LTTE strong point located at north of Janakapura and troops confirmed that 5 terrorists were killed in this attack. Five slain bodies of LTTE terrorists, five T-56 weapons, 60 mm mortar launcher and one radio set were found in a subsequent search operation conducted in the area. Meanwhile, troops found a decomposed dead body of an LTTE cadre, one T-56 weapon and 6 hand grenades in a search operation conducted in the same area. One soldier was reported injured due to anti-personnel mine explosion took place in general area north of Janakapura.
In separate confrontation took place in North of Kiribbanwewa, intercepted terror transmission confirmed five LTTE cadres were killed. One soldier was killed and another three suffered injuries while one soldier yet to marry up with the rest of his team, the report stated. In the same area, troops confirmed that four more terrorists were either killed or wounded in a clash sparked around 10.50 a.m yesterday. One soldier also received injuries in this incident.
In general area west of Kiribbanwewa, an LTTE cadre was killed while another four either killed or wounded in a clash sparked around 11.00 a.m yesterday. One slain body of LTTE cadre and a T-56 weapon were found in a subsequent search operation.
Five more LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded due to two separate confrontations took place in general area north of Janakapura in morning hours yesterday, the report further said.
Meanwhile, seven LTTE terrorists were either killed or wounded when the troops ambushed an LTTE movement in general area Janakapura around 12.40 p.m yesterday.

Air Force warplanes destroy LTTE training facility and Radar post in Wanni

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets successfully carried out two bombing missions targeting two well identified camps of LTTE terrorists located in Wanni region this morning (March 27). According to the defence sources the targets were a training facility and a Radar location both located in Kilinochchi district.
Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya speaking to defence.lk said that the first mission was launched around 6.25.a.m. targeting a training facility located inside a jungle patch at Kalmadukulam, in North-East of Iranamadhu. According to the defence intelligence, the terrorists have also used the location as a marshalling point for the conscripts. The target was achieved based on the information received on recent developments of this terror location from the reliable sources in Wanni region. Further, the target had been well identified through continuous air surveillances conducted by the SLAF, sources further added.
The second mission was launched at 6.35.a.m. targeting a Radar location in the Valaipadu area, South of Poonaryn, said the Air Force spokesman. Meanwhile, defence intelligence revealed that the terrorists have been using the location to coordinate boat operations and smuggling activities across the Gulf of Mannar. The location was a recently established one by the terrorists due to frequent air raids on the strategically important coastal belt in the Northwest of the Island, the sources further said.
According to Wing Commander Wijesooriya the targets have been positively identified through human intelligence and verified by air surveillance. The Kfir and F-7 fighter jets carried out the missions jointly and the targets were accurately hit the added citing the fighter pilots.
LTTE terrorists unable to cover-up their covert activities taking place even in deep terror hideouts in Wanni region and it is no more control to the LTTE flow of vital information from Wanni as the civilians in the area are suffering from never-ending harassments by the LTTE terror outfit, defence intelligence sources further added.

SLMC disagrees with proposal to form united Muslim front

While it was being reported that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress was holding talks with the United National Party about a no-contest pact for the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council election, the All Ceylon Muslim Congress was making attempts to unite all Muslim political parties together with Tamil and Sinhalese parties to contest the election to secure a strong position so that they could have their own Chief Minister elected.
But, the SLMC leadership had disagreed with the proposal wanting all to contest under the SLMC banner and symbol the ACMC said yesterday.It said: "In this regard all the Muslim parties namely, ACMC, SLMC, NC, NUA and Myown Musthaffa met in Parliament complex yesterday under the auspices of UMMA and the representatives of the Mosque Federation of Eastern Province too were present.
"It was pointed out that the Muslim Community in the East would not be able to secure the Council on its own and that a broad alliance where other communities too have participation was necessary. Further it was pointed out that such an alliance could be formed with Muslims Tamils and Sinhalese contesting under one symbol. Since the UPFA and Tamil parties including the TMVP are going to contest together it could be ensured that a Muslim becomes Chief Minister, if all the parties contest with this alliance on the ground that the community that returns the largest number of seats should be given the Chief Ministerial position to which the UPFA it was further pointed out was agreeable."
However, the SLMC had said it did not trust the Government, but the other parties present had decided to enter into a written agreement with the government. SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem said he could not agree to the proposal as his credibility would be at stake if he entered into an agreement with the Government.
He also disagreed with the proposal that all Muslim parties form an alliance to contest the polls and suggested that they should contest under the tree symbol of the SLMC.
The ACMC said a golden opportunity to secure the post of Chief Minister in the Eastern Province has almost been kicked away due to the intransigent attitude of the SLMC leadership and the SLMC would be held responsible for any consequences that would flow to the Muslims as a result of the failure to secure the Chief Minister post in the East.

Suspect Prisons Commissioner’s assets being scrutinized

by Norman Palihawadana
A number of allegations against the Commissioner of Prisons, who was transferred out of the Welikada Prisons after the CID was called in to probe his alleged misconduct were being received by the prison authorities, Prisons Department sources said yesterday.
Among those who had made complaints against the Commissioner were prison staff and members of the public. Prisons authorities had been monitoring his activities over a long period, sources said.
The Justice Ministry was also looking into his assets as it was alleged that he had been receiving various gifts and money from the families of some prisoners in return for in return for favourablle treatment for prisoners, sources said.

Bank attempts to seize property housing EPDP office

Officers from the Colombo District Court today had gone to seize the Park road property where an EPDP office is located, on a court order obtained by a private bank. However, the order was not executed following a temporary settlement.

Fox to meet Ranil

British MP Liam Fox, who is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Foreign Minister, will today meet UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe to discuss the political situation in the country.

UNP and SLMC alliance for Eastern PC election?

The UNP and SLMC held talks today about the possibility of forging an alliance for the Eastern Provincial Council election and the issues concerning to the two parties when campaigning.

Fleeing fishermen caught in crossfire, 3 killed

Three persons were killed and three others injured when a group of Sinhala fishermen from Negombo, who were fleeing from LTTE custody, were caught in cross fire while crossing the LTTE defences at Omanthai in Vavuniya this morning. Five others were rescued by the military without any harm, the military said.

India wants to maintain its pre-eminent position in S. Asia - official

NEW DELHI, March 26 (KUNA) -- India Wednesday expressed concern over procurement of arms by Sri Lanka from foreign powers and said that this could compromise India's pre-eminent position in the region."We have to ensure that India's pre-eminent position in the region is not compromised by Sri Lanka seeking arms from elsewhere," India's National Security Advisor M K Narayanan said while delivering a lecture on "Managing India's National Security and Building a Consensus for the 21st Century", here tonight."We are facing a situation where the ceasefire in Sri Lanka could collapse. This could lead to a ."India wants Sri Lanka to treat its large Tamil population with dignity. But the Sri Lankan government would seem to have the single objective of a military victory against the LTTE without any devolution of power," Narayanan said. (end) dr.bs KUNA 262345 Mar 08NNNN

BJP: Congress has no moral right to speak on terror

NEW DELHI: Countering the Congress tirade against its senior leader L K Advani, Opposition BJP on Wednesday raked up insurgency in Punjab and the north-east, terrorism in Kashmir and the LTTE menace in a bid to push the ruling party on the back foot.
Challenging the Congress-led government, BJP leaders said it had no "moral right" to speak on terrorism and criticise BJP as it had always "supported and encouraged" terrorism with an eye on votebanks. Senior leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley also found nothing wrong in Advani visiting Congress chief Sonia Gandhi as they noted that both parties should respect each other since they were not enemies but political rivals.
"Who created Bhindranwale, who sponsored him, who was responsible for his activities, who sent the Army into the Golden Temple?" Naidu asked in an attempt to turn the tables on the Congress. Naidu said the policies of the Congress, which had been in power for most of the 60 years of independence, were responsible for terrorism in Kashmir and accused it of encouraging insurgent outfits like ULFA in Assam, LTTE in Sri Lanka, SIMI and Al-Umma.
"Who gave training and funds to LTTE? Who sent IPKF to Sri Lanka resulting in the death of 1,000 personnel? Who is responsible for ULFA and then SULFA. Who is responsible for growth of naxalism. Who joined hands with them at the political level," Naidu asked. He warned Congress not to point fingers at the BJP, saying such tactics would "boomerang" on the party. "The Congress has no moral right to speak on terrorism and criticise the BJP," Naidu said.
His comments came in response to Congress attacks on Advani for his remarks that he was not aware that former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh was accompanying terrorists to Kandahar till it happened. Reacting to the Congress's criticism that Advani's meeting with Sonia was a "gimmick", he said, "Whatever is done they feel it is a gimmick because that is what they have been doing all these years."
There was nothing wrong in the Leader of Opposition meeting the chairperson of the ruling alliance as he was only following tradition, he said. "Advani has been talking about untouchability in politics.... After all we should respect each other. We are not enemies, but political rivals," he added.
Jaitley said Advani had showed grace in meeting Sonia to wish her on the occasion of Holi while the Congress was exhibiting lack of grace.

Pakistan rice exporters to flood the Sri Lankan market with Basmathi rice

By Walter Jayawardhana
A team of Pakistani rice exporters will visit Sri Lanka to meet the rice importers and government Minister and officials in an attempt to ease the import of Pakistani rice to Sri Lanka .
Abdul Baseer, Vice Chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan said they were prepared to supply 6000 tons of rice to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka government is encouraging rice imports from Pakistan to Sri Lanka to flood the market with the rice and keep the prices down.
The REAP officials said the Pakistani exporters will go to Sri Lanka at the end of April or beginning of May this year.
The decision was reached after a meeting between the Sri Lankan Consul General V.S.Sidath Kumara and members of the REAP in Karachchi.
The Sri Lankan consul general requested the REAP to ask the government to increase export quota of Basmati rice to Sri Lanka. He said that Sri Lanka has very close relations with Pakistan, which stands second in bilateral trade with Sri Lanka after India in the SAARC region in 2006. The trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has surpassed $350 million and soon, it will reach $1 billion under the free trade agreement, he said.
Vice Chairman Abdul Baseer said they were prepared to supply rice but the rapidly increasing world prices for rice are the pinch.
He said that importing countries should complete all documentation and letter of credit in order to have an even trade. He said that REAP is focused on promoting trade between India and Pakistan.
Former Chairman of REAP Abdul Rahim Janoo, while speaking at the occasion, said that Pakistani government has been very cooperative and REAP is always given consideration in all government meetings.
The Sri Lanka Consul General Sidath Kumara said he would make all necessary arrangements for meetings with government officials and rice importers.

President presides to solve Police’s grievances

One of a series of discussions to look into the problems of police divisions was held at Temple Trees under the chairmanship of President Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday.
Provincial police chiefs participated in the discussion. The special attention was paid on various issues such as the dearth of police personnel, renovation of police stations and the construction of police residential quarters and new police station.
New police stations will be built replacing the police station in Tangalle and Ambalantota. It was also decided to set up a new police station in the Karapitiya area. A special security programme is to be implemented in the sacred premises of Katharagama.
The President advised the IGP to implement a special security plan in the southern province during the forthcoming New Year season.

Second and third coal power plants in Sampur and Welvur

The Ministry of Power and Energy will construct the second and third coal power plants in Sampur and Welvur in Trincomalee. Construction of the Sampur coal power plant with a capacity of thousand megawatts will commence in June this year. First stage of this project is to add 500 megawatts to the national electricity grid by 2012. NTGC Construction Company of India has undertaken the construction of Sampur power plant. The project will be supervised by the Ceylon Electricity Board. The land required to set up the two power plants have already been acquired.

Supreme Council of the SLMC will meet tonight

Supreme Council of the SLMC will meet tonight to take a final decision on contesting the provincial council election in the eastern province.
Secretary to the SLMC parliamentarian Hasan Ali said that the meeting will be held at the party headquarters at 8.00 pm today.
They are to reach a common decision after considering various proposals received by the party regarding the local government election. Mr. Ali said some regional party members are on the opinion that the SLMC should contest the election single-handedly.

Two police escorting Japanese killed in Sri Lanka

Two police officers escorting a Japanese official on a visit in eastern Sri Lanka were killed Wednesday in a claymore mine explosion in a region recaptured from Tamil rebels, military and embassy officials said. A Japanese embassy spokesman in Colombo said the official was being escorted by police to visit an irrigation project being constructed with Japanese aid in the Vavunathivu area, 240 kilometres east of Colombo, when the explosion took place.
"The Japanese official was not hurt in the incident", he said.
Reports from the area said the official was about 300 metres behind a police motorcycle squad escorting him.
However, the military said that the policemen were on a foot patrol in the area when they were caught in the claymore mine blast and three police officers were also injured.
The government declared that the Eastern Province has been recaptured from the rebels and security forces are in control of the area.
Its recapture was considered a major victory for the security forces after Tamil separatist rebels had held it for more than 25 years.
Local elections were held March 10 and were won by a government-backed breakaway group of rebels. Provincial elections are to be held in May, and candidate nominations are to begin Thursday.

SLFP is now finalising the nomination lists

Sri Lanka Freedom Party is now finalising the nomination lists of their contestants under the ticket of UPFA for the eastern provincial council election.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says the interviews in this regard conclude tomorrow. A number of the senior members of the SLFP representing the three districts in the province have applied for nominations.
Apart from the UPFA member parties, several other political parties have also expressed willingness to contest under UPFA.
The Minister added that another discussion will be held today with the representative of these parties to finalise the nomination lists.

Bogollagama is schedule to leave for Egypt

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama is schedule to leave for Egypt to attend the 2nd Ministerial meeting of the Asia Middle East Dialogue.
The two day summit would start on 5th of next month in Sharam El Sheikh. The first meeting of this summit was held in Singapore in 2005 with a vision to realize greater understanding between the Asia and the Middle East at both government and non governmental levels.
This year’s summit would be attended by nearly 20 ministers of Foreign Affairs from Asia and the Middle East as well as political dignitaries, senior policy makers and diplomatic. The summit would also facilitate to leading industrialists and businessmen of the both region to have one to one meeting.
Minister Bogollagama is to meet his counterparts from the Asia and the Middle East and to have talks to strengthen Sri Lankan ties with them.
During the visit the Minister will also call on the Egyptian President, Prime Minister and several other ministers there. Minister Bogollagama will also address on the subject of counter terrorism at the Asian Study Centre in Cairo.

Leveraging GCC Transformation to Sri Lanka’s Advantage and Opportunities for Sri Lankans

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
At the invitation of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka, Mr. R. Seetharaman, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank will make a presentation on “Leveraging GCC Transformation to Sri Lanka’s Advantage and Opportunities for Sri Lankans” at a meeting to be held on 28th March 2008 at Hilton Colombo Residence. The meeting will be held under the distinguished patronage of Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade who will grace the occasion as the chief guest.   
Mr. Seetharaman was conferred by Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France, as the “Best CEO in Middle East Banking Industry 2008” by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute at the 5th Leading CEO Summit in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, held on 19th March 2008 in Dubai. Mr. Seetharaman was also adjudged as the “Banker of the Year” at the 2007 Banker Middle East Industry awards in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Banking industry in the Middle East, held on 16th May 2007 in Doha. 
Mr. Seetharaman, earlier in 2006 was conferred the “Arab Asian Banker Excellence Award - 2006” at the Annual Arab Asian Forum in Singapore in September 2006. 
Mr. Seetharaman is credited with transforming Doha Bank into the best performing bank in the Middle East region over five years.  During his stewardship Doha Bank has become a Global Brand.
Mr. Seetharaman has extensive experience in integrating people, processes, technology and re-engineering. He has excelled in handling multi-dimensional functions within the banking sector and has been responsible for two successful mergers. Prior to joining Doha Bank in 2002, Mr. Seetharaman held senior management positions in three banks in Oman, handling all domains in banking.  He started his professional career at one of the global consultancy firms, Price Waterhouse & Associates before moving to the banking sector.
Mr. Seetharaman is also very active in promoting economic cooperation and cross border investment opportunities between the GCC and other regions across the globe. 
 Mr. Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya, CEO/Secretary General of the Chamber added that this occasion will be used to felicitate founder president of the Chamber Archt./Plnr. Deshabandu Surath Wickramasinghe who was bestowed the Gold Award by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects.
In view of CCI being identified as the focal point for promotion of export of construction related professional services with a highly successful pioneering mission to the State of Qatar in November 2007 and a follow up mission in February 2008, the visit of Mr. Seetharaman is of immense significance to his Chamber and the construction industry in Sri Lanka. The alliance with Doha Bank will also facilitate GCC investment in infrastructure and construction related projects in Sri Lanka.  

Airforce attacks tiger targets

 

The Air Force continues to launch strong attacks on identified targets of tiger terrorists using fighter jets. Air Force Media Spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesuriya said that aerial bombardments by M 24 fighter aircraft around 10.50 this morning have completely destroyed a boat yard in Wishvamadukulam in Mulativu.
Another attack was launched successfully around 10.15 this morning at two major camps north of Yoda weva.
He further said two police officials were killed in a claymore mine blast in Kanchurankuda in Batticaloa this morning.

Not to discourage the intrusion of TMVP says Weerawansa

 

General Secretary of the Desha Hithaishi Jathika Viyaparaya and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa says all parties must act in a manner not to discourage the intrusion of TMVP or the Pillaiyan group to mainstream democratic politics.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo today , he further said TMVP is a breakaway of LTTE , fighting against the separatist concept of Tiger Terrorists.

Mr. Weerawansa also pointed out it would be a terrible injustice perpetrated on the Tamil community, if the majority keeps away from its responsibility to retain the group within the democratic frame work.

He added the TMVP faces gravest threat amongst all political groups from the LTTE.

Twenty three terrorists killed

 

The Media Centre for National Defense says 23 terrorists have been killed in confrontations with Security Forces in Jaffna, Mannar, Weli Oya and Vavuniya during the past 24 hours. The troops have destroyed a terrorist bunker in Kallikulam in Vavuniya and recovered a large quantity of terrorist weapons , including Anti Personnel mines, Motar Bombs and T 56 Fire Arms in search operations in Vavuniya, Weli Oya and Mannar.

Foursquare Church President expresses his gratitude to Secretary Defence for providing assistance

 

President of Foursquare Gospel Church Rev Jack Hayford has expressed his gratitude to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for providing assistance to release the two pastors of the church who had been arrested recently. The two pastors of the evangelist movement were arrested by the police on suspicion to for having connection with the LTTE terrorists.

Following is the full text of the letter sent by Rev Jack Hayford

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel would like to hereby express our deep gratitude for your assistance in expediting the release of our pastors. We are extremely appreciative for your involvement and petitioning on our behalf. Your willingness to meet with Reverends Leslie Keegel and Amos Dodge was very kind and your support was instrumental in bringing resolve to this situation.

The Foursquare Church looks forward to a bright future of cooperation and partnership as we strive to serve the wonderful people of Sri Lanka. The pastors who were released will now have the opportunity to assist people with physical needs, comport those with emotional trauma, love people who feel abandoned and promote reconciliation.

On behalf of our over 54,000 Foursquare Churches in 148 nations around the world we would like to again express our heartfelt thanks to you. May the Lord be with you as you serve your great country.

One STF soldier killed 3 injured in LTTE claymore blast in Batticaloa

 

One soldier of Police Special Task Force (STF) was killed and 3 others suffered injuries when LTTE terrorists detonated a claymore mine at Thandiadi in Batticaloa this morning (March 26). According to the defence sources in the area , the claymore blast was carried out targeting a foot patrol undertaken by the STF down the Valakalai- Thandiadi road around 9.a.m.

The injured have been admitted to general hospital Batticaloa. A search operation is in progress, the sources added.

Pluralism Conference Highlights Importance of Rule of Law, Human Rights and Devolution

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A two day conference on pluralism in South Asia organized by the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka (NPC) with the support of the Government of Canada concluded on Tuesday in Colombo with the importance of adherence to the rule of law, human rights and devolution being highlighted by the participants. Academics, policy-makers, journalists, and civil society leaders from Bangladesh, Canada, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part in the event.

The conference was opened by the Canadian High Commissioner, Angela Bogdan, who emphasized that Pluralism was one of Canada’s foundational values in which every individual and community had an equal voice with a right to participate as a full member of society. She added that pluralism offered a way by which minority and majority communities could positively interact to build a better society that respects and accommodates diversity. |She also thanked the government of Sri Lanka for its high level participation and assistance in making the conference possible.

Minister of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration D.E.W. Gunasekera acknowledged Canadian assistance in advancing language training in Sri Lanka. He also said that the government was committed to increasing Tamil language cadre in the administrative services. Foreign Secretary Dr Palitha Kohona said the 13th Amendment, which devolved power to the provinces, was the initial and tangible step that had been proposed by the All Parties Representative Committee (APRC) towards achieving a durable settlement. He also said that democratic inclusiveness had to be the foundation of efforts to bring the country back together and heal its wounds so that the entire country could be the homeland for every one of its citizens.

A variety of actions in advancing practices of pluralism in both Sri Lanka and the region was mooted by the participants. Matters discussed at the conference included comparing and contrasting institutional structures available in the region to promote pluralism, encouraging citizenship participation and protecting minority rights, religious identity in political systems, fostering pluralism in civil society and enhancing a shared understanding of pluralism as the foundation for peace, democratic governance, human rights and countering violent extremism.

BJP opposes military aid to Lanka

Chennai, Tamil Nadu BJP has opposed providing military equipment and training to Sri Lankan military saying that such a move will affect the island Tamils.
State president Mr L Ganesan, told reporters here that the Katchatheevu, an island near Tamil Nadu, given to Sri Lanka as per an agreement in 1974, should be retrieved. He said the Sri Lankan government had violated the Katchatheevu agreement, which provided rights to Tamil Nadu fishermen to dry their nets in the island. Now, the Sri Lankan navy had set up sea mines near the island, denying even the fishing rights for Tamil Nadu fishermen, he said.
Meanwhile, Tamil film director Mr Vijaya T Rajendar, today announced that he was resigning from the post of deputy chairman to the State Small Savings Commission, since he would lead a protest against Centre's assistance to Sri Lanka in its genocidal war against Tamils. Mr Rajendar said that he was resigning since holding a government post while leading a protest against the Centre would create an embarrassing situation for chief minister Mr M Karunanidhi, who had appointed him.
In a related development, Tamil nationalist leader Mr Nedumaran, who held a protest demonstration against the Centre's military aid to the island courted arrest alongwith his supporters. Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, which split from the Dravidar Kazhagam, has announced public meetings throughout the state, condemning Centre's help to Sri Lanka government.

MEDIA-SRI LANKA: Edgy Customs Crack Down On Books

By IPS Correspondents
Advance copies of a book titled ‘Economy of the conflict in Sri Lanka: From embargo to repression’ by a respected Sri Lankan economist and researcher, Muttukrishna Sarvananthan, from his Washington-based publishers, East West Center, were withheld by customs vetting anti-government material. After days of wrangling, the parcel of books was finally released to the author on Tuesday after Sarvananthan shot off a fax to the director-general of customs threatening legal action.
The media and activist groups too put pressure. "I was not aware that there was a policy of detaining books and no one at customs told me under which law it was kept back," Sarvananthan told IPS before the books were released. "The naive custom officers (including a director) did not know that this book is available online at the East-West Center website and for sale at amazon.com," the economist said.
"In the present information age there can be no effective censorship of any book, let alone an academic book." Sarvananthan’s is not the only book available on the net that was detained. A research book on information technology (IT) in Sri Lanka has not been released for almost two months. The author, Rohan Samarajiva, has not been informed when his book, ICT Infrastructure in Emerging Asia, Policy and Regulatory Roadblocks, published by Sage India, will be released. Ironically, both books can be downloaded free on the internet. Samarajiva thinks his book may have been held back because it was in the same consignment as another publication on the Sri Lankan conflict. He wrote on the website of LIRNEasia, a regional ICT organisation, that launched his book:
"The problem is that it came in the same shipment as a book by an English scholar teaching at the Colombo University which has the word militarisation in the title." Sri Lankan customs officials detain books that arrive in the post, and refer them to the defence ministry or the department of information for clearance. "As far as I know they have no right, legal or moral, to censor books in a democratic society. I have evidence that this book censorship is occurring on a broader scale and is not limited to this single shipment from Sage India," Samarajiva posting on the net said. "Our book has nothing about the conflict, other than a single chapter that I co-authored on tele-use between the wars in the government areas of Jaffna. But if this goes on, I may be compelled to write a whole book on the destruction of civil liberties by people who don’t have a clue," he warned.
Sarvananthan said he has complained to Rajiva Wijesinha, a professor who is secretary general of the Government Peace Secretariat. An increasingly edgy government has been cracking down on media freedom in Sri Lanka. In the annual world ranking published by the Paris based Reporters without Borders the island now languishes at 141, a steep fall from 51 in 2002. International media watchdogs have raised concerns over the new appointment of a retired army general to the state-run television, Rupavahini. Last week, workers at Rupavahini, the country’s largest TV network, threatened strike action that could have crippled transmissions following a spate of attacks on employees. On Mar. 14, Anurasiri Hettige became the fifth employee to be attacked by unidentified assailants since end-December.
Rupavahini workers and media rights groups have linked the attacks to the storming of the station by government minister Mervyn Silva on Dec. 27. Silva was roughed up, his face coloured with paint by angry Rupavahini employees as he was escorted out under military protection President Mahinda Rajapakse met with representatives from the Rupavahini workers’ unions and promised to bring an end to the assaults. Silva was also summoned to the meeting midway through the proceedings by the president.
However, soon after the conclusion of the meeting, a retired major general of the Sri Lankan army, Sunil Silva, was appointed to a senior administrative post at Rupavahini. "A military leader in a state media group threatens the objectivity of journalists who are already struggling to independently confirm information about the combat between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam," the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a letter to the Sri Lankan president over the weekend.
Susil Kindelpitiya, director, news at Sirasa, a private TV station, has warned the inspector general of police in a letter that Silva has threatened bodily harm to his staff. "Given the numerous past instances of public violent attacks against citizens and media institutions by minister Mervyn Silva, we are seriously concerned about threats to life and property of our (Sirasa’s) News First staff," he said in the letter. Kindelpitiya too has warned Sirasa may be forced to take legal action.

Terrorist killed in sniper attack: 88AP mines recovered - Mannar

A LTTE terrorist was reported killed sniped by SLA on Tuesday (March 25) at Parappakandhal ahead of Mannar LTTE defences at around 5.30p.m.
Meanwhile, troops recovered 72 anti-personnel mines (AP), 13x 60mm mortar bombs, 13x hand grenades, a 2.5kg weighing claymore mine, 01x LTTE modified 'arul' type mortar bomb and an improvised 82mm mortar bomb from general area Parappakkandhal following an extensive search operation conducted this evening.
Similarly, in a search operation conducted in general area Nedunkandhal at 2.30p.m., troops have recovered 16AP mines and 4 improvised bombs, Mannar security sources said. Meanwhile, SLA has handed over 11 LTTE bodies to ICRC including bodies of 6 female cadres, the sources further added.

26 civilians seek protection with security forces fleeing LTTE hardships

A group of 11 civilians including 2 women and a child from Kilinochchi district, were rescued by Navy and brought to Punkuduthivu islet after been found drifting in a fiberglass dinghy(FGD) in the troubled waters south off Delft, on Tuesday (March 25).
According to reports received, they had fled from Kilinochchi seeking protection of security forces amidst unprecedented suffering at the hands of LTTE. The civilians were reported to have been forced to labour for long hours at LTTE bunker construction sites, gun points and shrub lands along the perimeters of Kilinochchi, security officials said.
"We had no option other than to flee for our lives. There were continuous intimidations and death threats by the organisation. Every family was ordered to give away a young for the outfit (LTTE) and those who refused were forced to work in harsh conditions. We are been robbed from our basic needs and our children deprived of their right for a better future. The situation is deteriorating and we urge both the government and aid agencies to immediately redress grievances of thousands who are forcibly held by the LTTE in Kilinochchi", a terrified woman said explaining her experiences.
"We know that it is great danger with the rising swells at this time of the year but it is safer as we no longer have to live in fear. Many families who have made similar attempts and caught by the LTTE are said to be held in chambers and never heard off, a youth said.
The civilians were later brought to the Karainagar Naval base and will be directed to an IDP centre under the safe custody of Police, security sources said.
Earlier, on Tuesday(25) 15 Tamil civilians including 4 females sought protection with security forces at Erukkulampiddi and Pallemunai in Mannar claiming that they have been continuously receiving death threats by the LTTE.
According to sources, 9 civilians from Vidattaltivu have sought protecting with security forces at the Navy-Police joint fishing marshalling point at Pallemunai, 5.30a.m., while 6 others found to be originally from Kilinochchi managed to reach safe shores at Erukkulampiddi in the Mannar islet at around 6.30a.m.
The civilians were later directed to an IDP centre under the safe custody of the Mannar Police, security sources said.
Meanwhile, a startling revelation was made by an individual where it was reported that at least over a dozen LTTE bodies were cremated daily in Kilinochchi and Mullaittiuvu.

Four flyovers will be constructed this year

Minister Jeyeraj Fernandopulle says 4 flyovers will be constructed this year. The construction of the flyover in Panadura will begin on Monday. Plans have been made to construct 20 flyovers within the next 4 years. The aim of this measure is to reduce traffic congestion and streamline transportation. The British government will fund these projects in addition to the construction of 222 iron bridges.

Actor resigns from TN panel over SL Tamil issue

Film director and leader of Latchiya Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party Vijaya T Rajendhar on Tuesday resigned from the vice-chairmanship of the Tamil Nadu Small Savings Advisory Committee in order to "mobilise support for Ealam Tamils on the Sri Lankan issue."
Rajendhar, an ally of the ruling DMK, was rewarded with the post, equivalent to the status of state minister, for his statewide campaign in support of Democratic Porgressive Alliance candidates during the 2006 Assembly elections.
The actor-director told reporters that he had planned to criss-cross the state and raise voice in support of Sri Lankan Tamils.
As part of it, he was scheduled to address public meetings in Madurai and Chennai.
"As my campaign may create problems in the alliance and cause embarrassment to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, I have decided to quit the post," he said.
He also criticised the Centre for having failed to "warn" the Sri Lankan government despite the "continuous attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy."
Rajendhar said he had sent the resignation letter to Karunanidhi,explaining the reason behind his decision to quit the post.

Keheliya angry over Lankadeepa, Leader and Lanka e News

(Lanka-e-News,) Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella criticized Lankadeepa, Leader and Lanka-e-News website for disseminating news that affected the security forces.
Lankadeepa was criticized since one of its articles said that the Army Commander Sarath Fonseka first said that the war would be ended after Wanni and Kilinochchi were captured but now he says that eliminating terrorists is worthier than capturing ground. The Minister said that the writer was trying to emphasize that this as duplicity, But the Army Commander wanted to state that the ground would be retained easily as the terrorists were eliminated.
Minister Rambukwella said that an article in Sunday Leader said ironically that the difference between the LTTE's strength and its death toll proclaimed by the Army was mere 600, undermining the seriousness of the war. He said that the article had deliberately excluded the child recruitments and other recruitment drives that amounted to thousands after the war was commenced.
Lanka-e-News was criticized by the Minister for yesterday?s news with the heading 'A team to gather information of media persons in the guise of gathering information of LTTE.' The Minister said that the news was misleading emphasizing that the government had no need to suppress media.
However, a debate was triggered as the Lanka-e-News representative stood for the accuracy of the story of his website.
Question: We have information that the state has sent the phone numbers of several journalists, together with the phone contacts of LTTE cadre Ramesh who is now in custody, to obtain information of the telephone calls they have made. These media persons report security affairs. Is this news wrong?
Answer: If journalists are in the phone book of Ramesh, they might have connection with him.
Question: The problem is that the media persons' names have been sent to the phone companies falsely stating that they were among the contacts of Ramesh. We know that the phone numbers of at least two journalists are under scrutiny.
Answer: It can be two of the journalists of your website. You posted a false report on Maheswaran killing as well. But I do not talk about it now.
Question: The relevant phone numbers belong to two journalists of state media. They have no connivance with terrorism.
Answer: We have to go after any information obtained from Ramesh. If their names have been added erroneously, the investigation will be good for them. However, no such special team has been appointed so far.
Question: What does so far mean? Do you hope to do so in future?
Answer: We do not have any such idea for the moment. That period can be years, months or days.

Tamils excluded from LTTE 'peace event' with British MP

(By Dushy Ranetunge in London)
There has been a resurgence of LTTE activity in the UK and the Tigers are increasingly lobbying British government Ministers to highlight only their point of view.
On Saturday, an LTTE propaganda event was to be held at the University of East London, as usual in the guise of a peace event. The University administrators were alerted that it was an LTTE event and they initially cancelled it.
The British Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Stephen Timms visited the University and intervened on behalf of the LTTE organisers and re-secured the venue for the event.
The event was held on Saturday and included known front line LTTE activists, known not only to Sri Lankans, but also to New Scotland Yard Specialist Operations.
Among those present at the event were Murugesu Sivarajah a long standing and a hard core LTTE activist, C. Sithamparapillai, a lawyer and the Chairman of the LTTE front 'TRAG', S. Balasundaram senior and junior, both known LTTE activists.
Anti-LTTE activists Rajasingham Jayadevan and Vivekananthan, who had been initially invited had tried to enter the venue only to be kept out by LTTE goons. Jayadevan had then telephoned Stephen Timms, who had gone out to meet him, but in his presence an LTTE goon had pushed Jayadevan and Timms had stood by helplessly.
It is believed that Ministers of the British government were content with standing by while the LTTE intimidates Tamils who had come to hear him speak.
The reason for this may be because Stephen Timms is the MP for Eastham, and as the LTTE event was being held in his patch, he may have wanted to maintain the support of his LTTE constituents.

LTTE 'military storage facility' destroyed in air strikes- Mullaittivu

 



The SLAF fighter jets took fresh air strikes at a LTTE 'military storage facility' this morning (March 25) at Uddayarkattukulama, in Mullaittivu.
According to Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Andrew Wijesooriya, the air sorties were conducted following well established ground and air surveillance information, at around 9.20a.m. The target was known to be a main LTTE arms, ammunitions and equipment storage facility, he further said.
The air strikes have triggered a series of explosion while, pilots have also confirmed debris and flames rising in the area, sources said.

Defence analysts state that these strikes were launched as a measure to neutralize the LTTE Wanni logistic and arms supply network.

The LTTE is yet to release casualty figures, defence sources said.

 

5 arrested, explosives recovered in Muthuwal

 

Grand-Pass Police recovered 4kgs' of C-4 high explosives and 10 electrical detonators from a house located at 'Aluth Mawatha' in Muthuwal during a pre-dawn search operation conducted today(March 25).

According to Police sources, the search operation was conducted based on substantial information received, where 5 suspects were also arrested alleged LTTE by the Police following preliminary investigations at the site.

Four explosive timers were also recovered by the Police during the search operation.

Earlier, in February an LTTE suicide bomber blew himself in a separate location at Muthuwal, when his hideout was spotted in a combined Army-Police cordon.

UNP decides to contest EP polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

The United National Party plans to contest forthcoming Eastern Province Election .Media Spokesman Gayantha Karunathilaka says the government must disarm militatnt groups and reinstate the STF and invite foreign observers.
He said the UNP Working Committee today unanimously approved the party’s decision to contest the Eastern Provincial Council Election to be held on May 10. They also appointed a nomination board to coordinate the Eastern Provincial Council Election.

Alleged EPDP member attempts extortion

 

A member of the EPDP who attempted to extort Rs.100,000 from a leading businessman in Mannar town this morning was taken into custody by Mannar police. The suspect was detained for further questioning.

President opens the new flyover

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The first phase of the new flyover at Kelaniya was declared open today by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse.

The Kelaniya flyover, the first of 222 bridges to be constructed countrywide was declared opened for traffic this morning.

The length of the Kelaniya flyover is 325 meters. Two lanes have been constructed under the first phase of the project. Construction of this Flyover was completed in a record period of 60 days.

The second phase of the project is due to commence next month for constructing additional two lanes. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 2.1 billion.

Over 75,000 vehicles travel along Colombo-Kandy main road every day and the flyover built The Kelaniya flyover across the Peliyagoda railway crossing is expected to ease the traffic congestion.

 

18 envoys to resign today

 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's non-service/contractual envoys posted in 18 capitals including Washington, London, New Delhi, Jakarta, Riyadh, Ankara, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Abu Dhabi and UN Headquarters in New York are going to resign with the new prime minister taking over today.
Quoting highly placed sources, The News reported here yesterday that some of the ambassadors/high commissioners would be retained to complete their contractual tenure but they would not be given extension.
All the envoys would be asked to continue till next instructions so that level of diplomatic communication with such countries might be maintained till the new appointments are made, the sources said.
The sources hinted that Pakistan's incumbent envoy to the US, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, UN Headquarters and Sri Lanka would not be asked to relinquish their assignments forthwith. Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohamed Khan will be among the diplomats who would be asked to continue. In all probabilities, he will be replaced in September next by a talented diplomat Salman Bashir, who is currently Pakistan's ambassador to China, the report said.
The sources pointed out that three retired lieutenant generals, four major generals, one former chief of the navy two former air vice marshals, and nine retired diplomats and intellectuals currently enjoying status of ambassadors and high commissioners in important world capitals will resign today.
The Foreign Office has compiled a list of the envoys in question to be submitted to the prime minister.
The aspirants for the diplomatic assignments are already engaged in hectic efforts for acquiring the same. They have been running from pillar to post ever since the elections.
Ambassador-at-large and former Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, who was appointed ambassador by late Benazir Bhutto during the seventh OIC summit held at Casablanca in December 1994, is not expected to come under fire.

India will never allow a separate Tamil State -SL PM

JERUSALEM: India will never allow a separate independent state for Tamils to be carved out from Sri Lanka, the island's Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka said here.

"It should be borne in mind that India will never allow a separate independent state for Tamils in Sri Lanka because such a development will have a disastrous effect in India," Wickremanayaka, who is the first Sri Lankan Prime Minister to visit Israel, told a gathering.

"India has always been committed to Sri Lanka's territorial integrity," he added. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister, who is on a four-day visit, claimed that LTTE leader V Prabhakaran wanted to create a Tamil state by "including certain parts of India as well".

He said that his country is committed to a political solution to the three-decade-old conflict and is not seeking a military solution. He ruled out any division of the island nation, which he said has remained as one single unit throughout history. "It is not feasible politically or economically", the Sri Lankan leader emphasised.

While asserting that his governments doors are always open to peace talks, the island nation's premier dismissed any chances of a breakthrough with the LTTE under "the current megalomaniac leader".

Vavuniya Police nets 'LTTE abductors', saves Insurance Executive

Vavuniya Police in a well laid security cordon arrested 4 individuals alleged to be LTTE operatives while they were fleeing in 2 motor bikes, along with an abducted civilian at Pomppaimadu area, Vavuniya on Monday (March 24) evening.

The abducted civilian was identified as Sumith Prasanna Manawadu, 39, an Insurance Executive at the 'Ceylinco Insurance' - Vavuniya branch. According to Police sources, the insurance executive was abducted by the LTTE while he was attending a Hindu wedding festival at Thirunawakulama in Vavuniya, at around 2.15p.m.

On receiving information of the incident Vavuniya police took swift measures: dispatched task units to the area and manned road barriers where the abductors were netted while fleeing at Pomppaimadu, and the insurance executive freed the police further said.

A LTTE operative has swallowed a cyanide capsule whilst been arrested and was admitted to the general hospital at Anuradhapura, the sources said. The Police have also recovered a pistol and a hand grenade which were in possession of the LTTE operatives.

Investigations continue as the arrested are believed to have involved in similar abductions of youth and business persons for ransom, a lucrative income for the terrorist outfit, Vavuniya Police said.

Thirunawakulam is located along the Vavuniya- Mannar main road, approximately 4km from Vavuniya town.

Parties of United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance assured that they will contest under UPFA

The parties of United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance assured that they will contest under UPFA ticket in the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council Election.
A special discussion on the procedure to contest this election was held yesterday among the respective parties. The discussion took place at parliamentary complex. Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva presided the meeting. The leaders of the coalition parties participated in this discussion. The Secretary General of EPDP Minister Douglas Devananda and the Muslim political parties representing the eastern province also were present at the meeting.
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress also participated in this discussion. The decision of SLMC will be announced tomorrow. Therefore, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said another special discussion will be held tomorrow in this regard.

EC brings the attention of relevant laws of the elections.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

The Elections Commissioner brings the attention of relevant sections on provisions mentioned in the constitution regarding the elections.
According to the 13th amendment to the constitution, promotion or prevention of the selection of a candidate, a political party or an independent group is prohibited. The elections chief points out the use of moveable and immovable properties belonging to the government or any other state institution for election activities is also prohibited.
This ban is applicable to the time period of the forthcoming provincial council elections in the eastern province. This ban is valid till the date on which the election results are issued beginning from the 13th of this month.
According to the 13th amendment promotions and transfers in the government or other state institutions cannot be made. Holding Interviews to make new recruitments is also prohibited. It is more appropriate to refrain from holding state backed mobile services, exhibitions and festivals during this period. The elections commissioner has notified Ministerial secretaries to inform heads of state institutions in this connection.
End

Steps are on to retrieve Kachchatheevu: Congress MP

A Congress leader in Tamil Nadu and Indian Upper House (Rajya Sabha) Member of Parliament, Sudarsana Natchiappan, has said that the Indian Government was taking steps to take back Kadchatheevu according to a report by Dinamani newspaper in Tamil Nadu Sunday. Mr. Natchiappan was participating in the 66th state executive committee meeting of the Human Rights Division of the Congress Party at Raameasvaram on Saturday.
Sudarsana NatchiappanHe reportedly said that fishermen from Tamil Nadu should be allowed to fish in the historical waters and that the Indian Government was taking necessary steps to provide protection to them and to retrieve the island of Kachchatheevu.
Natchiappan also told reporters that efforts were on to secure the release of Tamils who were languishing in jails in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf countries.
He sought to explain away the training imparted to Sri Lankan military, that has caused widespread furore in Tamil Nadu, saying that since India is the largest country in the region it provides military training to its neighbours.

Navy thwarts LTTE boat movement - Pulmoddai

Naval attack craft on patrol off Pulomoddai thwarted an LTTE boat movement from Nayaru to Pulmoddai this morning (March 25).
According to Naval Spokesperson Commander D.K.P Dassanyake, naval craft on sighting a cluster of LTTE boats at 1.a.m., making towards the Pulmoddai waters intercepted the vessels engaging in a seaborne fire attack forcing the LTTE vessels to retreat with damages.
Later, it was revealed through intercepted enemy communication that a LTTE boat has sustained damages and towed towards the Nayaru lagoon, the spokesperson further said.

Israel Urges Sri Lanka Not To Give In To Terrorism

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday urged his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, not to give in to terrorism.

"Don't give in to terrorism because it will only destroy your country ... It is forbidden to surrender to it," Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his Sri Lankan counterpart on Monday.

The Sri Lankan prime minister, who is on a rare four-day official visit to the Jewish state, thanked Israel for providing assistance when a tsunami devastated parts of his island nation in 2004. The two countries renewed relations in 2000 after a 30-year lull.

The two countries are battling suicide bombers and other extremists for years now. Israel has been battling Palestinian militants for decades while Sri Lanka's fight against Tamil rebels has killed more than 70,000 people since 1983.

During his visit, Premier Wickramanayaka is scheduled to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and President Shimon Peres, and travel to the West Bank for talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Janabalasena from UNP

UNP General Secretary Thissa Aththanayaka announced that the Janabalasena national movement aiming to defeat the government at any national level election such as general election or Presidential would be launched today.
Mr. Aththanayaka said at a press conference in the official residence of the Opposition Leader that 450,000 Janabalasena animators would be appointed, each one in charge of ten households to mobilize a five tier political force in national, provincial, district and electorate levels.

Mr. Aththanayaka further said that the number of Janabalasena animators that would be appointed would surpass the total vote count of the JVP. The UNP targets to add one million new votes to its base to build up the party as an undefeatable force.

The UNP General Secretary said that the aim of the new political movement to be launched tomorrow with the patronage of the party leader Ranil Wickramasinghe against the corrupt regime is to push it to a general election.

Govt. denies offering Chief Minister post to Pillaiyan

by Franklin. R.Satyapalan
The government yesterday denied claims that it had offered to appoint TMVP leader Pillaiyan as the Chief Minister of East.

General Secretary of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance,

Minister Susil Premajayantha said "We have not offered the Chief Minister-ship to anyone. We will take a decision on it only after the elections to the Eastern Provincial council are completed."

He said at an SLFP Central Committee meeting presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa a decision had been taken that all political parties in the Alliance Government would contest under the single banner of the UPFA and the betel symbol. "I have written to several parties, including the JVP and the SLMC inviting them to join us and to contest under one banner and senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa had discussed this with the SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem a few days ago.

All the party leaders in the alliance, the Mahajhana Eksath Peramuna, Communist Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Mahajhana Pakshaya, Jathika Hela Urumaya, National Unity Alliance and the All Ceylon Muslim Congress,

were expected to meet yesterday afternoon to decide on the number of slots for each constituent party.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said that the Committee comprising Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa, SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena and UPFA General Secretary Minister Susil Premajayantha would deliberate and decide on the candidates by March 31.

General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Nidhas Sevaka Sangamaya Leslie Devendra said there had been a very strong response from the SLFP rank and file in the Eastern Province assuring the party’s hierarchy that the party could make an impact and gain a resounding victory at the May 10 Provincial poll.

He said that union members attached to the Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka Ports Authority in Trincomaqlee, Valachchenai Paper Factory in Batticaloa, Mineral Sands Corporation in Pullmuddai, Ceramics factory in Amparai and Fisher Societies in the Eastern Province have already responded to the Governments decision to take up the challenge and win in the East.

"We are confident that we could win this Provincial Council elections for the Government," he said.

SLRC unions to seek compensation for those attacked

by Norman Palihawadana
Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation trade unions have decided to meet the Minister of Media and Information Anura Priyadarashana Yapa to discuss payment of compensation to SLRC employees who were attacked by thugs recently following the recent incident involving Dr. Mervin Silva at the SLRC.

The employees who were attacked with knives and a razor were Lal Hemantha Mawalage, Ranjani Herath and Anurasiri Hettige.An SLRC union spokesman said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during
SLRC unions the talks he had with the union representatives, had requested the Minister of Media and Information to take steps to pay compensation to the employees who were injured in the attacks.

Trade union sources were also concerned that the special police teams deployed to investigate the attacks on the SLRC employees had still been unable to arrest any suspects. They hoped to take the issue up with the minister during their discussions with him, he said.

CEB engineers slam Chairman over report

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Engineers Union yesterday criticized the CEB Chairman’s recent report calling for a review of the entire range of allowances available to all public corporations and statutory boards.

The Union pointed out that the Chairman’s reasons for recurring loses at the CEB was absurd, as he had not understood the real reasons for the losses.

The current financial crisis at the CEB, is a matter to verify the management capabilities of the chairman," a senior Engineer said.

He said, that though the CEB Chairman Udaya Kariyawasam has very good financial qualifications, the Union was surprised as to how, despite being an accountant by profession, he could not understand basic management.

The Engineers’ Union said according to Kariyawasam, the CEB workers’ loan portfolio is over rupees 2.2 billion and thus called for a review of the entire range of allowances.

The engineers said they take loans from their provident fund.

The Union said: "That is our own money, and we get it at a concessionary rate. The CEB provides loans to purchase cars for officers and motor bicycles for others at an interest rate of seven per cent, which was not a grant."

A senior engineer said: "the Chairman was talking about seven or eight-year-old contracts, especially when paid in dollars, but he was the one who signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) and campaigned for the Indian wind plant project which was paid in US$ terms."

CEB engineers slam Chairman over report

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Engineers Union yesterday criticized the CEB Chairman’s recent report calling for a review of the entire range of allowances available to all public corporations and statutory boards.

The Union pointed out that the Chairman’s reasons for recurring loses at the CEB was absurd, as he had not understood the real reasons for the losses.

The current financial crisis at the CEB, is a matter to verify the management capabilities of the chairman," a senior Engineer said.

He said, that though the CEB Chairman Udaya Kariyawasam has very good financial qualifications, the Union was surprised as to how, despite being an accountant by profession, he could not understand basic management.

The Engineers’ Union said according to Kariyawasam, the CEB workers’ loan portfolio is over rupees 2.2 billion and thus called for a review of the entire range of allowances.

The engineers said they take loans from their provident fund.

The Union said: "That is our own money, and we get it at a concessionary rate. The CEB provides loans to purchase cars for officers and motor bicycles for others at an interest rate of seven per cent, which was not a grant."

A senior engineer said: "the Chairman was talking about seven or eight-year-old contracts, especially when paid in dollars, but he was the one who signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) and campaigned for the Indian wind plant project which was paid in US$ terms."

ICRC Head Speaks to Army Commander

From http://www.army.lk/
HEAD OF THE International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the organization which is largely responsible for humanitarian and relief measures in war-torn Wanni, northern areas and elsewhere met Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Monday (24) morning at the Army Headquarters.Mr. Toon Vandenhove, Head of the ICRC Delegation during his meeting with the Army Chief focused on several issues that are related to the ICRC operations in un-cleared areas in Wanni. The ICRC official requested the Commander to appoint a specific Army officer in Wanni to directly liaise with the ICRC whenever the need arises.
Lieutenant General Fonseka in response to the ICRC request reminded Mr. Vandenhove of the continued assistance assured to the ICRC at all times without denying access to anywhere in the Wanni as and when the ICRC wanted. Commander elaborating on the general security situation and ongoing military operations for liberation of innocent civilians in Wanni advised the visiting delegate to directly get in touch with Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni in case any assistance is needed.
The ICRC official gave the Commander an outline of their operations in Sri Lanka and a review of different ICRC programmes launched in Sri Lanka in the year 2007.

DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN SRI LANKA

by Dr. Sarath Ranaweera

Organic production has considerable potential in our agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. However, the term organic has been widely misused in Sri Lanka without having very clear understanding about it. Ecological farming systems, applying compost on crops, natural home garden practices, neglecting lands without applying natural and artificial inputs can not be defined or termed as organic. Organic chemistry has no direct relationship with organic agriculture. Organic is a kind of labelling system that is granted for ecological production when the whole process is certified by an accredited third party organization.
Economy of our country is mainly based on agriculture. We have a higher degree of biodiversity among most of the developing countries and we are blessed with nature gifted most suitable climatic conditions for having sustainable natural agriculture systems. The agriculture practices that have been carried out for many years with indigenous knowledge of our traditional farmers have contributed tremendously for the development of sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka. Many well balanced eco systems including the Kandyan forest garden system play major role in protecting environment and maintain biodiversity in many parts of our beautiful island. Once these ecological farming practices are tuned to follow an efficient management system, such lands can be inspected and certified as organic according to international standards with shorter period of in-conversion at a lower cost. Without a third party guarantee on the compliance of set international standards on organic production methods, a product cannot be labelled, termed or called as organic.
We are more health conscious than ever before and therefore we seek safe and healthy food. Organic food is the safer, healthier and as a result the demand for organic food is ever growing. As an example, United States of America, Canada, are having rapidly growing Organic Food markets reporting around 20% annual growth. In addition to that, European Union rate of growth on Organic Food market is averaging 7.8% per year. Other than that Japan, New Zealand, Australia are having relatively small markets for organic Foods but still blooming.
Organic is environmentally friendly, culturally sensitive, socially just and economically viable sustainable agricultural system that maintains an efficient management system. All the organic production methods are monitored by Inspection and Certification Bodies (ICB) that are accredited by EN 45004/45011 or ISO 65. Most of developed countries have set up the minimum requirements as organic regulation and therefore products are checked at customs with relevant documentary proofs to support the claim the product as organic. These regulations are formulated based on guidelines or basic standards provided by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and Codex Alimentarius. An ICB being private or Government affiliated organization sets its own standards satisfying the minimum requirements stipulated by the EU or the country regulations. An Inspector visits the project audits whether the organic practices followed by a licensee or a new applicant complies with standards set by the same ICB. The ICB evaluates the compliance of the findings of the inspector with its own standards and based on satisfactory levels of compliance, a certification is granted for the products to be called organic.
A few international ICBs such as Control Union of The Netherlands, IMO of Switzerland, NASAA of Australia, Ecocert of France and Soil Association of UK are actively involved in organic inspection and certification in Sri Lanka. Certified organic products are mainly exported to Europe under EU regulation of EEC 2092/91, USA under NOP, Switzerland under Biosuisse, Australia under NASAA and Japan under JAS by limited number of exporters in Sri Lanka.
The council of EU on organic production and labelling has been changed since 28th of June 2007, but it has raised some important questions such as acceptance of group certification of small organic farmers and how the approval of certification bodies in Third countries is granted by a central body. NOP of USA has recently created a very serious problem in small farmer group certification by requesting international inspectors to visit all individual farmers separately instead of visiting 10% to 15% randomly from the whole group. ISO 62 has been recommended for selecting number of small organic farmers under small farmer group certification to EU committee but it has not yet been officially accepted.
NEW EU LAW SET TO BOOST ORGANIC SALES
Europe’s organic market will face a new regulation on organic production and Labeling as of January 1, 2009. The regulation, issued by the European Commission as Regulation (EC) 83/2007, is expected to boost the organic market.
The new regulation replaces and orders one that set the standard for organic production in the European Union since 1991. The old one, Regulation (EEC) 2092/91, has been amended more than thirty times since its adoption, so the EC decided it’s time for new and clearer legislation.
The term organic products cover agricultural crops or food products produced according to strict requirements laid down for organic production. For instance, organic producers may not use chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Since the EU market for organic products has been growing steadily for a decade and prices in the organic sector are generally higher than those of conventional products, it is an interesting market for exporters in developing countries (DCs). Throughout Europe both consumers and governments are paying more attention to best environmental practices, biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards. The health trend is another growth driver.
What’s new?
The objective of the new Regulation is to simplify the rules for both consumers and producers, to contribute to transparency and consumer confidence and to help create a clear and harmonized image for organic production. The new regulation will focus on clearer and more explicit definitions of the objectives and principles of organic production rather than on technical requirements. The most important change compared to current legislation is that under the new regulation the use of the EU logo for organic products produced within the EU will become compulsory. National or private logos will still be allowed, but only to accompany the EU logo on a voluntary basis. Al products carrying the EU logo must also bear a label that says where the products were farmed.
Once the EU logo is compulsory for organic products produced within the EU, it is likely that more consumers will be familiar with it and therefore willing to buy products carrying the logo, regardless of where they have been produced. Exporters from DCs therefore may benefit from the logo.
New import regime
The new regulation will also bring in a new permanent import regime, allowing DCs to export to the EU market under the same or equivalent conditions as EU producers. To avoid differences in interpretation and procedures within the different member states, the EC will give a list of control authorities and control bodies the task of monitoring controls and certification in third counties. This will probably make it a lot easier for DC exporters to gain access to EU markets with organic products.
Importation of goods marked or labelled organic is controlled presently under 3 systems to European Union as follows. Importers in EU have to apply for an import authorization concerning importing organic products.
1) Country of origin of the producer has to be in the European Union and direct official admission is valid for member countries.2) Non EU-member states which have provided evidence that the production methods and inspection measures in the Third country are equivalent to rules of council regulation, can be admitted in to the Third Country Register under EEC no. 94/92. At present seven countries, namely Argentina, Australia, Israel, Check Republic, Hungary, Switzerland and India have entered in to this list. New countries recently joined EU will be officially removed from the list later on. Once a country is enlisted under Third country register, direct official admission is valid similar to member of EU. Local inspections bodies can be established in the listed country and as a result the heavy cost for international inspection can be eliminated. 3) Member state authorization of products (importer derogation)
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2083/92 amended the Regulation to enable the Government Authority with jurisdiction over organic standards in an EU Member State to authorize an importer to import products from a country like Sri Lanka which is not included in the Article 11 list. The provision is commonly referred to as the “importer derogation”. In order for imports to be approved under this method, the importer must furnish the Member State with sufficient evidence to show that:
· The imported product was produced according to organic production rules equivalent to EU standards.· The imported product was subject to inspection measures equivalent to EU inspection requirements.· The inspection measures will be permanently and effectively applied (Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, Art. 11 par. 6, as amended); and· The certification body operates in compliance with ISO/IEC Guide 65.
Each importer must obtain a separate authorization for each imported product. If an importer imports the same product from different countries or with certifications from different certifiers in the same country, a separate authorization must be obtained for each at a cost.
This process to license the importer to import a particular product from a particular country not on the Article 11 list is the responsibility of individual Member States, not the responsibility of the Commission. Member States and even regional authorities implement this provision differently with respect to the nature of the evidence that must be supplied. For specific information, it is required to contact the Member States.
The majority of products currently entering the EU are imported through the Member State Authorization and not from countries on the Article 11 list.
Why organic production is important to Sri Lanka.
The basic value addition by converting products from conventional or ecological varies from 30% to more than 100% depending on the product. Sri Lanka as a country with full of natural resources has a big potential to fulfil the considerable portion of ever-growing market demand for organic products in the World. Our capacity in supplying various products already grown under ecological systems for years after the conversion within shorter period of time is very high. The value addition of tea from year 1998 to 2001 purely due to the organic labelling is equivalent to the additional production of about one million kgs of conventional teas. This is definitely an encouraging indication to any Government to support Organic Sector. This target has been achieved by few organic companies with their individual effort made for many years. The Export Development Board of Sri Lanka has immensely assisted to promote organic sector in Sri Lanka by assisting the private sector to seek new markets for organic products. Some of the other Government institutes have recently launched programmes to identify the potential areas and producer groups for organic agriculture.
Other than this direct financial benefit gained from organic exports, the protection of environment has become a major indirect contributory factor of organic agriculture. The favourable influence of organic agriculture on environment protection and human health on long-term basis has not yet been scientifically evaluated in order to add economic value to organic products. Water resources and tanks are contaminated with higher level of heavy metals and Nitrates that has already created serious health problem to our community and it will continue. Government spends huge amount on subsidy of chemical fertilizers from one side and bear huge cost on health care from the other side. Disposal of litter from large scale animal husbandry units has become a costly and troublesome affair and the same litter can be easily converted to nitrogen-rich soil input and that could replace imported synthetic nitrogen fertilizers resulting in saving some foreign exchange to our country. The same can also be used in organic production when the conversion is done according to organic standards. However extreme care must be taken to prevent the contamination of heavy metal and clinical waste when urban waste is converted as soil inputs for the use in conventional agriculture. The relationship between artificial chemical usage in agriculture on the increase number of kidney patients and other health related problems in many areas has become an interesting topic to be researched. Contribution from academics, researchers, scientist and other professionals in the respective fields has become essential in order to educate producers and consumers about the negative impact of usage of hazardous chemicals in incorrect manner during farming and processing on human health. This will anyway help to reduce the damages done for farming community in the long run. The investment required in the future to clean our soil and water resources will be very significant. Environment polluted by us today for our short term benefit will have to be restored by our next generation at their cost for their survival in the future. Therefore it is logical that the cost for cleaning the environment needed in the future has to be added to the cost of conventional production.
Promotion of organic agriculture minimizes the health problems and also results in no capital investment to clean the environment. In addition, possibilities are there for our conventional products exported to developed countries to get rejected as the maximum residue limits (MRL) and heavy metal contamination in food are higher than those of ever-reducing allowable levels in the importing countries as a result of unmethodical and heavy chemical application.
Organic labeling needs international certification for Sri Lankan products. However, the cost of international inspection attributes extra overhead cost to the cost of production and therefore measures taken to reduce COP have become a necessity. Government direct involvement in setting up a mechanism to promote organic agriculture has become a compulsory issue in order to safeguard the interest of exporters who are involved in an internationally competitive organic trade as well as the producers in the organic sector. A long-term professional approach will help to generate more foreign exchange while our environment is being protected. This will also lead to maintain a sustainable development of the rural sector in Sri Lanka.
It is important that an institute to promote organic agriculture be established with the contribution of all stakeholders in the organic field. Government involvement is more important in making policy and finding a most suitable mechanism to implement them. Some of the main activities listed there, are setting up local certification procedures under third country registry, policy making & implementation, registration of Inspection Bodies, registration of exporters and local parties involved in organic sales, issuance of renewable permit for local sales, penalizing fraudulent sellers, introducing a common seal for certified organic products in Sri Lanka, rendering assistance to organic & health shops, rendering assistance from media to promote organic export, setting up of Internal Control System for local inspection, register all training institutes and setting up organic export villages. However it is evident that some of the above activities have been already started separately by different institutions.
It is also imperative to draw up a plan for Sri Lanka to get the recognition and equivalent status for local certification or to enter into the Third Country Registry enabling local inspection bodies to certify products as organic which will be accepted by any international community. For that, initially the guidelines or basic standards on organic production need to be set by a standard committee and then based on basic guidelines, the country regulation for organic production has to be established by a Government Standard setting institute. Qualified private organizations must set their own standards adhering to country regulation that are accepted by a quality management system for organic inspection and certification. Training inspectors on organic standards has become compulsory when organic standards are set only. Generic training can be done by many institutes but standards-specific training needed for internationally accepted inspection system cannot be handled without the support of professionals. Changing basic standards that leads to regulation changes in the country needs to be handled by group of experts officially nominated as the members of the standard committee by the organic promotion institute or regulatory institute. However, the adhering to the sequence of operation or procedures is very important in order to respect international standards and to gain the international recognition for our local inspection & certifications. It is clearly seen that many events happens today without much professional guidance and this will not lead to achieve our country goals in setting local bodies for the same. Once all aspects fall in line it will result in eliminating higher cost of inspection and certification carried out by international inspection bodies. The present situation has curtailed the development of organic agriculture among small farmer groups in the rural areas in Sri Lanka. Recognized local certification system will also enable our producers and exporters to offer organic products at competitive prices in international markets. The main benefit from lower certification cost could be transferred to the farming community by giving them reasonable higher prices against conventional market prices along with the forward contracts.
In addition to these aspects, organic food production for local market will result in generating a healthier community in Sri Lanka. Immediate regulation should be imposed to monitor the products sold under the term of organic in order to protect the credibility of genuine organic producers and to safeguard the interest of organic consumers. Therefore, the Government of Sri Lanka should take the initiative like our neighboring countries for the promotion of organic agriculture in Sri Lanka.

Govt. gives into Pilleyan and withdraws STF from East! – UNP General Secretary

The UNP has charged that the government is withdrawing the Special Task Force (STF) from the East "on the insistence of the Pillayan group” stating that it was a “calculated attempt to prepare the ground for the rigging of the upcoming provincial council election.”

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said Pilleyan group is demanding the withdrawal of the STF from areas such as Potuvil and Sangamankanda so “they will have a free run at the upcoming election.”

According to police sources Defense Ministry has decided to withdraw the STF from more than ten camps in the East and Mannar.

According to these sources the Army would take over those camps in the East and Vavuniya areas. According to police sources the STF withdrawn from some camps in the Ampara and Akkaraipattu area will be deployed in LTTE threatened villages in Welioya, including Kebithigollewa say the police.

EU committed to maintain close ties with Sri Lanka

A delegation of senior officials from the European Union visited Sri Lanka from March 16-18, to discuss EU concerns at the current situation in the country.
A statement issued by the EU Presidency noted that the EU and Sri Lanka have deep, longstanding relations, covering economic, trade, political and cultural matters. Slovenia, which holds the current rotating EU Presidency said in a statement, “The EU is committed to maintaining these, and welcomes the opportunity provided by this visit for open and frank discussions.”
The 27-member European bloc welcomed such steps as have been taken towards a politically sustainable devolution plan for Sri Lanka. Having taken note of the interim proposal from the All Party Representative Committee (APRC), it said the EU looks forward to an ambitious final proposal in the coming months. Following peaceful local elections in Batticaloa district on 10 March, key issues have been identified concerning the provision of proper electoral conditions, including the disarmament of paramilitaries.
The EU sees effective action on this as key to ensuring free and fair voting at the provincial elections scheduled for May. “The EU has an active, well defined policy on counterterrorism. This underlies the EU’s unequivocal condemnation of all terrorist activities, including those by the LTTE.”In 2006, the EU listed the LTTE as a terrorist organisation. Since then there have been a number of criminal prosecutions against LTTE fund raising in Europe.

Family of Sri Lanka massacre victims doubt justice

Relatives of 17 aid workers massacred in Sri Lanka said on Monday they did not expect justice as a heated human rights inquiry began into their execution-style murders more than a year ago. Ravi Shantha, the aunt of one of the Action Contre la Faim (ACF) aid workers killed in August 2006 in the northeastern town of Muttur, told a panel of judges appointed to investigate rights abuses in Sri Lanka that too much time had passed.

'I don't trust that I will be given justice in this case,' Shantha said to Reuters after giving evidence about the last known movements of her nephew Ambigavathy Jayaseelan. 'It's almost two years. Nobody has talked about justice and I do not think I will able to get it, even after this,' she said at the end of an emotional four hours in the witness box.
Nordic truce monitors have blamed the massacre, at the time the worst attack on aid workers since a 2003 bomb attack on the United Nations office in Baghdad, on state security forces.
A blast that wrecked two U.N. buildings in Algiers last December also killed 17 U.N. staff.
The government has accused ACF of being responsible for the massacre of their own local staff through 'negligence' and 'irresponsibility' in the midst of a 25-year civil war between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels.
The 17 mostly Tamil workers were shot in the head and were lying face down in the ACF compound. The military said they were trapped in fighting between troops and rebels.
Shantha told the hearing that her nephew, also her adopted son, joined the NGO because he could not get a government job, going to work by bicycle and 'leaving again in a coffin'.
She also told of threats after Jayaseelan's death from a group of unidentified men dressed in civilian clothes.
'They warned us not to speak about this incident to anyone,' she said, wiping away tears. Shantha, an ethnic Tamil, said she had not even been allowed to see Jayaseelan's body before burial or file a police report.
Lawyer for the army, Gomin Dayasiri, pressed Shantha on foreign negligence and leapt on an admission by rights lawyer Desmond Fernando that he had secretly been told who carried out the massacre by Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe.
'I would urge Mr Fernando to withdraw from the case and be called as a witness,' Dayasiri angrily demanded, halting proceedings as a heated legal argument broke out.
International monitors recently told the government they were withdrawing from the inquiry because of official interference and lack of internationally acceptable standards.
Rights watchdogs have reported hundreds of abductions, disappearances and killings blamed on government security forces and Tamil separatists since the civil war, in which 70,000 people have died since 1983, resumed in 2006.
The U.S. State Department, in its recent annual rights report, said the Sri Lankan state's respect for human rights continued to decline in 2007, citing reports of killings by government agents and collaboration between the state and paramilitaries accused of major abuses.

Olmert to Sri Lanka PM: No surrender to terror

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ratnasiri Wickremanayake Monday and told him that surrendering to terror will only bring ruin to the country.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan PM thanked Olmert for the assistance offered by Israel after Sri Lanka was hit by a tsunami.

Government has taken a number of measures to create peace

Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara says the government has taken a number of measures to create an environment where all communities could live in peace.
Public sector employees are being provided with training to acquire proficiency in the two official languages. Security personnel serving in the north and east are providing with special training on the Tamil language.
The Minister said there should be an attitudinal change to develop cooperation among various ethnicities. Minister Gunasekara expressed these views delivering the keynote address of the Special Summit on Pluralism in South Asia held at Mount Lavinia Hotel this morning.
Speaking at the summit Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona said the government is committed to ensure democratic rights of the people living in the north and east while a military solution has been sought to defeat terrorism.

Tuberculosis disease cannot be eradicated only through government programmes

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says the tuberculosis disease cannot be eradicated from Sri Lanka only through programmes carrying out by the government.
The Minister pointed out that the support of civil organisations and the public is essential in combating the disease. Minister De Silva expressed these views at the national ceremony to observe the World Anti Tuberculosis Day held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute today. The Tuberculosis Eradication Movement of the Ministry of Health organised this event.
The Minister said patients infected with tuberculosis should not be cornered from the society. The disease can be cured permanently. Speaking on the occasion Director of the Tuberculosis Eradication Movement Mrs. Chandra Sarukkali said Sri Lanka has successfully contained the disease. Annually around eight million persons in the world catch the tuberculosis disease and of them, two million cases are fatal.

R&D Institute tests cement being exported to Sri Lanka

Cement Research & Development Institute (CR&DI), a TUSDEC subsidiary, has started tests of the cement being exported to Sri Lanka, in line with testing standards of that island nation.
TUSDEC sources here Monday said that Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is being tested in accordance with SLS 107: 2007, the standards formulated by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), according to a press release.
CR&DI possesses the facilities to test four types of cement - Ordinary Portland Cement, Sulphate Resistant Cement, White Portland Cement and Slag Cement in line with the standards of UK, USA, India and Pakistan.
The CR&DI established in 1983 by the State Cement Corporation of Pakistan (SCCP), was revived by TUSDEC in 2006 after it had remained idle for several years.
It is capable of carrying out tests of cement and allied materials such as OPC, SRC, slag cement, white cement, blended cement, shale, clay, clinker, sand, iron ore, feldspar, gypsum, kiln dust, limestone, slag, fly ash, pozzolana, lime sludge and aggregates.
It is also capable of conducting the calibration of equipment such as Compressive Testing Machines.
The spokesman observed that CR&DI expects that more cement users and manufacturers will utilise its facilities to ensure consistent quality during construction, adding that testing is vital to ensure the quality and strength of cement and concrete.

HC reissues summons on Praba and Pottu Amman

The Colombo High Court today reissued summons through IGP on Prabakaran and Pottu Amman in former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar assasinaiton case.

11 terrorists killed in clashes - Vavuniya front

Media Centre for National Security said that eleven LTTE terrorists were killed during the confrontations erupted in Vavuniya front yesterday, March 23.
Ten LTTE terrorists were killed in two separate clashes occurred in general area Kallikulam around 3.30p.m and 5.45 p.m. yesterday. Another LTTE terrorist was reported killed in a confrontation took place in general area Navathkulam around 1.05 p.m yesterday.
Meanwhile, three army soldiers sustained injuries due to anti-personnel mine explosions took place in Kokilmoddai, Periyathampane and Ramanathankulam areas yesterday.

Warlike items uncovered - Batticalloa

On information received from the civilian sources, Police personnel in Valachenai Police station uncovered a claymore mine, AP mines and few other war-like items during a search operation conducted in the area yesterday, March 23.
The recovery includes Claymore mines ,Wire ,82 (F) Rifles ,Mines ,T-56 magazines and T-56 live rounds .
Meanwhile, in a separate search operation conducted at Palugamam in Batticaloa, troops uncovered a radio communication equipment and few other items .
Further, Media Centre for National Security said that a hand tractor was also uncovered by Troops during a search operation conducted at KUSALANAI in the BATTICALOA area .

Tamil civilians seek protection with security forces- Mannar

A Tamil family of five including an infant sought protection with security forces at the Naval detachment in Pallemunai, Mannar .
Three males and one female were among the four adults reached to the government-controlled area seeking protection for their lives. These civilians reached the safe waters of Pallemunai on a 'Wallam' despite the rough sea condition and heavy rain, defence sources said.
The civilians were later handed over to the Mannar police for general formalities.

LTTE sustains heavy casualties during fighting in the Vavuniya area.

Seven incidents have been reported from the VAVUNIYA area on Sunday (23) in which eleven (11) LTTE terrorists have been reported killed during the operations conducted in the area.
A terrorist was reported killed in the afternoon in the NAVATHKULAM area due to a confrontation around 1.05 in the afternoon.
Ten (10) terrorists were killed in fierce fighting in the KALLIKULAM area VAVUNIYA. Six of them were killed around 3.30 in the late afternoon while and four were reported killed in the same area in the evening around 5.45.
Three soldiers were also reported injured in three incidents as a result of anti - personnel mine explosions. One soldier was injured in the morning around 9.05, in the KOKILMODDAI area, another was injured in the morning on the same day in PERIYATHAMPANE area, around 10.45 in the morning and the other at 11.15 in the RAMANATHANKULAM area, VAVUNIYA.
Meanwhile, Troops launched an attack and captured a line of three LTTE bunkers in the PERIYATAHMPANE area around 10.45 in the morning on the same day (23) while in another attack launched by the Army three more LTTE bunkers and two LTTE mortar positions were also captured around 3.30 in the afternoon.

Pillaiyan to be the Chief Minister candidate of UPFA

(Lanka-e-News, ) Asath Mawlana, the spokesman of the TMVP said that the TMVP politburo that met last night (22) decided to tender Pillaiyan as the Chief Minister candidate for the Eastern Provincial Council. TMVP also decided to contest in a coalition with the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) triggering speculations that Pillaiyan would be the Chief Minister candidate of UPFA as well.
UPFA contested the Batticaloa Municipal Council recently in a coalition with the Pillaiyan Group and TMVP candidate Sivageetha Prabakaran became the Mayor of Batticaloa.
Meanwhile, Basil Rajapakse has invited the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress as well to join the coalition being formed by the UPFA.

Vehicle bomb found in Thirukkovil

The STF in Thirukkovil recovered a vehicle bomb left by the roadside a little distance away from the Thirukkovil check point. A three kilo claymore mine was found and according to police sources the trigger was placed near the steering wheel.

Shooting in Biyagma leaves one dead, one injured

A shooting had taken place in Biyagama, Peragashandiya today morning and one person was killed and one injured. The injured woman has been admitted to the Biyagama Hospital

Sci-fi writer is cleared of child sex allegations

Sri Lankan authorities have said British-born sci-fi writer ARTHUR C CLARKE had been cleared of paedophile allegations before his death last week.
Clarke was buried on Saturday in Colombo, where he had lived since 1956. Obituary writers have resurrected the 1998 accusations that he had sex with young boys in his adopted country Sri Lanka.
But National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) chief Jagath Wellawatta said there was no case against the writer, who captured the world's imagination with 2001: A Space Odyssey and visions of extra-terrestrial civilisations.
The forerunner to the NCPA, the Presidential Task Force on the Prevention of Child Abuse, had in 1998 initiated an investigation into Clarke's conduct with the help of Interpol.
Police spent two and a half hours recording a statement from Clarke in 1998, but no charges were brought against him.
Clarke, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, vehemently denied the allegations and also threatened to sue the British newspaper, which made the charges following a "sting operation" by two undercover reporters.
The accusations surfaced while Britain's PRINCE CHARLES was visiting Colombo and was due to confer a knighthood on Clarke. The investiture was eventually held two years later.
Children's rights groups in Sri Lanka, which were quite vocal when the allegations were first levelled, have largely remained silent.

Nedumaran and supporters held for supporting Tigers

Tamil nationalist leader Pazha Nedumaran and at least 164 members of his outfit were held on Saturday for staging a demonstration in support of the Tigers and against the Sri Lankan and Indian Governments.
They were released at night.
Nedumaran and members of his Tamil Desiya Iyakkam (Tamil nationalist movement) including a dozen women, had raised slogans in favour of the banned LTTE.
Police said several "pro-Lankan Tamil groups", including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK-Dalit Panther) supporters, tried to stage a demonstration at the Memorial Hall near the railway station without permission.
The groups were also protesting the sale of arms by India to Sri Lanka. Visiting Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, meanwhile, maintained that the frequent attacks on Indian fishermen were carried out by the LTTE and not by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Wanni Liberation in progress; over 50 LTTE cadres killed yesterday's clashes

Compiled military reports received from the battlefronts in the North indicate terrorists numbering 52 were killed and at least 42 injured during yesterday's military offensives aimed at liberating the Wanni region.
On the Jaffna Defence, snipers deployed in the Muhamalai and Nagarkovil frontlines claimed 4 terrorist were killed. Meanwhile, ground troops attacked a terrorist bunker line in Nagarkovil and claimed that 3 terrorists were killed. One soldier was killed and 2 others suffered injuries due to an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion during a similar attack on the Nagarkovil front.
In the Wanni theatre of battle heavy clashes continued in Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya battlefronts during the day.
On the Vavuniya front, troops had three separate clashes in Ramanathankulam Nelukulam and Kallikulam areas during the day and claimed that 12 terrorist were killed. Also snipers deployed in the Southeast of Madhu, and Sulanamaruthamadu areas claimed that 2 terrorists were killed. No casualties for the own troops reported in these incidents.
Troops achieved a tremendous success over terrorists on the Mannar front yesterday destroying over 8 bunkers and trench defences in Parayakulam area. Troops in this attack said that 22 terrorists were killed and over 26 suffered injuries. During the subsequent search troops found 11 bodies of slain LTTE cadres, including five T-56 Rifles. Own casualties were reported as 4 soldiers killed in action (KIA) and 16 wounded in action (WIA) .
Separately snipers deployed in Veppankulama area on the same front claimed that 3 terrorists were killed.
Finally, on the Welioya front, troops marching towards terror strongholds in Mulaithiuvu district, clashed with terrorists in two separate incidents in the Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas yesterday and claimed 5 terrorists were killed and at least 10 others were injured. Also, during these clashes 3 soldiers were killed and 9 others suffered injuries. A sniper deployed in Kokkutuduvai area reported killing of 1 terrorist.
Limited operations aimed at Wanni liberation is continuing.

Sri Lankan killed in Malaysia

A Sri Lankan identified by police as Prem Kumar, in his 30s, was found sprawled in a pool of blood in the Sentul market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with head injuries yesterday. He is believed to have been involved in a heated argument and a scuffle with two men minutes earlier.

24 Lankan pilgrims injured in bus tragedy in India

Twenty four Sri Lankan pilgrims were hospitalised yesterday when a bus in which they were travelling turned turtle near Buddha Gaya in North India, Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama said.
The pilgrims were believed to have been travelling from Waranasi to Buddha Gaya when the accident occurred.
No one was in danger as many of them had suffered minor injuries, he said.
“The High Commission in India had already sent a Counsellor to look into the interests of those who have been injured and he was coordinating the facilities of the injured pilgrims and others with the assistance of Indian authorities,” Mr. Bogollagama said.
Minister Bogollagama also said the injured Sri Lankan pilgrims would be brought back to Sri Lanka once they were in a position to travel.

First Lady’s mother passes away

Mrs Violet Wickramasinghe, mother of first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and mother-in-law of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, passed away last evening at a private hospital in Colombo after a brief illness. Funeral arrangements would be notified later, President’s office said.

TULF: no arms were used to influence B’caloa polls

TULF leader V. Anandasangaree is critical of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s decision to go ahead with elections to the Eastern Provincial Council.
However should the President wish to conduct the election hot on the heels of March 10 local government polls in the Batticaloa District, he should at least delay the withdrawal of the elite Special Task Force (STF) from parts of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province until the polls were over, he said.
The Defence Ministry last week said the STF had to be deployed in the North Central Province in support of ongoing military action on the Vanni, Mannar and Weli Oya fronts.
The veteran politician said the President should have delayed elections until the full restoration of civilian administration in the East.

It would have been better had the government put off elections until security forces and police concluded ongoing mopping up operations to finish off isolated pockets of LTTE resistance in the region, he said.
He said although there was no doubt that the East had been liberated it hadn’t been fully cleared of the LTTE menace.
Referring to the March 10 elections, he said he had consulted a number of local people of standing in the Batticaloa district. "What they say is although arms weren’t used by anybody to threaten voters the knowledge of possession of weapons was enough to serve as a deterrent to free thinking. No one can deny that. Helping to put one group in power is not my problem but, that party should have been encouraged to gain credibility among the people as a first step," he said.
He launched a scathing attack on the TNA. The Parliament itself wasn’t properly constituted, he said, asserting the Election Monitors of the EU, the Commonwealth, the PAFFREL and the CMEV would bear testimony to the fraudulent election of the 22 member TNA parliamentary group at the last general elections.
He urged the government not to create a similar situation in the East.
Pointing out the people had found fault with the government for going ahead with elections, the former MP urged the President to encourage all political parties to contest the forthcoming elections and also to ensure the disarming of all Para-military groups.
That would be appreciated by all including the international community, he said, any group which needed security should have been given government protection, he said.

Nuwara Eliya experience ice rain

Nuwara-Eliya district has been experiencing torrential rains over the past three weeks and at some places it had rained ice.
Labukela, Kudaoya, Mahagastota, Nanuoya and Abewela had experienced ice rains and in the vicinity of Nuwara-Eliya on the plains ice cubes could be seen during the past few days.
According people, a thick fog with coldness had also caused problems to people living in Nuwara-Eliya and this weather condition could affect the festive season in Nuwara-Eliya. As the rain has caused great destruction to vegetable, potato and flower growers the prices of vegetables have gone down.

Seven LTTE cadres killed

 
Seven LTTE terrorists were reported in confrontations in the NAGARKOVIL area, JAFFNA on Saturday (22), while two soldiers were injured and one was killed in action.

Dr. JJ off to Batti to pick UNP candidates

 
Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena will leave for Batticaloa tomorrow to pick UNP candidates for the forthcoming provincial polls. Dr. Jayawardena has been assigned by the party to organize the district for May polls.

12 Sri Lankan tourists injured in Bodh Gaya

 
Twelve Sri Lankan tourists have received injuries in Bodh Gaya, in Bihar when their bus overturned while they were on their way to the scared site.

14 terrorists killed in confrontations and stock of anti- personnel mines recovered

 
In two confrontations with LTTE terrorists between 9.00 in the morning and 12.10 in the afternoon in SOUTH EAST of MADU area in VAVUNIYA on Saturday (22) two LTTE terrorists were killed while in the same area around 4.35 in the evening two more terrorists were reported killed during confrontations.

Meanwhile, ten (10) LTTE terrorists were killed during confrontations in the KALLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA on Saturday (22) in the morning at 8.10 and in the afternoon around 3.55 . In the search operations conducted after the attack on the LTTE terrorists in the area, Troops recovered a stock of Improvised Explosive Devices and "booby" traps .
 

PAFFEREL plans to monitor forthcoming EP polls

The PAFFEREL Organisation says it is ready to monitor the Eastern provincial council election.
The organisation notes this election as a special provincial council election of the country which will be held after 18 years in the eastern province.

The Managing Director of the Organisation Rohana Hettiarachchi said the observations will begin with the handing over of nomination papers. Speaking further he disclosed one thousand five hundred monitors will be deployed for this purpose. Discussions are also being held to get the contribution of foreign observers.
Meanwhile, the time period of applying to vote through post for the eastern provincial council election has been extended till the 3rd of next month.
The time period to request to vote at the nearest polling booth for the displaced has also been extended till that day although the closing date was today. Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dishanayake says this decision has been taken considering the current situation in the province.
Voters who are eligible to vote through the post should certify their application through the clarifying officer of the polling booth before sending it to the registered district returning officer. However, the applications forwarded after the closing date will be rejected.
Officers of the state corporations, statutory boards and security members who will be deployed for election duties in the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee can also vote through the post.

No security camps have been removed from the EP

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka insists that no security camps have been removed from the Eastern Province
He said the government is committed to safeguard the security of the Eastern province. The commander strongly rejects some news items that were published regarding the security in the Eastern province. The government has no intention to discredit the victories achieved by the security forces. Exclusively speaking to State Radio Commander Fonseka stressed no Army camp has been removed from the Eastern province. However several STF camps established in the province have been taken to other areas. The army commander disclosed Army camps have been established instead of STF camps.

Meanwhile, commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka visited Jaffna to assess the security situation in the peninsula. Ministry of Defence says another objective of the Army Commander’s visit was to review the military operations launched against LTTE. Commander of Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, who received the visiting Army Chief, at the Palaly airport presented a full account on the security arrangements and welfare activities carried out for the civilians by the troops. Commanders of Divisions, Brigades and Units briefed the security situation in their respective areas during their meeting with Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka. Army Commander, after a thorough study of the briefings, gave further instructions to all formation commanders present on the occasion. This was the Commander's first visit to Jaffna after his India tour.

Jaffna is now normal -GA

Government Agent of Jaffna K. Ganesh says the administrative and business activities in the peninsula have returned to normal.
No abduction has been reported during the last couple of months. The GA added neither he nor the security forces had received any complain regarding violation of human rights. Stocks of food items required for the usage of people in the peninsula are now being received.
The private sector has given its maximum cooperation to transport and distribute essential commodities. Speaking to SLBC the GA further disclosed activities in all government institutions are being carried out normally.

Meanwhile, facilities have also been provided for the fishermen to carryout their activities properly. After discussions with the security forces a special programme has been implemented in this regard. Mr. Ganesh further added people in the Jaffna peninsula are not migrating to other areas because the security has also been strengthened in the area.

General election by Aug. warns JVP

The JVP has warned that the present government would not be able to present a budget for 2009 and that the government would be dissolved and a general election called by either July or August.

JVP politburo member and parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a rally in Matara also said that the economic policies of the government were pushing the country further into an abyss.

Dissanayake had pointed out that the people whose income levels have not increased in line with the rising cost of living were finding it hard to survive under the present conditions while the government was engaged in wasting public funds. He had said even the business community was finding it difficult to carry out their work due to the government's economic policies.

"People cannot survive today. Three wheelers don't have hires. Farmers do not get a good price for their produce. Fishermen do not get a good price for their fish. Businesses can no longer function.

Even though the people are suffering, the government has not stopped its corruption. There has been a large-scale fraud at the Fertiliser Corporation. The MiG and SLT transactions and Mihin Air are shrouded in corruption. No one asks why Mihin Air was launched," Dissanayake has said.

Dissanayake referring to the deterioration of the rule of law in the country and the alleged misdoings of Minister Mervyn Silva has also charged that the government and the SLFP has worked to justify the actions of the underworld.

Sirasa accuses Minister of criminal intimidation

Sirasa TV lodged a police complaint of criminal intimidation against Labour Minister Mervyn Silva on Friday.

The complaint lodged by Director, News of MTV/MBC, Susil Kindelpitiya follows a threat issued by Minister Silva on Thursday, March 20 in Kelaniya.

Minister Silva threatened News First journalists of Maharaja Television when they went to cover an event on the new flyover in Kelaniya.

"Today I point my finger at you. Hereafter I will raise my hand. Therefore in the future, do not let me see you attending any function held in my electorate. I ask you who spread evil to find a place to hide," Minister Silva said referring to the News First journalists.

Silva's threat came barely 24 hours after he gave an assurance to President Mahinda Rajapakse that he will not threaten any media personnel.

Following the threat issued by the Minister, News Director Kindelpitiya wrote to IGP Victor Perera and brought to his notice Silva's threat.

"Given the numerous past instances of public violent attacks against citizens and media institutions by Minister Mervyn Silva, we are seriously concerned about threats to life and property of our News First staff," Kindelpitiya wrote.

He also said a public threat by a constitutional authority is an assault on democracy itself and constitutional principles and creates a fear psychosis in the minds of the public.

Kindelpitiya followed up his letter with a complaint to the Kelaniya police calling for an investigation into the criminal intimidation threat issued by the Minister.

UNICEF employee nabbed with heroin

Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe of Lakbimanews

Police have been ordered to orchestrate a media cover up after an expatriate representative of the UNICEF was caught with 200 mg of heroin in her possession by Kollupitiya Police.
Political and diplomatic bigwigs have prevailed upon police to abandon the case after the UNICEF employee was arrested over the possession of heroin.
The 27 year- old US national whose name has been withheld by LAKBIMAnEWS for reasons of privacy, was arrested by the Kollupitiya Police last week after police discovered 200 mg of heroin in her possession. The arrest had been reported to the Fort Magistrate.
The suspect, attached to the Colombo office of UNICEF had arrived in Colombo on May 5 and was resident in a Star class hotel in Kollupitiya.
On March 12, hotel staff had found her lying unconscious on the floor. Police had been alerted and UNICEF officials who lodged her in the hotel had been informed. She had later been admitted to a private hospital where she was diagnosed as suffering from drug overdose. Later Police recovered 200mg of heroin concealed in her trouser pocket, which she wore when she was found unconscious. She was arrested by police over charges of possessing illegal drugs and the matter was reported to the Fort Magistrate Namal Balalle.
Police said the suspect is being treated in a private hospital under police custody. A senior police official who spoke under conditions of anonymity said Police has been facing heavy pressure from interested parties to release the suspect and not to divulge details of the victims position.

FMM demands cancellation of Rupavahini’s key appointment

The Free Media Movement expressed its “outrage” at the militarization of the media and questioned the President’s bona fides to strengthen media freedom.
Issuing a media statement, the FMM stated that the appointment of an ex military officer to a key post in the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation is disturbing and demanded the immediate cancellation of the appointment.
Following is the full text of the media statement
“The Free Media Movement (FMM) is outraged that the government has appointed retired Army Major General Sunil Silva as Additional Director General (Administration) of the State controlled TV station Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC). Major General Sunil Silva retired in January 2008,” the FMM said.
“This appointment beggars belief, especially less than 48 hours after a key meeting with the President of Sri Lanka and SLRC Trade Union leaders and journalists on the spate of brutal physical attacks against colleagues who stood up against the brutish intrusion by Government MP Mervyn Silva into its premises late last year. No one at this meeting was consulted about or told of this appointment.
Though retired, the appointment of ex-military personnel to a key post in the SLRC is particularly revealing. The militarization of State apparatus under this regime is not new, but this is the first time it has extended to the media. Not only does this set an extremely disturbing precedent, it irrevocably vitiates the independence of State media from regressive party political patronage, influence and coercion.
The FMM vehemently protests this appointment on a point of principle. We have nothing against Major General Sunil Silva. We are deeply concerned that the office of a civilian is now in the hands of someone from whom independence and impartiality is simply too much to ask or expect. This is a damning indictment of the President’s bona fides to support and strengthen media freedom and a chilling indicator of the regime’s duplicitous nature.
We believe that this appointment was made in the context of SLRC journalist unions threatening trade union action if the government did not take action to hold the deranged Government MP Mervyn Silva accountable for his actions in a court of law. Given that on the 17th of this month military and police cordoned off SLRC premises to prevent any trade union action we are in no doubt that this military appointment is directly linked to the emerging crisis situation within SLRC and intended to intimidate the institution’s journalists and other staff. We demand that this appointment is immediately rescinded. The media community represented by our organizations will accept no alternative and will not negotiate on this matter. It is simply a point of principle - the militarization of media institutions is tantamount to the curtailment of media rights. The President had, at the conclusion of the recent meeting with journalists, promised to look into the unprecedented intimidation of media personnel in Sri Lanka. Sadly, this appointment is grossly incompatible with that promise, it concluded.

Vehicle imports come to a standstill

By Ashwin Hemmathagama

Government increase of tax by 10 per cent on imports have pushed the reconditioned motor vehicle market in Sri Lanka to a standstill, forcing the used car prices to soar while more and more tax free permits are being issued to state sector employees.
According to industry sources, the existing tax structure levied duties ranging from 250 to 350 per cent followed by the newly imposed 10 per cent which in return have helped in jacking-up the price of an ordinary reconditioned car to Rs. 4.1 million when it reaches the end-user.
Adding more to this, the burden of rising interest rates has managed to keep away a considerable segment of the private sector employees who have the right to better living standards by being the driving force behind the Sri Lankan economy, with an annual contribution of 85 - 90 per cent of the GDP.
Used Motor Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (UMVIASL), is lobbying against the Government’s strategy in curbing the reconditioned vehicle imports from Asia and Europe which has already started driving the industry dry, making it extremely difficult to sell vehicles during the last few weeks, propelling fears of winding-up businesses leading to unemployment.
“The reconditioned motor vehicle industry in Sri Lanka has come to a standstill with the Government introducing this new tax. The imports have gone down by 85 per cent and we find it difficult to sell a reconditioned car where the consumer’s buying power has also gone down. Duty imposed on reconditioned motor vehicles is based on a depreciation table which is provided by Sri Lanka Customs which is totally unrealistic. Sri Lanka is one of the very few countries which has an absolutely rubbish tax structure which appreciates the price of motor reconditioned car by almost 300 per cent when it reaches the shores. We believe that the Government can curb their unnecessary expenditure and be sensible in imposing taxes,” Past President of the MVIASL, Berty Widanagamage told Sunday Lakbimanews FEB.
However, ambulances, funeral hearses, buses and three-wheel are exempt from this higher tax. During 2007 Sri Lanka Customs have managed to collect Rs. 275 billion as revenue for Government coffers which is less than the projection of Rs. 283 billion. The vehicle excise duty has been Rs. 11 billion even though the targets were high as Rs. 15 billion.

JVP to introduce new Bill

By Poornima Wijemanne
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is planning to introduce a new Bill to Parliament to counter irregularities when recruiting personnel into government service.
JVP Parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake said that this draft Bill will be presented to Parliament as a private member’s bill.

“It is a known fact that many irregularities occur when new recruits are made to the government service. In most cases, it is the politicians who decide which person will be employed. But so far, no proper measure has been taken to combat this. That’s why I am going to bring this Bill to Parliament,” he said.

He added that he has already handed over his proposals to the drafting division of Parliament.
He also emphasised that the JVP is trying to include this in Parliament’s order paper and to get it approved as soon as possible.
“I have notified the authorities about the Bill and I am trying to bring it to Parliament for debate and approval,” he said.

He also said that this Bill would be very effective in preventing the political interference that at present occurs when recruiting staff into government service.

“I have looked into almost all the aspects and there are provisions in the draft that will cover all areas including government departments, boards, corporations and authorities,” the JVP MP stated.

Journalist’s wife threatened

 

By Jayashika Padmasiri
After the arrest of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam, it is now learnt that his wife has received several threats. The sources close to the family suspected that the threats emanated from government agencies.

“A fundamental rights (FR) case has been filed at the Supreme Court against the arrests of Tissainayagam and three other journalists. Three other journalists, who were arrested with him were released, but Tissainayagam is yet to be released. We believe this is intimidation. They have even tried to intimidate the wife of Tissainayagam by making several phone calls and threatening her,” sources revealed.

Meanwhile, The Free Media Movement (FMM) also said that it is planning to launch a protest campaign demanding the release of columnist Tissainayagam.

FMM Convenor Sunanda Deshapriya told The Nation that the government has been unable to come up with a proper cause for the arrest of Tissainayagam.

Deshapriya revealed that the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) along with the five media organisations in Sri Lanka are planning to launch a protest campaign against the government regarding the unnecessary harassment of media personnel by the authorities, under the theme “stop war on journalists.”

SLA overruns LTTE defences: 22 killed, 26 wounded in Mannar front

 


Heavy fighting broke out between the SLA and LTTE terrorists in general area Southeast of Adampan, Mannar as troops overran 8 LTTE bunker defences killing over 22 terrorists and injuring at least 26 others during the early hours on Saturday (March 22).

According to latest reports received from the battlefront, troops have gained considerable territory during the multi-pronged assault launched at around 4.45a.m., today.

The advancing SLA battle formations were assisted with heavy artillery and mortar fire mounted at LTTE resisting positions, defence source said. Terrorists were on the run into the rear defence lines in Wanni leaving many LTTE bodies scattered, in what was said to be an 'open patch land' defence sources said, citing ground troops.

Meanwhile, according to MCNS reports, SLA troops have captured one square kilometer following intensive battle with LTTE in general area between Parayakulama and Ilanthaivan in Mannar this morning.

According to latest reports received, 4 soldiers have laid their lives while 16 others were reported wounded during the confrontations. SLA also reported to have recovered 11 LTTE bodies along with 7 T-56 assault riffles and believed that the figures would rise as troops are now conducting search operations while consolidating the defences in the area.

LTTE casualties soar as troops march forward in Wanni and North

 

At least 22 terrorists were reported killed and over 10 wounded in clashes erupted between SLA and LTTE ahead of terrorist defences in Vavuniya and Welioya fronts yesterday (March 22), Wanni military sources said.

These latest figures accounted for over 40 LTTE deaths and similar casualties in total during Saturday's pitched fighting at the Mannar, Vavuniya, Welioya and Jaffna fronts.

According to MCNS sources, 3 soldiers have laid their lives while 6 others were reported wounded in confrontations at the Welioya front. Troops have also recovered 70 AP mines and 4 booby traps following intensive search operations conducted in general area Kallikulama, the sources further said.

A tearful farewell to Clarke

Visionary science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke was buried yesterday in his adopted home of Sri Lanka, where the nation paused for an international "titan" it had adopted as its own.British-born Clarke, best known for his work on the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, died aged 90 of respiratory complications and heart failure, which doctors linked to the post-polio syndrome that for years kept him wheelchair-bound.

"We feel so privileged that you left your mark on us. Your footprint will never fade. If anything, it will only magnify what we do," Tamara Ekanayake, who grew up at Clarke's Colombo home and whose family he adopted, told mourners.

Close family and friends wept and threw yellow roses onto his body in a final gesture of respect as it lay on a white bed beneath curved elephant tusks to music from the Space Odyssey movie before burial at Colombo's main cemetery.

His brother Fred and sister Mary watched on as hundreds of monks, mourners and sci-fi pilgrims clasped hands in prayer for a man who preferred the hard fact of science to organised religion.

Jaffna Security Situation Assessed by Army Commander

As clashes between Security Forces and LTTE terrorists develop in Muhamale and Nagarkovil areas, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka visited Jaffna Saturday (22) morning and met senior ground commanders.

Reviewing the security situation in Jaffna and getting first hand knowledge of military operations against terrorists was the purpose of the Commander's visit.

Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Commander Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQ-J), who received the visiting Army Chief, at the Palaly airport presented a full account on the security arrangements and welfare activities carried out for the civilians by the Jaffna troops.

Commanders of Divisions, Brigades and Units briefed the security situation in their respective areas during their meeting with Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka.

Army Commander, after a thorough study of the briefings, gave further instructions to all formation commanders present on the occasion.

Air Force attacks sea tiger base

The Air Force launched an attack on the LTTE sea tiger base in Nayaru, Mullaitivu this afternoon. The attack follows the sinking of a navy craft allegedly by sea tigers this morning

Heavy fighting erupts in Mannar, over dozen LTTE killed

Heavy fighting broke out between the SLA and LTTE terrorists in general area South of Adampan, Mannar during the early hours on Saturday (March 22).
According to defence sources, troops mounted heavy artillery and mortar attacks followed by a surge into the LTTE forward defences killing at least over a dozen terrorists, since 4.45 this morning.
Damages to the LTTE were not confirmed as enemy communication experienced congestion, defence sources said.
Meanwhile, according to MCNS reports, SLA troops have captured one square kilometre following intensive battle with LTTE in general area between Parayanakulama and Elanthivan in Mannar this morning, killing 15 terrorists.
The sources also reported 2 soldiers killed and 9 injured during the confrontation and further reported that 5 LTTE bodies were recovered by the troops in subsequent search operation conducted.

CPJ worried over deteriorating media situation in SL

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing its concern over manner state is intimidating media in Sri Lanka. While requesting President to ‘vigorously investigate’ reported attacks on journalists and also Rupavahini staff, it has said unsupported terrorist accusations threaten the security and livelihood of Tamil journalists here.

Project Forumulation Mission on expansion of Victoria Hydro Power Project

A five member project formulation mission headed by Dr. Akira Niwa, Senior Advisor, Institute for International Cooperation, JICA was dispatched to Sri Lanka to conduct the feasibility study on the expansion of the Victoria Hydro Power Plant, a technical cooperation proposal submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) through the Government of Sri Lanka in year 2006.
The team was dispatched between 02nd and 18th of August 2007 in order to understand and discuss the content of the proposed project with the relevant organisations in addition to conducting the Environmental I m pact Assessment (EIA).
The project intends to expand the Victoria Hydro Power plant to meet the rapidly increasing electricity demand of the country through -increasing the capacity of the electricity generation of the existing plant.
Minutes of Meeting (M/M) was confirmed between CEB, Ministry of Power & Energy and the mission team on the 16th of August 2007 on the agreed contents.

SLMC demands CM post as dowry for political marriage

by Ranil Dharmasena Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Deputy Secretary Nizam Kariappar yesterday said his party was ready to enter into an electoral pact with any party which would offer it the Chief Ministerial post after the forthcoming polls for the East.
The SLMC leader Rauff Hakim had already had discussions with Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and informed him of this stance, Kariapper told The Island yesterday.
If the SLMC contested the election as a single party, it could muster a large number of votes, and it was therefore reasonable to demand the CM post, he said.
Among the other demands laid down by the SLMC are stakes in proposed development projects for the eastern province, disarming the armed groups and endorsement of SLMC policies related to the functioning of the Council, he said.
"In case both the UPFA and the UNP don’t agree with our conditions, then we will go it alone," Kariappar said.

Lanka to open embassy in Libya

The government is to open a foreign mission in Libya following the MoU signed between the two countries to send more Sri Lankans for employment to the country. Foreign Employment Development Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Libyan government noted the importance of having an Embassy in their country.

A Navy craft attacked in Nayaru

Six sailors rescued out of 16 when a locally built fast attack craft of the Navy caught in an explosion in the Nayaru sea in mullative , the Navy spokesman confirmed.

Maruti most preferred imported car in Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI: Country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India has emerged as the most preferred 'imported car manufacturer' in neighbouring Sri Lanka.
The company said that according to recent import statistics released by the Sri Lankan government, it has been declared the most preferred "imported car manufacturer".
This is the fifth year in succession that MSI has bagged the position, it said in a statement.
The company has so far exported over 3,600 units to Sri Lanka, it added. Cumulatively, Maruti has exported over 26,000 units since it started operations in Sri Lanka in 1989-90 with a first batch of 10 vehicles.
The car maker's most popular model Maruti-800 alone accounts for over 16,000 units in Sri Lanka, besides Alto and Swift being the other popular models. It exports all the models to Sri Lanka, but SX4.
According to the import study by the Sri Lankan government, MSI said there had been a shift in consumer's choice from second-hand imported vehicles to new cars.
Sale of new car in the island nation spurred after its government incentivised new vehicle purchases over used or refurbished, which a senior Maruti official termed as "a positive development".

SBI SAARC sector conference to be held in Colombo

COLOMBO: State Bank of India will hold its two-day Annual SBI SAARC sector conference here from Monday.
SBI Chairman O P Bhatt will inaugurate conference in which heads of the bank's branches in SAARC region -- Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka -- will take part, the bank said in a statement.
This is the first time that SBI is holding such a conference in Colombo, officials said here.
"With India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in place, their bilateral trade has risen substantially over the last three years," the statement said, adding the conference assumed significance at this juncture.
At the end of 2006-07, SBI had total assets of 130.33 billion dollars with deposits touching 100.19 billion dollars and net profit during the year reaching 1.04 billion, it said, adding the bank had 83 offices in 32countries.
State Bank's operations in Sri Lanka started way back in 1864.

Army bus caught to LTTE pressure mine - Mannar

Sri lanka Army bus gets caught to a pressure mine in Mannar in this evening.the Military spokesman said two soliders dead and six wounded.

Mervyn lashes out at ‘Sirasa’ yet again

Labour Minister Mervyn Silva, notorious for threatening media personnel, yesterday has lashed out yet again, on a group of ‘News First’ journalists of the Maharaja Media Network.
The journalists had come to report the latest progress of the Kelaniya flyover.
Addressing the journalists, he has said, “I am neither indebted to you, nor do I have anything to do with you and am not afraid of you. You are the most vagrant, despicable media institution in the country.”
“It is you who create a rift between the Sinhalese, the Tamils and the Muslims in the country. Therefore, I have nothing to do with this channel of yours,” he added.
“Today, I point my finger at you. Hereafter I will raise my hand. Therefore, in the future, do not let me see you attending any function held in my electorate. I ask you who spread evil to find a place to hide,” Minister Silva has threatened.
Sirasa Media officials have lodged a complaint with the police in regard to this open act of intimidation.
Minister Silva’s threat takes place barely before the lapse of three days when he promised not to intimidate the media at the meeting between the President and the SLRC trade unions.

Mangala’s mother passes away -Funeral on Monday

Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera’s mother has passed away at a private hospital in Colombo today , after a prolonged illness.She was 79 at the time of her death.The late Mrs. Khema Samaraweera was the wife of former minister Mahanama Samaraweera.She was also a member of the Matara Urban Council in 1950 as well as from 1990-1997.During Managala Samaraweera’s tenure as a minister, she was his shadow by being his private secretary.The funeral will be held at 3.00 p.m. on Mar. 24th in Matara.

False propaganda regarding re-deployment of Special Task Force from the Eastern Province

 

The Government rejects the reports in the printed and electronic media referring to the 'total' re- deployment of the Special Task Force(STF) today (21) from the Eastern province as being totally incorrect. Re- deployment of Forces on considerations of Troop levels, requirements, exigencies of the service and ground realities are considered routine for the Police and such matters should not be reported by the media in a manner at this critical juncture and time which could be an advantage to the enemy .

Meanwhile, some media reports of 21st March indicate that the re- deployment of the STF has been made at the instigation of the TMVP in the Batticaloa District . The Government reiterates that the STF was re - deployed to strengthen the TMVP which predominates the Batticalao District and as the Government rejects such media report as a total fabrication and distortion of facts.

Ground realities with reference the strengths available and required in relation to the task of providing the security expected and other matters are some considerations that have resulted in the re-deployment of the STF. The Government whilst reminding that the entire STF has not been re- deployed , calls on the media to correct the false interpretations in the printed and electronic media .

Army elites ambush LTTE vehicle, destroy two bunkers- West of Omantahi

 

Sri Lanka Army Special Infantrymen yesterday ambushed a tractor transporting LTTE terrorists in the Konthakarankulma area, in the West of Omantahi. According to the reports received from Wanni defence, the soldiers had penetrated the LTTE defence line at the Vavuniya battlefront and launched the surprise attack around 2.25, last afternoon.

Ground troops have confirmed that all 5 terrorists travelling on the tractor were killed in the ambush. While on their withdrawal, the soldiers have destroyed two LTTE bunkers killing 3 more LTTE cadres, the reports further said.

No casualties reported to own troops in this incident, the reports added.

Defence observers say that Sri Lanka Army special operations conducted in areas immediately ahead of the LTTE defences have been making a huge contribution in clearing the terrorists' barriers into Wanni region. Increasing number of civilians arriving at security forces camps daily have confirmed the same that they would never be able to escape the terror clutches unless for the dwindling power of the terrorists along the defence lines.

"The walls of the LTTE run mono ethnic hellhole of Wanni is falling down on by one and the much awaited freedom for civilians is getting nearer", said our special correspondent from the Vavuniya battlefront.

Energy minister checks construction works of Norochcholai coal power plant

Construction work of the Norachcholai coal power plant progresses successfully as it passes eight months since its commencement.
Civil engineering activities pertaining to initial constructions have already concluded. Ground preparations for the construction of the main plant is now in its final stage. Minister W.D.J. Senevirathna toured the construction site to view its progress.
He said even though the first stage of the construction was due to conclude in 2011 under the directions of the President it will now end in July 2010.
The Norachcholai power plant will complete constructions in 2014 and contribute 900 megawatts to the national grid.

Government grant all facilities to foreign investors -PM

Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake assures that the government is prepared to grant all facilities to foreign companies willing to invest in the country.
He said the government is even providing tax benefits to investors who register with the Board of Investment. The Premier was addressing a Chinese delegation at Prime Minister’s Office . He said the government is implementing well planned programmes to uplift the economy which was hampered due to terrorism.
He said Sri Lankan businessmen will take part in China Mascan International Exhibition to be held in May.
The delegation told the Prime Minister that Chinese attention is directed towards new investments to strengthen the Sri Lankan economy. Accordingly, a factory to manufacture agricultural equipment will be opened.

TNA withdraws from Eastern Province election at LTTE chief’s instance

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran has ordered its proxy political party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), not to contest the forthcoming Provincial Council elections in the Eastern Province, reports Daily News.
He issued this order when TNA parliamentarians were attending the funeral of slain TNA parliamentarian Sivanesan.
Meanwhile, the LTTE political wing leader B. Nadesan ordered the TNA parliamentarians to agitate at diplomatic missions in Colombo and complain that the government was violating human rights and also to speak against the ongoing conflict.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) warned on March 20 that the Tamileela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) would use weapons to win the scheduled Eastern Province election and called for disarming the outfit, Colombo Page reported. Speaking at a press conference, JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said, "The government should disarm the group as it was bound to use weapons to win the elections through coercion and intimidation. If the government wants a free and fair poll, it should disarm the Pillayan group before holding the Provincial Council election in the East." He added that there is a threat from the LTTE on the TMVP but the security forces were capable of providing sufficient security to the group.
Meanwhile, Minister Mahinda Wijesekara said that a comprehensive devolution of political power to the people in the North is necessary to end the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka. The Minister said that the war alone will never be able to eliminate terrorism.
"War will only kill people, but it cannot kill the ideology that is why they (Tigers) are continuing to come with their belly bombs," he said. "We must be able to rescue them from Prabhakaran and to show them what the real liberty is. That is why we have to share the power," he added.
Further, the Government said that 'high profile visits to the Wanni' had not yielded any tangible progress in taking the peace process forward.
In response to the demands and concerns raised by a visiting high level European Union (EU) delegation, the Foreign Ministry said that such visits are used by the LTTE for propaganda purposes. "On the contrary, it had been observed that the LTTE had cynically used high profile visits by foreign dignitaries to the Wanni, for propaganda purposes," the Foreign Ministry noted. The EU delegation on March 18 said it had demanded from the Government to provide access for the Co-chairs and the Norwegian facilitators to Wanni to meet the LTTE leaders.

Independence group can make their deposits to contest for the EPC polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
The Assistant Elections Commissioner in Batticaloa S. Sudakaran said the Independence group can make their deposits to contest for the eastern provincial council election.The deposits can be made in the branch offices of assistant commissioner located in Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa. The offices will also be opened for this purpose during week ends in addition to week days. Each candidates contesting in this election should make a deposit of 2,000 rupees. The closing date for these deposits will be the 2nd of next month by noon. Arrangements have been made to issue the nomination papers to the independent groups when the deposits are made. Recognised and accepted political parties do not need to make these deposits. The nominations for the eastern provincial election will be accepted from 27th of this month to 3rd of next month. Accordingly, Mr. Sudakaran further said the distribution of applications for the postal voting will end tomorrow. 37 members will be elected from the forthcoming election. The Election Commissioner will announce the date of election on the last date of nominations. Several recognised political parties are expected to participate in this election.

Government launches a whales watching programme

A special programme relating to organise tours of watching whales has been launched to attract local and foreign tourists.
The fishing Corporation, NARA, Tharunya Hetak and Walkers institutions have jointly organised this programme. The tourists will be taken in boats and provided facilities to observe the whales through this programme.
600 dollars will be charged for a tour. An agreement signed in this regard between the Lanka Fishing Corporation and the Walkers Company in Colombo yesterday. Minister Felix Perera said this programme has been launched to make maximum use from the sea resources available around the island.
Deputy Minister Niomal Perera said this programme will generate more foreign income and employment opportunities. Initially, this programme will be launched in Mirissa, Kirinda and Galle harbours.

Mangala’s mother passed away

Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s mother Mrs.Kema Samaraweera passed away at a private hospital a short while ago.She was wife of late minister Mahanama Samaraweera.

Two terrorists killed and a bunker destroyed by Troops

Ground Troops confirm that two terrorists were killed when a LTTE bunker was completely destroyed during an attack in the MUHAMALAI AREA, JAFFNA .

Two terrorists killed in Welioya

Two LTTE terrorists were killed by the Army during a confrontation at JANAKAPURA, WELIOYA in the morning on Thursday (20) around 7.05 while a T56 Assault rifle and a magazine was recovered during the search operation which followed the incident .
A soldier was also reported injured during a confrontation.
Meanwhile a soldier was killed in KIRIBBANWEWA AREA, WELIOYA due to LTTE terrorist mortar fire .

Security for journalists only if needed - Gotabhaya

by Norman Palihawadana
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said he was prepared to provide security to journalists who needed it under special circumstances.
He told The Island that he was not prepared to act on statements made by politicians but was prepared to do his duty by anyone who needed security, especially journalists.
"My duty is not only to protect journalists but also to protect the lives and property of all the citizens of the country," he said.
When asked about the attack on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Trade Union leader Anurasiri Hettige he said that he had no knowledge that there would be an attack on Hettige, but if he had been given a list of SLRC employees who faced security threats he could protect such persons.
He said making allegations against the government for isolated incidents of attacks on journalists was a fruitless exercise as the government policy was clear that journalists should be free of threats.

JVP wants Govt. to disarm TMVP

The JVP has called upon the Government to disarm the Pillaiyan Group immediately. It is of the view that there is no need for any group to carry arms while the police and the armed forces are engaged in protecting the public.
Addressing the media JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said his party was not worried at all about an electoral alliance between the Government and the Pillaiyan Group. It was not only the Pillaiyan Group that had come under threats from the LTTE; the LTTE posed a threat to the JVP as well, he said adding that but his party had never asked for arms.
The JVP would go it alone at the PC polls scheduled for May with the objective of creating an environment for the people to exercise their franchise freely, Amarasinghe said.
The JVP had no difficulty whatsoever in selecting candidates unlike the SLFP, which was clinging onto Pillaiyan, unable to stand on its own, he said.

Printing press sealed after "Mahinda's polls rigging" Poster

(Lanka-e-News,) "Mahinda's polls rigging ? with Wanni Tigers in 2005; with Batticaloa Tigers in 2008" was the slogan of a UNP poster stuck in Colombo and suburbs in the past few days.
Police surrounded the Samanala Graphic printing press of Weli Para, Nawala since yesterday 9 PM and searched it this afternoon (20). Police ordered to suspend all print runs and kept two police officials to guard the press until this afternoon.
While the poster said clearly that it was printed by the UNP, Police said that the name of the press was not in the imprint, stated that it was a subversive act and took away the printing plate.
Thinamurasu, the official newspaper of Minister Douglas Devananda's EPDP party is also printed in this press. Police accused the printer that they were printing Tigers' newspapers.
UNP MP Wajira Abewardhana said this morning at a press conference held in Colombo that the government was suppressing the press freedom at any given moment and a press that printed a poster related to the Provincial Council election of the Eastern Province had been sealed.

Basil invites SLMC to contest together in East

President’s adviser Basil Rajapaksa has invited SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem to join hands with the government to contest Eastern Provincial Council elections.

7.3magnitude quake hits China

A 7.3-magnitude quake hit China this morning, about 140 miles southeast of the city of Hotan in the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang, in the southwest of China. The initial quake had been followed by two aftershocks with magnitudes 5.1 and 5.2 each.

Three Journalists Released in Sri Lanka as Military Man Appointed to SLRC

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned that Sri Lanka’s Government has appointed a recently retired army Major General to a senior position at the troubled state broadcaster, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
The appointment came as authorities released three journalists who had been held without charge for almost two weeks. Two other journalists arrested at the same time remain in custody.
According to IFJ affiliate the Free Media Movement (FMM), Maj. Gen. Sunil Silva has been appointed as Additional Deputy Director General, Administration, at SLRC. FMM reports this is a newly created post.
Maj. Gen. Sunil Silva was head of the Army Signals Regiment before retiring officially on January 18, 2008. He is expected to assume his duties in coming days.
The appointment follows threatened strike action by staff at SLRC to demand protection in the face of a series of threats and attacks on staff allegedly linked to a melee at the station’s office on December 27, when Labour Minister Mervyn Silva assaulted SLRC news director TMG Chandrasekara.
Meanwhile, the IFJ welcomed the release on March 19 of three journalists and media workers associated with www.outreachsl.com. However, it remained extremely concerned for the safety and well-being of two other people connected with www.outreachsl.com who remain in custody.
The three who were released are journalist K. Wijesingha, cameraman Ranga Lasanatha and visual editor Udayanan. They were arrested by the Terrorist Information Department (TID) between March 7 and 8.
Journalist J.S Tissainayagam, editor of www.outreachsl.com, and N. Jasiharan, the owner of E-Kwality Printers and a writer for the website, are still detained.

Be vigilant in purchasing drugs from sales outlets

 

The ministry of Trade cautions the general public to be vigilant in purchasing drugs from private sales outlets. The ministry has received information that inferior and inappropriate medicine are being sold through out the island.

Managing director of the state pharmaceutical corporation professor K.U.Kamalgoda says the general public should buy their drugs only from Osusala or recognized sales centres.
The SPC currently maintains 21 osusalas and 120 dealers’ sales centres. The corporation constantly examines the samples in the shipping as well as importation and distribution of drugs.

Port of Oluvil will be copleted within 27 months

 

Sri Lanka Ports Authority says the construction of the Oluvil Port will be completed within 27 months.
46.1 million euros will be spent on the project. The Oluvil Port Development Plan comprises the construction of a commercial port and a basin for fishing crafts.
The project will give impetus to economic development in the comparatively less developed districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Moneragala.
The ports authority signed an MOU for the construction of the Oluvil harbour with Denmark contractors last week. The project will create 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities by 2010 and 10,000 opportunities by 2015.

SLFP holds talks with other political parties to jointly contest EP polls

 

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party is holding talks with other main political parties on contesting the provincial council elections in the eastern province.
The Central Working Committee of the SLFP has appointed a team of representatives under the chairmanship of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva in this regard.
Other members of the team are Minister Susil PremaJayantha and senior advisor to the President parliamentarian Basil Rajapakse.
They held talks this afternoon at the parliamentary complex with the leaders of several parties. All parties belonged to the UPFA and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna participated in the discussion except the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
Other Muslim Parties that represent parliament also participated in the talks. All leaders expressed their willingness to contest the provincial council election under the United People’s Freedom Alliance.
The SLFP will hold separate talks with Tamil political parties as well. Meanwhile, several representatives of the SLFP held a special discussion with the Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rahuf Hakeem regarding the election yesterday. The two parties agreed to hold further talks.
Meanwhile te Jathika Hela Urumaya has decided to contest the eastern provincial council election allied with the government.
The decision was taken at a discussion held last evening by the party’s supreme Sanga Council and central committee. Issuing a statement JHU general secretary Dr. Omalpe Sobitha thera said they are contesting the upcoming election with the objective of defeating Tamil Eelam terrorism and preserving the Sinhala Buddhist heritage in the east.

A new domestic gas will be introduced to Sri Lanka

 

A new domestic gas will be introduced to the market in June.
Sri Lanka petroleum corporation says the particular cooking gas will be of high quality and cost effective.
The director of the Corporation M.D.Wijegunawardena said the gas cylinder will be available in each fuel filling station islandwide.
As the first step around 5000 cylinders will be put into the market.

Application on postal votes for EP will end on Saturday

 

Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake says period granted for application for postal voting in the Eastern Provincial Council Election ends on next Saturday.
The application forms should be forwarded to the selecting officials of the relevant districts through certifying officials.
The Electoral Lists for the year 2006 will be used for voting. The voters’ lists could be examined at the District Election Offices in the Eastern Province.
The Commissioner adds the lists are also on display at the Election Secretariat in Rajagiriya.

Wanni ops continue; at least 21 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes

 

Defence sources claimed 21 terrorists killed in yesterday's (March 19) fighting with LTTE in the Wanni and Northern battle theatres as troops continued counter terror offensives amidst adverse weather conditions.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, reports indicated that 6 terrorists were killed in daytime clashes erupted ahead of Muhamalai and Nagarkovil enemy defences.

In the Mannar front, in general areas Adampan and Munakkathirichchi, 2 terrorists were killed in confrontations, said the reports.

Meanwhile, reports received from Welioya front indicated that 7 LTTE terrorists were killed during intermittent clashes with troops in general areas Kokkuthuduvai and Andankulama. A soldier was also reported wounded during a confrontation with LTTE in general area Thirukeswaran.

On the Vavuniya battlefront, Army engaged artillery and mortar fire at terror locations in general area Arachchivankulama. According the reports 6 terrorists were killed in this attack.

8kg claymore recovered by Army in search operation

 

An eight (08kg ) kg Claymore mine with a twenty(20) meter wire which had been hidden by the LTTE terrorists in the THEKKAWATTE AREA, VAVUNIYA was recovered during a search operation conducted by the Army today (20) in the morning around 8.00 .

'Secular' funeral for Clarke

 

British-born science fiction guru Arthur C Clarke is likely to be buried at the main cemetery in Colombo at this week at a "strictly secular" funeral, his secretary said. "The funeral is most likely to be on Saturday," his secretary Nalaka Gunawardena said. "We are awaiting the arrival of family members from Britain and Australia. They are already on the way."

He had battled debilitating post-polio syndrome for years and died after suffering breathing problems, aide Rohan De Silva said.

Clarke, who shot to fame after writing 2001: A Space Odyssey, died at a hospital here yesterday at the age of 90. He had made Sri Lanka his adopted home since 1956.

"Sir Arthur's wish was that his funeral be held in Sri Lanka as a private event," he said.

He had wanted to be buried in the plot owned by the family of his business partner here, Hector Ekanayake, at the General Cemetery in Colombo.

"Sir Arthur has also left written instructions that his funeral be strictly secular," Gunawardene said.

The 1968 story 2001: A Space Odyssey - written simultaneously as a novel and screenplay with director Stanley Kubrick - was a frightening prophecy of artificial intelligence run amok.

He was also credited with the concept of communications satellites in 1945, decades before they became a reality.

But it was his writing that shot him to his greatest fame and that gave him the greatest fulfilment.

Clarke's office said he had recently reviewed the final manuscript of his latest novel, The Last Theorem, co-written with Frederik Pohl and will be published later this year, it said.

Some of his best-known books are Childhood's End, 1953; The City and The Stars, 1956; The Nine Billion Names of God, 1967; Rendezvous with Rama, 1973; Imperial Earth, 1975; and The Songs of Distant Earth, 1986.

Clarke won the Nebula Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1972, 1974 and 1979; the Hugo Award of the World Science Fiction Convention in 1974 and 1980, and in 1986 became Grand Master of the Science Fiction Writers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 1989 and made a knight in 1998.

He was born as a son of a farmer in Minehead, western England, on December 16, 1917.

Clarke married in 1953, and was divorced in 1964. He had no children. He moved to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka in 1956 after embarking on a study of the Great Barrier Reef.

Clarke is survived by his brother, Fred, and sister, Mary.

Mine blast kills a monitor in Ratmalana

Two sound mines were exploded this morning making a huge noise at the Ratmalana Air Force base when a monitor entered the mine field of the Air base.

Ex-Army General takes over SLRC’s admin

 
A recently retired Army Major General has been appointed to take charge of the administration of the state controlled television channel, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation

SLFP probe on Mervyn being finalised

by Norman Palihawadana


The three-member SLFP committee appointed to inquire into Labour Minister Mervyn Silva’s December 27, 2007 conduct at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation was finalizing its report but it could be somewhat advantageous to the Minister, party sources said yesterday (19).

Sources said no one seemed to be talking about the assault on Mervyn Silva during SLRC incident which they described as inhuman, but his entry to the SLRC in the company of undesirable elements was also found by the committee as an unbecoming conduct by a person in public life.

The committee had recorded evidence from a number of senior SLRC officials in this regard and Mervyn Silva was also to appear before the committee.

President of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association Poddala Jayantha said he had no confidence in the SLFP committee conducting an impartial investigation.


SLFP General Secretary and Minister of Agriculture and Mahaveli Development Maithripala Sirisena said he did not wish to make any comment since he did not look into the affairs of the three-member committee that conducted the investigation at party level.

The three members of the committee are Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Power and Energy W. D. J. Seneviratne and Western Province Governor and senior SLFP trade union leader Alawi Mowlana.

Four civilians report to Navy in Pallimunai

Four civilians had escaped from the Un cleared areas had reported to the Sri Lanka Navy Camp at PALLIMUNAI , MANNAR.

These civilians had complained that they had left their homes and escaped to the Government controlled areas due to the continued harassment by the LTTE terrorists.

STF injured by Anti personnel mine explosion

 

A Special Task Force(STF) officer was reported injured when trapped by an anti- personnel mine during operations inthe KANJIKUDICHCHIARU AREA, AMPARA.

Information from the public Police seize stock of Explosives etc

The MEDAWACHCHIAY POLICE acting on information received from the public seized a large stock of explosives and accessories from a van bearing No M.W.P.B 1824 which was proceeding towards MANNAR near the MEDAWACHCHIAYA roadblock in the evening around 5.45 on Wednesday (19). It includes 242 Gelignite rods and 125 Detonator cords.
Two suspects were taken into custody by the MEDAWACHCHIYA POLICE .
Police investigations reveal that the Gelignite rods and detonator wire was cunningly concealed inside an enclosure made for the purpose inside the vehicle.

Rajapakse says holding democratic elections in the east comes second only to Sri Lanka receiving universal franchise

President Mahinda Rajapakse says holding democratic elections in the east comes second only to Sri Lanka receiving universal franchise.
He said the pledge made during the presidential election to liberate the north and east are now being fulfilled. In addition, 6 billion rupees have been allocated for the development of the east. The president said the government’s aim is to develop the province into a commercial hub through upgrading infrastructure such as highways, railway and bridges. Steps are also being taken to improve fishing and tourism industries in the east.
The president said the Oluwil harbour is being upgraded and two major power plants are being constructed in Sampoor and Vellur.

President Rajapakse said the people of the east have set a great example by choosing the vote rather than the bullet to fulfil their aspirations. He pledged to grant this democratic victory to the people of the north very soon.

TID release four arrested media men

The Colombo Chief Magistrate today released three employees of a news website and another who were taken into custody and detained for almost two weeks by the Terrorist Investigation Division for interrogation. However the Editor of the news website J. S. Tissanayagam is not among the released.

Two backup security officers injured in accident

Two backup security officers of the Air Force Commander Roshan Goonethilake were injured in an accident and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital a short while ago. Hospital sources claimed that one officer was in serious condition.

Sri Lanka fails to take economy off ground

Just after Sri Lanka secured Independence the country’s economy was favourable and export income was more than adequate where the economy was relatively open.
There was employment and exports of tea rubber and coconut brought in adequate foreign exchange, but with all these prosperity in the country, Sri Lanka failed to realize to lay the foundation to invest and diversification to take the economy forward. He said that this trend continued for some time but by 1955 it collapsed, until 1977,said Prof. A D V de S Indraratne, President, Sri Lanka Economic Association who was the guest speaker at the monthly forum for Public-private Policy Dialogue of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) heldrecently at Trans Asia Hotel. He spoke on "The Economy: Opportunities and Challenges and Outlook for 2008 and Beyond.
The Key Person’s Forum is organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED) – a project of FCCISL and Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNSt.).
In 1977 the economy was liberalized, open and regulating and restrictions were taken off. Economic prosperity was in again, but this time too the country failed to make use of the opportunity to put the economy into a stable position. The growth rate then reached to 8.2 percent and the unemployment rate was halved, he added.
Though there was full growth for several years after the liberalization of the economy in 1977. Then again, the economy was revived around 2002.
In 2002 the growth from 1.5 percent to around 6 percent was despite the devastation by the tsunami and oil price hikes. Even the security situation was brought under control and the economy was resilient.
The per capita income in 2006 was recorded as US$ 1350 and in 2007 it was recorded as US$ 1430 and further unemployment has been declining. But what has been worrying is the inflation which has been rising to 20 percent, despite the tight monetary policy of the Central Bank.
Prof Indraratne said that this was the third occasion that Sri Lanka failed to capitalize the opportunity to take the economy to a stable position.
He said that there is some kind of economic progress in the country, where things such as liberation of east, development activities being launched and the other development work as roads and infrastructure are on the cards.
He said that what was disturbing though is the galloping cost of living and the poverty of a large segment of people resurging. He said that they boast about the high per-capita income, but it appeared to be high exaggerated, because half of the population is below the poverty line and some of their per capita income is less than US$ 250.
This is the problem that all of them have not realized and they do not talk about equitable income distribution among the population. He said that it was very unfortunate that whatever the development in the country they never seep down into the bottom line of the people – the poor people never enjoy the benefits of all these development in the country.
He pointed out that one third of the total population is absolutely poor and some of them do not have basic amenities.
He said that bulk of the industrial capital is concentrated in the Western Province.

Maga Neguma GM threatened, assaulted by Chairman

by Ajith Alahakoon
Padmika Mahanama, the General Manager of Maga Neguma, on Monday lodged a complaint with the Mount Lavinia police, alleging that the Chairman of the project had stormed his office at Angulana, pulled out a pistol and assaulted him threatening to shoot him through the mouth.
According to the complaint, the 32-year-old son of retired Justice Mahanama Tillekaratne had been threatened that he would be killed ‘like a dog’. He said the attack had followed a spate of threatening telephone calls received by him in the recent past.
Chairman wasn’t available for comment. Mahanama said that he had been repeatedly ordered not to come for work and Monday’s attack had come after the Mount Lavinia Magistrate ordered police to track down the person or persons responsible for death threats.

Wimal slams govt over attacks on SLRC workers

The whole country was aware about who was behind attacks and threats on the employees of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation but it was a total surprise that the police have not been able to arrest even one of the attackers since the first attack was reported after the Minister Mervyn Silva went to the SLRC with some thugs, JVP group leader Wimal Weerawansa said in Parliament .
He said the continuing assaults and threats on the SLRC employees was pushing them as well as the employees of the other government institutions towards trade union action. These attacks cannot be taken in isolation as aimed against the SLRC employees but were a feature of the breakdown in the democratic process. The very fact that employees of government corporations have to fight for their security showed that strong action had to be taken.
He said this was a time at which certain foreign forces as well as their local collaborators were trying to intervene in the internal affairs of the country on the pretext that human rights were being violated and attacks on SLRC employees would strengthen the hands of such forces.
The President of the JVP trade union at the SLRC is now warded in a hospital after the latest attack by thugs. A government that cannot provide security for its own employees cannot be expected to provide it for its own citizens. If the government cannot provide security to the SLRC employees and the fact that attacks continue clearly show that the government condones it. Therefore all progressive forces of the country will have to take counter measures and "we warn the government that we will take such steps as are necessary in this regard," Weerawansa said.

Internal and external conflicts further isolate Sri Lanka from neighbors

By Satheesan Kumaaran
Internal conflicts and external conflicts have caused trouble for Sri Lanka for decades. The weak and inadequate response of Sri Lanka’s political leadership in addressing and resolving these conflicts has made Sri Lanka unpopular among its neighbors. Sri Lanka needs leadership, led by new blood, with determination and courage to prevent Sri Lanka’s reputation from worsening. Although Sri Lanka has the potential to feed its own citizens and export goods elsewhere, this once flourishing country now relies on developing and developed countries for aid to feed their citizens and it looks like that will be the case for a very long time.
Sri Lanka had been under the occupation of southern Indian kings and other world governments, creating a sense of conflict among the ethnic groups on the island when the European powers arrived in 1505 A.D. Once the Europeans arrived, Sri Lanka’s turmoil subsided. However, after the Europeans left the island in the mid-20th century, the country spiraled into economic, political and social disaster as individual ethnic groups started viewing each other as hostile and with the potential to do them harm. All these misunderstandings and suspicions have contributed to the deepening of Sri Lanka’s situation.
Sri Lanka’s internal conflicts are manifested in economic, social, linguistic, religious and other cultural spheres through, for example, the ethnic battles between Sinhalese and Tamil-speaking Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and Upcountry Tamil issues. Sri Lanka’s internal conflicts can also affect their relationships with surrounding countries – external conflicts. Some of the most notable external difficulties have been regarding Indian fishermen, Maldivian fishermen and the Kachchatheevu issue. India and Maldives are two neighbors directly affected by Sri Lanka’s turmoil. Although these countries have enjoyed their association with Sri Lanka, they still feel threatened by it.
India has had bitter experiences with Sri Lanka for centuries. During the 1800s and 1900s, Britain, as a colonial power, brought two million Tamils from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu to central Sri Lanka, as indentured labour to work on coffee and later tea and rubber plantations. When the British left the island in 1948, they did not ensure the freedom and privileges of the Indian Tamils in central Sri Lanka and actually connived with the those who would run the new Sri Lankan state to strip them of their citizenship after becoming Sri Lankan (Ceylon) citizens. Because of this, third and fourth generation Plantation Tamils remained stateless until later into the 20th century, which denied them economic and educational opportunities, and political rights. India also refused to accept these people as citizens of India.
The Srima-Shastri agreement of 1964 and the Indira-Sirimavo supplementary agreement of 1974 paved the way for the deportation of approximately 600,000 persons of Indian origin from Sri Lanka to India. These Tamils had refused to return to India willingly because they were born in Sri Lanka, as had their ancestors who had continued to live in Sri Lanka for over a century, and had no knowledge of life in India. Once forced out of Sri Lanka, their business establishments were looted by others on the island. They received no compensation for their losses. These Tamils are still living on the tea farms located in the Nilgiry of Tamil Nadu. From time to time, they come into the streets, demanding India’s central government to send them back to their birth country, Sri Lanka.
At present, 1.4 million Tamils of Indian origin live in central Sri Lanka. There was always a danger that these people would join the indigenous Tamils in northeastern Sri Lanka and create an independent state for the entire Tamil-speaking population. Hence, since the early 1980s when the indigenous Hindu Tamils in the northeast and the Buddhist Sinhalese began to clash militarily, successive Sinhala governments have sought to embrace the Tamils of Indian origin. While eventually, Tamils of Indian origin were granted citizenship and political and educational rights, these people continue to live below the poverty line and resort to making their living by working in the tea estates, and their education, economic and social situations are such that their children cannot compete with students from other parts of Sri Lanka.
India’s central government has faced enormous pressure from Tamil Nadu when the Tamils of Indian origin posed problems. Consequently, the Indian government was impelled to create a foreign policy that opposed the interests of the Sri Lankan government by placating the demands of the Tamil Nadu government. But, for India, Sri Lankan, Upcountry and Malaysian Tamils are a political headache due to the pressure from Tamil Nadu to ensure the protection of the Tamils in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. So, while India has just this year promised to help build educational institutions and medical facilities in the Upcountry areas to meet the demands of these Tamils, it is highly doubtful that Tamils of Indian origins will ever see the fruition of this policy.
Meanwhile, Tamils in Malaysia have begun to feel alienated by the Malaysian government in the recent past as reflected in the most recent general elections. They have been discriminated against in education, economics and other spheres of importance. The Malaysian government does not provide educational facilities for Tamils as they do for the Malay students. The unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of the population. Further, the recent violence in Malaysia has created sense of fear among the Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Nadu. This conflict, as well as the clamor of Eelam Tamils and Upcountry Tamils in Sri Lanka has become a major concern for New Delhi.
Another area of contention has been regarding the islands off the shores of India and Sri Lanka. Approximately 12 islands lie between southern India and northern Sri Lanka and they all belong to Sri Lanka. However, biggest of these, Kachchatheevu, approximately 1.6 km long and slightly over 300-m wide, located northeast of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and southwest of Sri Lanka's Delft Island, was originally part of India. India handed this island over to Sri Lanka in 1974, under the Shasthri-Srimavo pact. The agreement stated that the fishing communities of both Tamil-speaking south India and Sri Lanka could catch fish in the waters around Kachchatheevu and that the populations of both countries could visit the island without passports or visas. Every year thereafter, tens of thousands of Catholic Christians used this opportunity to visit the island, in order to partake in a holy Christian festival. However, after the civil war began in Sri Lanka in 1983, the Sri Lankan navy was deployed in the seas surrounding all the islands, which denied access to the country to both Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils. On the occasion when Indian fishermen have entered the seas near Kachchatheevu, they have been shot and killed by the Sri Lankan navy. In response to the increased tensions in Tamil Nadu, India’s central government felt pressured to do something. From time to time, the Indian government lodged complaints about the killing of Indian fishermen, but the Sri Lankan government justified the slayings by claiming they were merely killing men who were smuggling arms to the Tamil Tigers, who were fighting against the Sri Lankan armed forces in Sri Lanka.
Since India was suffering directly from the effects of the Sri Lankan civil war, India played a lead role in attempting to bring peace to Sri Lanka. In 1987, India sent 100,000 Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) to be deployed in the Tamil-dominated northeast. Approximately 15,000 Tamils were killed during the three years of IPKF involvement. Sri Lanka proved to be a failed battleground for Indian forces, especially the infantry, and they were pulled out in 1990. The following year, the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was allegedly killed by a suicide bomber of the LTTE, as he took part in an election rally near the capital city of Tamil Nadu. After that, the Indian government became a staunch opponent of Eelam Tamils, while continuing to claim to be a close friend and ally of the Sri Lankan government. For a variety of reasons, the Sri Lankan government does not totally trust the promises of friendship from the Indian government.
India has maintained a hands-off policy towards the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka following the killing of Rajiv. However, New Delhi continues to watch this situation closely. India constantly says that it wants peace in Sri Lanka, which will only happen if the Sri Lankan government fulfills the demands of all communities in the island, including the Eelam Tamils within a united Sri Lanka. Tamil leaders oppose India’s views because the Tamils lost faith in the Sri Lankan government following several failed attempts at peace talks, and feel that the only solution is dividing the country. India refuses to publicly comment directly on the views and aspirations of the Tamil leadership.
India has its own unique problems and does not want to antagonize Sri Lanka. It wants to maintain good relations with all Sri Lankan communities. India also wants stability in Sri Lanka, so that it can fulfill its aspirations of becoming one of the world’s superpowers, a nuclear power or, at least, a regional superpower.
In the midst of dealing with India and its problems, Sri Lanka has also had the challenge of maintaining a good relationship with Pakistan, which put further strain on the Sri Lanka/India relationship. In crushing the JVP insurgency in 1971, Sri Lanka relied heavily on military help from Pakistan and provided a base for the Pakistani air force, while Pakistan fought against the Indian armed forces in East Pakistan. West Pakistan could only access East Pakistan through northern India and India would not allow the planes of West Pakistan to use its airbase facilities, so West Pakistan had no choice but to send supplies and refuel through Sri Lanka. India demanded Sri Lanka not offer the services of the Sri Lankan airbase to West Pakistan, but Sri Lanka defied India.
Add to this mix the cautiously friendly relationship between the Maldivian government and Sri Lanka cautious because the Sri Lankan government maintains good relations with paramilitary groups, such as the PLOTE and EPDP. Maldives came under the control of the People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) in 1988. PLOTE was one of more than a dozen of Sri Lanka’s Tamil militant groups, all of whom took up arms to create an independent Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka under their own leadership. Because the PLOTE opposed the Tamil Tigers, the PLOTE decided to create a stable base by capturing Maldives; from there, it could launch military attacks against Sri Lanka, weaken the Tamil Tigers, and win independent Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka under the leadership of the PLOTE leader, Uma Maheswaran. Although all government departments and facilities, including parliament, community towers, and radio and television stations, were controlled by the PLOTE, President Gayoom managed to send a message to India. India sent its naval ships to Maldives, freed the tiny island-nation from the control of the PLOTE within 24 hrs, and handed the administration back to President Gayoom. The Maldivian government then handed over the PLOTE captives to Sri Lanka after some years on the requisition of Sri Lankan government and they are now freely walking the streets of Sri Lanka with the blessings of the Sri Lankan government leaders.
The Maldivian government regards Sri Lanka as a natural ally and continues to seek harmonious relations with all sides in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan fishermen enter Maldives waters illegally and even though Maldivian fishermen lodge complaints with their government, the Maldivian government does not want to take action against the Sri Lankan fishermen because of their valued friendship with Sri Lanka and the fear that doing so would threaten their security and political situation. Maldivians undertake post-secondary studies in Sri Lanka, and many countries have embassies in Colombo, which is in charge of both Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Sri Lanka’s internal and external conflicts with neighboring India and Maldives are escalating an already tense situation. While India is a friend in need, Sri Lanka does not want India to intervene in their internal affairs because they believe India’s sole intent is to use their potential solution of the problem to propel them to superpower-dom. In turn, India does not want Sri Lanka’s conflicts to spill over into their region because this will destabilizing India’s economy and security, and subverting its aspirations to become a world or regional superpower.
In short, Sri Lanka’s internal and external conflicts are distancing Sri Lanka from good relations with other countries, especially from its immediate neighbors, India and Maldives. Only a new breed of political leadership with the determination and courage can save Sri Lanka from this isolation and maintain Sri Lanka’s place among the members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
(The author can be reached at e-mail: satheessan_kumaaran@yahoo.com)

LTTE scoffs for propaganda mileage

(By Walter Jayawardhana)
The 'finance commissar' of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) , Thamilendhi has identified the group's struggle with the Tamils of India and Malaysia and has accused India of enslaving the millions of Tamils living in India.
In India's Southernmost state of Tamil Nadu, the origin of Tamil Language, more than 60 million people speak the language and in Malaysia more than 3 million speak it. In Sri Lanka 1.8 million Sri Lankan Tamils speak the language.
The LTTE is fighting for a separate state for the Tamil speaking people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country. Few months ago, the group controlled most of both provinces but now their power is restricted to two tiny districts called Mulaithiuvu and Kilinochchi.
As reported by the pro-LTTE Tamil language newspaper Sudar Oli the LTTE leader Thamilendhi, who is in charge of finances and also a member of the inner circle of LTTE leaders charged that Indian Tamils live as slaves of the Indian government. They earlier accused India of helping the Sri Lanka government for what they called 'Tamil Genocide'.
He is quoted having said at a ceremony of a book launched for propaganda of the LTTE that, "In ancient times the whole of India was a Tamil land. And the Chola kings (from Tamil Nadu) ruled over Sri Lanka for 70 years. Today, the Tamils are slaves in India and are fighting for their liberation in Sri Lanka."
Majority of the more than 60 million Tamils in India belong to two major Tamil parties called DMK and AIADMK and do not maintain direct links with the LTTE. But two small parties PMK and MDMK and other small groups are allegedly run under funds given by the LTTE.
The LTTE leader was speaking at the launching of the book entitled , Let us Move towards the Frontiers of Tamil Eelam, at the LTTE's headquarter town of Kilinochchi in the Wanni area of Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
Thamilendhi in his speech was trying to emphasize if what he called the liberation struggle of the LTTE failed the Tamils all over the world would perish.
To prove his case the LTTE leader said, the Tamils in Malaysia, having become helpless are forced to come to the streets and protest now.
He said the Tamils living in Western countries, under the immense Western white cultural dominance, are in the danger of losing their language and ethnicity.
The LTTE leader whose party has vowed to establish a mono-ethnic society in Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces blamed Tamils in India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka themselves for their present plight and said they dangerously trust other communities to protect their rights and they are hopelessly disunited.
Thamilendhi warned, "In the past, we had failed in our nation's duty to secure an independent Tamil Eelam. If our present struggle does not succeed, the Tamils all over the world are sure to perish."

India installs radar system to curb LTTE infiltration and smugglings

The Indian Air Force has installed sophisticated radar with all modern systems available for aerial surveillance. It is reported that the main objective of installing this surveillance system is to prevent smuggling and infiltration operations of the LTTE exploiting the Gulf of Mannar to Sri Lanka.
Southern Air Command, Air Vice-Marshal Y.R. Rane after discussing with the Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard officials addressing the media said that that the new radar has eight antennae which could cover the entire Gulf of Mannar region. It had the capability to track objects such as ships, barges, trawlers, small boats and others in the Indian territorial waters off Mandapam coast.
Meanwhile the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police P. Rajendiran stated that the police have set up 60 additional check posts along the coastal areas to intensify patrolling to check infiltration of the LTTE into the state.
Reports from India said recently that Tamil Nadu Police has now detained an LTTE agent named Abdul Kareem under the National Security Act (NSA) who was earlier arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police for masterminding a secret plan to smuggle 50,000 batteries from India to the LTTE in Sri Lanka

Troops recover mines and hand grenades

A total of 161 anti - personal mines were demined by Army troops in VILATHIKULAM and PANDIRICHCHAN in VAVUNIYA yesterday (18). On a search operation, Army troops recovered 14 hand grenades and one claymore bomb (3.5 kg) in RAMANADAN

35 LTTE cadres killed

35 terrorists were killed in several confrontations yesterday (18) in WELIOYA, VAVUNIYA, JAFFNA and MANNAR: An LTTE terrorist was killed in Army attack in KOKKUTHUDUWAI in WELIOYA yesterday (18) around 11.25 a.m.
In the same area, 02 terrorists were killed in Army attacks on a LTTE strong point around 11.30. a.m. Around 3.15 pm. In the same location one terrorist was killed in an encounter with Army troops.
In ANDANKULAM, WELIOYA three terrorists were killed in an Army attack around 12.15 p.m.
An LTTE terrorist was killed in a confrontation with Army troops in MUHAMALAI, JAFFNA yesterday (18) around 3.30. p.m.
An LTTE terrorist was killed in an encounter with Army troops in THIRUKETHISWARAN, VAVUNIYA yesterday (18) around 8.35. a.m.
Four soldiers were wounded in an mortar attack by LTTE in KARAMPEKULAM, VAVUNIYA yesterday (18) around 3.55 p.m.
Intercepted communication has confirmed that four terrorists were killed when Army troops launched artillery fire at a location where terrorists gathered in RAMANADANKULAM, VAVUNIYA yesterday (18) around 12.35 p.m.
Three terrorists were killed when Army troops attacked LTTE cadres in KARAMPEKULAM, VAVUNIYA yesterday (18) around 10.40 a.m. Four terrorists were killed in Army attack in PANDIVIRICHCHAN, VAVUNIYA yesterday (18) around 3.30 p.m.
Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with Army troops in PARAYANAKULAM, MANNAR yesterday (18) around 9.15 a.m. One soldier was also injured.
One terrorist was killed in an encounter with troops in ADAMPAN, MANNAR yesterday (18) around 10.00 a.m. One soldier died in an encounter with LTTE in MUNKIRIMURICHCHIKULAM, yesterday around 8.25 a.m. Two terrorists were killed in confrontation with Army troops in PARAYANAKULAM yesterday (18) around 11.10 a.m. A terrorist was killed in confrontation with Army troops in MUNKIRIMURICHCHIKULAM yesterday around 2.54 p.m.
Five terrorists were killed in confrontations that took place in PARAYANAKULAM, MANNAR from 10.50 p.m. on March 17 to wee hours the following morning (18). Eleven soldiers were injured.
A soldier died when the LTTE terrorists exploded an improvised explosive devise yesterday (18) around 6.15 a.m.
Four terrorists were killed when Army troops launched an attack on an LTTE bunker in KALLIKULAM, MANNAR yesterday (18) around 3.30 p.m.

Fameo Jewellery Boutique acquires US based online gemstone retailer

Fameo Jewellery Boutique (www.fameo.co.uk), a British jewellery online retailer operated by Fameo Ltd, announced the acquisition of Gemsuite.com a business of Advance Group Inc. Gemsuite.com is one of the leading online retailers of high-quality precious stones from Colombia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand.
The purchase of Gemsuite.com, a popular internet destination for colour gemstones and a bespoke jewellery service, is the first step of a planned expansion into the U.S online luxury market and a key element of Fameo’s ongoing strategy to offer customised jewellery products. "Gemsuite.com has over 8 years of experience selling colour gemstones and offering a bespoke jewellery service over the Internet and Fameo will be the first online jewellery retailer to offer thousands of individually graded and photographed gemstones as a customisation option for hundreds of Fameo's fine jewellery designs," said Louise Davies, Managing Director of Fameo Ltd in London.
"Our online customers are primarily men who take online jewellery purchases very seriously and continuously demand customisation options, including rare gemstone sourcing and jewellery design modifications. Gemsuite.com acquisition and planned intergation of it's loose gemstone inventory into Fameo's online jewellery catalogue is an important step in providing Fameo's customers with the very best online jewellery shopping experience."
Fameo will continue to operate the Gemsuite.com brand, and Gemsuite.com's customers will benefit from the expansion of bespoke jewellery services reinforced by Fameo's in-house jewellery designer team, in-stock award winning jewellery designs and a lot of technological improvements of the Gemsuite.com website. Streamlining the integration of the proprietary e-commerce platform and merging both companies, loose gemstones inventories will enable Fameo Jewellery Boutique (www.fameo.co.uk) further personalization of online shopping experiences by allowing consumers to customise any fine jewellery design with a selection of unique certified precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires, tourmalines and tanzanites.

Rains displace over 2,000 people

More than 2,000 people were displaced due to Heavy rains accompanied by floods and earthslips.
The Disaster Management Centre said yesterday all measures were onfoot to assist the displaced with temporary shelter and other facilities. Authorities said over 200 were displaced in the Badulla district in landslides. In Madugastalawa, a 61 year old died in floods while in an estate in Haputale, a 14 year old girl was buried under an earthslip.
By yesterday, 970 people were displaced in the Mannar district considered to be the most affected with Batticaloa and Trincomalee too reporting some displacement due to floods.
The National Disaster Management Centre will prov

Sir Arthur C. Clarke dies

Sir Arthur C Clarke passed away around 1.30 am at a private hospital in Colombo.He who had battled debilitating post-polio syndrome since the 1960s, died .He was 90.
Co-author with Stanley Kubrick of Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey," Clarke was regarded as far more than a science fiction writer.
He was credited with the concept of communications satellites in 1945, decades before they became a reality. Geosynchronous orbits, which keep satellites in a fixed position relative to the ground, are called Clarke orbits.
He joined American broadcaster Walter Cronkite as commentator on the U.S. Apollo moonshots in the late 1960s.
Clarke's non-fiction volumes on space travel and his explorations of the Great Barrier Reef and Indian Ocean earned him respect in the world of science, and in 1976 he became an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Wanni liberation continues; LTTE loosing their territory further

Military reports received from Northern battlefronts indicate that LTTE received heavy beatings during the clashes continued along the Wanni and Jaffna Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) yesterday (Mar 17). In the Wanni theatre of battle, clashes continued on the Vavuniya, Mannar, and Welioya battlefronts throughout the day, report further added.

On Vavuniya front, several confrontations took place in general area Kallikulam when the troops advancing further towards LTTE territory. Seven LTTE terrorists were killed in two separate confrontations, one in morning hours and another in evening, when the troops launched an attack targeting LTTE bunker defences, sources further said.

Meanwhile, when the troops cleared newly captured LTTE bunkers in Pandivirichchan uncovered 25 anti personnel mines and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) last evening. Separately, 106 anti personnel mines, one Arul bomb and one hand grenade uncovered from the Sulainamaruthamadu area around 12.40 p.m yesterday.On the Mannar front, an army soldier suffered injuries in a clash sparked in general area Adampan last night.

On the Welioya front, troops advancing towards the LTTE strongholds in Mulaithiuvu district had several confrontations in general areas of Kokkutuduvai, Kadduttaddamalai and Andankulama during the course of the day. By intercepting LTTE transmission, it is confirmed that 2 LTTE cadres were killed while another 3 were wounded in a confrontation took place in general area Kokkutuduvai in morning hours. Meanwhile, 4 more LTTE terrorists were killed or wounded when the troops launched artillery and mortar fire at LTTE strong point observed in the same area. In Kadduttaddamalai, 2 LTTE cadres were injured in a confrontation took place at 11.05 a.m. and one T-56 weapon was uncovered from the same area in a subsequent search operation. Meanwhile, 2 army soldiers suffered injuries due to an explosion of booby trap in the same area. Separately, 2 more soldiers received injuries due to an explosion of booby trap in general area Andankulam, the report further said. Troops have unearthed 160 anti-personnel mines while conducting mine-clearing operation in recently liberated Mankindamalai area, report further said.In Jaffna theatre of battle, 2 soldiers have made their supreme sacrifice while 4 others were injured due to two separate confrontations took place in Mahamalai area. Meanwhile, 65 anti-personnel mines have been unearthed by the troops from the same area, the report further stated.

EU looks forward to an ambitious final APRC proposal in the coming months.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A delegation of senior officials from the European Union (EU) called “Troika” is made up of representatives from the current Presidency of the European Union (Slovenia), the future presidency of the European Union (France), the European Commission and the Council of Ministersled by Mr Janez Premože, Asia Director in the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Sri Lanka, to discuss EU concerns at the current situation in the country.The team said the EU and Sri Lanka have deep, long-standing relations, covering economic, trade, political and cultural matters. The EU is committed to maintaining these, and welcomes the opportunity provided by this visit for open and frank discussions.
Speaking to media in Colombo on Tuesday the team said the EU welcomes such steps as have been taken towards a politically sustainable devolution plan for Sri Lanka. Having taken note of the interim proposal from the APRC, the EU looks forward to an ambitious final proposal in the coming months.

Following peaceful local elections in Batticaloa district on 10 March, key issues have been identified concerning the provision of proper electoral conditions, including the disarmament of paramilitaries. The EU sees effective action on this as key to ensuring free and fair voting at the provincial elections scheduled for May.

The EU has an active, well defined policy on counter-terrorism. This underlies the EU’s unequivocal condemnation of all terrorist activities, including those by the LTTE. In 2006 the EU listed the LTTE as a terrorist organisation. Since then there have been a number of criminal prosecutions against LTTE fund raising in Europe.

The EU and Sri Lanka share binding commitments under the international conventions that they have signed, especially regarding human rights and international humanitarian law. The EU welcomes the assurances that it has received concerning respect for human rights, which is one of the key principles underpinning all EU-Sri Lanka relations, and an essential element of the EC-Sri Lanka Cooperation Agreement. Nonetheless, the EU continues to harbour very serious concerns about continuing reports of human rights abuses. The EU notes with regret that the Independent International Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) has decided to terminate its work with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry because of concerns about its compliance with international standards and institutional lack of support for the work of the Commission. The EU underlines the seriousness of calls by the IIGEP and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for the Government to deliver concrete results through considering their recommendations seriously, taking cases to court, and ensuring effective and independent human rights monitoring.

The EU remains committed to its present role as one of the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo process. As such, it continues to believe in the importance of guaranteeing access to Kilinochchi for the Norwegian facilitator and other Co-Chairs, as well as the UN and other concerned organisations. This is needed to allow the delivery of key messages to the LTTE about returning to the peace process, observing humanitarian access and human rights.

The EU welcomes the assurances that it has received concerning the Government’s continuous provision of services in war affected areas. The EU remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance .It is also vitally important, however, to create a more favourable environment to allow NGOs, UN and the ICRC to work effectively, without undue criticism. These organisations are here to help with the permission of Government and their work should be recognised and facilitated by all Sri Lankans. The EU appeals for steps to be taken to minimise civilian casualties and to ensure visas and access to NGOs, UN and the ICRC so they can reach the people in need.

Sri Lanka is currently taking considerable advantage of the EU's GSP+ special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance. According to the rules of this scheme, all countries wishing to continue benefiting from the GSP+ regime will have to reapply by October 2008. The legal provisions of the GSP+ scheme also spell out the linkage between trade preferences and human rights. The EU confirms that the entire process, which has not yet started, will be governed by objective criteria.

In conclusion, the EU looks forward to holding the next EC-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting in June 2008 to explore various aspects in greater detail.
The EU is an active member of the Co-Chairs process, seeking to monitor the peace and conflict in the country.

The EU provides Sri Lanka with a very favourable range of support. On trade, Sri Lanka benefits from GSP+, giving the country duty free access to the EU which is the world’s largest single market. The EU has provided €100 million for tsunami reconstruction and is providing a further €50 million from now to 2010 for helping IDPs and conflict affected communities. The EU is also providing up to €40 million this year in addition for humanitarian assistance and shall continue to do so while the need exists.
End

Due to inadequate English

A member of the Monetary Board of Sri Lanka and Deputy Chairman/Managing Director of Associated Motorways PLC Deshabandu Tilak De Zoysa, addressing a ceremony to award scholarships to children of company employees who had passed the government’s Grade 5 scholarship examination said, “Sri Lanka lost many opportunities for employment in BPO companies due to lack of English educated young people.

India gained in BPO and IT sector employment because there were sufficient English educated people within their country.”
A Rs.1500 per month scholarship from Year 1 up to university entrance together with a Rs. 700,000 insurance policy was also awarded to Ms. V.P. Udari Niwansala Pathirana of Rambukpitiya, Nawalapitiya. Miss Pathirana’s father died in a road accident while on duty and she entered the Year 1 class this year.

Ms. Dammika Priyangani Menike, the mother of Miss. Pathirana received the award and the insurance policy from Deshabandu Tilak De Zoysa.
The other students who received Grade 5 scholarships at the ceremony were: S.A. Naween Dilanka of Meegoda Maha Vidyalaya, L.D. Tharika Dilani of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, K.R.P. Jayamali of Kegalle Balika Maha Vidyalaya, H. Chethani Chandraratne of Pesbitirian Vidyalaya, Chamara J. Wijetunga of President’s College, P.S. Haridi Tissera of Sri Sumangala Maha Vidyalaya, J.C. Kosila Fernando of Pushpadana Balika Maha Vidyalaya, G. Lakmini Karannagoda of Thakshilava, Horana, V.G.M. Teekshana of Sri Dharmaloka Maha Vidyalaya, M.P. Abeykoon of St. Paul’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, U.P.R. Lahiruni of Lakshapana Maha Vidyalaya, H.A.H. Pasindu of Bandaranayake Maha Vidyalaya, Vinura L. Perera of D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya, K.H. Liyanage of Ashoka Vidyalaya and K.V. Saminda Kumara of President’s College.

On this occasion Mr. Tilak De Zoysa also awarded long service awards to 13 employees who completed up to 30 years service in the company.

Unstable’ Kuwaiti stabs Lankan to death

KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti has allegedly murdered a Sri Lankan expatriate in his thirties by stabbing him four times in his stomach at Sabahiya Monday morning.
Security sources revealed that the Operation Rooms of the Ministry of Interior received a call that a murder has taken place in a house in Sabahiya and immediately, security agents and medical emergency team rushed to the location.
The medical team tried to resuscitate the Sri Lankan but he succumbed to his injuries. According to sources, the brother of the property owner came to the diwaniya in the house and found the Sri Lankan sleeping there.
A quarrel broke out between them leading to the Kuwaiti stabbing the Sri Lankan. Sources said that the alleged murderer has a history of mental disorder and has earlier been admitted at psychiatric hospital.The security agents have referred him for psychiatric examination. Meanwhile, investigations continue.

Canadian raised funds for Tamil Tigers, RCMP alleges

The RCMP says an Ontario man who was scheduled to appear in a Vancouver courtroom this morning to face Canada's first terrorism financing charge was collecting money for Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers.
Prapaharan Thambithurai is accused of collecting money from ethnic Tamils in B.C.'s Lower Mainland that was destined for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or LTTE, a foreign terrorist organization under Canadian law.
A senior B.C. counter-terrorism officer said Mr. Thambithurai, aka "Prapa," was soliciting donations for the World Tamil Movement (WTM), which police say is the leading Tamil Tigers front organization in Canada.
"There's no doubt he was collecting funds for the WTM, ultimately with the linkage to the LTTE," said Superintendent Lloyd Plante, head of B.C.'s counter-terrorism squad, the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team.
He called the charge a "first for Canada."
Mr. Thambithurai is a resident of Maple, Ont., north of Toronto. A spokesman for the Canadian Tamil Congress, David Poopalapillai, said he did not know the 45-year-old, whom police said was a Canadian citizen.
"Collecting money for the Tigers is unlawful activity," said Mr. Poopalapillai, who speaks for one of Canada's most prominent Tamil community groups. "The Canadian Tamil Congress, we don't condone any illegal activity."
But many Canadian Tamils are at least sympathetic to the Tigers, who have been fighting a long-standing guerrilla war against the Sri Lankan government for a separate state for the country's ethnic Tamil minority.
Canada is home to the world's largest expatriate Sri Lankan Tamil community, and the RCMP and Canadian Security Intelligence Service have long alleged that front organizations based in Toronto have been secretly sending money to the Tigers to help them buy weapons.
The World Tamil Movement is considered by police to be the main LTTE front organization in the country. Ottawa has been trying to deport the group's former coordinator, Manickavasagam Suresh, alleging he sent money to the Tigers to buy military equipment.
Two years ago, after the Conservatives put the Tigers on Canada's list of banned terrorist groups, the RCMP raided WTM offices in Montreal and Toronto, carting away material police said was evidence of terrorist fundraising.
But while the investigation, called Project Osaluki, continues, there had been no charges until last Friday night, when police in B.C. arrested Mr. Thambithurai. He was remanded into custody on Sunday.
"This is a first," Supt. Plante said. "We certainly want to get the message out to the Sri Lankan community that this activity can't be condoned, it's illegal."
Police are still investigating and were encouraging witnesses to come forward.
The RCMP raided a WTM office in Vancouver in 2005, following allegations that money raised to help victims of the South Asian tsunami had been diverted to the Tigers, but no arrests were made at that time.
The Tamil Tigers are one of the world's leading proponents of suicide bombings and are the only terrorist group to have successfully assassinated two world leaders, including India's Rajiv Gandhi.
In Western countries, the Tigers use aggressive fundraising tactics to finance their civil war.
Human Rights Watch accused the WTM of using pressure tactics against Canadian Tamils to raise funds, but police had been unable to lay charges, partly because witnesses were afraid to come forward.
The arrest comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Sri Lankan security forces and the Tamil Tigers. Sri Lanka has vowed to defeat the Tigers, who hold territory in the country's north, by the end of the year, but human rights groups have complained that government forces are responsible for widespread abuses such as civilian deaths, arbitrary arrests and "disappearances."

Film producer gets eight years' RI

Sandasen Marasinghe
Colombo High Court judge Upali Abeyratne sentenced a film producer Hegoda Gamage Bandula Piyatilake to eight years rigorous imprisonment who was convicted for aiding and abetting to prepare a forged deed and producing it before a Magistrate Court.
The Attorney General filed indictment against Piyatilake with two counts alleging he aided and abetted to make a forged deed at Nugegoda on March 26, 1996 for a plot of land at Park Road, Colombo 5 by urging Antoney Weerasinghe to put his signature as the owner of the land while being aware that the genuine owner was M.S.M. Yehiya.
According to the second charge Piyatilake had produced the deed before the Colombo Magistrate in connection with another case.
According to evidence the accused had produced the film Maduri in 1993. He was also a businessman.
The Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 and another two years RI in default.
The Court observed the case was proved beyond reasonable doubt. State Counsel Dilan Ratnayake appeared for the prosecution.

UNP Contesting Eastern Elections – Keeping humor alive amongst Sri Lankans

Shenali Waduge
The UNP of late has featured more prominently not so much for its merit as an opposition party but for a series of never ending humor presented to the masses. From the poster campaign inaugurated & ending on Valentine’s Day to the miscalculated boycott of the Eastern Municipal Polls, the UNP always has added humor to a country that very much is in need of it.

Was it not too long ago that the UNP was shouting from West to East to gather opposition for the recently concluded Eastern Municipal Polls? Why – they claim that the Government was contesting in tow with a paramilitary group called the TMVP led by the terrorist Pillyalan. If the UNP has identified the TMVP as a terrorist & chose not to contest then we should ask why the UNP chose to contest the Eastern elections when the LTTE was reigning in the East?

In the world of politics every decision is like a rabbit pulled out of a hat …. & the surprises will always continue, which continues the banter surrounding the most recent declaration by the UNP to contest the Provincial Council elections in the East. Perhaps the Municipal elections were a mere cup of tea for the Grand Old Party to contest that they prefer to take on the Provincial elections instead?

The UNP was heard declaring that it would not give room for the creation of another Vadarajah Perumal (in accepting Pillyalan) – what was Vadarajah Perumal’s error – printing letterheads as “Government of the North & East”. All that the Premadasa Government had to do in such an instance was to dissolve the Provincial Council & the same goes if any such incident should occur in the present context. The power remains with the Central Government to ensure that the integrity of the Sri Lankan nation remains as it should be.

It goes without saying that the international community must realize that Sri Lanka must be one of the very few countries of the world that has suffered terrorists elements both in the North, East & Southern parts of its small nation but that keeping alive that erstwhile name “democracy” the country has “reformed” those terrorists & opened the doors for them to come out of their guerilla suits & contest elections & be accepted amongst society – the JVP, EPDP, the TMVP add to the list of “reformed” parties & the world most certainly needs to appreciate this. Only the LTTE seems not to be interested in “reform” “democracy” or anything near “humane” but choose to continue the road along mayhem & murders.

DHL, ‘Preferred Logistics Partner’ of SLAEA

DHL, the world’s leading Express and Logistics Company, announced a strategic two-year tie-up with the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLAEA) as its ‘Preferred Logistics Partner’. The agreement was inked by DHL Sri Lanka Country Manager Martin Dudek and Chairman of the SLAEA, Noel Priyathilleke.Over the past years, Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile industry has represented the largest slice of DHL’s customer base, and still continues to do so. The company has, in turn, forged a very successful partnership with the industry by closely working hand-in-hand with Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile manufacturers, and facilitating their international logistics and transportation needs.
Says Martin Dudek, “DHL Sri Lanka and the SLAEA have always had a very close, positive and strong relationship. We are proud to have brought it our international expertise to support its numerous industry-related initiatives. Our appointment as the ‘Preferred Logistics Provider’ of the SLAEA further consolidates this strong partnership we enjoy.”
DHL Sri Lanka has greatly reduced the lead times in reaching the international markets, by providing innovative and efficient logistics and shipping solutions.

Construction Chamber collaborates with ADB for Development of National Consulting Services

by Dakshitha Talgodapitiya
Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka will collaborate with Asian Development Bank to host a two day seminar on “ Development of National Consulting Services”. The seminar will be held at Hotel Taj Samudara from 27th -28th March 2008. The seminar is designed to target participation from consultancy firms, non governmental organizations, universities, research institutions and state agencies engaged in the procurement process.
Asian Development Bank will provide the resource personnel drawn from the professional staff of ADB’s Consultancy Services Division in Manila.
The objective of the seminar is to strengthen Sri Lanka’s consulting capacity through the enhancement of awareness of the requirement for consultancy industry, strategic planning and better understanding of how to win profitable business opportunities. SWOT analysis of Sri Lanka’s construction industry , contract negotiation, project implementation performance evaluation and preparation of both technical and financial proposals will be extensively discussed using round table discussions as a strategy.
This should be an ideal opportunity for multi-disciplinary professional service providers to improve their capabilities and to those who are seeking such services as clients.

Three LTTE Terrorists killed and STF recovers war materials

A total of three LTTE terrorists were killed in confrontations at WELIOYA area.
Yesterday (17) around 10.20am in KOKKUTHUDUWAI area WELIOYA two LTTE terrorists were killed in troops attack.
Meanwhile in MANKINDAMALAI area troops found 160 Anti personnel mines.
In another situation in ANDANKULAM area two soldiers were injured due to a booby trap trigged by the LTTE terrorists.
Yesterday (17) in KADUTHTHACHAMALAI area one LTTE terrorist was killed and one T 56 assault riffle was recovered by the troops.

Claymore explosion

One soldier died and two injured in a claymore mine explosion while the Army troops were conducting a search operation in ARAVI ARU area in MANNAR today (18) around 7.10 a.m.
The injured soldiers were admitted to ANURADHAPURA Hospital.

The President directed to take necessary action to ensure the security of the SLRC staff.

The President directed relevant units to take necessary action to ensure the security of the Rupavahini Corporation staff. A special discussion was held yesterday evening at Temple Trees between President Mahinda Rajapakse and representatives of trade unions of government media institutions. Minister of Information and Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena were also present at the discussion. The discussion focused on assaults on few employees attached to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.
President directed the relevant officers to prove into these incidents and take security measures to protect the corporation staff. Rupavahini trade union leaders acknowledged these measures and said they will work together with all parties to ensure the wellbeing of SLRC. The IGP, the DIG in charge of the investigations concerned and senior officials of the police and CID attended the discussion in addition to the Secretary to the Ministry of Information and Media and heads of the four state media institutions.

LTTE Claymore explosion kills an Army soldier - Mannar

LTTE terrorists have exploded a claymore mine targeting army foot patrol in the Mannar area this morning, March 18.
According to the available information one soldier was killed while two others injured due to the explosion took place around 7.20 a.m in general area Kollimottai.
The injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, sources further added.

LTTE Claymore explosion kills an Army soldier - Mannar

LTTE terrorists have exploded a claymore mine targeting army foot patrol in the Mannar area this morning, March 18.
According to the available information one soldier was killed while two others injured due to the explosion took place around 7.20 a.m in general area Kollimottai.
The injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, sources further added.

SL mission in Singapore focuses fraud malpractices relating to the agents

Sri Lankan Mission in Singapore has focused on fraud malpractices relating to the agents giving false promises in education and employment opportunities taking ransom amount. It was revealed that the Sri Lankans who were given false promises by fraudulent agents faced lot of hardships in Singapore. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Sri Lankans who have gone to Singapore through these agents were without food, clothing and basic needs.
Further some Sri Lankans who over stayed were penalised by the Singapore government. The Sri Lankan Embassy made arrangements to bring back these Sri Lankans. The government cautioned the Sri Lankan public on the fraudulent agents since the Sri Lankans who travel through these agents are found to be on the rise in Sri Lanka.

Wanni liberation continues; 29 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes

 

Military reports received from Northern battlefronts indicate that 29 terrorists were killed and at least 25 others were injured in the clashes continued along the Wanni and Jaffna Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) yesterday (Mar 16). Also, 3 soldiers sacrificed their lives and 8 soldiers suffered injuries during these operations aimed at liberating Wanni region from the terrorist clutches.

In the Wanni theatre of battle, clashes continued on the Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya battlefronts throughout the day.

On the Welioya battlefront, troops advancing towards the LTTE strongholds in Mulaithiuvu district had several confrontations in general areas of Andankulama and Kiriibbanweva during the course of the day. According to the military reports 11 terrorists were killed and at least 20 others were injured during these clashes. Also, 2 soldiers were killed and 5 suffered injuries on the same battlefront, the reports further revealed.

On the Mannar battlefront, military reports indicate that 7 terrorists were killed during yesterday's clashes. Snipers deployed in the Kappankulama areas have claimed that 3 terrorists were killed while another 4 terrorists reported to have killed in a clash occurred in the Parayakulama area. Meanwhile, one solder was killed due to terrorists' small arms fire in the general area Parayakulam and 2 others suffered injuries in a similar incident in the Adampan area.

On the Vavuniya front, army snipers deployed in the Pandivirichchan area has claimed one terrorist was killed last afternoon. Also, in two separate clashes occurred in the Vilattikulama and North of Kallikulama areas, LTTE radio transmission have revealed that 3 terrorists were killed and 5 others suffered injuries. One soldier was also suffered injuries due to an explosion of improvised bomb at Sinna Pandivirichchan.

Meanwhile, on the Jaffna theatre of battle, counter terrorists operations were mainly concentrated on the Muhamalai battlefront during the daytime yesterday. According to the military reports, 2 terrorists were reportedly killed by the snipers and 5 others were killed during army offensives at terrorists' defences. No casualties were reported to own troops in the Jaffna defence.

A hand grenade found in a school bus

 

A tip off from a civilian to the 119 instant call centre a hand grenade was found by the KAHAWATTA Police, in a school bus (60-1143) parked near the Gankanda Central College PALMADULLA. The Hand Grenade was rapped by a paper and kept under a seat of a private school bus. The bus and the driver were arrested by the Police.

Four civilians surrender to the Army
Four Tamil civilians were surrendered to the army in PESALAI area. These civilians were from WEDITHALATHIEVE uncleared area. The civilians who surrendered were family members, including Father, Mother, Daughter and son. The two children are between 20-22 years of age.

This family has suffered many unbearable conditions and harassments by the terrorists in the un- cleared areas.

In another situation in NAVATKULAM area VAVUNIYA two LTTE terrorists were killed due to troops attack.

Family of Threatened Journalist Seriously Injured in Attack in Sri Lanka

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns an attack on the family home of journalist Munusami Parameshwari in which her father and sister were seriously injured.

According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, several intruders armed with clubs forcibly entered the home in Gampola, in the Kandy district, on March 14.

The attackers reportedly surrounded the house and prevented family members from seeking urgent medical attention. The group warned the family that Parameshwari would risk death if she returned to Gampola. The Gampola police eventually rescued the family.

Parameshwari has been in hiding after recent threats against her life.

Parameshwari and her family have been targeted with vicious attacks since she was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) while working as a crime reporter for the Mawbina Sinhala-language newspaper in November 2006. Articles in newspaper reports alleging she was carrying explosives, as well as public statements by government ministers linking her to terrorist groups, proved to be fabricated.

The Mawbina has since closed after its editor and financial manager were arrested and the company’s assets were frozen by government officials.

Three weeks after Parameshwari was released without charge on March 22, 2007, she was kidnapped by uniformed men who assaulted and threatened her with death if she continued to report on crimes or conduct investigations into abductions.

On June 14, 2007, two people disguised as police officials took her passport and national identification at gunpoint.

“The horrendous treatment of Munusami Parameshwari and her family as a result of Parameshwari’s efforts to uphold press freedom as a much-needed democratic value in Sri Lanka is appalling. The Sri Lankan Government must act immediately to ensure the perpetrators of this vile attack are brought to justice,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

Telco Data Services Market in Emerging Asian Countries to Grow at 36% CAGR

Research firm, IDC says that the telecommunications data services market in emerging Asian countries (defined as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) is projected to collectively grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36% from 2007-2011. The data segment, which includes mobile data services, fixed line corporate data and Internet access services, grew strongly at 258% year-on-year in 2006, reaching US$952 million.

While these four country markets will remain generally voice-centric throughout the forecast period, revenue share of the data segment will improve significantly from 17% in 2006 to over 30% by 2011.

Karen Rondon, Research Manager for IDC’s Philippines Telecommunications Research, said, "Corporate customers and consumers in the emerging Asian countries are highly cost-sensitive, and benefits and returns on investments are measured on a short-to-medium term. Services that require small immediate spending while providing immediate benefits would be most attractive to end-users."

The mobile data segment from the four countries is anticipated to escalate at 41% CAGR from 2007-2011, driven by expected growth in SMS usage. As more high-speed networks become available, other data revenue, apart from SMS, will rise in significance in the coming years.

Fixed lines data, on the other hand, will grow at 24% CAGR from 2007-2011. The corporate data landscape will continue to be concentrated on dedicated leased lines throughout the forecast period, although take-up of IP-based services will gradually increase. Meanwhile, favorable government policies in the four countries will help boost IAS (Internet Access Services) take-up in the long term, increasing market awareness and education of the various Internet access services available.

In countries such as Bangladesh, a growing number of citizens who are migrating abroad could potentially drive future adoption. These citizens are becoming more and more exposed to modern telecommunication facilities and, through constant communication with families back home, would aid in encouraging adoption of various telecommunication services, including Internet access. IDC expects XDSL and prepaid dial-up services will be the most preferred Internet services in the emerging Asian country markets.

Spreading the news to IDPs

COLOMBO, 17 March 2008 (IRIN) - People receiving emergency relief rarely know exactly what is available for them, or how to access it. For many people escaping violence in Sri Lanka's war zones and stuck in camps, information on basic services or job and education opportunities could be vital.

Lifeline, a project administered by Internews Network, an international media development NGO, is trying to fill that gap by offering news and information to displaced people in Sri Lanka, including how to get the most from humanitarian and government agencies.

Since January 2008, when Lifeline began broadcasting, eight short radio shows have been produced, and carried on Sundays on two regional Tamil FM radio stations, Pirai and Anoor. Lifeline also prints a supplement distributed to an estimated 20,000 IDPs through a national Tamil newspaper, Virakesari.

Internews, with local and international NGOs and UN agencies, explained that its project gathers information about material aid, protection, psycho-social and livelihood support and other services that humanitarian organisations can offer IDPs. Local government officials provide input, including about state policy, updates on resettlement plans or security. Lifeline's journalists - four Tamils, three Sinhalese and one Muslim - travel close to the war zones to talk to IDPs, agency field officers and regional government officials.

Early days

"Sadly, this war is going to get worse and the number of people displaced is going to grow," Sanjana Hattotuwa, senior researcher at the independent think-tank, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, told IRIN. "In that context, it is a very valuable initiative that these people affected by the violence have the potential to access the services offered by the state and humanitarian agencies to secure a better life for themselves."

Hattotuwa said that if IDPs had better knowledge they could demand services they needed from the state and NGOs and hold those agencies more accountable.

However, Hattotuwa pointed out that it was too early to assess the impact of the Lifeline project. "It's early days yet, but the potential for it to be an important information tool is there."

In the eastern Batticaloa District, a UN field officer said: "Any access to information empowers people in every way by tackling issues that affect them directly. I'd like to know how accessible this programme will be and my main question would be: is the project reaching its target population?"

"There still are many logistical obstacles. For instance, not everyone has access to a radio and not everyone can afford to buy a newspaper," conceded Internews Sri Lanka Country Director Matt Abud. "We would like to reach everyone, but that might take a while."

The Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC), a group of government and humanitarian agencies in Sri Lanka, estimates the numbers of displaced in the conflict-hit north and east at just over 262,000.

At a welfare camp in Batticaloa, Janoshini Kirubanambirajah, who was uprooted by the conflict a year ago from her home in northeastern Sampur, said the 600 residents at her shelter had yet to hear a Lifeline programme. "If there is information that is being given specially for people like us, it would really be of use," she said.

JA Jeevanandan, of the International Organization for Migration in the eastern district of Trincomalee, says Lifeline is filling a gap and could also help aid agencies coordinate better. "Many IDPs are not aware which agency to turn to for food, shelter and health facilities. The Lifeline programme also gives agencies good visibility and could help them avoid duplication of work when they hear what others are doing to assist IDPs."

Government will take stern action against responsible groups on SLRC attacks

After recent attacks on SLRC workers the government said it has decided to punish offenders who attack SLRC workers.
Issuing a release Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Government is determined to punish those responsible for the attacks on several employees of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, disregarding their ranks.
The Minister adds several police teams have been deployed to apprehend the suspects.
He further says special security precautions have been taken to protect employees and properties from possible sabotage.
The minister has stressed that no room will be left to disrupt the activities of the corporation in the face of threats by a certain group of workers to engage in a continuous strike. At present the SLRC complex is under armed services and the Police blocked main gate of the SLRC and the SLBC . According to reports the military are currently at the Rupavahini premises ready to take over the transmission of the channel if the employees decide to strike work today. Sources claim that they are currently being trained to carry out the station duties.However our sources said the SLRC staff not in a position to telecast live programmes due to this unrest.
Yesterday, the trade union coalition of SLRC decided to walk away and the All Lanka Trade Union Federation decided to launch an island wide strike since Monday if the problem is not solved. Here are the five major demands of the SLRC trade unions: 1 An assurance from the President and the government on the safety of the lives of the SLRC workers.2 Suspension of the portfolio of Minister Mervin Silva who trespassed into the SLRC premises with a gang of goons and assaulted the SLRC News Director. Initiating legal action against him.3 Arresting the goons that trespassed the SLRC premises on the day the incident took place and the thugs who assaulted the SLRC workers. Initiating legal action against them. 4 Compensating the SLRC workers who were attacked by the hooligans. 5 Stopping all repressive measures against the trade unions based on this incident.

Major General Sarath Munasinghe dies

Former Deputy Speaker and Parliamentarian Major General Sarath Munasinghe has passed away at a private hospital in Colombo this morning. He had also functioned as an Army Media Spokesman. He was 59 years old at the time of his death.Major General Munasinghe enlisted into the Sri Lanka Army as a cadet on 15th February 1970 and was commissioned as an Officer in the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Artillery and rose to the rank of Major General on 23rd February 1998.
During career of twenty nine years in the Army, he held many appointments. He was the Commanding Officer of 6th Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, Commander 15 Brigade Group, Mannar, Commander 12 Brigade Group, Colombo, Coordinating Officer Welioya, Coordinating Chief Batticalao, Ampara, Polonnaruwa Districts, General Officer Commanding 51 Division and 54 Division in 1998 .
Major General Munasinghe was also the Army Director Psy Ops and Director Media Operations Head Quarters , Ministry of Defense and Director Media Army Headquarters whilst being the Army spokesman .
Major General Munasinghe was educated at Maliyadeva College , Kurunegala . He leaves behind his wife and two sons. The funeral will take place in Kurunegala with full Military Honors .
Mr. Munasinghe, who entered the Parliament in the year 2000 as a member of the Peoples’ Alliance, representing the Kurunegala District, has been ailing for some time.

Nominations for Eastern Provincial Council elections will accept at the District Secretariats

The Batticaloa Assistant Election Commissioner S. Sudakaran says nominations for Eastern Provincial Council elections will be accepted at the District Secretariats in Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee, from the 27th of this month to 3rd of next month.
The independent groups should file their deposits from the 27th of this month to the 3rd of next month at the respective District Secretariats.
35 Representatives are to be elected to the Council.
The upcoming election will be the first occasion to hold a separate election for the Eastern Province since the holding of a joint poll for the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

SARATH MUNASINGHA PASSED AWAY

Former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament , Former Military Spokesman and Major General Sarath Munasingha passed away at a private hospital a short while ago.

Journalists' house ransacked by gang

The house of journalists Sashi Kumar of Sirasa and his wife Sunetra Athugalpura of Lakbima had been ransacked yesterday afternoon in their absence by some unidentified men.
Police said that a gang had broken into the house in Gonawela, Kelaniya after removing roof tiles and had searched the entire house.
A special police team has been sent to investigate the incident.

Journalists Fight a Separate War

By IPS Correspondents
COLOMBO, Mar 17 (IPS) - While Sri Lanka’s armed forces battle Tamil Tiger rebels in the north, sections of the country’s media are embroiled in a war of a different kind -- a fight to pursue their mission as journalists.
Three unrelated events involving men and women working for television, print and an on-line publication have brought this dire situation into sharp focus. In all cases, spread over the past two weeks, media practioners have been under fire, triggering outrage from local and international media rights groups.
The attacks that have attracted the widest attention here are those on media workers attached to Rupavahini, the government-owned TV channel that has the widest coverage in the South Asian island-nation. On Mar.14 morning, Anurasiri Hettige, an employee of the state television corporation, was attacked with an iron club as he waited for a bus in a Colombo suburb.
He was the fifth employee of the channel to be attacked or threatened in the last three months. Media rights groups say that the attacks are linked to an incident on Dec. 27 last year, when government minister Mervyn Silva stormed into Rupavahini and abused senior staff over a news programme. Silva was assaulted and daubed in paint by angry Rupavahini employees as he was escorted out under military protection.
‘’All these incidents are linked to the what happened on December 27,’’ Poddala Jayantha, secretary of the working journalists association, told IPS. ‘’The attacks on Rupavahini employees continue because authorities have been slow to go after those responsible… instead Rupavahini workers are being questioned on the December 27 incident.’’
Jayantha, too, was threatened by unidentified men, who had come to his house in the middle night soon after the Rupavahini incident. He was present in the Rupavahini compound when Silva was escorted out and spoke out against the government minister for trying to intimidate media.
‘’Sri Lanka's government must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in the conduct of their work, starting with public reprimands for government members who verbally and physically attack the media, and give directives to local authorities to investigate and act on attacks against journalists across the island, including the attacks on Rupavahini staff,’’ Jacqueline Park, Asia Pacific director of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), said in a statement soon after the latest attack.
On the same day that Hettige was attacked, an unidentified gang stormed the home of journalist M. Parameshwari in Gampola, central Sri Lanka.
Parameshwari had spent three months in detention last year after being taken into custody by the Terrorism Investigation Department (TID), a state investigating branch that has wide powers to detain any citizen without charges.
She was held on charges of allegedly associating and helping the Tigers who have been waging a separatist campaign for over three decades to create a homeland for Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority community on the island’s north and east. But Parameshwari was released by a court order after the arresting authorities failed to prove their case.
‘’My family has been receiving threats from some people in the area who say that I am helping the Tigers,’’ says Parameshwari, who has lived in the capital Colombo since her release due to fear over her personal security.
An equally disturbing incident for the local media was the arrest of five media workers, both from the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil community, for their links with ‘Outreachsl.com’ a recently launched website focusing on current affairs related to the on-going ethnic conflict. Among those detained by the TID is Jayaprakash Tissanayagam, a columnist for the ‘Sunday Times,’ a respected independent English-language weekly, and the editor of ‘Outreachsl.com’.
Tissanayagam has been held by the TID since Mar. 7, along with four others who were involved with the website. No formal charges have been pressed and access to legal representation has been denied. Press reports in Colombo said that the five have been held for alleged links with the Tamil Tigers, including receiving funds from the Tigers or fronts operating on their behalf.
But local and international media groups have condemned the arrest and said that funds for the on-line project were received from legitimate sources. The Paris-based media rights watchdog Reporters without Borders (RwB) said that funding for the website had come from FLICT. Tissanayagam had received 12,000 Euros ( 18,800 US dollars) in November 2007 for the operation of the website, it added.
FLICT, which stands for Funding Local Initiatives in Conflict Transformation, is backed by the German development agency German Technical Cooperation, or GTZ. ‘’The anti-terrorist police are accusing the journalists of receiving money from the Tamil Tiger rebels, but after investigating, we can confirm that the funds in question came from a German foundation and from Tamil exiles,’’ RwB said. ‘’We condemn the fact the some of these journalists were badly beaten during their first few days in detention, and that this was clearly done to extract confessions from them.’’
In fact, the websites of two government institutions -- the ministry of constitutional affairs and national integration and the secretariat for coordinating the peace process -- have openly backed the many projects launched under the FLICT initiative.
According to RwB, V. Jasikaran, one of the five detained in the website case, had received money from members of the Tamil exile community in Germany, to help students in the east of the island.
The current attacks on media freedom in the country will only add to Sri Lanka’s worsening rights record. In 2006, for instance, the island had dropped to 141st in the annual media freedom rankings published by RwB, from an impressive 51st ranking in 2002, when there was a ceasefire in operation.
The government, however, sees the reality in different light. ‘’President Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday asserted that there was absolute media freedom in the country and the government is not bound to be answerable for isolated incidents as and when they occur,’’ said a front-page story in Saturday’s edition of the ‘Daily News,’ a state-run English-language paper.

Troops guard SLRC

Heavy security blanket is now covering the area of SLRC main office and the government announced a special holiday for SLRC people to meet the President Mahindha Rajapaksha.However the trade unions of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation has decided to call a strike today. According to the trade union sources, the decision has been taken as the President had failed to fulfill the five requests made by the SLRC employees with regard to the recent attacks on them.
Trade Unions highlight that the SLRC employees have been threatened ever since Minister Mervyn Silva and his supporters including few wanted criminals roamed the SLRC premises last December. Meanwhile, the trade union arm of SLFP, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya says that it would not join the strike action since the President has given a time today for a discussion with the SLRC employees.

Anura’s funeral on Wednesday

The body of the late MP Anura Bandaranaike will be brought to parliament at 11.am today. Later, the body is to be to his ancestral home in Horogolla for the last respect of the general public. The Funeral will take place on Wednesday.

Department of Emigration and Imigration revises charges of renewel of passports

The Department of Emigration and Imigration has revised charges of renewal of passports and visa fees.
Controller General of the Department P.B. Abeykoon says this was according to the implementation of budget proposal of 2008. Accordingly, a fee of 200 rupees is charged to renew a passport by one year.
500 rupees is charged for insertion of name of a child below the age of 16. The fee charge for insertion of employment NIC No, change of a name or other amendment is 500 rupees. A sum of 750 rupees is charged for sending details to Sri Lankan mission abroad for issue of visas. Charge for issue or extend visa to live in Sri Lanka for one year is 20,000 rupees.

Soldier saves life of Tamil mother in Jaffna

Staff Sergeant R.W. Dharmasena of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment recently volunteered to save a life of a pregnant mother by donating his blood to Point Pedro hospital, Jaffna. Responding to a SOS message published on the Tamil daily "Udyan" on 10th March , requesting to donate rare O negative blood , Sergeant Dharmasena attached to 51 division has volunteered to save the life of the mother and the unborn child.
Jaffna sources said that the family of the pregnant mother have expressed their heart felt gratitude to the soldier as no other donator had responded to their request. Reporter further said that this is an excellent example for the cordial relationship that exists between security forces and civilians in Jaffna peninsula. Despite the LTTE propaganda campaigns to show the world that there exists an ethnic rift in the country, increasing civilian support for the security forces shows nothing other than their want uproot terrorism from their homeland, he added.

Five terrorists killed in Muhamalai

Sporadic fighting has continued in the JAFFNA area on Sunday (16) in MUHAMALAI between the LTTE terrorists and the Army in which FIVE terrorists have been reported killed with no casualties to "own Troops". One terrorists was killed in the morning around 8.20, while another was killed at 11.45in the same area.
Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed by Troops while another terrorist was killed at 5.10 in the evening.

Korea Invited to Sri Lanka for Oil Development in Sri Lanka

 


When the Sri Lankan ambassador met his President last month in Colombo with a handful of Korean journalists, he discussed the situation of the oil reserve off Sri Lanka's west coast to the President.

Ambassador Asitha Perera talked about the ``energy diplomacy'' that was seriously taken up by the Korean government, and asked the President to have Korea share one of the six oil blocks that were open to foreign bids.

``It will be beneficial for both countries. That's why I am pushing very hard for Korea to at least have some kind of stake in it. The Sri Lankan government is calling for expressions of interest from interested oil firms, and I want Korean companies to show interest,'' Perera said in an interview with The Korea Times.

It was last year when a joint study by Australia and Norway found an oil reserve in the west coast of Sri Lanka. And the government divided the area into six blocks, two of which have already been given to India and China for exploration and development.

``There is some significant amount of oil,'' the ambassador said but declined to unveil the exact amount in detail.

As the expression of interest expected to be ready any day now, he hopes to meet with the energy-related minister, and wants the Korea National Oil Corporation to be involved.

His fondness for Korea has propelled him to do many other things on top of calling himself, ``Korea's ambassador.''

``I am very impressed by the hardworking Korean people. I think I have a lot to learn from Korea. I am even more interested about the level of patriotism, but I have one regret, which is that the positive aspect of Korea and Koreans are not known enough to the rest of the world and as much as I am Sri Lankan ambassador to Korea, I will endeavor to be a Korea's ambassador,'' Perera said of why he feels a special bond with Korea.

He was among the first groups to visit the families of the Korean missionaries who had been kidnapped by the Taliban last year; he also volunteered at the beaches of Taean, which was devastated by an oil spill.

One thing he does on a regular basis is to go out to ``pojangmacha (street vendors)" and talk to the locals.

When asked about the communication problems he has with language, he said, "At least one or two of them know English, and through them I manage to communicate.''

He finds those conversations very useful and a true reflection of what is going on in Korean society.

``It is a very useful place ― have a quick snack, sitting on a little stool. You can be anybody. You can also get a lot of interesting information from halmonie (old ladies),'' he said.

He also has something to say about the Korean's national fervor for English education.

Sri Lanka now feels the Korean English education wave thousand of kilometers away, as one private Korean travel agency announced it would take over a Sri Lankan hotel in pursuit of opening an English boarding school.

It was earlier this month when ``Chundo Travel'' announced that it took over Sea Spray Hotel on the outskirts of Colombo, the capital. It said it would open ``Honor Club Institute,'' an English institute that will help students prepare to enter colleges in the English-speaking country.

English is a common language in Sri Lanka since it was under the control of the United Kingdom for nearly 130 years until it declared independence in 1948.

In line with Korea's campaign for English education, the ambassador said he supports President Lee Myung-bak's initiative to put priorities on English education in public school.

Perera added an improved command of the language among the general public would make lives of foreigners including himself easier.

But at the same time, he stressed the importance of being ``Korean'' and making efforts to preserve one's identity. ``You must be open to new ideas, but there is an essence of being Korean.''

Citing ``Arirang," a traditional Korean song, he said, ``There are certain things that are inborn about being Korean, and these qualities should not be compromised.'' ``Although I speak English, I am a Sri Lankan,'' he said, stressing the importance of identity.

Anura no more

 
Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Leading Parliamentarian Anura Solomon Dias Bandaranaike passed away a shortwhile ago after a prolonged illeness.His body is still laying at his Colombo's residence [Visumpaya ].Meanwhile President Mahindha Rajapaksha has instructed his officials to make arrangements for late Parliamentarian's final rites.He was former Parliament Speaker and the younger brother of Sri Lanka's former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.He died of heart attack on Sunday.


Anura Priyadarshi Solomon Dias Bandaranaike (born February 15, 1949) is a Sri Lankan politician, last served as the minister of national heritage in the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse. He has previously served as Speaker of the 11th Parliament, which lasted from 2000 to 2001, and as minister of several cabinet departments, including as minister of tourism from April 2004 to January 2007 and as Foreign Minister briefly in 2005. He is the son of former Prime Ministers Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike and the brother of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Sunethra Bandaranaike, philanthropist.

His family has a long history in the socio-political arena of the country. His grandfather, Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranike was the Maha Mudaliyar, (the chief native interpreter and advisor to the Governor) during British colonial rule. The Bandaranaikes are also closely related to the Obeyesekere family which remained faithful supporters of British Colonial rule. Because of these family connections, Bandaranaike as he is known among the voters of Gampaha district, is considered to be a relatively slow-moving politician who missed the chance of becoming the President of Sri Lanka on several occasions, as his sister Chandrika received the most support from their mother. He left his family's party in 1993 when his sister came back from London and did not join back until 2001.

Bandaranaike was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and attended Royal College, Colombo. He then proceeded to London, U.K. to read for a degree but returned to enter politics without having obtained a degree. His father Solomon, while serving as prime minister, was assassinated when Bandaranaike was 10 years old. Bandaranaike was elected to Parliament in 1977 and has been a member since then. He was the leader of the opposition from 1983 to 1988, the minister of higher education from 1993 to 1994, and the speaker of Parliament from 2000 to 2001 when the party that his sister leads lost elections. He was in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party founded by his father for much of his political life, although he was an MP for the rival United National Party headed by his childhood friend when it was in the opposition. When the SLFP led alliance won the elections in 2004, Bandaranaike became minister of tourism, industry and investment. Despite being in politics for over a quarter of a century, he has only been in a governing side for about 3 years.

Following the assassination of foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in August 2005, Bandaranaike was appointed as foreign minister, amidst increased tension throughout the country. He dropped his position as minister of industry and investment, but remained tourism minister. He was later chosen as the running mate of Mahinda Rajapakse for the presidential campaign after the party rejected Bandaranaike's own ambitions of becoming the candidate. Following Rajapakse's election victory it had been widely predicted that Bandaranaike would be appointed premier or foreign minister. However he was accused of playing a "negative role" in the campaign and was offered only the tourism ministry instead. In a cabinet reshuffle in January 2007, Anura also lost the tourism ministry. On 9th February 2007, he was sacked as the minister of national heritage, together with ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi after falling out with the president of Sri Lanka. Less than two weeks later, after grovelling before President Rajapakse, Bandaranaike agreed to come back into the government, again being sworn in as Minister of National Heritage. On the 14 December 2007 he crossed over to the opposition benches thus leaving his ministerial posts.

Anura B. passed away

Anura Bandaranayaka passed away a short while ago at Colombo residence.

A special security counter will be setup at Medawachchiya to serve doctors

A special security counter will operate from tomorrow to prevent delays experienced by government doctors passing the Madewachchiya security checkpoint to serve in areas such as Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vauniya. Secretary to the ministry of health Dr. Athula Kahadaliyanage says equipment and vehicles of doctors will be checked at the security counter speeding up the process.

Opposition parties plan to contest forthcoming East polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo The United National Party and a number of opposition political alliances said they wish to contest forthcoming provincial council election in the east but asked a fully civil administration in the province . Secretary General of the UNP Tissa Attanayaka said their party would meet in next week to discuss this matter in a broadway.The Muslim Congress said that they are still not decided to contest or not, but most of party supporters belive their party would contest the East polls.According to our sources the UNP will hold talks with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress on the possibility of contesting the up coming provincial council election in the east as an alliance, .
The President last week announced that elections for the Eastern Provincial Council will be held shortly.
A preliminary discussion on the possibility of the UNP contesting the eastern provincial election was held at the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's office on Thursday with UNP leaders.
The UNP Leader, sources said was however non-committal and had agreed to consult the party's Political Affairs Committee and Working Committee before reaching a final decision.

Policeman shot dead in Mannar

A policeman who was on duty in Mannar has been shot dead by LTTE pistol gang members around 7.25 this morning.

More civilians escape terror clutches in Mullaitivu

Defence sources in the Welioya area reveal that 17 civilians including 04 children have arrived at the army camp at Pulmoddai . The civilians have revealed that they had managed to escape from the LTTE stronghold in Mullaithvu where they had been living under the continued harassment by the terrorists.
According to the sources, the group of civilians comprised of 13 adults including 8 males and 5 females along with the 4 children have been given food and accommodation by the soldiers.

Another split in the UNP?

By Jayantha Sri Nissanka [Lakbimanews]
UNP Secretary General Tissa Attanayake - who recently flew to India after being excluded from a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa - in an interview with LAKBIMAnEWS fails to deny that a group within the party is trying to oust him. Excerpts:
Ln: Is another split brewing in the UNP?TA: There is no split in the party. We are discussing various issues openly. So such differences cannot be considered as splits. That is how we arrive at decisions. Though we argue on issues, everyone finally accepts the final decision.
Ln: We learn that there’s a group in the party that is striving to oust you. They are close friends of your leader. How do you deny it?TA: Those are manoeuvres that are common in any party. Such moves cannot be considered as splits. But my task is to work for the victory of the leader and the party in coming elections.
Ln: If there are no splits, why did your leader exclude you - the UNP general secretary - from his meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss implementation of the 13th Amendment? Didn’t he go with his friends?TA: Our leader got approval from the political committee for the invitation of the President. Then he went to see the President with party Chairman Rukman Senanayake and senior lawyer K.N.Choksy. Our leader might have decided that this was the best group to discuss the implementation of the 13 Amendment. My task is not to participate in such discussions. I have to work for the victory of the party. Many groups can work on different issues separately. It is not mandatory that I should be in all those groups.
Ln: Do you say that the UNP secretary general is irrelevant at such an important meeting?TA: The party leader has to decide that. If it is not a problem to me, why are others worrying about it? My duty is to ensure a victory in the upcoming elections.
Ln: Many splits in the party are a result of your leader making exclusive decisions with his Royal College friends. Why does the party still allow him to do so?TA: Such accusations cannot be levelled against our party now. That is why we created Political and Management Committees. All our decisions are taken after they are discussed at those Committees now.
Ln: According to the information I received from your party, you left for India without even participating at a workshop in Kalutara. You left a message for the leader without informing him in the usual fashion. Why?TA: I reject such allegations. I went to India on a private matter for two days with the permission of the leader. That is why I could not attend the workshop. But many rumours circulated about my absence.
Ln: The next parliamentary and presidential elections are crucial for your leader’s survival in the party since he has lost 14 elections including two presidential elections. If the UNP loses again, will you keep your leader?TA: We are strategically working to win future elections. We are sure we can send the Rajapaksa government home as they are unpopular in the country today.
Ln: Why did you undermine the Eastern Province election by staging a picketing?TA: We didn’t undermine it. There was no civil administration in the east for people to cast their votes independently. The election was held under military rule. The government handed the eastern province back to a breakaway faction of the LTTE although the east was rescued from the clutches of the LTTE.
Ln: Your party is no stranger to election violence. Late President R. Premadasa got elected in such a situation. Did you really boycott the election to avoid another election defeat?TA: We were not scared of any election defeat. If we had contested, of course, we could have easily won as we are strong in Batticaoloa. Actually, we avoided a bloodbath.Ln: Douglas Devananda gave up arms and embraced democracy. Why are you pessimistic about Pillayan who defected from the LTTE?TA: We appreciate Devananda for embracing democracy. But he has not totally given up arms. What we are saying is that Pillayan should not have been armed during elections. He threatened other candidates to stop contesting. He should have given up arms if he has embraced democracy.
Ln: How can Pillayan give up arms when the LTTE has tried 11 times to assassinate Douglas Devananda?TA: Pillayan’s security should be looked after by the government. He should not be given permission to hold weapons and frighten people.
Ln: Will you boycott the upcoming Provincial Council election in the east?TA: We request the government to bring normalcy to the Eastern Province and provide security to people. We are studying the security situation in the east because we cannot risk the lives of our candidates. We will take the final decision after assessing all the risk factors. If we contest, of course, we can record a clear win in Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa districts. We had a 90,000 vote lead at the last presidential election in Batticaloa. So, we can get a clear win if the government ensures a free and fair election.
LN: Will you disarm arms groups like Pillayan under a UNP government?TA: Yes, we will disarm the Pillayan group. Pillayan should realise that the government used Karuna to attack the LTTE. Thereafter, the government promoted Pillayan against Karuna and the LTTE. He should know that another person will be promoted against him. Therefore, we are ready to talk with armed groups including the LTTE about devolution of power. We should get these groups to lay down arms and enter democracy. The government promised the international community to disarm para military groups at the peace talks in Geneva in 2006.

GAG YOURSELF, IT’S AN ORDER

By Namini Wijedasa
The Presidential Secretariat has issued a fresh gag order to all public officials following a similar notice that was circulated by the Foreign Ministry among its missions.
The latest circular, signed by Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga was issued earlier this month to the secretaries of all Ministries and pertains to the release of official information to mass media or the public by public officers. Media learnt of its contents from confidential sources. “The attention of the Presidential Secretariat has been drawn to certain remarks made by public officers concerning sensitive aspects of government policy and references to the policy and key personalities of foreign governments ---which have been widely publicised and will adversely affect the country’s relations with friendly states as well as to articles that have been placed in the media without necessary approval,” it states. “All public officers are reminded that such conduct contravenes obligatory protocol and procedures which should be strictly observed at all times,” it stresses. “It is necessary in this regard to refer to the relevant section of Chapter XLVII of the Establishments Code relating to “books, articles, broadcast talks, etc” which require that any publication by a public officer should not embarrass the government.”“Accordingly no public officer is authorised to furnish articles, provide information or make statements to the media including the internet except in accordance with the official policy of the government vis a vis the contents of such material,” the circular insists. “Secretaries to Ministers are required to bring this to the notice of all public officers, especially to those whose duties includes the issuing of statement to the media and/or who contribute to the media under their own names.”

Five LTTE bodies handed over to ICRC

The Army troops handed over 05 LTTE bodies to the ICRC, for onward transfer to the LTTE. These tiger bodies were recovered by troops in recent operations during VAVUNIYA and WELIOYA.

Ten terrorists killed or injured in Welioya

Ten (10) LTTE terrorists were reported either killed or severely injured when Troops attacked a line of terrorist bunkers in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA . Three soldiers were also reported killed and seven injured in the confrontation.

Troops recovered arms & ammunition - Vavuniya

Troops on search operation, uncovered a claymore mine and 2 T 56 weapons from General area Mihilankulam in Vavuniya last evening .

Low-cost airline faces bankruptcy

Troubled low-cost airline Mihin Lanka, which was set up to provide cheap flights between Sri Lanka and the Middle East, faces bankruptcy just 11 months after initial flights began unless its financial performance improves. Fully owned by the Sri Lankan government, it has suffered mounting losses and has a reputation for poor service and delays. Set up to shuttle workers from Sri Lanka to their jobs around the Middle East region, destinations include Dubai.

Sri Lankan national in court over Heathrow security alert

LONDON (AFP) - A Sri Lankan national appeared in court in London Saturday charged with endangering aircraft after a major security alert at the city's main Heathrow airport.
Ketheeswaran Uthayakumar, who has no permanent address in Britain, was remanded in custody after a short hearing at Uxbridge Magistrate's Court in west London. He will appear at the same court on Thursday.
The 27-year-old was detained on Thursday afternoon by armed police on the north runway at Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, forcing the cancellation of a number of flights.
The security breach came a day before Queen Elizabeth II opened a new terminal at the airport.
It was the second incident there in three weeks. On February 25, four activists from the environmental group Greenpeace staged a protest on top of a parked jet against plans to build a third runway.

Media groups reject ‘national media policy’

AS Sri Lanka suffers the indignity of being classified amongst one of the 10 worst places for journalists, five media organisations have called for the implementation of their recommendations, and rejected government moves to introduce a ‘national media policy’ in favour of a self-generated, self-regulated and independent framework that encompasses journalists from all sides of the nation’s conflict.
The Media and Information Ministry published newspaper advertisements explaining details of the policy and called for public submissions while leading media organisations including the FMM and the Sri Lankan Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) have strongly criticised the proposed policy.
They said there was a need for members of the government, local authorities and the general public to respect journalists and an independent media culture, and to support the protection of media rights.
"The media is not a state-controlled body. It is a self-regulatory sector. If a government is trying to introduce policies for the media, it shows how primitive it is. What is necessary from the government is to establish a solid legal framework for a free media culture," said FMM Convener, Sunanda Deshapriya.
"For their part, journalists and media institutions should be bound by an independent code of practice that prescribes the ethical and professional conduct of all media practitioners. Journalistic codes of practice are best respected and implemented when they are created and agreed upon by journalists and media organisations, without government intervention," he added.
The five media organisations recommended the enactment of the proposed Right to Information Bill that has already received cabinet sanction, amendment of existing laws to transform state-owned electronic media into genuinely independent public service broadcasters, broadbase ownership of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd, revive the All Party Lakshman Kadirgamar Parliamentary Select Committee with a view to bring the Contempt of Court Act on par with similar laws in the United Kingdom and India, and to urgently amend the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act as per the Colombo Declaration.

Govt nears MiG-29 purchase

Sri Lanka is in advanced talks with Russia over the procurement of five MiG-29 fighter aircraft, the head of the country's state-owned procurement agency has said according to a report of the Jane's Information Group.
Jayantha Wickramasinghe, chief executive officer of Lanka Logistics and Technologies Limited (the company created by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence in 2007 to procure equipment for the armed forces), said that the acquisition of four MiG-29SMs and one MiG-29UB was "well under way".
"Negotiations about these aircraft are continuing," Wickramasinghe told Jane's on 13 March. "We are discussing all possibilities."
The procurement follows the emergence of the air division of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which used Zlin Z 143 light aircraft to bomb the airport and Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) base in Colombo in March 2007, the report said.

UNP considers contesting EPC

The UNP will hold talks with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress on the possibility of contesting the up coming provincial council election in the east as an alliance, The Sunday Leader learns.
The President last week announced that elections for the Eastern Provincial Council will be held shortly.
A preliminary discussion on the possibility of the UNP contesting the eastern provincial election was held at the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's office on Thursday with Chairman Rukman Senanayake, General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, National Organiser S.B. Dissanayake, Kegalle District MP Kabir Hashim and Eastern Province organisers Naushad Majeed and S. Shasheetharan in attendance.
Informed sources said the consensus at the meeting was that the UNP should contest the provincial council election notwithstanding the armed presence of the TMVP since the Pillayan faction was not dominant in the Ampara and Trincomalee Districts.
The UNP Leader, sources said was however non-committal and had agreed to consult the party's Political Affairs Committee and Working Committee before reaching a final decision.

Four frontal strategy to vanquish the LTTE demoralizing to the army

By Satheesan Kumaaran
The Sri Lankan government in its undue haste to win the support of the Sinhalese people and the coalition partners, has taken President Rajapaksa’s manipulations and maneuvers since coming to power in 2005 not very far despite all the fanfare and talk. If he continues to misguide and misdirect the armed forces in the manner he does he will go nowhere.
His armed forces have gained minor victories since he came to power, but past Eelam wars have proven that there is no winner or loser and there will be no winner or loser. Although the government forces have been working to be liberate eastern Sri Lanka, it is not an easy task for Sri Lanka to maintain peace because LTTE is a strong presence in the region.
The northern fronts opened last July began to collapse as the LTTE fighters fighting for a cause do so with determination and courage under the leadership of LTTE Supremo Velupillai Pirapaharan.
When Rajapaksa came to power in 2005, he appeared to gather some momentum with the armed forces and ordered the armed forces to capture eastern Sri Lanka within a year. As per his orders, the armed forces commenced military operations in July 2006. In July 2007, the armed forces “completed” their task. In the same month, the government celebrated the military victories with the declaration that the armed forces had liberated the east from the LTTE. Although the Sri Lankan government’s statement is somewhat true, the LTTE still has intelligence and fighters deployed throughout the region.
The LTTE’s presence can be clearly observed in the east with the guerrillas in the east targeting the Sri Lankan armed forces and the paramilitary. The LTTE used guerilla warfare tactics in its earlier military campaigns, but have since moved to conventional methods. Being essentially a guerilla movement, returning to guerilla warfare is not difficult for the LTTE. They resort to this style of conflict from time to time. Enemies who fail to recognize LTTE strategies lose. Politicians do not have military experience and the acumen particularly against the LTTE, and senior men of the armed forces fall victims to the politicians’ whims.
When Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office, he was wary of the higher military echelons supporting him and so appointed one of his brothers as the defense secretary and another as military advisor.
By taking control of the senior decision-making positions in the government and the military units, the President gave the command to the military to capture the areas controlled by the LTTE in the northern province. One of those areas, Vanni, is ten times larger in land than Jaffna peninsula located north of Vanni in the same province, which is controlled by the Sri Lankan armed forces. Vanni is located strategically in the centre connecting the Jaffna peninsula and the rest of the island.
This allows the LTTE to keep the armed forces in the Jaffna peninsula in check by land, air and sea. This distressed the Sri Lankan government because they feared that, should the LTTE begin military operations to capture the Jaffna peninsula or take control of the south or venture deeper into the west and east, the LTTE could easily overrun their enemies, as the LTTE did in 2000 to capture Elephant Pass and, subsequently, Vanni from the Sri Lankan armed forces. Also, Mahinda realized that if his armed forces captured Vanni before February 4, 2008, he could celebrate the victory of liberating the north from the LTTE on the 60th Independence Anniversary on February 4. This did not materialize.
One needs to recall the past military operations of the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE. Military experts argue that the LTTE leader withdrew strategically from Jaffna peninsula in 1995 to avoid heavy casualties to Tamil civilians and the LTTE fighters. The government at that time was led by Chandrika Kumaratunga who gave the ultimatum to the armed forces to take control of the region for political gains. She appointed her uncle, Anuruddha Ratwatte, as deputy defense minister because she wanted to keep the armed forces under her control.
It is worth noting that during an interview on Tamil radio last week, LTTE’s senior editor of official media organ, Viduthalaipuligal, Mr. Ravi, claimed that the Sri Lankan armed forces had been misguided by past experiences, especially the experience of capturing Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE with minimum casualties.
He warned that the Sri Lankan armed forces are in danger and will fall prey to the LTTE fighters deployed strategically at all four fronts. The four-fronts are namely -- Mannar in the west, Vavuniya in the south, Manalaru (Welioya) in the east and Muhamalai in the north. He further stated that LTTE leader Pirapaharan was guiding all the deployed units of the LTTE to meet all the battalions of the Sri Lankan armed forces. The Sri Lankan armed forces have also added new brigades to launch surprise attacks against the LTTE fighters. However, on the ground things are happening otherwise.
The Sri Lankan commanders of the armed forces visit the fronts frequently to observe the conditions and the ground situation. Senior officials have even viewed videos filmed by the commanders in charge of the battalions deployed in the fronts. They realized that the fighting against the LTTE in the northern fronts was not as easy as they had speculated. The LTTE leader has handpicked senior LTTE commanders and, under their leadership, thousands of LTTE fighters have been deployed on all four fronts. The LTTE leader himself monitors the situation from all fronts issuing orders to the commanders. The massive retaliatory operations by the LTTE are ferocious and seen as a great challenge to overcome if the armed forces are to move forward. Sri Lankan military spokesman and army commander, Sarath Fonseka’s, recent statements clearly indicate that the Sri Lankan armed forces are facing great military setbacks in the northern fronts.
Mannar operations started in July 2007 and the army announced that they captured some small villages from the LTTE in the region. But, the LTTE, after days of losing the villages, announced that they recaptured many of those small villages from the armed forces by causing them heavy damages. The LTTE showcased the weapons and ammunition captured from the Sri Lankan armed forces in the battles in the region to the general public in Vanni. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan armed forces have been battling hard to control Mannar because they wanted to cut off LTTE’s sea activities.
International media organizations such as the BBC, AFP, Reuters and PTI publish the “official” casualty numbers as provided by the Sri Lankan government. But, these reports exaggerate the casualties of LTTE while maintaining that Sri Lankan forces casualties are minor in comparison. For example, the Sri Lankan defense ministry put the number of LTTE deaths since the beginning of 2008 at least at 1,816 while only 105 Sri Lankan soldiers were said to be killed.
Viduthalaipuligal’s editor, Ravi, said that Sri Lankan armed forces are trying to create dissention between the LTTE and the Tamils. By releasing high casualty rates for the LTTE fighters, the Tamils would lose confidence in the LTTE and could even become antagonistic. But, he also said that the LTTE leader has instructed all his commanders to release the death details immediately to their families. He said, “We are releasing information on our deaths of our martyrs on a daily basis as we receive them. We do not need to hide the truth because LTTE cadres joined the LTTE to liberate their homeland and they are not working for any benefit, but in comparison, Sri Lankan armed forces join the armed forces to make a living.”
On the other hand, the Sri Lankan air force commander and other military leaders have given interviews and released press statements to the media that the LTTE leader was injured in the aerial attack of Sri Lankan air force. This is nothing but an attempt to create moral weakness among the LTTE cadres and the Tamils. The Sri Lankan sides give many reasons to justify their claims that the LTTE leader is suffering from various ailments and undergoing medical treatment by specialists from India and Britain. But, the fact is that the LTTE leader is in the battleground guiding his fighters in the war forced upon them by the Sri Lankan government for political reasons. The LTTE say that they are always prepared for peace talks in order to find a meaningful solution to the end the ethnic conflict, but they also say that they are all out for war if the government is driving them into war.
Political circles in Colombo reveal that the Sri Lankan military is under pressure from President Rajapaksa to achieve a “quick fix” instant victory. Mahinda’s government, an unstable coalition of 13 parties, has encountered increasing popular discontent over the economic impact of the war, which is helping to fuel inflation and undermine living standards. Rajapaksa needs success stories to boost his appeal to please the extremist elements in the island and to dispel fears in ruling circles of an inconclusive and protracted war that will inevitably further fuel an economic and political crisis.
Speaking at a rally in Ratnapura on March 1, 2008, organised by his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Rajapaksa said his government would continue the military action in the same vein until the last terrorist is destroyed. He said further, “My government is steering the country in the direction of building a free sovereign state and development, which was confined to Colombo, has been expanded to the village level. I would never move away from Mahinda Chinthanaya and will even risk my life to safeguard it.” He also said he would never kneel down before the foreign countries with a begging bowl. He further said his armed forces would take the areas controlled by the LTTE completely and eventually destroy them.
On the other hand, the Sri Lankan army commander, Sarath Fonseka, has been playing different notes from time to time. Earlier this year, after visiting the front lines, he said his soldiers would capture the areas within months. Later, after paying a visit in February to the fronts, he said his forces would wipe out the LTTE completely and capture the remaining areas controlled by the LTTE by end of his tenure at the end of 2008. He also said one should not undermine the power of the LTTE because they have war experience as they fought with Sri Lankan and Indian armed forces in the 30-year military struggle. It is in this context that the Sri Lankan army commander’s weeklong visit to India this month is considered important. The Sri Lankan defense ministry hailed the meeting between the heads of Indian and Sri Lankan armies on March 5, 2008, as of greater importance in the Sri Lanka’s military history because they had the opportunity to study the gains and losses in the ongoing military operation with the LTTE. After meeting Indian army head, Deepak Kapoor, the visiting head of Sri Lankan army said that the political relations between the two countries were on right track and it was time for the armed forces to strengthen ties.
The political parties in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu protested against New Delhi, including the Dravida Kazhagam (DK) for inviting and escorting the Sri Lankan army commander to Indian army bases in Kashmir. The DK said it was as if New Delhi gave the red carpet welcome to the butcher of Tamils, and that the central government will pay a high price if they do not stop all cooperation with Sri Lanka. The DK also posed a question, “How could the central government provide electricity to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu when Sri Lanka is unleashing violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka?”
In any event, the Sri Lankan military is under pressure from the Sri Lankan government to succeed in its fight against the LTTE. However, the impact will endanger the life of every single man fighting on the ground. The recent military operations carried out by the Sri Lankan armed forces to take control of the LTTE-controlled areas show that the Sri Lankan armed forces cannot win the war with the LTTE. However, they will keep going to please the politicians in Colombo. Although the Sri Lankan armed forces usually give military code for their operations, they have not given any name for the operations taking place on the four fronts, apparently because they know that they cannot win the war in the region.
The fighting taking place in the northern fronts will turn into another man-made disaster causing heavy damages and casualties. Politicians continue to lie to the world by not releasing the actual death tolls on its side for their own survival. It is time to end the conflict through peaceful means because the Tamils have grievances, and indeed international governments are urging Sri Lanka to address the Tamils’ grievances through peaceful means. Peace is the only way out of this deep-rooted conflict. The government must come forward and extend goodwill to the LTTE by keeping the extremists on both sides in check and thereby saving the island from the man-made catastrophe the country is doomed to see in the future if peace fails.
(The author can be reached at e-mail: satheessan_kumaaran@yahoo.com)

LTTE training base destroyed in air raid - Mullaittiuvu

A LTTE training base was destroyed this morning (March 15) in an air raid carried out by SLAF fighter jets, North East of at Vishwamadukulama in Iranamadu, Mullaittiuvu.
According to SLAF sources the enemy target had been under constant surveillance and latest air reconnaissance information has revealed intensified terrorist activity in the area.
The LTTE training facility was left in rubbles as pilots returned following the precision air sortie at around 6.10.a.m.
The LTTE is yet to reveal casualty figures.

Malteser International: Simple solutions for complex problems - Water, soap and toilettes can save the lives of millions of children

Cologne/Bonn. Yesterday night, Malteser International presented its new movie about its projects for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Sri Lanka to the public. With striking images, director Martin Hilbert from Aquino Film showed that there is no need for a developed and expensive technology in order to provide clean drinking water and a working waste water system. Amazingly easy solutions - rainwater harvesting tanks, bio-sandfilters, solar water disinfection (SODIS) or water disinfection through cooking - can protect thousands of people from dangerous diseases.
During the following panel discussion, Dr. Peter Schmitz, Chief Medical Officer of Malteser International, regretted that diseases caused by bad hygiene attract almost no public interest. "Nobody likes to talk about diarrhoea, even though each day more children die of dysentery than of Malaria and AIDS. We need to discuss the problem of diarrhoea and its causes openly! Only this way we can get the responsible persons to engage for an improvement of the conditions."
Professor Dr. Martin Exner, Director of the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health of the University of Bonn underlined that simple methods in this area can have big success. "It is important to transmit simple methods to the people, like washing their hands, and to motivate them to make use of their new knowledge. This starts in kindergarten and at school."
Dr. Manfred Konukiewitz from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Develop-ment of Germany emphasized that the German politics has recognised the problem: "That is why we just support those water-projects that also incorporate basic sanitation and hygiene."
Attention editorial staff: Malteser International is happy to provide you with its new movie about the projects for water, sanitation and hygiene in Sri Lanka. Please contact: +49 221 9822-213 or info@malteser-international.org

STF recovers war materials

STF officers conducted a search operation in KUDUMBIKULAM area, AMPARA, yesterday (13) around 1.00 a.m. and recovered Claymore Mine 01 81mm Mortar Bombs ,Anti Personnel Mines ,Cyanide Capsule,LTTE Uniforms,and a Wire Roll .
Meanwhile STF officers launched an attack to a LTTE terrorists group in ROTTAKULAM area AMPARA, yesterday (13) around 12.00 p.m. and conducted a search operation.
They recovered some war materials and a body of a LTTE crade.

LTTE operative killed in STF attack - Potuvil

An LTTE operative was killed and items recovered by Special Task Force (STF) personnel in general area Rottekulama, when troops confronted an LTTE movement along the Siyabalanduwa - Potuvil road, SLA reported.
According to STF sources, troops have engaged the LTTE ground movement with small arms fire at midnight on Thursday.
During subsequent search operations conducted, troops also recovered a slain LTTE body, a night vision, 2 radio communication sets, a pistol and few dry ration packets the sources said.

5 LTTE bunkers destroyed, 3 killed in Mannar front

Limited offensives continued today (14) amidst torrential rains as SLA inched forward ahead of LTTE defences destroying 5 LTTE bunkers and killing 3 in pitched fighting erupted along the Mannar front, security sources said.
According to reports received, clashes broke-out between troops and LTTE in general area Thirukeshwaran at around 6.50.a.m. 4 LTTE bunkers were destroyed and 3 terrorists killed, while 2 soldiers received injuries, military sources reported.
Meantime, in general area North of Adampan 2 other soldiers were reported wounded following a fierce exchange of mortar and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) attacks with LTTE ahead of enemy FDLs, at 9.20.a.m.
Troops also reported that a LTTE bunker was destroyed in general area Adampan today at 10.40 a.m.

Two blood banks in sampathnuwara and kebitthigollawa

Two blood banks have been set up at the Sampathnuwara and Kebithigollewa hospitals. The National Blood Centre has taken the measure to meet emergency requirements of blood for security personnel engaged in military operations.
The centre will also provide storage facilities for hospitals which have no blood banks. Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva revealed this information attending a review committee meeting at the national blood centre today.
The centre has the monopoly of supplying blood to private and government hospitals. This has been largely contributed to contain the spread of epidemic diseases such as HIV/Aids and Hepatitis B. Minister De Silva said the centre conducts complete checks up on blood samples received from donators by using modern technology.

Special programme for clear roads in the Central province

The Road Development Authority has implemented a special programme in the Central province to clear roads if they are blocked by land slides due to prevailing adverse weather conditions. Provincial engineer of Badulla D.M. Dayarathne speaking to media and said a round the clock service is now in place in this condition.
The public could inform the authority on such incidents . The met department forecasts the prevailing rainy weather will continue in the next few days.
Meteorologist Nandalal Peiris says the highest rain fall of 106 point 6 millimetres was reported from Kurunegala. The Badulla and Bandarawela areas also experienced heavy downpours today.

Conclude development projects in Polonnaruwa says MR

President Mahinda Rajapakse instructs officials to immediately conclude development projects initiated in the Polonnaruwa district.
The president gave the instructions during a meeting held at Temple Trees to evaluate the progress of development programmes in the district. Special attention was paid on improving sectors such as irrigation, husbandry, fisheries, education, health, water supply and electricity in the area. Importance to protect historical heritage was also highlighted during the meeting. The Gamaneguma rural development programme is successfully in progress in 295 Grama Niladhari divisions in the Polonnaruwa district.
The Gemidiriya programme is also underway in 26 villages. The president pointed out that the high rate of Samurdhi recipients reported in the district is an indication of slow agricultural development in the area. 35 percent of the people in the district have been provided with electricity. A speedy programme will be implemented to provide connections to rest of the houses in the area.

Demonstration of "double standards": Russia refutes U.S HR allegations

"Russia is open for a human rights dialogue with interested states, both in a bilateral format and in international organizations. In particular, we presume that the procedure for a universal periodic review of the human rights performance of all countries of the world, created by the U.N. Human Rights Council, will make it possible without bias or prejudice on a regular basis to discus all existing problems with a view to their joint settlement", stated the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release issued commenting on the U.S. State Department's annual report on March.
"The report is yet another demonstration of the "double standards" in U.S. human rights policy. It clearly exhibits a division of HR rights for external and domestic consumption", the report further stated.

LTTE operative killed in STF attack - Potuvil

An LTTE operative was killed yesterday (March 13) and items recover by Special Task Force (STF) personnel in general area Rottekulama, when troops confronted an LTTE movement along the Siyabalanduwa - Potuvil road, SLA reported.
According to STF sources, troops have engaged the LTTE ground movement with small arms fire at midnight on Thursday.
During subsequent search operations conducted, troops also recovered a slain LTTE body, a night vision, 2 radio communication sets, a pistol and few dry ration packets the sources said.

11 terrorists killed and explosives recovered from Mannar area

MANNAR: A total of eleven (11) LTTE terrorists were killed in confrontations with Troops on Thursday (13) in the MANNAR sector.
Six of them were killed in the VANNANKULAM area in the evening around 5.30, three (03) in the NADUNKANDAL area around 5.45 in the evening, and one each in KARUKKULAM and ILLANIVAN areas of MANNAR at 2.45 in the afternoon and 10.40 in the morning.
A soldier was also reported injured in another confrontation in the PERIYAKULAM area, MANNAR on Thursday (13) at 11.00 in the morning.
Troops recovered Claymore mines and Anti -personnel minesfrom the VENNAKKUKAM area, MANNAR in the evening around 4.00. Meanwhile, a soldier was reported injured in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA during operations on Thursday (13) in the evening around 4.45.
LTTE terrorist killed in Nagarkovil \One LTTE terrorist was reported killed when Troops launched an attack in the NAGARKOVIL area, JAFFNA in the evening on Thursday (13) around 3.50.

New mobile telephone service provider plans to launch its services from September

Bharti Airtel Lanka, a subsidiary of India's Bharti Airtel, said it had pushed back the launch of its mobile service in Sri Lanka to September this year from an original target of March.

The firm day before yesterday signed a deal with the investment promotion agency, Board of Investment, to spend half its planned 200 Million Dollar investment in the island to set up a network of transmission towers.

Investment promotion minister Sarath Amunugama said Bharti had faced difficulties in getting approvals for its towers from local authorities and sharing towers with other operators.

Navy recovers weapons in Trinco

The Media Centre for National Security says the navy in a search operation conducted in Thoronkadu in Trincomalee yesterday morning has recovered a T-56 weapon, 665 T-56 bullets, ten hand bombs and 24 detonators. In another operation, conducted in Minikkan in Mannar around 4’o clock last afternoon four claymore bombs and 121 anti-personal mines were found.

It has also been reported that 25 LTTEW carders were killed in clashes in Vavuniya, Mannar and Jaffna yesterday. Five security forces personnel were injured.

EC plans to accept nominations for the EPC

Assistant Election Commissioner Batticaloa S. Sudakaran says acceptance of nominations for the eastern provincial council election will take place from the 27th of this month till 12 noon on the 3rd of next month.

The eastern province comprises of districts, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara. 11 members will be elected from the Batticaloa district. Ten members from the Trincomalee district and 14 members from the Ampara district will also be elected to the eastern provincial councils.


The assistant commissioner further says the date of holding the election will be announced by the election commissioner after receiving nominations.


This will be the first provincial council election to be held after the separation of the eastern province from the northern province.

Observers point out that the government has unleashed a massive development programme in the eastern province following liberation of the area from LTTE terrorists.

Sri Lankan Government Urged to Act on SLRC Attacks

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands that the Government of Sri Lanka order the police to take immediate action against perpetrators of a series of attacks against staff of the state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), as the Free Media Movement (FMM) reported yet another violent attack on an SLRC journalist.

The FMM, an IFJ affiliate, said Anurasiri Hettige was beaten with an iron rod by an unidentified gang on March 14.

It was the fifth physical assault or attempted attack on an SLRC employee since Labour Minister Mervyn Silva assaulted SLRC news director TMG Chandrasekara in a melee at the broadcaster’s office on December 27.

“The attack on Anurasiri Hettige is a clear indication that all SLRC journalists and staff who protested against the intrusion into the station by Minister Silva on December 27 are facing a real threat,” the FMM said in a statement.

“The Government’s silence on this series of attacks and its failure to act to end the violence and threats allegedly linked to a member of the government must end now,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
Journalists and staff of SLRC have been targeted with threats and intimidation in an apparent link with media coverage of the Minister’s actions at the SLRC office on December 27.

• January 25: Lal Hemantha Mawalage attacked by two armed men, suffered severe cuts to his arm; also received death threats on his phone on March 4.

• January 29: Attempted attack on Duleep Dushantha by two armed men at his home; Dushantha’s mother threatened with death for informing of the incident.

• February 27: Priyal Ranjith Perera, Assistant Director of News Camera, attacked by unidentified armed gang at his home.

• March 5: Ranjani Aluthge, SLRC librarian, stabbed with razor knife on public bus.

As many as 10 journalists, media workers and journalists’ leaders from other television stations and media also have been reportedly targeted for their involvement in covering the December 27 incident and the subsequent media staff protests against Minister Silva.

Poddala Jayantha, a senior journalist with Silumina and the secretary of the Sri Lankan Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA), an IFJ affiliate, endured an attempted abduction by armed assailants at his home on January 7.

Death threats were made to leading personnel at the MBC TV and Radio network: MTV head Chevaan Daniel, Sirasa director Kingsley Ratnayaka and Sirasa news director Susil Kedelpitya. Kedelpitya reports that his house and whereabouts are being watched by suspicious people.

Threats also have been delivered to media activists including SLWJA president Sanath Balasooriya and Dharmasiri Lankapeli, the general secretary of the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, also an IFJ affiliate.

STF security at SLRC and the staff stops live programmes

The Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed to Rupavahini to provide security as some staff members boycotted work in protest over the continuing assault on employees of the state television.
Meanwhile employees of the Rupavahini Corporation have stopped all live programmes with immediate effect till President Mahinda Rajapaksa intervenes and gives an assurance that spree of violence against Rupavhini employees would be brought to an end.

How accurate is the Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka?

by Shenali Waduge
The Human Rights Watch report has as promised generated vast appeal. Its report titled “Recurring Nightmare – State responsibility for “disappearances” & abductions in Sri Lanka brought with it several other avalanches as well. It was only to be expected.
Having gone through the 498 cases of “abductions / missing” highlighted, there were a few questions that came to mind – would a 5 year old & an 8 year old be involved in terrorist activity to be “abducted” by the Sri Lankan Army & taken for questioning? Most unlikely, but then didn’t the UN file many reports exposing the LTTE of recruiting child soldiers – but reports apart, very little has been done to curb the LTTE’s child recruitment? Then there were also 20 other such cases of names & it was most surprising that their families didn’t know how old they were (report says “age unknown”). Does this not raise more than a few eyebrows & question the credibility of the said document which should have no faults whatsoever if it is seeking to accuse a State Government & its army of targeted abductions & disappearances?
They say that if one tells anything well it will always sell. You can then imagine the audience listening to the chorus of not only the Human Rights Watch but extended to the ongoing sessions in Geneva on Human Rights & the news of the withdrawal of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) from Sri Lanka & what are they all saying – there’s a dire need for a UN Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka. The picture they are painting is as if anarchy prevails in Sri Lanka necessitating the presence of a UN force to monitor & record the violations. Perhaps they have forgotten that Sri Lanka already had a very ineffective monitoring mission in the form of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission following the 2002 Cease Fire Agreement & what of their success on ground in Sri Lanka – they were able to record over 3000 violations (in reality it was double the recorded number) & did the SLMM’s presence in Sri Lanka save lives….well was it not during this time period that the LTTE assassinated Sri Lanka’s most prolific Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadiragamar. Then if our memories have not failed us further we should also recall the presence of the Indian Peace Keeping Troops – their success – hardly much to record except that they left more dejected than they arrived with over a thousand dead Indian soldiers & even loosing State territory to the LTTE that was held by the Sri Lankan forces prior to their arrival.
However, there is a UN human rights office presently functioning in Sri Lanka with a handful of staff but not sufficient to do any field investigations. So with over 200 cases of disappearances being reported in the North of Sri Lanka does the UN Monitoring Mission aspire to set up shop to the North of Sri Lanka? The President of Sri Lanka has also set up a Presidential Commission of Inquiry led by retired judge Mahanama Thilakaratne who ascertains that most of the supposedly “disappeared” people have returned & also made us wonder why these “disappeared” people should immediately appear at foreign consulates applying for refugee status citing their “fear” of staying in Sri Lanka. This would certainly add to the Diaspora presently funding the LTTE.
A common mistake made by the international community & UN heads is to deem their version & decisions as the gospel truth which has led them to elevate themselves above others despite the diplomatic statements calling for respect & tolerance of the opinions of Member States. It is in this backdrop that they should also try to accept & understand why Member States may doubt their decisions & actions. Ms. Louse Arbor’s fallacious report on the genocide in Kosovo by the Serbs resulted in the presence of NATO troops without Security Council approval & which subsequently led to Kosovo declaring itself an independent nation much to the bewilderment of most UN member states.
Returning to the scenario of the accusation at hand…. It does make one wonder whether those reporting the disappearances have an edge for fanaticism…. The white van,…. The ransoms …. The covered heads…. In deed it makes scope for a sci-fi thriller & depicting the single culprit the Sri Lanka Army, only too aware of the other party to the conflict indulging in more atrocities that pages will not suffice to fill its report. Over the years the UN, the international community have been repeatedly told, informed with evidence & documentation the atrocities of the LTTE conducted in Sri Lanka & abroad scaling from murder, assassinations, smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, human trafficking, abducting children & making them child soldiers, contract killings & of late the LTTE associations with other terrorist networks globally.
With all the reports in place what has the international community done about any of the accusations except some countries having banned the entity yet allowing it to carry out protests, fund raising & even international offices? - Nothing,
It is true that it is easier to target a democratically elected Government but there really should be no double standards & that is what is very much visible & that is why there are many amongst the public who are presently questioning the motives & actions of the UN, its allies & the international community. Transparency, accountability are all fine words if it merits the same adherence by those that try to inject it upon Governments of Member States. It is common knowledge that the UN itself is embroiled in plenty of controversies involved in irregularities & some of which even the former Director General of the UN has himself being involved in.

With the multitude of INGOs, NGOs presently located across the globe functioning in various forms collecting funds from public globally it makes one wonder whether poverty, discrimination, shelter etc should exist in this world at all? But why is it that there are a rising number of people that find the presence of the INGOs, NGOs & other such entities unpalatable to say the least? Should not the calls for investigation of UN officers & like be seriously looked into as a compromise factor before “forcing” member states to comply to any other agendas?

It goes without saying that while a Government has to spend a bulk of its budget on supplying arms to its army & taking care of other logistical needs it would be desirable for the international community to first identify & conclude that Sri Lanka is faced with a terrorist problem. It would then help to answer a most pertinent question as to how the LTTE is acquiring & brining in arms to Sri Lanka to engage a State army for over 20 years, are the LTTE cadres paid & what about their human rights? It would then beckon to also implore why there is any delay to counter action when there is enough clear evidence that the LTTE has been engaged in child recruitment over the years of its existence & why the UN has still not done anything about it? These are some of the more constructive methods that should be employed before the calls for a UN monitoring mission that would possibly end up doing nothing more than what the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission did.The lack of clear sighted action to treat terrorists as terrorists has created the present scenario in Sri Lanka leaving a country & its people suffering because of the egocentric whims of a handful of men & women carrying arms & carryout suicide attacks over the years – people who care less about others including themselves.

Lanka official seeks clemency for Rizana

RIYADH
Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila has arrived in Saudi Arabia to lobby on behalf of a maid sentenced to beheading for the death of an infant in her care, Arab News reports.Bhaila called on the family to pardon Nafeek Rizana and said “she hails from impoverished circumstances. Her father is a woodcutter who lives hand-to-mouth and has to support his wife and two other children with his meagre income. She came here in search of a job and got caught up in the case.”Rizana, 20, was sentenced to beheading for the death of a four-month-old boy on May 22, 2005, in Dawadami, about 390 kms west of Riyadh. Last week the case was moved to the Cassation Court in Riyadh. The boy’s father, Naif Jiziyan Khalaf Al Otaibi, 32, who works for the Finance Ministry, and his wife accused Nafeek of murdering their child.Rizana claims that the baby accidentally choked to death during a bottle-feeding session, and she confessed under duress without the help of translators. Her side of the story came to light after the Sri Lankan embassy provided translators and interviewed her in prison.On June 16, 2007, a three-member panel of judges in the Dawadami High Court sentenced Rizana to beheading. Her legal representative, supported through funds from the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission and donations from Sri Lankans, appealed the verdict. Rizana says she was 17 when she arrived in the kingdom on May 4, 2005, on a passport that was falsified by her recruiter to alter her year of birth to 1982. Her birth certificate states she was born in 1988.

Sri Lankan ambassador dismisses IJC allegation as "blatant falsehood"

At the on-going 7th session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka, exercising his right of reply during the interactive debate on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Torture Mr. Manfred Nowak on Tuesday 11th March 2008, said that the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has engaged in a blatant falsehood in claiming that Sri Lanka has refused to let the Working Group visit Sri Lanka. He said that "Sri Lanka has no intention of shutting itself off" and has engaged and cooperated extensively with various UN mechanisms.
He also said that it was curious that Switzerland permits the commemoration of the "Black Tiger Day", which is the day dedicated to the commemoration of Tiger suicide bombers, while calling for universal jurisdiction to be applied to one ex-Tiger terrorist already facing British justice.
Responding to the League for Rights and Liberation of Peoples, he said there was no mention in this entire disquisition on torture of the underground prisons run by the Tamil Tigers who admitted to draining the blood of army captives until they died.

Mega Co-op fraud jolts govt

by Shamindra Ferdinando
A sizeable stock of 20,000 metric tons of rice recently imported from India, to be sold through the countrywide network of Co-operatives, had been sold to Pettah wholesale market, authoritative sources said.
The sources said India had facilitated the speedy transportation of the stock of rice following Sri Lanka’s urgent appeal. Regrettably, the bulk of the stock had ended up at the Pettah wholesale market with racketeering traders and senior officials of Co-operative societies making a fast buck at the expense of consumers struggling to make ends meet, sources said.
Fielding questions, a senior government official revealed the Indian rice had been imported through the Co-operative Federation and Marketing Federation. Although documents maintained at the two national level cooperative organisations indicated that stocks of rice had been issued to various cooperatives, in fact influential Pettah dealers had taken delivery of the stocks. According to him, vehicles belonging to various co-operatives had been used to transport these stocks.
Despite President Mahinda Rajapakse personally directing relevant authorities to ensure the distribution of Indian rice through co-operatives, action hadn’t been taken to prevent, what a senior official called, a large scale racket.
Sources revealed a kilo of rice bought by co-operatives at Rs 52.50 had been sold to Pettah wholesale dealers at Rs 55 and in some instances at Rs 56. Although co-operatives had not suffered a financial loss due these transactions, the government’s move to stabilise the rice market by the swift distribution of the Indian stock hadn’t materialised.
Although many Co-operatives had sold their stocks in Pettah, only the Negombo Multi Purpose Co-operative Society had been caught, the sources said. A senior Co-operative official had been sent on leave without pay for selling 200,000 kgs of rice of two varieties. The stock comprised 170,000 kgs of Ponni and 30,000 kgs of Nadu. Sources said the Pettah trader who had secured this consignment paid just 25 cents more than the fixed price of Rs. 52.50.
Controversy surrounds the failure to ensure the distribution of Indian rice through the co-operative network despite Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s pledge to make available rice at an affordable price.
Sources also said the ministry had blocked the release of the Indian rice after the fraud was brought to its notice. Although the government recently categorised rice as an essential item, action hadn’t been taken either to fix prices or at least control prices.
Despite grandiose plans to celebrate the National Consumers’ Day in Kandy tomorrow (15), Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had failed to take any tangible action to protect the rights of the consumer. Recently, on Gunawardene’s request, Justice Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda set up a special Consumer Court as part the efforts to protect the consumer.
Well informed sources asserted that it wouldn’t be correct to blame the CAA as the ministry hadn’t decided on prices of different varieties of rice. Once that was done, the CAA would be able to impose a pricing formula.
Beside the CAA there was also a three-member Consumer Affairs Council, a statutory institute set up under the Consumer Affairs Act.
Gunawardene recently appointed Rumy Marzook, a former Prisons Chief who earned the wrath of a section of the officialdom for making a genuine bid to improve living conditions inside the country’s overcrowded prisons, as head of the CAA after lawyer Sarath Wijesinghe quit the post following a damning ruling by Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva. The minister also accommodated Lal Thalgaswatte, a former Sri Lankan Airlines country manager in France and his sister-in-law Ms Deheragoda, a former Director General of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). They are among the three working directors now in place.

Danger! JVP is arming again

(Lanka-e-News, ) JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said recently, "JVP will fight to the fall of last member if the Provincial Councils that lead the country towards separatism will be brought back. The Provincial Councils that are to be brought to North and East are not the same Provincial Councils that are in South. They will have land and police powers. More powers will be vested to raise foreign funds. We will fight against them."
JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe too said recently that JVP would lead a boycott of Indian goods again if Provincial Councils would be introduced to North and East.
We base on these two statements to expose the latest drama JVP is rehearsing to perform.
Tilvin Silva's statement is an utter lie. Actually, there is nothing to 'be brought back' in Provincial Councils. They are legal in accordance with the 13th amendment of the constitution. All Provincial Councils have land and police powers. Land powers are again tied to the central government through a parallel list. Provincial Councils will easily obtain the police powers when the Police Commission is set up under the 17th amendment to the constitution.
"Powers will be vested to raise foreign funds" is also not true. Provincial Councils have no such powers although Pradeshiya Sabhas have them. If so, Pradeshiya Sabhas too have to be dissolved. We think that there is more than Tilvin Silva's supposition that the people are stupid like him and we hope to reveal that.
Can JVP oppose Provincial Councils? They are still enjoying the privileges of Provincial Councils. On the other hand, the Provincial Councils are a part of the constitution. JVP MPs and then Ministers swore in to safeguard this constitution. Then they must first resign from their parliamentary seats to protest. (They may resign after the due period for the MP's pension scheme is completed. The JVP MPs that came into parliament in 2004 are eligible for pensions after 2009. They have to pass one more year.)
Why is JVP taking this decision knowing very well that their anti Provincial Council protests are hollow? We have to study it. It is not a sheer antic but one tied with dangerous results.
JVP too is fighting for state power from its inception as the LTTE is fighting for a separate state. Such organizations do not bow to objective realities when thriving to achieve their targets. They can create the necessary objective situations artificially. They paid excessive prices from their lives when their attempts failed. Yet they cannot be stopped.
Even today, the JVP is doing the same. We can consider the 1988-89 period as an example. This writer personally bears responsibility on these facts revealed for the first time to media.
Wijeweera came to the decision of arming for the second time with the defeat of the 1982 Presidential election. The last two JVP campaign meetings were held in Kosgashandiya and Homagama. Presidential candidate Rohana Wijeweera was the key orator in both of the meetings. The writer met Wijeweera and his group of campaigners that went round the country with him in the evening after the meetings.
When the others enquired about Wijeweera's estimate of votes that can be received at the election, he replied, "Honestly, I expect 600,000 votes." However, the party has told to their members that they would obtain a million votes. As far as my understanding, Wijeweera was honest in his estimation. Kirama Piyadasa Ranasinghe, who was then party internal Secretary and the Financial Secretary while being in the politburo undercover also approved the JVP leader's estimate.
JVP obtained sheer 273,000 votes at the Presidential held a few days later. It was 50% short of the JVP's target.
The context prompted JVP to look for 'short cuts' to power. Few months later, an 'underground Youth Wing? was commenced with the members who were not in open politics. When JVP was proscribed in 1983, there were around 100 such 'secret' members of JVP only in Colombo district. They had participated in JVP 'education camps', a qualification of a good JVP cadre in its tradition.
President J.R. Jayawardhana banned three political parties including JVP in 1983 accusing they were involved in anti-Tamil riots. All the banned parties had no connivance with riots and the party leaders sans JVP hierarchy went to courts to get their ban removed. JVP need no such scheme since the ban was a blessing for their plans.
Two weeks after the proscription, this writer met the second in JVP hierarchy Piyadasa Ranasinghe (Gamanayaka was not the second according to party structure). He said that this proscription was a serious error made by J. R. Jayawardhana. He further said that the context would change and the party would come to democratic politics again.
But Wijeweera was ardent in his view that the party should go underground. This idea split the party hierarchy and JVP leaders such as Lionel Bopage, Thennakoon, and Daya Wanniarachchi resigned from the party.
Members of JVP secret politburo namely Piyadasa Ranasinghe and Sumith Athukorala sided with Wijeweera though with criticism while Rathnayaka resigned. Many of these people are now not alive. However, the few still living may prove this argument.
Current JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe was never in Wijeweera's politburo. Wijeweera had understood that he was a minor in politics. He was an old joker in the Central Committee holding the post of Kaluthara District Secretary of JVP. Current hero Weerawansa once admitted that he had never seen Wijeweera. Tilwin Silva was then robbing petrol sheds.
Another article is needed to describe the JVP's conduct in the second armed insurrection that was launched without objective conditions. It ended in a massive wave of killings. Wijeweera and a vast majority of the membership had to pay the price with their lives. It is not a scenario to marvel because it was mandatory.
We revealed this chapter of JVP history to aware the readers about the latest drama JVP is rehearsing to perform.
JVP is facing the same crisis today. JVP labored immensely to usher Mahinda Rajapakse to power. It was in an overestimation of their strength and contested the following local government election separately. Despite all their boasting, JVP accounted mere 8% of the total votes.
This reminds and ancient story of a mule that went with a king. The mule misunderstood that the people's honor was to him and went alone expecting same but was stoned to death by men.
JVP that realized that it would never obtain more than 8% votes in future, decided to seek 'short cuts' to power. That is arming again.
We expose very responsibly that the JVP has already held two arms training camps in a secret location in Puttalam district. JVP did not allow the police to search Maharagama party office in a cordon and search in the area to avoid arms being caught. The search was postponed to the following day with the use of parliamentary privileges and the 'stock of arms' was shifted to Madiwela MP housing scheme in two MP vehicles. We do not know what happened to them after that.
JVP always maintained separate public and underground party structures. Even today, the actual JVP leader is not Somawansa Amarasinghe, but 'Kumara Mahaththaya,' a Tamil - Sinhala mixed ethnic and the brother of Ayurvedic medicine student Ranjitham Gunarathnam who was killed during the 1988-89 era.
The majority of the JVP MPs are mere puppets of the party. They do not have any power in the party. Party is run by internal cadres. On the other hand, three JVP military leaders have now been freed after they spent their 20-year indictments.
Like in 1983, the JVP politburo split due to the decision to arm for the third time. Nandana Gunathilaka's resignation and Sunil Handunneththi's house arrest were the results of it. Old killers have again consolidated power in the central committee and the politburo.
JVP is spreading anti Provincial Council and anti Indian ideology since they cannot openly say that they will come to power through bullet due to failure to do so through ballot.
We have experiences on the JVP's anti Indian campaign. JVP did not fight with at least one Indian soldier. Instead, they labeled the leftist intellectuals and artists as traitors and killed them.
Somawansa emphasized a similar strategy recently. He said that not only the separatism, but also those who support separatism should be defeated.
That statement polishes the old killing license again.
We expose all these facts to aware the people and the lower strata of JVP cadre about the impending danger. We insist that the upcoming threat can be defeated only through exposure and not by keeping the mouths shut.

Bunkers Smashed; Dead Terrorists Recovered

WELIOYA: Alert troops in JANAKAPURA, WELIOYA were compelled to confront a gang of Tiger terrorists taking cover behind an LTTE jungle bunker between 12.00-1.00 p.m. Thursday (13) noon.
The enemy bunker was smashed and their motive was overpowered killing three terrorists on the spot. Troops collected dead bodies of the three terrorists and found two T-56 weapons, three hand grenades and two Icom Sets. Troops are clearing the spot at the time this story went to Press.

Another Rupavahini employee assaulted

Another Rupavahini employee was assaulted today. Police say the employee, Anurasiri Hettige, was beaten by an unidentified gang using an iron rod. The victim was admitted to the Colombo National hospital a short while ago.

Govt. is insulting the Forces by claiming victory in the East backing the armed Pillayan group-the LTTE breakaway

Tissa Attanayake, UNP Gen. Secretary addressing at the Eheliyagoda Balamandala meetings, that recalled the Govt.‘s promise to the world at the peace negotiations in Geneva , when Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said all terror groups shall be disarmed. But, after returning to Sri Lanka, the Govt. began supporting and nurturing the LTTE breakaway terror group, the Karuna or now, the Pillayan group who are as bad or worse than the LTTE .

MR reassures that the democratic rights is granted to the people in the east

President Mahinda Rajapakse reassures that the democratic rights granted to the people in the east will be granted to the people in the north as well.
He noted that after the eastern province was liberated from the LTTE certain groups were of the view that an election cannot be held in the east. The President observed that with the successful completion of the Batticaloa district local government election it has been proven that the east has been truly liberated. He said it is significant that no serious incident was reported during the election and not a single life was lost.
Speaking at a function held at the Presidential Secretariat today the President promised to grant the eastern masses the opportunity to select representatives for the provincial council as soon as possible. The function was held to present funds to develop temples in the eastern province. Twenty million rupees have been allocated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Public Trustee Fund in this regard.
Speaking further the President pointed out that LTTE terrorists operate against all religions. As examples he noted the killings of Buddhist monks in Aranthalawa, murder of Muslims in Kaththankudi, killing the Hindu Priest who welcomed the President in Vakarai and LTTE intimidations to the Madu Church.
The President said a programme will be prepared to develop places of worship in the north and east.

Electricity chargers will be amended with effect from next Saturday

Minister W.D.J. Senevirathne says electricity chargers will be amended with effect from next Saturday.
He said a circular in this regard was issued in February this year and subsequently public opinion was obtained.
Speaking to media in Colombo today the Minister said 98 percent of the public had agreed that electricity prices should be amended considering rising world fuel prices. 65 percent of the country’s total power generation is based on petroleum.
He said amendments have been made in a manner that does not burden low income persons. The Minister said out of 3.8 million electricity consumers in the country 2.7 million consume below 90 units per month. These persons will receive many benefits through the amendment.

No decision to amend fuel prices

Minister A.H.M. Fauzi says there is no decision to amend fuel prices next month even though the petroleum corporation incurs heavy losses.
Speaking at a media conference held at his Ministry today he said that the government took immediate measures to put down fuel prices when world prices declined. However, at present the Petroleum Corporation faces heavy losses by not burdening the consumer.

Gazette notification on the names of representatives elected to the local bodies will be issued

The Gazette notification comprising the names of representatives elected to the Batticaloa Municipal Council and the eight Pradeshiya Sabhas and the preferential votes obtained by each member will be issued next week.
Batticaloa Assistant Election Commissioner S. Sudakaran says activities in this regard have commenced. Meanwhile, Leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front V. Anandasangari says his party recognizes the results of the Batticaloa District local government election.
He identifies the election as a vital step to establish democracy in the area. He said that the election is a great success especially when comparing with elections such as the general election in 2004.

A special task force to deal with rice and paddy

A special task force has been appointed to deal with rice and paddy. President Mahinda Rajapakse is the head of the task force.
It is also comprised of ministers and secretaries of nine ministries. Secretary to the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services T. Abeywickrema says cabinet approval for the task force was received yesterday. The task force will look into all relevant issues including prices of paddy and rice.

4 Tamil fishermen abducted by LTTE off Vedithalathievu

 

A group of Tamil fishermen are alleged to have been abducted and held captive by the LTTE on Wednesday (March 12), while fishing in waters off Vedithalathievu, North of Mannar.

According to available information, four fishermen out of five who have gone fishing were reportedly abducted by LTTE elements. The fishermen were from Pallaimunai area, a coastal suburb in Mannar.

The abductees are said to be Tamil youth aged between 19 and 28 years, naval sources reported.The LTTE is an internationally banned terrorist outfit also involved in large scale drug and human trafficking via the narrow Palk Strait.

Troops recover warlike items on civilian information

 

SLA troops acting on civilian information recovered a T-56 assault riffle, 05 T-56 magazines, 139 ammunition rounds and 2 hand grenades during a search operation conducted in general area Kalladi, Trincomalee yesterday(March 12) at 5.15 p.m.

Also troops engaged in search operations in general area Karativu in Jaffna found a global positioning system (GPS) on Wednesday morning, security sources said. Meanwhile, a hand grenade was also found by troops acting on civilian information during a separate search operation conducted in the area, at 3.30 p.m.

Navy recovers mortar bombs in Kayts

 

Acting on civilian information, naval troops deployed in Kayts island, Jaffna recovered a haul of ammunitions, mortar bombs and hand grenades on Wednesday (March 12) at 1.p.m. security sources report.

The warlike items were found buried beneath a statue in a abandoned Catholic church at Nerinchimunai in Kayts. During further search operations conducted in the area troops also found a leather travelling bag, naval sources said.

"The war-like materials might have been hidden by terrorists with the intention of retrieving to perpetrate sabotage when require", naval sources further added.

AIRTEL appoints Madison Media for Sri Lanka

As Airtel India’s largest mobile service operator gets ready to launch in Sri Lanka it has announced the appointment of Madison Media, Sri Lanka as its Media AOR in Sri Lanka.

Madison Media is the AOR for Airtel in India and also the AOR for other Bharti group companies like Bharti AXA Life Insurance, Bharti AXA Mutual Fund, Bharti DTH and Bharti Retail.

Airtel evaluated only 2 agencies in Sri Lanka - Mindshare and Madison and chose Madison after hearing presentations from both in Sri Lanka 3 weeks ago.

Mr. Gopal Vittal, Director Marketing & Communications, Airtel, said, “Madison Media has been a strong partner and has played a part in Airtel’s success story in India and we are confident that they will extend the same strong support in Sri Lanka too and deliver all that it takes to make us succeed there.”

Says Mr. Sam Balsara, Chairman & Managing Director, Madison World, “We are delighted on hearing Airtel’s decision and are confident that the Madison Way in Media will work in Sri Lanka too. If P&G gave us a head start in Media in India, Airtel is doing that in Sri Lanka.”

Last week, Madison Media won a Valuable Partner Award from Airtel, in the Category of Marketing Support from among 5 contestants.

Airtel, rated among the best performing companies in the world in the BusinessWeek IT 100 list 2007, was awarded last year, the license to provide 2G and 3G mobile services in Sri Lanka. The company recently announced its commitment to invest approximately USD 200 million in setting up and expanding its operation in the country over the next five years.

Airtel continues to be the most preferred mobile services brand, in the world’s fastest growing telecom market, adding over 2 million new customers every month.

Madison Media is India’s largest independent Media group dealing with large multinational clients like P&G, Coca Cola, Cadbury and General Motors and large Indian clients like Godrej, Marico, TVS and Essel group among others, with a billing of over Rs 1300 crores in traditional Media alone excluding Outdoor.

Madison Media is a part of Madison World, which also has specialist Units in Creative, Outdoor, PR, Retail, Rural, Entertainment, Mobile and Sports, employing over 500 Communication professionals.

Sri Lanka Army troops recover a GPS/grenade

JAFFNA : Army troops conducting a search operation on Wednesday (12) in the KARATIVU area, JAFFNA around 6.30 in the morning recovered one Global Positioning System and on information received from a civilian in the area recovered a hand grenade around 3.30 in the afternoon.

Troops recover on information from civilian T56, rounds & grenades

TRINCOMALEE: On information received from a civilian, Army troops recovered the items given below from KALLADI area, TRINCOMALEE in the evening around 5.15.
T-56 Assault Rifles 01 56 Magazines 05 T-56 Live Rounds 139 Hand Grenades 02

SL opposes Taiwan's separatist attempts: urges on "one China" policy "

Sri Lanka strongly believes that the People's Republic of China represents the aspirations of all the people in China including those in Taiwan.
Any attempts by to change this status-quo is regarded by Sri Lanka as detrimental to cross-straits relations and to the peace and stability of Asia as a whole, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with reference to attempts made by Taiwan to split from the China Republic and represent the UN as a separatist state.
The Government of Sri Lanka is seriously concerned about the attempts by Taiwan to hold a so-called referendum on the pretext of seeking independence and joining the UN under the name of Taiwan, on 22nd March.
The Sri Lanka Government's stance on Taiwan's issue was stated yesterday (12) in a communiqué‚ released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the "One China Policy" and opposes any form of Taiwan independence and participation of Taiwan in any international and or regional organizations as this would be in blatant violation of established international norms and obligations enshrined in the UN charter. The People's Republic of China is the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.
Furthermore, the General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 clearly resolves the China's representation in the UN and Sri Lanka strongly believes that the People's Republic of China represents the aspirations of all the people in China including those in Taiwan. Any attempts by to change this status-quo is regarded by Sri Lanka as detrimental to cross-straits relations and to the peace and stability of Asia as a whole.
Sri Lanka strongly hopes that Taiwan will respect the concerns of the international community and desist from engaging in the so-called referendum seeking "de jure independence".

Zurich’s Emerging Markets Unit Provides Political Risk Insurance for Hydropower Project

Zurich, a leader in political risk and trade credit insurance in emerging markets, today announced it is providing political risk insurance for a hydroelectric power plant in Sri Lanka. This project was developed in cooperation with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which will provide financing and reinsurance for the plant.
Zurich is providing political risk coverage to the U.S. sponsor of the five-megawatt hydropower plant on the Weli River in south central Sri Lanka. OPIC will provide a $4.3 million loan to MaTh Hydro Power, the project company, for construction of the plant, as well as $1.4 million in reinsurance for Zurich's political risk coverage of the project.
This hydropower plant helps Sri Lanka address a growing need for electricity while encouraging private sector investment in this industry. It fits with Zurich's recently launched climate initiative. Zurich is focused on providing solutions for a myriad of risks associated with climate change.
“We are very pleased to be involved with OPIC, a fellow member of the Berne Union (BU), on this environmentally sensitive project,” said Daniel Riordan, executive vice president and managing director for Zurich’s emerging markets unit. “Zurich is committed to working with companies in emerging markets to address the risks associated with alternative energy projects. Political risk coverage is particularly important to private investors working with foreign governments to address the growing demand for efficient power sources.”
Zurich is a market leader, providing political risk and trade credit insurance on a global basis. More than 300 of the world’s leading companies – including financial institutions, multinational corporations, investors, exporters and infrastructure developers – are supported from Zurich offices in Washington D.C., Barcelona, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. All policies are backed by the financial strength of Zurich Financial Services Group with ratings of AA- from Standard & Poor’s and A/positive from A.M. Best.
Zurich is a member of the Berne Union (BU) – an international union of credit and investment insurers – and often coinsures and reinsures with fellow BU members that are export credit agencies and multilateral institutions.
Zurich’s recently launched climate initiative has a three-pillar approach. First, Zurich has established an internal Climate Office that is charged with driving an understanding of climate-related risks across its businesses and is fully embedded in Zurich’s underwriting infrastructure. Second, Zurich has established a Climate Change Advisory Council that will directly report to Zurich’s Group Management on strategic and operational issues associated with climate change. Third, Zurich launched an applied research program with organizations and institutions to examine the critical economic, finance and policy issues associated with climate change. The main objective of Zurich’s market-focused global climate initiative is to understand the emerging weather, financial and regulatory risks associated with climate change and to develop products and services that help customers cope with these risks.

SB regrets UNP boycott of Batticaloa polls

by Norman Palihawadena

UNP National Organiser S. B. Dissanayake yesterday said he regretted that his party had boycotted the Batticaloa local government election held last Monday.
Dissanayake, who returned to the country on Tuesday night, after month’s stay abroad, said "We would have definitely won the Batticaloa Municipality and a few other Pradeshya Sabhas had we contested."
He said that at the last presidential elections the UNP had obtained 120,000 votes from the Batticaloa District and was of the opinion that that could have easily been doubled had the UNP contested Monday’s polls, as the Government had become very unpopular and the people would have preferred the UNP to any other party.
The large number of people who abstained from voting was an indication that they did not have a choice and thus preferred to stay away, he said.
Dissanayake said had the UNP contested over 70 per cent would have voted and the party could have easily emerged victorious. "We made a very a bad mistake in not contesting the elections thus depriving our supporters of a chance to vote," he said.
Commencing March 16 the UNP would hold prayer meetings in temples to inform the people of the Government’s inefficiency and its inability to control the soaring cost of living. These prayer meetings would be conducted in all parts of the country, he said.

President orders halt to sending maids overseas

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday directed the Foreign Employment Ministry to stop sending women as house maids to foreign countries from the end of this year.
Instead, he wanted trained nurses and women trained in other skilled trades to be sent for foreign employment.
These directions were spelt out by the President at a meeting at Temple Trees on Tuesday afternoon in which all Secretaries of Ministries participated. This was the first of a series of monthly meetings summoned by the President to discuss matters concerning all ministries.
Rajapaksa also directed the Secretaries to refrain from extending the employment of government servants for more than three years in foreign countries and to call back all those who have served for more than three years and to fill the vacancies with fresh recruits.

He also advised Ministries to have good rapport with trade unions and all grades of employees to enable them to carry out their duties with responsibility. He wanted the level of degree education in universities raised.
The President advised the Agricultural Ministry to immediately collect and store seed paddy to be used for the next sowing season.

RSF condemns assault on journalists in custody

Reporters Without Borders is concerned about the fate of five Tamil journalists arrested by anti-terrorist police in Colombo in the past six days and urges the Sri Lankan authorities to explain why they are being held.
"The anti-terrorist police are accusing the journalists of receiving money from the Tamil Tiger rebels, but after investigating, we can confirm that the funds in question came from a German foundation and from Tamil exiles," the press freedom organisation said. "We condemn the fact the some of these journalists were badly beaten during their first few days in detention, and that this was clearly done to extract confessions from them."

Stray animal triggers sound mines at Ratmalana base

Two sound mines were exploded this morning making a huge noise at the Ratmalana Air Force base when a stray animal entered the mine field of the Air base.

Warrant against Deputy Minister of Tourism

Colombo Additional Magistrate Ms. Sujatha Alahapperuma today issued warrants to arrest the Deputy Minister of Tourism Faizer Musthafa and his relative Nilar in relation to a case filed against the Royal Colombo Golf Club.

TMVP appoints Padmini as Batti Mayor

The TMVP has decided to appoint Padmini Prabahakaran as the Mayor of the Batticaloa Municipal Council and Pradeep Master as the Deputy Mayor.

Sri Lankan Pilgrims in India Urge Commander to Salvage the Nation

COMMANDER OF THE ARMY Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka during his official tour in India last week was not without surprises, particularly when he visited Buddhist sacred places in Bodh Gaya, Mahabodhi temple and Saranath. Those sites were packed with devotees at the time of his visit.
Sri Lankan pilgrims to those places, unmoved by the heavy security blanket that rang the visiting military chief, went closer to him and held his hands warmly, and in some instances, some even knelt down before him in a moving gesture of affection and sheer respect for what he has been doing to rid their motherland of terrorism.
Some of those devotees were observing precepts (Sil), clad in white at that point of time or meditating when they unexpectedly sighted the Sri Lankan Commander who went there for his own religious observances. Urging the Commander to salvage the land from the grip of Tiger terrorism and invoking blessings on his efforts, many Sri Lankan pilgrims held his hands warmly; spoke to him dearly as some others shared a few serious thoughts with their survivor of the nation while other distant onlookers began streaming towards the Commander. One old female devotee, irrespective of her age or gender, swiftly knelt down on the ground to pay her honour to the Commander in a sensational manner, and one more woman clasped her hands urging him to save the country while her husband looked on. Another woman pilgrim went on sobbing and crying, recalling priceless sacrifices being made at home by heroic members of the armed forces.
Indian security officers and sleuths expressed astonishment at the moving warmth and respect the visiting military chief summoned and wanted his interaction be reduced on security grounds.
So did bunches of media men at different locations outside the military agenda. They queried as to the deadline for completion of the War for Peace in Sri Lanka. Some questioned about the confidence he has towards elimination of LTTE leader. Commander however patiently listened to all of them and responded.

Wanni liberating operation in progress; 35 terrorists killed 6 injured

According to the military reports reached from the Wanni and Jaffna defences 35 LTTE terrorists were killed while another 6 were wounded during the clashes sparked between security forces and LTTE .
One soldier has made his utmost sacrifice while another 7 received injuries in this humanitarian mission launched to liberate the Tamil civilians in Wanni region from LTTE terror clutches.
In Jaffna theatre of battle, army snipers deployed in Muhamalai front gunned down an LTTE terrorists around 5.10 p.m yesterday. Separately, army troops ambushed an LTTE movement in general area Killay in early hours yesterday. Ground troops confirmed that one terrorist was killed in this attack.
Meanwhile, troops have launched an attack targeting LTTE bunker defnces in general area Muhamalai and 3 soldiers sustained injuries due to LTTE retaliation. The damages to the terrorist not reported yet. Troops uncovered a claymore mine from general area Sarasalai 5.30 p.m yesterday. According to the information, the claymore mine was weighing of 7kg.
In Wanni theatre of battle, security forces attacked at a group of LTTE terrorists who were traveling in a tractor in general area Kontakkarankulam around 6.35 p.m yesterday. Ground troops confirmed that 5 LTTE terrorist were killed in this attack. The tractor was also damaged due to the attack. In general area Karampaikulam, 5 LTTE cadres were killed when the troops ambushed an LTTE movement 11.20 a.m yesterday.
In the same area, troops launched an artillery barrage targeting LTTE cadres and 3 cadres were killed due to this attack.
14 LTTE terrorists were killed when troops ambushed LTTE movement in general area Periyavalayankaddukulam yesterday. Six more LTTE cadres received injuries in these attacks. Separately, 5 LTTE terrorists were killed in a confrontation took place at Umayarattuvankulam area around 12.15 p.m yesterday.
Few LTTE bunkers wear also destroyed in this attack.
Four army soldiers received injuries due to an explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and LTTE's indiscriminate mortar fire in general area Karampaikulam, the report said.
Security forces personnel on mine clearing operation unearthed 53 anti-personnel mines from the general area Koilmodai yesterday. Meanwhile, 3 mortar trappings were uncovered from the Periyapanchan area, the report further said.
On the Mannar front, army snipers deployed in general area Karukkakulam gunned down a terrorist last morning. Meanwhile, Mannar police arrested 3 people on suspicion

Lions Club of Avissawella/Seethawaka celebrates its’ 22nd Charter in grand style

Lions club of Avissawella/Seethawaka,a very senior club in the Lions District 306B2,celebrated its’ 22nd charter on the 1st March 2008 at the Kolonne River Side Grand Hotel Avissawella with the participation of a large number of clubs of the Lions District.

More than 300 Lions and Lion Ladies from Colombo,Gampaha,Kurunagale, and Anuradhapura Districts participated at this function in which the District Governor ,District 306B2,Lion Mahesh Pasqual MJF was the Chief Guest, eight Past District Governors and their Lion Ladies were the Guests of Honour.
This club from the historic city of Seethawaka also announced the candidature of one of its’ senior Lions, Kingsley Bernard for the office of Vice District Governor for the Lionistic year 2008/2009.Lion Kingsley Bernard is a veteran marketer and a well known management consultant who headed the National Chamber of Exporters(NCE) as its’ President in two consecutive years 2005 and 2006.

He was also the Chairman of the Joint Business Forum(J-Biz) succeeding Lions International President Mahendra Amarasuriya.Mr Bernard counts more than 25 years of experience in the corporate sector holding top management positions both in the public and private organizations in the country.

Airtel signs $100m-deal for Sri Lanka operations

Bharti Airtel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel, has signed a $100-million investment agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka to begin Lankan operation by this year.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, is the second phase of the company’s commitment to invest $200 million in Sri Lanka over the next 5 years, officials of board said.
With mobile penetration in Sri Lanka estimated at around 30 per cent and growing at a rate of approximately 2 million mobile users per annum, Bharti is looking at cornering a high market share in the next few years.
According to the officials, Airtel is expected to begin operations in a big way in Sri Lanka by this year-end.
It will, however, have to compete with the Telekom Malaysia-owned Dialog Telecom (the largest operator in Sri Lanka), Celltel Lanka (owned by Luxembourg-based service provider Millicom International Cellular), Hutchison (owned by Hong Kong-based Hutchison Telecommunications) and Sri Lankan government-owned Mobitel.
Sri Lanka now has 2.7 million fixed access subscribers, 7.9 million mobile and 2,00,000 internet and email subscribers.
"The investment will enable Airtel to roll out all passive infrastructure necessary to gear up the company for launch of its services," a board statement said.

First Online Free Expression Day Launched on Reporters Without Borders Website

"Reporters Without Borders calls on Internet users to come and protest in virtual versions of countries that are Internet enemies...There are 15 countries in this year’s Reporters Without Borders list of “Internet Enemies” - Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. There were only 13 in 2007. The two new additions to the traditional censors are both to be found in sub-Saharan Africa: Zimbabwe and Ethiopia...There is also a supplementary list of 11 “countries under watch.” They are Bahrain, Eritrea, Gambia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen."
"Reporters Without Borders is making a new version of its Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents available to bloggers today to mark Online Free Expression Day. The handbook offers practical advice and techniques on how to create a blog, make entries and get the blog to show up in search engine results. It gives clear explanations about blogging for all those whose online freedom of expression is subject to restrictions, and it shows how to sidestep the censorship measures imposed by certain governments, with a practical example that demonstrates the use of the censorship circumvention software Tor."

Violence hits tourism in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Escalating violence in Sri Lanka’s 25-year civil war hit tourism in February, largely because Europeans stayed away, officials said on Wednesday.
Figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that the number of tourists visiting the Indian Ocean island fell in February by 5.8 per cent from a year earlier.
Arrivals dropped to 40,551 from 43,551 in the same month of 2007, the authority said.
“The fall was mainly from countries like Belgium, Netherlands, and Norway after they issued adverse travel advisories,” said Renton de Alwis, chairman of the state-run authority.
Industry officials said the fall was mainly the result of increased violence between the military and Tamil Tiger rebels after the government formally scrapped a six-year truce with the guerrillas in January.
The country’s popular tourist areas are not in the conflict zone, but sporadic bomb blasts in and around the capital Colombo pose a major threat to tourism, officials say.The data showed arrivals from the Netherlands and Belgium dropped 26.7 per cent and 26.3 per cent respectively compared with year-earlier levels. Arrivals from Norway fell 45.1 per cent.
That means arrivals in the first two months of the year were 2.1 per cent lower at 97,467 than a year earlier.
The tourism authority wants to attract 600,000 foreign visitors in 2008, and hopes to boost tourism receipts by 43 per cent to $550 million.

Jayasuriya axed for West Indies one-day series

(Reuters) - Sri Lanka have axed explosive batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and rested spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for a three-match one-day series in West Indies next month.
Jayasuriya, 39, was dropped after averaging around 15 in his last 20 innings since the World Cup final in April last year, with selectors focusing more on the next edition.
"We have three years left to groom a team for the 2011 World Cup and it is essential that younger players must be given a chance," chief selector Ashantha de Mel told reporters.
Sri Lanka will now field youngsters Upul Tharanga and uncapped Mahela Udawatte at the top of the order after the other opener, Dilruwan Perera, was also axed.
He was left out after the team's disappointing CB Series in Australia, where India beat the hosts in the final.
The 35-year-old Muralitharan, test cricket's leading wicket-taker, has been rested to manage his workload so he can continue until the 2011 World Cup.
"Murali is likely to play just the main ODI tournaments which means that we can keep him fit and also groom his successors," captain Mahela Jayawardene told Reuters.
"The selectors are keen for him to continue playing until the 2011 World Cup, assuming he maintains his fitness and form."

Dubai's Airport Operating Committee opts for SriLankan meeting and getaway

SriLankan Holidays' campaign to woo Middle East leisure travellers to sunny Sri Lanka reaped results recently when a group of 26 men and women responsible for the smooth operation of Dubai International Airport flew to Sri Lankan recently.
The group, all members of the Airport Operating Committee included the Chiefs of Dubai's Department of Immigration and the Department of Customs, the General Manager of Dubai Civil Aviation, the Emirates Vice President for Terminals and the airport and station managers of the international airline. SriLankan Holidays organised the five nights, six days holiday and covered the sights and experiences in the western coastal belt, the historic hill capital Kandy and Colombo. The group had very positive feedback on the arrangements and their experience in Sri Lanka, with the group leader Sherine Samarkone, Airport Service Manager - Dubai International Airport T1 endorsing the visit and the facilities in Sri Lanka saying 'The DXB AOC trip was a huge success, all the members and government officials were highly taken up with all the arrangements and they were quite impressed with the countryand specially the cleanliness in the hotels and the facilities within.'

US slams rights record in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal have come in for criticism for human rights violations in a new US report.
'Despite President (Pervez) Musharraf's stated commitment to democratic transition, Pakistan's human rights situation deteriorated during much of 2007,' said the State Department's 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which was released here Tuesday by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
'After President Musharraf suspended the chief justice in March, lawyers and civil society responded with widespread protests in support of an independent judiciary, resulting in mass detentions,' it noted.
During a state of emergency imposed in November, Musharraf suspended the constitution and dismissed and arrested eight members of the Supreme Court, including the chief justice and 40 provincial high court judges.
Under emergency provisions, Pakistani authorities also arrested approximately 6,000 opposition political party workers, human rights advocates, lawyers, and judges.
At the end of the year, there still were 11 suspended judges and three lawyers under house arrest, and media outlets were required to sign a code of conduct that prohibited criticism of the government in order to operate, the report noted.
In Bangladesh, the government's human rights record worsened, in part due to the state of emergency and postponement of elections, it said.
The anti-corruption drive initiated by the government, while greeted with popular support, gave rise to concerns about due process. For most of the year the government banned political activities, although this policy was enforced unevenly.
While there was a significant drop in the number of extra-judicial killings by security forces, these forces were accused of serious abuses, including custodial deaths, arbitrary arrest and detention and harassment of journalists.
In Sri Lanka, the government's respect for human rights continued to decline, as armed conflict created an increasing cycle of violence to which both sides of the conflict contributed, the report said.
Credible reports cited unlawful killings by government agents, assassinations by unknown perpetrators, politically motivated killings and child soldier recruitment by paramilitary forces associated with the government, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention, and numerous other serious abuses.
Extra-judicial killings in the government-controlled Jaffna peninsula increased sharply. There were numerous reports that the army, police, and pro-government paramilitary groups participated in armed attacks against civilians and practised torture, kidnapping, hostage taking, and extortion with impunity.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a recognized terrorist organization which maintained control of large sections of the north, continued to engage in attacks on civilians and in torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and other abuses, the report said.
'In 2007, insecurity due to internal and/or cross-border conflict continued to threaten or thwart gains in human rights and democracy,' the report said. 'By the same token, improvements in the security situation created conditions more conducive to progress in these areas.'
In Nepal, the interim government twice postponed elections for a constituent assembly after the November 2006 peace agreement ended the decade-long insurgency, the report noted.
While abuses by security forces did decrease significantly, members of the Maoist and the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League, as well as other small, often ethnically-based armed groups, committed numerous grave human rights abuses and engaged in attacks against civilians, government officials, members of particular ethnic groups, each other, or the Maoists.
Lacking political backing, police were often reluctant to intervene, particularly against the Maoists, it said.
The government took a positive step by appointing commissioners to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in September, but it did not release the whereabouts of approximately 700 disappeared persons identified in 2006 by the NHRC and the UN.
Impunity for human rights violators, threats against the media, arbitrary arrest, and lengthy pre-trial detention were serious problems, the report said.

Special programme for Woman residents at Welikada prison launched by the SLN Seva Vanitha Unit

A special programme for the welfare of the woman residents at the Welikada prison was launched by the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy in the morning today - the 11th March, being par with the International Women’s day that fell on the 08th March. The president of the Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Ashoka Karannagoda, participating in the event, took initiative to release two residents warded for minor offences. Thereafter donation of some gifts to the children of the warded woman residents was granted along with some donations to those woman residents. The president of the SLN Seva Vanitha Unit took the undertaking to provide some costumes and some necessities required for their stage performance as well. The event was followed by a cultural show in which the residents performed and staged some presentations and the cultural troupe of the Navy too performed. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the SL Navy, Mrs. Ashoka Karannagoda, Commissioner General of the Prisons, Major General (rtd) Vajira Wijegoonawardene, the Chief jailer in charge of the woman residents, Mrs. Kumari Dissanayka.

SLAF pounds 3 LTTE bases - Mannar

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded 3 LTTE bases located at North and East of Mannar this morning, March 12.
According to the sources, the targeted LTTE locations were identified as commanding bases in recent battle erupted with security forces in Mannar. Pilots confirmed that the targets were hit accurately.

Ketapearachchi takes fight to Somawansa

JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe on Sunday threatened to take legal action against Sampath Dimuthu Ketapearachchi, an associate of JVP Colombo District Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti for allegedly divulging internal party details to the media and thereby bringing disrepute to the party as well as the party leadership.
Amarasinghe who participated in a political interview hosted by a private TV station on Sunday night lambasted Ketapearachchi when the latter posed several questions to the JVP Leader during the programme.
Ketapearachchi had asked Amarasinghe for his response to the present plight of the JVP, which has called itself to be a party that adheres to a strict code of ethics, when members of the party have violated party discipline. He had also said that Handunnetti was placed under unofficial house arrest with Amarasinghe's knowledge and that when details were being highlighted, the JVP had started to threaten Ketapearachchi.
Ketapearachchi had then alleged that contrary to statements made by the party leadership, the party was preparing itself for another armed insurgency. Ketapearachchi, who was a former JVP member, had also said that the party that ruined the lives of many students during its insurgencies was now involved in shady business dealings and was carrying out propaganda work for a company that manufactures sanitary napkins.
Amarasinghe had responded saying that the JVP adhered to a code of ethics and any party member who has violated it would be dealt with regardless of the position held by them in the party. The JVP Leader had said that any member who has violated party discipline would be subject to a disciplinary inquiry.
"Since the party's inception, thousands have left the party, but no one has divulged details about the goings on of the party except for a very few," Amarasinghe had said.
As for the Handunnetti saga, Amarasinghe had said that if Ketapearachchi had received death threats and had any details about the so-called house arrest he should make a police complaint.
Amarasinghe had lost his cool and said that since Ketapearachchi had named him as being involved in the Handunnetti case, he would look into what can be done about it and said he would take legal action against Ketapearachchi.
Amarasinghe had however not responded to Ketapearachchi's statement on the party's preparedness to initiate another armed insurgency and the party's alleged business dealings.
Ketapearachchi told The Morning Leader that Amarasinghe had threatened to take legal action against him for speaking the truth.
"Handunnetti was placed under unofficial house arrest by the party and according to Amarasinghe the party seems to have made the decision without his knowledge. I am ready to face Amarasinghe in courts," he said.
Ketapearachchi said that he had already lodged a police complaint on the threats received by him along with the names of the JVP members involved.
Ketapearachchi in January lodged a complaint with the Welikada Police on threats to his life by members from the JVP for allegedly leaking information of internal party conflicts to the media.
The Welikada Police in January reported facts to court and obtained approval to proceed with the investigation including approval to verify necessary telephone records.
Ketapearachchi lodged the complaint with the Welikada Police stating that several JVP members attached to local government bodies as well as several other members of the party had threatened him with death for allegedly leaking information of Handunnetti's unofficial house arrest and deals of the party.
In his complaint, Ketapearachchi had named JVP Colombo District organiser, Priyantha, Western Provincial Council Member Mohamed Nafli, Colombo Municipal Council Members Ravi and Hemantha as arriving in a vehicle bearing number GK 5045 and threatening to kill him and dump his body in the Diyawanna Oya.
Ketapearachchi told The Morning Leader that the reason he lodged a complaint with the police was due to the threat posed to his life by the JVP.
He said that he worked to save Handunnetti from his present plight. According to him, Handunnetti who had raised a voice against the JVP's business deals was being considered a stumbling block to the party's 'progress' by several senior members.
"Handunnetti knew that he would one day be prisoner of his own party and he told me that in case any such issue came out, I had to go to the media with the details he had given me. That is what I did," Ketapearachchi said.
The Welikada Police filed a case in the Magistrate's Colombo No: 4 on the alleged threat to Ketapearachchi's life by members of the JVP.

Take back Kachhativu from Lanka: RS MPs

NEW DELHI/RAMANATHAPURAM: Demands of taking back Kachhativu Island from Sri Lanka were raised in Parliament on Tuesday as a large number of Rajya Sabha members asked the Centre to act tough to protect fishermen of TN from unprovoked firing by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The issue was raised by Congress whip V Narayanaswamy during question hour as he sought to attract the government’s attention of Tamil Nadu fishermen falling to firing by Sri Lankan armed forces patrolling the area.
He said the government should take up the matter with Sri Lanka in a Forceful manner and even demanded that the island be taken. In a rare display of unity, the entire House associated with Narayanaswamy’s call and asked government to take immediate action.
The demands for taking back Kachhativu, which was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, has been made several times in the past but mainly at the state Level. But today, the entire house of elders supported the demand made by the Congress MP. The Sri Lankan government has already rejected the proposal in the past claiming that it was impossible to fulfill the demand.

Indian defence officials pledged to support for the eliminate terrorism

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka stated that, Indian defence officials have pledged maximum support for the Governments plan to completely eliminate terrorism and bring ultimate Peace to Sri Lanka.
The visit aimed at enhancing 'better understanding between the two armies in terms of defence and training, He also confirmed that the current programs in the pipeline are on schedule. During this official visit he met with Defence Minister A.K Antony, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor, Indian Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major.
He also thanked all the neighboring states for the support that is extended in combating and eliminating terrorism from Sri Lanka.

AG indicted against LTTE leader

The Attorney General indicted against LTTE leader Velupille Prabhakaran and six other LTTE senior cadres including Pottu Amman on the assassination of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Lakshman Kadirgamar at Colombo High Court. According to the indictment the suspects have motivated an accomplice named Vimalan for the assassination. Attorney General C.R. De Silva says the case will be heard considering as a special legal affair directly at the High Court.

IOM renovates school housing tsunami-affected families

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Students of Methodist College, Dehiwela and their parents gathered near renovated school buildings and brightly coloured swings and slides on a warm March morning. It was indeed a happy day for these students who eagerly waited over three years to return to their school, as some buildings of the school housed tsunami-affected families in the area until recently and hence needed to be renovated. At the request of the school authorities, the International Organization Migration (IOM), through its Care and Maintenance programme, renovated the play area, classrooms, the laboratory and the staff room, upgraded sanitation facilities and constructed a canteen.The Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha addressing the crowd of local officials, students and staff members of Methodist College at the handing over ceremony of the renovated school buildings said, “The much needed renovation of the school buildings will resume the education of the students who until now attended a school nearby. We are grateful to IOM for undertaking this project”. Minister Premajayantha also assured that the Ministry of Education will provide the school with computers and necessary equipment for a computer centre.
IOM’s Care and Maintenance programme ensures that adequate care and maintenance support is provided to tsunami-affected people living in transitional shelters in Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts. The programme also includes decommissioning of voluntarily vacated shelter sites, garbage collection, fire-extinguishing equipment, water supply, lighting, gully suckers, hygiene promotion training, and workshops on topics such as gender, protection, health and safety.

IHRC commends Sri Lanka

The International Human Rights Council has commended Sri Lanka on its efforts to safeguard human rights.
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says the commendation was expressed at the 7th session of the council held in Geneva in Switzerland recently. Speaking at a media briefing held at his ministry the minister said at the session India, Pakistan, Japan, The Philippines and China hailed government measures such as finding a political settlement to the north east issue and the resettlement drive.
At the media briefing head of the peace secretariat professor Rajeewa Wijesinghe said relevant bodies have been enlightened on the unfounded nature of the report issued by Human Rights Watch regarding the country.

Ceylinco Nena Sarana empowers Sri Lankan students with e-learning facilties

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Blazing a trail in the Sri Lankan education sector, Ceylinco Consolidated has launched an ambitious project to empower student in Sri Lanka to build their lives through e-Learning material. Under this new project - Ceylinco Nena Sarana - (www.ceylinconenasarana.org), 500 of the country’s most deserving schools will be gifted with 500 brand new, state-of-the-art computers and e-Learning material. Ceylinco Nena Sarana will thus touch the lives of 300,000 students, making it the largest education oriented CSR project undertaken by the private sector in Sri Lanka.
Architect of this laudable project and Chairman of Ceylinco Consolidated Deshamanya Dr. Lalith Kotelawala said, “I believe that access to knowledge, which will be facilitated by this project, will have a tremendous impact on the students, and that this in turn, will benefit the development of our country in this era when the use of IT is a vital component in nation building and economic progress”.
Ceylinco Nena Sarana has as its primary aim, to assist the development of rural education by providing supplementary educational material to students in remote areas access, which in turn, will open a new window of opportunity to build, and thus change their lives. If not for Ceylinco Nena Sarana, these schools stand little or no chance of obtaining a computer or e-Learning material to educate and train their students.
Launched with sponsorship of The Seylan Bank PLC, Ceylinco Life and The Finance Company PLC, Ceylinco Nena Sarana will also provide the 500 schools with a monthly study pack for a period of 36 months. Teachers and senior students of these schools will also receive instructions on the handling and proper usage of the computers and its installed programmes so that they can, in turn, operate the programme on their own by instructing students in lower grades.
The benefits of the Ceylinco Nena Sarana are wide ranging and far reaching. They cover English in Grades 1-10, Mathematics in Grades 1-10 in Sinhala and Tamil where selected lessons of the existing school curriculum will be developed using multi-media technology for easy learning. Computing for Grades 6-10 in Sinhala and Tamil encompasses selected lessons from popular computer applications which will be developed using multimedia technology for easy learning.
There will also be additional lessons in English for AL students, supplementary computing studies for OL students, an e-Library with its comprehensive encyclopaedia and Talking English Dictionary, together with past question papers and model answers for the Year 5 Scholarship exam, and, past OL papers in Sinhala and Tamil.
Lanka Ecom Technologies Ltd is the project manager for this project and is responsible for keeping the aspirations of all stakeholders satisfied. One major task is to ensure the timely preparation and the delivery of content to schools, which will be carried out on a monthly basis. The final evaluation of their efforts will be manifest by the performance of students at public exams in the coming years.
A project close to the heart of its architect, Ceylinco Nena Sarana will henceforth dramatically change the face of education in Sri Lanka by empowering thousands of school children and affording them hitherto unavailable opportunities. Says Dr. Kotelawala, “It is my cherished dream, to see that every little child in the furthest corner of our island home has the opportunity to build his / her life to an optimum. I will do my utmost to make this dream a reality. The children the future of Sri Lanka deserve this chance. I am deeply committed to this cause”.

Troops surge into LTTE defences, 30 killed in Mannar

At least 30 terrorists were killed and many wounded when troops made further strides into LTTE defences in a pre-dawn offensive launched in general areas at Manalmotai and Puliyankulama MCNS reported.
According to reports, SLA troops have forced 500m into LTTE defences in East of Cinnaodaippadu, which was recently liberated by troops.
Similarly, troops attacked and captured few LTTE defences at Elanthivan area Puliyankulam on Monday (10) MCNS reported. According to reports, received 26 terrorist were killed in the skirmishes.
The names of the deceased LTTE cadres, obtained after listening to LTTE transmissions, are as follows; (1) Neelamalar (2) Pawala Neela (3) Shamy (4) Kale Thamil (5) Suwanpa (6) Venna Maran (7) Neela Mahal (8) Janaki (9) Komadhi (10) Jenni (11) Darshani (12) Achini (13) Arnimalar (14) Ishara (15) Indiyawany (16) Purachchi Neela (17) Nivedani (18) Madhavi (19) Punidha (20) Ninilveli (21) Ithithavan (22) Ikanpaoadi (23) Komahal (24) Veddhalvani (25) S. Janaki (26) Pavandi.
Their names suggest that most of the killed LTTE terrorists were women or girls who were new to the battle lines, MCNS further reported.

Twenty civilians escape the tiger grip

Twenty Tamil civilians escaped from the un-cleared area today (11) and sought refuge at two Naval detachments in MANNAR on two occasions. The first group of escapees belonging to two families arrived at the Naval Detachment at Pallimunai, Mannar . One family consisted of mother (28), father (27) and two daughters aged 4 years and 2 years. The other family consisted of mother (22) father (26) and two daughters aged 03 years and 02 months. They had escaped in a boat fitted with a 5 hp engine.
Meanwhile, 12 Tamil civilians had fled the uncleared area Walaipadu and sought refuge at the Pesalai Naval Detachment . Among the escapees was a family consisting of mother (35), father (37) and four sons, 18, 17, 10 & 03. Also, two males aged 20 and 23 and a married couple, husband aged 28 and wife, 18 had fled the uncleared area in a dinghi boat and arrived at the Naval Detachment.
The escapees had confessed that they had decided to escape the tiger domination due to constant harassment and to avoid forced recruitment of their children. The security forces and the government officers are together making arrangements for the welfare of the refugees.

Is India really Sri Lanka’s friend?

by Shenali Waduge
India doesn’t dislike Sri Lanka but it likes Tamil Nadu better – this really has been the central theme that has underlined Sri Lanka’s epic & which will explain why Sri Lanka’s LTTE is unlikely to suffer the defeat that the people of the country are so looking forward to. Sri Lanka should have learnt from the Vadamarachchi debacle ... Indian violation of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty when it entered Sri Lanka’s territory to make that infamous parippu drop on the North of Sri Lanka citing humanitarian concerns when we are well aware that thousands of Indians remain in abject poverty.
It is looking back at the past that increases the fear that we may see a different sort of “parippu drop” from India in the light of the series of successes by the Sri Lanka armed forces on the LTTE that has even left a possibly maimed & ailing Prabakaran.
An end in sight & erstwhile peace !!!.... not if India can help it, it seems. Let us hope this will not become the fate of Sri Lanka. Ivor Jennings claimed that the Sinhalese ruling elite in history looked upon India as “a mountain that might, at any time, send down destructive avalanches”. The “avalanches” first came in the form of “parippu” , what should we expect next? It may be perhaps this reason that we can say that India is one of the very few countries, if not the only country, that has or had unfriendly relationship with every one of its neighbors.

Where India’s policy for Sri Lanka experienced any difference is questionable but in truth we are well aware that India does not want Sri Lanka to be a force in its own right.

It is usually fear that beckons a country to change its policy towards another. But why should India fear Sri Lanka? India is over 50 times larger than Sri Lanka in terms of area & population. Undeniable is the 20 mile stretch (often called the “strategic highway”) that divides the two countries thus denoting the geographical closeness of the two countries.

In the five decades of relations following independence both countries has experienced spicy relations. The period before that too experienced frequent invasions from Tamil Nadu resulting in the destruction of Sinhala Buddhist civilization leading to cross-country ethnic linkages & of course the element of fear in the minds of the Sinhalese. However, India can never ignore the sentiments of Tamil Nadu & national politics has always been determined by the pressures of Tamil Nadu & all of its leaders.

The mid-80s accounted for the most tense relations between Sri Lanka & India but for the most part bilateral relations have been revolving around co-operation & friendships but the irritants & differences remained an active force. The first issue was the statelessness of Indian Tamils who came during the British rule to work on the plantations, and then it was the Kachchativu issue, a barren island in the Palk Strait which remained unresolved till 1974 when India acceded to Sri Lanka’s claim over the Kachchativu Island under the maritime agreement signed on 26 June 1974. The next issue that highlighted disagreement between the two nations naturally related to the security perceptions & policies of both countries. India did not welcome Sri Lanka’s allegiance with any Western power in particular where it concerned the use of the natural harbour located in Trincomalee. India was always sensitive when it came to its security.

These “issues” were harmless in the light of the most turbulent times that experienced extremes in relations between the two nations. It was the July 83 violence that helped the LTTE upgrade itself to the international arena & launched the “ethnic” claim for a separate homeland for the Tamils. The Tamil factor vis a vis the Tamil Nadu involvement immediately necessitated India’s aggression towards the Sri Lankan Government, making J R Jaywardena seek US support by extending refuelling & recreation facilities to the US naval ships in Trincomalee. This was followed by the agreement with US in 1983 December to set up a powerful Voice of America radio station. The act further aggravated India’s annoyance in view of India’s concerns that the VOA would be used for intelligence purposes by the US.
The reality check for Sri Lanka was that while countries like the US, UK, China & Pakistan were agreeable to supply arms, provide training to the Sri Lanka Army etc... none of them were prepared to become Sri Lanka’s strategic partner. India was more important & India’s version of Sri Lanka’s problem was accepted. It was only the anti-India movers like China & Pakistan who were agreeable to providing “limited” military support & upon whom Sri Lanka remains indebted to a great degree.

Yet “diplomacy” was able to act as a cover-up during times of tension & the world witnessed scores of statements being issued by both parties claiming the “great ties” between the two.

India has gone to great lengths to cripple Sri Lanka’s development. To be fair by India the modern efforts to destabilise Sri Lanka politically started with Mrs. Indira Gandhi. The Research & Analysis Wing (Raw) was created in 1968 working directly under the Indian Prime Minister. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who gave it a dynamic role – to undertake covert operations in neighboring countries. For this purpose it was given a virtual carte blanche & a budget that is never discussed in public forums. This is why the RAW becomes more fearsome than the KGB, CIA, Mossad or the MI-6. The destabilizing operations in neighboring countries meant Bangladesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives & Sri Lanka were to be the RAWs target for covert operations. Whether it was political dissent, ethnic divisions, economic backwardness, criminal elements – the ultimate aim was to stage-manage the future events of these countries. This was India’s (Indira’s) doctrine. It was to ascertain India’s supremacy over all South Asian nations. There has emerged another doctrine formulated by M K Narayan the Indian National Security Advisor (Narayan Doctrine) stating that Sri Lanka must purchase all its weapons from only India – once again tantamount to bullying Sri Lanka.

Using the Research & Analyst Wing or RAW as it is better known, it was Mrs. Gandhi who gave explicit instructions to create the LTTE. The RAW set up camps in Tamil Nadu, organized old RAW guerrillas as trainers, armed the LTTE & trained them in centers such as Gunda, Gorakpur & even Tamil Nadu. LTTE then moved on to more sophisticated training in Lebanon (reported in 1990 by Russian Gen Mikhail Barsukov), Libya & Syria. There was also a time in 1985 when the Israelis were simultaneously training the Sri Lanka Army & the Tamil tigers as well as providing arms to each (Victor Ostrovsky author of By Way of Deception, Mossad training for the tigers were arranged by India) as was the British Special Air Services (SAS) firm Keenie Meenie Services.
It is also interesting to note RAWs role in building up the EPRLF to fight against the LTTE thus making the situation more volatile.

The aim of India was to see the insurgency increase in the North & East, the Sri Lankan Government to take action which would immediate have the foreign aid donors to apply pressure upon the Government citing humanitarian concerns & ultimately again lead to a Catch 22 situation. Thereafter, India was quick to adopt a two-pronged strategy of persuasion & coercion on both the Sri Lankan Government & the LTTE. But, if India is not looking to create a separate state in Sri Lanka what really is their game – why encourage & abate the confusion they created to continue?

The peace accord on 29 July 1987 may have been one option engineered between Rajiv Gandhi (the Young Fox) & J R Jayawardena (the Old Fox) & signalled on ink India’s role in Sri Lanka’s conflict vis a vis the India Doctrine. The agreement obviously addressed India’s concerns of Sri Lanka allowing those that threatened its security to be located in Sri Lanka. So this was India’s way of bringing Sri Lanka to book. It demonstrated India’s desire for regional hegemony & for Sri Lanka to remain “dependent” on India for its “security” and “survival”. Sri Lanka was forced to enter a foster home. Then perhaps we can understand the emergence of the Sinhala hard-liners who questioned why Sri Lanka had to compromise its independence & sovereignty to make India feel “secure”?
With the signing of the Agreement Sri Lanka saw the arrival of the Indian Peace Keeping Force of 8000 men on 30th July 1987. The unpreparedness of the Indian troops was evident when they did not even have a map of the North & had to request same from the Sri Lanka Army. Aware of the LTTE’s stand regarding the Agreement, J R Jayawardena was seen the merrier for not having to commit any of the Sri Lankan forces to the onslaughts by the LTTE which the IPKF had to face. The cost of India’s intervention was heavy & India lost more than 1200 soldiers & many of its officers as well. India had to also spend more than $180million on an operation that was not really their concern. The tragedy was the alarming number of civilian deaths & injuries – how could the IPKF know what LTTE guerrilla’s looked like? It became a thankless job for the IPKF & the Sinhalese & the Tamils were in agreement for their hatred for the IPKF & prompted President Premadasa’s unceremonious expulsion of the IPKF in March 1990 from Sri Lanka. It was a bitter experience for a country used to dictating terms to its smaller nation. By the time the IPKF left contrary to what the Government expected Sri Lanka had lost more territory that the Sri Lankan forces were able to hold against the LTTE.

If there were any fears in the past regarding India one can justify the present fears regarding India’s role in Sri Lanka. The IPKF experience has to a considerable extent forced India not to take a direct role in the conflict & which may well explain why India did not object to Norway’s role as peace facilitators. Let it be reiterated that Norway did not pose any threat to India. But, Sri Lanka’s envoys had to face endless trips to India to give “briefings” on what was really happening in Sri Lanka – once again to suit the Indian Doctrine. On one occasion when Japan offered to come forward as facilitator, India was quick to point out the Japanese assistance should only be confined to financial assistance for development.

We then enter the most puzzling question of the LTTE’s decision to kill Rajiv Gandhi & ask Why should Prabakaran decide to kill Shri Rajiv Gandhi?

Had he a premonition of the startling revelation given in Maj. Gen. Harikirat Singh’s (1st Commander of the IPKF) book Intervention in Sri Lanka (1997) of an order (twice repeated) in September 1987 by India’s High Commissioner in Colombo J. N. Dixit (on Rajiv Gandhi’s orders) to exterminate Prabakaran when he was to come for a meeting in Palaly? Possibly an alternative to Prabakaran had been sought by the RAW, so If this order was actually given, it immediately raises the question why the orders were not carried out. The reason was that an unarmed man is never shot. We can understand why an in-serviceman would so refuse to do something against international law but then the RAW could have undertaken the “order” since they were instrumental in creating the LTTE. However, it certainly does make us wonder whether Sri Lanka would have been any different had the orders to kill Prabakaran been carried out!

The LTTE did decide to terminate the life of India’s signatory to the Indo-Lanka Accord & Shri Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. LTTE became a banned entity in India & Prabakaran became India’s most wanted man.

Simultaneously, bilateral relations also saw an improvement – trade agreements, military assistance & training, economic & cultural ties all saw a surge & the formulation of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). Following the Cease Fire Agreement in 2002, in June India offered a credit line of $100million for purchase of capital goods, consumer services & food items from India. This was followed by another $30million in 2003. Most saw India’s links as another motive to show its presence in Sri Lanka from a different angle. Visible today is the Indian presence in Sri Lanka, the opening of major business establishments like the IOC down to the increase in Indian tourist arrivals.

We can now well understand India’s role in Sri Lanka vis a vis anything that is happening within the country – from internal conflict, to economy, education or culture – India wants to have its presence shown & felt.

Does India really understand the dangers of what they have created? Obviously not, with the years of internal conflict India is also experiencing in the examples of Jammu & Kashmir, the Naxalites, other boundary clashes & a rise in terrorists threats internally, India still wishes to play the role of a bully.

Today, the LTTE does not require India’s assistance – they have built for themselves a very lucrative network of offices in London, Paris, Toronto & Ontario. Its trademark terror tactics include the suicide cadres, car bombings & the cyanide capsule to be taken if captured. Its leader Prabakaran having taken a country through almost 30 years of civil strife has naturally aged & suffers ailments like diabetes & rumors of injuries sustained during successive air raids may have even left him minus a limb which then leads to the question of succession. Leaving aside the effectiveness of the LTTE international network to garner funds for the “cause” it was undoubtedly Prabakaran’s leadership that was able to hold the unit together whether by fear or by will of its cadres, thus the question of passing reign becomes an even more important dilemma – will the successor be able to provide similar leadership & more importantly hold the unit together. We must remember that unlike the changes in Government & leaders, the LTTE has had & known only one leader & are they emotionally prepared to be energized under another becomes a meaningful question. There is also Sri Lanka’s own covert operation that has succeeded in eliminating many tiger leaders leaving a movement with a decreasing leadership ladder. The LTTE is said to now have 15,000 cadres most of whom are children. Despite years of statistics flowing to & fro the UN is still to take realistic actions against the LTTE for child recruitment.

Sri Lanka has also been trying all sorts of avenues to change the mindset of the international community - from exposing the links the LTTE has with Al Qaeda, the Libyan connection, the Naxalites & the Khalistani Liberation Force have helped in the arrests of several fund raisers in the US & Canada. But, much more efforts are needed to make any real impact.

The LTTE connections to narcotics trade in Bombay, Turkey, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Canada & the US has also been highlighted as a means to procure arms. During the 1990s Interpol reported over 600 such cases involving the tamil tigers.

Most of the arms used by the LTTE are purchased from India, Afghanistan, Singapore, Vietnam & the MidEast. Then there was also a time in 1989 when President Premadasa himself sought assistance from the LTTE by supplying it arms to help expel the IPKF from the North & even to wipe out the JVP during its insurgency.

Events have shown that the church and its allied organisations have lent patent and latent support to the LTTE even to the extent of transporting suicide kits by its clergymen which may explain why one such leader an American national Kenneth Mulder was arrested in Sri Lanka in July 1995. There is also allegations that even the ICRC & other NGOs also have links to the movement. In 1995 the ICRC refused to put its food ships through Government security checks in Kankesanthurai triggering the suspicion that the food bound for Point Pedro was for the LTTE.
Then the expatriate role needs to also be highlighted. Following the July 83 riots a large number were given refugee status in Western climes. This number increased over the years as the strife reached different scales. With a diaspora now settled & making a living it was only time that the LTTE would see how easily they could garner financial support even from those Tamils unwilling to “cooperate”. It is this diaspora that does not want to see a “peaceful” Sri Lanka which would immediately mean them having to return that keeps alive the LTTE cause & projects to the Western world that Tamils are being discriminated. For a man who has engaged the Sri Lankan Government as well as the Indian Government through 25 years of strife is a man has never escaped the threat to his life. His lists of assassinations & killings in addition to the scores of young children his men forcefully enrol into the LTTE, naturally makes him a “wanted man” himself. Having to hide amongst his own cadres makes Prabakaran’s existence vulnerable & as his health is seen to deteriorate the questions of heir to the movement is also very much in the air & these fears naturally will trickle down to the bottom lines of his cadres. The RAW under instructions to destabilize Sri Lanka was quick to see how the “ethnic” tension could be “utilized” for their purpose & thus the youth who started voicing their disagreements with the Sri Lankan Government were soon carved into a movement we know as the LTTE & the rest is of course history.

Things don’t work out well all the time. India was soon to find the LTTE action was not confined to Sri Lanka alone. LTTE also had its eyes on India & in particular Tamil Nadu. How could India forget that the real homeland for Tamils was in fact the State of Tamil Nadu – it would always be of historical significance to them? Would that then nullify India’s toying with the idea of an annexure of Sri Lanka citing territorial insecurity?

What India has created in arming the LTTE is a Goliath. If India expected gratitude for giving birth to its existence India was in for a harsh reality check. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the LTTE’s deadly suicide cadre & within Tamil Nadu itself the LTTE is making its presence felt stirring fear in the corridors of the Central Government.

Could the words of J.R. Jayewardene, former President, who said in 1954 that “History has shown that adventures and men with imperialistic ideas may at any moment gain control of the reins of government in a state, and if that happens in India, the smaller nations that are her neighbours would have to seek protection not from external aggression but from Indian aggression” be true?

There is also a scenario where the hunter is hunted & as Prabakaran himself faces such a predicament, India that has taken pride in how it has crippled a tiny nation & created a volatile country & hatred amongst its communities may face similar consequences. Unknowingly India too is in fear of facing similar threats by a larger power in China which has threatened to take over India’s Arunachal Pradesh. Let us see how whether India Doctrine will change to meet that risk?

While we once again ponder whether India has really been a friend to us, it would also be good for India to ask whether it still wishes to continue with its India Doctrine & face the perpetual “doubts” of India’s hidden role & interference by its South Asian neighbors?

Government steers the country towards development by restoring democracy defeating terrorism

Minister of Information and Media Anura Priydarshana Yapa says the government is steering the country towards development by restoring democracy defeating terrorism. The local council polls in Batticaloa held yesterday clearly indicated the people consent for this programme.
The Minister expressed these views at a media briefing held at the Information Department today. peaking further, minister Yapa said the United National Party claimed that environment in the Batticaloa district was not suitable to hold an election soon after nominations were called. They charged that armed groups were operating in the area.
Proving these allegations were false and baseless, the voters turn up at the election was as high as 59.79 percent. In the local government election of the western province in 2004 the voters turn up was at 55 percent. In comparison to this, voters turn up on yesterday’s local council election was at a satisfactory level.
The priority of the government is to liberate the people from terrorists. The people’s aspirations for peace and development in the eastern province are becoming a reality with the eastern reawakening programme. The Media minister also thanked to all those who helped to conduct a successful election in the Batticaloa district.
Speaking at the media briefing Minister Susil Premajayantha said a suitable atmosphere has now been created to activate the eastern provincial council. The Tamil people in the area have countered allegations made against the government internationally through this election. This is another blow to the LTTE. The Minister said the people are pleased with the government’s resettlement process in the area which was liberated from the terrorists last year. Speaking further Minister Premajayantha pointed out that the UNP has deprived its supporters of the right of voting.
Meanwhile the Election Commissoner said counting of preferential votes of the Batticaloa local polls has concluded. These results will be published after getting the approval of the elections commissioner. The Thamil Viduthalai Makkal Pulikal (TMVP) has won the local government election with a bigger margin. TMVP won the power of eight local government bodies. UPFA won the Batticaloa Municipal Council. TMVP secured 61 seats out of 101. UPFA won 15 seats while Independent Groups won 17. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress secured seven seats. Elevar Democratic Front also won a seat.

30 LTTE terrorists killed in troops attack

MANNAR: Today (11) around 2.00am in MANALMOTAI area MANNAR four LTTE terrorists were killed and three were reported injured in confrontations. This is located at 500m away to east of CINNAODAIPPADU area. Troops launched this attack moving 500m ahead. In another situation in ELANTHIVAN area PULIYANKULAM, troops launched an attack and captured the area yesterday (10) around 4.30am. LTTE terrorists again arrived to the above area to attack the troops around 9.30am. Troops retaliated the LTTE terrorists killing 26 LTTE cadres. The names of the deceased LTTE cadres, obtained after listening to LTTE transmissions, are as follows; (1) NEELAMALAR (2) PAWALA NEELA (3) SHAMY (4) KALE THAMIL (5) SUWANPA (6) VENNA MARAN (7) NEELA MAHAL (8) JANAKI (9) KOMADHI (10) JENNI (11) DARSHANI (12) ACHINI (13) ARNIMALAR (14) ISHARA (15) INDIYAWANY (16) PURACHCHI NEELA (17) NIVEDANI (18) MADHAVI (19) PUNIDHA (20) NINILVELI (21) ITHITHAVAN (22) IKANPAOADI (23) KOMAHAL (24) VEDDHALVANI (25) S. JANAKI (26) PAVANDI. Their names suggest the most of those killed LTTE carders were women or girls who were new to the art of fighting. Due to this attack one soldier laid his life and thirteen soldiers were reported injured.
In another incident 4 soldiers laid their lives and two were injured in a confrontation took place in KARAKKUKULAM area MANNAR around 2.00pm yesterday (10) causing heavy damages to the terrorists.

Humanitarian Program by the Army

A medical clinic was conducted on March 09 for the benefit of the civilian population living in Vidiththapalai, Tharusikulam, Ketpeli, Palavi, Ushan and Vellalathokkai, the Grama Niladhari divisions nos. 1332 - 1337 in the area controlled by the detachment hqrs 525 of the Brigade 35 under the guidance of Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Commander Jaffna.
The medical clinic was ceremonially started by the distinguished guests Divisional Commander 525 representing brigade Commander 55 at Ketpeli Primary School. The religious rituals were performed by the head priest of the Murugan Kovil in Ushan, Parma Gupta. Mrs. Yoganathan the Principal of the Kodivel Primary School, Mr. Kandasami, President of the Fishermen's Society and Grama Niladhari of Ketpeli and Vidathkeli extended their cooperation.
Three doctors of the Army medical corps treated over 500 patients for various aliments. After examining the patients, drugs were provided. Packets of meals and cool drinks were also distributed among the patients.
The patients were from poor families living in remote villages and they cannot afford to seek medical treatment in towns. Children of these poor families are malnourished and suffer from respiratory ailments and skin diseases due to vitamin deficiency. Majority of them have not been vaccinated. All the visiting patients and the members of their families paid tribute to be army.
This is yet another humanitarian project conducted by the Security Forces for the welfare of the civilian population especially the poor.

Twenty civilians escape the tiger grip

Twenty Tamil civilians escaped from the un-cleared area today (11) and sought refuge at two Naval detachments in MANNAR on two occasions. The first group of escapees belonging to two families arrived at the Naval Detachment at Pallimunai, Mannar today (11) around 7.15 a.m. One family consisted of mother (28), father (27) and two daughters aged 4 years and 2 years. The other family consisted of mother (22) father (26) and two daughters aged 03 years and 02 months. They had escaped in a boat fitted with a 5 hp engine.
Meanwhile, 12 Tamil civilians had fled the uncleared area Walaipadu and sought refuge at the Pesalai Naval Detachment today (11) around 8.30 a.m. Among the escapees was a family consisting of mother (35), father (37) and four sons, 18, 17, 10 & 03. Also, two males aged 20 and 23 and a married couple, husband aged 28 and wife, 18 had fled the uncleared area in a dinghi boat and arrived at the Naval Detachment.
The escapees had confessed that they had decided to escape the tiger domination due to constant harassment and to avoid forced recruitment of their children. The security forces and the government officers are together making arrangements for the welfare of the refugees.

Two philanthropists donate money to disabled soldiers

Seva Vanitha Unit of Ministry of Defence, under its welfare program for needy war heroes has directed USD 1000 received from two Sri Lankan philanthropists living in the United States of America.
Two philanthropists Mr. Mahinda Wickramaratne, and Mr. G. Dharmawardane have donated USD 500 each to private T.M. Wimalasiri and private T.B. Jayalath Kumara of Sri Lanka Army Gajaba Regiment. The two war heroes are residents of Maradankadawala and Nachchuduwa in Anuradhapura respectively. Both the soldiers have lost their both legs during recent battles against LTTE terrorists.
The donation was made at the Ministry of Defence premises . President of MOD Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa was also present at the occasion.

Two Lorries with bags of cement apprehended

Eighty five bages of cement transported in two lorries were apprehended by the Army in MANNAR yesterday (10) around 7.15 a.m. The Army has handed over the goods to the MANNAR Police. The bages of cement were to be transported to un-cleared areas. In TRINCOMALEE the troops recovered a number of war materials including ICOM set,Hand Grenade ,HF Antenna ,Field dressing ,LTTE caps ,Pentoch batteries and Belts .
During a search operation a claymore mine placed in SANTHIWELI, in BATTICALOA was discovered by Army troops .
A T-56 weapon and 120 T-56 ammunition were recovered by the Army in ERAVUR yesterday (10) around 8.30 a.m.

ASSASSINATION IS THE ANTITHESIS OF DEMOCRATIC RULE OF LAW

The assassination of TNA Member of Parliament for the Jaffna District, K Sivanesan on his way home to his family and four children after in voting in Parliament is an abominable crime. He was killed in a claymore mine explosion within LTTE-controlled territory in the Wanni where his home was. The National Peace Council condemns this assassination of an elected Parliamentarian. So far three TNA parliamentarians have been assassinated since the resumption of fighting in 2005. This continuing pattern is the antithesis of the democratic rule of law that Sri Lanka needs to attain.

The LTTE has claimed that the killing was by deep penetration units of the Sri Lankan military. This has been denied by the Sri Lankan military who have claimed that the LTTE is responsible. The inability of the institutions of law and justice in the country to ascertain the facts in a credible manner is a great weakness that requires remedial action.

In this context of continuing impunity, NPC regrets the departure of the Independent International Group of Eminent Persons who were invited to Sri Lanka by the government to give much needed credibility and technical assistance to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Serious Human Rights Violations. The IIEGP statement that they did not receive the necessary cooperation and respect by the Sri Lankan authorities is a matter of serious concern, as much hope was pinned on it in putting the brakes on the impunity that currently prevails.

In these circumstances, NPC reiterates its call to the government to implement the 17th Amendment to the constitution which will enable the establishment of credible and independent institutions of state, including the police, judiciary and Human Rights Commission. In the absence of such national institutions, we are left with no choice but to join the growing chorus of calls for a credible international human rights monitoring mechanism to be established in the country.

Afghans can destroy the Bamyan Buddha but cry foul over comics against Koran

by Shenali Waduge

Afghans can destroy the Bamyan Buddha but cry foul over comics against Koran

Afghans are protesting against cartoons & a film comparing the Koran to Hitler’s “Mein Kempf”. As was to be expected it has sparked an outrage amongst the Afghans who are starving unto death while others are as usual burning effigies. Their demand being that the international community respect their religious beliefs.

This being the case, it immediately calls to mind how the world community stood alongside the Buddhists of the world & pleaded with the Taliban not to destroy the two Bamyan Buddhas in 2001.


Even the gathering of 54 member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference which included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & the UAE, the three countries that officially recognized the Taliban government requested that the monuments be spared – yet it was to no avail. The disregard of the Taliban was such that following the failure of dynamite & anti-aircraft guns & artillery, the Taliban resorted to placing anti-tank mines – finally after a month’s bombardment the statues were destroyed though the outlines still remain. This was how the Taliban completely disregarded the religious rights of the Buddhists as well as the calls by the international community to cease the destruction of two statues that stood over 2500 meters in height & was built during the 6th century. Japan & Switzerland among others have pledged support to rebuild the statues & the remnants of the Bamyan have been included in the 2008 World Monuments Watch list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites by the World Monuments Fund. Incidentally, Mawlawi Mohammed Islam Mohammadi, the Taliban Governor of the Bamyan province who was said to have been responsible for the destruction of the 2 monuments was elected to the Afghan Parliament in September 2005 but was gunned down on 26 January 2007 in Kabul on his way to prayers.

As Buddhists we can empathize with the Afghans vis a vis any humiliation to their religion & their beliefs, but it does also require similar empathy from Afghans for the beliefs held by other religious groups as well. The Taliban cannot undo the historical damage they did in 2001 unlike a comic or a film that can be shelved following any successful protests.

This also sets a good reminder that all of us while upholding our faith also need to at the same time show tolerance & respect to the faiths & beliefs of others.

TMVP wins mini polls

Government-backed former Tamil Tiger rebels accused of abductions and killings have won a landslide in a Sri Lankan local election that critics say was marred by the threat of violence, officials said today.

The TMVP, made up of fighters who defected from the mainstream Tigers in 2004 and helped the government evict their former comrades from the east of the island, polled first in all nine local contests in yesterday's vote.

"TMVP captured all the local authorities," Batticaloa Assistant Election Commissioner Thuraisingam Krishnananthalingam said after an all-night vote count. "Out of the total cast, they have got more than 70 per cent of the vote."

The local elections are seen as a dry run for a wider provincial vote in the north and east - the government's blueprint for devolution in minority Tamil areas it hopes will go hand-in-hand with its push to crush the Tigers militarily.

The government, itself increasingly isolated over its human rights record as a 25-year civil war escalates, gave the armed faction free rein in the eastern Batticaloa district for months as the military battled the rebels.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's administration has long refused to disarm the TMVP, arguing it could not find anyone carrying guns to disarm - despite the fact residents and aid workers could until a few months ago.

Election commissioner Krishnananthalingam said overall voter turnout was more than 60 per cent.

The main opposition UNP and the Tiger-backed TNA boycotted the election for control of eight local government bodies and Batticaloa municipal council, but were perceived to have no real power base in the area.

Rights groups and diplomats have questioned the government's decision to endorse the TMVP, which is also accused of child soldier recruitment.

Pradeep Master, the group's Batticaloa political wing leader, is a former Tiger who joined the rebels as a child soldier. He is tipped as Batticaloa's next mayor.

A host of other former militant groups who joined the democratic mainstream in the 1980s also took part in the poll, as well as the island's main Muslim party.

"In Batticaloa, not only TMVP, many other armed groups are also there. Some of the Muslims also have arms," said Kingsley Rodrigo, chairman of the People's Alliance for Free and Fair Elections, the island's main election monitoring body.

"They have been keeping the arms with them. So I am not going to say this election is a free and fair one."

Ordinary Tamils repeatedly displaced by a war that has killed an estimated 70,000 people since 1983 - some displaced yet again by the 2004 tsunami - long for lasting peace. But many are anxious about what the future will bring under the TMVP.

The group's Tiger heritage is never far away. Like the mainstream rebels, its emblem is a roaring golden Tiger baring its claws against a red background. The party has replaced the Tigers' crossed rifles with a pair of shaking hands.

Alcatel to boost cable capacity

Alcatel-Lucent has announced plans to upgrade the capacity of the South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe (Sea-Me-We) 4 submarine cable system that connects numerous countries from Singapore to France, reported Gulf News. The multi-million dollar upgrade will double the existing trunk capacity of the system, enabling Sea-Me-We 4 to support the increased broadband traffic requirements along the route. Owned and operated by 16 carriers, Sea-Me-We 4 spans nearly 20,000 kilometres linking 14 countries from France to Singapore via Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia with 16 landing points.

State Department trains Sri Lankan police officers in counter terrorism to combat LTTE

(By Walter Jayawardhana)

A reputed Counter terrorism school in the United States trained mid level and senior police officers in Sri Lanka to combat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the Police Training School Kalutara under State Department Funds during February. "Mercyhurst College Intelligence Studies Department Chair Jim Breckenridge and Assistant Professor Dave Grabelski recently returned from Kalutara, Sri Lanka, where they delivered counterterrorism training to Sri Lankan law enforcement, currently embroiled in battling a separatist insurgency" the reputed school, in Erie, Pennsylvania, which runs a successful intelligence studies department said.

School sources added that this marked the first training session provided by Mercyhurst intelligence faculty under a new contract with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA).

Mercyhurst said, according to the contract, they signed with the State Department the school is charged with creating and delivering two information management courses aimed at strengthening antiterrorism efforts in Latin America, Africa and Asia through a broader and more disciplined analysis of information within the state department's partner nations. The two professors were sent to Sri Lanka under the contract.

Mercyhurst delivered the two-week Law Enforcement Intelligence for Counterterrorism course to 22 mid- to senior-level officers at the Sri Lanka Police College in February. The course utilized case studies, link charts, and structured analyses to explain, examine, and forecast terrorism problems.

ATA curriculum project manager Gary W. Hartman said Mercyhurst was selected for this latest antiterrorism project because of its "expertise in this field." Since ATA's inception in 1983, more than 41,000 security and law enforcement officials from more than 130 countries have received antiterrorism training, Hartman said. These officials are now better prepared to fight terrorism and protect their citizens in times of crisis, he added.

With the success of the course at the Sri Lanka Police College, Breckenridge said plans can move forward to provide the course at an as yet unnamed country in June 2008.

STF Ambush LTTE movement 2 terrorists Killed - Sangaman Kanda

 

Police Special Task Force (STF) commandos have laid a successful ambush in the Sangaman Kanda area in Ampara district, killing two LTTE terrorists this evening (March 10). According to the STF sources, the attack was launched at a terrorists' movement detected at Ummarikulama around 3.15.p.m

During the subsequent search, the STF personnel have found two bodies of LTTE cadres along with two T56 riffles, one claymore mine, one Anti Personnel mine, one remote controlled device, one radio set, and one GPS device.

No casualties to STF personnel in this confrontation, the sources added.

10 LTTE terrorists killed in confrontations

 

A total of 10 LTTE terrorists killed in confrontations at VAVUNIYA, MANNAR and WELIOYA areas yesterday (10).

One soldier was reported injured in a confrontation took place in MUTHTHARANIKULAM around 7.15 a.m. yesterday (10).

Yesterday (10) at 8.25 a.m. in KOKKUTHUDUWAI area one LTTE terrorist was killed in confrontations.

COPING WITH THE DEMAND FOR ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

by Jehan Perera
In recent months the government has been engaged in a battle against the human rights lobbies in the international community, and not only battling the LTTE. The intensity of fighting has increased on both fronts. The casualty tolls on the military battlefield are being kept under wraps, and are believed to be significantly higher than reported. The 30-day detention order against senior journalist J S Tissanayagam who runs a website called outreachsl.com while also writing to the mainstream Sunday Times newspaper would serve as a warning to other journalists. It may be part of a governmental effort to crack down on inconvenient truths surfacing from the war zones of the Wanni.
Simultaneously, there has been a barrage of government attacks against human rights organizations and international leaders who have been critical of the government. Wide publicity has been given to the prospect of being at the receiving end of unfair aid and trade sanctions by Western countries. Government spokespersons have been making powerful arguments against such sanctions. They have pointed out that the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is better than in comparable cases worldwide. The most serious of the potential sanctions against the country is the possible withdrawal of GSP+ privileges by the European Union. These privileges are contingent on Sri Lanka satisfactorily implementing 27 international legal instruments it has acceded to.
At stake would be the viability of the Sri Lankan apparel industry which employs over 100,000 persons and directly and indirectly supports a multiple of that number. Leading government members of some EU countries have expressed their determination to put sanctions in place too. A difficult economic situation could materialize in the event of sanctions, including travel advisories which will affect the tourism industry, coming into play at the same time as global prices of fuel and food continues to escalate.
Apart from the difficulties that could befall the formal sector of the economy as a result of trade sanctions, there are also calls for sanctions in respect of development assistance or foreign aid to the country. Some Western countries which have been longstanding donors to Sri Lanka are in the process of either withdrawing or downscaling their assistance to the country. They have given two main justifications for their disengagement. One is Sri Lanka’s elevation to the rank of a middle income country on account of its per capita income in excess of USD 1500. The other is their reluctance to have their development assistance provide space to the government to divert its own resources for the war effort.
DONOR WITHDRAWAL
The argument that Sri Lanka is a middle income country and is not in dire need of international development assistance has some justification. The past decade has seen the emergence of most Asia countries from the depths of poverty with Sri Lanka being ahead of most. But the same positive results are not to be found in most of Africa, which continues to be poverty stricken and conflict ridden on a continental scale. While in Sri Lanka there are pockets of extreme poverty and deprivation, in Africa whole countries suffer this fate. It would appear only reasonable and proper that the African continent should have the first claim on the relatively scarce development aid that is available from donor countries. However, the argument that development assistance should be reduced or withheld from Sri Lanka on account of its prosecution of war as the solution to the ethnic conflict is more problematic.
Most of the assistance given by donors who are sensitive to poverty and human rights issues is targeted at the poorer sections of the population. In the absence of adequate budgetary support from the national government, many local government bodies that depend on such foreign assistance for the local level projects they undertake to benefit local people would find themselves incapacitated. On the other hand, the threat of economic sanctions to induce the government to change its policies with respect to war and peace is unlikely to be effective in cases where national security is deemed to be paramount. A government, such as the present one, that believes that the LTTE is a military threat that has to be militarily defeated is unlikely to be dissuaded by the threats of economic sanctions.
The government’s refusal to change its policy on the war, despite its costs, is also supported by the attitude of many powerful countries which also appear to believe that the LTTE needs to be militarily defeated, albeit with an acceptable political solution in place. It is therefore not realistic to expect economic sanctions to change the government’s decisions. In this context the reduction or stoppage of development assistance to Sri Lanka is much more likely to hurt the possible targets of such development assistance rather than change the government’s policy on the war. The likely outcome is that the economic burden on the poorer sections of the population will be increased and the government will be less mindful of international criticisms.
TARGETED ASSISTANCE
In these circumstances, international donors need to reconsider their approach to trade and aid sanctions against Sri Lanka. A recent poverty assessment study by the World Bank (2007) has shown that apart from the war-affected north and east, high levels of poverty are prevalent in the estate sector and in remote districts such as Badulla and Moneragala. This study showed that in the period 1990 to 2002 poverty halved in the urban sector while rural poverty only declined by less than 5 percent and poverty in the estates increased by more than 50 percent, making this sector the poorest in the country. The high inflation over the last two years would have made the situation even worse.
Another concern of some international donors is that their assistance to Sri Lanka would free up government resources that could be deployed for military purposes. If donors provide direct budget support to the government, the government can utilize those funds for military purposes. On the other hand, if donors target those areas of the economy that the government has already decided to neglect, such as the road system, this problem is less likely to arise. Investing in the road and transport system is probably one of the most effective poverty reduction steps that can be undertaken in the current situation. One has only to travel around Colombo to see the condition of disrepair even of main roads. The situation is worse in rural areas where the roads are narrow and rutty where they exist at all.
It is evident that the government has decided to minimize the outflow of money from its recurrent budget to maintain the existing infrastructure, including the road network. As a result the indirect cost in terms of wear and tear on vehicles, slow traffic movement, and spoilage of perishable items during transport will add up to a considerable wastage of resources. In addition, there is the incalculable cost of enforced isolation of large communities of people in the remote rural areas who are cut out of connecting with the formal economy.
The World Bank’s poverty assessment study shows that “geographical isolation measured by the distance to the nearest market or town is highly related with district poverty headcounts.” Basic infrastructure such as roads and power generation are pre-requisites for the type of long term economic development that is necessary to take all sectors of Sri Lankan society out of poverty. As rural roads are a devolved subject the donors could work directly with provincial councils and thereby strengthen the implementation of the 13th Amendment which is also government policy in respect of an interim solution to the ethnic conflict. Ultimately, this infrastructure will also serve the development of the north and east when peace dawns, as it must and will. Instead of imposing economic sanctions on Sri Lanka, the international community needs to consider the better targeting of their development assistance.
 

Sri Lankan highway project to get further 90 mln usd additional funding -

ADBMUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is doubling its funding commitment by an additional 90 mln usd for a major highway project in southern Sri Lanka that will promote economic growth.
The Southern Transport Development Project was initially approved in 1999, with ADB extending a 90 mln usd loan. ADB will now provide a second 90 mln usd loan to ensure completion of the highway and to expand its design to four lanes from the existing two.
The project involves the development of approximately 128 kilometers of highway linking the national capital of Colombo with Matara and Galle, important district capitals on the southern coast, ADB said.
Additionally, ADB also said it will provide a 300,000 usd grant to prepare a long-term land use and development plan along the highway with particular focus on the 1.5 kilometers on each side.
Other financiers of the highway project are the government of Sri Lanka, Japan Bank for Intl Cooperation, the Nordic Development Fund and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the release said.

Japan NTT to sell Sri Lanka Telecom stake to Maxis

(Reuters) - Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp will sell its entire stake in Sri Lanka Telecom SLTL.CM to Malaysia's mobile network operator Maxis Communications Bhd after a long legal battle, an official said.
"Maxis, the buying party has agreed to buy the whole -- NTT holding," Upali Mahamithawa, head of investor relations told Reuters, soon after the court ruling. "The deal will happen soon."
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Monday allowed Japan's NTT to sell its stake in Sri Lanka Telecom after a lengthy legal battle.
NTT holds 35.19 percent of Sri Lanka Telecom, while the government has a 49.5 percent stake in the company. The rest is held by the public. (Reporting by Shihar Aneez and Ranga Sirilal, editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Wild elephants hold up Sri Lanka vote

Security forces armed with loud hailers were deployed in eastern Sri Lanka on Monday to drive away wild elephants blocking access to polling booths, police said.
Villagers in Wellaveli told the authorities that they were unable to vote at the first local elections in 14 years because a herd of elephants had blocked their polling booth, a police official in the area said.
"We sent a team of commandos in armoured personnel carriers and loud hailers and sirens to drive away the elephants," the official said. "The roads have now been cleared."
Security had been stepped up in the area with the deployment of more than 6 000 police and soldiers amid fears that Tamil Tiger rebels could try to disrupt the council elections in an area from where they were driven out in July last year.

Mini polls held in the Eastern Province

The Election Commisoner said the mini polls for Battocola district held without blood bath after 14 years .
The government has setup a security blanket over the coastal area using nearly 6,500 security personnel. The Election Commissoner said the counting actvities would be commenced shortly and the ballet boxes are still reaching the respective counting centers.
"Voting held on peacefully and about 30 percent of the voters have cast their ballots within the first two hours. There are no known incidents," said Kingsley Rodrigo of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections [PAFFREL].
The first results were expected by midnight in what amounts to a curtain-raiser for provincial elections later this year.
Meanwhile General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat Professor Rajeeva Wijesinghe says the Batticaloa district local government election is an important step taken by the government to strengthen democracy in these areas. He pointed out that this election will give the opportunity to the people in the area to resolve their problems through democratic means. There are no reports on violent incidents related to the polls as predicted by certain NGO’s earlier. The Peace Secretariat’s Chief also said that Sri Lankan Tamils living across the world have hailed the government’s decision to recruit Tamil nationals to the country’s police service.

STF Ambush LTTE movement 2 terrorists Killed - Sangaman Kanda

Police Special Task Force (STF) commandos have laid a successful ambush in the Sangaman Kanda area in Ampara district, killing two LTTE terrorists this evening (March 10). According to the STF sources, the attack was launched at a terrorists' movement detected at Ummarikulama around 3.15.p.m
During the subsequent search, the STF personnel have found two bodies of LTTE cadres along with two T56 riffles, one claymore mine, one Anti Personnel mine, one remote controlled device, one radio set, and one GPS device.
No casualties to STF personnel in this confrontation, the sources added.

Heavy clashes reported in Mannar; Eight LTTE bunkers destroyed

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says army has destroyed 8 LTTE bunkers in the Ilanthivan area, on the Mannar front this morning (March 10).
According to MCNS sources, troops have launched a surprise attack around 4.30 in the morning at the LTTE bunker line. Ground sources have declared that at least 10 terrorists were killed in this confrontation. Also, 3 soldiers were killed and 12 suffered injuries, in this incident, the sources added.
Limited operations are being continued.

Army recovers 274 anti- personnel mines, one terrorist killed & military hardware recovered

: In the afternoon around 12.10 on Sunday (09) a terrorist was killed during an attack launched by the Army in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA while a soldier was injured during a confrontation with terrorists in the ANDANKULAM area in the afternoon around 3.10.
The items belonging to the terrorists given below were also recovered from the ANDANKULAM area, WELIOYA by Troops when conducting a search operation by the Army in the morning around 10.00.It includes 81mm mortar bombs,60mm mortar bombs and
Hand grenades .
Meanwhile 274 anti- personnel mines belonging to the terrorists were recovered from the KOKKUTHUDUWAI AREA, WELIOYA by the Army in a search operations conducted by Troops during the past 48 hours .
Troops also recovered a 'trailer' on Sunday (09) used by the LTTE terrorists for transporting 120mm mortar bombs from the "Tractor junction" area, BATTICALOA in the evening around 5.40.

Army captures a terrorist bunker in Madhu area

The Army launched a strong and fierce attack on Sunday (09) by killing four terrorists and captured a LTTE terrorist bunker in EAST of MADHU area, MANNAR in the morning around 11.15. Three soldiers killed and four were reported injured in the attack launched by the Army.

SLMC complains of vote rigging

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has lodged a complaint with the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake alleging vote rigging including stuffing of ballot boxes in Vallachchenai during the ongoing polls in Batticaloa.

North East doctors to launch token strike tommorow

More than two thousand doctors in the North East will launch a token strike tomorrow protesting what they called the ‘inefficiency and lethargic attitude’ of the top officialdom of the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry in respect of doctors’ transfers, the GMOA said today.

I'm casting my vote for the first time - Pillayan

TMVP leader Pillayan cast his vote for the Batticaloa local government elections at the Vipulananda Vidyalaya in Tethalai a short while ago. Speaking to media at the site Pillayan said this was the first time he was casting his vote and added that he expects a “rising in the East” from tomorrow.

LTTE targets innocent civilians - Wellawatta

The defence sources say the LTTE's target is to kill innocent civilans through their bombs.Commeting views on today's bomb in Wellawatta the sources said the LTTE want to make a blood bath in peaceful areas to halt defence operations in North.

LTTE terrorists have triggered-off an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Wellawatte around 6.50 a.m. today.It is believed that the bomb had been hidden inside a concrete pot along the
Galle road opposite the Roxy cinema in Wellawatta, defence official said. According to the initial information, a civilian was killed and six others received injuries due to this explosion.
The victims were rushed to the Teaching Hospital - Kalubowila reports and four 
school children are among them, the sources further said.

Two of the victims are the students (17) of St. Pauls girls school in Millagiriya while another two are the students (16) of St. Mary's school.

One of the school girls who has been admitted to the Kalubowila teaching 
hospital is in serious condition, hospital sources said.

MEP launches online survey of South East England residents

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Nirj Deva, Member of the European Parliament for South East England has today (Monday) launched an online survey on matters relating to Britain ’s membership of the European Union.

The survey is located at www.southeastsurvey.eu. Commenting follwing the launch of the online survey,Deva said: “All too often, politicians want to do is tell you what they think. I want to hear what the people of South East England think about the future of Britain ’s membership of the European Union.

“It is vital that Members of the European Parliament listen to their constituents. In the first of what will be many surveys over the coming months, I am asking the views of my constituents on issues as diverse as views which areas they believe the European Union should have power, possible Turkish membership of the EU and the European Constitution.
End

 

Bruce Fein challenges Bernard Goonetilleke to open debate in the U.S

By Satheesan Kumaaran
Who could have seen this coming? Former U.S. Associate Attorney General Bruce Fein has called upon an eminent Sri Lankan diplomat and present ambassador to the U.S. to an open debate at the National Press Club on American soil. Does the call challenge the intellectuality of our Sri Lankan generations?
Will Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Bernard Goonetilleke accept this call to show that Sri Lankans are prepared for any challenge?Bruce Fein’s challenge reflects his intellectual ability to interact with a powerful, career diplomat by modern Sri Lankan standards, and has come in the wake of the U.S. recognizing the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia in the post-Cold War era leading to the further degradation of the relations between Russia and the U.S. Fein’s call for an open debate is like a heavy weight boxing champion thinking that he cannot be defeated in the ring.
Will the Sri Lankan ambassador accept the challenge or will he meekly retreat from the debate with his tail between legs? If Goonetilleke rejects the call, Sri Lanka will see it as a betrayal. One should remember that Sri Lanka once produced excellent analysts and intellectuals who contributed in the academic and public service circles, especially within the in the south and southeast Asia region.
In this context alone, Goonetilleke should accept the challenge, and demonstrate Sri Lankan prowess in external relations and assertive diplomacy. Fein has given the ambassador the opportunity to pick any date in March of this year, and the Sri Lankan government, if necessary, must even allocate funds to invest in relevant resources on diplomacy, history and geography of Asia and the Americas to help him prepare for the debate.The call for the debate was pertinent. Goonetilleke’s presentation on 25 January 2008 and the commentary that appeared on 17 February 2008 in the commentary section of the Washington Times entitled, “Tamil Homeland Fantasy”, must have prompted Fein to speak out against Goonetilleke.
Previous ambassadorial statements have presented the world with many factual errors about Sri Lanka’s history and the principles of the UN Charter. Goonetilleke claimed that the Tamils did not have the fundamental principles to be recognized as a unique nation and state. Yet, according to the UN Charter’s clearly stated principles, Tamils have justified their claim to be recognized as a unique nation and their eligibility for self-determination.Sri Lankan politicians and diplomats should remember the failure of the Thimpu Talks in 1984 as a consequence of the Sri Lankan government refusing to accept the fundamental demands of Tamil representatives at the talks.
The Tamils put forward basic principles, which included the recognition of Tamil homeland, the recognition of Tamil people as a nationality and the recognition of the Tamil people's right to national self-determination. Rather, India, which hosted the talks between the Tamils and Sinhala leaderships at Thimpu in Bhutan, came up with a different set of responses in not accepting the demands of Tamils saying that, while recognizing the northern and eastern provinces as areas of historical habitation of Sri Lankan Tamil speaking people, the Tamils have also "…at all times hitherto lived together in this territory with other ethnic groups." The Sri Lankan politicians and ambassadors should know the differences between the statements above.
By citing the Northern and Eastern provinces as Tamil homeland, they gave importance to other ethnic groups. “Other ethnic groups” referring specifically to the Sinhalese. The ambiguity was intended. The disenfranchisement of nearly a million plantation Tamils in 1948 and the escalation of planned Sinhala colonisation after independence shattered all wishes of the Tamils to co-exist. Tamils have blamed the Sinhala leadership for destroying their native habitat in their traditional villages, especially in the east of Sri Lanka, which continues to happen today. No-one can refute the fact that the north and east of Sri Lanka were and are the traditional homeland of Tamil-speaking people.
This territory is well-defined and has been inhabited by the Tamil-speaking people from time immemorial. The Tamils of Sri Lankan-origin are not claiming the Upcountry region of Sri Lanka as their homeland because these areas are considered Sinhala homeland. No-one can argue that, since Tamils live in the hill country, the land is the traditional homeland of the Tamils. The indigenous Tamils of the island have lived in the northern and eastern parts of the island from the very beginning of their existence in Sri Lanka.
Thus the Tamils have fulfilled all the principles stated in the UN Charter to be a unique nation. The concept of nation is psychology, but statehood is the legality. Statehood will be legally recognised once the majority of the members of the UN with the support of UN’s Security Council declare it a legal state. Kosovo is a unique example to cite because Kosovo has declared independence unilaterally from Serbia.
Most powerful countries, such as the U.S., have recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state. With a population of over 3.2 million, twice the size of Kosovo, Tamils satisfy the basic criteria to be recognized as an independent state of their traditional homeland (northeast). This, indeed, will be part of Fein’s argument.Meanwhile, Goonetilleke claims that the Tamils live in the Sinhala south and that, while the LTTE have control, no one can live in peace. This is a horrendous misguided error on the part of this so-called senior career Sri Lankan diplomat. Senior foreign delegates visited the government-controlled areas northeast of Sri Lanka and the LTTE-controlled territories.
These diplomats reported on the great administration of the LTTE-controlled areas, and many sad stories -- disappearances, rapes, lootings and killings occurring on a daily basis – in the government-controlled areas. Goonetilleke may not have heard these stories because he lived a cloistered life far removed from reality, and it is pathetic that he was named a senior person in the Sri Lankan peace coordinating committee. It is baffling as to how such people like Goonetilleke could objectively explain the history of Tamil struggle and their history to an international audience let alone to the common Sinhala people in the south. It is pathetic that he claims that the Tamils have no traditional homeland and Tamils have no grievances whatsoever, except the Tamil terrorism (LTTE). He is used to citing the FBI’s report comparing the LTTE with other international outfits like Al Qaeda, Hezbollah or Hamas. His lack of knowledge about India’s history is evidenced by his claims that India’s official language is Hindi and that India does not recognize the other languages.
In fact, Indian states and the central government agreed when the central government granted autonomy for the states through quasi-federalism, that the states would have their own language besides English. While the central government recognizes all state languages, they would employ Hindi and English as official languages.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab are a few of the Indian states who have their own language of administration – in addition to English. There is no Hindi domination of these states at all. If the central government sends out mail to the people of these states, they address the letters in English, rather than Hindi. These states send their MPs to the upper and lower houses in New Delhi to represent their states, where they speak English.
Although, Sri Lanka recognized Sinhala, Tamil and English as official languages of government in Colombo, the governments in Colombo had directed their departments to write letters in Sinhala even when addressing them to the people who live in Tamil homeland. These Tamils do not have any knowledge of Sinhala at all. Contrary to what Goonetilleke has said, there are very few Tamil officers in the Sri Lankan armed forces and police force.
On the question of standardisation of University intake on a racial basis, even an anti-LTTE activist like Ratnajeevan H. Hoole, who is attached to the Drexel University in Philadelphia, has written a response to Goonetilleke’s commentary that: “Goonetilleke says weighting examinations was never intended to discriminate against us Tamils. I took the common Advanced Level exam in 1969 and was admitted to the engineering faculty. The government then redid the admissions after adding some 28 marks to the four-subject aggregate of Sinhalese students. I lost my seat. They effectively claimed that the son of a Sinhalese minister in an elite Colombo school was disadvantaged vis-à-vis a Tamil tea-plucker's son. Unable to defend this, in 1973 they created the statistical scheme equating Tamil and Sinhalese averages with regional preferences to which the ambassador refers.”Goonetilleke argues that Sri Lanka’s judicial system embraces all sectors of Sri Lankan society.
He is trying to please his masters in Colombo by conveying these stories to the men and women of western countries who have either little or no knowledge of Sri Lanka. This is totally dishonest. Senior men like Goonetilleke should maintain their credibility by speaking the truth. He has randomly picked recent court cases and claimed that the Sri Lankan judicial system treated everyone equally regardless of ethnicity or religion. The opinion of the Tamils is that the Sri Lankan judicial system treats the Tamils as second class citizens and, so, they have no confidence in the justice system.
The criminal justice system has never been able to punish those culprits who raped and murdered the Tamils in broad daylight in Colombo or in the northeast of the island. Tamils cannot even approach the police stations in the south to lodge complaints against Sinhala criminals. In return, the officers in charge will book these innocent complainants with false allegations. Fearing police retaliation, the innocent Tamils do not file complaints with the police. Besides, if the Tamils took the issues all the way to the courts, these Tamils would either be abducted by the so-called ‘white van’ abductors, or be jailed by the police for alleged LTTE connections. This is the reality on ground in Sri Lanka.
The distorted statements by senior diplomats definitely will hurt the feelings of Tamils and others who are interested the minority rights and human values. It is easy to make people believe a lie but the truth has to be told a thousand times before they believe it.Are Sri Lankans willing to expose the state they represent by denying the calls for an open debate? Sri Lankans will definitely feel betrayed if their diplomats, politicians or senior statesmen who fail to defend their country. Fein’s call is a challenge for the diplomats or politicians in Sri Lanka to prove whether Sri Lanka is waging a war against terrorists or against freedom fighters.
This could be the last chance for Sri Lanka to have an open debate in an international forum. Of course, the Sri Lankan government in the past had a Tamil, Lakshman Kadirgamar, from the Tamil homeland as the foreign minister of Sri Lanka and with excellent speaking and diplomacy skills, but it is impossible for the current Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to rise up to it.Sri Lankans from within and outside of Sri Lanka eagerly await Sri Lanka’s response.
Sri Lankans want to see whether these diplomats will further degrade the prestige of Sri Lanka in the eyes of foreigners.
Failure to attend the debate will be an embarrassment and slap in the face for all Sri Lankans. Are Sri Lankans ready to show their chins to receive the slaps from a foreigner?
Make a wise choice and prove that Sri Lankans are no less intellectual than any of other developed nations.
(The author can be reached at e-mail: satheessan_kumaaran@yahoo.com)

Civilian killed & three including a student injured in explosion

A civilian was killed this morning (10) around 6.55 near the road close to the ROXY CINEMA, WELLAWATTE a suburb of COLOMBO due to an explosion.A student and two others were also injured and admitted to hospital.

Batti polls on Monday

The Elections Commissioner’s Office in Batticaloa says all arrangements have been finalised to hold the local government election in the Batticaloa district on Monday.
Assistant Elections Commissioner S. Sudhakaran says officials on election duty have arrived from Colombo, Trincomalee, Ampara, Vauniya and surrounding areas. Election duty officials from the Batticaloa district are now reporting for duty. Dispatching ballot boxes and officials to relevant polling stations were carried out this morning. There are 285 polling stations across the district.
In addition six polling stations have been set up for displaced persons.
The voting will take place to elect 101 members to nine local government bodies including the Batticaloa Municipal Council. 831 candidates from six political parties and 22 independent groups will contest the elections.
The Assistant Elections Commissioner was hopeful that the first election result could be announced between 11.00 and 11.30 pm tomorrow.
Speaking to media the PAFFREL said a peaceful atmosphere is prevailing in the Batticaloa district. No serious incident has been reported so far. Meanwhile, a special security programme led by the Special Task Force is in place. Five thousand policemen are stationed to ensure the security of polling stations.

Sri Lanka Detains 5 Journalists -AFP

(AFP)--Authorities in Sri Lanka have detained five mostly ethnic minority Tamil journalists, a media activist group said Sunday, days after Colombo came in for intense criticism over its rights record.
Five journalists, all linked to a liberal news Web site, outreachsl.com, were taken in for questioning over the weekend, the Free Media Movement (FMM) said.
"We hope that due process will be followed regarding the arrested writers and journalists," the FMM said, expressing its concern over the latest government crackdown against journalists.
FMM official Sunanda Deshapriya said his group's spokesman, Tamil journalist S. Sivakumar, had also been detained for 12 hours and later freed by the police Terrorist Investigation Division.
International media rights activists have described Sri Lanka as one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists due to a worsening climate of violence and unofficial censorship.
Killings and attacks against journalists remained unsolved leading to fears that media freedom is being deliberately and violently suppressed through threats, abductions and attacks, a team of media activists said last year.
Since August 2005, 11 media workers have been killed in Sri Lanka. Ten of them were killed in government-controlled areas and no one has been brought to justice in connection with the deaths.

Lankan MP wants LTTE ban lifted

A Tamil MP from Sri Lanka on Saturday appealed to India to lift the ban on the LTTE in India.
"India should recognise the struggle by the LTTE as well as the Tamils for a separate homeland. As a first step towards that, the ban on the outfit in India should go as it portrays them as terrorists," said M K Sivajilingam of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation .
When asked about the LTTE's alleged role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, he said, "We have apologised a number of times to India on behalf of the Tamils of Sri Lanka," he said.

Ten terrorists killed in Vavuniya

Three of the Ten terrorists killed in the VAVUNIYA AREA were killed during confrontations with Troops in the KARAMPEKULAM AREA on Saturday (08).
A soldier was also injured in a confrontation with LTTE terrorists on Saturday (08) in the morning around 11.15 in the KARAMPEKULAM AREA , VAVUNIYA while another soldier was also reported injured in the same area around 4.40 in the evening.
Two terrorists were reported killed during a confrontation with Troops in the UDAYAHATHANKULAM AREA, VAVUNIYA on Saturday (08) in the afternoon around 12.45 while a soldier was killed and another were reported injured during a confrontation with the terrorists in the morning around 10.00.
Meanwhile the Army recovered Claymore mines ,Hand grenades,T56 live rounds in a search operation conducted in the KOVILMODDAI AREA, VAVUNIYA in the morning between 9.00 and 12.00 noon which included a 7.5 kg claymore mine and a large stock of food and essential items. Sources from VAVUNIYA said five of the terrorists were killed in confrontations with terrorists on Saturday (08). Four of them were killed during a fierce confrontation with Troops in the morning around 8.45 in the PALAIMODDAI area and another was killed in the PERIYAVALANKADDUKULAM AREA in the morning around 7.15.
Meanwhile, a soldier was killed during a confrontation with around 9.00. in SULAINAMARADAMADU .
In MANNAR two female terrorists were killed on Saturday (08) around 8.05 in the morning during a confrontation with Troops . while a soldier was reported killed in ADAMPAN on the same day at 5.15 in the evening.
The defence sources said a female terrorist was killed during a confrontation with Troops in the PALLAIKULI AREA, MANNAR on Saturday (08 ) in the morning at 7.45.The troops recovered Hand grenades ,60mm mortar bombs and Anti- personnel mines in a search operation conducted in the same area in the afternoon around 2.00 .

Ten terrorists killed in Army/Air Force attacks in Manthai

Ten (10) LTTE terrorists were killed while many were reported severely injured in coordinated attacks conducted by the Army and the Air Force on Saturday (08) noon in the MANTAHI AREA, MANNAR .Meanwhile three soldiers were killed in action and ten (10) were also injured in attacks launched by the Army.

2 claymore mines recovered: troops avert possible tragedies

 
The early detection of 2 claymore mines laid in suburbs of Anuradhapura and Batticaloa towns yesterday (8) has averted an LTTE anticipated bloodbath provoking a communal backslash in south, while also diminishing LTTE preparations to jeopardize the Batticaloa district council elections scheduled on Monday (10), security sources said.

In Batticaloa, Special task Force (STF) personnel patrolling in general area Pavakkoddichenai have detected a roadside laid claymore mine at around 11.a.m. The mine was immediately defused by STF bomb disposal squads, Police sources said. Later troops also found a flexible wire roll and a 9 V battery, following search operations in the area.

Earlier, a 5 kg weighing claymore mine was recovered near the bund of Basawakkulama tank in Anuradhapura on Saturday morning (8) by SLA soldiers who were patrolling the area. According to military sources, the claymore mine was hidden under a tree which was labelled as to have been manufactured by LTTE.

President instructs to take relevant measures on the malpractices of the CMC

President has instructed Chief Minister and the Governor of the Western Province to take relevant measures after scrutinising the investigative reports on the malpractices of the Colombo Municipal Council occurred during the last couple of months.
President Mahinda Rajapakse also advised the officials to implement the recommendations of the investigation commission appointed to look into malpractices of the Municipal Council. A special discussion in this regard was held recently at the Temple Trees.

This year’s SAARC leaders’ summit is scheduled to be held at Sri Lanka. Therefore, the President pointed out the Municipal Council has got a huge responsibility to make the Colombo city more beautiful. President Rajapakse also emphasised necessary measures should be taken to develop the common facilities of the people in the Colombo city.

Government decided to import fifteen train engines

Fifteen more train engines are to be imported. General Manager of Railway Services Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan says the tender applications regarding this are now being called and the opening of tender applications will be carried out on next month.
The government has taken various measures to upgrade the railway services. Out of the 100 passenger compartments imported most of the compartments have been added for the travelling. New compartments will be added for the intercity railway services during the next month. The signal system of the railway services are also to be updated.
The General Manager said all these measures would be carried out before the end of this year.

Trade Unions warn Government over attacks on SLRC workers

The Government was yesterday warned that it would have to face a general strike if it failed to initiate an immediate investigation into attacks on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation employees, bring the culprits to book and also take action against Minister Mervyn Silva and his goons who, on December 27, last year stormed the SLRC and assaulted its News Director.
The warning was issued by the All Ceylon Trade Union Federation.
In a statement issued yesterday, signed by its General Secretary, JVP Parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake, the ACTUF said the attacks on Rupavahini employees were not isolated incidents and were being carried out with intention and purpose while the Government’s inaction had given it a boost. "It baffles us as to why the President, who at times makes personal telephone calls to members of the public and intervenes in certain matters, is mum on this matter. It makes us believe that the Government has given its tacit approval for unlawful acts."
The statement referred to the token work stoppage at the Rupavahini Corporation by five trade unions on Thursday afternoon and the intense trade union action planned from Monday, March 10.
It also recalled recent incidents where unidentified men had gone to the homes of Duleep Dushyantha on January 29 and cameraman Piyal Ranjith, on February 28 and threatened them. It also pointed out that on January 25, producer Lal Hemantha Mawalage was stabbed and most recently, earlier this week, Librarian Ranjani Aluthge was attacked with a sharp instrument inside a bus when on her way home after work.
The Union also said all these incidents unfolded after the attack by Minister Mervyn Silva on December 27 where he entered the Rupavahini premises with some thugs and assaulted the News director.

Senior Journalist J.S.Tissanayagam under Police custody

Senior Journalist J.S.Tissanayagam who was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Department [TID] is now being held under detention orders.
His news team includes a Vedio Cameraman, a still photographer also arrested by the police. The arrest of J. S Tissainayagam, freelance journalist, seems to be a another blow to freedom of expression in this country, said local media activists.Tissainayagam who works for ‘outreachsl.com a news website, and as a columnist for a mainstream weekly, was placed under arrest by the TID (Terrorism Investigation Division) ostensibly to probe involvement in terrorism related activities.

Whose interests are these “Eminent Persons” watching?

by Dimuth Gunawardena
I read with some interest the news that the so-called International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) are to exit Sri Lanka shortly, and noted also that the news was presented in dramatic fashion.
My contact with these eminent persons has been brief but I believe revealing nevertheless. What I have seen and heard have made me question their credentials with respect to the terms 'independent' and 'eminent'. Here's my story.
I was present at this first public sitting of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating the killing of 17 aid workers of the French NGO Action Against Hunger (ACF) in Muttur in early August 2006, as a pubic observer.
After the counsel for the Sri Lankan Army Mr Gomin Dayasiri marked his appearance, Mr Dana Urban acting as assistant to professor B. Mathews, a member of IIGEP, made an application to the Commission for an adjournment to enable the counsel for ACF to make an appearance. The Commission overruled this request since Mr Urban did have a standing in the matter, either as an official of ACF or as a designated representative.
The commission accepted the submissions of Mr Gomin Dayasiri that no application had been made either by ACF or their counsel for an adjournment as sort by Mr Urban.
It is indeed ironic that no representation was made since ACF had indeed made an application to appear before the Commission.
As a layman, to the best of my knowledge, I believe the following:
(1) That if a party desires to appear at proceedings it is for that party to elect to do so or elect to choose to be represented by a counsel.
(2) It is the right of such a party or counsel to seek an adjournment on proper legal grounds if such adjournment is considered desirable.
Obviously the International Independent Group of Eminent Person's (IIGEP) cannot or should not whilst not representing any party to the inquiry and also holding the position of independent, unbiased, and impartial observer status, have somebody such as Mr Urban at the Commission and Inquiry playing the role of a special interest far exceeding the role assigned to him.
Observing proceeding from a distance the questions that came to my mind were:
(1) Whom did Mr Urban really represent?
(2) Did he represent ACF or did he believe he did?
(3) Did he have the authority of ACF to make that application or did he step into their shoes arbitrarily to seek an adjournment?
(4) Can Mr Urban an International Independent Group of Eminent Person's (IIGEP) representative make an application for an adjournment on behalf of ACF without instructions?
(5) What are the relevant ethics?
(6) What does all this imply in terms of ambit and intent of IIGEP?
In view of the aforesaid I would also like to state in public interest that the time has come when International Observers themselves require Observers to keep an eye on their conduct as they are often here to tarnish the good name of our country, while being prejudiced and biased or indoctrinated with unreleased agenda to open avenues for foreign interferences in our internal affairs.
Our media too perhaps should perhaps beware of such dubious motives and agendas of "Eminent Persons".

Rizana Case Moves to Supreme Judicial Council

Mohammed Rasooldeen,
The Cassation Court in Riyadh has sent the case of a Sri Lankan maid, who was sentenced to death last year for allegedly murdering a four-month-old baby in her care, to the Supreme Judicial Council, the Kingdom’s final appeals court.
“Our lawyers have filed further submissions to the Supreme Judicial Council,” said Basil Fernando, executive director of the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
Fernando added that the organization is optimistic in reversing the judgment. “Even after the ratification by the council, we can make a final appeal to the victim’s parents and finally to the king,” he said.
Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek was sentenced to death on June 16 last year for killing the baby in the city of Dawadmi, 270 km from the capital. The verdict was given by a three member-bench headed by Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rosaimi, chief judge of the High Court in Dawadmi.
Khateb Al-Shammary, a Riyadh-based law firm, filed an appeal on July 15 following a request from the AHRC. On Dec. 6, the Cassation Court in Riyadh returned the case to the Dawadmi High Court, seeking further clarifications on the maid’s confession to police.
The AHRC has already paid SR100,000 out of a total legal fee of SR150,000 that the Riyadh-based law firm is demanding. Fernando added that the remaining SR50,000 will be paid to the lawyers only if the verdict is in Nafeek’s favor.
Fernando said a Paris-based international human rights organization, which is concerned over the latest development, is to appeal to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for a royal pardon. “We would like to make a humanitarian appeal to the bereaved family to pardon this maid, who was a victim of circumstances,” Fernando said.
The father of the dead baby, Naif Jiziyan Khalaf Al-Otaibi, 32, works for the Finance Ministry in Riyadh. Nafeek allegedly confessed to her crime shortly after her arrest, but has since retracted the confession, saying it had been given under duress and that there had been a misunderstanding caused by the language barrier.
At the time of her arrival, Nafeek was only 17 years old. A recruitment agent in Sri Lanka had falsified her documents by overstating her actual age by six years.
In its submissions during the appeal, Khateb Al-Shammary cited several reasons why the maid should not be punished for her alleged actions. It claimed that the maid was underage at the time of the incident and pointed out that Nafeek was brought into the Kingdom as a housemaid, not as a nanny. Furthermore, the petition said that there was no reason for Nafeek to harbor any vengeance against the parents of the child since she had been working for the household for only seven days.

UNP queries WiMax deal from NTT

Sunday Leader
The Chairman of the United National Party has in a letter to the President and CEO of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) of Japan questioned the intended deal SLT is to strike with a private company in order to enter the WiMax market and charged that it lacks transparency.
The Sunday Leader on February 24 exclusively revealed that SLT was poised to enter into a controversial WiMax deal with a company stewarded by President Mahinda Rajapakse's sister's son Himal Hettiarachchi.
In a letter addressed to Tokyo based NTT President cum CEO, Satoshi Miura, UNP Chairman and MP Rukman Senanayake has referred to the article in The Sunday Leader newspaper of February 24, which reported that Sri Lanka Telecom is seeking to participate in a joint venture with Sky Network (Pvt) Limited to operate WiMax in Sri Lanka.
This issue was also raised by several members of parliament in Sri Lanka, Senanayake has said in his letter.
"Sri Lanka Telecom, the largest telecommunication provider for many years has been informed by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission that they could be provided with a license to begin WiMax services within 45 days.
In this context, it is pertinent to question whether you are not compromising the shareholder's return on investment by operating on a third party license while compelling Sri Lanka Telecom to bear the cost of the network development," the UNP Chairman has queried.
"We, the Opposition in Parliament, Sri Lanka view with grave concern the correctness and propriety of this transaction which we believe does not meet the requirements of transparency," Senanayake has added.

SAARC bill to now top Rs 4.5 billion

Sunday Leader
The government is to spend a staggering Rs. 4.5 billion on the two day South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC) summit to be held in August this year according to revised estimates.
The Sunday Leader learns that the government's initial plan of spending in the region of Rs. 2.5 billion on the summit has now shot up to Rs. 4.5 billion.
Meanwhile, after taking into consideration the present security situation in the country, the government has proposed to hold the summit in two locations - Colombo and Kandy.
However, the government is yet to finalise if the summit would be held at two locations.
It is also learnt that a separate allocation is to be made for the Presidential Security Division and the Special Task Force for security arrangements totaling Rs 539 million.
Foreign Ministry Secretary, Dr. Palitha Kohona told The Sunday Leader that the government was working on a target of Rs. 600 million as a tentative figure to be allocated for the summit.
"We are working on a tentative figure of Rs. 600 million for the summit, but it could be more or even less. A lot of people have made requests, but the government is yet to decide on them," he said.
The SAARC organising committee is chaired by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the task force headed by the Foreign Ministry is to make the final arrangements for the summit.
Dr. Kohona confirmed that there was a proposal to hold the summit in Colombo and Kandy. However, he said that no final decision has been arrived on that matter as yet.

Navy arrests Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Sri Lankan Navy yesterday (March 8) arrested 62 South Indian fishermen in six fishing trawlers while poaching in Lankan territorial waters, security sources report.
According to available information, the Indian fishermen have strayed into the Sri Lanka waters and were arrested for allegedly poaching in the coastal waters 9Nm West of Talawila, in Kalpitiya around 11.am, on Friday. The Navy has conducted a thorough search to ensure that the fishermen were not involved in smuggling warlike material and fuel to the internationally banned terrorist outfit (LTTE).
The fishermen were brought to the Navy base in Kalpitiya and handed over to the Kalpitiya police, sources further said.
Meanwhile security forces in Mannar front forced into LTTE territory as heavy fighting broke out with terrorists at Malikaithidal in Chettikulama, today (March 8), Mannar military sources report.
According to reports received, at least 15 terrorists were killed and 8 wounded in the fresh round of clashes erupted ahead of LTTE defences in Mannar at 9.15.a.m. Air Force MI-24 helicopter gunships provided air cover to ground troops, while continuously raiding identified LTTE bunker defences, security sources said. Ground troops confirmed that 8 LTTE bunkers were destroyed in simultaneous air and ground assaults.
Meanwhile, intercepted LTTE communication has revealed that 10 terrorists were killed and 8 seriously wounded during confrontations in Mannar defences on Saturday.
Two soldiers have laid their lives while 4 others were wounded during the advance, security sources said. The number of LTTE terrorists killed and injured due to the on going operations at Mannar is on the rise, the sources further said.
During clashes at Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya fronts yesterday (7), 31 terrorists were killed in confrontations with SLA while a soldier was killed in action, military sources reported. According to reports received 14 soldiers and 3 terrorists' sustained injuries in yesterday's confrontations.
Meanwhile, SLA made preparations to handover bodies of two LTTE cadres killed in separate skirmishes at Vavuniya and Welioya.

Heavy damages to the LTTE

Ten LTTE terrorists were killed in confrontation in MANTAI North. Mannar to day at noon .
The Army troops launched attacks destroying LTTE bunkers using armoured tanks
The Air Force assisted them by air strike using MI 24 fighter helicopters planes
Intercepted LTTE communication revealed that air strikes caused heavy damages to the LTTE, wounding a large number of their carders and killing ten
Two soldiers died and four injured in the melee.

Timely Detection Foils LTTE Explosion

One more disaster planned by the LTTE was averted due to timely detection of a claymore mine laid by the terrorists in the general area of PAVAKKODDICHENAI, BATTICALOA Saturday (08) morning around 11.00 a.m..
The claymore mine had been laid beside the road, probably waiting for an anticipated target, when Special Task Force (STF) personnel patrolling the area recovered it.
Flexible wire and one 9-V battery were also found during subsequent search operations in the vicinity.

Sampath Bank employees report suspicious transaction

Sampath Bank Employees’ Association in a letter signed by its President Sujith Abeyratne has recently brought to the notice of the Central Bank, an outward remittance amounting to US$ 7 million made by the Bank’s Foreign Currency Banking Unit, as a suspicious transaction.
In the letter addressed to the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit Director, the Association has pointed out that the remittance has been hurriedly done by overdrawing a foreign currency account, which has been opened only a few days earlier, even without an initial deposit.
They allege that the account has been opened against photocopies of essential documents, without even verifying these documents against the originals, contrary to the normal banking practice, and the funds have been sent to a Swiss bank account.
They also allege that a loan of US$ 7 million has been credited to the same account later in the day settling the overdraft. The company to which this loan has been granted is a single director company incorporated in Singapore with a capital of only SGD 100,000.
The letter further says that the loan was granted for one month, at the end of which period it remained totally unsettled. Despite that, a further extension of six months has been granted and the loan remained unsettled (with USD 6 million outstanding) even at the end of the extension period.
Then a fresh loan of USD 6 million has been granted to the same company and the proceeds were used to settle the previous loan in full, thereby avoiding the possible need to provide for loan loss and to report this default to the Central Bank, the letter said.
When contacted the Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Anil Amarasuriya admitted that following a letter sent by the bank employees, Central Bank officials examined the books of the Sampath Bank. However, he said that the Central Bank did not find any irregularities. Further, he said that the said loan was granted against a guarantee provided by an AAA rated bank.
When questioned about the outcome of the investigation, Central Bank’s Bank Supervision Director B.D.W.A. Silva refused to comment on the matter, but said he would submit his report on the findings to the Central Bank’s management in due course.

Troops recover claymore mine (10kg) in Anuradhapura

On information provided by a civilian, Troops recovered a 10kg Claymore mine close to the BASAVAKKULAM WEWA , ANURADHAPURA today (08) in the morning around 6.45.
The Army Bomb Disposal team defused the Claymore mine.

All woman operated flight leaves for Colombo

CHENNAI: An all women-operated Air India flight left Chennai for Colombo on the occasion of International Women's Day.
A press release from the National Aviation Co. Ltd (NACIL) said that Captain M Deepa and Flight Officer N R Veda Bakavati flew IC 573/574 flight to the Sri Lankan capital.
Boasting an all-women crew of air-hostesses, women passengers flying to island nation were received with rose buds, symbolising the importance attached to this day.
Besides Deepa and Veda Bakavati, air hostesses Upasana, Nancy, Shreyas, Dhanpreet and Maya flew in the special flight operated between the two cities, the release said.

3 wounded in claymore mine explosion at Galge

A claymore mine was triggered off targeting a troops carrying tractor at Galge along the Buttala old road this morning (March 8), defence sources report.
According to defence sources, the mine explosion was triggered in a jungle patch at Galge general area, around 9.45.a.m. Three soldiers have received injuries due to the explosion, sources said. Meanwhile, a soldier has succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment, according to latest reports received.
SLA and Police are now conducting extensive search operations in the area, defence sources further reported

Maheshwaran killing- Two suspects remanded

The Court today remanded two suspects in connection with the murder of UNP MP T. Maheshwaran. Three others who were also in custody were released on bail.

Navy uncover large stocks of arms in Mannar

Sri Lanka Navy sailors conducting search operations in the Mannar area has uncovered large stocks of arms and ammo during the last two days.
According to the naval sources, in a predawn search conducted in the Thoddaveli, Mannar today (March 7), the sailors have found one T-56 riffle with ammunition, five hand grenades, and 10 detonators, hidden inside a house.
On Wednesdy (March 5), the sailors conducting search operations in the Silawatura area found an underground ammo dump in a captured LTTE camp. According to the navy sources, 329 anti-personnel (AP) mines, 58 hand grenades, 13,357 ammo used for T-56 riffles, and 314 fuses used for AP mines were unearthed from the location.
Navy suspects that the items had been left behind by the LTTE terrorists before the camp fell to the security forces in August 2007.

9 terrorists killed in confrontations in Vavuniya

Seven LTTE terrorists were killed in confrontations with the Army on Thursday (06) in the areas of KALLIKULAM, PERIYAPANDIVIRICHCHAN, and MUNDIMURIPPU in VAVUNIYA. A soldier was also wounded in the confrontations. Meanwhile Troops have confirmed that twelve (12) terrorists were killed in confrontations with the Security Forces on Thursday (06) in PARAPPAKANDAL area, MANNAR while three (03) soldiers were reported injured in the ADAMPAN area.

Three terrorists killed in Jaffna

Three (03) terrorists were killed in a confrontation in the NAGARKOVIL and KILLALI area, JAFFNA on Thursday (06) in the evening around 5.30 while a soldier was injured in another confrontation in the morning around 9.00.

Military says 38 rebels, 4 soldiers killed in Sri Lanka fighting

Associated Press, Government forces and ethnic Tamil rebels fought fierce battles across northern Sri Lanka - that killed 38 guerrillas and four soldiers, the military said Friday. Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Both sides in the conflict have been accused of greatly exaggerating enemy casualties while underreporting their own. It is not possible to independently verify battle reports because the government has restricted access to the northern jungles where the fighting is taking place.
In the worst of the fighting Thursday, troops killed 12 Tamil Tiger rebels and lost two soldiers in a battle in the Welioya area south of rebel-held territory, military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said.
Troops killed 12 other rebels as they captured the small suburban area of Parappankandal in the northern Mannar district, he said.
Other battles across the front lines killed 14 rebels and two soldiers, he said.
The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 for an independent state in the north and east for the country's ethnic Tamil minority after decades of being marginalized by Sinhalese-dominated governments. The fighting has killed more than 70,000 people.
The government has said it aims to crush the group by the end of this year, but diplomats and other observers say the army is facing far more resistance than it had expected.

Five held for kidnapping two Sri Lankan students

BANGALORE: Sanjaynagar police arrested Adbul Madeem, Feroz Khan, Praveen, Raja and Hari on charges of kidnapping two Sri Lankan students on Thursday.
The victims were Anuz Barbat and Madhusank Alwa, students of BBM at Brindavan College in Bhoopasandra.
According to the police, the accused approached the two students at their residence in Bhoopasandra as RT Nagar police and CCB officials and took them to a real estate agency.
They told the duo that they were arrested on charges of selling ganja and demanded Rs 25,000 from them.
The duo called one of their friends Gunavardhane and asked him to bring Rs 25,000 to White House apartments in RT Nagar.
Gunavardhane called the RT Nagar police station to check if they were policemen.

Australia celebrates International Women’s Day

The occasion of International Women’s Day is a day on which women around the world reflect on the struggle for equality, justice, peace and development, as well as recognising the important contribution that women make to daily life.
In Sri Lanka, the Australian High Commission has been working to ensure that AusAID’s programs assist women around the country. Australia has worked with CARE, OXFAM (GB) and Power Foundation to implement projects in the plantation sector. CARE, through Community Development Forums (CDF) is working to uplift socio-economic conditions of plantation workers with the objective of addressing the root causes of poverty, marginalization and social injustice in the plantation community. CARE has constructed a number of rest rooms especially for women to have their meals, make a cup of tea and pregnant ladies and mothers to rest or feed their babies, before this facility was provided such plantation women had to have their meals under trees even in rainy weather.
An Australian funded project with OXFAM (GB) and Power Foundation also in the plantation sector provides financial, education and social support to uplift the living standards of communities. Mostly women were supported through microfinance programs to commence additional income avenues. Project also launched a program to promote education facilities among young girls in the plantations.
In Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala and Puttalam districts AusAID funded the Sri Lanka Australia Natural Resource Management Project. The project supported implementation of home gardens with local resources like lime, cashew, and bee’s honey, microfinance schemes, micro enterprise development programs and promotes water resources for household requirements; previously women had to walk miles to obtain water. This project provides opportunities for income generation, rural development, family nutrition and also health and sanitation.
In Mannar, Vavuniya and the Eastern Province AusAID is working with UNDP on peace building initiatives. Project involves community rehabilitation, micro finance and sports for peace component targeted at women to involve them in the peace process.
International Women’s Day will be recognised around Australia with awards presented to women who have made particular contributions. Despite making many steps towards equality over the last century, there is recognition that there is some way to go in achieving equality for women in Australia and around the world.

Roads in Kandy under repair for forthcoming SAARC summit

63 kilometers of roads in and around the city of Kandy will be r4econstructed in time for the SAARC heads of state summit to be held in Kandy by the end of July this year. The government is to spend a sum of 1.9 billion rupees in this regard. Acting Chief Minister of the Central Province Ediriweera Weerawardena says among the roads to be repaired include the Kadugannawa-Kandy, Pallekele- Kandy, Katugastota- Kandy and the road that runs through the Peradeniya university from Galaha junction.

Everything is OK for local polls

Preparations are underway to hold elections for the Batticaloa Urban Council and for eight other local government bodies in the Batticaloa District on Monday. There will be 291 polling centers and six of them have been especially reserved for displaced voters.
Assistant Election Commissioner Batticaloa S. Sudakaran says remaining election officials and all vehicles will arrive in the district by tomorrow. He further says postal votes of 923 out of 934 eligible voters have already been received. The remaining postal votes are expected to be received by 4’0 clock on Monday afternoon.
Extensive security programme is being carried out. The Assistant Commissioner adds that the peaceful situation is prevailing in the district.
Election propaganda activities ends at midnight tonight.

Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) Receives ISO 9001:2000

Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) of the Sri Lanka Navy, located in the scenic harbour in Trincomalee, the panoramic port city in the eastern coast of the island, has now reached the standard of par excellence being awarded the prestigious ISO (International Standards Organization) 9001:2000 quality management system certification from the Sri Lanka Standard Institutions, today- the 07th March 2008. The event takes place in a charming but proud ceremony held at the Academy today.
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, sending a felicitation message to the Naval and Maritime Academy, states that "We are extremely proud that the NMA is the first defence institutions in the country to achieve this international recognition". The chairman of the Sri Lanka Standard Institution, Dr. ARL Wijesekara, in his felicitation message, while complimenting the esteemed standard it received, states "This prestigious certification award you have received, will undoubtedly, equip the academy to produce professionals of the highest calibre". The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, to which the cadet entry officer training programmes and courses are accredited, Professor MJS Wijerathne, dares to state in his message that they are proud to be associated with an institution of this high calibre and be able to contribute towards the academic and professional development of the officers of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Naval and Maritime Academy, the premiere seat for naval training and learning, first established on 15th January 1967, commissioned on 15th July 1967 with Instructor Commander MGS Perera as its first commandant has created history, unfolding new chapter of the Sri Lanka Navy today, by training almost all the officer cadre irrespective of the entry, the bulk of the sailors advanced training courses and also sometimes recruit training. It has also been awarded the President's Colours on 13th December 2003 by the then Her Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in recognition of the service it had rendered by training heroic officers and sailors whose tireless dedication and fearless devotion and sacrifice have immensely contributed for the integrity and the defence of the motherland. Naval and Maritime Academy has had 26 officers as its commandants since its very inception, some of whom were elevated to be the Commanders of the Navy, and the present Commander of the Navy too was once the commandant at NMA from 21-12- 1992 to 13-08- 1993. The incumbent commandant is Commodore TJL Sinniah.
Award of ISO 9001:2000 is a historical landmark in the 40 year old journey of the Naval and Maritime Academy as it has reached par excellence-the most impressive one being that it is the first military training installation in the country to receive this quality management certification. "Quality Management" as has been defined "is an organizational strategy and a method of management, which involves all employees and seeks to improve continuously the efficacy of an organization regarding customer satisfaction".
Commodore TJL Sinniah, the Commandant, has been so humble that he sends his "deep appreciation" to Commander of the Navy for the unwavering assistance extended and his "illustrious predecessors", directing staffs, key members of the staffs and all the members of the staffs past and present for the immense and valuable contribution they all made in achieving this standard; and also he hopes that the NMA could afford to maintain it in future as well, under any circumstance and in whatever the contingency it faces.
Yet, the naval Maritime Academy, in its usual mediocre and humble but in unvanquished courageous tone, confesses
"For the naval and Maritime Academy, 'a Quality Management System" is of immense value. Our products serve very hard task master-the sea and dabble in the business of war where there no runners up. Naturally, the stakes are very high and non standard product can spell doom making the difference of life and death. There are no opportunities to recycle wasted products and training loss is a loss for ever. Therefore carefully calibrated process assured by a good 'Quality Management System' at the Naval and Maritime Academy will go a long way in achieving our national objectives."

Police recover 55 mortar bombs on information from civilian

 

A search operation conducted by the WELIKANDE POLICE on information recovered a stock of FIFTY FIVE 60mm mortar bombs.

Rights panel resigns

 

 An international advisory panel said yesterday it was resigning over Sri Lanka's refusal to properly investigate alleged human rights abuses, as a new report blamed the government for the abductions of hundreds of people.

The developments were likely to increase international calls for a UN mission to monitor abuses committed during the surge in fighting between Sri Lankan forces and ethnic Tamil separatists over the past two years.

The government has long rejected such a mission and established several advisory panels in an attempt to allay international concerns over killings, abductions and forcible disappearances plaguing the country.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa created the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons to oversee a government commission investigating 16 human rights cases.

The 11-member panel consistently criticised the government commission as lethargic and accused the attorney general's office of "serious conflicts of interest".

In a statement yesterday, the panel said its suggestions were routinely ignored or rejected and the government probe had "fallen far short of the transparency and compliance with basic international norms and standards pertaining to investigations and inquiries."

"Rajapaksa, once a rights advocate, has now led his government to become one of the world's worst perpetrators of forced disappearances," Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Elaine Pearson said.

"We absolutely deny the exaggerated allegations reflected in the report," said Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona.

"The report talks about a situation which is getting worse by the minute, and I think it is not only unfair, it is malicious.

"They are not exactly serious allegations. They are concocted in our view or exaggerated in order to give the country a bad name."

"Over the last 12 months, the situation has improved considerably."

The former Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission enraged the government by accusing state security forces of massacring 17 members of international aid group Action Contre la Faim in 2006 - the worst attack on aid workers since the 2003 bomb attack on the UN office in Baghdad.

5,000 addition policemen will deploy for election

DIG in charge of election activities Gamini Navaratne says an environment conducive to hold a free and fair election persists in the Batticaloa district.
Election propaganda for the local government election of the district ends at midnight tomorrow.
The election will be held on Monday. The DIG said 5,000 addition policemen have been deployed for election related security measures. He said since the handing over of nominations a peaceful environment has prevailed in all 9 local government areas.

Liberation operations in the Wanni successfully continues

The Ministry of Defence says liberation operations in the Wanni successfully continues inflicting heavy damages to the LTTE.
It said the military reports received from the battlefronts in the North indicates that the security forces are moving towards LTTE territory in the military operation launched to liberate the Wanni region.
The ministry said troops successfully faced confrontations in general areas Karappalikulam, Udayanatankulam, Venkalacchedkulam and Umayaratuwarankulam in Vavuniya. In addition large hauls of weapons left behind by fleeing terrorists have been recovered.

A naval training school is to be established in Colombo

A naval training school is to be established in Colombo.
An agreement to this effect was signed today between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Shipping Corporation at the ministry of Ports and Aviation.
Accordingly an office of the Shipping Corporation and an institute for naval training will be constructed at a land belonging to the ports authority at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Colombo. At the signing of the agreement minister Chamal Rajapakse said an internationally recognised university will be brought in for preparing courses at the training school.

Liberation operations in the Wanni successfully continues

The Ministry of Defence says liberation operations in the Wanni successfully continues inflicting heavy damages to the LTTE.
It said the military reports received from the battlefronts in the North indicates that the security forces are moving towards LTTE territory in the military operation launched to liberate the Wanni region.
The ministry said troops successfully faced confrontations in general areas Karappalikulam, Udayanatankulam, Venkalacchedkulam and Umayaratuwarankulam in Vavuniya. In addition large hauls of weapons left behind by fleeing terrorists have been recovered.

Now entire Parappakandal with the Troops

 

PARAPPAKANDAL, one of the major town suburb to the north of UYILANKULAM was completely brought under the troops this morning (6), giving another severe setback and humiliation to the Tiger terrorists who had kept the whole area under siege.

Navy seizes massive haul of ammunition, anti-personnel mines, hand grenades etc

 
A massive cache of military hardware consisting of a variety of ammunition , anti- personnel mines & accessories, hand grenades and wire which had been concealed by the LTTE terrorists in a well constructed underground dump was seized by the Sri Lankan Navy conducting a search operation in the SILVATHURAI AREA, MANNAR .
It is believed that this huge cache of military hardware would have been concealed underground by the LTTE terrorists when Troops advanced to liberate the area during the operations conducted in August 2007.

Mannar Police on civilian tip- off seize two lorries with 120 bags of cement

 
The MANNAR POLICE seized two lorries with two persons transporting a load of cement consisting of 120 bags of cement on a tip- off given by a civilian in MANNAR Town .

Singtel owns a little over 30 pct in Bharti Airtel.

Bharti Airtel to use Singtel expertise for 3G services rollout in Sri Lanka

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - India's Bharti Airtel Ltd said it will leverage the expertise of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) to roll out third generation services in Sri Lanka, The Economic Times reported quoting the telecom major's president of mobile services, Sanjay Kapoor.

Bharti plans to launch second and third generation mobile services in the island nation by September.

Singtel is a major player in the 3G space and already has third generation networks in several markets across Asia, he said.


Kapoor said another option open to Bharti is to use the expertise of members of Bridge Alliance for its 3G services in Sri Lanka.

The Bridge Alliance, of which both Bharti and Singtel are members, is a business alliance of 11 major mobile telecommunications companies in Asia and Australia. The alliance is built on a seamless service connectivity and a suite of integrated value-added services for all alliance members' subscribers while roaming on each other's networks.

Last year, Bharti Airtel had bagged the licence to become Sri Lanka's fifth GSM-based service provider.

Sri Lanka state behind "disappearances": rights group

By Simon Gardner

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's government is responsible for widespread abductions and disappearances as it fights a new phase in a 25-year civil war with the Tamil Tigers, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday, calling for a U.N. monitoring mission.

Rights groups have reported hundreds of abductions, disappearances and killings blamed on one side or the other since the civil war, which has killed nearly 70,000 people since 1983, resumed in 2006 as a truce collapsed on the ground.

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa, once a rights advocate, has now led his government to become one of the world's worst perpetrators of forced disappearances," Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Elaine Pearson said in a statement, launching a 241-page report.

The report, entitled "Recurring nightmare: State responsibility for disappearances and abductions in Sri Lanka", features interviews with relatives of 'disappeared', some of whom describe how police had paid visits shortly before abductions.

Others describe relatives disappearing after being interrogated at gunpoint by police in broad daylight, or being bundled into white vans by unidentified gunmen. Police then deny their relative has been arrested.

"We absolutely deny the exaggerated allegations reflected in the Human Rights Watch Report," said Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona. "The report talks about a situation which is getting worse by the minute, and I think it is not only unfair, it is malicious.

"There are all these allegations and they are not exactly serious allegations. They are concocted in our view or exaggerated in order to give the country a bad name," he added. "Over the last 12 months, the situation has improved considerably..., a result of measures put in place by the government."

After formally scrapping a 6-year truce with the Tigers in a wider bid to win the war militarily, Rajapaksa's government banished Nordic truce monitors who had blamed troops and rebels for repeated abuses.

TNA Parliamentarian K.Sivanesan killed

TNA Parliamentarian K.Sivanesan killed due to aclaymore mine explosion in Vanni.However the Tamil Tiger rebels said was carried out by government forces.

The vehicle of K. Sivanesan, a member of parliament for the pro-rebel Tamil National Alliance (TNA), was hit by a mine in a guerrilla-controlled area.

The blast was at Mallavi, 35 kilometres (21 miles) north of the frontline post of Omanthai, officials said.

LTTE spreading wings in Kerala?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A vessel being constructed for use by LTTE at a Kochi dock was seized by Kerala police on Wednesday. The boat was seized from a private entity, Sudhas Marine Engineering, during a joint inspection by the state police and cops from the 'Q' branch of Tamil Nadu, sources said.
The Q Branch had nabbed two LTTE sympathisers, both Sri Lankans, in Trichinappally on Tuesday.
Their interrogation led the police to Kochi and to the boat that was being made in Munambam. Construction of the vessel had begun five months ago but had not completed, Kochi Rural SP M Padmanabhan told TOI.
The boat-makers said they got the contract from one Ismail of Kozhikode and that he was previously unknown to them. Police claimed Ismail did so under instructions from some LTTE sympathisers. Rs 12 lakh had been paid in advance for the boat, they said.
Investigations are on to find out if more boats were being made in Kerala, police said.
Intelligence agencies have reported increase in LTTE activities in Kerala. Recently, a top navy officer had said that the outfit was shifting its operations from Tamil Nadu due to constant surveillance of the navy and Coast Guard, to the less patrolled Kerala coast.
The presence of a large number of migrant labourers from Tamil Nadu help Tigers carry out their activities, sources said. Recently, the Kerala police had arrested an LTTE activist, Sadaratinam, who was living with migrant laourers in Idukki district bordering Tamil Nadu.
As if that wasn't all, investigations into 10,000 detonators found abandoned in Kozhikode bus stand recently had led to a man from Madurai whom the police suspect is involved in a chain supplying arms to LTTE.

Eleven terrorists killed in Vavuniya

Eleven LTTE terrorists were killed in three confrontations in the VAVUNIYA AREA, yesterday (05) . Of a total of six (06) terrorists killed in the KARUMPAIKULAM AREA , two (02) were killed around 8.50 in the morning while another four (04) were killed in the morning at 11.10. Four soldiers, two each were reported injured in the two incidents .

Three terrorists killed in Welioya

Three LTTE terrorists were killed in confrontation with Troops in the ANDANKULAM area, WELIOYA on Wednesday (05) , one was killed around 7.45 in the morning while two were killed at 10.30 am. A soldier was also reported injured.

Seven terrorists killed in the Mannar area

Heavy fighting with the terrorists continued in the MANNAR sector on Wednesday (05). Five terrorists were killed in a confrontation at MANTOTA in the morning around 7.30. An officer was also reported killed while three soldiers were injured in the incident .

Attacks and threats are creating a fear psychosis among the journalists - FMM

[Lanka-e-News, ] FMM is horrified and shocked that another staff member, Mrs. Ranjani Aluthge, librarian of the of state controlled Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC) was cut with a razor knife last evening, 5th March 2008. She was on her way home traveling in a public transport bus when a young person wearing a cap cut her from her back close to her shoulder twice before getting out of the bus. Mrs. Ranjani was admitted to the Colombo general hospital and received number of stitches on the cut injuries. FMM condemns this horrible act in strongest terms.
This is the forth incident of attacks and attempted attacks on SLRC journalists and media workers that has taken place recently.
On 25th January a knife attack on journalist Lal Hemantha Mawalage took place. He was on his way home around 11.00pm when he was attacked by two men on motor bicycle who lay in wait for him. He received severe cut injuries in his right arm, was admitted to Ward 72 of the Colombo general hospital. Two days ago journalist Mawalage was asked to get his coffin ready by some unknown peson.
On the night of 29th January two persons armed with a pistol entered the house of media worker Duleep Dushantha of the state owned SLRC (Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation). As he was not in the house at that time they threatened his mother with death if she informed the police of the incident.
On 27th February assistant Director News Camera Priyal Ranjith Perera of SLRC was threatened by unidentified gang while he was in his residence. They tried to attack/stab him but he was able to close the door and shouted for help.
All these journalists were involved in the spontaneous protest that sprung up on 27th December 2007 when labour Minister Mervyn de Silva stormed into the SLRC with group of thugs and assaulted its news director.
Soon after three Journalists from privately owned MTV net work who were involved in covering the 27th December incident logged a complain in Maharagama police station saying that they had received credible information of underworld persons are plotting to harm them. Two other journalists who were involved in covering the minister's intrusion in to SLRC were followed by unknown persons recently. None of these incidents has been investigated to a completion and no culprit has been brought to the book. In this situation some journalists who played a leading role at the protest are forced to go in hiding.
These attacks and threats are creating a fear psychosis especially among the journalists who participated and covered the 27th December SLRC protest against the minister. This in turn will obstruct them performing their duty of informing people.
It is very unfortunate that our repeated requests to the government for immediate and open inquires into these incidents have not had any positive responses. Instead what we hear is an anti-media rhetoric by government high ups. Intolerance of critical reporting is being promoted to dangerous level of fearful inciting.
In this situation FMM urge all democratic forces including political parties to join with journalist's orgnisations in protesting all these attacks and protecting what ever media freedom we have in our country today.

A thug injures a Rupavahini Corporation librarian with a razor

A group of thugs cut the neck of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) librarian Ranjanee Aluthge with a razor while she was returning from duty by bus. The assault took place yesterday evening (05) near Kelanithissa power house.
She was admitted with two razor cuts in her nape to national hospital. She was in shock although her condition was not serious.
She said that a youth cut her nape twice with a sharp blade when she was half asleep in the bus was and when she looked back cut again.
Ms.Aluthge was reportedly captured in video recordings of Minister Mervin Silva episode at SLRC.
Ms.Aluthge was the fourth SLRC staff member that faced reprisals after that incident.

Dialog Telekom strengthens Army Commando Regiment Camp with a new Water Therapy Unit

Dialog Telekom PLC announced March the gifting of a fully equipped water therapy unit to the physiotherapy centre of the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment Camp located in Ganemulla, Kadawatha.
The water therapy unit will aid the recovery process of disabled Commandos and facilitate restoring and maintaining a level of physical function that leads to independent living. The handing over ceremony was held under the auspices of Mrs. Sugandhi Kadirgamar, wife of the late Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar.

The Commando Regiment Camp is home to over 200 disabled Commandos while an approximate number of 500 disabled Commandos receive treatment at the camp on a daily basis.
The newly established water therapy unit is fully equipped with a Jacuzzi, Dry Sauna, and Steam Room, further upgrading the facilities of the physiotherapy centre which provides many other treatment facilities for the disabled.
The new water therapy unit will assist disabled Commandos to overcome numerous physical limitations through proper therapeutic intervention as water therapy is a popular treatment method used to treat individuals with physical impairments.
Speaking at the occasion Mrs. Kadirgamar said, “I’m truly grateful to all those who have contributed in making this water therapy unit a reality and especially for naming the physiotherapy centre after late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar who played a key role in establishing this centre. The water therapy unit was a much needed treatment facility for our physically impaired Commandos and I’m certain that the newly established unit will meet this need and be of great use to our disabled Commandos.”
Commenting about the company’s involvement in the project, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Telekom PLC said, “Physiotherapy plays a very important role in the rehabilitation of the physically impaired. Dialog Telekom is privileged to be of service to those members of the Commando regiment who have suffered impairment during the course of serving the nation.
As a company that firmly believes in empowering all segments of society, we will continue to extend our support to the differently abled across multiple segments of society, with a view to driving empowerment and thereby enhancement to the quality of life of affected individuals”.

Toys found in terrorist bunker; evidence for LTTE's blatant disregard for civilian lives

Defence.lk at several occasions have highlighted that LTTE terrorists are forcing civilians to perform military tasks for them. Many civilians who had managed to escape from terrorists clutches in Wanni have told our reporters in Mannar that LTTE terrorists even order elderly people and pregnant women to take part in sentry duties, pickets, road clearances, etc due to serious shortage of man power. However, those stooges of terrorism in media have been barring these stories purposely, as they would expose the LTTE's true face to the world.
While so called professional journalists like Anita Prathap, are continuing to harp one sided stories about the discrimination against Tamils in Sri Lanka, a recent finding by army shows what the media silence on LTTE atrocities, has caused to innocent Tamils living under the jackboot of terrorism.
In a recent battle with LTTE terrorists in the East of Pallaikuli, troops have found few toys, feeding equipment and a dress of a baby girl inside a bunker they had captured during their advance. Defence.lk special correspondent in the Mannar said that this is clear evidence that LTTE terrorists have now started to deploy civilians, right at the frontline disregarding their safety. He said that a breast-feeding mother might have been kept in the bunker with her child to provide assistance to the terrorists.
According to the information obtained from civilian sources in the LTTE dominated areas during recent past, most of the cadres deployed in the frontlines were females and child soldiers that had been forcibly conscripted to the organization. While the seasoned cadres have chosen to hide themselves in the back; these young females and child soldiers have been orders to carryout attacks at the security forces. Our correspondent is in the view that the terrorist leadership must have decided to provide reinforcements to its loosing frontlines with civilians, including breast-feeding mothers and their babies, instead of seasoned cadres.

Two soldiers injured

While troops conducted further search operations two soldiers were injured when they accidentally trigged two Booby-traps in cause way detachment Puttalam. The injured soldiers were admitted to Puttalam hospital.

Emergency passed

The proposal to extend the emergency regulation by another month was passed in parliament by a majority of 88 votes. 102 votes were received in favour of the proposal and 14 against it. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna voted for the proposal along with the ruling party. TNA voted against the proposal. MPs of the United National Party were absent in the House during the voting.

Security forces caution the public in parking their vehicles at isolated places

The security forces caution the public in parking their vehicles at isolated places in the Colombo city. The intelligence sources have uncovered information that the LTTE terrorists have a plan to set bombs to such vehicles by using magnetic devices. Such bombs were found among a stock of weapons seized by the police in Modera recently. The LTTE is making attempts to destroy electricity transformers by detonating bombs. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara pointed out the need of public to be vigilant on such acts of sabotage.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that top level leaders of the terrorist outfit have allowed their members to reside at the camps with their family members. This fact was confirmed when the troops found toys of children at abandoned camps of the LTTE in Pallikkulli in Mannar recently. The Brigadier said the objective of the terrorists is to discredit the government troops if these children happen to be killed in attacks. The LTTE is forcibly recruiting persons to the organisation due to the dearth of combatants. Sources emanating from Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi say they have made compulsory for school children to undergo military training of the organisation.

Police received 29 complaints so far relating to the Batticaloa local polls

Police media spokesman senior DIG N.K. Illangakoon says they have received 29 complaints so far relating to the Batticaloa local polls. 13 of them have already been settled. In a media briefing held in Colombo this morning the DIG said a peaceful environment is prevailing in the Batticaloa district. The police have tightened security in the area to conduct the polls without any hindrance. Speaking at the media briefing government’s defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said attempts of certain section to create a wrong picture about the local polls have completely failed. PAFFREL has also declared that the elections are being conducted within the democratic framework.
Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner’s Office on Refugees has hailed the Sri Lankan Navy for rescuing 71 illegal migrants whose ship occurred an engine trouble in seas off Mullaitivu few days ago. The Indian navy have not monitored this ship which was drifting in their sea area for 12 days. But the Sri Lankan navy monitored this ship in their waters and rescued the Myanmar and Bangladeshi nationals.

No plans to suspends Bribery investigations

Minister Jeyaraj Fertnandopulle told in Parliament today that no investigation have been suspended as a result of transferring the Bribery Commissioner. Replying to a querry of an Opposition MP, he said the UNP is attempting to gain international publicity over this issue.
The Speaker added no substantial evidence has been received to appoint a parliamentary select committee on MIG transactions.

Traders sell outdated medicine

Secretary to the Ministry of Trade R.M.K. Ratnayake says information has been received regarding traders who sell medicine, of which date of expiry had lapsed.
He points out that drugs of which dates of expiry were to lapse within three months , could be imported at a cheaper cost. By the time, these medicines were cleared from the ports, the dates of expiry may have lapsed. Patients who use such adulterated drugs may experience harmful results.
The Secretary says a special gazette notification will be issued in this regard with the co-operation of the Ministry of Health.

All arrangement have been made to strengthen security in the Batticaloa district

Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne says all arrangement have been made to strengthen security in the Batticaloa district especially on Monday, the day of the holding local government elections, and also during several days thereafter.
Five thousand police personnel will be on duty on the election day.
All election propaganda ends at midnight on Friday.
The DIG also said no serious incidents have been reported from the district so far.

International conference of women political leaders

Issued by the EC delegation in Colombo
The role of women in promoting peace and security is increasingly acknowledged, with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and Security as a crucial reference point, though much still remains to be done at all levels to implement this resolution. On the eve of the International Women’s Day more than 50 international women leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss the role of women in stabilising an insecure world.
Every day, we hear reports of new conflicts, of escalating tension and violence. And in any situation of insecurity, from war to health threats to climate change, women are often disproportionately affected because of their traditionally more vulnerable position in the society.
80 percent of the world’s refugees are women and children. Sexual violence and rape are prevalent in regions of war as well as in refugee camps. We cannot talk about the role of women in conflict resolution without acknowledging this terrible reality. At the same time, we need to remember that women are also key actors promoting peace and stability. Security cannot be effectively discussed or achieved without the involvement of women. Women’s participation is crucial not only in the more traditional “hard” security spheres like war efforts, peace-building, post-conflict reconstruction and counter-terrorism, but also countering “softer” human security threats such as global epidemics, psychological health during and post-war, and the emerging concerns of climate change and environmental degradation.
On 6 March more than 50 women leaders from all continents will meet in Brussels on invitation of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to discuss about "Women: stabilising an insecure world". Female heads of states, ministers, and heads of international organisations, business leaders, and civil society activists will discuss the twin themes of security and women's empowerment. The President of the Republic of Finland, Prime Minister of Ukraine, First Lady of Egypt, the US Secretary of State, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Former President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and Commissioners Wallström, Hübner and Kroes are among the participants.
We believe the key to a stable world is sustainable development. It is about stabilising an insecure world and finding the right combination of economic growth and social progress, while at the same time caring for our planet.
Without education you cannot have social stability. Yet there are currently around 100 million children not getting any education at all – and more than 70 million are girls. That we have to change.
Another important instrument to stabilise the world is the UN Resolution 1325 on Women’s Role in Peace building and security that links gender equality to global security and acknowledges the importance of women’s voices in building lasting peace. This resolution is a milestone on the road to more gender-sensitive peace processes and security policies. Though the implementation of the resolution is a long-term political process it must receive more attention throughout the EU and in the various member states, in particular among decision makers in the fields of foreign, defence, security and development policy. Since the adoption of the resolution in 2000 awareness of the importance of including women in peace and reconstruction process has grown. Yet implementation of its mandate remains sporadic and ad hoc.
Women make a difference, in part because they adopt a more inclusive approach toward security and address key social and economic issues that would otherwise be ignored. Women can make peace agreements and post-conflict efforts more viable, effective, and practical by engaging in a wide variety of actions, including but not limited to participating in peace talks; rehabilitating children associated with armed groups; convening people across conflict lines to discuss common concerns such as access to clean water; and advocating budget priorities that emphasize social services rather than military expenditures.
But despite the general consensus to protect and empower women, they remain marginalized in decision-making, peace-building and peacekeeping operations. Under-representation of women in politics still persists worldwide, including in Europe. Only six percent of ministers worldwide and 10 percent of parliamentarians are women. And we all know that the famous "glass ceiling" is still in place, be it in politics or economy.
Baring women from full participation at the decision making levels are significant barriers to achieving Resolution 1325’s goals. There is also a widespread problem of simply viewing women as victims and not recognizing their potential as active participants in the process of building a more stable and secure world.

Sri Lanka needs balanced food crop cultivation plan-say legislators

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Local legislators blamed Agricultural authorities for not preparing a well planned programme to reduce excess commercial and food crop cultivations and pointed out that Sri Lanka needs a balanced food crop cultivation to maintain a good price structure and control import food varities.
Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera and Darmadasa Banda said the country needs a balanced food crop cultivation programme to reduce wastage of harvest and maintain a best price structure to protect the farmers.
The ministers addressed a meeting held at the Galle Face Hotel , in Colombo in connection with the launch of Wellassa Krusi Udawa –Agricultural Exhibition and farmers awareness programme which will be conducted in Buttala in June this year by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and said the country needs post harvest system to reduce wastage of food crops and also highlighted a comprehensive food crop cultivation policy to reduce wastage of harvest and ensure a stable income for farming families.
They said the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and the private sector plans to develop Uva –Wellassa through their proposed Agricultural Exhibition and the government supports this project to uplift living conditions of the farming families and produce more food for the country.Mr.Darmadasa Banda said his plan is to popularise fruit cultivation in the Uva Wellassa area .
“We have some problems such as price levels , excess production and lack of Agri related industries within the zone, he said.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the President Mahinda Rajapaksha has a good vision to develop rural areas and the farming community .The minister said at present vegetable and other food crops specially rice get good market price .“We want to maintain this price structure continuously and I asked President’s support to stop rice imports within this season, he said.
End

Two Police personnel injured in claymore mine explosion- Madukanda

LTTE terrorists triggered off a claymore mine this morning (March 5) at Madukanda, injuring two police personnel who were engaged in a route patrol along the Vavuniya - Kebithigollewa main road, Madukanda Police said.

According to police, the claymore was triggered at around 7a.m. Latest reports received said that, two claymore mines were tripped to explode simultaneously which has also damaged a high tension, power distribution line.

The injured were rushed to the general hospital at Vavuniya. Police and Army troops are conducting search operations in the area, Madukanda Police sources said.

SL Embassy in France counters 'France 24' misrepresentation

 

The Sri Lanka Embassy in France, responding to a Television Programme telecasted over the English Service of the 'France 24' Television Channel, said that the TV report portrays a one-sided view of the situation in Sri Lanka.

Sugeeswara Senadhira, Minister Counsellor for the Ambassador, who was quoted by 'France 24' in their report 'Sri Lanka: Tamil Mothers Waiting for Their Sons' said that the portrayal contained many factual inaccuracies and exaggerations and some of the interviews have been edited to give an out-of-context and twisted meaning.

Referring to a statement made by Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament, Mano Ganeshan, to a Sri Lankan daily newspaper, Minister Counsellor Senadhira said that he regrets to find some factual inaccuracies in the television report and added that Mr Mano Ganesan, who accuses the Government of 'ethnic cleansing', is not in 'exile for security reasons' as alleged in the special report.

"He is living in Sri Lanka and the Government has provided him with 08 police personnel and a back-up vehicle for his protection. He lives in Colombo.'

Further clarifying several controversial issues in the TV report he said that the allegation that hundreds have been abducted or disappeared is an absolute canard. After his return from India last month, Mr Ganesan has complained of about 6 disappearances and all the six persons he mentioned have been traced found to be alive and safe.

"The allegation that people have been detained for '5 or 6 years' is totally false and not a single person has been detained for such a long period. Such sweeping statements should not be reported without verification," Senadhira stated.

"There is no truth whatsoever about the absurd charge of 'ethnic cleansing'. "In the City of Colombo 35 percent belong to the Tamil community and they live safely. The road checks and security measures are in place strictly to curb terrorist activities and the checking of people and vehicles has not been restricted to one community. These checking and security measures are essential in any country faced with terrorist threats," he added.

Citing reports of Scandinavian Ceasefire Monitors, Mr. Senadhira said Norwegian-brokered Cease Fire Agreement was violated by over 7000 by the LTTE and took issue with the narrator for implying that the Government was somehow to blame.

"The report also failed to tell the audience that the alleged killer of Mr Maheswaran, who was shot dead in a Hindu temple was arrested on the spot and the investigations have revealed that he was a member of the Tamil Tigers," Mr. Senadhira said.

He said that the situation in Sri Lanka is very complex and has primarily been brought about by the Tamil Tigers who have for more than two decades perpetrated numerous and horrendous acts of terrorism. The Tamil civilians living in France have also fallen victims to their terrorist tactics which are well known to the French Foreign Office and the Police, Senadhira observed.

He charged the programme for not abiding by the usual journalistic ethics of seeking clarifications or explanations from the government on any of the dozens of allegations levelled in this special report.

Show me one difference between my campaign today and that of Mahinda Rajapakse’s campaign

The victims of human rights violations during the 1989 period are activists, supporters and family members of JVP. It was a well known fact. Mahinda Rajapakse fought on behalf of their plight. That did not make him a member of JVP. He fought for the human rights of the people. JVP attacked sacred Dalada Maligawa. They threw bombs inside the Parliament. They killed Buddhist monks, politicians, police, security forces and their family members. But nobody accused Mahinda of dealing with JVP and supporting JVP’s terrorism against security forces. Today the victims are Tamils and most of them are accused of LTTE affiliation. People who struggle for political solution and stand against war are also condemned as LTTE supporters. If there are LTTE members, they must be dealt according to the law of the land instead of extra legal punishments. That is what Mahinda Rajapakse wanted for JVPers in 1989. Today, there are many innocent people who are punished for being Tamil from north and east. There are Sinhalese who speak against war are also condemned as ‘Sinhala Kotiyas’. Irrespective all these facts my fight is for the protection of human rights of the victims. It is similar to then struggle of Mahinda Rajapakse. Can anybody produce one reasonable difference between my today’s campaign and Mahinda Rajapakse’s campaign of 1989? Can anyone of those government politicians, their extremist allies in JVP and JHU, cronies and members of hardliner private and state media who accuse me of treachery and abating terrorism come up with the answer, challenged Western Peoples Front Leader and Civil Monitoring Commission Convener Mano Ganesan MP during his address to WPF politburo. Ganesan said further in his deliberation,


Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse as a SLFP Parliamentarian championed human rights during the late 1989 period. He campaigned against extra legal killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests and detentions. He documented (symbolically or otherwise) incidents of abuses and took the issue to the international community. He traveled to Geneva , as some of our human rights activists travel to Geneva today to make cases at UN human rights council.


Democratic Left Front general secretary and presidential advisor today comrade Vasudeva Nanayakara worked along with Parliamentarian Mahinda Rajapakse in this mission. I am told that Vasudeva accompanied him to Geneva and both of them faced government screening and intimidation at the Katunayake airport.


Notwithstanding this respectful, commendable and exemplary past HE Mahinda Rajapakse today heads a government which is the guilty party and cause to the grave human rights violations occur in this country. There are other actors, LTTE and various Para-groups are also in the scene as offenders. But they are non state actors. HE Mahinda Rajapakse heads the government and the Sri Lankan state. The government is bound by the national and international laws and conventions.


This government accuses human rights defenders on two counts.


(01) Human Rights defenders are accused of ‘discrediting’ the country by taking the subject matter issues out of Sri Lanka to the international community.

(02) Human Rights defenders are accused of ‘supporting and working’ for the LTTE.


This killer campaign has now reached great levels. It is targeting all members of human rights defender community. The human rights defender community in Sri Lanka consist Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Sri Lankans and foreigners. There are men and women. All of them are targeted. Government politicians, their extremist allies, cronies and hardliner private and state media are doing overtime in this merciless offensive killer campaign.


I am under this willful attack very often. The reasons are there. I am an ethnic Tamilian by birth and I have a political face.


I am accused of bringing ‘discredit’ to the country by ‘complaining’ to the United Nations and other players in the international community or rather keeping this campaign alive. I am accused of ‘telling and talking’ to the international media. I am accused of ‘traitorous disservice’ to my country. I am accused of ‘dealing with and working for LTTE’. I am accused of ‘supporting terrorism’.


These are activities; I will never do even in my wildest dreams. But the accusers never wanted to listen and understand.


I am very much confident of the fact that what I am doing now is that Mahinda Rajapakse did in late 80s. Can anybody dispute me? On the strength of my confidence I have very often asked few simple questions inside and outside the parliament.


Can anybody produce one reasonable difference between my today’s campaign and Mahinda Rajapakse’s campaign of 1980s? I challenge anyone of those government politicians, their extremist allies, cronies and members of hardliner private and state media who accuse me of treachery and abating terrorism to come with the answer.


But I have some answers to my own questions. Yes, there are some basic differences.


On the one hand, Mahinda Rajapakse is a Sinhala man by birth. I am Tamil man by birth. He is member of the numerical majority community. I am member of the numerical minority community. On the other hand, those who faced human rights violations in the forms of extra judicial killings, enforced abductions during 1980s are mostly members of the Sinhala community. Most of the victims today are members of the Tamil community.


Are these the differences? You disregard and even approve these abductions, extra judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, extortions because of the fact that the victims are Tamils and in some cases Muslims?


The victims during the 1989 period are family members, activists and supporters of JVP. It was a well known fact. Mahinda Rajapakse fought on behalf of for their plight. That did not make him a member of JVP. He fought for the human rights of the people. Nobody accused him of dealing with JVP and supporting and JVP terrorism. Today the victims are Tamils and most of the time they are accused of LTTE affiliation. People who struggle for peace and stand against war are also condemned as LTTE supporters. There may be LTTE members. They must be dealt according to the law of the land. There are many innocent people who are punished for members of the Tamil community. Irrespective all these facts my fight is for the protection of human rights the victims. It is similar to the struggle of Mahinda Rajapakse.

Those who did not and cannot put JVP label on Mahinda Rajapakse are today unfairly putting LTTE label on me. This is the sad fact when the defender and the victims happen to members of the Tamil community in this country.


This is yet another typical example of the prevailing ethnic discrimination in this country.

I cannot understand this logic and peculiar reality.


UNP was the ruling party during the 1980s which was accused of state terrorism. UNP today supports our campaign for the protection of human rights. SLFP was the party which championed the human rights. Especially non other than the president headed the campaign. This party is the ruling party today. SLFP led government practices state terrorism against Tamils. This does not end here. There is another dimension. The victims of 1980s are the JVPers. This party supports the military campaign and justifies the human rights violations against Tamils.

GOVERNMENT HAS OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE SINCERITY

The entrenched nature of the problems of ethnic conflict and governance in Sri Lanka necessitates a national effort to overcome them that transcends party politics. The vast majority of people in the country would welcome a bipartisan political approach that would ensure good governance and conflict resolution. Virtually all political parties have also expressed their support for such an initiative. In this context, the meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has sparked hopes of a fresh effort to obtain a bipartisan political approach to the problems of governance in the country. The two issues that have taken centre stage in these discussions are the implementation of the 13th and 17th Amendments to the constitution.

The 13th Amendment recently came to the public limelight on account of it being recommended as an interim solution to the ethnic conflict by the All Parties Representatives Committee appointed by the President. Although the 13th Amendment, which provided for the devolution of power to elected provincial councils was passed by Parliament in 1987, it has not been fully implemented in any of the provinces, and not been implemented at all in the two war-affected provinces of the north and east.

The 17th Amendment, on the other hand, was passed in 2001, and seeks to ensure the de-politicisation of appointments to key state institutions, including the public service, judiciary and police. However it has not been implemented for the past four years which has led to an erosion of good governance and to a loss of public confidence in the integrity of key state institutions. Since all other political parties have done their part, the immediate constituting of the Constitutional Council by the President who is the final authority will be a key indicator of the government’s sincerity of purpose.

The National Peace Council urges the government to follow up the meeting between the two leaders by taking steps to implement the two constitutional amendments. The implementation of the 17th Amendment at this time will also be a confidence building measure with regard to the government’s sincerity in implementing the 13th Amendment. The continuing reliance on war as the primary means of conflict resolution can be diminished to the extent that a viable political proposal that addresses the ethnic conflict is implemented. In this context we see the presentation and implementation of genuine devolution based on the 13th Amendment within the existing constitution as a starting point in getting the political process restored in the north and east and in renewing hope that there is an alternative to war.

 

Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka reiterates the fullest support to the peace process in Sri Lanka.

Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Kiyoshi Araki reiterates the fullest support to the Japanese government towards the peace process in Sri Lanka.
He commended the government’s efforts to bring a lasting peace to the country.
He was speaking at the signing of several agreements between the Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme at the Ministry of Nation building today.
The agreements provide over 500 million rupees to improve communal life in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

LTTE underground artillery storage destroyed - Pooneryn

SLAF fighter jets launched two separate air sorties today(March 4) at an identified LTTE underground artillery storage North of Pooneryn in Kilinochchi district.
According to MCNS officials, the precision air raids were carried-out at around 12p.m., and 2.25p.m respectively.
The LTTE underground facility was located 1.5km North of Pooneryn, the sources further said..
Pilots have confirmed the target was destroyed successfully.

No cause for postponing Batticaloa elections - Pafferel

Chairman of the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFEREL), Kingsley Rodrigo said that holding elections in Batticaloa was a part of the democratic process and that there were no strong reasons to put off elections in Batticaloa. Addressing the media yesterday (3), Rodrigo also mentioned that there had been worse situations under which elections had been held. He cautioned however that instances of violence and political clashes could not be ruled out.
However, Rodrigo said that he would seek an interview with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to seek his support for a free and fair election and to reduce to the minimum the movements of those with fire arms and the misusing of state property.
Refuting certain fears raised by the Leader of the Opposition and others, Rodrigo stated that elections would give the people the opportunity to elect their own representatives which had been denied to them for a long time.
Six political parties and twenty two Independent Groups are contesting this year's local government elections scheduled for March 10.

LTTE bunker destroyed in SLA attack - Vavuniya

SLA troops destroyed a LTTE bunker defence today (March 4) during a confrontation with terrorists in general area Navathkulama, Vavuniya, at 2.30p.m.
According to ground sources, no damages were caused to own troops.

Central Province Chief Minister addresses EU parliament

Chief Minister of the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Sarath Ekanayake, addressed the European Parliament and asked for greater inward investment into Sri Lanka.
Addressing Overseas Development and Co-operation Committee of the Parliament last night, the Chief Minister described the beauty of the Central Province, its agriculture, its bio-diversity, its tea estates, its fauna and flora its tourism potential, and the intellectual capacity of the students of the premier University in the Island with a vast international reputation.
He asked that substantial investment be made by the European Union, its companies and its institution to create new jobs and new economic activities in Sri Lanka.
He reminded the EU that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Europe is over 500 years old and is an enduring one. Stating that the garments industry in his Province under the BOI provides hundreds of thousand of jobs; he appealed to the European Union law makers to extend the GSP plus facilities for Sri Lanka beyond 2008. Over 100,000 of jobs are stake and a million people who depend on these wage earners will be affected if the GSP Plus is not extended, It will be economic Tsunami which will hit the poorest people hardest, at a time when Sri Lanka is facing continued terrorism.
Thanking the European Union for the support and help given to Sri Lanka over the years, the Chief Minister said he is looking forward to strengthening of our friendship and working towards supportive mutual cooperation in the years to come.

Journalists continue to be physically attacked in connection with minister’s use of force at state TV station in December

Reporters Without Borders condemns two physical attacks on journalists on 27 February that seem to be linked to their coverage of a December incident in which labour minister Mervyn Silva stormed into the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), a state-owned television station, and assaulted its news director.
“Physical attacks and acts of intimidation against SLRC journalists for objecting to Silva’s use of force is intolerable,” the press freedom organisation said. “How can one account for the fact that the authorities spend more time interrogating SLRC journalists than looking for those responsible for these attacks?”
Four men armed with knives tried to attack Priyal Ranjith Perera at his home in Pitakotte, south of Colombo, in the evening of 27 February, but were forced to flee when neighbours intervened. Perera was in charge of a TV crew that filmed the December incident at SLRC.
The same day, a group of men on motorcycles circled around the home of another journalist who has written about the incident, and who had previously received suspicious phone calls on 13 and 17 February.
Silva, a controversial minister known for his hostility towards journalists, burst into SLRC headquarters on 27 December and order the thugs accompanying him to beat the station’s news director, T.M.G. Chandrasekara. Since then, journalists who helped force Silva to leave the building or who covered the incident have been targeted.
Silva’s thugs are suspected of carrying out a knife attack on 25 January on SLRC journalist Lal Hemantha Mawalage, who was hospitalised with multiple wounds to the hands and body.
According to the Free Media Movement, a local organisation, around 20 SLRC journalists have been questioned since the December incident but no one has been arrested or questioned in connection with the attacks and threats against journalists.

Battery cells to Lanka seized

RAMANATHAPURAM: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) person nel seized a huge consignment of battery cells filled in 67 cartons, meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka.
ICG personnel who were on patrol noticed a torch light signal from a boat anchored off the coast of Hare Island and rushed there. However, the country boat, fitted with outboard motor, sped to Hare Island where its occupants alighted from the boat.
The group escaped into a thick jungle under the cover of darkness after abandoning the boat and the contraband. Meanwhile, a hovercraft rushed to the Island and Coast Guard personnel tried to apprehend the fugitives but no one was arrested.

SriLankan makes Colombo a transit hub

SriLankan Airlines is fast turning Colombo into a hub for air travel, steadily increasing the number of passengers in transit through the island’s international airport.
Three years ago, only 28 per cent of passengers carried by SriLankan through Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) were in transit - a little over a quarter. The bulk of travellers were tourists visiting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans returning from overseas.
Today, the number of transit passengers has more than doubled, and the total number of passengers carried by the airline has increased by a third. Nearly half of its traffic (46 per cent) is now transit passengers, a number that is continuously increasing.
“We at SriLankan take great pride in offering rapid connectivity to travellers through Colombo, in order to maximise convenience. We actively work towards minimising waiting periods which we know is one of the most annoying aspects of international air travel,” said CEO of SriLankan Peter Hill.
The rise in transit passengers has been as steady as it has been impressive, from 28 per cent in 2003/04 to 36 per cent the next year, 42 per cent in 2005/06, to the current 46 per cent.
Transit numbers remained steady at 46 per cent during the six-month period between April and September 2007, despite flight schedules being disrupted for several months due to a temporary night-time closure of BIA. With the airport now back to its 24-hour operation, the number is expected to increase.
BIA boasts of some of the most modern comforts and amenities among airports anywhere, and has a reputation as the finest in South Asia. Although it does not compare in size to the world’s major hubs, it has a new terminal with modern aerobridges, sophisticated passenger counters and baggage handling systems, and a well-stocked duty free shopping complex.
SriLankan’s business class lounge there has drawn praise from high-end travellers as being second to none.
With SriLankan having positioned Colombo as the gateway to India, a large proportion of transit passengers are flying to and from the 11 cities that the airline serves there.
SriLankan last year became the first foreign carrier to operate 100 weekly flights to India. It is a firm favourite among South Indian labour traffic to the Middle East, North Indians travelling to the Far East for leisure, and Indians domiciled overseas who are visiting their country of origin. The airline’s route network now serves 54 cities in 28 countries.

Troops captured a LTTE cross loading point in MANNAR.

The Army troops captured a LTTE cross loading point in UIEYANKULAM- ANANDAKULAM road with 1.5km area in MANNAR today (04).
Troops confirm that the LTTE terrorists suffered heavy damages in this incident. The troops also captured one square kilometer in PALAIKULI East area .
Seven LTTE carders were killed in the ensuing confrontation.
Three dead bodies of the LTTE female carders and four T 56 weapons were recovered subsequently.

Teachers sick note campaign partly success

Most of government schools were closed due to the poor attendance of the teachers and the education authorities say attendance of the children also declined due to the sick note campaign organized by some teachers trade unions .However some Regional education directors say teachers’ presence in schools was at a satisfactory level today. Additional secretary to the provincial education ministry G. Sederahetti said that academic activities of schools in the western province were conducted as usual since almost all teachers reported for duty today. Zonal Education Director of the Central Province noted the same situation in schools in the area. Zonal education director of the southern province said teachers reported for duty as usual. In the north western province teachers turn over today was between 75 and 80 percent. Zonal education director of the province Asoka Jayasinghe said academic activities of the schools were conducted without any disruption. Academic activities of the Uva, north central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces were conducted as usual since the turnover of teachers and children were at a higher level.

A new mega investment zone to be constructed on the outskirts of the Colombo harbour

A new mega investment zone is being constructed on the outskirts of the Colombo harbour with developer John Keells Holdings preparing the paperwork to sign the relevant agreements with the authorities. This venture under a public-private partnership, JKH will reclaim and develop 459 acres of land neighbouring to the proposed Colombo South Harbour. The project will reclaim the area adjacent to the new Colombo South Harbour breakwater to create what has been described as a ‘purpose built port city’. This city will have a defined Special Economic Zone catering exclusively to global and regional players in the financial services industry.

Troops recovered explosives in Welioya

Troops recovered three 81mm Motor bobby traps and one 60mm Motor bobby trap Yesterday in JANAKAPURA area WELIOYA.
In another situation in ANDANKULAM area one soldier was injured due to LTTE terrorist’s Motor fire.
In the same area at 10.00am three soldiers were reported injured in LTTE Motor fires.
On a search operation in ANDANKULAM area WELIOYA troops recovered 18 Anti personnel mines.

Troops captured one square kilometer in PALAIKULI East of MANNAR

The Army troops captured one square kilometer in PALAIKULI East area today (04) around 4.00am.
Seven LTTE carders were killed in the ensuing confrontation.
Three dead bodies of the LTTE female carders and four T 56 weapons were recovered subsequently.

LTTE fortifications fall as troops advance: 3 bodies recovered- Mannar

SLA troops attacked and overran five heavily fortified LTTE strong points in a fresh offensive advance this morning at Munkilmurichchan, south of Adampan, Mannar.
Troops surged into the non-liberated area ahead of LTTE defences at around 4a.m., security sources said. According to latest reports received through interpreted LTTE communication, 12 terrorists were believed killed and many wounded, ground sources said. Military sources citing ground troops further said that, many LTTE bodies were observed scattered in the area following the confrontation.
Three LTTE bodies were also recovered during subsequent search operations conducted, sources said.
A soldier has laid his life during the confrontation with LTTE, military sources report.
According to military reports, troops are now consolidating defences in the newly captured LTTE bunker lines.
Meantime, today (4) at around 6a.m., in general area south of Karukkakulama in Mannar troops attacked and overran an LTTE 'cross loading point' forcing terrorists to retreat with heavy losses, security sources reveal.
This was a well secured LTTE strong point mainly used to extort money from civilians proceeding through the Uyilankulama entry exit point, sources further said.

UK urged to ban LTTE front organisations

Sri Lankan authorities have urged the British Government to ban fund-raising activities of what they described as "LTTE's front organisations" alleging that the money collected by these groups ostensibly for charitable purposes went into the coffers of the Tigers.
They said that although the LTTE was banned in Britain, a number of organisations claiming to be "charities" were working for it.
"These funds directly go to the coffers of the insurgent group to wage war with the Sri Lankan Government and spread violence among civilian populations," a spokesman of the Sri Lankan High Commission said.
The call came after the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO) organised a cultural show to raise funds for an educational project in Visvamadu in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan officials called the project an extension of the LTTE.
"We have complained to the British police that Visvamadu is in the Wanni territory where the power of the LTTE is wielded and these funds are meant for its campaign,"

Troops advancing further; 69 terrorists killed, 28 injured in weekend's clashes

The military reports received from the battlefronts in the North indicates that Sri Lanka security forces are moving towards LTTE territory further inflicting damages to the enemy in their military operation launched to liberate Wanni region from terrorists' hold. According to the report, 69 terrorists were killed and 28 others injured during the clashes erupted in last weekend (March 1st and 2nd). Another 31 terrorists were either killed or wounded, according to the reports.
Meanwhile, 9 army personnel have made their supreme sacrifice in the battle field while 37 others received injuries in clashes erupted in Jaffna and Wanni theaters of battle, the reports further stated.
In Jaffna theatre of battle, during the last weekend, clashes occurred in Muhamalai, Nagarkovil and Kilaly fronts and 9 terrorists were killed while 4 received injuries. As it is reported, 3 more terrorists were either killed or wounded. Damages to the own troops are concerned, 2 soldiers were killed while 8 others received injuries.
In Wanni theatre of battle, on Vavuniya front, incidents are reported in general areas Navatkulam, Periyapantrichurichchan, Koilmoddai, Sulainamurutamadu, Kurisuddakulam, Kallikkulam, Mullikulam, Villattikulam and Varikutturuwa during last weekend. 39 terrorists were killed while 15 injured due to the clashes erupted, the reports said. 3 army soldiers were killed while another 6 received injuries due to the clashes erupted in Vavuniya front during last weekend.
On Mannar front, on last Saturday (March 1) clashes erupted in general areas Karukkakulam, Mallikaittidal, and Sirikulam. 7 terrorists were killed and 6 others wounded in Saturday's clashes. Further, on the same day, troops engaged in clearing operation in general area Sirikulam unearthed 138 anti-personnel mines and 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). An army soldier received injuries due to the fighting on Saturday, the repots stated.
Meanwhile, 5 more terrorists were killed in fighting took place on Mannar front last Sunday, March 2. The clashes were reported from the Karampaikkulam, Perankamam and Puliyankulam areas. Meanwhile, on the same day, troops found 209 anti-personnel mines, 7 Improvised Explosive Devices and 3 booby traps from general area Sirikulam and Malikaittidal. These items had been buried inside a terror bunker by the terrorists when they fled the area due to the face of heavy offensive attack. 3 army soldiers also sustained injuries, reports stated.
On the Welioya front, a terrorist was killed while another 13 were killed or wounded during the Saturday's clashes erupted in Mankindamalai, Kokkuthuduvai, Andankulam, Janakapura, Ethawetunuwewa and Pulmudai areas. Meanwhile, troops engaged in mine-clearing operations unearthed 437 anti-personnel mines and 2 trapped 81mm bombs from the general area Andankulam and Janakapura. Damages to the own troops are concerned, 2 soldiers were killed while another 3 received injuries due to Saturday's clashes.
Eight terrorists were killed and 3 others received injuries in fighting occurred between terrorist and security forces in Janakapura, Kokkuthuduwai and Andankulam areas in Welioya front on last Sunday. Security forces believed that at least 15 other terrorists were either killed or wounded during these clashes. According to the reports, two army soldiers were killed while 16 others sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, following items were found in a search operation conducted by the STF personnel in general area Manalpitiya in Polonnaruwa on last Sunday, March 2.

SL Army Chief flew to India

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka flew to Kashmir yesterday at the start of a visit to India during which he will hold talks on security measures to eradicate terrorism.
Defence Ministry officials said Army chief flew to the 440-kilometre Line of Control that divides the Indian and Pakistani zones of Kashmir and met commanders manning the militerised de facto border, as quoted in the Hindu National Daily newspaper in India.
Fonseka, who arrived in India last Sunday on a six-day trip, will meet his Indian counterpart Deepak Kapoor, Defence Minister A.K. Antony and others for talks on possible cooperation between two nations.
Army Commander Sarath Fonseka will also meet defence secretary V. K. Singh and he is expected to seek possible cooperation from India in Sri Lanka's fight against the Tamil separatist rebels.

South East England MEP launches global poverty competition for local schools

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
As a leading member of the European Parliament’s International Development committee, South East England MEP Nirj Deva is one of a team of Parliamentarians responsible for deciding how to distribute more than 8 billion Euros of aid each year to help tackle food shortages and disease in the developing world.
This year, the MEP has enlisted the help of the young people in South East England, sending out a survey to every school and head teacher urging young people to tell him how they think the money should be spent.
The survey touches on areas such as wealth creation, the conditions that should be placed upon giving aid and the effectiveness of economic sanctions. Judged by a panel of experts from global aid charities, the best short essay or action plan for tackling global poverty will be awarded a prize of a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels .
Speaking from the European Parliament, Deva said: “It is shocking to think that whilst kids in South East England no older than twelve or thirteen are spending money on dieting fads, four people every minute are dying of hunger in the third world.
“I have launched this competition to raise awareness amongst young people about the difficult issues that we face in trying to eradicate poverty in the world.
“It is not only our problem today but one that they will inherit in the future as water shortages become even more commonplace and the international community begins to feel the increasing effects of climate change more and more.“It’s all too easy as a politician to sit in an ivory tower telling people what you want them to hear. In this case, I want to hear what my younger constituents think about this crucially important issue”.
End

Air force fighter jets pounded on an identified LTTE position

Air force fighter jets pounded on an identified LTTE position in Oddusudan in Mulativu around 12.45 this afternoon. Air force spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya said the target was a communication center of the LTTE located in the Kulammurippu area, 6 kilo meters northeast to Oddusudan. The pilots have confirmed their target was accurate.

Ten civilians surrendered to the MANNAR Police

Ten civilians have surrendered to the ARUKKULAMPIDDI, Police point, the Police sources said. The team includes five males and three females .

Batti Local government election begins on Monday

Programmes to enlighten the election officers on the process of local government election in
Batticaloa will begin today. Election officers, Grama Niladaris and other public officers who are on Election duties will be involved in these programmes. The propaganda of the election is to be concluded from Friday mid-night. The voting will commence on the 10th of this month at 285,
centers. Representatives for nine local government bodies including the Batticaloa
Municipal council are to be selected by the vote. Meanwhile, Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake says 8 documents of identification are accepted for the local government elections. According to the Election Commissioner the Local Government Election in the Batticaloa District will be held on next Monday. The Assistant Election Commissioner, Batticaloa, S.Sudakaran says all election propaganda activities end at midnight on next Friday. Only Government vehicles brought from Colombo will be used for election duty.
The election will be conducted at 285 centers. There will be 10 centers solely for displaced
voters to cast their votes.
The Assistant Election Commissioner adds that training sessions for all officials engaged in
election duties will be concluded within the next few days. Executive Director of PAFFREL Kingsley Rodrigo says election propaganda are being carried out in a most appropriate manner. He further says election monitoring activities will be expanded from next Wednesday with the deployment of more local and foreign observers.

More people surrender to the Human Rights Commission

Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission and former Appeals Courts Judge Dharmasiri Jayawickrema says the number of persons surrendering to the Human Rights Commission in the Jaffna Peninsula is on the increase. This is mainly due to fear of the LTTE. He further says nearly 300 persons have given themselves up to the Jaffna office of the Commission in recent past. The Commissioner adds they will either be detained at a special centre managed by the Commission or provided opportunities to return to their homes.

Anusha Palpita-New Chairman for State Radio

Senior Administrative Officer Anusha Palpita has commenced duties as the acting chairman of the Corporation this morning. He will continue to function as the Director of the Department of Government Information in addition to commitments at the SLBC.
The new chairman addressing employees said correct administrative decisions will be taken to carry forward activities of the Corporation on a proper path.
Secretary to the Ministry of Information and Media A. Dissanayake at a meeting of the Directorate of the Corporation, following assumption of duties said the new Chairman is entrusted with the enormous challenge of resuscitating the SLBC from its present financial crisis. He added it is also the responsibility of the entire staff at the SLBC to move this institution more closer to the listener.

Navy rescues 71 persons

The Navy has been successful in rescuing 71 persons stranded in an unidentified craft in the sea off Mulativu. The Navy media spokesman Commander S.K.P. Dassanayke says 50 of them were Burmese nationals and the rest were Bangladeshi nationals.
The spokesman adds that it has been established that they were illegal immigrants heading for Malaysia and Thailand.

One LTTE carder killed and war materials recovered by troops

The security Forces recovered a body of LTTE carder and recovered war materials in WARIKOTTUR area after a confrontation took place while troops were on a foot patrol. One LTTE terrorist was killed due to the confrontation.

10 Tamil civilians seek protection with security forces - Mannar

Ten Tamil civilians including two children from non-liberated Vedithalathivu area sought protection with the security forces in early hours this morning (March 3) at the Police point at Erukkulampiddy in Mannar.
According to the available sources, 5 males and 3 females were among the civilians who have fled the LTTE dominated territory in fear of forced conscription of their children. Two children, a boy and a girl, were also among the escapees, sources said.
The civilians who reached to the security forces controlling area on see routes have paid sum of 150,000 rupees for the boat owner, sources further said. The civilians were given food and refreshments and later handed over to the Mannar Police to provide further assistance, sources added

Claymore mine blast in Vauniya

Ten persons were injured in claymore mine detonated by terrorists Sanasa junction VAVUNIYA New York "Ranaviru Sandyawa" brings in a total profit of . among the injured were two Policemen and two members of the Civil Defence Force other six injured were civilians.
The injured were admitted to the VAVUNIYA hospital. A search operation is being conducted.

STF recovers war materials

Special Task Force (STF) conducted a search operation in SHANTHIMALE area AMPARA and recovered weapons and explosives yesterday (02) .It includes 40mm Grenade launcher rounds ,Hand grenades ,MPMG rounds and T 56 rifle rounds .

OBJECTIONS TO INDIAN ROLE A MISREADING OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

by Jehan Perera
The recent meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has been hyped as a summit meeting by those who are hopeful of a bipartisan political approach to addressing the multiple crises the country faces. Although the constitutional power vested in the institution of the executive presidency has given President Rajapaksa the appearance of invulnerability, the situation in the country can hardly be described in similar terms. The ongoing war in the north continues to claim lives and displaces thousands of people. Price increases continue to fuel inflation past the 20 percent mark without corresponding growth in incomes. The sudden removal of the director general of the Bribery Commission by the President can hardly reassure the general public about where at least part of the money in the country is going.
The two main issues that the two leaders are reported to have discussed were the 13th and 17 amendments to the constitution. The 13th Amendment recently came to the public limelight on account of it being recommended as an interim solution to the ethnic conflict by the All Parties Representatives Committee appointed by the President. The 13th Amendment, which provided for the devolution of power to elected provincial councils was passed by Parliament in 1987. But it has not been fully implemented in any of the provinces, and not been implemented at all in the two war-affected provinces of the north and east. The 17th Amendment, on the other hand, was passed in 2001, and seeks to ensure the de-politicisation of appointments to key state institutions, including the public service, judiciary and police. It has not been implemented for the past four years leading to an erosion in confidence in good governance in the country.
In these circumstances the vast majority of people in the country would welcome a bipartisan political approach that would ensure good governance and conflict resolution. Virtually all political parties have also expressed their support for such an initiative. The only exception has been the nationalist JVP which is perennially seeking to carve out a revolutionary role for itself even at the cost of conventional logic. They have accused India of being the force behind the possible coming together of the President and Opposition leader, and of having ill intentions in doing so.
With the passing of every day, pressure in mounting on the government to add a viable political package to be a part of its arsenal in the conflict with the LTTE in which the military dimension has been the focus up to now. Virtually every foreign government that has spoken publicly on the issue has urged a political solution that would address the grievances of the Tamil minority in the areas of power sharing, equality and the protection of human rights. Although most of these friendly countries are not seeking sanctions to be imposed on the government, they would all wish that human rights be protected in the midst of civil strife that has polarized the ethnic communities in the country. These international pressures would be weighing heavily on the government especially at a time when its ministers are making a valiant effort to preserve the GSP+ privileges that make Sri Lankan exports competitive in the EU market.
KOSOVO CHALLENGE
The Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Kosovo and its swift recognition by several influential Western countries has also generated considerable concern within the country with various conclusions being derived from it. One is that the devolution of power to a group that is set on separation is likely to only enhance their appetite for separation and therefore should not be granted. This appears to be the JVP’s line of thinking. They have emphasized that they are opposed to the devolution of powers on any ethnic or regional basis that would strengthen the forces of separation, as epitomized by the LTTE which, despite recent military and territorial reversals, continues to retain a considerable part of the north of the country under its armed control. Sections of the government and its allies, in particular the JVP, have also been very critical of what they consider to be Western hypocrisy, and have sought to strengthen ties with other countries that have shown less concern about the prevailing problems in the country.
On the other hand, more sophisticated strategists that expressed the need for a more nuanced government strategy towards the concerns of the international community. Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, the head of the Sr Lanka Mission in Geneva has recently written a tightly argued essay in which he has argued for a governmental approach that balances the country’s national security considerations with responsiveness to international concerns. He says, “The problem arises with those who would resort to such strategies of "deterrence" without its concomitant of the "balance of power". Sri Lanka can leverage its Asian location, balancing off certain powers against Western interventionism, but it cannot balance off the entirety of the outside world, West and East, far away and near, and base itself on a strategy of domestic deterrence, nor can it balance off certain Asian powers against others at the same time that it has to balance off the West!”
He goes on to say, “If Sri Lanka inevitably has to resist on two fronts, internal and external, so be it. However, it cannot resist on the "internal external" and "external external" fronts. In other words, Sri Lanka cannot abandon a policy of balancing some powers against others, in favor of a policy of taking on all comers, far and near! If it is to be argued that in the 1980s Sri Lanka fought cross-border separatist terrorism and eventually retrieved its sovereignty, rolling back a regional intervention, it must be recalled that in the 1980s Sri Lanka was not facing the concerted pressure it is today, from the West…A Hobbesian Sri Lanka, locked in a war of all against all, will be unable to sustain itself. Internal discontent and repression, external isolation and cross-border intervention, will constitute the conditions for Tamil Eelam and its recognition.”
In his essay, Dr Jayatilleka also argues in favour of autonomy, albeit in the framework of a unitary state and refers to the example of Kosovo whose liberation struggle was fanned by the withdrawal of its existing autonomy by President Milosevic. At the present time Indian pressure appears to be the one constant in keeping the devolution debate alive. It is an unfortunate fact that apart from a handful of civil society groups there are few champions of devolution within the polity at this time. In this context the role played by India is a constructive one, as it keeps pushing for the presentation and implementation of genuine devolution based on the 13th Amendment within the existing unitary constitution as a starting point in getting the political process restored in the north and east.
INDIA’S CONCERNS
Regardless of its past positions, which at one point were extremely detrimental to Sri Lanka’s security, and for which it continues to be viewed with circumspection by many Sri Lankans, India remains the strongest guarantor against Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka. This would be on account of India’s concerns about its own unity, especially in the context of continuing separatist rebellions taking place in the Indian north east and Kashmir, and its past experience with separatism in Punjab and Sri Lanka’s neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The recent developments in Kosovo cannot be considered to be isolated ones, as indeed pointed out by the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry in its statement that received wide publicity throughout the world, and suggests the danger to India itself, which is the world’s largest collection of ethnic diversities concentrated in one country.
Students of world history would no doubt recall that ethnic-based nationalism in Europe twice led to wars in the 20th century that had catastrophic consequences not only in Europe but in all parts of the world, which is why they were called world wars. The past century saw Europe consolidate itself into a system of countries through border adjustments that led to most of them having one predominant ethnic community, and relatively small ethnic minorities. The break up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia have been the most recent manifestations of ethno nationalism and ethnic separatism in Europe that tends to be glossed over by Western critics of ethno nationalism in the rest of the world. It is likely that as India’s own varied ethnic populations become more urban, literate and politically mobilized, the forces of ethnic separatism will also get mobilized, which India will always be on its guard against and reforming itself to prevent.
The objections to Indian intervention in Sri Lanka are based on a misreading of current international politics. India has a vested interest in preserving Sri Lanka’s unity, if only to protect its own. The JVP’s suspicions of Indian intentions in Sri Lanka do have a resonance with the general population on account of the role played by India at the outset of the separatist insurgency. Few in Sri Lanka will easily forget how in the late 1970s and up till the time of the Indo Lanka Peace Accord of 1987, India provided weapons, training and a safe haven to Tamil militants who used these advantages to create a tragic situation that has devoured over three decades of Sri Lanka’s economic developments, let alone the tragedy of lost lives and broken families now spread across the globe. On the other hand, the subsequent efforts by India to address the consequences of its mistaken policy towards Sri Lanka, including the sacrifice of over a thousand Indian lives in the failed peacekeeping operation of 1987-91, need to be given more emphasis today, as this is the present reality.

Five terrorists killed in confrontation - Mannar

Security forces launched a fresh attack targeting LTTE bunker defences in general area Pallekkuli, Mannar last morning, March 2.
Ground troops confirmed three terror bunkers were destroyed and at least four terrorists were killed in this attack. LTTE transmission also confirmed the losses, defence sources said. One soldier also sustained injuries during the clash.
Meanwhile, army snipers deployed in general area Parankamam gunned down an LTTE terrorists ahead of defence line last morning. The shooting incident took place around 9.10 a.m., defence sources in Mannar said.

No pause in anti-LTTE drive : President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated yesterday that until such time every inch of land is captured and the last terrorist is destroyed, his Government will not cease its liberation operations against the LTTE.
Addressing a mammoth rally intended to apprise the nation on the current political scenario and the future development programmes of the Government (the sixth in a series of rallies to-date), President Rajapaksa pointed out that his Government is a very strong and stable democracy which need not under any circumstances beg before the international community on bended knees.
"We are no longer a poor country thriving on aid and subsidies of the world. Our per capita income has risen to US$ 1,625 now. We need not put our head down to anybody, but we are prepared to listen to constructive criticism and prudent advice of others," the President said.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that certain groups were seeking and striving to stifle the ongoing mega development programmes already under way and in the pipeline, in diverse ways.
Some groups including sections of the media indulge in a slanderous and misleading campaign to deprive the country of international aid and disrupt development. The LTTE too is using all means at their disposal to obtain the benefit from these groups, to their advantage.
Some media institutions have become the mouth-piece of the LTTE. They unjustifiably allege there is no media freedom, despite the freedom available in abundance, as amply illustrated when one reads the weekend newspapers.
"Anyone could attack me personally, but don't betray your Motherland and your country. The bounden duty of all citizens of this land is to be vigilant and act with caution and restraint, until the terrorists are completely destroyed," the President stated.
The President noted that while engaging in the crucial and arduous task of eradicating terrorism, the Government has not in any way abandoned or fallen short of their obligations to develop the country, the rural areas in particular, via the 'Gama Neguma and 'Maga Neguma' programmes.
"Development which was confined only to Colombo and its suburbs in the past, has now shifted to the remotest village," he remarked.
He told the people of Ratnapura that when the funds which they are now seeking earnestly are found, the much-awaited Kalu Ganga project which would be of immense benefit to them, would be a reality. He opined that one in every 20 of the population is employed in the Government service. The Salaries of Government servants have been increased several times.
The Samurdhi subsidy has been enhanced. Privatisation has been stopped. The fertiliser subsidy is still in operation.
"I have directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to refrain from imposing any further tariff hike and burdening the consumers who consume less than 90 units of power.
We are determined to implement the Mahinda Chinthana to the very letter," he noted. "Our aim and ambition is to establish an environment where people of all races and faiths could live in harmony, sans fear or suspicion," the President added.
Ministers Wadiwel Suresh, Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Susil Premajayantha, Mahinda Rathnathilaka, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, John Seneviratna and Maithripala Sirisena also addressed the rally.

$ 22,000 for Sri Lankan disabled war veterans & their families

The performance of the world famous cultural troupe of the Sri Lanka defense forces held at Staten Island, New York on 24th February 2008 has brought in a net profit of USD 22,000. The full house concert has been one of the most successful held in New York.
The proceeds of the concert will go towards the construction of the Defense forces Epollo village housing concept in Anuradhapura. H.E. Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations who was the Chief Guest, handed over the cheque for $ 22.000 to Lieut. Col. Ampe Mohotti. Officer-in-charge of the Cultural Troupe, on behalf of the Ranaviru Foundation, at the farewell dinner to the Armed Forces cultural troupe hosted by Mr. Dillan Ariyawansa at his residence on 25th February witnessed by the Committee members of the "Ranaviru Sandyawa" and a vast majority of the Sri Lankan community who were present at the dinner.
In addition to the already collected $ 22,000 there were more pledges the same night for this worthy cause from Sri Lankans in the tri-state area, Mr. Sanath Dharmasena, Kris Seneviratne, Mr. Puspha kumara and Mr. Prashantha Ratnayake. Speaking at this occasion on behalf of the Committee, Dr. Wije Kottahachchi, thanked the Defense Forces and all supporters who made this event a great success.
Spokesperson for the Organizing Committee, Mr. Dillan Ariyawansa, said it was one of the best concerts he ever saw and the Army, Navy & Air force cultural troupe gave a superb professional performance and held an esteemed place among the New Yorkers who were thrilled to see such an elegant performance by Defense Forces.
"It was one of the most successful concerts we ever held in New York" said Mr. Ariyawansa. "This was due to the tremendous support from the entire "Ranaviru Sandyawa" Committee and the various volunteers who gave their enormous support for this concert along with everyone who bought tickets and souvenirs" he said. According to him more details will be available at www.ranaviru.com.

Laugfs and Power Gas companies still not in a position to increase the prices of LPGs

Laugfs and Power Gas companies say they have not reached a decision so far to increase the prices of domestic gas cylinders.
Chairman of Laugfs Gas W.K.H. Wegapitiya says the board of directors of the company will meet on Monday to review the present situation in the gas market. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Power Gas Company Joseph Fernando says sales capacity of the company which is currently limited only to the western province will be extended to other areas as well. A 12.5 kilo cylinder of Power Gas is currently sold at 1,330 rupees.
Meanwhile, Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation M.D. Wijayagunawardena says the corporation will soon enter the competitive market to sell gas at reduced prices. It hopes to sell a domestic gas cylinder 250 rupees less than the current prices. Under the firs stage thousand cylinder will be imported.
The Ceypetco will also expand its crude oil refining capacity with the objective of increasing the gas production.

Government restructures state media institutions

The government plans to restructure its media institutions after several cabinet ministers and trade unions had warned him that the administration of state media institutions was in complete turmoil.
Following government's steps Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has ordered Director-General of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Sisira Kotelawala to immediately tender his resignation.Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Sunil Sarath Perera was removed from the post.
Sunil Sarath Perera had spoken to the SLBC staff in his farewell speech, and prayed that not his worst enemy be faced with a similar situation.
“When governments change, heads of state institutions are told to resign. The letter informing me of my removal had thoughtlessly been sent to my home. Not even my worst enemy should face such a situation.”
“In last week at 4.00 pm I had a meeting with the minister regarding the Tamil Service. After that I was attending the funeral of Mr. Tyronne Fernando, when I was told by home that there was a letter for me that says I have been removed.”
“If the president does not want me here, I won’t stay. I tried to make the SLBC a public service radio. I did not go after commercial objectives. That was the reason for disagreements with certain ministry officials. That may be one of the reasons for my removal,” he said.

Eight documents of idetifications will be accepted for local government elections

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake says 8 documents of identification are accepted for the local government elections in the Batticaloa District.
These are the National Identity Card, driving licence, passport, clergy identity cards, photo IDs issued by government institutions, Train season tickets with photo, photograph attested by Grama Niladhari, and temporary identity cards.
Person’s who do not possess these forms of identification should obtain a passport size coloured or black and white photograph and get it attested by the Grama Niladhari officer of the area. The elections chief said individuals who are unable to prove their identity at the voting centre will not be issued ballot papers.

NEC completes set of proposals to formulate a national policy on grade one admission

The National Education Commission says it has completed the studying a set of proposals submitted by a committee which was entrusted to formulate a national policy on the grade one admission.
The Ministry of Education appointed this committee. Secretary to the Commission Ranjith Premasiri says the commissions will handover its recommendations to President Mahinda Rajapakse next week.
After studying the proposals, the President will submit the report to the Ministry of Education. The report will be submitted to the cabinet for its approval and then to parliament. Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nimal Bandara speaking to media said this national policy on grade one admission is expected to be implemented from next year.

SC orders the EC to look into possibilities of publishing the final lists of voters in the Tamil language

The Supreme Court orders the Elections Commissioner to look into possibilities of publishing the final lists of voters in the Tamil language.
A three judge panel headed by the Chief Justice made this order after considering a fundamental rights petition filed by the Ceylon Estate Workers’ Front.
The Attorney General was directed to notify the response of the elections chief to the court on the 13th of this month. The petitioners have claimed that displaying of voters lists in Sinhala medium in certain areas in the Nuwara Eliya district where there is the majority of population is Tamil has inconvenienced these people.
The party in their petition has sought a court ruling to publish the voters lists in Tamil medium.

Six terrorists killed in Mannar & Welioya

Two terrorists were killed in confrontations with the Army on Saturday (01) in the ADAMPAN area, MANNAR SECTOR.
One terrorist was killed around 4.30 in the evening and the other around 4.40.
A soldier was also reported injured by mortar fire in the CHEDDIKULAM area in the morning yesterday 01 around 9.50.
In WELIOYA, Two terrorists were killed when the Army launched an attacks on a LTTE terrorist strongpoint in JANAKAPURA NORTH AREA, on Saturday (01) morning around 3.20.
The body of one terrorist and a T56 Assault rifle were recovered in the search operation conducted by the Army.
A soldier was killed and four others were reported injured in the confrontation.
Two terrorists were also killed in another incident in JANAKAPURA AREA in the morning around 11.46 yesterday (01). A soldier was reported killed and another was injured in the confrontation.
Meanwhile, 447 anti - personnel bombs, and two 81mm mortar bombs improvised as two booby traps were recovered by the Army in the search operations conducted in the WELIOYA, ANDANKULAM and WELIOYA AREAS on Saturday (01).

From Russia with love

By Ranga Jayasuriya

With the United States of America and the European Union having opted out of providing military assistance to Sri Lanka, the Russian Federation has stepped in and guaranteed a $ 500 Million worth credit line for military procurements.
Diplomatic sources close to the Russian embassy in Sri Lanka said that negotiations were underway between the Sri Lankan delegates and their Russian counterparts and that they would very likely produce positive outcomes.
Russian diplomats are negotiating with Lankan Logistics, the Government arm responsible for procurement and research on weapons. The first Russian delegation visited Sri Lanka in January. The latest development is considered to be of great significance because of the go-slow approach adopted by the US and the EU in providing military assistance to Sri Lanka.
The US stopped providing offensive military weapons to Sri Lanka some time ago following a resolution made in Congress in this regard. At present, the US is providing intelligence assistance only to Sri Lanka with regard to its military activities. The European Union too decided against assisting Sri Lanka militarily.

Terrorists flee abandoning weapons and ammunition etc

 

Sri Lanka Army launched a quick attack having observed a group of around eight (08) to ten (10) LTTE terrorists during a search operation in the afternoon on Saturday (01) around 1.40 in a jungle area in the KOKKUTHUDUWAI AREA, WELIOYA.

The terrorists fled from the area, leaving behind a large stock of food and medical items, and military equipment .It includes T56 Assault rifles,Hand grenades ,Anti- personnel bombs,Mobile phones ,Maps ,GPMG live rounds ,Mobile phone SIM and LTTE jungle uniforms .

Terrorists launch a claymore mine attack on Army camp

 

LTTE terrorists launched a Claymore mine attack on a group of Troops in the Army camp in POMPEIMADU, VAVUNIYA around 7.20 in the morning today.

A soldier was reported killed in the attack .

Timely action averts disaster

 
In the MARAWILA Police area nearly five (05) km away from MARAWILA Town in the PUTTALAM area on the PUTTALAM - CHILAW road, a team of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) technicians had visited the electricity transformer in the MAHAWEWA area to check the Security Fence enclosing the transformer and also to conduct an inspection.

Having observed a claymore mine set up to destroy the transformer, they had immediately informed the MARAWILA Police.

The Police with the Army had immediately rushed to the scene and taken action to increase the security in the area while the Army Bomb Disposal Team defused the explosive device. Timely action by the CEB team, the Police & the Army not only averted what would have been a disaster but also prevented the people in the area from being deprived of their supply of electricity.

Investigations reveal that the Claymore mine weighed five (05) kg.

Seven terrorists killed & 5 bunkers destroyed in Muhamalai

 
Seven terrorists were killed when the Army attacked a line of bunkers destroying five of them completely in MUHAMALAI, area, JAFFNA.

Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates it's 57th Anniversary today

When Sri Lanka gained independence on the 4th of February 1948, as provided for in the defence agreement with the United Kingdom, the first prime minister of independent Ceylon, the Honorable DS Senanayake requested the United Kingdom for assistance in establishing an Air Force. The UK's response was to provide the services of Group Captain Graham Clerk Bladen who, on 2nd March 1951, set up office in a small room at the Galle Face Hotel as the Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force.

In the same year, the Ground Combat Training Unit was set up at the Stable hill camp at Diyatalawa and 10 Sri Lankans were chosen as trainee pilots and using four Chipmunk aircraft they commenced their training at Katunayake.

In 1958, the RCyAF got a new Commander in the form of Air Commodore John Lindsay Barker popularly known as 'Bouncing Barker' for his enthusiasm and exuberance. He handed over controls to the first Sri Lankan commander, Air Vice Marshal Rohan Amerasekera in November 1962. Todate there has been a total of eleven commanders of the Air Force, and Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke is the 12th commander of the Air Force which boasts of 6 bases and 15 stations spread throughout the country which are home to the twelve flying squadrons and the numerous Engineering, Logistical, Medical Administration, Regiment and other support organizations of the of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Except for five of these locations, all other places are home to an airfield.

In the recent past, the SLAF was at the forefront in the defence of the island, a task which it took on without hesitation and with determination. With the humanitarian operations that began in Mavil-Aru until the entire east was liberated the SLAF rendered its fullest cooperation by providing support to the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, and by its independent targeting of identified LTTE bases. The SLAF'S policy of independent targeting has been successful in the past in its attempts at reducing the fighting capability of the LTTE and in its attempts to separate the Leadership from the rank and file of the LTTE.

In commemoration of its 57th anniversary, all stations and bases of the SLAF have organized religious activities, and, as part of its social obligation, 'shramadanas' in the vicinity of the Base/ Station with the participation of a cross section of all persons presently serving in the Air Force.

Gas now Rs.1749

By Nirmala Kannangara

The government on Friday approved the increase of gas prices for Shell and Laugfs by Rs.261 and Rs.336 respectively.

Subsequent to the applications made by the Shell Gas Company and Laugfs Holdings Limited for a price hike on par with the pricing formula, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on Friday approved the price increase, which came into affect from yesterday (March 1).

Chairman CAA, Rumy Marzook told The Sunday Leader Friday that the CAA allowed the Shell domestic gas cylinder to be increased by Rs.261 and the Laugfs cylinder by Rs.336.

Accordingly the shell was allowed to increase from Rs.1488 to Rs. 1749 while Laugfs was allowed to go up from Rs. 1495 to Rs.1831 with effect from yesterday.

However highly placed sources from the Laugfs Holdings Limited told The Sunday Leader that although the Laugfs was allowed to increase the gas prices up to Rs. 1831 they did not increase the allowed price but only in par with Shell gas cylinder.

SL Foreign Ministry silences diplomats

The Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to all its foreign missions abroad ordering them to obtain prior permission from Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona before issuing public statements.

The circular, issued late February under Kohona’s signature, banned all Sri Lankan missions abroad, including heads of missions, from making any public statements without prior permission from the Foreign Secretary.

The circular was issued after Sri Lanka’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dayan Jayatilleke, launched a scathing attack against British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, which was also published in the official government news website.

Subsequent to Jayatilleke’s statement, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Kshenuka Senewiratne had in a note to Colombo expressed her concern over the statement and also referred to the embarrassment she had to face following Jayatilleke’s attack against the top British official.

“The statement has caused immense embarrassment to Sri Lanka,” a Foreign Ministry official said.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama is also reported to have met President Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed the statement made by Jayatilleke.