The Bank of Ceylon has come forward to support the construction industry by being a main sponsor and Banker to Excon 2008, the annual trade fair of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka.

This was announced by Ms. W.A. Nalini, Deputy General Manager of the Bank at a Press Conference held recently which was presided over by Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senarathne, Minister of Construction & Engineering Services. Ms. Nalini added that the Bank of Ceylon is happy to associate itself with the Chamber of Construction Industry in its endeavours to enhance the capacities and competitiveness of the domestic construction industry for which Excon 2008, a major initiative of the Chamber, is being held during the period 9th -11th May 2008 at the BMICH.

She also stated that Bank of Ceylon will assist Sri Lankan construction companies which have succeeded in acquiring overseas business linkages consequent to a campaign carried out by the Chamber of Construction Industry in the Gulf region in association with the Ministry of Construction and Engineering Services and the Ministry of Export Development and International Trade. Acceding to a request made by Chamber of Construction Industry CEO/Secretary General Mr. Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya, Ms. Nalini pledged the support of the Bank to promote the SME sector of the construction industry, which is the way forward to promote the domestic construction industry, by using the largest island wide Banking network. Bank of Ceylon popularly known as the “Bankers to the Nation” has been in the forefront of supporting the construction industry by being bankers to the majority of major and specialist contractors in Sri Lanka.

This strategic alliance between the Bank of Ceylon and the Chamber of Construction Industry which represents every industry stakeholder will signal the dawn of a new era for the domestic construction industry, particularly in view of the ambitious industry development plans unfolded by the construction minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathne at the media briefing.

Sri Lanka police Special Task Force (STF) personnel foiled an LTTE attempt to infiltrate the Kabethigollawa area this morning (May 1). Two terrorists and two police commandos were killed in this incident.

According to the defence sources, the police commandos were targeted in a claymore attack around 6.45 am while engaged in a routine route clearing patrol, along the newly established forward defence in Dutuwawa. The two STF personnel were killed due to the explosion.

The STF personnel retaliated immediately, killing two LTTE cadres. One T-56 riffle has been found during the subsequent search, the sources said.

Following the successful accomplishment of its mission in the East, the STF was redeployed in the Wanni theatre, particularly to provide security for the civilian villages endangered by terrorist attacks. LTTE terrorists have killed thousands of innocent civilians living in Kebathigollawa, Dutuwawa, Yakawawa, and other villages in number of village massacres, bus bombs, claymore bombs and mass executions during its 3 decades of terrorist campaign against Sri Lankan citizens.

Air force fighter jets pounded two LTTE Artillery gun positions located in Athankulam and Komalamonai ahead of Forward Defence Line this morning between 11.15am and 11.30am today (30). Meanwhile, Air force fighter jets pounded a LTTE strong point located in Andankulam area.

The IRRATTEPERIYAKULAM Police, VAVUNIYA manning the IRRATTEPERIYAKULAM road block checked a private bus proceeding from VAVUNIYA towards MEDAWACHCHIYA in the afternoon on Wednesday (30).

A UNDP worker under the World Food Program with the Identity card in English " UND55067" when checked had with him a micro- pistol, an empty magazine , a CD player(Walkman) with five CD's a mobile telephone and Rupees 36610/.

The suspect had stated that he was employed at the KILLINOCHCHI UN office at the time of arrest.

VAVUNIYA Police are conducting investigations.

PresidentPresident Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his message to mark May Day said the working class had contributed to many victories the country had achieved and he considered it fortunate that he had been able to commemorate the May Day with the workers of this country.

He added "I would like to say on this day that the development programmes we implement were aimed at the aspirations of our working class. The efforts of the government are in trying to achieve prosperity for the nation under the Mahinda Chintana policy. I appreciate the cooperation of the working class in the implementation of that policy.

"It is also very heartening to note that the working class always acted together without considering ethnic, religious or class differences and we are aware that the working class suffered the most when peace was violated. In the effort to defeat terrorism the working class had been patiently cooperating with the government as they were concerned about the future of the country.


"The government, despit all the challenges it had to face, had implemented a development programme and to protect the rights and privileges of the working class and it was necessary to strengthen the national economy to enjoy true freedom. It is in considering the problems of the working class that the government decided to impose price control on essential food. The government will continue to protect the rights of the working class while making efforts with dedication to develop the national economy.

The services of Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) media manager Samantha Algama was terminated last night by the Cricket board President Arjuna Ranatunga.
Speaking to media Algama alleged the move was related to a tender controversy and the publicity it got in the media. “If he thinks by terminating my services he can silence the media then he is sadly mistaken.”

Two Special Task Force (STF) officers were killed in a claymore explosion while they were engaged in a route clearing patrol in Dutuwewa, Vavuniya this morning.

The Government of Sri Lanka has proclaimed that Justice PN Bhagwati, Chairman of the IIGEP, hasclarified the IIGEP's assessment that the Government of Sri Lanka lacks the political will to ensurethe success of the Commission of Inquiry.
The Members of the IIGEP stand by the clear assertionsof their Concluding Public Statement, and disassociate themselves from any attempt by theGovernment of Sri Lanka to reformulate and re-interpret that unanimously agreed textIn fact, the letter to H.E. the President from Justice PN Bhagwati merely expresses the obvious,namely that the IIGEP cannot know for sure, but fears ('apprehends') that the political will is absent.
Itis lamentable that the Government of Sri Lanka continues to divert attention from the central truth inthis matter – that is, the problem of impunity for serious human rights violations and the need for theCommission to get to the bottom of that impunity.The IIGEP's positions, including its observations of the work of the Commission, are reflected in thesix public statements it has made, which are available at the IIGEP website (www.iigep.org).
Theycontain all the information necessary to refute all the smears and misrepresentations levelled by theGovernment of Sri Lanka against the IIGEP and its eminently professional Assistants.
END

Shell Gas reduces 12.5 kg gas cylinder's price by 20 Rupees with effect from midnight today.
Accordingly the revised price will be Rs.1729.

The army headquarters say 9th group of the Sri Lanka army that has been assigned to peacekeeping missions in Haiti will leave the country in the next few days. The group comprises 200 security personnel.
In addition a battalion of 750 soldiers of the Gamunu regiment of the Sri Lanka army will also be sent to serve in Haiti as UN peacekeepers. A parade of these security personnel was held at the headquarters of the artillery regiment in Panagoda yesterday.

Meanwhile, a meeting between army commander Sarath Fonseka and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Kathie Klugman was held at the army headquarters yesterday.

The security forces have started launching heavy attacks on several LTTE strongholds in Mannar.
The troops say the attacks are being carried out since early this morning. The forces have gone forward from their original positions in Parayakulam, Karakkulam and Karttankulam to launch heavy attacks on the terrorists. The troops intercepting the enemy communication confirmed that 11 terrorists were killed and more than 20 were injured by this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the troops attacked a LTTE base named One White in Mannar killing over 40 terrorists. The LTTE shelled to the Siripura area in Welioya where the civilians are living. One person was injured in the attack.

By Anusha Ondaatjie

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- Sri Lanka's inflation accelerated at the fastest pace in at least four years in April on higher food and energy costs, threatening economic growth.

Consumer prices in the capital Colombo rose 25 percent from a year earlier, after increasing 23.8 percent in March, the statistics department said today. The median estimate of 10 analysts in a Bloomberg survey was for a gain of 25.1 percent.

Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal, who has said the nation needs to rein in inflation to achieve 7 percent growth this year, may need to do more to check prices. Inflation in 2008 may exceed the bank's target as commodity prices reach records, requiring ``tight monetary policy,'' he said April 12.

``I hope the central bank will give priority to controlling inflation,'' said Vajira Premawardhana, head of research at Lanka Orix Securities Pvt. in Colombo. ``The flip side is compromising on growth.''

The central bank, which this month kept its key interest rate at 10.5 percent for the 14th straight meeting, may need to consider increasing the proportion of deposits that commercial lenders must place with it or let the currency appreciate to cool runaway inflation, according to Fitch Ratings.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka has kept monetary policy tight with its daily open-market operations to adjust the amount of cash in the banking system and by controlling credit demand.

Growth, Inflation

Annual inflation, or the 12-month moving average increase in prices, jumped to 18.7 percent in April. The central bank is targeting annual inflation of about 10 percent for 2008.

The authority joins other Asian central banks in balancing the threat of slowing growth against quickening inflation. India's central bank yesterday unexpectedly ordered lenders to set aside more reserves for the second time in less than two weeks to tame soaring prices.

The South Asian island economy may expand 7 percent in 2008, at the lower end of the range estimated in November, the central bank said in its annual report on April 8.

Growth may slow to 5.8 percent this year from 6.8 percent in 2007 amid central bank measures to cool inflation, James McCormack, head of Asia-Pacific sovereign ratings at Fitch Ratings, said April 10.

Price gains this month were led by a 40.2 percent increase in the cost of food and beverages. Housing and utility prices gained 11.1 percent.

Sri Lanka, which gets two-thirds of its electricity from oil-fired plants, levied a 30 percent ``fuel-adjustment charge'' on some users from March 15. Crude oil futures touched a record $119.93 on April 28. Prices are up 76 percent from a year ago.

April's year-on-year inflation was the fastest since 2004, according to data compiled by the statistics department for a new index going back to that year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Anusha Ondaatjie in Colombo, Sri Lanka at anushao@bloomberg.net

Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka call on United Nation


Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka peacefully demonstrate in front of United Nation Office 2 pm today .
Myanmar Monk called on United Nation and International community to play the important role of not supporting the referendum.
Myanmar monks said” We don’t need a constitution referendum, we need national reconciliation. So the time has come for the world community and the United Nation to intervene and pressure the military to bring about freedom and fair democracy in Myanmar”.
More than 60 Myanmar monks and some Sri Lanka monks attended in this peacefully demonstration.

The LTTE had fired artillery and mortar into the Sinhapura village in Welioya this morning. The military however said that no casualties were reported.
According to the available information, terrorists have fired few artillery shells from 9.30 am. It is observed that terrorists have attacked with their heavy guns located at North West of Welioya, sources said.
A 66 year-old civilian who received injuries was admitted to the Sripura hospital immediately for medical attention, sources added.
Security forces have retaliated with heavy guns targeting LTTE gun positions, defence sources in Welioya added.

The Assistant Election Commissioners of relevant districts say postal voting in the Eastern Provincial Council Election was at an extremely satisfactory level. In the Batticaloa District it was around 80 per cent and 90 per cent in the Trincomalee District.
No violent act was reported during two days of postal voting. Executive Director of the PAFFERAL Organization Kingsley Rodrigo says observation report of the Organization conducted on Postal Voting will be released tomorrow.

Commissioner General of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake says it is compulsory to establish voter identity at the Eastern Provincial Council Election. The voters are required to present their official poll card along with the National Identity Card or any other form of valid identity such as Passport, Drivers’ Licence.

JVP General Secretary Tyliwin Silva says the Central Committee of the JVP will take a decision regarding Wimal Weerawansa soon.
He said at the moment Weerawansa is the Propaganda Secretary of the party and the member of the politbureau.But during last few days weerawansa acted his own.
After the first week of the March Weerawansa has not attended party's main political meetings .Tylwin Silva said Weerawansa must appear before the party and sortout the problem instead of using media.
In yesterday Weerawansa gave a deadline the party to react his proposal to end the conflict before 1st of May. He said if the party does not react he will take a political decison and form a new patriotic front.

Addressing further he said ill effects of the open economic policies implemented in the country has been a major cause for the escalation of food prices.
He said the UNP and the present government are responsible to this situation. He added that the dismantling of the state apparatus for manufacture, distribution and sales of essential commodities during the UNP regime has restricted the peoples’ right to receive these items.

LTTE terrorists suffered heavy losses in a fresh attack launched by the security forces in Mannar front early this morning, April 30.
According to an initial report reached from Mannar, clashes erupted when the troops deployed in general areas Parayakulam, Karukkakulam and Kattankulam were advancing towards LTTE defence line around 5.15 am, the report stated. Troops were also backed by artillery fire, the report further said.
By intercepting LTTE radio communication, it is learnt that 11 terrorists were killed while 18 suffered injuries due to this clashes. The initial report further stated that 4 army soldiers also received injuries. The clashes are still going on.

Police arrested an alleged LTTE agent in Kalmunai who was recruiting Tamil youth for the LTTE. The suspect had promised employment and taken them to the North LTTE centres and given them training. He was kept under detention orders, and further inquiries are being conducted.

Minister Mervin Silva who got away with a minor injury to one of his toes on the left foot in a fatal accident at Aralaganwila on Tuesday afternoon and later air lifted to Colombo on the orders of the Ministry of Defence has been transferred to the Merchant Ward of the National Hospital for further medical observations, Hospital Director said this morning.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Excon 2008 – annual trade fair of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka, (CCI) will be held for the sixth successive year during the period 9th to 11th May 2008 at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall.

"The trade fair will be inaugurated on 9th May 2008 at 9.30 a.m. by Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, in his capacity as the Minister of Construction and Engineering Services with the participation of a large number of cabinet ministers handling construction related subjects, said CEO of the CCI, Dakshitha Talgodapitiya.

He said the CCI is the apex body founded by all institutions and associations of construction professionals comprising of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Institute of Town Planners of Sri Lanka, The Surveyors Institute of Sri Lanka, Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, The Institute of Valuers of Sri Lanka, The Association of Consulting Engineers, in addition to the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka thus representing every stakeholder of the domestic construction industry.

Excon 2008 is designed to facilitate enhancement of industry capacities and competitiveness by promoting linkages among different stakeholders drawn from large multinationals to the SME sector.

It is the gateway to establishment of strategic partnerships and expansion of markets as this is essentially an initiative for market entry and access.

This is an ideal opportunity to promote and discover new products, services and appropriate technology. It is the most cost effective media to promote products and services related to the construction industry.

Excon 2008 will have 150 trade stalls providing opportunities for vendors of plant and equipment and other construction inputs, financial services and other service providers to meet their target clientele.

GTB Colombo Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. a leader in the construction steel industry having a highly automated plant becoming the first in Sri Lanka to produce TMT (thermo mechanical treated bars) is the main sponsor with “Bankers to the Nation” Bank of Ceylon, providing sectoral sponsorship for Excon 2008.

The co-sponsors of the event include Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Roads Development Authority reflecting the importance of the event to national development endeavours. Ceylinco Insurance will mark it’s prominence as the insurance sector sponsor with Dax Engineering Ltd. being the product sponsor.

Holcim Lanka Ltd will also brand it s strategic alliance with the Chamber at Excon 2008.

The event will be attended by leading Construction Consultants, Developers, Construction Contractors, Vendors of Construction Equipment, Raw Materials and Technology, Professional Service Providers, Public Sector Institutions and Home Builders.

In addition to an anticipated 30,000 visitors from the general public, a large number of foreign guests from India, UK, State of Qatar and Malaysia are expected to visit the Exhibition.

Launches of new products such as TMT Bars in Sri Lanka, new courses by City & Guilds for the construction industry, and CCI’s own distance learning programme are among the many concurrent events that will take place at Excon 2008.

For the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprises which account for over 90% of the construction industry, CCI in collaboration with ICTAD will host an interactive session to discuss issues and impediments faced by the SME sector of the construction industry on Saturday 10th May 2008 from 9.a.m. at the ICTAD Auditorium under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Construction and Engineering Services.

A period of amnesty has been declared for soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army. The period will be in effect from Friday to the 16th of next month.
The media centre for national security states that this period will not be lengthened. Soldiers who return will not face any punishment and will be reinstated in the post they left.
The soldiers should report to regiment centre they served at the time of desertion.
Persons who left while in training should report to their training centre. The media centre said persons returning should carry documents of identification.

A Singaporean company has come forward to construct a modern town with 15 thousand housing units in the Kalutara district. The project also consists of a hospital, school, university, supermarket complex and other facilities. Minister Rajitha Senarathne says in a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday the government’s aim is to increase building constructions in the country by 15 percent.
He adds that several Chinese and Russian companies have also expressed willingness to construct 100 thousand houses in the country.

According to the sources flood conditions are receding in many parts of the country.
The Sabaragamuwa provincial council says water levels are dropping in the Ratnapura town. Assistance continue to be provided to the flood victims.
The Sabaragamuwa provincial council, Ministry of Disaster Management and several other government and voluntary organisations are engaged in this task. Floods caused great damage in are including Ratnapura, Elapatha and Kotamulla. The Navy and the Army are engaged in relief measures in these areas.
The Sabaragamuwa Provincial council has taken steps for all cooperative outlets to remain open in the Ratnapura district to ensure the uninterrupted supply of consumer items. The Fuel supply has been hampered as a result of several filling stations being inundated with water.

Around one thousand five hundred families have been displaced in areas of Dehiowita, Deraniyagala and Ruwanwella. Several bridges in these areas have been damaged by torrential rains while several roads are blocked by earth-slips.

Emergency relief unit is now operating 24 hours with the hotline 0112 43 15 79. Two million rupees have been allocated to grant immediate relief to the victims in Gampaha, Ratnapura and Kalutara districts.

A number of political parties are to hold May Day rallies in a grand scale tomorrow.
The May Day rally of the United People’s Alliance will be held at the Mahaweli playground in Dehiattakandiya with the participation of allied parties and trade unions.
May Day Rally organizing committee Chairman of the People’s Alliance Minister Dalas Alahapperuma says the rally will be held in the eastern province as a respect to the heroic soldiers who liberated the area from the LTTE and to the working class in the province.

The United National Party is to conduct a religious event at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on the May Day instead of a rally. The JVP will hold the May day rally at Municipal Council grounds in Town Hall. The theme is to stand united against the separatism and imperialism.

Five leftist parties including Communist Party and Samasamaja Party is to hold their May Day rally at Shalika Grounds in Narahenpitya. Ceylon Workers’ Congress will conduct a rally in Hatton while Kandurata Peoples’ Front organizes the May Day rally in Bandarawela.

Iran and Sri Lanka have condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to eliminate this global menace following bilateral talks between the two sides, the Foreign Ministry said.

A joint statement issued at the end of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Sri Lanka said: "The Iranian side expressed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and welcomed the positive political steps taken to end the conflict through negotiations, leading to a durable settlement, acceptable to all the people of Sri Lanka.

Iranian President Dr. Ahmadinejad held wide-ranging discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended by Ministers and senior officials of both sides. The discussions which took place in a cordial atmosphere, were detailed and substantive, covering issues of bilateral, regional and global interest.

Both Presidents, while noting with satisfaction the progress achieved in bilateral relations, stressed their firm commitment to further enhance mutual cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields. The discussions reaffirmed the close and friendly ties that exist between Sri Lanka and Iran.

The two Presidents briefed each other on issues of common interest and current developments in their respective countries.

The Sri Lankan side supported the peaceful use of nuclear energy by Iran, within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The two sides confirmed the full and non-discriminatory implementation of Article IV of the NPT on peaceful nuclear co-operation. The two sides reiterated the importance of global nuclear disarmament, particularly the need for the nuclear powers to destroy their nuclear weapons, based on the decisions of the relevant international meetings.

The two sides expressed their deep concern over the violence against the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories and recognized the inalienable rights and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people at the highest level, and will continue to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Both sides also expressed the hope that the differences among the different groups in Palestine will be resolved amicably.

The two sides, stressing the need for the consolidation of national unity and understanding, peaceful co-existence and the preservation of the stability, security and peace in Lebanon, supported initiatives among different Lebanese parties through consensus and the participation of all Lebanese political groups in the process of deciding all issues of concern, as the only way out of the current crisis in Lebanon.

Both sides emphasized the need for the preservation of the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq and the participation of all Iraqi groups in the political process and expressed their support for the efforts of the elected Iraqi government to restore security and stability in Iraq.

The two sides expressed concern over the escalation of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan, and supported, as a matter of priority, the endeavour by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the restoration of peace and stability.

The two sides underscored the potential for expansion of bilateral economic co-operation, which would greatly strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and co-operation between the two countries and be conducive to the common progress and prosperity of the peoples of Iran and Sri Lanka, inter alia, by encouraging the private sectors of both countries to invest in each other.

Recalling the visit of President Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to Iran in November 2007, and the Agreements and MOUs reached between the two countries in the areas of power supply and irrigation as well as the expansion of the oil refinery facility in Sri Lanka, both sides expressed their deep satisfaction at the ceremonial inauguration of the Uma Oya multi purpose development project and the Sapugaskanda oil refinery project respectively, with the assistance of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during the visit of the President of Iran to Sri Lanka.

Both sides also noted with satisfaction, the conclusion several MOUs and Agreements during the visit of the President of Iran to Sri Lanka.

by Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY – The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is at present paying for the evil committed in the past by overthrowing the United National Party (UNP) government led by Ranil Wickremasinghe in connivance with the People’s Alliance, Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa said at the launch of a programme to give financial assistance from the Janasuwaya Development Scheme to low income groups in the Senakadagala electorate.

Financial assistance is provided to invest on self-employment projects. One hundred persons are to receive assistance as the first group from the Sanakadagala electorate.

Speaking on the occasion at the E. L. Senanayake Children’s Library auditorium, MP Sajith Premadasa, Chairman of the Janasuwaya Development Programme, said that the JVP was shattered to pieces.

The JVP which was accepted to be a body of marvelous experts, has now declined to such a situation that nobody is ready to listen to the bearded revolutionaries at the Lipton Round-about.

There is no national politics in Sri Lanka. Policies and principles are not honoured in Sri Lanka politics. Politics here is based on jealousy, enemity, illwill, vengeance, hatred and vanity, Premadasa said.

He said history has shown that whenever the UNP is in power, the Maxist minority group together with the Opposition enter into a marriage and obstruct plans for development of the country. The minority groups did the same to throw out the UNP government led by Ranil Wickremasinghe by supporting the former President. If the UNP administration was allowed to continue, the country could have been rescued from the present state of chaos. The people could have lived a better life.

It is easy to criticize a government in power, but hard to rule a country. The JVP is reaping what they sowed.

Premadasa said that he had no ulterior motive of politicl advantage in assisting the people of Kandy district. He said he was fully aware that the people of the Kandy district could not vote for him because he constested in Hambantota.

He said he decided to help the people of Senkadagala with the genuine intention of uplifting the standard of living of the poor. He had yet another objectives of helping the people of the birth place of his wife. Mrs. Premadasa hails from a reputed family in the Kandyan region.

However, he said he launched the programme with the consent of MP Lakshman Kirielle and at the invitation of the Central Provincial Council Member and Chief UNP, organiser for Senkadagala, Chanaka Ilepperuma.

Mayor of Kandy, L. B. Aluwihare, former Mayor Kesara D. Senanayake, Central Provincial Council Member Ms Shanthini Kongahage and Chairman Gangawatte Korale Pradeshiya Sabha, Mahinda Yatawara also spoke.

Govt. noted for its false promises has lived up to its reputation by retracting its promise earlier made to provide a helicopter to the Leader of Opposition , Ranil Wickremesinghe to attend the election campaign in the Eastern province.
The Ministry of Defence has cited the Iranian President’s visit as an excuse, and that the helicopter has been reserved for him.

It is a widely known fact that helicopters have been provided however to all Ministers organizing the May Day rally of the UPFA.

The Govt.’s refusal has not deterred or daunted Ranil Wickremesinghe from attending the rallies including that scheduled for Tuesday.

Swaminathan, UNP Treasurer and eminent Lawyer addressing the Media at the UNP media meeting said, the Govt. is crowing about liberating the people in the East and of holding elections.
The people in the East only know of the so called ‘liberation’. People are unable to move freely, do their vocations freely, go to the Banks and carry their cash home fearlessly; they cannot sleep peacefully without fear of abductions and intimidations. Is this liberation? He asked.

Compare the two and half year rule under the UNP Govt. and that under President Rajapakse, he said.

The best economic boom , the best development programs were launched , the Bank interest rates were at the lowest reflecting the economic growth and low inflation were during the UNP tenure.. In short, there was peace, plenty and prosperity in the country. Just see what has happened to the country now. People are unable to move about fearlessly, a bomb explosion can occur any moment. People have to waste all their time on the road because of road blocks, security checks and security motorcades of politicos hindering them.

The economy is in a shambles. People have no money, no food, even their staple food is a luxury with price of rice and essential commodities at unreachable prices for the common man.

The Govt. is talking of allocating millions of rupees towards development of the East. The Govt. did not raise this money by country’s development or from income generation, but by loans taken on exorbitant interest mortgaging the future of the country. By this action aimed desperately only at winning the election, it is plunging the country into an economic holocaust, he exhorted. Finally, it is the people who will have to carry the burden of debt re -payment, he lamented.

Therefore, he urged all communities to vote united for the United National Party for a Democratic, fear free, strife free, peaceful and prosperous society and country, he concluded.

The Bandaragama Police recovered explosives, detonators, iron nails and 2kg of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), following precise information given by a civilian to the Police Emergency Information Unit (119) yesterday (April 29) morning at 7.10.

According to Police sources, the recovery was made when search operations were conducted in general area Veedagama in Bandaragama. A bag was found left in a by road near the 'Veda Temple' at Veedagama and the said items were recovered, Bandaragama Police said.


"Our applaud should go over to the vigilant civilians who made it possible to avert a possible sabotage attempt", Bandaragama Police OIC was quoted as saying.

NH4NO3 is an oxidizing agent used in explosives, including improvised explosive devices. It is also used with fuel oil mixtures and has reportedly been used for bombs in terrorist acts such as the Oklahoma City bombing (April 19, 1995).

The Health Ministry has called for 500 applications to be trained and sent as skilled professional nurses to the USA during the next 5 months.

The Jathika Hela Urumaya, an affiliate of the present government, is accusing Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem of unleashing Muslim extremism in several areas of the east to target the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council polls there.

Mr. Hakeem has let loose an 'Otu' (Arabic) terrorism in areas such as Potuvil, Panama, Akkarapattu, Samanturai, Kinniya, Mutur and Kalmunai, JHU spokesman Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe charged.

Mr. Warnasinghe made the comment when 'Lanka Dissent' queried him regarding his party's opposition to the SLMC's contesting the May 10th election.


The party led by Mr. Hakeem is promoting sentiments against the state and the Sinhalese for a 'Muslim Deshai' (Muslim state) in these eastern areas, Mr. Warnasinghe alleged.

He compared this to the idea propped up among Tamil youths by the TULF in the 1960-70 period for a separate state for their community.

This will end up in another armed struggle, this time by Muslim youths, for a separate state, the JHU spokesman warned.

Mr. Hakeem has also spoken about the advantage of a 'Nasaristan' in a merged northeast.

The SLMC leader is spreading Muslim extremism by destroying Buddhist places of worship in the east and taking over the land belonging to them, Mr. Warnasinghe said further.

The east will come under the grip of al-Qaeda terrorism if this situation continues, he warned.

Mr. Hakeem has entered into a secret pact with Velupillai Prabhakaran to let loose an 'Otu' (camel) terrorism in the eastern area, the JHU spokesman charged, adding that the UNP has created a foundation for same.

He cited the appointment of two Muslims to fill the parliamentary seats that fell vacant following the death of two TNA MPs as an example to press his point.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has betrayed his party through his aiding the SLMC to allow the Muslim extremism by allowing it to contest under the party's symbol.

Eastern Muslim youths had, at one-time, been very close to Tamil Tiger terrorism, Mr. Warnasinghe said, adding that during the Ranasinghe Premadasa regime, firearms were given to them for their protection.

A large haul of weapons that had been unaccounted for after Karuna broke away from the LTTE have come into the possession of Muslim youths, he charged.

Forty-three Indians languishing in Sri Lankan jails have approached an Indian human rights body to help them return to the country, but the Government can do little in the absence of a prisoner exchange treaty with the neighbouring country.
They have been convicted under Sri Lankan laws for offences related to drug trafficking and some have spent more than 16 years in jails.

"A large number of them are from Kerala and some are from Tamil Nadu. Several went to Sri Lanka for better employment and were arrested on drug trafficking charges," Agni Subramaniam, executive director of the Manitham Human Rights Organisation, told IANS.

Indian life-term prisoners in the Welikada jail in Sri Lanka, held on drug trafficking charges, include the likes of Ali Muhammad Mustafa, 79, who can barely walk, and 75-year-old Kamatchi.

"There are 43 such prisoners in three Lankan jails," Subramaniam said. They sent him a written petition last week for help.

While Pakistan and the Maldives took back their prisoners from Sri Lanka in February under bilateral agreements for exchange of prisoners, India does not have any such agreement with Sri Lanka, though the two sides are negotiating one.

"We can only think of taking them back once we have such an agreement in place with Sri Lanka," a sources in the Indian external affairs ministry said.

The sources pointed out that there have been occasions when India has intervened to get its prisoners released from Sri Lankan jails but these were mainly fishermen or those held for "minor offences". Most of those who have approached the human rights group are people held for "very serious offences".

But a rights activist said: "Many of these people are not really drug traffickers. They were involved unknowingly, by being at the wrong place, due to circumstances."

The Indian prisoners had earlier made repeated appeals to the Indian government and the Indian high commission in April 2007.

Referring to the appeal of R Singarayar from Negombo jail, consulate official MV Namboodiri said in a note dated May 10 last year to the ministry, "Singarayar and others presently lodged in Welikada prison were arrested on charges of drug trafficking. Due to the nature of the offence, the mission is not in a position to intervene in these cases."

Drug trafficking in many countries draws the death penalty. In India it is punished with 20 years in jail. In Sri Lanka, it draws life imprisonment.

"They do not have lawyers to fight their cases or fight for rights due to prisoners. Fearing death they have just accepted their fate," Subramaniam said.

"They are also afraid that Tamil prisoners from India will be the first victims of any ethnic riots that break out in Sri Lankan prisons, as it had happened in the 1980s," he said.

In a telephonic conversation with Indian human rights activists, facilitated by a Tamil official in the Sri Lankan government, the prisoners have appealed for the release of Mustafa and Kamatchi on humanitarian grounds.

There are six women among the 43 prisoners. Jothi Laksmi from Varaganeri near Tiruchirapally,

Arockiya Mary from Tuticorin, M. Kanaga, Bibi Jan and Mahabooba from Tiruchirapally, apart from Kamatchi.

Thiyagarajan from Thanjavur has been in jail since 1999, like Ashraf, from Malappuram district of Kerala, who has also been in jail for 10 years.

There are at least seven prisoners from Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu in Anuradhapuram jail.

Rights groups are urging the Indian government to act on behalf of these prisoners and get them back to India - even if they are sent to Indian jails.

"Since so many of them are from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the state governments also need to urge the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to at least move these Indian prisoners away from the conflict zone and rights violations at the earliest," Subramaniam said.

The Scotland Yard Police arrested three men in connection with a long-term police investigation into the LTTE, in London and Wales today.

Minister Mervyn Silva suffered injuries following an accident in Aralaganwila, Dehiattakandiya a short while ago and is being airlifted to Colombo for treatment. Kelaniya Pradeesheeya Sabha Chairman Seevali Kelanitissa has died on the spot.

Renovation of the Sapugaskanda Refinery commences. The government of Iran will provide financial aid for this renovation.
President Mahinda Rajapakse and Iranian President Mahamoud Ahamedinejad attended a ceremony at the Sapugaskanda refinery premises this morning.
The Iranian President planted a sapling symbolizing the commencement of renovation. Speaking on the occasion, President Rajapakse said the Iranian President’s visit has further strengthened the bilateral relations of the two countries.
The Uma Oya multipurpose irrigation scheme funded by Iran will create a number of benefits to the country. The President said Muslims in the north and east faced a lot of hardships due to terrorism. After two years, the people in the east including Muslim are enjoying their democratic rights with the security forces liberating the area from the terrorists.
Speaking on the occasion, President Ahamadinejad commended the attempts made by the Sri Lankan President to build unity among different communities and steer the country towards development. He expressed the fullest cooperation of Iran to this endeavour.
Meanwhile the Uma Oya multipurpose irrigation scheme was launched this morning. The ceremony to lay the foundation stone was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake and the Iranian Minister of Commerce. The government of Iran will provide financial assistance worth 250 million dollars to this project.

End

JVP dissident group leader Wimal Weerawansa said he plans to form a new political movement if the party leadership fails to approach them for talks before 1st of May .
“We are waiting for a green light from the JVP to patch up the problem. But the behavior of the party never shows a green light. Even yesterday some of the JVP supporters have threaten the dissidents. If it will fail he will form a new political party with the support of the National patriotic Movement, he said.
Already the dissidents have started discussions with Ex-JVP front liner and former Presidential candidate Nandana Gunathilaka to get his support. Weerawansa further said a number Artists , academics and social workers have shown their pleasure to support Wimal Weerawansa’s faction .He said they will obtain their support to form the party.
Earlier Nandana Gunathilaka was removed from the JVP polit bureau and later he criticized the JVP leadership. Later he announced he act as an independent Parliamentarian at the parliament.

The Disaster Relief Services Center says prevailing adverse weather has displaced 6739 families across the country. Director of the center N.D. Hettiarachchi says the displaced have taken temporarily shelters at 29 welfare centers.
Relief services for the displaced are being carried out with the assistance of district and divisional secretaries of the relevant areas. Seven deaths have been reported so far due to floods.
Mr. Hettiarachchi said families of the victims were provided with financial assistance to conduct the final rites.

Meanwhile, monitoring officer of the Rathnapura office of the met department K.S. Chandrasekera said a 160 millimeter rainfall was experienced in the area during the last 24 hours that ended from 8.30 this morning.
Flood waters in the area are now receding. Damages caused to property in the Kegalle district due to the overflowing of the Kelani river are now been assessed.
Chief minister of the Sabaragamuwa province Maheepala Herath toured in flood affected areas in his province.

Geologist of the national building research organization Laksiri Indrajith warns of possible landslides in several areas in the country. It has been identified that Ehaliyagoda, Gantenna, Ethiligoda, Pelmadulla and Pathakada are vulnerable for landslides. The people living in these areas have already evacuated to safer places.

Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa says the public should focus their attention on two important facts in casting their votes in the eastern provincial council election.

The people have the responsibility of not giving the LTTE a slightest room to carryout their activities in the eastern province which was completely liberated from them by the security forces.
The public should block all opportunities that lead to the remerging of the northern and eastern provinces by using their right of franchise wisely.
In a media briefing held in Colombo this morning, Mr. Weerawansa said the Muslim Congress seems to attempting the remerge of the two provinces. He also stressed that no room should given to the pro-LTTE forces in the eastern province.
Earlier the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) dissident faction led by its parliamentary group chief, Wimal Weerawansa, has mooted the formation of a Deshapremi Peramuna (Patriotic Front) and pledged to work under that banner. They have vowed to take this action if their disputes with the party leadership are not amicably settled.

The decision by Mr. Weerawansa and ten dissident MPs to form such a front, with the backing of a number of civil society organizations and trade unions.

Political observers point out that the fact that like the PNM, the new political group also is being formed with a similar name suggests a link between the two. This development came as the crisis within the JVP worsened.

JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa says he expects to form a new political movement if the party leadership fails to approach them for talks before 1st of May.


Addressing media in Colombo this morning he said the party should correct its bad behaviour.

RAMANATHAPURAM: Five persons were arrested near Pirapanvalasai coast on Sunday with eight cans containing 280 litres of chemical substance meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka, on Sunday.

A police team which conducted a surprise raid along the seashore at Mandapam spotted five persons waiting at Pirapanvalasai coast in a suspicious manner.

The team caught the men, Velayutham, Selvakumar, Muthuselvam and Manoharan of Rameswaram and Meera-sha of Thoothukudi, and seized the chemicals.

They also seized a country boat and a mini-van. Police refused to reveal the nature of the chemicals.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Sri Lanka signed five Memorandums of Understanding Monday during President Ahmadinejad's official visit to Colombo.

The MoUs on establishment of Iranian Club in Sri Lanka, Creating a consultation body between the two countries, developing production capacity of an oil refinery, financing a dam project and a hydroelectric power plant and cooperation on executing aforementioned projects were signed by officials of the two countries in the presence of the two presidents.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa after the signing ceremony, attended a joint press conference.

by Don Asoka Wijewardena
The Chairman of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons, India’s ex-Chief Justice P. N. Bhagawatti, had written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa clarifying the position taken by the IIGEP in its sixth public statement, which stated that the Sri Lankan government did not have political and institutional will to investigate 17 incidents of human rights violation in which people were killed, Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told a media conference at Ministry auditorium yesterday.

He said President Rajapaksa had expressed the government’s serious concern over the IIGEP statement. The government had consistently maintained an unequivocal stance on the alleged violations, which were included in the warrant of the Commission of Inquiry. Human rights violations should be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action to prosecute and punish any persons found to have violated human rights would follow. However, such punitive measures, should they be warranted by the evidence disclosed by the Commission, would only be taken after due process of law in keeping with the highest standards he said.

Minister Samarasinghe said that the government was extremely worried about the statement made by Bhagawatti about the government of Sri Lanka. He had also accused that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry had gone beyond the mandate vested in the Commission. It was a derogatory statement which had tarnished the image of the government. Had Justice Bhagawatti clarified this before the government would have saved a lot time in dealing with the matter.

Minister Samarasinghe said that the Sri Lankan government was of the view that observations and conclusions of this nature were beyond the mandate of the IIGEP in so far as it was merely required to perform an observational and advisory function to ensure that Commission’s proceedings met with international norms and standards. The government believed that such statements by the IIGEP could be perceived as having political overtones. This could have led to reasonable inferences that the IIGEP‘s statement was made in fulfillment of other agendas inimical to the government of Sri Lanka. Such statements could have strengthened the hand of those who were working to bring discredit to the government of Sri Lanka, he said.

Attorney General C. R. de Silva said that Justice Bhagawatti had clarified the controversial statements made by the IIGEP. His clarification mentioned that the IIGEP had not accused the Sri Lankan government and what had been conveyed in the statement was the IIGEP’s apprehension regarding absence of political will. IIGEP had never said there was absence of political will on the part of the government and it was merely an apprehension which was voiced by the IIGEP in view of facts before them.

De Silva added that IIGEP had also appreciated the good work done by the Commission. It had been doing highly valuable service and IIGEP had the best co-operation from the members of the Commission.

He said the government would like to express its gratitude to Justice Bhagawatti for the clarification and to reassure the IIGEP that the people of Sri Lanka and the international community would remain steadfast in their determination to support the Chairman and Commission in ensuring the completion of the work of the Commission of Inquiry.

The flood situation in several districts of the country has displaced 4000 people so far, the government said today.
The Disaster Management Centre said in Ratnapura district alone, two thousand families have been displaced. The number of displaced families in the Puttalam district is 600. The Red Cross Society is in the process of distributing dry food, water bottles and other requisites to the victims.

The Irrigation Department says water levels in the Kalu, Ging and Kelani rivers continue to rise.

The Department of Meteorology predicts further heavy rain accompanied by thunder will experience in the western, sabaragamuwa and central province as well as in the Galle district today.

It has also been reported that the tornado which has developed over Jaffna is moving 650 kilemetres to the northwest of the island.

Iran and Sri Lanka signed several bilateral agreements Monday and reiterated the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. Picture shows the two leaders during the signing ceremony in Colombo.

(Lanka-e-News,) United National Party (UNP) says that unidentified masked persons in the Eastern Province often intimidate civilians. UNP said that such incidents were reported from Akkaraipaththu last week and Padiththanei, Trincomalee today (28).
A Lanka-e-News investigation revealed that a gang of masked individuals abducted six persons from Padiththanai village. The relatives of the victims have not lodged complaints in police since they identified the gang that was involved in the abduction. It is learnt that the two parties are in an attempt to resolve the issue among themselves.

Reportedly, the abduction victims are UNP supporters.

Media Committee Chief Lakshman Kiriella issuing a statement on the Eastern Provincial Council election says that the TMVP (Pillaiyan Group), PLOTE, EPDP and EPRLF are often engaged in election campaigning with arms they carry with indirect support of state security forces and police. He said that this was one factors that a fair election could not be expected in the Eastern Province.

Mr. Kiriella said that Pillaiyan Group was misusing power by engaging in state security affairs while contesting the election as a political party. He said that the armed TMVP cadres manned all the Army checkpoints in Kalmunai, Batticaloa and Trincomalee areas. UNP pointed out that this violated the Article 12 of the constitution that guarantees equality of all citizens before law. UNP emphasized that this group needed to be removed from state security affairs immediately.

Pointing to the indistinct statistics of tsunami affected, Mr. Kiriella said that it would make way for vote rigging unless the figures of the displaced persons and the procedure made for them to verify their identity were not reported to the election authorities.

UNP MP Kiriella said that the Chairman of Akkaraipaththu Pradeshiya Sabha is using Manmunai Al Shamaz school for election campaigning while United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidate Hisbulla uses the upstairs of Eravur post office and the Ministers were using almost all the circuit bungalows of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) for election propaganda work.

Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Channel Eye broadcast a report on the election malpractices of the state officials who were using state vehicles for election campaigning. Village Officers were summoned in groups often to be deployed in propaganda work. Polling cards are in the possession of outsiders and on April 23, police took 10,000 such polling cards into custody from the possession of a woman.

Meanwhile, on April 26 around 10.30 PM, a group of about 10 persons entered the residence of the UNP Pradeshiya Sabha MP Abdul Majeed and warned him to keep away from election propaganda.

UNP says that the government was proving that it was not ready to hold a free and fair election since it was providing indirect support to all those violence.

All schools in areas affected by floods in the Ratnapura District have been closed with immediate effect according to authorities.
Meanwhile Police sources confirmed a landslide in Opanayake has disrupted the traffic on the Colombo-Badulla road. The Police have requested people to use alternative routes.
A woman was killed in a landslide in Yatiyantota a short while ago. Several others have been injured.

There is an all island power failure except Rantabe, Randenigala and Badulla areas. The Ceylon Electricity Board says the reason is yet to be known.

Two decades after it booted them out, Sri Lanka is preparing to unveil a memorial near its parliament for Indian soldiers killed battling the Tamil Tiger guerrillas.

The names of around 1,500 men, almost all of them from the Indian Army, are to be etched on black marble and topped by an eternal flame as part of a long-pending project now being executed by the Sri Lanka Navy.

It will be the first memorial dedicated to the Indian soldier outside India.

Final touches are being given to the memorial and it will be ready for a formal launch either May 22 or when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh goes to Sri Lanka for the South Asian Association for Regional Conference (Saarc) summit this summer.

An Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka's northeast following a July 1987 bilateral peace pact aimed at ending Tamil separatism.

But the troops ended up fighting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from October that year, losing nearly 1,200 men until the last of the soldiers left Sri Lanka in March 1990. Nearly 2,800 men were also wounded, many maimed for life.

The roll of honour at the memorial, which will bear India's official Ashoka emblem, will include names of Indian paramilitary forces, taking the total to some 1,500.

While the IPKF fought the LTTE, Sri Lankan president Junius Jayewardene who invited them lost power.

In a bizarre but bloody twist of events, his successor, Ranasinghe Premadasa, in June 1989 demanded the IPKF's withdrawal. When that did not happen, he provided arms and ammunition to the LTTE to take on the IPKF.

Before the IPKF saga ended, it was also accused of killing large numbers of LTTE guerrillas as well as civilians, mainly Tamils, in the bruising war that earned the force the derisive name 'Innocent People Killing Force'.

For years, many in the Indian military have grudged that Sri Lanka had not even bothered to acknowledge the role of Indian troops who died at the hands of the LTTE.

That situation is about to change, Indian and Sri Lankan military sources say.

'This will be in the memory of Indian armed forces who helped us to preserve the unity of our country,' a Sri Lankan military officer told IANS in a telephonic interview from Colombo.

'Our president (Mahinda Rajapaksa) was very particular that this memorial has to come up. He kept saying that 20 years have gone by and we had not fulfilled this pledge. It had dragged on too long. After all the (Indian) soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice.'

Work at the memorial began about six months ago. It will be ready in another two weeks.

The military officer added that most Sri Lankans now appreciated the role played by the IPKF. But when its members were dying, it came in the firing line of Sinhalese Buddhist nationalists who said its presence undermined their country's sovereignty.

'Our people have realised what the Indian soldiers did,' the officer said. 'They died fighting to keep Sri Lanka united. We can never forget their sacrifice. Today there is a lot of appreciation of their role.'

Lt. Gen. Ashok Mehta, who served in the IPKF in the island nation's east, said the memorial had been talked about for years. 'Initially they said there was some problem of land, and then something else. Now it is coming up. Better late than never.'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived at the Bandaranaike International Air Port around 7.30 pm in local time and President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed the visiting dignitary.
He was welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. The Navy accorded a Guard of honour by offering 21 gun salute to the visiting President.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the president would hold talks with his counterpart, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Rathnasiri and Foreign Minister Bogollagama.

During President Ahmadinejad's visit to Colombo, several documents are expected to be signed by Iranian and Sri Lankan officials for promotion of bilateral cooperation.

Iran-funded 450 million-dollar multi-purposes Uma Oya Project will ommence on Tuesday when the Iranian president and his Sri Lankan counterpart ceremonially inaugurate the mega development project in Sri Lanka.

Other major projects due to be inaugurated on Tuesday by the Iranian president is the expansion of the Sapugaskanda refinery which will make Sri Lanka self-sufficient in aviation fuel and bitumen.

Both projects are funded by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the tune of over US$ 1.9 billion, which was pledged during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to Iran in November last year.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit to India Tuesday on a brief visit to discuss various issues of mutual interest including measures to boost energy ties. President Ahmadinejad will be paying a brief visit here tomorrow afternoon enroute to Tehran from Colombo.
He will be calling on the Indian President. He will also be meeting the Prime Minister for discussions on issues of mutual interest including probable measures to strengthen energy partnership. He will leave Delhi for Tehran Tuesday night. "The Presidential visit is likely to have energy as the focus. The pending 22 billion US$ LNG deal, the 7.4 billion US$ Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline and exploration and production joint ventures in Iran will top the high-level talks between the two countries," the official said, adding, "We are hoping that bilateral talks on the 22 billion US$ LNG deal with Iran will get fresh momentum with Ahmadinejad's visit." India's Petroleum Minister Murli Deora visited Islamabad last week and held discussions with the concerned Pakistani authorities on the fate of the tri-nation (Iran-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline.
Deora has expressed optimism about the pipeline project and said the deal would be clinched shortly.
Last week, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee had stated that nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency had the sole responsibility to ascertain the nuclear status of Iran and United States should not interfere in the process. New Delhi also objected a State Department statement on Iranian President's visit and stated India did not require any guidance on conduct of its foreign relations. Recently addressing a seminar here, India's Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said Iran has the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
"It is not in India's interest to have another nuclear weapons state in its neighbourhood but Iran has the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy subject to its international obligations," Menon had said in a seminar organised by the Britain-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. Addressing the same seminar, India's National Security Adviser M K Narayanan said that India and Iran have civilization and economic ties. "Iran is a big country and you need to deal with them diplomatically and with erudition," he had said.

Around 100 new inventions by local individuals and institutions will be on display before local and foreign buyers and entrepreneurs by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission in next week in Colombo.
The local Inventors Commission says this event will be the key path for the inventors and the entrepreneurs to discuss their future businesses to market these products and improve them.
Issuing a press release by the commission these new inventions were developed by the inventors with the financial support of the commission. According to the commission most of new inventions are not expensive, but their technology is so high, said a spokesman of the commission .Speaking to media he said this forthcoming Business Session and the product display will open for the public and local university academics together with the government officials will present their papers before the inventors.
Local Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr.Sarath Amunugama will be the chief guest for the forthcoming Business Session .
End

Following torrential rains, several districts including Ratanapura are under threat of flooding.
The Department of Meteorology predicts more rain in the coming 24 hours as well. A tornado developed in the Bay of Bengal, 600 kilo meters from Jaffna is causing the disturbance.
Heavy rain is expected in the Districts of Galle, Matara, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy in the next 24 hours.
The National Disaster Centre says several low lying areas in Wennappuwa, Kalutara and Ratnapura have been inundated as result of floods caused by heavy rain.
The National Building Research Organization saysareas marked in the disaster map as earth slip prone areas are receiving heavy rain. Districts of Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle and Matara have been identified as vulnerable areas.
The Department of Irrigation says that water levels of Kelani, Kalu and Ging Gangas are rising due to incessant rains and warns residents in low lying areas to remain vigilant.

Police spokesman senior DIG N.K. Ilangakoon says 19 persons have been arrested in connection with the bus bomb blast in Piliyandala.
He said questioning has revealed important facts. The house in Deltara where the main suspect had temporarily lodged has been sealed.
He has come to Piliyandala from Vavuniya two weeks ago. Mount Lavinia and Piliyandala Police are jointly conducting further investigations.

Troops have conducted operations relentlessly in the VAVUNIYA despite the indiscriminate use of anti - personnel mines and sporadic mortar fire by the LTTE terrorists. During Sunday (27), seven terrorist were killed in confrontations and many more were also injured while two soldiers were killed and a few were injured due to anti - personnel mine explosions and mortar fire.

Two soldiers were reported injured in SINNAVALAYAKADU area, VAVUNIYA due to LTTE terrorist mortar fire on Sunday (27) at 8.45 in the morning. Two terrorists were also reported killed during a confrontation with Troops on the same day in the morning around 10.30 in the KALLIKULAM area, MANNAR.

One soldier was reported killed and two were injured due to an anti - personnel mine explosion in NIVIL area in the morning at 11.20 on the same day (27).

Meanwhile in the afternoon a terrorist was reported killed during a confrontation with Troops in the SINNAWALAYAKADU area, VAVUNIYA on Sunday (27) around 12.30 while a soldier was reported injured around 12.45 in the MADHU area, due to the explosion of an anti - personnel mine. A soldier was also killed by a anti - personnel mine explosion in the VEDAMKILLUM area at 4.00 in the evening while four terrorists were also killed in confrontations on Sunday (27) in PALAMPIDDI area.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the actions of government officials in denying photojournalists access to report on casualties of the latest violence between the Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, four photographers were barred from entering hospitals where injured army personnel (estimated to be in the hundreds) were reportedly being treated after fighting intensified in the country’s north last week.

The FMM said the restriction reflects a greater growing concern that official statistics of casualties are under-reported by government-appointed military spokesmen.

Government military statements report that the Army has allegedly killed more than 3000 Tamil fighters in 2008. However, the FMM reports verification is limited as the only independent news sources covering the conflict are a small number of foreign wire services and Colombo-based news websites.

“The IFJ joins the FMM in stressing that the public has a right to know exactly what is happening in the conflict, and this knowledge is central to any hope of peaceful resolution in the future,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

“By restricting the ability of independent media to cover the war in a manner that accurately reports the numbers of dead and injured, both the LTTE and the Government are undermining press freedom, which is a crucial element of democratic stability.”

The FMM has demanded for almost 15 years that both sides in the conflict permit media personnel to cover the war independently.

The IFJ joins the FMM in urging Sri Lanka’s Government and the LTTE to respect the right to information for all. The Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka campaign, supported by more than 45 press freedom and human rights organisations across the globe, backs local journalists’ organisations in demanding that authorities permit journalists and media workers to do their jobs and report on the conflict without restrictions or fear of personal retribution.

War propaganda impedes people’s right to know the truth. Accurate, impartial and responsible journalism requires freedom of the media and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

As part of its attempts to promote economic security for the returnee population in the Batticaloa district, the ICRC has initiated an inland fisheries project aimed at restoring the livelihoods of more than 480 fishermen who earn a living from fresh water and lagoon fishing.

The project targets 404 households in Vaharai and 77 households in Pattipalai in Batticaloa West. The majority of families benefiting from the project were displaced due to military operations from the end of 2006 to around November 2007 and had been living with host families or in sites for the displaced before returning home. The main livelihood of this returnee community is fishing but they supplement lean periods with paddy cultivation, hunting, the production of honey and collecting firewood for sale. Their needs upon returning home were identified by the authorities at the Department of the Ministry of Fisheries, the ICRC's partner in implementing the project to restock four tanks in the target areas with 400,000 fingerlings between January and April 2008.

Vocational training from eight experts from the Fisheries Department has ensured that 90 beneficiaries are proficient in making and maintaining nets. They have also received instruction in the theoretical aspects of fresh water fishing. This will help the community fish without damaging the tanks' eco-systems and maintain stock levels.

"The vocational training we received was good because we were shown net maintenance techniques so we can make the nets last longer", said Muthuthamby Kanapathy who has returned to his home in Mathurankernykulam after having spent time in a site for the displaced in Vaharai, Batticaloa.

Another important element of the vocational training is to strengthen the Fishermen's Cooperative Societies. The beneficiaries are organized into groups of five to make them more competitive at market. These Societies are also invaluable to the fishermen for the crisis loans they can provide.

"Apart from the practical aspects the vocational training was good because it made us aware of pensions and loans", said Kanapathy, who is also the President of the Fishermen's Cooperative Society for his area where, he says, nearly half the families fish.

The project will also provide 481 beneficiaries with a kit comprising three different varieties of fishing nets as well as other fishing accessories, while the five Cooperative Societies in the two areas will receive 74 canoes for their members. A total of 154 fishermen in Mathurankernykulam and Kunjankulam in Vaharai have already been given fishing nets while 251 fishermen in Cinnathattumunai and Periyathattumunai in Uriyankaddu Vaharai will be given 54 canoes and certificates proving that they have completed their vocational training.

"Project implementation is expected to be completed during the month of April after which monitoring will continue throughout 2008", said Massimiliano Cartura, of the ICRC office in Batticaloa whose brainchild the project is.

"The ultimate goal is to ensure there is food security for the beneficiaries as well as boost their income levels and saving capacities. The project was designed with long term sustainability in mind so it can continue even after the ICRC has handed over the reins to the beneficiaries", added Cartura.

The introduction of the fingerlings into the local tank has brought hope to Sellan Thangeswaran who was forced to leave his home in Mathurankernikulam with his wife and seven-year-old daughter in 2006. They stayed at the ICRC's site for the displaced in Arlankulam in Vaharai until April 2007 before returning home.

"Before the displacement happened I was able to support my wife and daughter with the earnings I took home from fishing. Being displaced changed my life because I lost everything I had used for my fishing activities. With the assistance I received from various organizations I was able to buy a net and start fishing again. Although, I will not be able to fish from the tank immediately because the newly introduced fingerlings have to grow, I am very hopeful for the future", he added smiling.

Caroline Clarinval is the ICRC coordinator responsible for the project.

"This project targets entire communities having to restart their previous livelihoods without having the nets, canoes and other fishing gear to do so. To ensure the levels of sustainability and community empowerment that we expected from the project, we required the participation of all stakeholders from the beginning, including the Fisheries Ministry, the beneficiaries and the ICRC and this is something we managed to achieve."

Clarinval says the Ministry was involved from the beginning helping to identify the extent of the problem, being involved with the project planning and remaining committed until the project's completion.

"For instance the vocational training was carried out by experts from the Ministry", she explains. "The close relationship between all the stakeholders helped make the project a success. We will monitor the situation to determine whether the income levels of the beneficiaries have increased, to make sure they still have their materials and to stay abreast of the problems they face", she added.

Sri Lanka took part in GIBTM 2008 Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition which was held at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre early this month with 245 exhibitors promoting wide range of services and 239 hosted buyers.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in its strategy to reach out to corporates in the Middle East took advantage of this event with its partner SriLankan Airlines with an effective presence at the GIBTM to promote the country as a venue for Meetings and Incentives, the bureau said in a press release.

'With an increase of visitor arrivals from this region, we have a better chance of convincing the MICE ( Meetings, Incentives, conferences and Exhibitions) segment that Sri Lanka is an ideal location for their activities, ' says the Bureau.

Pro LTTE website tamilnet on Sunday reported the Bishop of Mannaar, Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph, said that the warring parties should openly declare the Madu Shrine and its environs as Peace Zone in order to bring back Our Lady of Madu statue to the Holy Shrine.
According to the government of Sri Lanka that the act of the Sri Lanka Army [SLA] and the high-handed manner in which the Commander of SLA has "instructed" the Church to bring back 'Our Lady of Madu', displayed the cultural insensitiveness of the military that had a record of desecrating holy places.

Elaborating the Bishop's concerns, the academic who did not wished to be named, added that there were serious environmental concerns. "The SLA has a record of clearing valuable trees in the name of what they label as national security". Mannaar has already witnessed the destruction of hundreds of thousands of palmyrah trees by the SLA. The Church should therefore be firm in its stand that the government of Sri Lanka should declare the Madu Shrine covering 2.5 km radius as a peace zone bereft of armed forces, he opined.
After the miraculous statue of Madhu Matha was removed , in the face of an impending military showdown, the incessant torrential rains that lashed the region for weeks, ceased!
The weather cleared up completely and so did the rain of artillery and mortar shells. For two whole days, the big guns went silent this week. There was the occasional shell fired from the cleared to the uncleared area and that was it.

The rains, of course, have resulted in boggy conditions, making ground operations difficult and the use of armour, impossible. The rains also caused mosquito-bred diseases to spread, hampering manpower on both sides.
The LTTE took possession of the Madhu Shrine area after the miraculous statue was removed to St. Xavier’s Church Thevenpiddy, close to Vellankulam in the Mannar District.

Catholic devotees in Mannar commenced a signature campaign to pressure the LTTE, as well as the government, to allow the safe return of the Madhu Matha statue. The petition was handed over to the Government Agent Mannar, A. Nicholaspillai, to be passed down to Colombo.
Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph joined his fellow bishops at the Catholic Bishops Conference held held recently in Kandy . The Bishops Conference, in a press release, appealed to the government and the LTTE to keep Madhu, a place of worship, out of the combat.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka and the International Students for Social Equality (ISSE) will hold a May Day meeting in Colombo on May 1.
Workers and young people around the world are confronting the growing danger of war, along with intensifying attacks on their living conditions and basic democratic rights.
Despite its setbacks in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Bush administration is intensifying its provocative preparations for a military assault on Iran. Such an attack would dramatically heighten tensions throughout the region and internationally, and threaten a broader conflagration.
Driving this eruption of militarism is the historic decline in the world position of US imperialism as graphically expressed in the subprime crisis and deepening global financial crisis. The anarchic character of the capitalist market is being revealed in the wave of speculation that is driving food prices beyond the reach of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Sri Lanka is an acute expression of these global tendencies. Incapable of resolving the social crisis confronting millions, the government has deliberately stirred up communal hatred and plunged the island back to war. In response to rising opposition to the war and its heavy economic burdens, President Mahinda Rajapakse is resorting to censorship, arbitrary detention and state terror.
The only answer to the scourges of war, poverty, disease and hunger is to abolish the outmoded profit system and its division of the world into competing nation states. The unification of the working class around the world on the basis of a common socialist perspective is today an urgent practical necessity. The ISSE and SEP invite workers, young people and intellectuals to join us on this May Day to discuss these burning issues.

Disaster Management Centre today said that Ratnapura is facing a flood threat due to the rising water levels in the Kalu Ganga. Six people are reportedly stranded in Ratnapura, Siripada Road. Six died in Kaluthara from landslides.

Air Force today claimed that an air raid was carried out on a building complex near the Iranamadu LTTE runway.Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets attacked a building complex and the Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Andrew Wijesuriya said the air strike was launched around 9.45 am.
Air force sources confirmed that the buildings were inflicted with severe damages. However, casualties to the terrorists is yet be ascertained, he added.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has hailed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit here Monday as an important step in cementing closer ties between the two nations.

But the trip also highlighted Sri Lanka's slow turn away from the West, which has expressed concerns about Colombo's human rights record, and its embrace of donors less critical of its escalating war against ethnic Tamil rebels.

"In Asia, we don't go around preaching to our neighbors and our friends," said Sri Lanka's foreign secretary, Palitha Kohona.

As if to drive home the point, the capital city of Colombo was plastered Sunday with posters showing smiling photos of Ahmadinejad and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa over the slogans: "The Friendly Path to Progress" and "Traditional Asian Solidarity."

In the past 18 months, Rajapaksa visited China twice, dropped in on neighbors India and Pakistan and traveled to Iran in November.
During that trip, Iran pledged US$1.9 billion (€1.2 billion) in soft loans and grants to Sri Lanka to help it expand its only oil refinery, develop an irrigation and hydropower project and buy Iranian oil, Kohona said.

"It is the biggest development assistance package for Sri Lanka at the moment," he said.

It is money Sri Lanka desperately needs as it continues to wage civil war with the Tamil Tiger rebels — a fight projected to cost US$1.5 billion (€1 billion) this year.

Ahmadinejad was expected to meet top officials and to tour development projects during his two-day visit. It has not been announced whether he will come bearing further aid for this South Asian nation.

China is also giving about US$1 billion (€640 million) in aid for a massive new port, an arts center, a power plant and other development projects, Kohona said.

Meanwhile, Western nations have been giving far less money and much heavier criticism of Sri Lanka's conduct of the war.

A U.S. State Department report issued in March accused the government and allied militias of attacking civilians and practicing "torture, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and extortion with impunity."

Sri Lanka's increasingly close ties with less traditional donor nations are allowing it to resist the Western pressure on its rights record, analysts say.

"It is sending a message to the international community ... that the government does have other options," said Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, executive director of the Center for Policy Alternatives, a Colombo-based think tank.

But he warned that Sri Lanka could be taking a risk by too closely embracing countries with shaky reputations in the West, which remains Sri Lanka's most crucial trading partner.

A cowardly bloodbath planned by LTTE terrorists was foiled as vigilant civilians in the Galgamuwa town, found a bomb inside a crowded bus stand this morning. According to the police sources in the area two T-81mm mortar bombs were found trapped with a timer around 6 am. The timer had been fixed to explode the bombs around 7.30 am when some 7000 schoolchildren throng into the area, said the sources.

According to the police, "the bombs were wrapped in a brown paper sheets and placed inside a cardboard box as to show it as a gift pack. Unless for the vigilant civilians and for the efficient police officers in the area, hundreds of civilians including schoolchildren would have been killed, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The outfit's most favoured target in it s cowardly attacks has been civilians, particularly the women and children. The outfit has murdered tens and thousands of innocent civilians in village massacres, bus bombings, train bombings, and suicide bomb attacks.

The main opposition UNP today charged that the leakage of military secrecy to gain political mileage had led to the debacle in Muhamali and other areas where several soldiers were killed and injured.

A train collided with Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena’s private vehicle in Kamburugamuwa today injuring two people. The Minister was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Postal voting of the Eastern Provincial Council Election will be held tomorrow and the following day.
PAFFERAL says they will mobilise 6 international representatives and 15 local representatives to monitor the postal voting of the eastern polls. Managing Director of PAFFERAL Rohana Hettiarachchi says the international monitors will focus more attention on several selected polling stations.
Another 10 international representatives will arrive in the country by the end of this month to monitor pre-election activities of the polls. The FAFFERAL will mobilise a team of international observers comprising 20 members from the 5th of May.

The Ministry of Power and Energy vehemently denies certain news reports that the government is planning to construct a nuclear power plant with the assistance of Iran.
Minster of Power and Energy W.D.J Senevirathna says the government has not taken any such policy decision or conducted a study in this connection.

Holcim Lanka, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of the Swiss cement multinational, says it is interested in bidding for a defunct cement plant in northern Jaffna that is eyed by India's Birla group.

Holcim Lanka chairman Manilal Fernando said Tuesday he believes the government will give all interested parties a chance to bid on equal terms for the plant.

"Holcim is interested," he said. "We're sure the government will go about it in a transparent manner so all those who are interested can be given the chance to bid on equal terms."

Construction minister Rajitha Seneratne, who has been promoting the Birla deal, said other cement firms could also bid although they had not made any proposals so far.

"Any foreign investor can come and make an offer," he said. "We are having talks with the Birla group."

The government plans a site visit with company officials to assess the current state of the plant in Jaffna, which is cut off from the rest of the country as the Tamil Tigers control the land route. The only access is by air and sea.

Asked if others firms too could bid for the plant if they are interested, Senaratne said: "They can if they want to. But all this time there were no bids. Everybody said they were interested but nobody came."

India's Aditya Birla group had proposed reviving the defunct cement plant in Kankesanturai in the northern Jaffna peninsula following talks in Colombo earlier this month.

The plant is sitting on a rich limestone deposit in Jaffna and had long drawn the interest of other cement producers such as Holcim, and Tokyo Cement, which is partly owned by Japan's Mitsui.

But they had been deterred so far by the risks of the war, with the plant now part of a sprawling military base and damaged by shelling by Tamil Tigers in previous battles.

The plant is owned by Lanka Cement, a government firm listed on the Colombo bourse, whose share price has been rising in recent weeks after reports of the Birla deal.

Senaratne has said he was keen to revive the plant in Jaffna both to meet the current cement shortage and bring down high prices and also to provide youth of the peninsula employment opportunities.

Birla's interest was sparked by the current worldwide shortage of cement owing to a construction boom, especially in emerging economies like China and India, which have sent up cement prices.

KUWAIT: Nawal Al-Muqaihit, a third district candidate said that if she was elected to Parliament she would submit a proposal forbidding Kuwaiti men from employing attractive maid-servants.
She noted that the frequency of Kuwaitis marrying maids have risen and the government should pay attention to this loss of Kuwaiti identity. Al-Muqaihit remarked that Filipinos and Sri Lankans top the list. She added that Kuwaitis have now become in-laws to people in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

CHENNAI: CPI SECRETARY D Raja on Saturday urged the Indian Government to renegotiate the 1974 Katchathivu Accord between Indian and Sri Lankan Governments.

Speaking at a function organised by the fishermen forum here, he said, “When the treaty was signed between both governments, the then Tamil Nadu Government had protested saying that it would prove detrimental to TN fishermen's rights.

But the Central Government went ahead with it saying the island was a sheer rock formation without any strategic importance, hence can be ceded to Lanka.''

He further said, “If we cannot take back the island that has turned very strategic now, the government should renegotiate the accord to facilitate our fishermen to catch fish there without any hindrance.”

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan blamed the Indian Government for meting out step-motherly treatment to Tamil Nadu fishermen, by branding them as arms smugglers to outlawed organisations based in Northern Sri Lanka.

He also said, “Tamil fishermen are affected more by the Indian Coast Guard rather than their counterparts in Lanka, as they basically brand them as helpers of the LTTE, which is not the case always.'' CPM leader T K Rangarajan was present.

RIYADH, 27 April 2008 — The new Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Abdul Aziz Al-Jammaz, began work at the Saudi Embassy in Colombo.

Al-Jammaz succeeds the former Saudi ambassador in Colombo Mohammed Mahmud Al-Ali, who went to Pretoria in December as the Kingdom’s new ambassador to South Africa. Al-Jammaz will also be accredited to the Maldives during his tenure in Colombo.

Al-Jammaz said he wants to project a new image of the Kingdom by highlighting the contributions it has made in strengthening bilateral relations. “The Kingdom is home to 600,000 Sri Lankans. They have earned a good reputation for their hard work and perseverance, and they have contribute a great deal to the nation’s development,” he said, adding that the wheels of justice is fair to all living in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking about his priorities, Al-Jammaz said he hopes to shift the present Saudi mission to a better location in Colombo to improve services. “The mission will soon be moved to a place which is easily accessible,” the ambassador said, adding the mission needs a larger space in view of the extended services offered to the increasing number of Sri Lankans seeking consular assistance.

Al-Jammaz, a graduate in geography from the Imam Muhammad University in Riyadh, has been working in the Kingdom’s foreign service for 27 years. He has served in Accra, London, Brussels and Amman.

People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), releasing its first supplementary report on the Eastern PC poll yesterday called it largely incident free while noting that violence might raise its head due to heightened competition after the new year break.

According to PAFFREL they had received 18 cases so far with all of them being recorded after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. PAFFREL Chairman Kingsley Rodrigo said yesterday even though there were 18 complaints, only two could be categorized as serious.

He also noted that while parties like UNP abstained from contesting the Batti poll citing the TMVP factor, this time round they had decided to join the race with the same party in the fray.

Meanwhile, PAFFREL has decided to deploy over 2500 monitors for the forthcoming poll which would include a team of international observers numbering over 20.

They are also to deploy local stationary monitors on Election Day for 1022 polling centres by including two monitors to man each station in addition to mobile groups.

Forth Coming Polls would be the best way to felicitate the government. Addressing a special meeting in Ampara to review the progress made in development projects such as Jathika Saviya and Gama Neguma implemented in the Ampara district Parliamentarian Basil Rajapakse said the troops have liberated the area with the support of the UPFA government and the troops made tremendous effort to bring peace for the area.
He said public could felicitate the government for its service which liberated the province through the forth coming polls.
He said that the international community is paying special attention to the approaching eastern provincial council election.
He observed that an efficient provincial council needs to be established in order to make maximum use of the resources in the east notably paddy cultivation and fisheries.

On information given by a civilian today (27), the Army recovered a 15 Kg claymore mine in a search operation from the KOVILADI area, TRINCOMALEE in the morning around 8.00.

A LTTE terrorist was killed during a confrontation with Troops on Saturday (26) in the area South of the A -9 road, JAFFNA in the evening around 3.00 while another terrorist was also killed on the same day. In the evening around 3.49 in the NAGARKOVIL area, JAFFNA yesterday (26) another terrorist was killed while Troops also destroyed a terrorist bunker during an attack in the same area.

Director of the film Prabhakaran Thushara Peiris says the shortage of film halls to screen Tamil films in Sri Lanka is a serious problem.
He said even though the film Prabhakaran has been produced in both Sinhala and Tamil only the Sinhala script could be screened.
Speaking to media today Thushara Peiris said cinema owners in the country have been reluctant to show the Tamil version in their film halls. He said the film has been shooted in areas such as Thoppigala, Poonani and Vakarai at a time the areas were involved a conflict situation.
Mr. Peiris also said that LTTE child soldiers were rehabilitated and brought into act in the film. He thanked the support even by the Army chief and the 23rd brigade with regard to the filming. He added that the film has been produced to demonstrate to cruel nature of the LTTE.

World religious representatives convene in Kandy tomorrow to form the inter-religious council of Sri Lanka. The representatives will meet under the theme “religion for peace”.
The representatives include the Sanganayake of Cambodia most venerable Tep Wong Thero, a Bishop of Norway Reverent Guthar J. Stalset and Chairman of the Mohamadia Muslim Organisation in Indonesia Dr. Deen Samsudeen.

The Maha Nayakes of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Amarapura and Ramanya chapters and also Hindu, Muslim and Catholic religious leaders from Sri Lanka will attend the summit. Sri Lanka Director of the summit Kingsley Rodrigo said the meeting at the Kandy Governor’s Conference Hall will be attended by representatives from 70 countries.

The government has decided to pay compensation to the families of the victims of the bomb blast in Piliyandala on Friday.
A sum of 100 thousand rupees will be paid on behalf of each person killed. Additional 15 thousand rupees will be given for each funeral. Minister of Disaster Relief Rishard Badeudeen says a sum of 50 thousand rupees will be paid for each person injured.
According to the Minister the relevant officials were already taken measures to grant compensations soon. The conductor of the bus has also died in the incident. The driver of the bus is receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Hospital.
Director of the Kalubowila Hospital W.G. Gunawardena says 48 persons continue to receive treatment after being injured in the recent bomb blast in Piliyandala. Nine injured persons are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital. Police spokesman senior DIG
N.K. Ilangakoon says nine persons have been arrested in connection to the blast. He said questioning has revealed important facts pertaining to the blast. Mount Lavinia and Piliyandala Police are jointly conducting further investigations.
Meanwhile, parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa points out that the Piliyandala blast demonstrates yet again the barbaric response of the LTTE in the face of severe defeat inflicted by advancing security forces. He noted that the bus blast depicts the psychological breakdown of the LTTE. He stressed the importance of the security forces and the general public joining hands to ensure security.

Troops recovered two anti- personnel bombs from KALUWANKERNI area, BATTICALOA during a search operation on Saturday .

A TMVP political cadre was shot dead in Batticaloa a short while ago. TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana said the 19 year old victim was killed while he was taking part in election propaganda.

By Mendaka Abeysekera in New York
The United States Government has sent out a strong warning to Sri Lanka over the island’s rapidly growing close ties and diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the backdrop of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s scheduled state visit to Sri Lanka tomorrow, US State Department Spokesperson Tom Casey has clearly disclosed their concerns over the Iranian President’s South Asia visit.

During the daily press briefing in Washington, last Monday, Spokesperson Casey said that it was up to every country to determine for itself how it was going to organise its bilateral relations with Iran and that it was up to them to determine how best to manage them.

“We would hope that the Indian Government or any government that was engaging with the Iranians, including with President Ahmadinejad, would call on him to meet the requirements that the Security Council and the international community has placed on him in terms of suspending their uranium enrichment activities and complying with the other requirements regarding their nuclear programme,” the State Department Spokesperson said.

He also urged the South Asian nations to urge Iran to end what he termed as “unhelpful activities with Iraq, with respect to support for terrorism, including organisations like Hezbollah and Hamas, and to otherwise become a more responsible actor on the world stage.”

It is learnt that, a few weeks before Casey’s remarks on the Iran connection, the US State Department had already conveyed its displeasure to Colombo, through diplomatic channels, about the Sri Lankan Government’s rapidly growing bilateral relationship with Iran.

High-ranking Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry Officials in Colombo downplayed the importance of Sri Lanka’s close ties with Iran as traditional bilateral diplomatic relations between two independent countries.

But The Nation learns that US State Department officials were not satisfied with the government’s response.
The US has also expressed its very serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s growing ties with China and Russia.

By Aisha Edris and Jayashika Padmasiri
Leading opposition parties have alleged that the government is misusing state properties for the Eastern Provincial Council elections.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) said that the government was exploiting state properties for the Eastern Provincial Council election. According to UNP Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake, the government had taken 12 vehicles from each state institution to be used for election propaganda.

“We have got to know that the government is using state vehicles and officers for its election propaganda. We are monitoring the situation and are hoping to take action against it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday said that it was hoping to make a complaint to Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake about the government misusing state vehicles, buildings, institutions and government servants for the forthcoming Eastern election, scheduled to be held on May 10.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told The Nation that the party was planning to write to the Elections Commissioner about certain government ministers who have been misusing public property.

“In Ampara District, a government minister had reportedly visited a Samurdhi headquarters office and ordered the office to be transformed into an election campaign office instead of continuing to work as a government institution that has been created for the benefit of the public,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress General Secretary Hassan Ali said that a large number of ministers were camping in Ampara for election campaigns.

“There is a large delegation of ministers who have camped in Ampara and they are misusing government resources,” he charged.
He alleged that the ministers were forcing government employees in the area to campaign for the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

“The ministers are forcing government employees to work for them,” he charged.
Hassan Ali further said that the ministers have also asked all the Samurdhi beneficiaries to campaign for the government and asked them to have party offices at their houses.

“We also received information that the ministers had asked Samurdhi beneficiaries to get ballot papers from UNP supporters and to somehow obstruct the UNP supporters from voting,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya General Secretary Ranajn Jayalal said that the Defence Ministry had been using the CEB’s circuit bungalow in Ampara for election purposes.

“The Defence Ministry has booked the bungalow until May 11 and they have so far not made the payments of Rs. 159,000. Usually, CEB does not give anyone the bungalow if they do not make prior payments but in this case they have given it to the Defence Ministry,” he alleged.

“We also received information from our staff in the area that the ministers have taken CEB engineers’ office computers, tables and chairs for election propaganda,” he said.

By Gamini Abeywardane
The Central Bank has amended the recently introduced corporate governance rules for banks, stretching the tenure of the incumbent chairmen and founder directors, by five more years, ending a stir that has been causing concern in the banking circles for some time.

This follows representations, made by several banks, which alleged that, the corporate rules imposed by the Central Bank recently were, too harsh and would disturb the smooth functioning of the banks.
Several banks such as the Seylan Bank, the Commercial Bank and the DFCC Bank have gone before the courts, challenging various provisions of these corporate rules.

The new rules among others, imposed a maximum limit of eight years, for a director to serve in a bank, which caused a major stir in the banks, with the possibility of a sudden exodus of a large number of experienced directors, who are closely linked up with the operations of these banks.

They included eminent people like Deshamanya Lalith Kotelawala (Seylan Bank), Edgar Gunatunga (Sampath Bank), Mahendra Amarasuriya (Commercial Bank) and Rienzie Wijetilleke (Hattion National Bank).
The new corporate rules, which were issued in December 2007, prescribed that, the term of office of a director, other than the director, who holds the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position, should be four years and should be reelected, only for another term. With regard to the current directors, the term of office also included the period, that has been served by them, as at the effective date of the code.

According to the amended rules, which have been just released, in addition to the CEO, executive directors would also be permitted, to function as directors, for more than nine years. There are also transitional provisions for the Monetary Board, to exempt the founding directors and incumbent chairmen, from directions regarding maximum age, the number of companies a director could serve, and the total period a director can serve.

Senior bankers had expressed the view that, if the proposed rules were implemented, in the original form, most directors, including those holding considerable stakes, would have to leave the boards of directors, as most of them, had already served for long periods.

The new code, which came into force from January 1, 2008 and is to be complied by June 30, 2008 is aimed at, ensuring the stability of the banking and financial system. Among the proposed rules, there are stringent provisions dealing with problems, such as conflict of interest and management control.

It also seeks, to increase the role of competent independent directors on bank directorates, taking into consideration, the special privileges given to banks, to raise funds, through deposits from the public. It proposes that, every bank should have at least three independent non-executive directors, or one third of the total number of directors, whichever is higher.

The rules are aimed at, removing the possibilities for misuse of banking facilities by shareholders, or any related parties and also contain provisions, with regard to composition of boards, criteria to asses the fitness and propriety of directors, management functions delegated by the board and related party transactions.

By Rohan Abeywardena

With prices of essential grain hitting record levels around the world and no corresponding increases in finances the UN World Food Programme is cutting down on its rations to about one million Sri Lankans it is feeding in the North and East.

WFP Country Director of Mohamed Saleheen said they were forced by circumstances to suspend their food-for-work programme to about 175,000 people in the war-affected regions from May 1 and reduce rations of others from 1,900 kilo calories to 1,665 kilo calories per day per person.

While suspending the food-for work-programme, he said they would continue to assist the priority targets such as the IDPs, the returnees, the economically displaced, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under five and school feeding, which he termed as “absolutely imperative”.

The WFP basket of rations comprises rice, wheat flour, cooking oil, dhal and sugar. The Sunday Times learns that the quantum of rice supplied -- 200 grammes per day per head -- will remain untouched, but cuts will be in wheat flour and sugar.

The Nation Building Ministry’s Project Director, R.H.W.A. Kumarasiri, however, said that though they have had discussions regarding the problem, there was still no final decision on reducing the rations. Mr. Kumarasiri said there was no problem in WFP procuring items like rice from the local market. The problem was in imported food items like wheat flour which were affected by rising world prices.

But, according to the WFP, already two local suppliers who had contracted to supply rice this year had defaulted as they are unable to supply at the prices contracted six months earlier. Mr. Salaheen said though they had budgeted US$64 million this year to feed the affected people, so far they had only been able to raise less than half, leaving a gap of US$ 35 million to be filled.

The WFP Country Director, however, said compared to many other countries Sri Lanka’s situation was much better. “In an environment of severe competition for resources, some countries have not even been able to raise 30 percent of their requirements,” he said.

Interestingly, unlike advice coming from World Bank and the IMF, the WFP in the current scenario welcomes price control on rice introduced by the government recently. Mr. Saleheen said it was a first good step, but insists that it should go hand in hand with more land being brought under cultivation, farmers being guaranteed a fair farm gate price and ensuring easy access to cheap rice.

As things are, he regrettably noted that in Sri Lanka and some of the other countries like his own Bangladesh the people on average spent 60 per cent of their income on food. Therefore there was an urgent necessity to adjust the social safety net, he said.

Mr. Saleheen warned that failure to meet the reality now would have its impact on ordinary people in several months down the line as their health might get affected. He was specially concerned about children and pregnant women. Last year the WFP provided dry rations to affected Lankans on a budget of US$ 50 million, with more than half of it coming from the United States.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahma-dinejad will touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport tomorrow evening in a special flight to be greeted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the foot of the gangway.
Ahmadinejad will be accompanied by an Iranian delegation including Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Commerce Minister Massoud Mir-Kazemi. He will be flown to Colombo by helicopter and will pay a courtesy call on President Rajapksa tomorrow night, before attending the official banquet.
On Tuesday, Ahmadinejad will meet religious dignitaries and community leaders, led by Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana. Later that morning, he will visit the Sapugaskanda oil refinery and unveil a commemorative plaque. Iran had assisted in the construction of the refinery decades ago. He will leave for Uma Oya by chopper where President Ahmadinejad and President Rajapaksa will jointly unveil another commemorative plaque to inaugurate the power project. He is later expected to deliver an address before leaving directly for BIA. He departs the country around 1.30 pm.
Asked for a comment on the visit, US Embassy Spokesman Terry White cited a response made at a US State Department press briefing last week to a question about Ahmadinejad’s visit to India.
“It’s really upto every country to determine how it’s going to organise its bilateral relations,” he said. “Many countries, including some of our strong allies in Europe, have diplomatic relations with Iran and it’s up to them to determine how best to manage them.”

By Nirmala Kannangara

The UNP on Friday dismissed the government’s claim of an alleged deal between the UNP and the LTTE at the eastern province election and said it was the same old bogey of the SLFP at every election.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake while refuting UPFA General Secretary, Maithripala Sirisena’s claim told the media that the government is now trying its same old tactic as it is now on the verge of defeat at the forthcoming eastern provincial election.

"It was the same tactics they used in the run up to the presidential election in 2005 and deprived UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of winning the election. But later on Mangala Samaraweera and the late Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi made public as to how the then Prime Minister Mahinda Rakjapakse came to a pact with the LTTE and as to how the LTTE was influenced to stop the Tamils from voting for Ranil Wickremesinghe," added Attanayake.

Accusing the Rajapakse administration of misleading the general public to win elections by ‘hook or by crook,’Attanayake said that the country has now become a failed state as a result of the government’s dismal performance.

"It was the UNP that suffered most at the hands of the LTTE and not any other party. Our leaders were murdered and the present leader was deprived of a historic win. With all those it is hilarious to hear the UPFA General Secretary’s claim that the UNP is having a secret deal with the Tigers to win the elections. The Rajapakse administration is responsible for the rising CoL, inflation, bribery, corruption and human rights violations in the country. In this backdrop they are trying to accuse the UNP unsuccessfully," alleged Attanayake.

Meanwhile Attanayake urged President Mahinda Rajapakse to appoint the select committee that was requested by the late Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi to probe into the government’s scandalous deal with the Tigers at the earliest.

"Let the government show its transparency by appointing the Parliamentary Select Committee to probe the alleged Tiger deal the government had, to win the elections," Attanayake said.

The Media Centre for National Security dismissed speculation that the Muhamalai operation was launched by Army Commander Sarath Fonseka without Defence Ministry approval and said the security forces had got on top of the situation.

Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle said there was no truth to the speculation that the Army Commander had launched an operation without approval and said such stories were the work of mischief-makers.

"What happened was that the LTTE tried to attack us? We repulsed the attack and counter attacked and got on top of the situation. There is no question of the Army Commander launching any operation without Defence Ministry approval," Hulugalle said.

JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has turned down a request by President Mahinda Rajapakse to permit the party’s dissident Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa back into the party fold without answering the charge sheet served on him.

Amarasinghe who declined to accept Rajapakse’s intervention in the internal rift in the party has asked the President not to intervene in matters concerning the JVP as the party could solve its own issues.

The President had made the request from Amarasinghe when the former had made a telephone call to the latter to discuss the possible resolution of the present crisis in the JVP through his intervention.

During the conversation Amarasinghe had told Rajapakse that the JVP was fully geared to address the present crisis and added that the party was well aware that it was the President and his brother who was behind Weerawansa’s defection.

Rajapakse had denied any involvement in the Weerawansa defection and had claimed they were stories circulated by the UNP. Amarasinghe however had responded by saying that he knew exactly what happened and that the JVP could not be fooled by such stories.

Since the defection of Weerawansa and his supporting parliamentarians from the party, the JVP has charged that it was the government that was instrumental in creating a split in the party and hampering its election campaign in the east.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has said that it was evident that the government was instrumental in creating a rift within the JVP.

He made this statement in an interview with a private TV station recently.

Silva also added that one example of the government’s involvement in the whole issue was the security provided by the Presidential Security Division (PSD) to the JVP defectors.

Despite heightened ground confrontations between troops and LTTE at the Wanni battle theatre, it was reported that 3 bombs were dropped by LTTE today (April 27) at the military forward defence lines in Welioya at around 1.45 a.m.
According to military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, no damages were caused to own troops in the aerial bombing.

"During the wee hours the SLAF air defence network radars detected 2 light aircraft of LTTE which were airborne and heading towards Welioya. In accordance with standard operating procedures, SLAF interceptor aircraft were made airborne in the direction of the intruding enemy craft. However, enroute to the area it was observed that the LTTE air craft were fleeing and heading back", air force sources were quoted as saying in a press release issued.

Earlier, on Saturday LTTE suffered heavy beating by SLA infantrymen when troops successfully thwarted two pronged LTTE offensive attempts to breach the military defences at Welioya. Meanwhile, troops also dismantled an LTTE artillery attack launched towards Galkulama and Sinhapura villages at Weiloya on Saturday morning. No damages were caused to both civilian and security personnel, sources further said.

According to military sources, these failed attempts by LTTE are sheer signs of desperation by the outfit to unwind its present sorry situation. The LTTE is suffering with increasing defeats at the hands of military, and troops deployed at Weiloya are constantly pushing LTTE to relocate its defences closer to it last bastions in Kilinochchi and Mullaittiuvu districts, defence sources said.

Making another military pledge a reality, the centuries-old sacred Madhu Church, where all communities worshipped will be opened to the public soon for the annual feast. The shrine was liberated by the Security Forces from LTTE terrorists.

The sacred Madhu Shrine which was liberated from LTTE terrorists was handed over to Rev. Fr. Victor Susai, Vicar General of Mannar, who accepted it on behalf of the Bishop of Mannar yesterday.

Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka called upon those who removed the statue of Our Lady of Madhu to bring it back to the church.

"Those who were in charge of the statue have the responsibility of bringing it back", he said adding that the Madhu area would be declared as a security zone and pilgrims would be provided all facilities to worship at the shrine.

The Madhu shrine, where thousands of pilgrims gather during the August church feast was under the clutches of the LTTE from 1999. The shrine area later became a military base for the LTTE positioning its heavy guns around the church premises.

The LTTE used the shrine as a shield to avoid military offensives within the 'No War Zone' and the Army was compelled to refrain from attacking the terrorists because of the sacred shrine complex.

Lt. Gen. Fonseka said that the 57 division supported by the Light Infantry unit tactically forced the terrorists who occupied the shrine to withdraw but the fleeing terrorists damaged the roof of the main church and the adjoining hall.

According to Lt. Gen. Fonseka, the area has been heavily mined with anti personnel mines and booby traps and bunkers have been erected around the shrine. "The military will soon complete clearing the mines", he said.

At least 16 LTTE were killed, 10 injured as fighting between troops and LTTE ensued at separate locations in the Mannar and Vavuniya fronts yesterday (April 26), according to military reports received.

Troops have also captured 3 LTTE bunkers, while 6 soldiers were also reported wounded mainly due to Anti-personnel mine explosions.

In the Mannar front, intermittent clashes were reported in general areas North of Manthai and East of Veddayamurippu. According to reports, 2 LTTE were killed sniped separately in general area North of Manthai by SLA yesterday. Troops also advanced and captured 3 LTTE bunkers killing 8 LTTE and injuring 10 others during intense fighting in East of Veddayamurippu. During subsequent search operations conducted SLA recovered 1231 T-56 ammunition rounds, 11 hand grenades, and 3 T-56 weapon magazines.

A soldier was also reported wounded due to an AP mine explosion in general area Parayakulama.

Meanwhile, in the Vavuniya front, confrontations between SLA and LTTE were reported in general areas East of Chinnavalayankadu, Vinayakankulama and West of Palampiddy. According to military reports, 6 LTTE were killed in addition to 5 SLA casualties.

Air Force fighter jets made precision air raids at identified LTTE artillery positions located North of Welioya this evening (April 26).

According to Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya the air sorties were launched at around 5 pm.

Security Forces in Wanni handed over 7 LTTE bodies to ICRC officials this morning (April 26), later to be delivered to the LTTE through the Omanthai Entry/Exit point.

The corpses were kept at the Vavuniya general hospital morgue after been found by security forces during clearing operations conducted in Welioya and Vavuniya yesterday.

According to security sources, 5 bodies were found ahead of LTTE defences in Welioya, while 2 others were reportedly found from the Vavuniya front.

Three terrorists were killed and another was injured when the Army launched a fierce attack and captured a LTTE bunker line in the KOKKUTHUDUWAI area, on Friday . Five terrorists were also reported injured during a confrontation in the area of KIRIBBANWEWA, WELIOYA on the same day (25) , In NORTH KIBBANWEWA a soldier was also reported injured during operations on the same day (25). Two terrorists were also reported killed ruing a confrontation in the area of NORTH KIRIBBANWEWA AREA on Friday (25).

Three incidents were reported from the area of PUTTANKULAM in the WELIOYA area on Friday (25). A soldier was reported injured due to anti- personnel mine explosion during operations while four terrorists were reported injured on the same day (25), just before first light while another two terrorists were injured during confrontations.

175 anti-personnel Mines were recovered by the Army in search operations conducted throughout Friday (25) from the WELIOYA area.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reappointed Nanda Matthew as the Governor of Uva Provincial Council. Mr. Matthew swore in his new position before the President yesterday (25) at Temple Trees.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital in Kotte this morning (Apr. 26th) to inquire into the wellfare of soldiers who were injured in intense clashes between the security forces and the LTTE in Muhamalai in Jaffna.
Mr. Wickremesinghe was accompanied by UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake and Gampaha district MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena in the visit. Several political leaders were at the hospital in the past two days visiting the injured soldiers.

Sri Lanka Army opened Madhu Church for its trustees in this evening. Area Army commander and senior officials along with the trustees of the Madhu church attended this simple ceremony , our reports said.
The government said liberation of the Madhu Church precincts from the terrorists marks a watershed in the Northern war theatre. The troops trod with utmost caution in the sacred area, honoring a No Fire Zone arrangement, which the LTTE unfortunately violated. The soldiers ensured that no harm was caused to the Sacred Shrine, renowned throughout Asia.

The Army faced a formidable task vis-a-vis Madhu. The LTTE had heavily mined the area. The slightest propaganda by the troops and any damage to the Church would have sent the LTTE misinformation network into hyper drive. It is to their credit that they managed this feat without literally falling into the traps laid by the LTTE, physically and metaphorically.

One unsolved mystery is why the Madhu Church authorities conveyed the Scared Statue of Our Lady of Madhu to another location in an LTTE-dominated area, in spite of repeated pleas by the clergy and laity to convey the statue to a Government-controlled area, so that Christians from both Sinhala and Tamil communities could pay homage to it.
Now that the Forces, and hence the Government, have regained the Madhu Church area, Christians can heave a collective sigh of relief. With the impending liberation of the entire North, pilgrims of all over Sri Lanka will soon be able to venerate this famous shrine in a free and peaceful atmosphere.

The United Kingdom Branch of the United National Party annual Convention held on the 19th of April in London. UNP Gen. Secretary Tissa Attanayake, Media Spokesman Gayantha Karunatilleke and Dinesh Gankande,M.P. who is also the Foreign Committee representative attended the occassion.
During their short stay they met a number of Sri lankans including Ven.H Mahinda thero of Kingsbury Temple in London .

Bonny Mascarenhas

As a first step to improve expatriate labourers’ living conditions and welfare, Bahrain has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sri Lanka.
Similar agreements will be inked with India and Nepal.
“The memorandum of understanding is a move in the right direction and its implementation will have many positive effects on expatriate workers,” Sri Lankan embassy honorary consul general T. S. Higgoda told the Tribune on telephone from Sri Lanka.
“The Bahraini and Sri Lankan governments will work in tandem and keep a vigil on manpower agencies which misuse the system and exploit workers.”
The Minister of Labour, Dr Majid bin Mohsin Al Alawi, signed the memorandum of understanding with Foreign Employment and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwellain in Colombo and left for India.
Dr Al Alawi was welcomed by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty at the Cochin International Airport.
Dr Al Alawi and Ravi held talks in Kumarakam and then left for Cochin. He is expected to sign a similar agreement before he leaves for Nepal to do the same.
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s long-cherished wish to have a system and mechanism in place to ensure the safety, security and welfare of Sri Lankans working abroad has been realised,” Rambukwellain was quoted as saying by a Sri Lankan daily following the signing of the agreement. “We have come a long way to improve the conditions of employees who have taken up jobs overseas. It is necessary through this agreement to formulate measures and systems to forge understanding between Sri Lanka and foreign countries employing Sri Lankans,” he said.
Rambukwellain said 40,000 Sri Lankans were employed in Bahrain and 6,000 were being recruited annually. “This workforce is made up of professionals, trained and untrained workers including women as housemaids and garment factory workers,” he added.
Higgoda said Rambukwellain was scheduled to visit Bahrain on May 15 or 16.
“The asset of any nation is its human resource. Bahrain respects and treats its citizens without discrimination,” Dr. Al Alawi was quoted by the newspaper as saying in Colombo.
“People in Bahrain enjoy employment benefits and $400 insurance per year. We are studying the possibility to removing sponsorship for foreigners seeking jobs in Bahrain. This would help them look for other jobs if they are not satisfied with the current employment,” he added.
Marietta Dias of the Migrant Workers Protection Society said she was not familiar with the agreement contents but hoped it would be implemented seriously.
“I hope that the agreement would address the issue of safer working conditions and some of the labour accommodations which need considerable improvements,” society member Clifford Correia said.

At least 18 LTTE were killed and similar numbers wounded as SLA infantry and armour battalions ripped through south most LTTE defences during multi-pronged assaults launched from Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya yesterday (April 25).
According to the Wanni ground sources, troops made further strides into the non-liberated Wanni area after securing the sacred Madhu shrine from LTTE, in 2 fronts from Palampiddy and Thatchchanamarathamadu. In the Mannar theatre of battle, 3 LTTE were reported killed during confrontation with SLA at general area Palampiddy, while 3 more were killed separately in general area Thatchchanamarathamadu. A soldier also received injuries in the confrontation with LTTE, security sources said.
Separately, troops clashed with LTTE killing 2 in the same area, sources further said.
Meanwhile, in the Vavuniya front 5 LTTE were reported killed during intermittent clashes erupted between troops and LTTE in general areas Veddaimurippu and Nedunakandal. 7 LTTE were also reported wounded following the confrontations in Neduankandal.
According to reports received, 5 LTTE were killed and another injured when troops clashes with LTTE in general areas Kokkuthudduval and Janakapura North in Welioya.
Meanwhile, MCNS sources said that 17 LTTE were wounded in addition to 4 soldiers in the Wanni front yesterday.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake deplored the LTTE bomb attack on a packed bus in Piliyandala last evening, saying the terrorists had once again resorted to killing innocent civilians in the face of heavy setbacks on the battlefield. Twenty four persons returning home after a hard day’s work were killed and another 40 including schoolchildren were injured when a fully packed bus bound to Kahapola was caught in an explosion at 6.45 p.m. at the Piliyandala bus terminal.and he extended his condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Trade officials said Sri Lanka's long-delayed effort to automate cargo clearance is making some progress with import manifests being filed electronically along with tea export documentation.
A trial run involving Sri Lanka customs and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has been completed with shipping lines now filing import manifests electronically.
Mr.A V Rajendra, former chairman of the Ceylon Association of Ships' Agents, now heading its IT and documentation committee said automation of cargo clearance will help speed up trade flows, reduce costs and port congestion .

The LTTE launched an artillery attack on the Welioya, Galkulama and Sinhapura army camps and villages this morning but did not cause any casualties.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, speaking in Trincomalee, said Ministers Maithripala Sirisena and Nimal Siripala de Silva are fabricating stories saying he has joined hands with the LTTE. “People still remember who benefited from the LTTE boycott of the 2005 Presidential poll,” he said.

Several countries, including Germany, France, UK, USA , Japan and China have put forward tenders to provide 15 locomotive engines to Sri Lanka railways. The tenders close on May 9.

By Ranjan Kasthuri
The Uma Oya multi-purpose project at Wellawaya, Alikote, built with Iranian aid at a cost of Rs. 25 billion, will be inaugurated by the Presidents of Iran and Sri Lanka on April 29 at 10 am.

Irrigation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said the project would add 100 Megawatts of electricity to the national grid and supply water to cultivate of 8,000 acres of paddy.

He said a dam will be built at Welimada, Puhulpola across the Uma Oya while water will be brought to Kirindi Oya in Wellawaya through a 22 km long tunnel, to cultivate 5000 acres of paddy land in Wellassa Handapanagala together with 3000 acres of paddy lands in Kuda Oya.

The Uma Oya Project will supply water to the proposed Hambantota harbour, the air port at Weerawila and also the new industrial town at Hambantota, in addition to being used in the development work in the area, the minister said.

He said compensation will be paid at the present value to those who lose their land and homes while it has been planned to provide them alternate housing too. The minister said nearly 20,000 acres in the Welimada area will be developed due to the Uma Oya Project, which is proposed to be completed in four years.

by Norman Palihawadana
Although the Army had informed him that they had moved in and taken control of the Madhu Church area, after the LTTE pulled out on Thursday, he could not say whether the revered statue of ‘Our Lady of Madhu’ could be returned to its original place at the shrine and if the feast could be celebrated until the Government and the LTTE guaranteed that an area of two miles radius around the shrine would be a ‘no war zone’, the Bishop of Mannar Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph said.

Asked whether the statue could be returned to the shrine since the church area had been taken over by the security forces, he said he could not say whether the LTTE would permit the statue to be returned. In any event no military personnel including LTTE cadres should enter the church and its environs, he said.

The Army, moving into the general area around the Madhu Church, vacated by the LTTE, had found a number of bunkers built around the church grounds and trenches dug by the LTTE for defending their positions, Defence Spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanyakkara said.

Troops had found that the roof and some windows of the church had been damaged but the shrine was now open for worship by the pilgrims or people of the area, he said.


After moving into the church areas the troops had begun poushing towards Palampiddy which is under LTTE control. The objective of the government forces was to allow the devotees of the Madhu Shrine to carry on their religious practice and festivals without any obstruction he said.

The latest reports indicate that the number of civilians killed in the LTTE terrorist triggered bomb explosion inside a passenger bus in Piliyandala has increased to 26. Fourteen of the bodies are at kalubowila , eleven at Piliyandala and the other(01) at the National Hospital Colombo.

The number injured has also increased to 64 .Forty nine of the injured have been admitted to the Kalubowila hospital , seven have been admitted to the Piliyandala Hospital and eight to the Colombo National Hospital.
The crowded ill - fated bus during the 'rush' hour was proceeding from the Piliyandala passenger bus terminal around 6.40 in the evening to Kahapola, a suburb of Piliyandala . The deadly 'bomb' had been placed on the rack three seats behind the driver's seat at the time of the explosion.
Meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksa deplored the LTTE bomb attack on a packed bus in Piliyandala last evening, saying the terrorists had once again resorted to killing innocent civilians in the face of heavy setbacks on the battlefield.
The President extended his condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Police say they have taken in eight people for questioning over the bombing of the passenger bus in Piliyandala last evening. The casualty toll was expected to rise further.

SriLankan Airlines has been forced to cancel many of its scheduled flights following a sick note campaign by its pilots, airport sources say.
Pilots are protesting the non-fulfillment of several promises they had been given by the top management. According to the sources, many pilots have tendered their resignations in view of the institutional and administrative problems that have cropped up in the airline.
The management today cancelled several flights to Bangalore, New Delhi, Chennai and several other destinations.
Many flights scheduled for tonight will also have to be called off.

Twenty four (24) passengers were killed and 40 others injured in the Piliyandala blast, the Police said. The injured are being treated at Piliyandala, Kalubowila and Colombo National hospitals.Kalubowila hospital said that 12 bodies had been brought to the hospital and 38 injured were admitted so far.
Meanwhile the government says LTTE terrorists have carried out a cowardly bomb attack targeting innocent civilians who were returning home after office hours at Pliyandala this evening. According to the police sources, the bomb has been exploded inside a Ceylon Transport Board bus at Piliyandala public bus stand.
The explosion occurred when the bus just taken out from the stand for moving its destination, Kahapola, sources further said.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for committing crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent people in routine bus bombing , train bombing, village massacres and etc.

Government officials barred photographers from entering hospitals where soldiers injured in battle are being treated, four photojournalists told the Free Media Movement (FMM) yesterday.

Hitherto, photographers have had no problems in entering hospitals to report on the casualties of war, the FMM said in a statement.

It is highly likely that these measures have been taken after heavy losses (numbering in


the hundreds) faced by the Sri Lankan Army earlier this week after fighting intensified in the North.

All government appointed military spokespersons give watered down figures of war casualties and mainstream media are compelled to report these official statistics.

Only some foreign wire services and few news websites operating from Colombo reported the battlefront casualties independent of government press releases.

According to government military statements that have been published by media, the Army has killed more than 3,000 LTTE fighters in 2008.

The FMM statement said that 3,000 was the figure given by the Army Commander as the strength of the LTTE military six months ago.

In Sri Lanka today, the saying that first casualty of war is truth is being proved almost every day.

The FMM believes that the right of the public to know information and news related to the on going war is severely undermined by the restrictions placed on journalists.

Both the LTTE and the Government do not allow independent media to cover the war in a manner that accurately reports, amongst other things, the numbers of the dead and the injured.

The FMM has demanded both sides to allow media to cover the war independently for nearly 15 years.

We urge the government and the LTTE to respect the right to information.

War propaganda is not a substitute for accurate, impartial and responsible journalism that can only be ensured by supporting and strengthening media freedom and the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

The Muhamalai offensive is a hurriedly planned attempt by the government with the ulterior motive of gaining advantage at the forthcoming Eastern provincial Council elections, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake has charged.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo this morning (April 25th), he said that classified reports indicate a certain defeat for the government at the May 10th polls.

In order to turn the tables through a military victory, the government sacrificed the lives of a large number of soldiers in an unplanned offensive, Mr. Attanayake charged.


He added that the UNP urged the government to refrain from using the security forces as a bait to achieve petty political gains.

The main opposition UNP says the government has begun to panic after all “secret surveys” had indicated a crushing defeat for the UPFA at the coming Eastern Provincial poll.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded a key LTTE base located in the Iranmadhu jungle in Kilinochchi this morning (April 25). According to the Air Force sources, the raid was launched around 9.30 am , after having verified the target through air surveillance and ground intelligence.

The base located inside the jungle patch, South East of the LTTE's runway in Irnamadu. The fighter pilots have confirmed accurate bombing and considerable damage to the terror base, the sources added.

Meanwhile, military sources on the Vavuniya battlefront said that advancing troops are presently securing the Palampiddi area, around 8 km North of Madhu area. Heavy clashes have been reported from the area as troops are on the track of the terrorists, the sources further said.

Reports coming from the Madhu area say that the terrorists have not caused major damages to the Church Complex before withdrawing from the area. This was mainly due to the fact that army could evict the terrorists without confronting them directly in the No War Zone. Most of the damages seemed to have caused by the sound of the LTTE artillery weapons positioned near the church, the reports said. However, there are ample evidence that the terrorists had been using the church as a terrorist base, as large number of bunkers, trenchers, mortar pits, and artillery positions found in side the church complex, the reports added.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday met the Finance Minister of Singapore Dharman Shanmugaratnam and held discussions on regional issues and the world food and financial crisis.
They exchanged ideas on how the countries in the region could face these crisis. It was emphasized that strengthening of ties between India, Singapore and Sri Lanka could help face these challenges.

Their view was that plans should be made to face the world food crisis from now on.

It was also discussed that although steps were taken during the Premiership of Ranil Wickremesinghe to have free trade agreements with India and Singapore, it was sad that these were not implemented properly.

Mr. Shanmugaratnam pointed out that proper implementing and strengthening these agreements were necessary to face future challenges.

UNP Matara district MP Sagala Ratnayake, Economic Advisor to the Opposition Leader Arjuna Mahendran and Singapore Ambassador to Sri Lanka Than Ka Ho were present at the discussion.

Vendors selling fake ink cartridges in Sri Lanka under the Toshiba trademark are being hunted and prosecuted. The technology firm will prosecute vendors importing and selling counterfeit Toshiba products under the Intellectual Property Laws in Sri Lanka.

JVP says develution of power cannot provide a solution for the national problem
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna says a solution to the national problem in Sri Lanka could not be found through devolution of power.
The position of the party is that the problem could be resolved only by establishing democracy through provision of rights of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities based on equality.
JVP parliamentarian Vijitha Herath at a media briefing in Colombo today said that any solution to the national issue should be presented through the concept of a unitary state.

Sri Lanka army has liberated the sacred Madhu shrine by beating off the occupying LTTE terrorists today morning (April 25). The soldiers of 8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry reached the shrine as the terrorists beat a retreat unable to withstand the army advance.

The centuries old Catholic shrine is held sacred and respected by all Sri Lankans irrespective of religion and ethnicity. Thousands of pilgrims used to visit the shrine, especially during the church feast in August, before the terrorists took control of the area in 1999.

As LTTE terrorists unleashed their "Final War" in 2006, the church became a sanctuary for thousands of civilians who wanted to avoid their children being conscripted by the terror outfit. Later, LTTE agents acting under religious fa‡ades, evicted these civilians and unashamedly made many of them to fall prey to the terrorists.

Gradually, the terrorists almost turned the shrine into a terror base by positioning its heavy guns around the church and using it as a barrack for its cadres. Though this desecration has been carried out for last few months the fact was kept secret from the general public until the sacred statue of Our Lady of Madhu was shifted two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Army 57 division battling against the terrorists on the Vavuniya battle front, tactically removed most of the terrorists' lines of communication to what had then become the terror stronghold inside the Madhu complex, making the occupying terrorists isolated from the rest. Army specifically resorted to this slow and painstaking tactical measure in order to avoid any military operations within the Madhu "No War Zone". Many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives and limbs in this endeavour as they refrained from any retaliation to shells launched from the vicinity of the church complex.

The mode of operandi became a success as the terrorists started to withdraw amid the increasing military pressures outside the no war zone. The LTTE bands, "Malathi", "Radha" and "Charles Anthony" withdrew from the area after shifting their heavy guns. A small LTTE element lead by a terrorist leader "Gopith" was the last known terror group to remain at the church.

At present, army troops are clearing the surroundings of the church, as there is a strong possibility that the terrorists have booby-trapped the church building before they leave.

Over 100 LTTE including 15 senior terrorists and 43 soldiers were killed in fierce fighting that lasted for 11hours between SLA and LTTE in the narrow and open land stretches at Muhamalai and Kilaly - Jaffna yesterday (Apr 23), according to finalized reports received from North.

According to the latest information, by intercepting LTTE communication channels so far it is revealed that 81 terrorists were killed. The names and numbers of the 81 terrorists killed have also been transmitted through LTTE radio communication. Over 250 terrorists were suffered injuries due to the security forces effective retaliation, sources added.

Further, Troops have uncovered 6 LTTE bodies left behind as Army pushed and gained control over the LTTE's first line of defence at Muhamalai and preparations are made to hand over those bodies to the LTTE through the ICRC, military sources said. Five T-56 weapons and I-Com set were also found, sources added.

The LTTE fighting formations were driven some 500m back from its initial positions as troops mounted heavy resistance attacks, thwarting a pre-dawn LTTE offensive attempt.

55 and 53 divisions of Army entered into the battle from Muhamalai and Kilaly areas as pitched fighting broke out with soaring casualties from both sides.

"Soldiers have been able to capture the first line of bunkers of the Tigers in Muhamalai. LTTE terrorists came and attacked our forward line on Wednesday morning, we have retaliated and captured about 400 to 500 metres of LTTE area in Muhamalai," said military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara.

It has been reported that 120 soldiers had suffered injuries and those in serious conditions have been already air lifted to Colombo. According to reports, the injured were admitted to the National Hospital- Colombo, Sri Jayawardenapura and Eye Hospital. The Media Centre for National Security said that, 33 soldiers have gone missing following the confrontations and search operations been continued along the tensed battle lines at Muhamalai and Kilaly.

15 senior LTTE cadres who have led the fighting units during the offensive were killed as the brunts of terrorist casualties were reported from North of A-9 at Muhamalai, according to the sources.

"Canter vehicles loaded with dead LTTE cadres and casualties were rushing continuously towards Mullaittiuvu and Kilinochchi districts since yesterday morning as civilians were restricted of movement along the main routes for over 7 hours", unverified sources close to LTTE were quoted as saying.

LTTE civil militia units and 'Police' stormed into government hospitals at Kilinochchi and Mullaittiuvu; forcibly vacated the area of civilian presence allocating space for the arriving LTTE casualties. Accommodated patients were taken off from their beds and forced to lie on cardboard sheets, while women and children were cornered and others chased away from the sites, the sources were quoted further saying.

Defence sources report that the LTTE offensive was overall led by Theepan and Muhundan, two senior LTTE cadres , whilst fighting formations at Muhamalai and Kilaly were reported respectively led by 'Jerry', Kumunan and Kutti.

A Sri Lankan girl in the rubble of her home which was washed away in the tsunami


A student from Ramsgate has witnessed the devastation that still blights parts of Sri Lanka following the tsunami more than four years ago.

Sarah Foster, 19,used part of her visit to follow through the work being done by the Margate-based Kent charity KASTDA which was launched following the Boxing Day, 2004, disaster.

“There are gravestones where there used to be village communities; broken down buildings and rubble; people desperately trying to rebuild there lives still," she said.

"It was desperately sad. I met children whose families have been swept away by the tidal waves.

"It is hard for us to comprehend the enormity of the task they are facing but they are trying to do it with the upmost grace and humility.”

KASTDA has direct links with orphanages and schools and sponsors more than a hundred children’s social and educational welfare up to the age of 18.

Charity patron, North Thanet MP Roger Gale, said: “This is a long-term commitment to make a difference to the lives of children whose world was dramatically turned upside down in a few short hours.

"It is difficult as time passes for many people to keep the impact of the tsunami disaster in their minds but the KASTDA volunteers have pledged never to forget.”

Sara added: “I met with some of the children KASTDA sponsors but the word got out I was there and from the charity, and soon there were many others hoping I would be able to sponsor them too. It clearly showed that the need is great.

“The work of KASTDA cannot be underestimated. Quite simply, it is vital.”

Sarah’s experiences formed part of a presentation at a fund-raising social and cultural evening run by the charity at Birchington Village Centre, which raised more than £2,500.

For further information about KASTDA contact Metha Methananda on 01843 228828.

RR Sat stops LTTE's Euro Tv test transmission

The Tamil Tigers' test transmissions of its Euro television channel from Israel using the RR Sat of Tel Aviv for uplink facility has been stopped after two days of test transmission.

The Asian Tribune reported about this transmission earlier this week in the story titled 'LTTE's Euro Tv moves to Israel after blockade by France and Italy'.

Koby Zontag, Director of Sales and Business Development, RRSat - Global Communications Network Ltd.(NASDAQ RRST), said that the Euro TV channel was brought to them by a 3rd party without disclosing its nature nor the organization behind it.

"We have broadcasted a slide with the channel name for less than 24 hours. As soon as we understood the nature of the channel we immediately took it off the satellite," he said.

"As your article damages our reputation we would appreciate if you will also publicize our above comment so it will be cleared that we have been mislead," he added.

Shlomi Izkovitz, Deputy VP Sales & Marketing, RRSat - Global Communications Network Ltd. (NASDAQ RRST) wrote to the Asian Tribune today that the company did not transmit the Euro Television channel.

However, the international satellite information website www.mediaworldasia.dk has listed Euro Television among the Tamil channels on April 14, 2008 and stated that it was uplinked on 9 degree East as a test transmission.

Political analysts say that the European Union, the United States other countries that had proscribed the LTTE as a terrorist organization would welcome the RRSat decision to stop the test transmission of the Euro Tv.

A report by Indian trade body, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India reveals that air penetration levels in India are lower than Sri Lanka. The report says in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the average air travel is estimated at 30-35, as against 30 made in India.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
The JVP yesterday warned that a UPFA victory at the first ever election to the Eastern Provincial Council would facilitate New Delhi’s plans to install a provincial administration friendly to India.

The breakaway LTTE group contesting the May 10 election on the UPFA ticket would represent New Delhi’s interests, JVP frontliner Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP, said.

Addressing the press, at the National Library Services Board, Dissanayake asserted that Pilleyan (Sivaneshthurai Chandrakanthan) would be New Delhi’s choice as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council administration. Pillaiyan would be India’s man, he said, accusing President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government of giving in to the Indian strategy.

Flanked by JVP trade union heavyweight Lal Kantha, MP, and Trincomalee District JVP MP Jayantha Wijesekera, Dissanayake said the election was being held against the backdrop of increasing Indian focus on Trincomalee. The military had denied entry of civilians to Sampur, a former LTTE stronghold where India planned to establish a coal-fired power plant. He said the military recently prevented Wijesekera from entering Sampur while asserting that India was in the process of increasing her influence in the East.

Addressing public rallies in the East, Pillaiyan who spearheads the TMVP polls campaign in the absence of Karuna, has declared that no one would be able to thwart a Tamil assuming the office of the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council if they secured the highest number of seats. The tough talking former LTTE commander had said that it was one of the promises given by the government.


Dissanayake said the government, in a bid to cripple the JVP campaign in the East, particularly in the Trincomalee District, had targeted Wijesekera. After failing to keep Wijesekera behind bars on a charge of seizing two vehicles from the Parliament car park, the government cut down on his security, he said. This was an attempt to deny Wijesekera an opportunity to campaign in the East. Declaring that Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake had called for additional security coverage for Wijesekera, the JVP accused the government of playing politics with the security of an MP. Asserting that the MP was now vulnerable to an LTTE attack, Dissanayake warned that if he was targeted they would hold the head of the government responsible.

The JVP also launched a scathing attack on SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem. If the UNP-SLMC combine won the election, it would facilitate the return of the LTTE to the Eastern Province, Dissanayake warned. "Don’t forget that Hakeem negotiated an agreement with the LTTE," he said. His was the only direct deal between a political party and the LTTE, he said, warning of dire consequences if the UNP-SLMC combine took control of the first EP administration. It would be equally as bad as a government victory which would bring an Indian puppet to power in the Eastern Province.

by Franklin.R.Satyapalan
United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, Minister Susil Premajayantha yesterday said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had decided in a very democratic manner and in fairness to all communities in the East that the Chief Minister would be the candidate who obtains the highest number of votes at the polls on May 10.

Addressing the media in Colombo, he said the President had decided that the Government would move forward with the proposal made by the All Party Representative Committee(APRC) to implement the 13th Amendment in full.

This was in fairness to the Muslim and Tamil communities, the majority of voters in the Eastern Province, but the United National Party has been very unfair by the Tamil Voters in the East by declaring at the very inception of the election campaign that SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem would be the UNP’s choice for Chief Minister if the UNP were to win the election.

He said that while he was very confident of a major victory for the UPFA, he would request the eastern voters not to be misled into wasting their votes by voting for the UNP as the party had already accepted defeat by starting to whine and complain at every turn preparing a case for its defeat. There were reports in the National Media that the Chief Ministerial candidate of the UNP, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem, too had accepted defeat and told the Alliance of Muslim Parties led by NUA leader which met him that he was ready to sit in the opposition

The UPFA government had been fair by all communities and parties and had granted 15 slots to the Tamil Community, 18 to the Muslim community and distributed the balance 11 slots among the Sinhala parties the MEP, JHU, SLMP, DVJP and SLFP, he said.

The Senior Vice President of the SLFP Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, General Secretary of the SLFP Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Peoples Alliance General Secretary Minister D. M. Jayaratne, Veteran SLFP Trade Unionist and Governor Alavi Mowlana, MEP leader Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, CPSL leader Minister Dew Gunasekera, LSSP leader Minister Prof Tissa Vitharna, DVJP Leader P.M.Appuhamy, NUA leader Minister Ferial Ashraff, Ministers Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Dallas Alahapperuma, Presidential advisor A. H. M. Azwer, Administrative secretary of the SLFP S. H. Ariyasena were present at the conference.

by Ajith Alahakoon
The Wimal Weerawansa faction of the JVP has complained to the police that a chemical substance has been introduced into the fuel tanks of two vehicles belonging to the party, which were hijacked by JVP parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara and some others, after police seized them in order to make the vehicles non functional.

The vehicles were used by JVP MP’s Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Jagoda who are supporting Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa.

Court made an order that the vehicles be released to the
registered owners and when they went to the police station to take them away they found that the vehicles would not start.

The vehicles are in the custody of Welikade police.

A spokesman for the Weerawansa faction said that the vehicles would be sent to the importers to restore their conditions.

India and Sri Lanka are working on a plan to lay a power-transmission line under the sea.

The line would connect the power distribution networks of the two countries so electricity can be supplied by one when the other is experiencing a shortage or other emergency, the Times of India reported.

An initial report prepared by the Indian state-owned transmission utility PowerGrid estimated the cost of the project at $491 million and said it could be completed within 42 months of getting investment approvals.

The report projects laying a power cable under the Gulf of Mannar between Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu state, and Talaimannar, on the left bank of the Mannar islands in Sri Lanka.

On the Indian side, the undersea cable will be connected to the southern grid at Madurai through an overhead transmission line. On the Sri Lanka side, the underwater cable will be linked to that country's network at Anuradhapura through an overhead line. The report prepared by PowerGrid said the power supply scenario between India and Sri Lanka will allow them to exchange about 500 megawatts of electricity by 2009-2010.

MAS Eco Go Beyond, a strategic CR initiative of MAS Holdings commenced in August 2006. The objective of MAS Eco Go Beyond is the provision of sustainable development education to selected schools in predominantly rural locations in Sri Lanka where MAS business units are located.

Its main thrust is to create and raise awareness on the concept and practice of sustainable development; to provide an opportunity for the implementation of the knowledge gained.

With the launch of phase two in March the programme conducted workshops for 2700 students in 10 schools across Thulhiriya, Avisawella and Kandy.

The workshops were structured to cover the ‘social', ‘environmental’ and 'economic' aspects of sustainable development.

Each session was followed by a skit linked to the sub area, and the workshop concluded with the screening of a customized documentary on environment sustainability.

Schools were provided with message boards and material which used symbols and brief descriptors to highlight main messages, while a mobile exhibit display was provided to visualize issues and encourage action amongst the audience of 15 – 18 year old youth.

The programme targeted this cohort with the intent of empowering tomorrow’s leaders with the requisite skills and knowledge to build a better and more sustainable tomorrow.

A value addition for phase two was the inclusion of a Tamil school as a pilot venture. This initiative is endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

A key secondary objective is the provision of support for applied learning where youth identify critical issues and work to improve life in their homes, schools and communities.

Schools will work on applied learning projects from May to August; the initiative culminates in awards ceremony in September. Mrs. Sandya Wijebandara, additional Secretary to the ministry attended the workshop at Thulhiriya Maha Vidyalaya.

Sri Lanka, once among Asia's worst affected nations for malaria, is now close to eliminating it.

The sharp drop in the number of reported cases to 196 in 2007 - with no deaths - demonstrates that the national malaria control programme has been effective even in the traditionally disease-prone northern districts, portions of which are controlled by Tamil Tiger separatists.

About four million people, a fifth of the population, dispersed over the largely rural dry zone - with rainfall of 250-500mm a month - are still vulnerable and could serve as a reservoir for the malaria parasite, said Rabindra Abeyasinghe, acting director of the government's anti-malaria campaign.

"Elimination means we have to get rid of the pockets of the disease that we have now," Abeyasinghe said. "Without the conflict it would have been very easy, but with the conflict it is more challenging," he told IRIN. "But it can be done . after all, Sri Lanka has already eliminated leprosy and poliomyelitis even with an ongoing conflict."

The Health Ministry is seeking an estimated US$40 million in donor aid and government counterpart funds to cover a five-year elimination programme in seven of the island's nine provinces. The budget will also include strengthening a control campaign in the other two conflict-hit northern and eastern provinces.

Donor support

While overseas aid, mainly from the multi-donor Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, has helped bridge the shortfall in government expenditure, the low rate of malaria incidence threatens to undermine foreign financing.

"Up to now, donors have helped us control the disease, but our success could work against us when it comes to getting much-needed funds to carry out an elimination programme," Abeyasinghe told IRIN. "If people are not dying, donors might not see it as an urgent issue any more."

But the World Health Organization (WHO), which has supported the malaria control programme since the late 1940s, thinks Sri Lanka has a solid case.

"Sri Lanka is a success story in Asia, because, despite all its problems, it is one of the few that have come close to eliminating the disease," said Supriya Warusavithana of WHO. "International donors like the Global Fund are, in fact, looking for such striking stories to draw more donor funds for themselves."

The collaboration of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had ensured virtually no reported cases in the north, considerably helping the country approach the pre-elimination phase, Abeyasinghe said. "The LTTE has cooperated with provincial health authorities in the conflict areas to reduce malaria incidence, possibly because being a jungle-based force, they suffered more."

Abeyasinghe is confident that the monitoring and treatment provided in the embattled districts by government and international agencies eliminated any significant under-reporting of prevalence. Regular supplies of mosquito nets, insecticides and medicines were sent by the government to war-torn areas.

Rapid diagnosis

In addition, rapid diagnostic kits given to medical practitioners helped to identify and treat malaria patients without access to laboratory facilities. The now defunct truce signed in 2002 between the government and the Tamil Tigers also helped accelerate the control programme.

According to WHO statistics, the declining trend began after 1998, when cases peaked at about 275,000 and 117 deaths.

In subsequent years, casualties were kept down through house spraying with insecticides, treated mosquito nets, improved testing and treatment facilities in rural hospitals and mobile clinics.

Warusavithana also attributed the achievement to widespread improvements in socio-economic conditions and infrastructure and better access to basic healthcare for the poor. "Malaria has always been linked to poverty," she said. "For instance, the rural poor used to have houses with thatched roofs, mud walls and unpaved floors, which encouraged mosquito breeding. Now, many of them have tiled roofs, brick walls and cement floors."

Due to the conflict, eradicating the disease in the north and east is set to begin only after the programme has been implemented in the other provinces. Aiming for total elimination will also have to include screening and monitoring at entry points to the island to prevent introduction of imported parasite strains to the country.

By V.P. Raghu and Sridhar Kumaraswami

Chennai/New Delhi, April 24: A collision alert warning on an Air India Colombo-Chennai Airbus A-320 flight on Wednesday evening me-ant a few tense moments for the aircraft commander and the cockpit crew before air traffic control could rule out the possibility of a mysterious unidentified flying object in nearby airspace.

The Airbus captain reacted fast when the aircraft’s traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) gave a "resolutionary alert advice", which indicated the possibility of a collision with a mysterious aircraft or a flying object, which might be as close as 300 feet.

Well-placed civil aviation ministry sources in New Delhi said the TCAS in the Air India aircraft sounded an alert, after which the pilot immediately contacted air traffic control. The ATC made a quick check and concluded that there was no other aircraft in the vicinity.

The pilot was then asked to reboot the aircraft’s TCAS, upon which the alert disappeared, sources said. "It has to be checked whe-ther the TCAS system in the aircraft was defective and why the alert went off when there was no other aircraft in the vicinity," the sources said. The aircraft was 60 nautical miles from Chennai when the TCAS alert went off.

Air India spokesperson Jit-endra Bhargava said the airline had ordered an inquiry into why the TCAS alert went off. "The passengers were not in danger since the ATC had found that there was no other aircraft in the vicinity," he said. The director-general of civil aviation, Mr Kanu Gohain, when contacted, said that if there had been a TCAS alert, it would have been reported to the DGCA’s Chennai office. "We will examine the matter and see what is to be done," he said.

Sources in Chennai said the incident occurred when the aircraft was at a height of 30,000 feet. Air India officials in Chennai acknowledged the incident, but refused to divulge any details. ATC officials in Chennai also refused to confirm or deny the incident.

"There were 103 passengers on board Flight IC-574, which took off from Colombo at around 5.40 pm, nearly two hours and 40 minutes behind schedule on Wednesday. The flight commander was Captain D.K. Rajeev. He initially received the ‘traffic advice’ alert, indicating that there was an object on his route which could be on a collision path with the aircraft. When he received a resolutionary advice alert — which indicates that the collision is imminent — he activated the traffic collision avoidance system," a source in Chennai said.

In his interactions with Members of European Parliament (MEPs), Sri Lankan Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha , appreciated the action taken by the EU to proscribe the LTTE as a terrorist organization in 2006. He stated that it was imperative that all EU Member States also proceeded to take action against the front organizations of the group which acted in the guise of economic, humanitarian, religious and social bodies and were engaged in fund raising for terrorist purposes in many parts of Europe.

Continuing the dialogue between Sri Lanka and the European Institutions, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels has strengthened a programme to actively engage Members of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Member States, as well as the respective European Political Groups. Ambassador Ravinath Aryasinha held consultations with leading MEPs of the South Asia Delegation in the European Parliament, as well as MEPs who have shown interest in developments in Sri Lanka in recent times.

Additionally, Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General/Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) visiting Brussels last week to participate in a dialogue between Asian and European Liberals, provided briefings also to the Conservative and Socialist groups in the European Parliament on current developments in Sri Lanka.

Prof. Wijesinha noted that the human rights situation in the country has vastly improved in recent times, with the strengthening of the democratic process especially after clearing the Eastern Province of the LTTE and the restoration of civil administration in the area.

Emphasizing that a political settlement was needed to overcome aspects of the present conflict, he made clear the commitment of the government to develop space for active involvement in the State and its structures for all citizens of all communities.

At the same time, given the continuing intransigence of the LTTE with regard to negotiations, and the manner in which it had continuously violated the Ceasefire Agreement, he said the government was compelled to resort to military means to ensure that the LTTE understood that terrorism could not succeed. He said unfortunately it was clear that the LTTE was now hoping that sections of the international community will throw them a lifeline.

21st April 2008 - Caritas Internationalis joins with Caritas Sri Lanka in condemning the death of Rev. Fr Karunaratnam, who was killed in a bomb blast on 20 April in the north of the country.
Fr Karunaratnam was the Chairman of the North East Secretariat on Human Rights, which aimed at recognizing and respecting the human rights of the minority Tamil community.
Fr Karunaratnam played a key role in promoting peace in the conflict between government troops and Tamil minority rebels.
Rev Fr. Damian Fernando, National Director of Caritas-Sri Lanka (SEDEC) said, “He was an example of courage, strength and humanity and will be missed by all. He also showed endless empathy towards refugees and displaced people while working tirelessly to improve their living standards.
“Over the past several months, violence has flared up in the country and innocent civilians have been the victims of this deteriorating situation and we at Caritas strongly condemn acts of violence against harmless human beings.
“The killing of Rev. Father Karunaratnam is a reminder to us all that a swift resolution to this partisan conflict has to be found and lasting peace achieved for all Sri Lankans and our entire country.”
This is the second killing of a clergy member in the recent months in Sri Lanka, and follows yet more violent deaths of church worker in 2008 in Pakistan and Iraq. Caritas partners have also receiving death threats this week in Colombia from militias for their work on peace building and development.
Caritas Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight said, “The tragic death of Fr Karunaratnam increases the pressure on all sides in Sri Lanka to find a lasting solution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation and the international community to support the process.
“That his death comes in the context of other killings and death threats of church workers is deeply troubling. All parties to a conflict must guarantee the protection of civilians. That the very people who are aiming to bring peace are losing their lives must underline the critical need to seek non-violent solutions throughout the world’s war zones.”

(Lanka-e-News, ) The French humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger (ACF) is seeking justice for its 17 local staff savagely killed in Mutur in August in 2006. The organization has already withdrawn from Sri Lanka.

Paris based ACF had lost confidence in the Sri Lankan judicial system regarding the conduct of the Mutur case and therefore was now requesting for an investigation process to get at the truth and for the prosecution of the culprits, according to its spokes person.

ACF would not return to the country in the foreseeable future and its return depend ed on the outcome of the investigation into the Mutur massacre she said.
The presence of the international independent group of eminent persons (IIGEP) provided the only guarantee of the investigation maintaining international standards and norms she said.

ACF left the country closing its Colombo office on March 31 was coincided with the decision taken by the IIGEP to withdraw from Sri Lanka.

Angela Kane, The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, following her recent visit to Sri Lanka, looks forward to strengthening of cooperation between the UN and the Government of Sri Lanka.
She has assured keen interest in UN Country Team’s continued dialogue with the Government on continued initiatives on building trust ad deepening the partnership between Sri Lanka and the UN.
In a letter to Mr. Basil Rajapaksa MP, Senior Advisor to the President, Assistant Secretary-General Kane says her visit to Batticaloa was very informative and provided her with better understanding of the work of the United Nations there and the pressing resettlement issues and security concerns.
She has appreciated very much the arrangements made by the Government for her visit and for the opportunity she had to meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to whom she handed over letter from the Secretary General.

SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Sri Lanka's Ceylon Petroleum Corp. or Ceypetco floated a spot tender seeking a total of 310,000 barrels of gasoil and gasoline for late May delivery, a company official said Thursday.
Ceypetco is seeking 150,000 barrels of gasoil with 0.25% sulfur and 160,000 barrels of 90 RON gasoline for May 29-30 delivery to Colombo.
The tender will close April 29, with two days of validity, said the official, declining to be named.
Ceypetco last bought 150,000 barrels of 0.25%-sulfur grade gasoil for May 18- 19 delivery from Vitol at a premium of $4.67 a barrel to the Singapore mean.
It last bought a gasoline cargo from India's Reliance Industries Ltd. ( 500325.BY) at a premium of $2.94 a barrel to the Singapore mean. The 160,000- barrel 92 RON gasoline cargo was for May 7-8 delivery

At the press briefing Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the President has not conceded to the final report of the Group of Eminent Persons led by Mr. Bagawathi. The President rejected the statements made by the group deviating from its task.
The Minister questioned the ability of the group to make statements on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka when a majority of the members of the group visited the island only once or twice.
He pointed out that the government invited such a group because of its genuine desire to safeguard human rights.

The government firmly rejects rumours of a rice shortage in the country. The government has taken steps to import 50 thousand metric tons of rice from Myanmar and 100 thousand metric tons of rice from India.
The World Food and Agriculture Organisation will also provide 50 thousand metric tons of rice in the coming weeks. Speaking at the cabinet press briefing in Colombo this afternoon Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the people need not have any undue fear regarding a possible rice shortage.
The Minister also rejected the report published in a daily newspaper today that Sri Lanka plans to obtain nuclear energy from Iran.

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has succeeded in detecting a Colombo based Foreign Employment Agency attempting to send two underage girls for employment abroad.
Officials at the Bureau handed over the girls to the Child Protection Authority. Chairman of the Bureau Kingsley Ranawaka said legal action will be taken against the agency.

Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake has personally looked into the welfare of members of the armed forces and the police who are receiving treatment at the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital after being injured in recent confrontations in Jaffna, Muhamale and Kilali.
He visited the wards today and gave directions to provide all facilities needed to the war heroes. The hospital authorities said all soldiers are receiving facilities provided at paying wards. Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva accompanied the premier during the visit.
According to our sources Leaders of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Patriotic National Movement visited Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital this afternoon (Apr. 24th) and inquired into the wellbeing of the soldiers who were injured in the northern battlefront who are receiving treatment there.
Ven. Dambara Amila Thera and popular singer Senanayake Weraliyadde of the PNM accompanied JVP MPs Vijitha Herath, Jayantha Wijesekara and Sunil Handunnetti in the visit.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stresses that the government is not prepared to curb in anyway the liberty granted to the people of the east. He observed that the government is engaged in developing the eastern province while ensuring the rights of all its communities. The government took steps to conduct local government and provincial council elections so as to grant them political freedom.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo today Minister Rambukwella stated that the elections grant the people the complete authority to decide on the manner of enjoying their liberty. He said the country’s main opposition and the LTTE are attempting to give back these victories to the terrorists. He assured that the government will not allow the liberty of the eastern people to be violated through a hidden LTTE hand which seeks to govern the area.
Meanwhile Minister Maithreepala Sirisena says the ability to conduct an eastern provincial council election is an outstanding victory of democracy. Speaking to media in Colombo today he pointed out that a massive development is underway in the province utilising local and foreign funds. Also speaking at the press briefing Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said the chief objective of the eastern election is to make the people partners of the development drive.

Over 100 LTTE including 15 senior terrorists and 43 soldiers were killed in fierce fighting that lasted for 11hours between SLA and LTTE in the narrow and open land stretches at Muhamalai and Kilaly - Jaffna yesterday (Apr 23), according to finalized reports received from North.
According to the latest information, by intercepting LTTE communication channels so far it is revealed that 81 terrorists were killed. The names and numbers of the 81 terrorists killed have also been transmitted through LTTE radio communication. Over 250 terrorists were suffered injuries due to the security forces effective retaliation, sources added.
Further, Troops have uncovered 6 LTTE bodies left behind as Army pushed and gained control over the LTTE's first line of defence at Muhamalai and preparations are made to hand over those bodies to the LTTE through the ICRC, military sources said. Five T-56 weapons and I-Com set were also found, sources added.
The LTTE fighting formations were driven some 500m back from its initial positions as troops mounted heavy resistance attacks, thwarting a pre-dawn LTTE offensive attempt.
55 and 53 divisions of Army entered into the battle from Muhamalai and Kilaly areas as pitched fighting broke out with soaring casualties from both sides.
"Soldiers have been able to capture the first line of bunkers of the Tigers in Muhamalai. LTTE terrorists came and attacked our forward line on Wednesday morning, we have retaliated and captured about 400 to 500 metres of LTTE area in Muhamalai," said military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara.
It has been reported that 120 soldiers had suffered injuries and those in serious conditions have been already air lifted to Colombo. According to reports, the injured were admitted to the National Hospital- Colombo, Sri Jayawardenapura and Eye Hospital. The Media Centre for National Security said that, 33 soldiers have gone missing following the confrontations and search operations been continued along the tensed battle lines at Muhamalai and Kilaly.
15 senior LTTE cadres who have led the fighting units during the offensive were killed as the brunts of terrorist casualties were reported from North of A-9 at Muhamalai, according to the sources.
"Canter vehicles loaded with dead LTTE cadres and casualties were rushing continuously towards Mullaittiuvu and Kilinochchi districts since yesterday morning as civilians were restricted of movement along the main routes for over 7 hours", unverified sources close to LTTE were quoted as saying.
LTTE civil militia units and 'Police' stormed into government hospitals at Kilinochchi and Mullaittiuvu; forcibly vacated the area of civilian presence allocating space for the arriving LTTE casualties. Accommodated patients were taken off from their beds and forced to lie on cardboard sheets, while women and children were cornered and others chased away from the sites, the sources were quoted further saying.
Defence sources report that the LTTE offensive was overall led by Theepan and Muhundan, two senior LTTE cadres , whilst fighting formations at Muhamalai and Kilaly were reported respectively led by 'Jerry', Kumunan and Kutti.

The Sri Lankan Consul General in Toronto, Bandula Jayasekera has sought the intervention of Canada's Shadow Foreign Minister Robert (Bob) Keith Rae, to help Canadian Tamils of Sri Lankan origin in the Toronto area who are harassed and threatened by the LTTE and its sympathizers. He made this call during a meeting with the Opposition Liberal Party MP in Toronto last Monday, (21st April 2008).

The Consul General told Mr. Bob Rae that the Canada should play a constructive role and work with the Sri Lankan Diaspora to effect a positive change, Mr. Rae agreed on the need to work closely with the Sri Lanka Diaspora for reconciliation between the different communities.

Sri Lanka Consul General, Jayasekera noted that it was unfortunate that the role played by some Canadian politicians had a negative impact on efforts to finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Mr. Rae, in response stated that although the attitude of some politicians towards the Sri Lanka situation was negative, their position did not have much impact on Canadian Government policy.

He agreed with the Consul General that there was a need for pluralism within the Canadian Tamil community of Sri Lankan origin. The Consul General pointed out that the LTTE, which is a banned terrorist organization in Canada should be distinguished from the Tamil community. Mr. Rae said that there is an ongoing debate within the Tamil community in Canada and also a greater awareness of the factual situation in Sri Lanka.

The Consul General asserted that the Government was not pursuing a military solution to the conflict and that the present military campaign in the North was meant to free the country from LTTE terrorism. He pointed out that the President and the Government of Sri Lanka are deeply committed to reaching a durable political solution, which would address the genuine grievances of minority communities in Sri Lanka, acceptable to all sections of the people.

The Canadian Shadow Foreign Minister accepted an invitation extended by the Consul General to visit Sri Lanka.

At least 16 LTTE were killed and 31 others seriously injured in sporadic clashes erupted between troops and LTTE in yesterday's (Apr 23) fighting ahead of Welioya defences at Kiriibbanwewa, Janakapura and Andankulama.

In addition to LTTE losses an Army soldier was reported killed and 5 others wounded during the confrontations, security sources said. According to reports received troops have also recovered 4 T-56 assault riffles, 3 radio- communication sets, a claymore mine and 141AP mines in subsequent search operations conducted.

All donations for the parents of the Quadruplets could be made to the Seylan Bank, Mathugama Branch Account Number 0660/1620568/101 of the babies' mother Damitha Nadeeshani.

The bodies of 28 soldiers killed during the confrontations yesterday were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross by the LTTE in Killinochchi this morning.

The JVP today charged that the government was violating democratic norms, ethics and election laws by using state resources, man power and defence establishments to win the upcoming eastern PC polls.

Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says the air force has launched a massive attack on a black tiger training camp in Pannikkamkulam north around 6.20 this morning using kafir and MIG air craft. The camp was located north west of Mankulam.

Spokesman for national defence and minister Keheliya Rambukwella says more than one hundred LTTE carders were killed in clashes in areas surrounding the forward defence circle in Muhamalai. Another 200 LTTE members were injured. 43 members of the security forces have also succumbed to their injuries.

The Minister at a media briefing in Colombo this morning also said 22 injured soldiers have returned to the battle front. He added the troops were able to capture the first defence circle of the LTTE in this operation.

Minister Rambukwella responding to statement made by JVP parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekera recently regarding security provided to him said full security has been provided to the MP. He further said it is the prison that provides security to any person subjected to detention. However, he was provided four security officials after his release. The Minister further said six more security officials have been assigned to the member of parliament on the instructions of the President.

Police media spokesman and senior DIG N.K. Illangakon referring to media reports on a raid conducted on the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said the police has received a complaint that a businessmen in Pettah was being detained at the Dharsalam building where the muslim congress headquarters are located.
The DIG added the police had to inspect the three storied building to verify the complaint.

The Janatha Vikumthi Peramuna says the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress jointly contest the eastern provincial council to fulfill the expectations of LTTE terrorists.

Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a media briefing in Colomno today said leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauf Hakeem is the only political party leader in the country who had signed an agreement with the LTTE leader.

He added Mr. Hakeem has no clear stance regarding separation of the eastern province from the northern province. Member Dissanayake also said the JVP is contesting the election in order to establish the unity of all ethnic groups and to provide an opportunity for them to enjoy resources in the province.

CTB bus operators in Vavuniya launched a strike this morning over an alleged assault of a time keeper by TNA MP S. Kishor. Vavuniya police say the incident occurred late last evening.

A trade delegation to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi in Vietnam organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) in association with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Hanoi, returned to the island on last week.
Sri Lanka has a greater opportunity to expand trade relations with Vietnam with her recent accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with reduced imports tariff in Vietnam. Vietnam is an emerging economy with highly activated business and trading environment. The delegation visited Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi cities the largest commercial and administrative capital of Vietnam respectively.

The NCCSL delegation participated at the inauguration ceremony of the Vietnam Expo 2008 on the invitation of the Vietnam government authorities.

The delegation members also met the officials of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry both in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Department of Trade and Commerce, Vietnam Peoples Party Chief and the senior authorities of the government of Vietnam where several key issues on trade relations were discussed.

The delegates had several one to one business meetings with their counterparts in Vietnam and established close trade links with businessmen and industrialists on tea, tea processing machinery, rubber related products, food processing, agriculture machinery/equipment, 2 wheel and 4 wheel tractors, spare parts and equipment, agriculture, farming and fruits and vegetable growing.

The Ministry of Trade in Vietnam and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials pledged their fullest co-operation to improve the bilateral trade between two countries.

During the several meetings held with the Vietnam Govt authorities the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Hanoi graciously participated with the NCCSL Trade Delegation and extended his fullest cooperation. Delegation comprised of Mr Sudath C Munasinghe (Joint Leader), Chief Executive Officer, John Keells PLC, Mr Zaki Alif (Joint Leader), Group Director, Stassen Exports Ltd, Mr Milton Perera, Partner, Kusumsiri Motor Traders, Mr D Pathmanathan, Managing Director, George Steuart (Teas & Marketing) Pvt Ltd, Mr Ajit P Kangaratchchi, Chairman/ MD, Crown Group of Companies, Mr Nihal Wadugodapitiya, Chief Executive Officer, Jinasena Group of Companies, Mr Natarajan Ramanathan, Director/ GM, Jafferjee Brothers, Mr Sarath Sirisena, Director/ CEO, Lanka Commodity Brokers Ltd, Mr Krishan Jayawardene, Head of Engineering Operations, Walker & Co PLC, Mr R A Jayantha, Proprietor, Yamada Motor International and Mr Kumara Kandalama, the Deputy Secretary General of the NCCSL.

MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka on boosting employment opportunities and expertise.

Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi sealed the deal with Sri Lankan External Employment Minister Dr Kehelya Rambukwella.

Under the deal, Sri Lankans will have to sign an initial contract with employers specifying their rights and duties in line with Bahrain's law in the private sector.

A joint technical committee will also be set up to draw up bilateral co-operation programmes, follow up the implementation of the MoU, solve problems and convene annual meetings.

The government was not ready to conduct the Eastern Provincial Council election democratically and was using all the government machinery and resources to canvass for the UPFA candidates, JVP Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Disanayaka said.
All the government circuit bungalows and rest houses in the province were booked and ministers were seen campaigning in the Eastern Province, he said.

Since the Pillayan group was allowed to carry firearms in the area, there was fear among the people. Two brothers, both of them Grama Niladharis were murdered recently and it showed that the government was allowing violence to spread in the province, Dissanayaka said.

Lanka IOC is gearing up to enter the fuel oil business for the industrial customer before the end of this year. The company is looking at initially venturing for a sales volume of around 5 litres per month.

By Dilrukshi Fernando

A whopping US$1.5 billion will be invested by the Iranian Government in a joint venture to develop natural energy resources in Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama said at a media briefing yesterday.

The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, which is the only such refinery in Sri Lanka, will also be developed to adhere to modern standards and achieve maximum productivity, the minister added.

“Sri Lanka spends millions of its Gross Domestic Product on oil imports,’ Bogollagama said adding further that this venture will be a saving, economically. In addition, the Uma Oya irrigation and hydro power project will also be launched next week.

Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Sarath Amunugama in the meantime stated at a business forum organized by the Board of Investment and the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, that the agreement for the Uma Oya project will be signed in the coming week. These latest development projects come in the wake of the impending visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Sri Lanka on April 28th.

Responding to questions on nuclear energy production, Minister Bogollagama stated that India is on the agenda as the country to be approached for the matter. He denied any aspirations of requesting Iranian assistance for nuclear energy despite the Ceylon Electricity Board stating that it hoped to discuss the issue with the Iranian Government officials due in the country next week.

In the meantime, a gem and jewellery factory employing Sri Lankan craftsmen is to be set up in Egypt, Vice Chairman of the group Cecille Kotelawala said. Mrs. Kotelawala made these comments at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

The move comes as a result of an official visit made to Egypt by a Sri Lankan delegation including members of the business community, headed by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, recently.

“The Egyptian government expressed interest in employing the services of Sri Lankan jewel craftsmen, noted for their workmanship and oriental designs,” she added.

Chamber of Commerce Secretary General Prema Cooray who was part of the Sri Lankan delegation alongside Mrs. Kotelawala, announced the move to initiate a Sri Lanka-Egypt Business Chamber Council to be set up soon.

“There has been a hundred percent increase in exports and a three hundred percent increase in imports which has garnered more than US$30 million in exchange for Sri Lanka,” Cooray said elaborating the reasons for the business partnership.

The Egyptian government had also expressed interest in the Sri Lankan tea sector; with the aim of enabling Sri Lanka to enjoy the profitable position it once held in the global market, Cooray said adding that, “Egypt has a great number of tea drinkers which provide a conducive environment for Sri Lanka to enter its market as a competitor.”

A corporation agreement was signed for this purpose while steps to strengthen the island’s Tourism Industry were also discussed at the bilateral meetings Cooray concluded.

Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets made precision air sorties this morning (Apr 24) at what was identified as a 'black tiger' training facility, located at Pannikkankulama, North West Mankulama junction, in Mullaittiuvu district.

Speaking to defence.lk Air Force Spokesperson Andrew Wijesooriya said, the target was engaged by SLAF fighters at around 6.20a.m. According to defence sources, the air raids were conducted on reliably obtained information of intensified activities in the area.

With the President of the European Council Danillo Turk President of Slovenia who is the current President of the EU Council and Dr Hans Gert Poettering President of the European Parliament, Nirj Deva Conservative MEP for the South East of England in the European Parliament launched the global campaign to provide 100 million laptops for children in developing countries.
Together with Maria Martens MEP fellow EPP-ED Coordinator of the Development Committee of the European Parliament Nirj Deva demonstrated the extraordinary laptop which he said " will change the world forever by empowering the poor children of the developing countries "

The laptop which works by solar power can be used in remote villages without access to electricity and can be connected to the world wide web through a solar powered connector which can communicate with satellites to download the internet. Each laptop he said can come preloaded with a 1000 books, an astonishing transformation of the access to education. Can you imagine a poor child without electricity empowered with the internet, 1000 books and access to the global information portals, communicating with the whole world from a remote African or Asian village which has no electricity or running piped water.

Its not enough to give grants and hand outs to the poor countries of the world.
"Over the last 30 years the EU has donated over 300 billion euros AND WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED ? The number of those not attending school has gone up, those living at the margin has increased. There is an old saying that it is better to give a starving man a fishing net than fish. In today's world millions of poor children will only escape poverty through education. This computer is the door to a new world and a key to many children realising their full potential Deva said.

The Chinese government decides to expand investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Governor of the Xijan province in China Shon Shan says this decision was taken since the Sri Lankan government has been able to create a peaceful environment in the country.
Mr. Shan expressed these views when he met Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake at his office today. There is a higher demand for Sri Lankan tea in the Chinese market. The visiting Chinese government also said that his government is interested in promoting tea and canned fish industries in Sri Lanka.
He invited the Buddhists in Sri Lanka to visit ancient Buddhist temples situated in the Xijan province. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Wickremanayake said the government adopted a steady policy to defeat terrorism and create peace in the country.
He said the government has planned to obtain the assistance of super economic powers such as China for the development of the country.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
India has begun aiding English-language teaching in Sri Lanka in a major way to enable young Sri Lankans get jobs in the corporate sector.

The “English as a Life Skill” programme, started by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government, aims to train at least 50,000 persons between the ages of 18 and 24 in the use of the language with assistance from the High Commission of India and the English and Foreign Languages University in Hyderabad.

The course will be short-term in order to get quick results.
Speaking at the launching ceromany in Colombo today Minister Sarath Amunugama points out the need of using modern technologies to teach the English language. 11 educational institutes of India will contribute to this programme. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Alok Prasad also participated in the event.

According to the sources Colombo will host an “English Teaching Business Mela” from today to 25th in which the EFLU, the Sri Lankan government, and Indian and Sri Lankan investors would discuss the possibility of joint ventures to teach job-oriented English-language skills.

The CID decides to seek the assistance of the district secretary of Mullaitivu to establish the identity of female suicide bomber who attempted to assassinate Minister Douglas Devananda at his office recently.
The CID informed this decision to the Colombo Magistrate Court today.
A report submitted by the CID to the court said the suicide bomber has been identified as Megawanam Susantha and a resident in Mullativu.
The CID said they have requested the Mullativu district secretary to furnish the relevant details through the Grama Niladari of the village of the suicide bomber.

The ten Sri Lankan fishermen who were taken into custody by the Indian Coastguards recently have been released and arrived in the country from Trincomalee Harbour. They were released following the discussion held recently between the Tamilnadu state government and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner’s Office in Chennai.

Jaffna theatre of battle heated up since early this morning (April 23), as Sri Lanka army 55 and 53 divisions put- on stiff resistance to an LTTE embarked fresh offensives at the Army forwards defences on the Muhamalai and Kilaly frontiers. According to the defence sources in Jaffna heavy fighting broke out between troops and LTTE since 2 am this morning, as troops mounted retaliatory attacks at the offensive LTTE formations.
According to latest information LTTE suffered severe beating and were pushed some 500m back from its initial positions. Seizing the opportunity SLA broke the LTTE's first line of defence in the Muhamalai front, and are now engaged in consolidating the defence lines, security sources said.
So far, 38 soldiers have laid their lives while 84 suffered injuries and some of them have been air lifted to Colombo national hospital. Meanwhile, monitored radio communications and ground sources have confirmed that 52 LTTE terrorists have been killed and many injured in the latest skirmishes in Jaffna, Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned that police in Sri Lanka have not investigated threats made against K. Rushangan, treasurer of the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate.

According to FMM, Rushangan was first threatened on April 13 by a caller identifying himself as "Ealaventhan" and claiming to be from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The caller demanded that Rushangan hand over a motorbike or the equivalent of US$1500 by April 16, or he would be abducted.

Despite lodging a complaint with Dehiwala police on April 16, no investigative action has been taken by local authorities, reports FMM. Dehiwala police reportedly told Rushangan that they were unable to investigate the case without a court order to obtain the caller’s details from a mobile phone company.

FMM reports that the caller repeated his demand to Rushangan on April 21, extending the deadline until April 25.

The police failure to take action over the threats is an example of a worrying lack of commitment to the protection of media personnel in Sri Lanka.

“For the operation of a free and transparent media in Sri Lanka, incidents such as this must not be allowed to continue,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

“It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to act decisively against such threats.”

The IFJ joins FMM in calling for police to take action for the protection of Rushangan to demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe environment for journalists and for press freedom for all Sri Lanka.

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Fitch Ratings Lanka said it upgraded the national long-term rating of Sanasa Development Bank Ltd. (SDB) to 'BB(lka)' from 'BB-(lka)' on the materialisation of SDB's planned capital program and profitability and asset quality even though the rating is somewhat constrained by risks inherent to the micro-finance segment.

Fitch said the outlook is stable.

Loan growth in FY07 was 48 percent, mainly driven by housing and micro-finance loans and SDB's non-performing loan (NPL) ratio for the fiscal year 2007 improved to 3.9 percent from 4.2 percent a year earlier and Net NPL/Equity ratio remained steady at 21.6 percent, Fitch said.

However, Fitch noted that due to recent high loan growth, these ratios could deteriorate as the portfolio seasons.

SLMC headquarters, 'Darussalam' in Colombo 2 was raided by the Fort Crime Division this noon. Party Chairman Basheer Segu Dawood and several senior party members had been at the office by the time of the raid. The police had carried out the search without a warrant. SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem is currently in Trincomalee on campaign trail.

Air Force jets and helicopters bombed several positions of the LTTE at the Muhamalai defence lines a short while ago.

The Tamil Nadu State assembly passed a resolution on Sri Lanka today calling for an end to the fighting and the resumption of peace talks between the warring parties.

European Union, at a conference attended by Justice and Interior Affairs Ministers has agreed to proscribe the use of Internet by terrorist and armed outfits in the world, including the LTTE.

The decision was reached at a conference attended by Justice and Interior Affairs Ministers. It is not a secret that terrorist organisations were raising funds and carrying out their propaganda through the internet. The meeting was held in Luxembourg.

Reflecting mounting anxiety that the Internet has become a crucial tool for would-be terrorists, the agreement will make it a crime to disseminate terrorism propaganda through the Internet for recruiting, training and bomb-making purposes.

It was decided to encourage all European Union member nations to enact laws to thwart terrorists and armed groups using Internet. The Ministers were unanimous in stating the intent to put an end to rackets undertaken by terrorist organisations with the help of Internet.

The new rules are aimed at codifying terrorist crimes among countries with very different histories and experiences with terrorism, with the goal of preventing radicalization and helping police locate and arrest suspects in cross-border investigations.

The ministers said in a statement that the initiative would help "equip our legal systems across the EU with the adequate tools to bring to justice the criminals who spread violent propaganda providing terrorism tactics and instructions on how to manufacture and use bombs or explosives to provoke others to commit terrorist acts."

The agreement updates anti-terror laws passed by the European Union after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in the United States that were aimed at preventing terrorists from exploiting loopholes in various legal systems across the Continent.

It should make it easier for police to shut down Web sites disseminating terrorist propaganda and bomb-making instructions and to identify and pursue proselytizers and recruiters. It could also help courts and administrative authorities to demand that Internet service providers remove information considered dangerous.

Jaffna theatre of battle heated up since early this morning (April 23), as Sri Lanka army 55 and 53 divisions put- on stiff resistance to an LTTE embarked fresh offensives at the Army forwards defences on the Muhamalai and Kilaly frontiers. According to the defence sources in Jaffna heavy fighting broke out between troops and LTTE since 2 am this morning, as troops mounted retaliatory attacks at the offensive LTTE formations.

According to latest information LTTE suffered severe beating and were pushed some 500m back from its initial positions. Seizing the opportunity SLA broke the LTTE's first line of defence in the Muhamalai front, and are now engaged in consolidating the defence lines, security sources said.

So far, 38 soldiers have laid their lives while 84 suffered injuries and some of them have been air lifted to Colombo national hospital. Meanwhile, monitored radio communications and ground sources have confirmed that 52 LTTE terrorists have been killed and many injured in the latest skirmishes in Jaffna, Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to insurance in Sri Lanka, and, Janashakthi Insurance Co Ltd which he founded 14 years ago, the company’s management in collaboration with the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka recently launched an awards scheme in honour of Mr. C.T.A. Schaffter.

“The CTA Schaffter Award”, as it has been called, will be awarded annually to the top three students who excel in the B.Sc (Hons) degree programme in Insurance and Valuation at the Wayamba University. This newly launched degree programme comes at a time when Sri Lanka needs fully fledged professionals in the spheres of insurance and valuation. This year the course will extensively cover all aspects of insurance and valuation, and is expected to train about 25 such graduates each year.

The Best Student will receive a Gold Medal and cash award while the second and third best students will receive Silver and Bronze Medals and cash awards respectively.

Security Forces continues in intensive attacks on the LTTE Forward Defence Line

Army Media Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara says the Security Forces are currently engaged in launching intensive attacks on the LTTE Forward Defence Line in the North. Operations in Muhamalai, Kilali and Nagarkovil continue in addition to attacks launched by three Battalions in Mannar, Vavuniya and Weli Oya.

The Spokesman added the troops are laying siege to the sacred Madhu church from positions 600 metres to the South and two kilo metres to the east. All supply routes of terrorists have been blocked.

Minister Felix Perera has made a request from Catholic clergymen to assist in the efforts to bring back the sacred Madhu Statue of the church to an area under the control of the Government.

Daya Group of Companies bombed-Two injured -Gamage requests additional security

Two people were injured following a grenade explosion in Daya Group , Pepiliyana, Borelasgamuwa last night . Police said that according to eyewitnesses unidentified men riding a motorbike lobbed the grenade and fled.
Owner of the Daya Group Mr.Daya Gamage is contesting Eastern Province Election behalf of the UNP.
Mr Gamage has requested the IGP to increase his security after this attack.
Speaking to media today he said most powerful political leaders are behind this scene and they wanted to stop his political journey by bombs, weapons or threatening his life.
Mr.Gamage is a leading entrepreneur and he was a product of Ampara .
“This is my first election which I contest as a candidate, he said through the phone.
Explaining his political environment in the Eastern Province he said a majority of public is with the UNP. Some of armed political parties forcefully spray their preferential numbers on walls of innocent voters .However the UNP never threat any voter to cast their votes behalf of the UNP, he said.
He said these threats cannot stop his political journey but plans to increase his security to serve the public.
“How can we freely contest the polls , he asked.
According to him , the Daya Group of Companies assist rural masses to obtain employment , to grow their fields and start self employment projects .“I did so many social works, charity works and community projects during past years , he explained.
Meanwhile IGP Victor Perera has informed all police officers serving in the East that they would be held responsible for any election-related violence that takes place in their respective division in the run up to the provincial council polls there.
The police chief has informed them by letter to take steps to maintain law and order in their areas.

Two people were injured following a grenade explosion in Daya Group , Pepiliyana, Borelasgamuwa. Police said that according to eyewitnesses unidentified men riding a motorbike lobbed the grenade and fled.

Owner of the Daya Group Mr.Daya Gamage is contesting Esatern Province Election behalf of the UNP.
Mr Gamage has requested the IGP to increase his security after this attack.

IGP Victor Perera has informed all police officers serving in the East that they would be held responsible for any election-related violence that takes place in their respective division in the run up to the provincial council polls there.

The police chief has informed them by letter to take steps to maintain law and order in their areas.

By yesterday (April 22nd), sixteen election related incidents of violence were reported from the date of nominations, Police say.

Nine incidents were reported from Batticaloa district, followed by five in Ampara and two from Trincomalee.

At a press briefing yesterday, Peoples’ Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said that 21 serious incidents including four murders, seven assaults and eight threats have been reported.

The Army Headquarters has banned retired Major General Janaka Perera and Colonel Jayavi Fernando from entering army camps citing security reasons.

An expectant mother gave birth to quadruplets at the Castle Street hospital late last night. The four girls are reportedly in healthy condition.

The military this morning advanced its forward defence lines in Muhamalai to Kilali by 500 metres after a fierce battle. At least 52 LTTE cadres were reportedly killed. The military also confirmed that 15 soldiers were killed and 74 injured.

Security arrangements are now in effect for all political parties to engage in the Eastern Provincial Council elections campaign without any difficulty and also for the voters to cast their vote in a violence free environment, Eastern Security Forces Commander Major General Jammika Liyanage told the Daily News yesterday.

"A strong presence of 20,000 Security Forces personnel apart from the Police in the East will strengthen security in the Eastern province especially for the Eastern polls," Major General Liyanage said.

Explaining special security arrangements for the forthcoming PC polls in the East, he said that 40 additional platoons will be deployed during the elections period.

"We are providing security for all political parties without any difference to conduct their elections meetings. So there is no question about conducting elections meetings in the East," he added.

Security has been beefed up after increasing the number of road blocks, road pickets and mobile patrols in the East. The Eastern Security Forces Commander also said that the Security Forces also have sealed off the possibility for the LTTE infiltrate into the East by deploying troops inside jungles and by improving the intelligence network inside the province.

"Therefore there is no possibility for the LTTE to sabotage elections in the East," he added.

He said so far no major incidents have been reported in the Eastern province in the run up to the May 10 elections and added that Security Forces and Police are determined to continue a similar record in the coming weeks too in the East.

The close relationship between the Security Forces and the public has also contributed immensely to improve security in the province.

"Under these circumstances we are confident that the May 10 elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner," Major General Liyanage noted.

A team of international legal experts Tuesday stepped up their criticism of Sri Lanka, noting that repeated calls to improve its record on the issue had fallen on deaf ears.
he International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) said Colombo lacked the political will to investigate grave rights abuses.

The panel members spoke to reporters Tuesday for the first time after attacking Colombo in a statement last month for blocking efforts to ensure minimum standards were maintained in probing serious abuses.

As their work progressed, the government's tone "was becoming increasingly disrespectful (of the experts)," British panel member Nigel Rodley said at the briefing.

"They were accusing us of all kinds of nefarious stuff, including making way for an international panel to monitor the rights situation on the ground here. It's not true, the allegations are baseless," Rodley said.

The IIGEP, which includes experts from the European Union, United Nations, Australia, Canada, India, France and the United States, was formed in 2007 to oversee a presidential commission of inquiry into 16 cases of major human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

However Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says the Government rejects the final report of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons. He said the group was appointed to monitor the activities of the special presidential commission. Speaking at a press briefing at his ministry this afternoon the minister emphasised that most of the statements of the group are false. He noted that the group always released its report targeting a meeting of the International Human Rights Council. The minister said this gives rise to a reasonable doubt regarding the activities of the Group of Eminent Persons. The Group was appointed by the government as a fact finding mission. Minister Samarasinghe stated that the government granted all the facilities needed for the group in this endeavour. This depicts the government’s genuine desire to find the truth. Therefore he pointed out that the groups claim that the government doesn’t have a true political desire is greatly unjust. The minister added that members of the group have not actively taken part in investigations.

Also addressing the media briefing Attorney General C.R. De Silva said the claim made by the group that the involvement of the Attorney General’s Department threatened the impartiality of the investigations is ungrounded. He said the attorney general’s department had no occasion to invene in the activities of the group.

Two people were injured following a grenade explosion in Pepiliyana. Borelasgamuwa police said that according to eyewitnesses unidentified men riding a motorbike lobbed the grenade and fled.

Finalized military reports received from battlefronts in the North indicate 28 deaths of LTTE cadres during yesterday's (April 21) clashes with Army. In addition, according to the reports, one soldier was killed and 17 others suffered injuries during these clashes.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, troops launched several attacks at LTTE defences in the Muhamalai and Elthumaduwal areas during the day and claimed 4 LTTE bunkers were destroyed. 2 LTTE cadres were reportedly injured in these attacks. 4 soldiers suffered injuries due to LTTE mortar fire and anti personnel mine (AP) explosions.

On the Mannar front, troops in a pre- dawn attack captured LTTE stronghold called "Lima Base - 3" located at east of Kattankulam . Seven LTTE terrorists were killed in this incident while one soldier was also killed and 8 others suffered injuries. Further , snipers deployed in the Manthota and Kattankulam area claimed shooting down of 4 LTTE cadres. While clearing their way further into the Wanni territory, troops removed 71 AP mines and 8 booby traps laid by the terrorists. 2 soldiers suffered injuries due to AP mine explosions in Minnukkaid and Kattankulama areas.

On the Welioya front, troops had a series of daylong clashes with LTTE cadres in the North of Janakapura and the North of Kiriibbanwewa and claimed to have killed 9 terrorists and wounded 6 others. A soldier suffered injuries in one of these clashes occurred in North of Janakapura area.

On the Vavuniya front, troops claimed to have killed seven terrorists during the clashes occurred in Palampiddi , Thachchanamaruthamadu and Navathkulam areas on the same day. Two soldiers suffered injuries in these incidents .

According to the military reports received so far from the Vavuniya battlefront 3 terrorists have been killed in today's (April 22) military operations in the area.

In the general area South Palampiddi , troops have confronted with a group LTTE terrorists around 4.30 pm . Ground troops claimed to have killed two terrorists in this incident. Troops have suffered no damages/

Meanwhile, a sniper deployed in the general area Chinnavalayankaddu area claimed shooting down of one LTTE cadre around 5.25 pm.

Ground sources in Mannar battlefront reveal that the terrorists have suffered heavy casualties today (April 22) in the continued military effort to liberate Wanni from terror clutches.

In the Malikkattidal area, troops engaged artillery and mortars at a group of terrorist around 12.25 pm. According to the ground sources terrorists have suffered heavy casualties in the incident. However, the exact damage to the terrorists is yet to be ascertained, the sources further add.

Meanwhile, snipers deployed in the Minukkan area claimed to have killed 2 LTTE cadres around 9 am. Also, a soldier suffered serious injuries in a separate confrontation occurred in the same area.

COLOMBO, 22 April 2008 (IRIN) - Intensified fighting in recent months in Sri Lanka's restive northwestern Mannar District has forced more than 16,000 people to flee to safe areas within the region.

In light of this, A Nicholasspillai, the government agent for Mannar, told IRIN he had made contingency plans for up to 25,000 additional IDPs fleeing the clashes between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the district, while government military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara also expected additional civilians to flee to government-controlled areas in the district.

"There are 40,000 people registered as living in the Manthai West division [an LTTE-controlled area] where fighting is intense," Nicholasspillai told IRIN. "Most of them have already moved out of the [immediate] areas where the fighting is taking place, but if the clashes continue and they move further north, they will have no other option but to flee to government areas."

Fighting has been continuous along the line of control in Mannar District since December 2007, with government forces trying to dislodge the Tamil Tigers from their frontline positions.

The conflict has also threatened Madhu church and its prominent 500-year-old statue, Our Lady of Madhu. Clashes close to the church prompted Catholic authorities to relocate the statue and key artifacts and documents. "Our Lady of Madhu [statue] has become a refugee in her own land for the first time," the Catholic bishop for the district, Rev Rayappu Jospeh, said.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), there were 23,000 IDPs in Mannar District by end-March. Most of the displaced - 16,700 - remained in the Manthai West division, under the control of the Tigers. No access is available to the division through government-controlled areas in Mannar due to the fighting. Humanitarian agencies have had to reach the displaced through the Tiger-controlled Kilinochchi District.

UN agencies have reported that security and access restrictions have affected their ability to provide medical assistance to those displaced in Manthai West.

"[The UN Children's Fund] UNICEF reports that due to ongoing military operations, Public Health Midwives (PHM) have returned to Mannar and only one [government] medical officer and three PHMs are covering the whole of Manthai West," the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (ISAC) stated in its latest situation report released on 12 April.

"Approval for transportation of Tri-posa [a children's nutritional supplement] and Corn Soya Blend to Manthai West is pending. In 2007, only three of the 12 months' supplies were transported," it said.

Nicholasspillai said strict security measures had also delayed supplies to government-controlled areas of the district. "Access continues to be problematic due to the checkpoints."

All vehicles proceeding to Mannar undergo rigorous screening by government security forces at Madavachchiya, 90km from Mannar, where supplies are unloaded and reloaded into vehicles.
"That takes a considerable amount of time and there are other checkpoints on the road to Mannar," Rukshan Fernando, coordinator for the human rights in conflict programme at the Law and Society Trust (LST), a Colombo-based rights advocacy group, told IRIN.

Sri Lankan military authorities told IRIN they were not denying anyone entry into Mannar but were taking precautions to prevent attacks by the Tamil Tigers. "We have not restricted anyone, but the usual strict checking is in place," Nanayakkara said. "We have to be responsible for the safety of everyone."

Nicholasspillai said humanitarian agencies were also awaiting clarification from security authorities regarding the status of a new IDP centre at Kalamoddai, which is sheltering about 200 people in temporary shelters. Nicholasspillai said more IDPs were expected to arrive there. So far, the humanitarian community had limited its assistance to the provision of emergency supplies, he said.

Nanayakkara said: "We plan to set up more sites as the number of people fleeing the Tiger areas increases."

Charging that the government is violating election regulations in its campaign for the forthcoming Eastern provincial Council election, the UNP has lodged six complaints with the Department of Elections.

These complaints include the abduction of a person, use of state resources for election campaigning and intimidating government officials, reports from the UNP say.

The UNP says that Mohan Velu, the son-in-law of its candidate for Padirippuwa was abducted and that UPFA candidate A.L.A.M. Hiszbullajh has indulged in election campaigning from a government office.

In addition, the main opposition party says that several government ministers have been using state resources including vehicles for campaign activities.

The state-appointed Commission of Inquiry is making a very slow and lethargic progress in its probe into grave human rights violations, the head of an expert panel that oversaw the investigations has alleged.

Retired Indian Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati, Chairman of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP), made the allegation at its final news briefing that was held in Colombo this morning (April 22nd).

He maintained that the Attorney General should not play any role in a commission of inquiry, which was not the case under question.

As a public servant, the AG’s functioning in the CoI tasked to investigate HR issues, raises questions about its independence, Justice Bhagwati said.

Invited into the country by the Sri Lankan President, the 11-member IIGEP initially oversaw probes into 15 HR violations that had taken place between August 01, 2005 and October 16, 2006, and was later given another case to observe.

Its observations and recommendations to the CoI met with a sluggish response, Mr. Bhagwati claimed, after which the panel decided to terminate its functions.

He also responded to a charge by Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella that the IIGEP chairman was unaware of the legal system and the law of the country.

Mr. Bhagwati said that he was very much knowledgeable about the Indian and Sri Lankan legal systems, which have many similarities.

He questioned Mr. Rambukwella about the basis of his allegation.

Countering a government charge that the IIGEP had acted beyond its mandate, Mr. Bhagwati said they had fulfilled their duties by observing the proceedings of the CoI and by submitting views and recommendations.

It is now up to the government to implement our recommendations, he said.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Don Camp visited Colombo April 20-22 as part of the U.S. Government's regular, ongoing consultations with the Sri Lankan Government, US embassy in Colombo said in a statement today.

According to the statement to, Mr. Camp During his visit met with senior Government of Sri Lanka officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Suhada Gamalath. He also met with leading political figures, civil society leaders, and business representatives, statement further revealed.

The statement also cited Mr. Camp having characterizing his meetings as "useful and frank, in the way of long time friends".

"We value the dialogue we continue to have with the government, as well as the lines of communication we maintain with Sri Lanka's political, business, and civil society leaders. Many of the issues we discuss are difficult ones, particularly on human rights and the resolution of the conflict, but the U.S. will remain engaged in the hope of seeing progress." ,the statement further cited.

Mr. Camp also welcomed initial measures to demobilize TMVP child soldiers, urged progress on human rights, and stressed the importance of free and fair elections in the East, without violence or intimidation, the statement said.

Mr. Camp's first Foreign Service posting was to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo in the late 1970s, and he served here again briefly as Charg‚ d'Affaires in 2003.

A grenade blast had been reported from Pepiliyana a short while ago.

Bahrain Labour Minister DR. MAJEED BIN MOHSIN AL ALAWI left for Sri Lanka, India and Nepal with a delegation of businessmen and senior officials of the government to sign MOUs related the workforce and vocational training fields.

The minister aims to strengthen vital role towards the expatriate workforce in light of the kingdoms’ international reputation in protecting workers rights ,
The minister will sign three year memos on behalf of Bahrain government with the three countries to regulate corporation and the exchange of expertise in the workforce and vocational training fields.

Mauldivian high commissioner in Sri Lanka Ali Hussein Didi says the SAARC regional meeting to be held in Sri Lanka this year will be greatly beneficial to the regional countries.
He stated this at the opening of the South Asian Book Exhibition 2008 at the National Libraries and Documentation Services Board in Colombo this morning.

No decision to increase milk powder prices

Ministry Bandula Gunawardena says the government has not taken any decision to increase milk powder prices. He said the maximum retail price of 400 grams of milk powder is 275 rupees.
The consumer protection authority signed an agreement with milk powder importing companies to retain this price for a period of 6 months. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo today the minister said this period ends this month so the two parties are now engaged in discussions regarding maintaining stable prices.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Consumers’ Union also plans to import milk powder. These imports will be distributed through cooperatives and Lak Sathosa outlets.

by Mel Gunasekera


COLOMBO (AFP) - A team of international legal experts Tuesday stepped up their criticism of Sri Lanka, noting that repeated calls to improve its record on the issue had fallen on deaf ears.
he International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) said Colombo lacked the political will to investigate grave rights abuses.

The panel members spoke to reporters Tuesday for the first time after attacking Colombo in a statement last month for blocking efforts to ensure minimum standards were maintained in probing serious abuses.

As their work progressed, the government's tone "was becoming increasingly disrespectful (of the experts)," British panel member Nigel Rodley said at the briefing.

"They were accusing us of all kinds of nefarious stuff, including making way for an international panel to monitor the rights situation on the ground here. It's not true, the allegations are baseless," Rodley said.

The IIGEP, which includes experts from the European Union, United Nations, Australia, Canada, India, France and the United States, was formed in 2007 to oversee a presidential commission of inquiry into 16 cases of major human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

Among the cases was the August 2006 massacre of 17 local aid workers attached to a French charity in the island's northeast. The evidence had pointed to the involvement of security forces and a state cover-up.

"The commission of inquiry has been slow to respond to our recommendations. We don't see a point of carrying on our role further," said the panel's head, P.N. Bhagwati, a retired chief justice of India.

Bhagwati accused Colombo of making little effort to enable the commission to maintain its independence in terms of funds to carry out field visits and hire its own legal counsel, without taking on the state attorney general (AG).

"Hiring the state attorney general to provide counsel is a clear conflict of interest. The AG is an organ of the state, so is the army. Justice must not only be done, but must appear to be done," Bhagwati said.

The panel also recommended the government set up a witness protection programme to encourage people to testify.

"We conclude that the government as a whole does not have the necessary political will to implement our recommendations. We keep repeating the same recommendations over and over again," said professor Yozo Yokota of Japan.

The Sri Lankan government has accused the IIGEP of working to an "international agenda" to force a UN human rights monitoring mission on Sri Lanka, a charge denied by the experts.

Sri Lanka is under increasing pressure to clean up its record with rights groups saying that more than 1,500 people have disappeared in the past two years.

Colombo pulled out of a tattered 2002 truce with Tamil rebels in January in the belief that it could defeat the guerrillas. The guerrillas are fighting a decades-long separatist war against Colombo in which tens of thousands have been killed.

COLOMBO, April 22 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's trade deficit widened to $317.2 million in February from $147 million in the same month last year, as imports of consumer goods outpaced exports led by tea and rubber products, the central bank said on Tuesday.

The country's exports in February grew 9.7 percent to $642.6 million, compared with $585.8 million a year ago. Imports rose 31 percent to $959.8 million in February, compared with $732.8 million a year earlier.

The trade deficit has widened to $937 million in the first two months of 2008, from $447.3 million during the same period last year.

JVP said today no JVP member has involved with any other persons in the recent attacks .
The JVP said the publicity given to the alleged attacks are a combined attempt to discredit the JVP's image. It said it is suspicious that there is a conspiracy behind this attempt .They wanted to suppress the JVP activities.The JVP urges the IGP to take stern actions against the culprits and bring them before the court.

The Patriotic National Movement (PNM) decided to return the vehicle belonging to JVP Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunaarachchi. The vehicle was imported using the JVP duty free concession for use by the PNM.

A general amnesty for the Army deserters has been declared by the Army Headquarters today, commencing from May 2 to 16.

Main accuse of the JVP MP's vehicle theft case Parliamentarin Jayantha Wijesekara's security has been slashed, the party sources say.
According to the sources the Ministry of Defence has withdrawn his backup vehicle and reduced the number of guards to five.
In several instances, the present regime is known to have reduced or removed the security of parliamentarians and ministers for crossing over to the opposition or for being critical of them.

The Government has relaxed restrictions on fishing imposed along the Muttur and Kinniya coastal belt in the Trincomalee district.

This follows a discussion Presidential Senior Advisor Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa had with a delegation of the fishing community in Muttur during an inspection tour of the region on April 20. Earlier, the Government imposed certain restrictions on fishing in this region for security reasons on the recommendation of the Navy.

At the discussion with fishermen in the region on Sunday, Rajapaksa gave a patient hearing to the fishermen's grievances and negotiated with the Navy to have these restrictions relaxed to enhance the living conditions of the fishing community in the area.

It was also decided at this conference to increase the number of Ma del used in the area with Fisheries Ministry approval.

Earlier, fishing was banned in the region during the operation of the Navy's Jet Liner vessel. Fishermen will now be allowed to engage in fishing utilising Ma del and Theppam during the operation of this vessel.

Fishermen in Kinniya and Muttur would also be allowed to engage in fishing within a distance of five miles from the shore three days per week.

Earlier, fishermen were allowed to engage in fishing upto a distance of two miles. The possibility of allowing fishing on all seven days of the week would be considered soon depending on the security situation.

It was also decided at this discussion to advance the fishing time to 2 a.m. and to relax the prohibition on fishing in the Gange area.

Earlier, the use of motor boats for fishing was prohibited in the Kinniya and Muttur region. The Navy agreed to relax this rule on the insistence of MP Rajapaksa. Accordingly fishermen would be allowed to use motor boats below 15 horse power capacity for fishing from April 27.

07 terrorists were killed in several confrontations reported in Vavuniya front yesterday April 21.

In a clash reported in general area Palampidi, ground troops confirmed that 04 LTTE terrorists were killed around 11 a.m yesterday.

An army soldier also received injuries due to the LTTE's retaliation.

Meanwhile, troops attacked at LTTE bunker line established at Nawathkulam area last afternoon, sources said. Ground troops confirmed that three terrorists were killed in this attack.

Separately, an army soldier suffered injuries due to an explosion of anti-personnel mine in general area Sulainamarapamadu while he was in mine clearing duties. The explosion occurred around 5 p.m and the victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention immediately, sources added.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL demanding Haj-like subsidy for Hindu pilgrims who wish to visit the Ramayan-fame Ashok Vatika, which the Sri Lankan government claimed to have located recently and has publicised to attract tourists from India.

Petitioner advocate Ashok Pandey also requested a bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran to issue a directive to the Centre to subsidise the pilgrimages to Hindu shrines in Pakistan, Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal and Mansoravor in China.

However, the petitioner could not give any pilgrim figure to the bench, which asked whether he had any knowledge as to how many people visited the shrines in Pakistan last year.

The advocate said when a minister wanted to perform Haj, even he got subsidy by the Central government. However, no such facility was extended to a poor Hindu if he wanted to visit shrines in neighbouring countries, he added.

Supporters of the TMVP and PLOTE clashed in Batticaloa last evening injuring at least four people.

The main opposition UNP yesterday blamed the TMVP for the abduction of Mohan Velu, the son-in-law of its candidate for Batticaloa District at the Eastern Provincial Council. But the TMVP dismissed the claim saying the abduction probably is the work of the Wanni Tigers.

The UNP Election Incidents Monitoring Unit said Mr. Velu was abducted in Paddiripu in the Batticaloa District on Sunday night and released yesterday morning. He had been asked to report to the local TMVP office at 5.00 pm last evening. The party blamed the cadres attached to TMVP local office in Vechipalayam in Paddiripu for the abduction.

A complaint has been made to the Kalavanchikudi police , the Polls Chief and monitors.

TMVP spokesman Azard Mowlana commenting on the matter said the party had nothing to do with the abduction and claimed the Wanni Tigers may have been behind it. “We stand for a free and fair elections and will never resort to such violent acts,” he said.

"Desertion by three so-called ‘LTTE Policemen’ in their twenties with uniforms and their subsequent most recent arrival in Mannar with pleas for clemency from the troops, amply proves that the terrorist outfit appears now terribly shaken and thrown into disarray, as defeat becomes inevitable to the terrorists", states a press release from Army Headquarters.

Those three LTTE deserters, Amala Sumanyan (26), Rathnakumar Sadeesh (23) and Sebastian Pillai Arulraj (26), according to their confessions made to the troops, had shunned LTTE "Police duties" on several occasions as separate individuals, but the LTTE had repeatedly arrested them and finally confined all three of them to LTTE's Kanagapura prison in Kilinochchi on different counts where all three of them met together and became friends.

On that fateful day on 31st March 2008 terrorist leaders unlocked them from the prison and made their way to the north of Mannar across dense jungles with thirty-four more "LTTE Policemen", including three of them for deployment for LTTE duties. Consequently, twenty-five of those "Police" youngsters were ordered to serve Parappakandal area, north of Uyilankulam and the remaining nine "Policemen" had been brought to a "Police" behind for work at that point. An LTTE leader called, Elil Kannan in Madu are conducted the nine-member team to Chettiyarkattai Adampan LTTE checkpoint, but was furious to find that even those remaining two "policemen" had also gone missing from the point with no trace, according to those escapees.

The three protagonists, despite their exhaustion and fatigue finally made up their minds on 2nd April 2008 and managed to exit secretly to the check point in Chettiyarkattai Adampan, on the opposite bank of the Giant Tank, named by members of the Armed Forces and the Police where they sought refuge with them.

The LTTE "Police" deserter Amala Sumanayan (26) of Kannadidamapn, Mannar after he was conscripted by force to the LTTE, had once escaped and crept into Iluppukadeweli area, but the terrorists again abducted him on 20th April 2007 and forced upon him to serve LTTE route clearing and picket duties after he had been given LTTE "Police" and weapon training.

The other one, Sebastian Pillai Arularj (26) from Champainpattu, Thalady had a different story to relate after he was abducted by the LTTE terrorists on 18th June 2007. He was subjected to LTTE's "Police training" at an LTTE training base in Iranamadu area and was later deployed for route clearing and picket duties in various places in Wanni. He further went on record saying that over eighty percent of the LTTE conscripts under LTTE diktats in Wanni are now fully up against the LTTE hierarchy and the organisation, and are actually marking time to abandon and disappear at any given moment. Heated arguments had prevailed, escapees said.

The youngest one, Rathna Kumar Sadeesh (23) of Akrayankulam, Kilinochchi has been abducted on 17th June 2007 by Tiger terrorists and ordered to serve many areas as a "policeman" afterwards until he too ended up in LTTE jail some time back after he ran away from "police duty" where he had the chance to meet other affected colleagues.

Those three surrendered LTTE "policemen", now handed over to the Police are receiving short-term rehabilitation under a special programme before they are referred to the special rehabilitation programme conducted by the government.

The JVP’s internal battle is getting more violent and anyone having connections with dissident leader Wimal Weerawansa is in for trouble.

Yesterday the Patriotic National Movement reported that its Treasurer Dr. Sumith Vanniarachchi of Kandy, who is also the Treasurer of the Mavubima Lanka Foundation, had been assaulted by a JVP Provincial Council member and a group of JVP activists and warded at the Peradeniya Hospital.

A media release from PNM president Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara said Dr. Sumith Vanniarachchi, a veterinary surgeon, had given a tea party to Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa and the group of 10 dissident JVP parliamentarians at his residence at Balagolla, Digana after they had worshipped at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. "This act would have provoked the JVP to attack the social activist Dr. Sumith Vanniarachchi."

Dr. Amarasekera said the conspiracy to expel Wimal Weerawansa from the JVP had led to a spell of ugly incidents. The first such brutal attack had been in Bandaragama on April 17, where the Kalutara District Executive Committee member Hemantha Perera was attacked.

He said it was a tragic and a dangerous situation that the JVP was facing and the conspirators were trying to destroy the party with such ugly incidents.

The PNM has requested the Inspector General of Police to take action against those who assaulted Dr. Vanniarachchi.

District Election officers of Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa districts say all preliminary arrangements for the eastern provincial election have been completed. The Election officers informed media that the distribution of election cards and assigning the officers for election duty are being completed.
Officers from other districts have been appointed as election officers for eastern provincial election. A workshop to brief these officers on eastern provincial council election will be held today and tomorrow. These officers will be given an introduction on all activities pertaining to election including postal voting procedures. The Assistant Elections Commissioner of Batticaloa district
Mr. S. Sudhakaran said that arrangements are made in 125 centres in Batticaloa district to cast the postal votes. Meanwhile, Assistant Elections Commissioner of Ampara district Mr. L.D.K. Thennakoon says 253 centres will be established in Ampara for this purpose. Assistant Elections Commissioner of Trincomalee district Mr. M.S.K. Bandara Mapa says centres are established in Trincomalee district to cast postal votes. The propaganda activities of eastern provincial election had already been started.
Meanwhile PAFFEREL says an environment has been created in the eastern province to hold a free and fair provincial council election. Only a few minor incidents have been reported so far since the closing date of accepting nominations. PAFFEREL has already commenced monitoring activities of the pre-election period. Foreign monitors from counties such as Germany, US, Portugal, Thailand and Switzerland will be in Sri Lanka to observe the eastern polls. 2,500 local observers will also monitor the election. Chairman of PAFFEREL Kingsley Rodrigo says they will meet leaders of political parties and independent groups contesting the election this week. They also hope to meet the Elections Commissioner.

Lanka-e-News Journalist Shantha Wijesuriya, who went to cover the release of JVP MP Jayantha Wijesekara was beaten by a group of party supporters at the Colombo Chief Magistrate courts premises today.

A jailor and a guard at the Welikada Prison were interdicted over the stabbing incident of convicted underworld Leader Potta Naufer by a fellow inmate last week at the Prison premises.

The security forces have consolidated power in the east of Kattankulam in Mannar.
Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said the troops advanced 1,300 meters into the enemy’s territory by launching a surprised attack around 4.30 am today.
The security forces ran over an LTTE camp named Lima Base-3. Seven LTTE terrorists were killed in the attack.

Paddy mill owners, rice importers and wholesale dealers further assure the government that rice will be sold under the prices stipulated by the government.
They made this assurance at a meeting held this afternoon with the participation of Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Secretary to the Treasury Dr. P.B. Jayasundara. They requested the government not to impose a controlled price for wholesale prices of rice.
Minister Gunawardena pointed out that there would be no such need if the dealers supply rice to the market at the controlled price. These retail price limits are not applicable to rice verities such as Basmati.

The businessmen expressed the hope that rice could be sold below the controlled prices in future. Paddy mill owners also promised to the Minister that they would purchase paddy from farmers above the government’s guaranteed prices.

PAFFEREL says a situation has been created in the eastern province to hold a free and fair provincial council election.
Few minor incidents on violating the election law have been reported so far since the closing date of accepting nominations.
PAFFEREL has already started monitoring activities of the pre-election period. Foreign monitors from Germany, US, Portugal, Thailand and Switzerland will be in Sri Lanka to observe the eastern polls.
Around 2,500 local observers will also monitor the activities of the election. Chairman of PAFFEREL Kingsley Rodrigo says they will meet leaders of political parties and independent groups contesting the election this week. They also hope to meet the Elections Commissioner.

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka is organizing a Trade Delegation to participate in the Kunming Import and Export International Trade Fair that will be held at the Kunming Province in China from the 06th to 10th of June.
This is one of the largest Trade Fairs in the work where more than 48 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Asian countries, some European countries take part to exhibit and sell their products.

Sunil C.Perera in Colombo
The distribution of official poll cards of the eastern provincial council elections begins today. The cards will be distributed by post until 2nd of next month. If anyone does not receive the poll card, the person will be able to collect it from the relevant post office by proving the identity. Casting postal votes of the election will commence on 28th and 29th of this month.
Meanwhile, the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance says they will intensify its propaganda campaign for the Eastern Provincial Council Election from today. Public rallies have been organized in the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. The UNP and the JVP also plan to expand its election campaign from today. Rest political parties and independent groups are also to intensify propaganda campaign from this week. Several organizations including PAFFREL have already started monitoring the election campaign. Managing director of PAFFREKL Rohana Hettiarachchchi says that a peaceful environment is prevailing in the eastern province at present.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Major political parties excluding UNP will organize May Day rallies in various locations in Sri Lanka.
According to our sources the United National Freedom Alliance will hold their May Day at Dehiattakandiya and the JVP plans to organize its rally in Colombo.
The entire leadership of the JVP is now in the east participating in campaigning for the May 10th provincial councils there. Therefore, the party will not organize a May Day procession this year, the sources said.
The sources said the decision was taken early March, when the party was not facing its present internal strife. In addition, the insecure situation in Colombo has also made the party to decide against holding a procession.
However, the JVP will hold a rally at the Colombo municipal grounds on May 01st.
Meanwhile the major opposition will not organize their rally but plans to organize religious activities at Kelaniya Raja Maha Temple. The JVP sources confirmed they would not organize a May Day procession due to the security reasons.
UPFA shifted their rally to obtain highest support for the forthcoming Eastern Province election. Parties also under the government umbrella will attend this rally.
Major estate Tamil parties will be in Talawakelle and Nuwaraeliya. Leftists will have May Day processions in Colombo.
Most of opposition parties will highlight current cost of living problem and other burning issues. Speaking to Asian Tribune General Secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake said their party has decided to refrain from holding rallies or processions on May Day, in view of the prevailing security situation in the country. Accordingly, the UNP has cancelled its public events planned in Kurunegala. Instead, it will hold religious observances on May 01st.

The Army categorically and unreservedly ridicules LTTE's blatant attempts to discredit and blame its troops for Sunday (20) afternoon murder of the Rev Fr M.X. Karunaratnam when he was on Mallavi-Vavunikulam road in un-cleared areas, about 50 kms to the north of Wanni in Mullaithivu district.
The LTTE upon this unfortunate demise, as is the case in many instances, has been hell-bent on feeding their mouthpieces worldwide and attributes the incident to the Army, with a view to tarnishing its image and trying to hold it responsible for this crime, particularly in the wake of negative criticism the LTTE was receiving regarding the recent holy Madhu church episode.
Late Rev Fr Karunaratnam, well known as "Father Kili" among LTTE cadres serves the North-East Secretariat on Human Rights (NESoHR) and has been provided an LTTE security escort whenever he travels in un-cleared areas, the intelligence has confirmed. Equally, he has expressed concerns about violation of Human Rights in un-cleared areas.
Likewise, the place of the attack on the clergy in un-cleared areas is situated, about 50 kms away from the nearest security detachment in cleared areas where no troops of the Army are operating.
Reliable information in the aftermath of this assassination further re-affirmed the fact that the clergy was with a leading Tiger (LTTE) member, called "Yogan" who was formally with the LTTE Sea Tiger wing when the incident occurred.
Therefore, the Army while unequivocally condemning the brutal murder, which bears all the hallmarks of LTTE brutality, and further points to probable internecine feuds, flatly refuses LTTE's shrewd and baseless allegations, leveled at the Army which has nothing to do with the killing of an innocent clergy.

(AFP)

- Sri Lanka will ask the world athletics governing body to grant a reprieve to banned woman sprinter Jani Chaturangani de Silva, the sports minister said on Monday.
"I have asked the lawyers to compile the facts related to Jani's ban so that I could make a request to the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations)," Gamini Lokuge told AFP.
Lokuge said he believed there had been technical flaws in the investigation against De Silva, who won silver medals in 100 meters in the South Asia Federation Games in 2006 and 2008.
She tested positive for Nandrolone in a urine sample tested in Malaysia after the 2006 Games in Colombo.
"I was told that the urine samples were not in a dry ice container when they were sent to Malaysia," Lokuge said.
He said he would also be requesting the IAAF to back-date her ban from September 14, 2006.
The IAAF last week banned her for two years with effect from April 14, 2008, ruling that all her performances since August 2006 be withdrawn.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
The Kandy Vanilla Growers’ Association (KVGA) recently felicitated Ceylon Cold Stores at it 08th anniversary celebrations, in recognition of its efforts to nurture and promote Sri Lanka’s vanilla industry. Present on the occasion were, President of Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd Jith Goonarathna, Vice President of Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd Neil Samarasinghe and several other officials from the KVGA.

President of the Kandy Vanilla Growers’ Association Muthubandara Madugalla said that in today’s profit-oriented corporate world, it was encouraging to see how CCS was actively involved in uplifting and developing the local vanilla industry, and also using locally grown produce in its ice creams.

“When our members initially went into mass scale production, we did not know anything about vanilla processing techniques. It was the personnel from CCS who patiently taught us the finer points and even went a step further by purchasing our entire produce. The friendly relationship that exists between CCS and the members of our association has grown into one of strength and mutual respect”.

“The fact that CCS has taken its Elephant House Ice Cream to the world is also an endorsement of the quality of locally grown vanilla beans. We do not use artificial fertilisers and insecticides. This is also an industry suited to both the young and the old especially women. It empowers them and gives them a good and steady source of income”, Madugalla added.

President of Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd Jith Goonarathna said that the benefits of this project are manifold. “Firstly there is a considerable saving in valuable foreign exchange. We buy the locally produced and processed beans to extract vanilla essence and therefore do not need to import. A burgeoning industry also means employment for hundreds of people and thus a change in their quality of lives. We consider this a national responsibility and are committed to uplifting Sri Lanka’s vanilla bean industry”

100% natural vanilla essence is a key ingredient in the world renowned Elephant House Vanilla Ice Cream. A project to extract essence from processed vanilla beans was first initiated at its factory in Ranala, Kaduwela in 2002. This proving feasible, CCS then turned to the Sri Lankan farmer in its efforts to extract vanilla from locally grown and processed vanilla beans. Local vanilla cultivation had, until then, been promoted by the National Agri Business Council. The national yield was 30 kilos in 2002.

CCS identified the Kandy Vanilla Growers Association (KVGA), a small group of approximately 30 farmers who were involved in vanilla production, as partners in the revival of the local vanilla industry. With the assurance that the CCS will buy the total vanilla bean production, the KVGA went on a recruitment drive to enlist local farmers. Today, six years later, a total of 2500 farmers are engaged in the profitable cultivation of vanilla in the Central Province in Matale, Kandy, Kurunegala, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya. It has also proved to be an ideal home garden crop.

“In addition to providing assistance to farmers, the KVGA also buys the raw beans at a pre-guaranteed price, processes and cures the beans and supplies the processed beans to CCS for extraction. Of the 5000 kilos produced annually, 3000 kilos are produced for CCS. This in turn yields 600 kilos of processed beans which are sold by the farmers to CCS at Rs. 5500/- per kilo. The Association plans to increase its production capacity to 1000 kilos of processed beans and thus meet the total CCS requirement in the very near future”, Madugalla added.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions unveiled plans to revitalize its brand in order to strengthen its global identity. The brand revitalization will help strengthen awareness of what the company does and what it stands for - bringing to life Tetra Pak’s existing motto “PROTECTS WHAT’s GOOD.” This motto can be found on over 100 billion Tetra Pak packages around the world.

In January Tetra Pak launched its new graphic identity, which puts the “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD” promise at the heart of the brand - with a bolder, fresher, more colorful look. “Tetra Pak is a brand with a rich heritage and an exciting future,” said Dennis Jönsson, CEO, Tetra Pak. “Our motto ‘PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD’ extends far beyond protecting the contents in a package. We are protecting what is good in order to shape a better future for our customers, the company, our employees, our suppliers and the communities in which we operate.”

Country Manager Tetra Pak Sri Lanka Dushantha Ranaraja said, “The Company is constantly innovating new products and services to make food safe and available everywhere. Tetra Pak is also committed to sustainable forestry, recycling and a low carbon footprint within its value chain. The new brand identity is designed to help differentiate the company and support its leading position in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Tetra Pak will roll out its new visual identity in phases during 2008”.

The brand work was developed with Ogilvy Group UK, which conducted an extensive strategic review of the Tetra Pak brand identity on a global basis.

Army sniper deployed in general area Kattankulam in Mannar front has gunned down an LTTE terrorists this afternoon, April 21.
The incident took place at 12.50 p.m, sources from Mannar said.

The United Nation Office of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Sri Lanka today denied of having any connection with LTTE terrorists or being associated with anti-Sri Lankan propaganda efforts of the terror outfit.

At a discussion with Sri Lanka's Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Ministry of Defence today, the UN country representative Neil Buhne and Head of Office OCHA Sri Lanka, Zola Dowell explained that there was no basis to the news published by defence.lk website that LTTE had influenced the UNOCHA to embark on false propaganda missions against Sri Lanka.

However, the two UN representatives admitted having several rounds of meeting with regard to Humanitarian Affairs in Kilinochchi and Batticaloa districts.

The officials also assured that the UNOCHA would not give in to the demands of a terrorist outfit in any circumstance or engage in false propaganda against a democratically elected government.

NEW DELHI, April 21 (KUNA) -- India and neighbouring Sri Lanka are devising a plan for an undersea transmission line to connect the power distribution networks of the two countries so that electricity can be supplied by one when the other faces power shortage.
A report prepared by the Indian state-run PowerGrid has said that the cost of the project will be USD 573 mln and that the project could be completed within 42 months of gettng investment approvals, India's leading English daily The Times of India reported Monday.
"The undersea link will be laid on the sea bed just as telecom and internet cables run across ocean beds around the world. It will have safeguards on both sides against electrocution in case of damage from ship anchors or sharks. An optic-fibre cable will also run alongside the main power cable to keep an eye on the link and also provide extra telecom capacity between the two countries, " The Times of India said.
"The idea is to use electricity as a tool of regional integration. This can be an ideal example. We are already working with Bhutan while Power Trading Corporation and private sector GMR have got projects in Nepal and we are looking at linking up with Bangladesh and Myanmar," India's Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh told the daily.
The report prepared by PowerGrid says the power supply scenario between India and Sri Lanka will allow them to exchange about 500MW of electricity in the short term, or by 2009-10. Presently, India is facing a 16 per cent electricity shortage. The government plans to add 78,500MW capacity by 2012. In comparison, Sri Lanka does not have any power surplus or deficit. Nearly half of the power generated in Sri Lanka comes from hydel sources.
However, almost half of the total hydel potential of 2,000MW has been tapped and new projects will be difficult to implement due to social and environmental problems. "The proposed transmission line between the two countries will provide hydel support to Sri Lanka, while India can seek thermal support from its neighbour in winters. The link will help Srii Lanka reduce use of expensive fuels and import cheaper power. For India, the link will open up a new market for its surplus," The Times of India said.

Yet another activist of the Patriotic National Movement has come under attack, reports said.The victim, veterinary surgeon Sumith Wanniarachchi, is now being treated at the Peradeniya Hospital.
Balagolla Police have launched an investigation into the assault.Four days ago, PNM’s Kalutara organization Hemantha Perera lodged a complaint that a group of JVP activists had attacked him.
In the complaint, Mr. Perera named his assailants as JVP Western Provincial Councilor Ajith Anura and Bandaragama electoral organizer Kamal Soysa and several others.Mr. Perera obtained hospital treatment for his injuries.

JVP Trincomalee MP Jayantha Wijesekara along with another suspect who was identified at the parade today was granted Rs. 5000 cash with two sureties of Rs. 200,000 each. They were suspected on the alleged hijacking of vehicles of JVP dissidents at the Parliamentary complex.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and several members of the party’s politburo participated in election campaigns in Ampara yesterday (April 20th) for the forthcoming eastern Provincial council elections.
The first JVP rally for the East PC polls was held in the Ampara town.
JVP Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva as well as parliamentarians Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Vijitha Herath and Ramalingam Chandrasekaran also attended.

Two men were run over by a motorcar when the motorcycle they were riding was collided with a trishaw in Dehiowita area in Awissawella today. The bodies are at Awissawella hospital morgue.

A relative of a UNP candidate from the Pandiripu area in Batticaloa was abducted and later released. A complaint over the incident was lodged with the Kalawanchikudi police.

P K Balachandran


COLOMBO: The family of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi has forgiven the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the rebel group blamed for his killing nearly 17 years ago, claims S. Doraiswamy, the counsel for many convicted in the assassination case.

In an interview to the Colombo-based Tamil language publication Virakesari Illustrated Weekly on Sunday, he said Rajiv Gandhi’s daughter Priyanka Vadra had forgiven the killers, and consequently Sonia Gandhi, her mother and Rajiv Gandhi’s widow, also would have.

Referring to the sensational meeting Priyanka had with Nalini Sriharan, who is serving a life sentence for her role in the assassination at the maximum security jail in Vellore, on March 19, Doraiswamy said that when Nalini broke into tears and sought forgiveness, Priyanka held her hand and said: “Don’t worry. I’ve already forgotten everything.”

“Priyanka said that she had forgiven Nalini. She went further and said that she had forgiven the killers. What does this mean?” asked Doraiswamy, who has represented Nalini.

Nalini had facilitated the assassination without knowing about it, Doraiswamy said. The plotters and the actual killer, a female suicide bomber, were members of the LTTE.

“I had told an English language daily that her forgiveness was not confined to Nalini and that it applied to the Liberation Tigers also. I say that again,” Doraiswamy asserted.

“As far as I am concerned, I will say that even Sonia is not angry with the Liberation Tigers, because if the daughter says she is not angry, will it not apply to the mother also? I can say with certainty that others in Rajiv’s family also feel the same way,” he said.

Asked if the Indian government felt the same way, the counsel said: “In a situation where Sonia Gandhi’s family itself is not angry with the Liberation Tigers, the Indian government has to accept it and declare that it is not angry with the Tigers.”

“It is true that the people of India were angry with the Liberation Tigers (following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi). But after Priyanka’s meeting with Nalini, the anger has more or less gone, not just vis-à-vis Nalini, but the Liberation Tigers also,” Doraiswamy said. “In course of time, people will come to understand this. When that happens, it will be a good change.”

Asked if Priyanka’s “noble gesture” of meeting her father’s assassin was “politically motivated,” given the fact that Sonia Gandhi is president of the Congress Party and chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which is due to face several elections, he said: “I have no need to analyze the reasons for the meeting. I feel that Priyanka should be praised for her act. To go and meet a person who has been convicted and serving a sentence for killing her father, and forgive her, is an incomparably great deed.”

Sydney, April 21, 2008. Caritas Australia is calling on the international community, including the Australian Government, to assist the Sri Lankan Government in challenging the culture of impunity operating throughout Sri Lanka, after the death of Father MX Karunaratnam in a roadside bombing on Sunday.
AP is reporting 'a roadside bomb set off by government soldiers in rebel-held territory in Sri Lanka has killed a Roman Catholic priest who was also a human rights activist'.
'We pray for Fr Karunaratnam, the head of North East Secretariat on Human Rights. We are richer for his courageous work in maintaining a focus on the rights of the marginalised', said Caritas Australia's Acting CEO Jamie Isbister.
Fr Damian Fernando of Caritas Sri Lanka said, 'Caritas Sri Lanka is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Fr. Karunaratnam. He was an example of courage and humanity and will be missed by all. As long as violence prevails in the country, more innocent lives will be lost and this situation has to end. It is therefore fundamental that the conflicting parties come to some agreement and reach a peaceful compromise which will bring a lasting solution for Peace in Sri Lanka.'
Mr Isbister said, 'the vicious fighting and ongoing human rights violations by all parties are going unchallenged and uninvestigated and remain a crucial issue to be addressed by the Sri Lankan Government, the LTTE and the international community. More than 3000 people have died since the collapse of the ceasefire in January 2008'.
'The cultural of impunity that is operating in Sri Lanka needs to be urgently addressed, as virtually none of the killings, abductions and human rights abuses that continue to occur in Sri Lanka are ever brought before the courts'.
'Since the collapse of the peace process earlier this year, the situation has deteriorated for millions across Sri Lanka. The current threat to the Madhu Shrine and the murder of human rights activists like Fr Karunaratnam illustrate the need for international pressure to get the parties back to the table', said Mr Isbister.
'We saw the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons, 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), pulled out in March 2008 because of a lack of political will to investigate and bring to justice these tragedies'.
'Australia as a regional power and with a growing Sri Lankan diaspora, has a unique opportunity to build a politically powerful contact group of India, the EU and the USA, to ensure parties return to the table', said Mr Isbister.
Caritas Australia continues to work through its local partners with all parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka supporting grassroots initiatives including trauma counseling, delivering food aid and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

As fighting intensified in North causing severe casualties, the LTTE seize stocks of medical supplies dispatched by the government for the civilians in Wanni, defence sources said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a statement released yesterday (April 17), said that hospitals in the non-liberated areas in Wanni and North are running short of basic medical supplies.
The Red Cross report attributes the problem as the lack of regular deliveries, limited number of staffers and medical equipment, but states it had managed to get supplies from the government.
Following the release of the ICRC statement, Minister of Health Nimal Siripla de Silva called on a special meeting at the Health Ministry this morning.
During the meeting the officials informed the Minister a shipload of medical supplies has already been dispatched to the north during the first quarter of the year while preparations have been made to dispatch the second shipload soon.
According to defence officials, the LTTE is stockpiling essential medicines, contributing to the creation of artificial shortages of important critical care items.
Important drugs and other medical supplies supplied by the government and intended for civilians in uncleared areas are routinely hijacked by the LTTE, adding to the health difficulties already faced by civilians in those areas.
The army reports that a large number of LTTE cadres injured in recent fighting in the Jaffna Peninsula are being smuggled into civilian hospitals for treatment.

PK Balachandran
"COLOMBO: India is said to be dragging its feet on an urgent request from the Sri Lankan government for supply of 100,000 tons of rice.

Days after the request was made through official channels, New Delhi is yet to respond, trade sources told this website’s newspaper.

A leading rice trader in Sri Lanka said the External Affairs and Commerce ministries, and even the Prime Minister’s Office are involved in the decision-making process as India itself faces soaring inflation, especially of food products including rice.

Poor arrivals in the market, apparently due to a bad crop and adverse weather conditions, and a high rate of inflation forced India to recently ban the export of non-basmati rice.

However, in response to calls from Bangladesh and South Africa, India released 500,000 tons each to both countries. But there seems to be difficulty in releasing the 100,000 tons Sri Lanka has sought.

India, perhaps, fears that a shortage of the staple cereal might add to the burden of the Indian masses already reeling under a rate of inflation of over 7 percent. And to the ruling party, any rice shortage could be particularly embarrassing in a pre-election year.

But official sources said many ministries and departments need to be consulted before exemptions from the ban can be authorised, and that this was time-consuming.

It might take up to two months from the date of request for a shipment to arrive, an official said on condition of anonymity.

There are two issues to be settled. One is an exemption from the export ban and the other is an exemption from the floor price, which is currently US$ 1,000 per ton FOB, or Free on Board. “For Sri Lanka, $1,000 per ton is unaffordable,” a market source said.

“India can give the exemptions if there is a political need or will to do so. There may have been a compelling political reason to supply half a million tons of rice each to Bangladesh and South Africa. Therefore, the need of the hour is a strong political push from Colombo,” the source said.

The Sri Lankan government says it is getting 50,000 tons of rice from Myanmar immediately, and a further 50,000 tons will be sought. But trade sources say there have been only two shipments from Yangon, totaling 7,000 tons. Even this limited quantity will be reportedly arriving only by April 25.

Thailand has been a major exporter of rice but it has raised its floor price to US$1,000 per ton. “Therefore, the best bargain will be to buy from neighbouring India. But to do this, Sri Lanka must have excellent relations with its political leaders and officialdom,” a trade source said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan government is using strong-arm methods to get traders to unload their stocks and sell at government-controlled prices.

The assassination of Rev. Father M X Karunaratnam, Chairman of the North East Secretariat on Human Rights (NESoHR), who succumbed to injuries sustained in a remote controlled claymore mine attack that had targeted him within the LTTE controlled territory where he lived and worked is a shocking and callous act. Fr Karunaratnam died in close proximity to his residential prayer and counselling centre which was a haven to those who suffered the travails of the ongoing war.

The killing of Fr Karunaratnam adds to the heavy toll of humanitarian, human rights and religious workers killed in the course of the ethnic conflict. The National Peace Council condemns this targeted killing of a senior Catholic priest and human rights worker. In addition to his many contributions to society, Fr Karunaratnam helped to facilitate some of NPC’s own peace programmes and study tours in the Wanni and Jaffna.

As head of NESoHR which was set up in July 2004, as part of the 2002 Peace Process, Fr Karunaratnam worked tirelessly to strengthen the human rights protection mechanisms in the North East of Sri Lanka. He was active in highlighting recruitment of children by the LTTE and worked tirelessly for their release. Fr Karunaratnam also sought to publicise the human rights violations to which the people living in the north east, particularly the Wanni region, were subjected to. He publicly criticised the government for many of the sufferings inflicted upon the Tamil people and challenged the national human rights institutions to live up to their mandates.

Fr. Karunaratnam entered the priesthood relatively late in life having started his career with Bank of Ceylon before opting to become a priest. He had many friends among the majority Sinhala community. He was fluent in the Sinhala language and saw the whole country as his home.

The LTTE has accused the deep penetration unit of the Sri Lankan military for the killing of Fr Karunaratnam. Whoever perpetrated this evil act has taken away yet another bridge builder who loved the whole country. While it may never be known who was responsible for his assassination we are convinced that another moderate voice has been stilled. Fr Kili, as he was popularly known, had a deep love and commitment to build bridges between ethnic and religious communities in Sri Lanka. The National Peace Council laments his loss.

by Jehan Perera


There is a frustrating sense of stagnation in terms of problem solving that troubles the government and propels it to seek even short term results. None of the main problems, whether economic, political or military, seem to be getting resolved in a sustainable and long term manner. Although the government continues to enjoy majority support in Parliament, it has reason to feel insecure. The government's majority is contingent on support it is receiving from parliamentarians who were elected to opposition parties who are presently with it. But they could go back to their own parties if they feel the tide is turning. The forthcoming elections in the Eastern Province could prove to be a harbinger of things to come.

In the prevailing situation, where there is economic hardship and political volatility, the government desperately needs a success. It has apparently put a part of its faith in the ability of the Sri Lankan military to capture of the revered Catholic shrine of Madhu to provide it with a much needed morale booster. The government could project the capture of Madhu, which is currently in LTTE-controlled territory, as liberation of the religious shrine and the proof of capture of LTTE controlled territory in the north. The government may believe that the sight of busloads of Catholic pilgrims making their way to Madhu and performing their religious devotions at the shrine would be a powerful advertisement of its commitment to its multi ethnic and multi religious population.

International award winning defence columnist, Iqbal Athas has opined that "The military offensives in the Wanni assume a new dimension in the light of the Provincial Council elections for the Eastern Province on May 10. Particularly in the Mannar sector, the recapture of the Madhu shrine and its environs by the troops will bolster the ruling party's position at the polls. It could be argued, perhaps with some justification, that after recapturing the East, troops were now making progress in the North. For the same reason, Tiger guerillas would want to avoid losses of any territory dominated by them. They would want to offer stronger resistance at least until the polls are over."

The government needs a military success to justify its weak performance in other areas of governance, including the economy and basic law and order. The battlefield successes that took place in the east over a year ago, and which gave the government leadership an enormous popularity, have not been visible at all in the north where progress on the ground has been slow. The main success of the government has been its so-called kill rate, which now exceeds 3,000 LTTE cadres in a matter of months which was once claimed to be the LTTE's total battlefield strength. But as these figures are the government's own, and there is no independent verification, it is more difficult for the government to claim military success in this in comparison to territory that is captured on the ground.


PROBLEMS

The problem that the government is facing in achieving its political objectives is that the LTTE is putting up strong resistance in blocking the advancing Sri Lankan army. In doing so the LTTE has even violated the religious sanctity and neutrality of the Madhu shrine. Showing no regard to religious sensitivities of the Catholics the LTTE has come within the shrine area and stationed its armed cadres and their weapons inside it. It might be recalled that in the late 1990s the Sri Lanka army also entered the precincts of the Madhu shrine, but President Chandrika Kumaratunga immediately ordered them to leave when this act was brought to her notice. However, the efforts of the Catholic Church to persuade the LTTE to act in the same responsible manner have failed so far.

One of the consequences of the fierce fighting that has been going on in the areas around the Madhu shrine is that artillery shells have fallen on the church premises that house the shrine and damaging a part of the building complex. Shells have also fallen on the residences of the priests endangering their lives. With the danger of loss of life and destruction of the sacred statue of Our Lady of Madhu very high, the priests of the Madhu church decided to ask all refugees to leave and to leave the church themselves and take the statue with them to another church for safekeeping. This is quite clearly a sensible decision in the circumstances.

However, the decision of the Church authorities to take the sacred statue to the interior village of Thevanpiddy rather than to the town of Mannar has come in for heavy criticism by the government. The recapture of the Madhu church without the sacred statue will be a hollow victory. Government spokespersons have even alleged a plot to discredit the government by bringing the issue to the attention of the international community. The Church authorities are also being criticised for taking the sacred statue even deeper into LTTE-controlled territory, which is where Thevanpiddy lies, rather than to the government-controlled town of Mannar.

The response given by the Church authorities is that Thevanpiddy is more accessible from Madhu as both are within the LTTE controlled areas, as compared to Mannar which is the government controlled area. The statue was already within the LTTE controlled area. Coming over to the government area requires a long detour and also requires being subjected to a lengthy checking procedure at the military checkpoints where crossing over from the LTTE controlled area into the government controlled area takes place.


CHURCH'S SOLUTION

The crisis over the Madhu shrine has rallied the Catholic Bishops Conference, which comprises both its Sinhalese and Tamil members, to issue a strong public statement in which they "deplore the malicious attribution of motives and unwarranted interpretations given to the simple and inevitable course of action which was due solely to the exigencies of the given situation." This statement, which was signed by the Bishop of Kandy, Vianney Fernando and the Bishop of Anuradhapura Norbert Andradi needs to be taken to heart by both the government and LTTE.

In addition, the Bishops have pointed to the grim situation in the larger Mannar area caused by the war stating that "The statue has been moved out temporarily to the church in Thevanpiddy which alone has a Catholic community around it. All other parishes in the uncleared area of the District of Mannar are presently deserted by the people due to security reasons. It is to be noted that the displaced people of these deserted parishes numbering over 24,000 live in this area (Thevanpiddy). The statue is, therefore, enshrined temporarily in the said church and will be brought back to the hallowed Madhu Shrine at the first opportunity of safety."

By issuing this statement the Catholic Bishops have also expressed their solidarity with the beleaguered Bishop of Mannar, Rayappu Joseph, whose diocese of Mannar includes the only Catholic majority district in the country. His stance with the people has not yielded to the might of those with guns, and has earned him the respect of peace and religious groups throughout the world. The Madhu refugee camp for internally displaced persons has been one of then largest and best run in the country. But the Bishop's commitment to the material and spiritual welfare of the people as the primary concern has also made him a target of criticism on both sides of the ethnic divide.

The way forward is clear if a solution that meets the needs of the refugees in the area and the Catholic community throughout the country is to be found. The Madhu shrine area needs to be declared a zone of peace into which neither government forces nor the LTTE intrude again with their boots and their guns. The Pilgrimages Ordinance published by the Government Gazette Notification No. 185 of 1982 declares Madhu to be a religious shrine, which the government is legally bound to respect. The LTTE also needs to vacate the Madhu shrine area as called for by the Catholic authorities and do so with immediate effect. So far these appeals have fallen on hard hearts and deaf ears but they need to continue in the hope of dialogue that will lead to transformation.

Meantime confrontations took place in KATTANKULAM, ADAMPAN and MALKITTIDAL areas and 10 LTTE terrorists were killed due to troops attack.

Confrontations took place in JANAKAPURA, KOKKUTHUDUWAI, KIRIEBBANWEWA, ANANDAKULAM and KUTTANKULAM areas and troops killed 12 LTTE terrorists and 34 LTTE carders were reported injured in the confrontations.

One soldier was reported killed in the confrontations.

Troops who have launched a pre-down attack in early hours this morning, April 21, captured LTTE's stronghold called "Lima Base - 3" located at east of Kattankulam in Mannar, army sources said.

Seven LTTE terrorists were killed while more others received injuries due to this surprise attack launched around 4.35 am. A stretch of about 1300 meters was also under troops control as the LTTE terrorists fled the area in a face of heavy fire power launched by the advancing troops, army sources said.

The initial report received from the Mannar battlefront stated that four soldiers suffered injuries in this confrontation.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed at three sea tiger boats in the Alampil area in Mullaittivu this morning, April 21.

The Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya, said that the air sorties were launched around 9.30 am based on information on suspicious LTTE boat movement provided by the Navy units patrolling in the area.

Two heavily armed fast boats located in Alampil beach were destroyed due the bombardment carried out by the SLAF fighters after verifying the navy's information observing dynamic pictures taken through a surveillance aircraft.

Meanwhile, another LTTE fast boat detected off Alampil seas was destroyed by the SLAF fighters during this mission. A huge explosion was also observed following the bombardment, spokesperson further added.

The Ceylon Electricity Board is moving towards exploring the development of nuclear power to meet future energy needs of the country.
The CEB last week extended an invitation to all national experts in this regard who wish to volunteer and contribute to the growing issue of energy economics, with their knowledge and experience in the fields of medical science, atomic energy, nuclear engineering, power generation, economics, environment preservation and disaster management to engage in a dialogue with the Board.

The Board will hold a series of discussions shortly on this subject with the participation of Sri Lankan experts, a paper posted by the Board in its website said.

“The time frame needed for studies, establishment of standards, formalities, planning and construction of a nuclear power generation plant may require up to 20 years.


Therefore such a project is for the future when all other modes of power generation would be too costly for our economy to bear. However, it is felt that studies should commence almost immediately if we were to prepare for a safe and successful project in the future,” the paper said.

“Recent escalation of the price of oil, coal, gas and other energy resources such as biomass has resulted in a sharp increase in the cost of energy needed for economic activity and development. With further depletion of hydro resources in the country and intervening dry periods affecting hydro generation, Sri Lanka would be forced to adopt more costly thermal power generation alternatives.

“High cost of oil imports has burdened the national economy and the escalation of energy prices has adversely affected many energy intensive industries and production processes with a sharp impact on the economies. High cost of energy has created an acute need for effective development of alternative energy sources and the need for economic analysis of energy related investment and pricing to provide cheap energy sources that are not a burden on the national economy.

“Many developed countries including the United States are continuing to support international research and investment in technologies that respond to global climate change in a favourable manner. Nuclear power generation, with its characteristically low green house gas emissions and very low probabilities of radioactive and other pollution as in the modern-generation nuclear plants, is an alternative that critically needs a wide study with even assistance from the international community.

“Although well-designed and well-constructed nuclear plants are very clean and safe, still the possibility of an accident cannot be totally ruled out. Some of the serious accidents such as instability in the nuclear process, failure in safety controls or coolants, leakage of radio active material, thermal runaway, fuel core meltdown and explosions would require planned disaster management procedures and techniques to be established and handled by disaster management experts,” the paper added.

By Sandun A. Jayasekera
JVP frontliner, Vijitha Herath yesterday charged that the dissident Parliamentary Group Leader, Wimal Weerawansa wanted to carry out the government agenda within the party and wanted to make the JVP a puppet of the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.

After the Mahinda Rajapaksa government declined the 20 conditions offered in 2006 by the JVP to support the government and ditched the party by forming the cabinet with the UNP dissidents, the JVP wanted to form a ‘National Front’.

Even at that stage there had been conspiracies against the party within, he said.

The party would send formal invitation to Mr. Weerawansa and 10 dissident group members as it was the party tradition to invite all members for the annual convention, Mr. Herath told yesterday.

The political fate of JVP Parliamentary Group Leader, Wimal Weerawansa and the dissident group supporting him will most probably be decided before the party’s Annual Convention on May 27 as the JVP Central Committee (CC) is to convene and discuss the dispute before next Monday, party strongman and CC member Parliamentarian, Vijitha Herath said.

“The charges against Wimal Weerawansa have become more serious after his statement in Parliament and forming a dissident group against the party.

The party had given enough time for him to correct himself and come back to the fold after replying to the charges levelled against him. He has failed to do that.

However, he still has time to respond to the charge sheet,” Mr. Herath said.

Commenting on certain remarks Mr. Weerawansa had made during a TV talk show, Mr. Herath said not only Mr. Weerawansa but majority of the CC members and Parliamentary Group members agreed to support the government in 2004 and accept cabinet portfolios on conditions.


But later the party withdrew from the Government and wanted the new Mahinda Rajapaksa government to meet 20 conditions if that regime wanted JVP support, he said.

“The difference was Weerawansa wanted to extend unconditional support. The party was ready to support only if the government met our conditions. Meanwhile President Rajapaksa took 17 UNP Parliamentarians to the government fold, offered them ministerial portfolios after ditching the JVP.

Despite all these belittling to the JVP by the government Weerawansa continued to toe the line of the government which was the core of the dispute,” he stressed.

Mr. Weerawansa had failed in his duty as the Parliamentary Group Leader to follow the instructions of the party and had declined to make statements against the eviction of Tamils from lodges in and around Colombo, comment on the escalating prices of essential commodities and the cost of living and condemn the arson attack on Leader Publications, Mr. Herath said.

Asked whether there was any damage caused to the party with the departure of Mr. Weerawansa, Mr. Herath said he was only the voice of the party that conveyed the decisions and policies of the party to the membership and the country.

The party would appoint someone else capable of doing that in the future and the replacement would not affect negatively to the party.

by S. Jamaldeen in Tehran
Sri Lankan households might get a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, if the Iranian Government agrees to sell Liquefied Petroleum Gas to Sri Lanka at a concessionary price.

The matter is under intense consideration by the Iranian Government and the forthcoming visit of Iranian President Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, would give Sri Lanka the opportunity to broach the subject which was expected to be favourably considered in the light of the growing friendly ties between the two countries, officials said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's meetings with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamaini and President Dr. Ahmadinejad had facilitated substantial economic cooperation between the two countries, with Iran pledging aid for two major projects in Sri Lanka in addition to availing to Sri Lanka, interest free credit for crude oil purchases, all valued at US$ 2,042 million, they said.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Iran Mr. M.M. Zuhair said they presented a strong case to the Iranian authorities to consider a discounted price for long term purchase of LPG.

Against the background of rising prices of LPG filled cylinders widely used in all urban Sri Lankan households, the Sri Lanka Mission in Tehran in consultation with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had been exploring LPG purchase from Iran, which too has a huge domestic market.


The Mission has informed authorities in Colombo that this matter could best be taken up at the highest level during the forthcoming visit, , and that Iran is very likely to consider it favourably, a spokesman here said.

The Cabinet, in March approved a proposal by Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development Minister A.H.M. Fowzei permitting the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to enter LPG retail business in order to enable consumers to purchase the limited quantity of LPG produced at the Sapugaskanda refinery at a reduced price.

The Sapugaskanda Refinery produces 1,500 MT of LPG per month, which is sufficient to meet only 10% of the current demand in Sri Lanka. A positive Iranian response would be a huge boon for the CPC to enter the LPG market and enable the CPC to make available LPG to the harassed households in Sri Lanka at more reasonable prices.

Meanwhile, there were media reports here that Russian President Vladimir Putin in the course of his talks with Libyan leader Muammer Ghaddafi in Tripoli, Libya on April 16th has proposed the setting up of an OPEC style body of gas producing countries, aimed at monopolizing gas prices a matter which appears to be in the offing. However, a long term gas contract if prioritized would help Sri Lanka to avoid any such developing situation, a spokesman for the gas industry here said.

Iran has the second largest gas reserves in the world and has good access to East Asia both by land and sea.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Close on the heels of controversy over the transfer of duty free vehicle permits issued to the JHU MPs including its leader Ven. Ellawela Medhananda thero, the battle between JVP factions has revealed the JVP, too, transferred duty free vehicle permits issued to its MPs.


The offence came to light against the backdrop of the damaging dispute between Somawansa and Weerawansa factions with the latter receiving the backing of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM).

Under the Customs Ordinance, violation of laws governing duty waivers would result in the vehicle being forfeited and a fine three times the value of the vehicle imposed.

The controversy over Ven. Medhananda thero’s super luxury vehicle bearing KH 1715 was settled a few months ago after the businessman who bought the vehicle on the thero’s duty free car permit sold it to JHU dissident Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka. Although the UNP forcibly held it for over three months last year, the JHU refused to involve police and worked through political and business contacts to resolve the dispute.

The brazen abuse of duty free car permits issued to UNP and SLFP parliamentarians haven't been challenged by the Customs or RMV though it is a punishable offence.

A spat between Colombo District JVP MP Lakshman Nipunaarachchi and the PNM over a van (WP NA 3158) bought on the duty free vehicle permit issued to the MP revealed the PNM had paid for the vehicle. PNM Chief Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera said they had imported the vehicle on Nipunaarachchi’s duty free permit.

According to him, the PNM had paid Rs. 11,42633.00 to United Motors and spent a further Rs 350,000.00 as vehicle registration fees and other charges paid to United Motors.

The PNM roundly dismissed JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva claim that the party had paid for all vehicles imported on duty free permits issued to its MPs.

The PNM had taken delivery of the vehicle on October 5, 2006. Dr. Amarasekera said they used the vehicle without any trouble until the MP lodged a complaint with Piliyandala police seeking police intervention to recover the vehicle. A furious Amarasekera said there was absolutely no need to seek police intervention. The MP could visit PNM headquarters at Borella and pay at least part of the money spent by the PNM and take his vehicle away. Asserting the MP had obviously changed his attitude towards the PNM after his party expelled Wimal Weerawansa, MP, and the General Secretary of the PNM, Dr. Amarasekera said Nipunaarachchi could have a cup of tea with them before taking his vehicle.

Nipunaarachchi in his complaint said his vehicle had been held by N. A. Nimal Chandrasiri. He also claimed Senaratne Silva would have encouraged the detention of the vehicle. JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe recently accused Senaratne Silva of backing Weerawansa’s faction.

In a letter sent to Officer-in-Charge of Piliyandala police, Dr. Amarasekera said the PNM would made available all documents relating to the vehicle transaction to law enforcement authorities while urging not to waste taxpayers’ money on unwarranted investigation.

Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 helicopter gun ships carried out decisive night air sorties destroying an LTTE mortar launching pad and a 'forward operating position' on Sunday (April 20), East of Adampan ahead of the Mannar battle front.

Air force spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya said that the air raid was launched around 10.30p.m., as a pre-emptive measure to assist the advancing ground troops engaged in counter terrorist offensives in the area.

The targeted LTTE mortar site was located in a jungle patch, 3-4 km, north of the Mannar FDLs, air force spokesperson added.

The air raid was successful; Air Force confirmed. According to defence sources, the air raid was followed with simultaneous heavy artillery attacks backed by the Army.
The military claims at least 12 Tigers were believed killed following an air strike on LTTE mortar positions at Adamban in Mannar late last night.

Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Pio Maryani donated a stock of items worth 24 million rupees to the Accident Service of the Matara General Hospital today.

It was the Italian Ambassador who instrumental in providing an accident service to that hospital a year ago.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Maryani said 25 voluntary organizations launched 100 special projects in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Italian government.
15 billion rupees were spent on these projects.

The Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) is expected to purchase another 20 new power sets from India. The new power sets will be used for long distance travel and this is the first time the CGR purchased power sets for long distance travel.

The new power sets will be purchased under the Indian Credit Line facility. The Indian Credit facility will also be used to renovate the Fort Railway Station, Southern Rail Track and the Signal System of the Southern Railway.

The CGR had already purchased 15 new power sets from China which are expected to arrive in the country by August. The Government will continue investing in the railway to develop the train service which is the backbone of the public transport service in the country.

Ceylon Government Railway, now known as Sri Lankan Government Railway is a key department of Sri Lankan Government under the Ministry of Transportation. Presently Sri Lankan Railway network consists of around 1508 kilometers with broad gauge (5 feet 6 inches).

The Sri Lankan Railway utilizes routes that go through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. They include naturally beautiful scenes such as waterfalls, natural forest mountains, misty peaks and precipices, as well as man made garlands such as tea estates, pine forests, bridges and peak level stations.

Four terrorists were killed this morning (April 20) when troops attacked a column of LTTE with heavy mortar fire as troops spotted an LTTE attempt to breach the SLA forwards defences in general area Malikaittidal, East of Thirukethiswaram in Mannar.
According to reports received, troops have engaged heavy mortar and artillery at the observed LTTE positions, at 10.40a.m. Ground troops confirmed the LTTE losses citing intercepted LTTE communication.
Meanwhile, 2 more terrorists were reported killed in the same area by SLA snipers at around 11.40a.m.
Troops have also recovered 05 anti personnel mines (AP) during a search operation conducted in general area Veppankulama, at around 3.30p.m.

An LTTE terrorist was reported killed when SLA troops launched an armour attack at a well identified LTTE bunker position in general area Muhamalai, Jaffna today(April 20) at 2.15p.m.
Citing intercepted enemy communication ground sources said terrorists have received heavy damages though numbers were not verified.
Meanwhile, according to reports received a soldier was also wounded in a separate confrontation with LTTE ahead of terrorist defences in Kilaly.

Defence sources in the Mannar battlefront this morning said that 13 terrorists had been killed in yesterday's (Apr 19) clashes with troops. Sri Lanka army Infantrymen backed by Armour and Artillery continued their march into the LTTE dominated Wanni territory right throughout the day battling against the LTTE bunkers, booby traps and, 1000s of anti personnel mines.

In the general area Parappakadattan, army elites sprung an ambush at a group of terrorists around 4, last evening and claimed 7 terrorists killed. Troops suffered no casualties in the incident.

Meanwhile, army infantrymen and armour tanks engaged two terrorist bunkers located in the general area Adampan around 4.30pm. Ground troops confirmed that 4 terrorists were killed while own suffered no casualties in the incident.

Elsewhere in Admapan, army snipers deployed in the frontline declared shooting down of 2 terrorists last evening.

Own casualties for day in the Mannar front reported as 2, as one soldier suffered injuries in LTTE mortar fire in Adampan and another suffered gunshot injuries during a confrontation in the same area.

Also, troops engaged in clearing operations in the newly liberated areas removed 142 anti personnel mines, one booby trap and found 2 hand grenades from Parappakandal and Admapan areas.

Racing driver Dilshan Bandaranayake was killed on the spot due to a mishap at the annual Nuwara Eliya Road Race meet this afternoon.
Dilshan met with his death when his car collided with another racing driver Ajith Hemachandra’s Austin Mini when negotiating a bend approaching the Nanu Oya road. Meanwhile Ajith Hemachandra who was badly injured is being rushed to the Colombo hospital

A Christian priest, Rev Fr. Karunaratnam, who heads the North East Human Rights Organisation was killed in a claymore blast in Ambalkulam in the Wanni this afternoon.

Two hundred and thirty eight (238) Anti- personnel mines and Eight (08) "booby” traps were recovered by Troops conducting a search operation in the area of NORTH JANAKAPURA, WELIOYA on Saturday (19).

Four terrorists were killed during confrontations in the MUHAMALAI and NAGARKOVIL area, JAFFNA on Saturday (19).

SimPhony, the only public phone operator in Sri Lanka which provides a life time unique identity to its customers, intends to install 4,000 more public phones islandwide, and introduce many advanced features on pubic phones, through an investment of over US$ 1 million, within the year 2008.

“With the installation of 4,000 more phone units, SimPhony will be the largest public phone operator in Sri Lanka, with over 6,000 public phones all over the country, except in some areas in the North and East” the Chairman of CNS Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd; Meir Zorea, stated. CNS Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., overlooks the SimPhony operations in the country.

“The SimPhony concept is very simple. All you need to do, is to purchase a SimPhony card and insert it into a SimPhony public phone, to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages (SMS), and have voice mail facility. This is similar to, purchasing your own SIM card from a mobile phone operator, and inserting it, into a mobile phone. When the SimPhony card is removed from the SimPhony public phone, it is similar to any mobile phone being switched off. The text (SMS) and voice mail box messages received during this period, could be retrieved later.” he added.

At present, SimPhony cards with Hutch numbers could be purchased. SimPhony cards with Tigo numbers too, will be available from April onwards. This enables SimPhony card users, to have their own, as well as, a unique mobile number, and enjoy the mobile phone experience, even if they don’t have the financial capability of purchasing a mobile phone. Later on, if a SimPhony card user purchases a mobile phone, the individual can request to transfer the SimPhony card number, on to a regular SIM card, which could be used with an ordinary mobile phone.

“SimPhony cards are not only for those who cannot afford a mobile phone. Most schools do not allow students, to use mobile phones. However, in some schools, SimPhony public phones are installed, within their premises. If students of such a school have SimPhony cards, they can communicate with their parents, in an emergency. The parents too can easily identify who is calling them, since each SimPhony user has a unique number, the CEO of CNS Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. U G R Jagath Kumara, said.
“Rural areas where land or mobile telephone communication was only a dream, have benefited vastly from SimPhony technology. This has been possible, since SimPhony public phones which use GSM technology, can receive signals up to a radius of 25 km, from a transmission tower, when coupled with a special antenna”, he added.

Dilantha Malagamuwa produced a brilliant drive in his new Aston Martin to finish second in the Asian GT 4 Championships at the Shangai Formula one track in China a short while ago.

The Foreign Employment and Promotion Ministry has broadened its vocational training programs in the Northern and Eastern Districts from May 1 to grant more foreign employment opportunities to LTTE surrendees.

It has been reported that over 60 LTTE cadres have so far surrendered to three rehabilitation centres, set up by the Security Forces in Jaffna, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts.

The centres are operated with the assistance of the ICRC, UNICEF and other local government agencies.

Training programs such as sewing for female LTTE surrendees and motor mechanism, carpentry, plumbing and wiring for male surrendees will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the guidance of the Presidential Secretariat.

Foreign Employment and Promotion Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the Sunday Observer that during the past one year the Bureau provided foreign jobs to eleven LTTE surrendees who had been rehabilitated and trained in various vocational fields.

The Minister said the Bureau's next objective is to introduce new skills training programs and expand the number of centres in the Northern district to enable more LTTE surrendees to find employment here and abroad.

A stock of Explosives ammunition and military items as given below were recovered by Troops conducting a search operation in the NARAKAMULLA, BATTICALOA yesterday .

Two terrorists were killed and two others were injured when Troops attacked a LTTE bunker yesterday (19) around 2.45 in the afternoon in the EELAMARUDANKULAM AREA, VAVUNIYA .

PK Balachandran


COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s ongoing military campaign against the LTTE faces stronger objections from the European Union (EU), rather than India, though both are being heavily lobbied by elements sympathetic to the Tamil Tiger rebels, says a top official in the Sri Lankan foreign ministry.

“India is too big a power to yield to pressures from a small terrorist group, but the European Union is seeing the Tamils as underdogs persecuted by the Sinhalese majority. There are statements from EU governments and groups calling for talks and an end to the military operations,” the official told this website’s newspaper on condition of anonymity.

“The EU is overlooking the fact that a majority of the Tamils in the island (54 percent) are living in south Sri Lanka, in perfect harmony with the Sinhalese, instead of fleeing to their so-called homeland in the north and east,” he said here on Saturday.

The ranking official revealed that Sri Lanka was having a tough time persuading the EU to extend the GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) Plus facility for garments exported from Sri Lanka, a concession absolutely necessary to keep lakhs of jobs for people on the island.

The EU stand very substantially owes to the growing power of the elected representatives of refugee and expatriate Tamils in the various legislatures and councils in the member countries, the official said.

“In a sense, the EU’s posture is a reflection of a functioning democracy. But then the EU must realize that by denying the GSP Plus concession to Sri Lanka, or calling for an end to the military operations against the Tigers, they would only be giving a 10-year lease of life to the most dreaded terrorist group in the world,” he said.

The European Union must help a struggling democracy face a challenge to its very existence and must realise that Sri Lanka is a democracy, where governments change at regular intervals, he added.

The Sri Lankan official refused to comment on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s statement that India should bring the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam together to find a solution.

“We can’t comment on every event in a vibrant democracy. However, India is not under pressure from the LTTE by any means, though the LTTE is desperately trying to get India to put pressure on Sri Lanka to stop the military operations,” the official said. “The LTTE is facing mounting pressure on the southern front in Mullaitivu and Killinochchi,” he added.

In an editorial published on Saturday, the leading Sri Lankan Tamil daily Thinakkural wondered if the Tamils would be “wise” to see a change in India’s policy on the ethnic question in Sri Lanka because of a recent cordial meeting between Sonia Gandhi’s daughter Priyanka Vadra, and Nalini Sriharan, who is serving a life sentence for her role in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

“We should remember that only two years ago, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi had said that India’s policy on Sri Lanka could be divided into two distinct phases – before and after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi,” it said the editorial.

It also noted that the Priyanka-Nalini meeting has drawn no comment from Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, her Congress Party or any major political leader in Tamil Nadu. The lack of comment is interpreted in some Sri Lankan circles as a step towards rapprochement between India and the LTTE, which is blamed for the killing of Rajiv Gandhi.

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: India has finally agreed to locate a 500-MW coal-based plant of the National Thermal Power Corporation at Sampur town in Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee district.

According to reliable sources, New Delhi’s decision was conveyed to the Mahinda Rajapaksa government. Though the two countries signed an agreement in December 2006, there was no unanimity on the plant location.

Sri Lanka identified Sampur, which its military wrested from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in September 2006, though an NTPC team earlier preferred a site near the Indian Oil Corporation oil complex, close to the Trincomalee harbour.

Sri Lanka’s move locate the plant at Sampur triggered a controversy with the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance raising political and environmental objections.

The project, involving an investment of $500 million, is to be implemented by a joint venture company, in which the NTPC and the Ceylon Electricity Board will each hold a 50 per cent stake and which will be funded with a debt equity ratio of 70:30.

For Sri Lanka, this is one of the largest ever infrastructure investments and the project will augment its power capacity by 20 per cent, according to official sources.

But the TNA alleged that there was a hidden political agenda in the project: to permanently evict Tamils from the Muttur east region. It claims that around 30,000 Tamils were forced to leave the southern Trincomalee region into Vaharai when the military launched a major offensive and captured Sampur.

In a media release, TNA parliamentarian from Trincomalee K. Thurairetnasingham slammed the government of Sri Lanka for rushing the project without consulting Tamil representatives. The power plant would have an adverse impact on the livelihood of Tamils in the region, he said.
Undersea power line


In another development, a ‘pre-feasibility’ report by the Power Grid Corporation of India on the proposed India-Sri Lanka Electricity Grid Interconnection Project, to lay an undersea line between Rameswaram and Talaimannar, said it could be commissioned within 42 months.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has denied having any conflict with the Patriotic National Movement.

The JVP's Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva has said that the party still considered the PNM as an ally, adding that the two parties still worked closely at electoral and district levels.
Only a few in the leadership are shaken because of Wimal Weerawansa, he said in an interview with the April 20th issue of 'Irida Lankadeepa.'

"The PNM came into being in 2003. We marched against the UNP from Galle to Colombo. That march paved the way for its inception. It is not an affiliate of the JVP. But, the JVP contributed immensely towards the PNM. Wimal represented

the JVP at the PNM. It was the JVP that shouldered the financial and other responsibilities of all its activities in the past. But, it is not the property of an individual, or an affiliate of the JVP."

Elaborating further, Mr. Silva said, "We believe that without the JVP's mediation, no national movement can function in our country. Only the JVP has the strength to keep a national movement alive because such a group on its own takes an anti-imperialist form. Only the JVP has the ability to maintain such a movement. Those who cry out slogans are not the true anti-imperialists. They are the ones who have plotted alliances with imperialists."

"They have the citizenship of imperialistic countries. The PNM is a true ally of ours. The JVP shoulders the responsibility of taking it forward. On no account the JVP will abandon its bond with the PNM."

"In recent times, we have had major political goals. That is to defeat western and Indian interferences, to overcome separatist terrorism and then bring about true freedom and unity to the nation," the JVP Chief Secretary added.

TMVP member gunned down in B'caloa


Yet another political killing in the run up to the May 10th Eastern Provincial Council Elections has been reported.

Sudarshan, a member of the TMVP, was gunned down at Kalkudah in Batticaloa.

Party spokesman Azad Moulana said the murder occurred last night (Apr. 19th).

Finalised battlefield reports from North indicate 21 terrorist deaths in yesterday's (April 18) military offensives as confirmed by the intercepted LTTE radio transmissions and ground sources. Also, one soldier was killed and 5 others suffered serious injuries during these confrontations occurred in the Jaffna and Wanni theatre of operations.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, army infantrymen along with their specialised version- mechanised infantry, embarked on series of attacks on LTTE defences in the Muhamalai and Eluthumaduwal areas during the day. However, the exact deaths and casualty figures of LTTE cadres were not ascertained. One solider sustained injury due to LTTE retaliation in on such attack carried out in the Muhamalai area.

On the Vavuniya front, in the Wanni theatre of operations, troops marching ahead had several clashes with the terrorists in the Thachchanamaruthamadu, and Chinnavalayankaddu areas during the day and claimed 11 terrorists were killed. Troops suffered no casualties in any of theses confrontations. Also, troops engaged in the clearing operations removed 65 anti personnel mines for the day.

On the Mannar front, troops attacked terror bunkers in the Manipuilukulam, and Minukkad areas and claimed 6 terrorists were killed, 5 LTTE bunkers captured and another bunker destroyed last morning. In a similar confrontation in Alankulama area troops, claimed 3 terrorists were either killed or wounded on the same day evening. In addition, snipers deployed in the Malikaittidal and Minnukkad area reported shooting down of 3 LTTE cadres. One soldier suffered injuries during these battles.

On the Welioya front, troops had several confrontations in the Kokkutuduval, Janakapura North and Kriibbanwava North areas during the day and confirmed one LTTE cadre was killed and 3 others injured. In addition, one soldiers was killed and 3 others sustained injuries during these clashes. Troops engaged in clearing operations in the area reported removal of 219 anti personnel mines and 2 trapped mortar bombes.

TORONTO - Canada should impose sanctions on Sri Lanka in response to the country's deteriorating human rights record, says a report that was to be released at a Conservative party fundraiser last night.

The report, written by a group of Ontario lawyers and Canadians of Sri Lankan origin, says the rule of law is collapsing in the war-torn South Asian nation, where there have been rising government-backed killings and abductions.

It urges Ottawa to consider economic and diplomatic sanctions on Sri Lanka, and suggests tying foreign aid contributions to improvements in human rights conditions.

"Historically, Canada has led the Commonwealth in bringing peaceful resolution to conflicts involving member states," said Chuck Konkel, who hopes to run for the Conservatives in the federal riding of Scarborough-Guildwood. "It's time to resolve the violence and human suffering that has torn apart Sri Lanka."

A tea-growing island formerly called Ceylon, Sri Lanka is in the midst of a bloody civil war between Tamil Tiger guerrillas seeking independence for the country's ethnic Tamil minority and government forces trying to keep the country united.

The conflict reverberates in Canada, which is home to the largest population of Sri Lankan Tamils outside South Asia. Many are refugees of the war, which has killed an estimated 70,000 people in 30 years of fighting.

Canadian police and intelligence officials believe the Tamil Tigers are using Canada as a base for supporting the guerrilla campaign. The RCMP is currently investigating the World Tamil Movement for allegedly bankrolling the Tigers.

The National Post revealed this week that RCMP counterterrorism officers had seized the World Tamil Movement office in Montreal and the group's bank accounts in Ontario and Quebec.

The Conservatives took action against the Tamil Tigers shortly after coming to office in 2006, adding them to Canada's list of outlawed terrorist organizations. But some Tamil Canadians complain that Ottawa has been less aggressive in its efforts to reign in abuses by the Sri Lankan government. Human Rights Watch recently reported that government forces were implicated in the abduction and killing of hundreds of ethnic Tamils.

Sri Lanka has "effectively eliminated" the rule of law, the report says. Judges who oppose the government are removed, journalists are threatened and killed and opposition politicians are being assassinated, it adds.

The report asks the federal government to encourage both sides to restore an abandoned ceasefire agreement, and to support calls for the appointment of a United Nations envoy to monitor the conflict.

Three Tiger 'Policemen' deserters have confessed to troops that they had shunned LTTE 'police duties' on several occasions and the LTTE had repeatedly arrested them and confined the three to the Kanagapura prison in Kilinochchi on different counts where they had met and became friends.

Desertion by "LTTE Policemen" in their twenties with uniforms and their subsequent most recent arrival in Mannar with pleas for clemency from the troops, proves that the terrorist outfit appears now terribly shaken and thrown into disarray, as defeat becomes inevitable to the terrorists.

The three LTTE deserters are Amala Sumanyan, 26, Rathnakumar Sadeesh, 23 and Sebastian Pillai Arulraj ,26. Tiger leaders unlocked them from prison on March 31 and they made their way to the north of Mannar across dense jungles with more 34 "LTTE Policemen," including three for deployment for LTTE duties.

Twenty-five "Police" youngsters were ordered to serve the Parappakandal area, north of Uyilankulam, and the remaining nine "Policemen" had been brought to a "Police" point near Chettiyarkattai Adampan, to the east of Giant's Tank to replenish some 15 Tiger "policemen" who had by then vacated the area, leaving only two "policemen" for work at that point.

LTTE leader Elil Kannan in Madu area conducted the nine-member team to Chettiyarkattai Adampan LTTE checkpoint, but was furious to find that even the remaining two "policemen" had also gone missing from the point with no trace, according to the escapees.

The three protagonists, despite exhaustion and fatigue made up their minds on April 2, 2008 and managed to exit secretly to the checkpoint in Chettiyarkattai Adampan, on the opposite bank of the Giant's Tank, manned by members of the Armed Forces and the Police where they sought refuge with them.

Amala Sumanyan 26 of Kannadiadampan, Mannar after he was conscripted by force to the LTTE, had once escaped and crept into Iluppukadeweli area.

The terrorists again abducted him on April 20, 2007 and forced him to serve LTTE route clearing and picket duties after he had been given LTTE "Police" and weapon training. Sebastian Pillai Arulraj, 26, from Champianpattu, Thalady had a different story to relate.

After he was abducted by LTTE terrorists on June 18, 2007 he was subjected to LTTE's "Police training" at an LTTE training base in Iranamadu and was later deployed for route clearing and picket duties in various places in Wanni.

He said over 80 per cent of the LTTE conscripts under LTTE diktats in Wanni are now fully up against the LTTE hierarchy and the organisation, and are actually marking time to abandon and disappear at any moment. Heated arguments had prevailed, escapees said.

Rathna Kumar Sadeesh, 23, of Akrayankulam, Kilinochchi was abducted on June 17, 2007 by Tiger terrorists and ordered to serve many areas as a "policeman" until he too ended up in LTTE jail after he ran away from "police duty" where he had the chance to meet other colleagues.

Those three surrendered LTTE "policemen," now handed over to the Police are receiving short-term rehabilitation under a special programme before they are referred to the special rehabilitation programme conducted by the Government.

Evidence as well as ground realities of this nature that speaks of the desperate inner working of the LTTE terrorist machine mirrors the extent to which the LTTE is now despised, if not completely opposed openly by their own trained personnel. More deserters are to follow, they say.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed an LTTE boat formation comprised of three heavily armed fast boats located in the South of Mullaithvu lagoon this evening . According to the Air Force sources, the bombing mission was undertaken around 5.30 pm, on information provided by Navy units patrolling in the area.

Bombing was carried out after verifying navy's information through Unarmed Air Vehicles (UAV), said the sources . The air raid was successful; the sources added citing the pilots.

The first ever Asian tour of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is scheduled to start on the April 28 with a two-day state visit to Sri Lanka upon a special request from President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Ahmadinejad choosing Sri Lanka as his first stop in his first Asian tour is a victory gained by the Sri Lankan President as a political leader in Asia, Sri Lanka's official news portal reported from Colombo.
President Ahmadinejad and President Rajapaksa will be laying the foundation stone for the Uma Oya Hydro Power project at Wellawaya on April 29.Iran has come forward to grant financial support amounting to dollars 450 million for this mega multipurpose hydro power project.
The Uma Oya is estimated to produce 100 MW electricity and supply water to irrigate the agricultural and industrial sectors in Hambantota and Moneragala districts.

JVP dissident faction led by its parliamentary group chief, Wimal Weerawansa, has mooted the formation of a Deshapremi Peramuna (Patriotic Front) and pledged to work under that banner. They have vowed to take this action if their disputes with the party leadership are not amicably settled.
The decision by Mr. Weerawansa and ten dissident MPs to form such a front, with the backing of a number of civil society organizations and trade unions was taken at a meeting the dissident group held on last week at the Patriotic National Front office in Colombo

Political observers point out that the fact that like the PNM, the new political group also is being formed with a similar name suggests a link between the two. This development came as the crisis within the JVP worsened. Police have begun investigations into several incidents involving the forcible removal of vehicles belonging to JVP dissident MPs with one JVP MP and another JVP cadre being remanded.
Instead, a newspaper titled ‘Rivida’ is to be published by Mr. Weerawansa and his dissident supporters shortly. The move by JVP dissidents came as it became clear Mr. Weerawansa may be sacked from the Party after a disciplinary inquiry. This is after May 10 when a decision by the Central Committee to suspend him takes effect. Mr. Weerawansa told the dissident MPs that the new front, when formed, would not support either the Government or the opposition parties. However, JVP leader Somawansa Amerasinghe said that the Government was helping Mr. Weerawansa and his group and they were in turn helping the Government.

www.thecolombotimes.com
The Ministry of Health says the temporary shortage of medicine in hospitals in the Northern Province will be eased in the next few days. Medicine requirements for the 1st quarter of this year have already been supplied. The Medical Supply Unit of the Ministry says medicines required for the 2nd quarter of the year are now being shipped.
This information was revealed at a meeting held yesterday under the chairmanship of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The Ministry sends most of the stocks of medicine via sea and medicines that should be stored in refrigerators are transported by air. Therefore the Ministry said only a few stocks of such medicines could be transported at a time to these hospitals in the north.

The Army launched an attack on LTTE bunkers in the KILALI area, JAFFNA on Friday (18), many of which are believed to have been destroyed.

recovered by the Army Thirteen LTTE terrorists were killed and three were injured when six terrorist bunkers were captured by the Army when Troops launched continuous attacks targeting LTTE terrorist bunkers in the MANIPULIKULAM, KANTHANKULAM and KADDAIKULAM areas, in MANNAR on Friday (18).
During the heavy fighting, five terrorist bunkers were captured in the MANIPULIKULAM area while another terrorist bunker was captured in the area of KANTHANKULAM.
A soldier was also reported injured in the confrontations.
Sophisticated Communication equipment and explosive devices were recovered during search operations conducted by Troops after the confrontations.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo , Sri Lanka

CCI in collaboration with Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC) plan to educate local contractors on Use of Offshore Sand in the Construction Industry.

CEO of the CCI Dakshitha Talgodapitiya says this seminar would be held on 29th April 2008 at Galle Face Hotel Colombo 3. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development will inaugurate it.

He said this Seminar is designed to enlighten the participants on the technical suitability of offshore sand and adverse environmental impacts of river sand mining and on regulations and enforcement of provisions in the Mines & Minerals Act to ensure optimum utilization of natural resources.

Technical properties of offshore sand and standards available for use for construction purposes and an overview of the construction sand crisis in Sri Lanka will be highlighted at this Seminar. A short documentary film on Offshore Sand and aggregate mining using trailer suction hopper dredgers will also be screened.

The seminar is also expected to allay any misconceptions prevailing regarding use of offshore sand for construction, which would undoubtedly reduce the prevalent high cost of construction. Targeted participants are Readymix concrete manufacturers, construction contractors and construction consultants such as structural engineers, architects and designers in addition to property developers and home builders.

Prof. Priyan Dias and Dr. Anura Nanayakkara from the University of Moratuwa, Dr. N.P Wijayananda, Chairman, Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau, Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Chairman, SLLRDC, Mr. M.A.A.N. Hemakumara, Actg. Director, Central Environmental Authority and private sector users of offshore sand for construction will make presentations.

Those who wish to participate at this seminar and interactive sessions are expected to contact Chamber of Construction Industry on 00941112577812 .

Three (03) terrorists were killed and 21 terrorists were reported injured during confrontations in the JANAKAPURA, ANDANKULAM and NORTH of KIRIBBANWEWA area, WELIOYA on Friday (18).

Thambalagamuwa Police personnel in route clearing petrol in general area Thambalagamuwa have narrowly escaped from an LTTE claymore explosion took place this morning (19 Apr).
The police personnel were returning after completing a duty in a vulnerable area where an electricity transformer located in Thambalabamuwa along Pokurani - Kinniya road, when the terrorists activated the claymore around 6.15 am, sources said.
The claymore had been triggered by laying wires for 60 m sources further said.

Sri Lankan racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa drove his new Aston Martin at the Shanghai Formula one track in China during practices this morning in preparation for the upcoming Aston Martin Cup Asia.

Tiger suspect Murugan, husband of Nalini who is himself sentenced to death in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case has praised Priyanka Vadra for taking the initiative to meet his wife in prison saying that it spoke "volumes about Priyanka's good nature."

The Free Media Movement yesterday claimed that its Treasurer was being held to ransom by a person claiming to be from the LTTE. He was given a deadline of April 25 to accede the ransom demand. A statement released by the FMM said:

"The Free Media Movement is appalled to place on record that its Treasurer, journalist K. Rushangan, has received threats demanding the payment of a ransom before 25th April 2008.

K. Rushangan is the Editor of the Tamil language news and information website www.inllanka.com and the Tamil journal Saamadana Nokku (Peace Monitor) published by the Center for Policy Alternatives. He also edited the Tamil language daily Thinakkahir published in Batticaloa from 2000-2002.

On Sunday, 13th April at around 4pm, a person who claimed to be "Ealaventhan" from the LTTE demanded that Rushangan handed over a motorbike or the cash equivalent of 1,500 US Dollars. The first deadline given was 16th April. The phone number registered on Rushangan's mobile phone was 0774 343791. This phone number is still accepting incoming calls. When Rushangan refused to pay saying that he is not in a position to do so, the caller threatened to abduct the journalist.

Though Rushangan lodged a complaint at the Dehiwala Police on 16th April, no one has been questioned or arrested by the Police to date, a situation the FMM finds wholly unacceptable in light of the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

The FMM does not have any information on the reasons for or the persons behind these threats. However, given the impunity with which extrajudicial killings and abductions take place in Sri Lanka today, the FMM hold the Police responsible for the safety and security of Rushangan and urge them to take immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

by Zacki Jabbar
The 6.00 pm deadline for holding public meetings has hampered the campaign of opposition political parties contesting the Eastern Provincial Council Election, the SLMC said on Thursday.

The Chief Ministerial candidate of the UNP-SLMC combine, Hassan Ali said Thursday night that the 6 p.m deadline, in a region with a large faming community has affected attendance at meetings.

"It is only after 6 p.m that farmers and fisherman are free to engage in political work. Even the holding of pocket meetings has been banned."

However, UPFA candidates are not only holding pocket meetings after 6 p.m but also conducting so called development sessions in school halls, he charged.

Ali said that free television time provided to candidates has also been scrapped, while UPFA candidates have been given unlimited state media access, to carry on their propaganda work.

Canadian Opposition MPs yesterday called for the resignation Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier as he had failed to take a leadership role in efforts to end conflicts in Darfur, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem left for Kinniya early this morning to address an election rally and his security had informed defence officials he would be traveling via Thambalagamuwa.

A claymore mine exploded in Thambalagamuwa, Kantale this morning targeting a joint military and police patrol team, defence sources said adding there was no damage or casualties from the incident.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association said yesterday that in consultation with the Ministries of Health and Finance, it had worked out a scheme to provide jobs and post-graduate training abroad for Sri Lankan doctors.In a statement the GMOA pointed out that Health Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva has said the graduates in medicine would not get employment from year 2010.
Although it was a political statement without any base, it would be a misfortune if it happens. The GMOA is taking steps to prevent such a situation.

The GMOA suggested to the President a scheme to remedy the situation by providing employment to the doctors abroad and the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. P. B. Jayasundera approved it through the budget proposals.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to set up a coordination centre at the Colombo National Hospital premises within two weeks.

We have shown the possibility of earning a large income for the country through this project and how the expenditure on free education could be off set.

The office of the President, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health were contributing to the project.
It was expected through this scheme to find a solution to the problem of training abroad which was lacking in our Post Graduate programme for doctors.

By Yohan Perera

The main opposition UNP yesterday charged that the Defence Ministry had turned down a request to provide a helicopter to Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to travel to the East for campaign activities related to the upcoming provincial council elections.

The request on behalf of Mr. Wickremesinghe had been made by UNP Chairman Rukman Senanayake who had also offered to pay a hiring fee for the helicopter.

The party said the government was bound to ensure the security of the Opposition Leader.

It said an adequate number of security personnel had to be deployed if Mr. Wickremesinghe was to travel to the East by road.

However the party said Mr. Wickremesinghe would lead the party’s poll campaign together with all MPs in the East once he returned from Australia. Mr. Wickremesinghe is expected to leave for Australia during the weekend to attend a meeting of the International Democratic Union (IDU). Mr. Wickremesinghe is the President of the IDU Asian Wing.
Meanwhile Defence Ministry sources confirmed the report and said it was not possible to provide a helicopter for political activities.

A Western Provincial Councillor who recently crossed over to the government had reportedly gone to Ampara with a gang of goons allegedly to create turmoil in the guise of election campaign for the forthcoming Eastern Provincial Council polls, sources in Ampara said.
Our reports say that a senior politician in the government had sent this junior politician with specific instructions to assist the ongoing polls campaign as well as to counter related obstacles.

CHENNAI: The 'Q' Branch wing of the Tamil Nadu police have arrested two Sri Lankan Tamils, Nandharuban and Sivakumar while they were trying to smuggle tractor tyres.

The police have seized their vehicle along with 14 front wheel tyres on Thursday and arrested the car driver of the duo Alagar, a resident of Rameshwaram.

The destination of the consignment is not yet known. Police intercepted the car at a check-post near Ramanathapuram and seized the tyres hidden inside.

"Since these tyres are used in army trucks and jeeps, we think they might be meant for the LTTE," the police said.

"The arrested persons claimed that they were taking the tyres to Coimbatore. But we are not convinced. The case has now been handed over to the local police. The investigation is still on," a 'Q' Branch official told The Times of India.
The two arrested persons have been remanded in judicial custody.

(Lanka-e-News,) The attacks against the Weerawansa Faction that broke away from the JVP due to an ideological difference are spreading to the Patriotic National Movement (PNM) too.

PNM Kaluthara district organizer Hemantha Perera was assaulted by a group belonged to Somawansa Faction at Bandaragama yesterday (17). Mr. Perera has lodged a complaint in Bandaragama police in this regard. He was treated at Bandaragama hospital and he is currently being treated under a private physician.

Mr. Perera said to 'Lanka-e-News' that while he was speaking with JVP Provincial Councilor Ajith Anura, eight people who arrived in several motorcycles assaulted him after a heated verbal exchange. Mr. Perera was attacked with a helmet, a club and fisticuffs were also leveled at him. Mr. Hemantha Perera said that he supported JVP since 1986 as a businessperson and in 1989 fled to France for safety. He said he had continued to support the JVP although he was not a party member.

He said that he was in the view that the party subjected Mr. Wimal Weerawansa to injustice. The attack on him was hurriedly organized and a JVP zonal organizer and several members of the Bandaragama party branch were among the attackers. Mr. Hemantha Perera says that Kaluthara district JVP defense committee organizer Weerawansa might have ordered the attack.

Issuing a statement denying the attack, PNM Chairman Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara says that the JVP leadership should avoid such action of the party members. He further urges the JVP members to avoid such actions denied by the civilized society.

The statement further says that the JVP should resolve the crisis within the party. Expressing hopes that such a group of intelligent persons are in the party, the statement says that the attacks of this nature will only satisfy the imperialist foreign forces of the country.

Defending champion of the Malaysian Super Series Dilantha Malagamuwa had to face many hurdles before reaching the podium at the start of the 2008 series.
Dilantha driving his Porsche first was off in a flash starting from the grid two behind last year’s runner up Wira Dani Daim but manage to be in front.
Going into the first bend it was Dilantha but tragedy struck with heavy rains coming down.
He could not control the vehicle as he has not prepared to drive in the rain and had to return to paddock to change tyres to suit the conditions.
This mishap cost him dearly when starting the way behind almost at starting from the back of the grid.
Courageous Dilantha who is never to give up the event caught up the front runners one by one to finish as the second runner up to Wira Dani Daim who drove a Radical and Mok Weng Sun a Porsche.
After the event Dilantha was a happy man and said that “I proved that I am capable of retaining the title once again.
I would have beaten them by many lengths if I was not hampered by rain. It is that mattered for me. I will come in ready for the next stage and do my best to overcome the two rivals Wira and Mok.
Dilantha who has joined speed Sri Lanka team is placed third with 24 points after the first stage while his rivals Wira and Mok are in front with 50 and 25 points respectively.
In fact though Dilantha was in front from the first lap his team speed Sri Lanka had to give him a push start as clutch failed to respond effectively at the start.

The International Athletic Federation has imposed a two-year ban on sprinter Jani Chaturangani. The Federation says the ban will come into effect from the 14th of this month. She has been charged with using banned substances during the South Asian Games held in Colombo in 2006.

A group of Sri Lankans living in Canada has submitted a petition to the Canadian government seeking action to stop LTTE activities in that country. More than 1000 persons have signed the petition urging the Canadian authorities to stop fund raising carried out by the LTTE. The Sri Lankan High Commission in Canada says the petition is to be submitted to the Canadian parliament for necessary action.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
JVP provincial Councilors say they will support Wimal Weerawansa faction if the JVP does not solve internal conflicts .Sending a three page letter to the General Secretary of the party Tylwin Silva , he said Wimal Weerawansa’s problem is not his own crisis .
It is a long term internal conflict of the party , said Team leader of the Ratnapura District JVP Provincial Councilors E.W.S.Priyanjith Silva .In his letter Mr. Silva noted the public have suspicion about JVP activities due to their past actions on burning issues.
After the Presidential Election JVP activities were shown poor progress .He asked a discussion to solve these problems with the JVP top management.

As it is reported from the Vavuniya front, 8 terrorists were killed while 2 others suffered injuries in confrontations took place several places in Vavuniya front today, April 18.
In a confrontation occurred around 11.20 am, ground troops confirmed at least 4 LTTE terrorists were killed in general area Thatchchanamaruthamadu.
Army snipers deployed in Sulainamaruthamadu have gunned down an LTTE terrorist this morning.
Meanwhile, in a clash reported in general area Chinnavalayankaddu, ground troops confirmed that at least 3 LTTE were killed while 2 others were wounded.
Separately, an army soldier on duty in general area Sulainamaruthamadu repoted injured due to LTTE mortar fire, the report stated.

Lightning struck the Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Avissawella telephone exchange resulting in an interruption to services to customers in Avissawella, Ruwanwella, Kosgama, Kithulgala and Yatiyantota.

Mihin Air CEO Sajin Vaas Gunawardena has resigned. He reportedly had a farewell ceremony for his staff yesterday.

The Colombo National hospital said that underworld figure Potta Naufer was out of danger after he was stabbed at the Welikada prison and admitted for treatment.Naufer was stabbed in the Welikada prison in this evening. At least four people were believed to have been involved in the act.

Action contre la Faim has decided to withdraw from Sri Lanka consequently to the declaration of the members of the IIGEP to quit the process of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry.
This is one of French relief organization that operated in conflict areas in Sri Lanka and lost 17 of their local workers in a single incident two years ago .
Action contre la Faim (ACF or Action against Hunger) said it was withdrawing a decision by a group of international experts observing the proceedings of a presidential commission probing 15 violent incidents including the killing of the aid workers.
The international group cited the slow progress of the investigations carried out by the Presidential commission for its decision to pull out.
The ACF statement said it believed that the presence of the international grouping known as IIGEP was an essential condition for the credibility of the process of the commission.
The 17 local aid workers were killed when the military was taking over the rebel controlled area of Muttur, 260 kilometres north east of the capital on August 4, 2006.
Investigations have not established whether the Tamil rebels or the military killed them.
The ACF has been involved in providing relief to the war affected in the north and eastern provinces. Troops recaptured the eastern province last year and are currently fighting the rebels in part of the northern province.

Having stabilised operations to retail transport fuels in Sri Lanka, the Lanka Indian Oil Corp, a subsidiary of India's state-run oil company, will ask for Colombo's permission to market aviation fuel.
"We are applying to the government to participate in the aviation fuel marketing and we are ready to develop infrastructure facilities for it," the managing director of Lanka Indian Oil Corp, K Ramakrishnan, said.
He said that Lanka IOC had offered to build its storage facilities and supply aviation fuel at the Katunayake international airport near here or the new airport at Weerawila, some 300 km away.
At the moment, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corp (CPC) has a monopoly in marketing aviation fuel in this island nation.
"In the event of the government granting us the permission, we will augment CPC in the marketing of aviation fuel. But keeping it as a monopoly may not be desirable for a growing economy like Sri Lanka," Ramakrishnan said.
"We are hopeful that we will get permission to develop infrastructure and import aviation fuel to Colombo and Trincomalee ports and do the marketing," he said, adding they were also seeking to expand the retail outlets to 324 from 152.
The company, a subsidiary of the Indian Oil Corp, in Sri Lanka, was incorporated to retail petroleum products, bulk supplies to industrial consumers and also to build and operate storage facilities at the Trincomalee.
Ramakrishnan said that the government of Sri Lanka would also be approached for another fuel price increase in the near future because global oil prices had shot up further. He, nevertheless, said the company was making impressive profits.
He said the company was expected to log a turnover of around $400 million for the year ended March 31. "This will prove Lanka IOC is the number one company in terms of turnover among private enterprises in Sri Lanka."
Lanka IOC imports petroleum products in two ports at Colombo and Trincomalee and keeps stocks ay both places. In November last year, it commissioned a $5 million lube oil blending plant with the capacity of 18,000 tonnes a year.
"Even at the beginning stage we are doing pretty well in this plant and blending some 300,000 litres of lubricants a month. We have larger plans for Trincomalee oil tank farm which has 850 acres of land with a very good jetty nearby."

Irish Sun
Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is keen to play the peacemaker in war-torn Sri Lanka.
Claiming that he enjoys the trust of both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, Ravi Shankar says he does not need any invitation to act to try ending one of the world's longest running armed conflicts.
'If someone's house is burning, you don't expect an invitation from them! A sensitive person will simply jump in,' the spiritual guru told IANS over email from Norway.
'Since 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) is in our veins and blood, we can't but act,' he added. 'I think it is quite normal for anyone with a sense of belongingness to just act.'
The Tamil-speaking Ravi Shankar was asked if he wished to play a role to help end the Sri Lankan conflict and whether he enjoyed the trust of Colombo and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
'Of course, yes! I guess they realise that we have no ulterior motives other than to bring peace to one and all.'
Ravi Shankar's comments came following the conclusion in Oslo last week of a peace conference organised by his Art of Living Foundation that brought together a variety of players from Sri Lanka, India and Norway.
Cabinet ministers, opposition leaders and Buddhist monks came from Sri Lanka. The most high profile Tamil representative was Vaiko, the MDMK leader from India, who pleaded for the Tamil cause in Sri Lanka. Norway's special envoy to Sri Lanka, Jon Hanssen-Bauer, and members of the European Parliament also took part.
Ravi Shankar, 51, is the founder of Art of Living, which enjoys millions of followers worldwide. He has visited Sri Lanka thrice, the last time in September 2006 when he went to the LTTE-held Kilinochchi district.
Members of the Sri Lankan establishment as well as the Tamil National Alliance, which is sympathetic to the LTTE, have interacted with him in India.
Ravi Shankar said the Oslo conference went off very well. 'Though there were heated arguments and accusations, no one walked out (usually in such instances they walk out)! There was a strong commitment for peace and understanding.'
But can a spiritual leader succeed where international actors have failed?
Answer: 'There may be big powers in the world, but they cannot unite the hearts and minds of people. Mahatma Gandhi was a deeply spiritual person. Only because of that he could engineer the freedom movement.
'I have always dreamed the impossible and it has become possible. If conflicts could be resolved in Kosovo, in Ireland, in Baku (where Art of Living played an important role) and if Mahatma Gandhi could bring freedom to India, (the ability to end) the conflict in Sri Lanka through dialogue should not be dismissed.
'I don't mind going to the end of the world if it helps to bring peace and lessen the suffering of the people.'
Ravi Shankar frequently travels abroad. His went to Norway this time after visiting Italy, Germany and Belgium. He will also visit Finland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan before returning to India later this month.
How successful, or otherwise, has Art of Living been in spreading the message of peace? Ravi Shankar : 'Art of Living received recognition from the government of Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) for resolving the conflict between two tribes. (Our) peace efforts were lauded in Ethiopia.
'Thousands of youths in Kashmir have found peace and solace through the Art Of Living programmes. Same is the case in Bihar and Chhattisgarh (where Maoists are active). We need more volunteers to replicate these success stories.'

One of SLBC’s pioneer broadcasters Mark Anthony Fernando has passed away. Mr. Anthony was 83 years old at the time of his demise.
He was a renowned broadcaster from the 1950s when, then Radio Ceylon was shifted to Torrington Square.
Mr. Anthony also excelled in news reading and continued his broadcasting career till the 1970s. He was also a programme organizer of then English national service.

Special security has been provided for the post offices in the eastern province. The additional election commissioners of Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara districts say they had requested the police to provide security till the postal ballot papers and official poll cards are distributed.

The postal ballot papers are now being handed over to post offices to send them to relevant centers. The postal voting of the eastern provincial council election will be held on 28th and 29th of this month.

(Lanka-e-news, ) Up to now, 3 senior journalists of National Television have migrated seeking refugee protection due to continuous death threats.
Three of them are M/s. Darshana Panangala, Waruna Lelwala and Chinthaka Anurudda who were producers of programs at National Television.
After Dr. Mervyn Silva, Minister of Labour with a gang of underworld thugs and drug dealers entered SLRC by force and assaulted it's News Director, Mr.Lal Hemantha Mawalage - Senior producer, Ms. Ranjani Aluthge - Librarian and Mr. Arunasiri Hettige - producer of programs were attacked by thugs. Mr. Hettige was heavily injured and almost lost his life as his neck was brutally wounded by a sharp weapon.

Yashodara, the daughter of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, has given birth to her first child, sources from London said.
The baby boy has been christened Ravi Michael Wijaya, the sources added.

Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Mahajana Wing Mangala Samaraweera has questioned the role of IGP Victor Perera in the country’s law enforcement, noting that the police chief had swiftly arrested JVP MP Jayantha Wijesekara at the whims of the government, but had acted like a coward in the Mervyn Silva incident.
Mr. Samaraweera was speaking to Sri Lankan expatriates in the UK at a Sinhala-Tamil New Year festival at Eailing, London yesterday (Apr. 16th).
The ceremony was attended by a large number of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims living in UK.
National Organizer and Secretary of SLFP (M) Tiran Alles was also present. Speaking further, Mr. Samaraweera said, “The country has a law to act against whoever the culprit is. We concede that the law should be enforced against JVP MP Mr. Jayantha Wijesekara had he done anything wrong. But, the IGP and the Attorney General work according to a political agenda. They are fulfilling the needs of the Rajapaksa brothers company with the intention of obtaining positions and privileges.”
“The IGP did not show the same interest when he jailed Mr. Jayantha Wijesekara when it came to Minister Mervyn Silva and his thugs who face continuous accusations. Just because he was a minister, he cannot enter a state institution and hinder official duties. Hindering official duties is a serious offence. Mervyn should have been arrested. Had that been done, Mervyn would not have got injured. No one would have got assaulted. But, the IGP acted like a coward before Mervyn’s thuggery. Today, the country is lawless. The IGP and the AG follow the Medamulana law. The law of the jungle reigns today.”
“Clearly, there is a conspiracy behind the remanding of Mr. Jayantha Wijesekara. Earlier, Sripathi and Tiran of our party faced the same situation. Jayantha Wijesekara is the latest victim. Today, the government is scared to face the eastern provincial council election, Hakeem and the opposition. Rajapaksas did not expect Rauff Hakeem to challenge the election campaign of the government and Pillayan. The government is concerned that the JVP will make an impact on Sinhala voters. Therefore, Jayantha, who represents Trincomalee, was sent to jail. Mervyn’s thugs roam freely. This is how the law of the country is enforced today.”
Mr. Samaraweera also responded to a question over the present conflict facing the JVP.
“Today, the JVP is facing an organizational problem. I do not see a conflict of opinions here. Wimal as well as Somawansa promote war. For us, the dividing line between their opinions on the war is not clear. When Wimal calls for fullest support to the government in its war, Somawansa says the government should continue with the war, but wants it to reduce commodity prices and safeguard human rights. Both promote the war. I do not agree both opinions. When a country is at war, human rights are not protected or commodity prices are brought down. What development did we gain during our 25 years of war? I am of the firm stance that powers should be devolved both in the north and the south. Powers should be decentralized to democratize the lowest lawyers of our society, especially for the development of rural areas. Resolving the ethnic conflict becomes easy when powers are devolved equally to all areas. That is why we call for a political solution.”
“In the past, we were uncertain about the JVP’s political actions. The JVP supported the government over human rights and the cost of living. That was a problem for us. But, the JVP leader has now clarified them.”
“Anyway, it is not a good thing if the JVP becomes weak at this time. That will have an effect on the strength of the opposition. If the JVP genuinely wants to play the role of the opposition, I hope it will sort out its problem quickly. I hope that the JVP will pave the way for all of us to work together to restore peace and human rights and for the elimination of poverty,” he added.

Dissidents of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna want the party to take immediate disciplinary action against whom it calls three conspirators in its ranks, if they are to rejoin the party.
If that is done, we will go back even as the lowest level party members, Jayantha Samaraweera, Spokesman for the Wimal Weerawansa faction said.
According to him, the request will be submitted in writing to JVP Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva.
The faction, however, is yet to name the three members whom it calls as conspirators, who have allegedly sided with the UNP and are attempting to divide the party.
Speaking further, Mr. Samaraweera said they do not challenge the party’s procedures for sorting out its organizational problems.

The Catholic Bishops Conference has clarified the reasons for temporarily moving the statue of Our Lady or Madhu to Thevanpiddi Church in Mannar.
It said in a statement that Thevanpiddi was the only alternative as other missions in the Mannar district have been deserted due to ongoing fighting between government troops and the LTTE.
Further, Thevanpiddi is an area with a sizeable population of Catholics, the Conference said.
It rejected claims by certain media that the statue had been moved at the instigation of the LTTE.
Recognized as a sacred area through gazette solidification on 19th March 1982, the Madhu Church is increasingly exposed to exchanges of shelling between the two parties at war, the statement noted.
After considering the safety of the statue as well as that of the clergy living there and with permission by the Bishop of Mannar, the statue was taken to Thevanpiddi.
The statue will be restored to its original resting place at Madhu after there is a guarantee about its safety, the statement added.

Burson-Marsteller picks up allies in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal has announced the formation of Burson-Marsteller South Asia Network (BMSAN) with the signing of strategic alliances with independent public relations companies in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The public relations and communications firm’s network will be coordinated through Genesis Burson-Marsteller, a wholly owned B-M company in India.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Bill Rylance, vice-chairman, global development, and chairman, Asia Pacific, Burson-Marsteller, with Strategic Alliance, Sri Lanka; Mediators, Pakistan; Cogito Marketing Solutions, Bangladesh; and Media Tech Associates, Nepal.
“Creating new avenues for growth and network expansion is our strategic priority and we see South Asia as an important growth engine.
The agreements signed today significantly strengthen our footprint and services in the region through Genesis Burson-Marsteller,” said Rylance.
“Our Indian and multinational clients are increasingly looking for public relations solutions and reach in the region. The South Asia Network will offer clients the highest return on investment on their communication spends by combining the best available local expertise, seamless reach across countries and integration from India,” said Ashwani Singla, chief executive, Genesis Burson-Marsteller.
Burson-Marsteller Worldwide CEO Mark Penn emphasised the significance of the company’s extensive affiliate network, saying, “Our affiliates are value added partners who enable us to meet the needs of our global clients anywhere in the world.”

 

Despite the government's action to impose a ceiling on rice prices starting at midnight last night, the decision seems to have no effect on the prevailing rice prices.
Both retail and wholesale traders, speaking to local electronic media, complained that they are unable to provide rice at the specified prices.
According to wholesale traders, the existing stocks were purchased at higher prices and therefore the controlled prices will incur a loss for them. Meanwhile, retailers said they can reduce the prices only when the wholesalers comply with the government's orders.
A kilo of Samba was sold around 90 rupees, while red rice was sold around 80 rupees in the retail market.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara refused the traders' claims, saying that the present stocks had been purchased at very low prices. He said the traders are purposely trying to gain unfair profits by controlling the supply.
Also, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardene wowed to take stern legal action against those traders not complying with price control. He requested consumers to complain about such traders to the Consumer Protection Bureau as soon as possible.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says the government is perplexed as to what reasons prompted the Statue of "Our Lady of Madhu" to be removed from the Madhu Church to a location nearly 70 kilometres away into an area of LTTE activity.
Speaking to media in Colombo the minister said even in 1999 when the security forces liberated the Madhu Church no such step for taken to remove the statue. He said the government is fully committed to ensure the security of the church.
But this commitment has been neglected and the statue has been exposed to danger by the spiriting away of the statue. The minister said the security forces have entered all areas other than the area consisting of the church so as to prevent endangering the church.

Pettah wholesale traders' sales outlets were closed yesterday, following the government's imposition of a price ceiling on rice, effective from midnight April 16. However some were shops that had not been reopened after the New Year holidays. Almost all the wholesale outlets on 4th Cross Street, 5th Cross Street and the Old Moor street were closed. The traders said that they were unable to sell the existing stocks at the controlled prices since mill owners fixed the prices. If the existing stocks were sold at the new controlled prices, they would suffer heavy losses, said some.

The controlled price of a sack of Samba rice of weight 65 kilogrammes is Rs 40.30, whereas its purchase price is Rs 5400. Rice was sold sparingly at some boutiques: At one it was sold at Rs. 85 a kilogramme of Samba, Rs. 70 a kilogramme of Nadu or Red rice and Rs.65 a kilogramme of Red Kekulu. The owner said he was selling at controlled prices while suffering a loss.

Meanwhile the Consumer Affairs Authority said yesterday that raids would be conducted around the country, beginning today, to nab shop-owners who do not comply with the price ceilings and new regulations relating to the sale of locally produced rice. A spokesman for the Authority said that investigating officers attached to the Authority and those attached to the District Secretariats would conduct the raids.
The Government's decision to control the price of rice came in for severe criticism yesterday from the wholesale trade.
President of the Colombo Pettah Old Moor Street Wholesale Traders Association K. Palaniandy said the Government's decision to impose price controls on rice was arbitrary. He urged the Government to at least grant the traders a grace period of nine days to consult the millers so that the chaotic situation that has been created by the sudden imposition a price control can be sorted out.
"As a result of the ad-hoc decision by the Government the Laksathosa outlets which had purchased stocks at much higher prices were compelled to toe the Government's line. People stormed these outlets yesterday demanding rice at the controlled prices. Laksathosa is sure to run out of stocks in two days with mounting losses to the Government," he said.
"We are shocked at the way the Government went about imposing a price control without a dialogue with any of the Millers or Traders," Palaniandy said.
"If the government was sincere in helping the poor masses, we would have certainly cooperated but the Government should have consulted us first or the millers at least, then all could have understood the present situation and taken a right decision," said.
He said the traders would have no problems with regard to imported rice, but the local rice had been purchased from the millers at high costs. It was fine for the government in the interest of the poor masses to bear the losses but they, the traders, were businessmen and had to pay their employees, overheads, taxes and Bank loan interest. He asked who would bear the responsibility for their losses.
"We may be compelled to go out of business, Palaniandy said.
"The Government does not have money to import rice and at present private traders do not have any stocks in hand. This would not create a problem even if rice is imported, the problem is with the local rice," he said.
Palaniandy said if the government believes that it could carry out the task of retailing rice at cheaper prices, they were willing to let it do so and put up shutters for want of an alternative.

 
By Yohan Perera
The JVP crisis yesterday moved into its allied organizations, with the issue developing into a clash between the party and the Patriotic National Movement spearheaded by the dissident JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa.
Police said that a member of the Patriotic National Movement was attacked in Bandaragama, allegedly by members of the JVP. Patriotic National Movement president, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, alleged that Hemantha Perera, the Kalutara District organizer of the PNM, was assaulted by members of the JVP.
Mr. Perera had later been admitted to Bandaragama Hospital.
Dr. Amarasekera added that this sort of action was condemned by civilized society and he therefore requested the JVP to desist from resorting to such actions. "The crisis within the party should be resolved by the party, and this is not the way to do it. It should be done in an intelligent and wise manner.
This sort of foolish action would only make the imperialist forces happy, and not those who expect the forward march of the JVP and the PNM," he said.
Reports said that JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa and the dissident MPs who are backing him are working towards forming a "Patriotic Front," and several nationalist organizations and movements, including the PNM, are expected to join hands with them.

 

By: K. Venkataramanan,

Battered in the North-eastern war theatre in Sri Lanka, hounded at sea by a resurgent Navy, and having lost several logistic vessels in sea battles, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) seems to be falling back for supplies on its oldest haven - the porous coastline of Tamil Nadu and its vast hinterland.

Dozens of incidents of smuggling and over 100 arrests in the last couple of years stand testimony to the Tigers' network in the state, eventhough there is insufficient evidence to indicate collusion by the State machinery, the Times of India reported yesterday.

The LTTE maintains a wide network of committed sympathisers and mercenary supporters to ensure regular supplies of fuel, medicines and war-related materials to carry on their armed campaign in the island nation.

As many as 108 people have been arrested for suspected smuggling activities since May 2006. Of these, 31 were Sri Lankan Tamils and the rest Indians.

Forty of these suspects were detained under the National Security Act (NSA), but some of them have been released on technical grounds.

There are 49 Sri Lankan Tamils in a special camp for suspected militants and their sympathisers in Chengalpattu. Of these, nine are hard-core LTTE men.

The Sri Lankan Navy feels its recent successes against the LTTE's fleet of arms-running vessels - it has sunk seven in the last two years - has forced the rebel group to source much of its supplies from India.

Col (retd) R Hariharan, who headed military intelligence in the Indian Peace Keeping Force, notes that the LTTE seems to have received some fresh ammunition in recent days. "It is not clear which clandestine route is being used by the LTTE to import munitions.

But the Indian coastal zone continues to be the weakest link in the naval defence of Sri Lanka. We may expect the Sri Lankan Navy to intensify operations in the seas around Kachchativu in the coming weeks." A major haul in the first half of 2006 was the police seizure of a consignment of gelex boosters from a vehicle near Madurai.

It was apparently meant to be shipped to northern Sri Lanka via Rameswaram. Once again, the temple town seemed to become a vital hub for smuggling for the Tigers.

In one instance, the 'Q' branch police arrested eight LTTE operatives while trying to smuggle out a truck-load of ball-bearings. Investigation revealed that the consignment had been bought from an automobile spare parts company in Mumbai. Ball-bearings are used as shrapnel in improvised explosive devices.

In February 2007, the Coast Guard caught two boats carrying a cache of ammunition and explosives and metallic bars packed in gunny bags. Later that month, the Coast Guard intercepted a 'Sea Tiger' boat with five members of the LTTE's sea wing. Their interrogation revealed that the boat had been lined with explosives.

The boat was taken away to mid-sea and blasted as a security measure. There were several other seizures of aluminium ingots, ball bearings, scrap metal, rocket shells, boosters, explosives, detonators and chemicals in the Southern districts.

The war in Sri Lanka is now closer to India's coast than ever before. The main theatre is now Mannar, the North-western district in which a small enclave is in LTTE control. Talaimannar, Sri Lanka's westernmost point is just an hour's speedboat journey away from Rameswaram.

As long as the unending conflict in the neighbouring country rages on, Tamil Nadu, especially its fishermen, will continue to see disquieting days.

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a statement released yesterday (April 17), said that hospitals in the non-liberated areas in Wanni and North are running short of basic medical supplies.

The Red Cross report attributes the problem as the lack of regular deliveries, limited number of staffers and medical equipment, but states it had managed to get supplies from the government.

"The supplies of medicine are safely dispatched up to Vavuniya but what happens beyond that point is unknown", Dr. Athula Kahandagamage, Secretary, Ministry of Health was quoted as saying to press.

He also commended the ICRC for helping out with the distribution of medicine and other equipment in the non-liberated areas. According to defence officials, the LTTE is to be held totally responsible for the suffering caused to many including children and women in the non-liberated northern patches as it is well known that the outfit is shamelessly looting government provided medical supplies and equipment for the treatment of its battle wounded.

Faced with severe battle casualties in the Wanni front the outfit has recently threatened every individual and household under its influence to giveaway a blood pint for the treatment of its cadres. Meanwhile, the floods caused by the torrential rains recently have further worsened the situation. Many local staffers working for humanitarian relief are been threatened by LTTE elements in these areas and the basic medical supplies, drugs and equipment provided by the government is taken away by the outfit once the consignments reach the non-liberated zones, the official further added.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is assisting hospitals in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittiuvu and Vavuniya Districts with medical equipment and supplies for the treatment of sick and war-wounded people.

 


Political parties and independent groups contesting the Eastern Provincial Council Election are now engaged in extensive propaganda.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says election propaganda of the UPFA has commenced covering all electorates of the province.
Main rallies will be held in the coming days. He said senior members of the political parties affiliated to the UPFA are also participating in the election campaigns. The UNP plans to intensify its campaign from Monday.
The JVP stated that a main rally will be held on Sunday in Ampara.

 


Assistant election commissioners of the east say postal vote polling cards for the Eastern provincial council election will be dispatched to the attesting officers from today.
The casting of postal votes for the election takes place on the 28th and 29th of this month. Nearly 22,000 individuals have applied to cast their votes by post.
Postal votes can be cast during office hours. The distribution of official poll cards begins on Monday for the election that will be held on the 10th of next month. 1,342 candidates contest 37 positions in the election.

 


Consumers have hailed the measure taken by the government to regulate rice prices. They are confident that this endeavour will be effective.
The special gazette for controlling prices of rice is now in effect. The maximum wholesale and retail prices for rice have been declared by the gazette notification number 1545-8-17-04-2008. Secretary to the ministry of trade R.M.K. Ratnayake said the government decided on these prices after consultations with leading paddy mill owners.
He said they have agreed to sell rice at these prices. The ministry secretary said leading traders have also agreed to sell rice at government stipulated prices.

Two Tamil civilians were shot dead this morning (April 17) by motor bike riding LTTE gunmen in separate locations in Jaffna. According to Jaffna Police sources, a civilian was shot dead by alleged LTTE gunmen who stormed into a privately owned communication centre at Browns Road, in Kaladdy, Jaffna at around 10.20a.m.
Separately, another civilian was reported killed by unidentified LTTE gunmen near the Sinnakaddai market area in Gurunagar at 10.15a.m. The gunmen have immediately fled the area, Police sources said.
Jaffna Police area conducting further investigations.

Tilvin is challenged for DNA test(Lanka-e-news, ] Mr. Mahinda Ratnathilake, Minister of Textile Industries disclosed that JVP MP, Sunil Handunnetti was prepared to vote for the recent budget and to join the Government.
According to Mr. Ratnathilake, while he was in the chamber of one of the member of Government in parliament, Mr. Handunnetti has come to him and told him that he will join Government and after that he want to migrate to another country. Mr. Ratnathilake revealed this information in reply to LeN question whether Mr. Handunnetti was in need of joining the Government.
'Mr. Handunnetti has informed his neighbour, Mr. Ketipearachchi, Media Secretary to Mr. Ratnathilake that he wanted to migrate after voting for the budget and accordingly, arrangements have been made for him to migrate to England. He was advised not to inform anybody about this, but one week before the visit, he has told his wife about same. She has informed Mr. Tilvin Silva and a group regarding Mr. Handunnetti's visit and thereafter, he and his family members were kidnapped just like the recent vehicle kidnappings' told Mr. Ratnathilake. VIiJitha Herath made Army to kill hundreds Mr. Ratnathilake further said that he, with a total responsibility, announce that Mr. Vijitha Herath, now acting like a pure gentleman, made Army to kill hundreds when he was in Beragala Camp with Mr. Ketipearachchi, Media Secretary to Mr. Ratnathilake. During this discussion, he chanllenged the Secretary to JVP for a DNA test.

(Lanka-e-news, ) While propaganda is heavily going on for Eastern Provincial Council Mini Polls, Erakkamam party office of Leader of UNP Group for Ampara District, Mr. Hassen Ali of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has been attacked yesterday around 2.00 a.m.
Batti effected by the armed gangs againMr. Hassen Ali, Secretary of SLMC and Leader of the UNP Group told LeN that his office was damaged due to this attack. He said that SLMC organiser of Erakkamam, Mr. Saleem has made a complaint to Damana Police Station stating that one Jamaldeen who is a UNFP candidate for Ampara District was responsible for this attack. When LeN contacted the HQI of Damana Police Station, he said that there is no such complaint was received by him or the Police Station.
Mr. Hassen Ali once again confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and when contacted the HQI again, he said that sometimes, it must have lodged in Eragama Police Post and he will look into this. Mr. Hassen Ali further said that voters in Ampara District has changed a lot and 80% of the Voters in Muslim areas are eagerly hoping to vote for UNP. Specially, this change could be seen in the areas where sinhalese people are living in Ampara District and most of them are supporting for UNP. '
By now propaganda for mini polls are carrying on without any obstructions, and on the 26th of this month, a rally will be held with UNP and SLMC leaders. Also Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe is due to visit Ampara on the 6th of May' said Mr. Hassen Ali.
Even though the Government and Police say that the armed gangs are not permitted for canvassing in Eastern Province Mini Polls, LeN learnt that they are hanging around in public in the areas where more tamil people live such as Tirukkovil, Komarai, Pandiruppu, Valattapitti, Central Camp, Akkaraipattu (Tamil area) and Kalmunai (Tamil area) in Ampara District, and they are threatening voters.
It is further reported that candidates who are contesting for Ampara District from Independent and other groups are evading their propaganda programs specially because of the armed gangs of Pilleyan group.
The same is happening in Kiran, Vandaramulla, Kalavanchikudi, Arayampattu and Chettipalayam in Batticaloe District where most tamil people live. Also it is further reported that voters in Paduvankarai, Batticaloe are also effected by the armed gangs.
In the meantime, a voted who does not want to reveal his name told LeN that an armed gang is hanging around in Ottamavadi with the bessings of a Minister who is handling the election campaign on behalf of the Government. This armed gang is contesting for Batticaloe Distirct as an Independent group.

The President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) V. Anandasangaree, says he is perturbed over midnight air strikes in the Wanni saying it causes him “grave anxiety and concern” and has written to President Mahinda Rajapakse urging him to address the issue.

Minister Rajitha Senaratne did not act as a representative of the Sri Lankan government when he met with Norwegian International Development Minister Eric Solheim in Oslo recently, Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said today (Apr. 17th).
Speaking to the media in Colombo, Mr. Rambukwella said the government was yet to be briefed about what had been discussed at the meeting between the two ministers.
The Defence Spokesman added that the government’s willingness to resume negotiations if the LTTE lays down arms, remained unchanged.

Several wholesale rice traders in Colombo Pettah downed their shutters today (Apr. 17th), saying that they could not afford to sell their present stocks below the ceiling prices that are now effective.
President of the Old Moor Street Traders Association N. Palaniandi said traders had stocks of certain Samba varieties that had been bought at Rs. 80 to Rs. 85, although the new maximum price set by the government is Rs. 70.
Mr. Palaniandi said he expected the matter to be sorted out through discussion with the authorities today itself, and requested the membership of his association to open their businesses.
A government gazette set the maximum prices for rice that came into effect at midnight on April 16th.
Accordingly, Samba will be sold at a maximum wholesale rate of Rs. 63 per kilo, while the retail price will be Rs. 70.
For Nadu, the prices are Rs. 58 (wholesale) and Rs. 65 (retail), which are the same for Red Kekulu.
White Kekulu will be sold by wholesalers at Rs. 48 and at Rs. 55 by retailers, according to the new prices.
Clause 18 (1) of the Consumer Protection Act says it is a punishable offence to sell at higher rates, not to display a price list, to hoard, mislead consumers and refuse to issue receipts.
Complaints could be lodged with the respective District or Divisional Secretary or the Consumer Affairs Authority, the government said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein A Bhaila, who was in Doha, Qatar, to attend the 08th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.
He thanked the Qatari government for the support rendered to Sri Lanka’s candidature of the UN Human Rights Council. The release further says the deputy minister also briefed the state minister on the current situation in Sri Lanka and the government’s development efforts in the east and on the forthcoming election to the eastern provincial council.

Water Board to charge 15% VAT from all domestic consumers from 1st April.Peviously it was paid by the Board says a spokesman of the board. Due to this the consumers have to pay VAT and it will be an additional burden for the consumers.

Defence Media spokesman and Minister Kehiliya Rambukwella says the international intellectual committee headed by P.N Bagawathi has not acted according to accepted guidelines.
The Minister at a media briefing in Colombo this morning also said the group which came to the island on the invitation of the president should have acted according to the instructions of the department of attorney general.
He further said government could not agree with the sentiments expressed by the committee.

The assistant election commissioners say postal ballot papers of the eastern provincial council election will be mailed to certifying officials from tomorrow. Nearly 22000 persons have applied for postal voting to be conducted on the 28th and 29th of this months.
Distribution of official poll cards will start on next Monday. Special arrangements have been made to distribute the cards till the 2nd of next month.
The eastern provincial council election will be conducted on the 10th of next month. 35 political parties and 75 independent groups compete in the election.

Secretary to the ministry of trade R.M.K Rathnayaka reiterates that the government declared guaranteed price for rice comes in to forces from today. According to gazette notification, the maximum retail price for a kilo of samba rice is 70 rupees. For a kilo of Nadu rice, the guaranteed price is 65 rupees. The maximum retail prices for a kilo of red and white Kakulu rice are 65 and 55 rupees respectively.
The consumer authority requests the general public to inform of any instances of selling rice above the guaranteed price to the telephone number 011-2 321 696. The ministry says failure to display prices and making statements to misguide the consumer are regarded as offences that could be punished under the consumer protection act.
Commissioner of co-operative development A.P.G Kithsiri says all cooperatives sell rice according to the guaranteed prices declared by the government. President of the pettah and fort businessmen’s association S.Sami says his association complies with the orders of the government regarding the prices of rice.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein A Bhaila, who was in Doha, Qatar, to attend the 08th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.
He thanked the Qatari government for the support rendered to Sri Lanka’s candidature of the UN Human Rights Council.
The release further says the deputy minister also briefed the state minister on the current situation in Sri Lanka and the government’s development efforts in the east and on the forthcoming election to the eastern provincial council.

Petroleum minister A H M Fowzie says Sri Lanka will only award one out of three offshore oil blocks in the north west of the island for which international oil companies gave bids.
The Minister adds the country will award it to the bidder who will give most profits to the government.
On January 31st when bids closed, Block 001, which is closest to India attracted bids from three players: ONGC Videsh, Cairn India, and Niko Resources of Cyprus

JVP MP Jayantha Wijesekara who surrendered to Police in connection with hijacking vehicles has been further remanded till 21st April.The courts also returned the 3 stolen JVP vehicles to the registered owners on a bond .
Last week , Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Jagoda said that they did not submit a complaint to the police regarding their hijacked vehicles .They have already submitted a letter to the Inspector General of Police and stating they did not a complain about the vehicle theft.However Inspector General of Police Victor Perera says that he cannot withdraw this complaint.
He said his department could not accede to a request made by two JVP dissidents to release JVP Trincomalee District parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara.
He said that the police cannot take the law into its own hands but had to act according the decisions of a Court of law. Commenting on the request made by Jagoda and Wijenayaka to release Wijesekara, he said according to the law a suspect once remanded could not be released without an order from Court.

Security Forces continued ground battles with LTTE on Wednesday (April16) left at least 16 terrorists dead, 65 injured in the Wanni and Northern fronts, according to security sources.
In addition, an Army soldier was reported killed and 25 others injured during the confrontations with LTTE yesterday, MCNS sources said. On the Jaffna front at Muhamalai general area an LTTE terrorist was reported killed and 6 others wounded, while military reports stated that a soldier had also received injuries.
4 other terrorists were also killed and 3 wounded during confrontations in general areas Mantotam, Adampan and Mediyamurippu, at the Mannar front according to security sources. Meanwhile, military said that 2 soldiers were also wounded in skirmishes with LTTE in Mannar.
Separately, 6 LTTE were reported killed and 9 wounded when troops confronted with terrorists ahead of LTTE defences in Palampiddi, Anandakulama, Puliyankulama and Vinayagakulama general areas at the Vavuniya front. An Army soldier was reported killed and 8 wounded during advances made in the area, yesterday.
Meanwhile, in the Welioya front 5 LTTE were killed and at least 47 confirmed injured during heavy fighting ensued between troops and LTTE on Wednesday, according to security sources. According to reports received 9 soldiers were also wounded in separate confrontations in general areas at Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa, security sources said.
Meanwhile, Kalpitiya Police apprehended a large consignment of gelignite explosive sticks at a Police roadblock in Thethawadiya yesterday (16). According to Police sources, 99450 gelignite explosive sticks were found along with 35ft long 7 detonator codes. Two suspects, driver and assistant were immediately arrested with the lorry while investigations continue, Kalpitiya Police sources said.

Malaria Control campaign of the Ministry of Health (MoH) has provided 50,000 especially medicated mosquito nets to families in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. Followed by monsoon rains Chikungunya, Malaria and Dengue are prevalent in the area.
According the health sources over 15, 463 dengue patients were reported in 2004 with 88 deaths reported while in year 2005 death toll was 28.
In 2006, 11, 979 patients were reported with 47 deaths. More than 4300 patients and 29 deaths were reported last year.
More than 1,900 dengue patients were reported in the first two months in 2008.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets attacked LTTE's key logistic complex and engineering yard in general area Visuamadu, 15 km north west of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaithivu district, this morning (Apr 17). According to the air force sources, the bombing mission was carried out between 6.25 am - 6.35 am.
The targeted base has been used as the key logistic hub for heavy engineering and construction work by LTTE terrorists, said defence intelligence sources. The terror base has a large vehicle yard and several hardware stores, from where the outfit allocates resources for heavy construction work particularly those done for the safety of its leaders such as construction of fortified bunkers and tunnels, the sources added.
According to the sources, the defence intelligence agencies have registered the target following long-term air surveillance and analysis of information gathered. The target was engaged after observing its recent increase of activities. Visuamadu area is considered as main hub of LTTE activities, the sources further said.
Air Force sources citing the fighter pilots said that the target was effectively engaged.

Zacki Jabbar
The Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA), has requested Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara not to permit the unconstitutional appointment of an acting Secretary general of Parliament.
The 14-day term of acting Parliamentary Secretary General, Dhammika Kitulgoda, expired on April 14.
President of the OPA, Elmore Perera, in a written communication to Lokubandara said that he will be failing in his duty, by remaining silent on the unconstitutional appointment of an acting Secretary General.
Article 41 of the Consitution, he said specifically stipulates that the President can appoint a Secretary General of Parliament, only on the Constitutional Council’s recommendation.
The OPA and Congress of Religions earlier wrote to President Mahinda Rajapkasa urging him to speedily appoint the Constitutional Council, as required by law.
"Any delay in the President performing his constitutional duty could lead to impeachment proceedings,"they observed.

by Norman Palihawadana
The Janatha Vimukti Peramuna is a political party that totally depends on the assistance of the public and it represents the interests of the people, JVP Trincomalee District parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara said at the Colombo Magazine Remand prison on Tuesday.Wijesekara has been remanded on an allegation regarding his involvement in the robbery of two vehicles of JVP parliamentarians from the members’ garage of the Parliamentary Complex, Kotte last week.
Asked whether the JVP has been weakened, Wijesekara said the party was not weak but to outsiders it may appear like that. "Party members are aware that we are strong."
Asked whether the party’s senior officials visited him at the remand prisons, he said JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and General Secretary Tilwin Silva had come and his family members also had visited him.
Asked whether he expected the party to elevate him in position, he said "We don’t seek positions in the party but work for the public."
He blamed certain police officers for his arrest but said prisons officials were good and that he did not feel any difference being in the remand prison. The food and other services in the remand prisons were satisfactory, he said.
Asked whether with the present problems in the party he foresaw a change in the leadership, he said "We don’t make public comments about the party’s internal matters as they are purely matters for the party’s officials and members."

by Devan Daniel
Sri Lanka has the capability to produce sufficient bio fuel locally to meet the entire demand of petrol driven vehicles in the country and thus bring about massive foreign exchange savings as the need to import petrol will be almost unnecessary.
According to a proposal submitted by Pelwatte Sugar Industries Ltd (PSIL) the country can be self-sufficient in bio fuel as a substitute for petrol, by cultivating 65,000 hectares of sugarcane, which will be used to produce Ethanol.
"Brazil is using sugarcane ethanol to run almost 100 percent of its vehicles. Sri Lanka too has the capacity and capability to do the same. The President has already been appraised about the uses of ethanol as a substitute for petrol and we have even presented him with an ethanol sample we had produced. He expressed a keenness about the project but as usual the policy makers a dragging their feet," said A. Wickramanayake, Director, PSIL.
He pointed out that India had saved almost 20 percent on its annual expenditure on petrol because the country runs its vehicles on a bio fuel petrol mixture.
"Why should we as a country spend so much on imported oil when we can produce our own fuel?" he said.
Wickramanayake said that ethanol can either be mixed with petrol or can be used on its own without having to modify the vehicles. But this cannot be used for vehicles running on diesel.
PSIL has proposed two possible scenarios, and each has been further analysed on the impact a fertiliser subsidy and an incentive scheme for farmers will have on the proposals.
The first is to produce 520,000 MT of sugar for consumption from 5.2 million MT of sugarcane from 65,000 hectares. This will create 234,000 MT of molasses which can be used to produce about 74 million litres of ethanol. This will save the government almost Rs.33 billion a year.
Under this proposal, even if the government was to provide fertiliser subsidies it would amount to only 8 percent of the above savings and the net saving would be Rs. 30.5 billion. PSIL proposes that if farmers were given an incentive Rs.100,000 per hectare instead, it would cost the government 24.56 percent of Rs.33 billion and will save Rs.26.5 billion.
Under the second proposal, PSIL suggests that if all the sugarcane produced in the 65,000 hectares was to go for the production of ethanol alone, it would result in about 374 million litres of ethanol and save the government almost Rs.41 billion a year. A fertiliser subsidy is calculated to cost the government 6.45 percent of the savings resulting in a net saving of Rs.38.2 billion while an incentive of Rs.100,000 per hectare to farmers will result in a net saving of Rs. 34.1 billion.
The above proposals also accounts for a saving of Rs.4.3 billion on diesel because PSIL points out that 150 MW of electricity can be produced in the process as well.
PSIL presently produces about 10 million litres of ethanol a year for the local alcohol industry and in the process its plants provide their own electricity which has cut costs by almost 30 percent.
"We are heavily taxed by the government. PSIL generates around Rs.7 billion in revenue to the government by way of excise duty every year. If these proposals are to be implemented, and they should be, the government will have to consider handing out incentives to attract farmers to cultivate sugarcane.
"Sixty percent of our teas come from smallholders, likewise, if we are to grow sugarcane to the extent that is required, which is about 65,000 hectares then the government will have to think of ways to attract smallholders and others to establish sugarcane plantations.
"And then they could generate their own electricity and should be made to contribute 25 percent or so to the national grid," Wickramanayake said.
Wickramanayake believes that there is enough land available in uncultivated paddy fields, marginal lands and unused state land to be put to good use.
The PSIL proposal said that that the 374 million litres of ethanol which can be produced from 65,000 hectares of sugarcane is adequate to cover the country’s demand for petrol and an official of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation said that although the country’s petrol requirement is about 1.5 million litres a day, which amounts to about 548 million litres a year, the PSIL estimate is close to the actual requirement as the refineries do not operate every day of the year and are subject to closures for maintenance.
What ever the figures may be, however, a saving is a saving. And a saving of Rs.26 to 34 billion is a worthwhile saving indeed.
Senior Lecturer and former Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Moratuwa, said that now was the right time for Sri Lanka to explore ways in which bio fuels can be used as a substitute to fossil fuels.
"The world is moving into bio fuels and the use of ethanol as a substitute for petrol has been proved in many parts of the world, like in Brazil. But we have to be mindful of considering the local context before embarking in any large scale changes," said Dr. A. G. T. Sugathapala.
"Ethanol can be used, as proven, but the vehicles will have to undergo minor adjustments. We will need competent mechanics to handle this procedure and to take care of maintenance and repairs,
"The water content of ethanol is too high to be used as fuel, so refineries will have to be established to dehydrate ethanol. This will be a substantial cost and it must be noted that the refined ethanol must be consistent in quality. Distribution will have to be looked into as well," he said.
Dr. Sugathapala said the problem with bio fuels is that it conflicts with the interest of keeping food prices within reasonable and fair limits. World food prices have soared because bio fuel has emerged as a substitute for fossil fuels.
But the PSIL proposal does not bring this conflict to Sri Lanka.
"We will not only be able to produce the sugar we need, but produce bio fuel and electricity as well," Wickramanayake said.
He pointed out that the proposals were based on estimates of the sugarcane yield from 65,000 hectares and an increase in that the number of hectares needed to be cultivated can depend on what the requirement would be.

The two JVPers who allegedly drove away the stolen vehicles in last week’s controversial vehicle robbery within the Parliament grounds, surrendered to the Welikada police, yesterday, through their attorney.
The two persons, reportedly party members from Balagolla and Kirulapona, had allegedly helped to rob the vehicles of two dissident JVP MPs who had left the party with its former propaganda secretary Wimal Weerawansa.
OIC Welikada Police, CI Neville de Silva, told Daily Mirror yesterday that the two suspects would be produced in court today.
JVP Trincomalee District MP Jayantha Wijesekara surrendered to the Welikada Police last week, and was remanded in connection with the incident.

Sunil C. Perera in ColomboPolitical sources say the conflict between the JVP and the dissidents will be deepened with the JVP ‘s hard-line decision on the dissidents.
However the JVP said their door is still open for the dissidents who want to rejoin the party.Last week , Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Jagoda said that they did not submit a complaint to the police regarding their hijacked vehicles .
They have already submitted a letter to the Inspector General of Police and stating they did not a complain about the vehicle theft.Local television giant MTV and SIRASA also criticized this letter and said these dissidents cannot withdraw their complain because a police sergeant of the Parliament Police was beaten by a group of the JVP and robbed two vehicles from the parliament complex.
These vehicles were imported under the duty free concessions and property of the public.Commenting on the dissident MPs ' letter Mr.Tylwin Silva said they have to withdraw their complaint if they want to honor their parliament colleague Jayantha Wijesekara , who is in remand in connection with the vehicles robbery.
However dissidents say Jayantha Wijesekara is one of leading member and also contesting for the Eastern Polls on behalf of the JVP.He has no personal intention to rob these vehicles but he led the party’s decision to remove vehicles .Due to these factors they do not want to proceed with this case against Mr.Wijesekara.Last week the Colombo Magistrate ordered to remand JVP parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara till 17 th of this month. According to the sources the JVP will appear in courts on tomorrow on behalf of Wijesekara.According to the General Secretary of the JVP , these vehicles belonged to the JVP .
Meanwhile Inspector General of Police Victor Perera says that he cannot withdraw this complaint.He said his department could not accede to a request made by two JVP dissidents to release JVP Trincomalee District parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara.
He said that the police cannot take the law into its own hands but had to act according the decisions of a Court of law.
Commenting on the request made by Jagoda and Wijenayaka to release Wijesekara, he said according to the law a suspect once remanded could not be released without an order from Court. He said Wijesekera was charged with not only robbing vehicles from the Parliament garage, but also assaulting a police officer on duty there.

The President has decided to appoint the wife of slain Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s organizer for the Katana electorate.
The succession of Dr. Mrs. Sudarshani Fernandopulle to the post comes after calls by close associates of the late Mr. Fernandopulle as well as the SLFP activists in Katana.
According to sources at the SLFP headquarters, the President has invited Mrs. Fernandopulle to enter active politics to take forward the vision of her late politician husband.
After consulting the family as well as political friends, she has consented to the request, according to the sources.
Already an active social worker, Mrs. Fernandopulle has promised to finance the education of the child of her husband’s bodyguard, who died along with him in a bomb blast at Weliweriya on April 06th.
She has also visited the homes of other victims and undertaken to help the bereaving families.

Sri Lanka has delayed evaluating bids for two oil exploration blocks in its northwestern offshore Mannar basin and will evaluate the one with the most competition first, said the country’s Petroleum Resource Minister AHM Fowzie today.

"We decide only to evaluate where there is a competition of three ... once that is over we will consider the other two," said Fowzie to Reuters.
In January, Sri Lanka received six tenders from Cairn Energy, ONGC and Nico Resources for the three blocks offered.
All three companies bid for the first block, while Cairn and Nico bid for the second block. The third block has only received a bid from Nico Resources.
"The bids are before the technical evaluation committee and once they study and submit a report to the cabinet negotiating committee we will decide," Fowzie said
A non-oil producing nation, Sri Lanka expects its first commercial crude oil production by 2010.

Adding to the rising number of people seeking protection from the navy by surrendering themselves to the Fishing Marshalling Points at Pesali and Pallimunai in Mannar manned by the navy jointly with police, due to continuous harassment, forceful conscription, and scarcity of basic needs, sixteen (16) people made their daring appearance around 6.30 am, today (16 April).

Nine persons, four females aged 60, 45, 25 and 23 years, the mothers and daughters of two families respectively and five male individuals aged 31, 22, 18 and 19 years, all in their adolescence and young ages, appeared before the Pesalai Fishing Marshalling point by arriving by a boat after they had been dropped by another fishing craft a little distance away.

The seven (07) person who arrived at the Pallimunai were all relatives, mother (38 years), two sons (06 and 13 years), two daughters (16 and 17 years) of one family with the two daughters (17 and 18 years) of the elder sister of the mother. They too had dared to walk in the shallow lagoon after being dropped by another fishing craft some distance away.
They all were residents of Vedithalthievu area, which is yet to be liberated.

Appreciating the move taken by Slovakia to protect the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka while combating one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world, war experts and political analysts say that the LTTE leadership in Vanni is in absolute panic over the recent arms deal between Slovakia and Sri Lanka.
Opposing the arms trade agreement between Slovakia and Sri Lanka, the British based LTTE front organization, British Tamil Forum (BTF) protested in front of the Slovakian Embassy in London yesterday (15), foreign media sources said.
"A letter was handed over to Slovakian Diplomatic staff by Mr. Ivan Pedropillai a senior figure within the LTTE hierarchy in the UK and one of the LTTE's main fundraisers who has generously funded most of the meetings organized by the British Tamil Forum (BTF)," sources said.
Recently the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) designated LTTE as the most dangerous and deadly extremist organization in the world. The terrorist outfit is banned in USA, Canada, UK and EU member states.
The demonstration itself is reported to have been a flop compared to previous such protest events. There has been a marked decline in the support that the terrorist outfit has received over the past two years, with more and more Tamil expatriates and Tamil organizations becoming vocal in their criticism and rejection of the LTTE.
Meanwhile, political analysts expressed concerns regarding British authorities permitting such a demonstration in the first place, given the history and current practices of the LTTE and most importantly the strong stand that Britain has taken on the issue of terrorism. It was pointed out that this demonstration by an organization fronting for the LTTE shows how free the LTTE is to operate within Britain regardless of the fact that it has been proscribed in that country.

Two people were shot dead in Ambalangoda this morning.
Police say the victims, who were shot while travelling on a motorbike
were believed to have been notorious criminals who have pending legal
cases against them.

The government is to assign a representative to the Palestinian International Investment summit.
This decision was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake and the Sri Lanka ambassador to Palestine Anwar M. Al Agra.
The Prime Minister will instruct the authorities of the Sri Lanka board of investment and other relevant institutions in this connection.
Around three thousand representatives of various countries will attend the Palestinian International Investment Summit to be held on the 21st and 22nd of next month. The World Bank will sponsor the summit.

Nine railway compartments imported from China have been added to the Yaldevi express train. The new compartments were added to the train after 20 years.
This train operating in the northern section of the main railway line transports more than thousands passengers daily.
Transport Minister Dalas Alahapperuma says the move has helped to minimize the inconveniences caused to the people when traveling on this train. The imported compartments were also added to the Ruhunu Kumari, Muthu Kumari, Sagarika and Mahawa Express trains. The government spent 3 billion rupees to purchase these compartments from China.

A special gazette notification will be issued to control the maximum price of rice with effect from midnight today, Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.
Under the new government regulations the price of rice will be: Samba retail- Rs.70 wholesale – Rs.63, Rathu Kekulu retail- Rs.58, wholesale- Rs. 65, Sudu Kekulu retail- Rs.55 wholesale – Rs.48, Nadu retail – Rs. 65 wholesale Rs. 58.

Military reports on yesterday's (April 15) counter terrorist offensives in the Jaffna and Wanni theatres of operations reveal 12 LTTE terrorists were killed and at least 8 others were wounded in the day's battles.
In the Jaffna theatre, snipers deployed on the Muhamalai Defence Line claimed 2 LTTE cadres killed.
In the Wanni theatre, troops continued their offensive in to the LTTE dominated regions from multiple fronts, causing heavy damages to the enemy.
On the Vavuniya front, troops engaged a terrorist bunker in the Navatkulama area with small arms and rocket propeller grenades (RPGs) last forenoon and claimed 2 terrorists were killed. Also, snipers deployed in Sulainamaruthamadhu area claimed to have shot down a terrorist on the same day afternoon. Own casualties on the Vavuniya front recorded as 2 soldiers, both due to explosions of improvised explosive devices (IED) and anti personnel mines (AP).
In addition, troops engaged in clearing operations removed 90 AP mines from Sulainamaruthamadhu area.
On the Welioya front, troops had several confrontations in the North of Kiriibbanwewa and the North of Janakapura areas during the day and confirmed one LTTE cadre was killed and 8 others were wounded. Also, troops claimed that at least 26 LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded during these confrontations. Two soldiers were killed and 9 others suffered injuries.
Meanwhile, troops found 2 T-56 riffles, one GPS and 90 AP mines during the subsequent searches.
On the Mannar front, 6 terrorists were killed while one soldier suffered injuries in yesterday's clashes.

COLOMBO, April 16 (Reuters) - The number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka in March rose 8.6 percent from a year earlier thanks to a campaign to attract visitors from Iran and relative calm in the country's civil war, officials said on Wednesday.
Arrivals edged up to 38,049 from 35,031 a year before, the island's state tourist authority said. Arrivals in the January-March period rose to 135,516 from 134,635 a year earlier, a marginal increase of 0.7 percent.
After a 5.8 percent drop in visitors in February from a year before, the industry had been braced for further weakness because of an upsurge of violence this year in the 25-year civil war between the state and separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas.
However, Renton de Alwis, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said: "It was a relatively quite month and also the promotions and the efforts that were taken all went well."
A promotional campaign in Iran resulted in nine charter flights from that country in March carrying about 1,300 visitors.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said in a statement that arrivals from the Middle East rose 80.6 percent in the January to March period compared with a year earlier. In March alone arrivals were almost four times higher than a year before.
The number of visitors from Russia in January-March was 58.3 percent higher than a year earlier. French arrivals jumped 93.5 percent and those from Britain 11.9 percent.
Industry officials said the rise in March arrivals was an achievement given the heightened violence between the military and Tamil Tigers after the government scrapped a six-year truce in January.
The violence has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people, mostly rebels, since January, according to military figures.

Iran has come forward to grant financial support to modernize the Oil Refinery complex in Sapugaskande.
Iran has signed an agreement in this regard with Sri Lanka at the official visit to Iran made by President Mahinda Rajapakse recently.
Under the modernization plan extra oil refinery plant is to be set up in the complex increasing the storage capacity by hundred thousand barrels.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says this will also enable to produce extra amount of LP gas. Iran also grants technical equipments know-how in this regard.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
A number of large scale companies have expressed willingness to invest in the eastern province . Many factories and industries will be started creating direct and indirect job opportunities for the residents in the province.
A coal power plant is also scheduled to be constructed in Sampoor. The people in the area are happy because many ministers and senior public officials constantly visit the province and supervise all development programmes.Meanwhile the public in the eastern province express gratitude to the government for the rapid development programmes implemented in the area following the liberation of the province by the LTTE grip.
Measures have been taken to enhance infrastructure facilities, including roads development, drinking water facilities, sanitary and electrification schemes. They commend the government for benefiting all the public in the province disregarding ethnicity or any difference . Measures have been taken to upgrade transport services in the province.
Government has also stepped up security in the area. The public remind that they enjoy all these benefits after the government’s humanitarian mission that was launched from Mavilaru last year. They expressed gratitude to the president and the government for creating peaceful and secured environment in the eastern province.
They also hope that the government will liberate the northern province by the grip of the tiger terrorists and unite the country under one umbrella.

(By Walter Jayawardhana)
During the last week end the Canadian offices of the World Tamil Movement- a front organization of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been shut down under a warrant issued by a Federal judge. The week end shut down of the World Tamil Movement offices in Ontario and Quebec for alleged fundraising for the designated terrorist group has been highly praised by the editorial of the National Post newspaper.
"The raids -- which proceeded after police acquired a warrant from a Federal Court of Canada judge demonstrate just how much has changed on the national security front in the nearly two-and-a-half years since the Conservatives were elected", the editorial said.
Comparing the present , with what happened when the Liberal Party was in power the newspaper said, " so eager were Jean Chretien and Paul Martin to placate the Tamil voting blocks in Scarborough and other urban Liberal strongholds that they refused on numerous occasions to add the Tigers to Canada's list of outlawed terror groups. This made it difficult for police and security services to move against front organizations they felt were acting as money conduits for the Tigers."
Paul Martin was a Canadian Liberal Party Prime Minister who attended a fund raising dinner for the World Tamil Movement before that time when he was a Finance Minister, resulting in world wide protest demonstrations by expatriate Sri Lankans.
The editorial pointed out, "so eager were Jean Chretien and Paul Martin to placate the Tamil voting blocks in Scarborough and other urban Liberal strongholds that they refused on numerous occasions to add the Tigers to Canada's list of outlawed terror groups. This made it difficult for police and security services to move against front organizations they felt were acting as money conduits for the Tigers."
The editorial lamented, "The Tigers' terror campaign is often overlooked in the West because their attacks are not directed at Western targets. Still, the Tigers are a very nasty bunch. Over the past two decades, their civil war with the Sri Lankan government has resulted in a combined total of over 60,000 deaths.
The following is full text of the editorial:
Over the weekend, counterterrorism police in Ontario and Quebec shut down the Canadian offices of the World Tamil Movement, an alleged fundraising front for the Tamil Tigers. The raids -- which proceeded after police acquired a warrant from a Federal Court of Canada judge -- demonstrate just how much has changed on the national security front in the nearly two-and-a-half years since the Conservatives were elected.
The Tigers are a vicious terror group seeking the independence of northern Sri Lanka. But until Stephen Harper came to power, they were not even designated a terrorist organization for purposes of Canadian criminal law.
The Tigers' terror campaign is often overlooked in the West because their attacks are not directed at Western targets. Still, the Tigers are a very nasty bunch. Over the past two decades, their civil war with the Sri Lankan government has resulted in a combined total of over 60,000 deaths"
The Tigers have abducted thousands of children to act as human shields for their bases or to serve as soldiers in their militias. Their agents have assassinated heads of government in both Sri Lanka and India. And their "Black Tiger" suicide squads have conducted over 200 suicide bombing attacks, more than the three main Palestinian terror groups facing Israel, combined.
In one particularly ghastly action, the Tigers swept through villages on Sri Lanka's eastern coast following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and press-ganged more than 100 orphans into paramilitary service. According to Israel's Institute for Counter-Terrorism, the Tigers are "unequivocally the most effective and brutal terrorist organization ever to utilize suicide terrorism.
A large part of the budget needed to sustain the Tigers' terror reign comes from Canada's 300,000 or so Tamils. Hundreds of thousands of dollars each month leave the bank accounts of Tamil-Canadian families and businesses --much of it extorted under threat of violence -- to finance recruitment, training and supply of the Tamils' terror army. As the National Post and several human rights organizations have reported over the years, the Tigers are not above holding Tamils in Sri Lanka hostage until their Canadian family members pay the $2,000 a month in "war tax" demanded of many families and the upwards of $100,000 demanded of businesses.
Yet so eager were Jean Chretien and Paul Martin to placate the Tamil voting blocks in Scarborough and other urban Liberal strongholds that they refused on numerous occasions to add the Tigers to Canada's list of outlawed terror groups. This made it difficult for police and security services to move against front organizations they felt were acting as money conduits for the Tigers.
Not coincidentally, the investigations that led to last week's raids stepped up just after the Tories kept a promise from the 2005-06 election to ban the Tigers. For their part, Liberal ministers, while in office, often ignored RCMP and CSIS warnings about suspected Tiger-front groups and attended their fund-raisers and community events anyway.
Most recently, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Liberal MP for Etobicoke Centre, and Jim Karygiannis, Liberal for Scarborough-Agincourt, both made speeches at the Canadian memorial service held after the 2007 killing of a senior Tiger commander.
We hear the grumblings all the time from small-c conservatives that the government of Stephen Harper is not different enough from the Liberal governments it replaced. Well, here is one front -- one very crucial front -- on which they are very different: They take national security far more seriously, and are prepared to withstand tremendous pressure from ethnic lobbyists to make Canada safer. This month's raids are the fruits of that vigilance.

Stressing that thousands of Sri Lankan children were being killed, abducted and recruited as soldiers as Sri Lanka's brutal armed conflict escalated, a report released at Headquarters this morning by a global non-governmental organization network called on the United Nations Security Council to pressure the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), Sri Lanka's Government and the military wing of Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) to stop those practices and uphold international child protection standards.
'This report comes at a very opportune time because of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka,' said Bhavani Fonseka, a human rights lawyer and Senior Researcher of the Center for Policy Alternatives, a Sri Lankan policy think tank.
Speaking during a Headquarters press conference this morning to announce the release of the No Safety No Escape: Children and the Escalating Armed Conflict in Sri Lanka report published by the Watchlist of Children in Armed Conflict, Ms. Fonseka said policymakers could use the document as an indicator and an advocacy tool to make decisions aimed at ensuring children's rights. But, as many people were afraid to report cases, the statistics available belied the full scope of brutal killings, abductions, disappearances, threats and displacements of children since the conflict began escalating in November 2005.
'One needs to keep in mind that the horrific human rights violations against children are much more in-depth and broad-range,' Ms. Fonseka said, noting that, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), more than 180 civilians were killed in the last three months alone. Human rights workers attempting to help civilians were increasingly being threatened, abducted and killed, as well as cut off from certain areas and denied work permits.
'What we've seen in the last couple of years is a shrinking space for humanitarian actors and human rights defenders, and also a total collapse in any form of investigations and reporting. There's no national body that can look into human rights situations independently and credibly,' she said.
The report details the spectrum of violations committed against Sri Lankan children and their living, health and educational conditions, as well as makes practical recommendations to the Security Council, Sri Lankan officials, the LTTE, TMVP, humanitarian actors, donors and other Governments. It calls for creating an international monitoring mechanism to document and verify human rights violations and for a delegation of the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict to conduct a fact-finding mission in the country to assess the situation and meet with the parties to the conflict.
Echoing that call, Jo Becker, Advocacy Director of the Children's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch and Member of the Watchlist Steering Committee, said: 'We hope that Governments will exert pressure on both the (Sri Lankan) Government and the LTTE to put civilians first and to accept a human rights monitoring mechanism.'
Ms. Becker said the Council Working Group should also call on all parties to the conflict to immediately end all attacks on civilians and demand that the LTTE and the TMVP stop recruiting children. Further, the Council should set clear and specific time-bound benchmarks for both groups to release children and consider targeted measures, such as an arms embargo and other restrictions, if such benchmarks were not met.
The LTTE was 1 of only 14 groups named in all of the Secretary-General's reports to the Council on armed conflict, she said, noting that it had failed to implement its action plan signed last year to release all remaining child soldiers by 31 December. As of 31 March, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that it had 1,429 outstanding cases of child recruitment, including 168 cases of children under age 18, and that there had been no official releases from LTTE to UNICEF since November 2007.
What was more, the Sri Lankan Government had been complicit in the large-scale recruitment and abduction of children by the TMVP's military wing since early 2006, much of it occurring in Government-controlled areas in the eastern part of the country where abducted children were often transported through multiple military checkpoints to get to TMVP military camps, she said. It had also failed to follow through on promises to investigate complicity and secure the release of such children.
Continuing, she said a United Nations field operation, led by the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, could help document and monitor those violations, as well as fill the vacuum of international monitors left by the withdrawal in January of the Nordic-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMN) from the cease-fire agreement. Sri Lankan officials had consistently minimized the scope and severity of human rights abuses and had resisted repeated calls for such a monitoring mechanism.
A reporter asked why the Council had failed thus far to take punitive actions against the LTTE. Ms. Becker said that, while the Council had stated in its resolutions 1539 (2004) and 1612 (2004) that it would consider such steps, the issue of targeted measures was very political and sensitive. 'Some members of the Security Council are very resistant to using what is really the strongest tool that it has to try to get compliance from armed groups to meet their international obligations,' she said, adding that the Working Group was currently negotiating its second set of conclusions on Sri Lanka.
Another correspondent asked if the Watchlist favoured referring the issue to the International Criminal Court. In response, Ms. Becker said the Sri Lankan Government had not ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC, making it impossible to refer such crimes to the ICC for investigation and prosecution. In the absence of that ratification, the Council did have the power to refer cases to the ICC, but the United States in particular had been very resistant to that.
Ms. Fonseka added that the ICC was not the only option for holding perpetrators to account. National courts could also do so. Travel advisories and bans, and various sanctions through the Human Rights Council could also be imposed.
Regarding current programmes to demobilize children, Ms. Fonseka said a Task Force involving the United Nations, Sri Lankan officials and non-governmental organizations had been set up for that purpose, but that no comprehensive reintegration plan existed in Sri Lanka.
Julia Freedson, Director of the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, added that the Watchlist report called on the Sri Lankan Government to develop appropriate reintegration policies for children.

Sri Lanka Air Force MI 24 helicopter gun ships carried out air sorties targeting an LTTE bunker line and mortar gun position ahead of Muhamalai security forces forward defence line (FDL) this morning (April 16).
Air force spokesperson Andrew Wijesuriya said that the air raid was lunched around 6.15 am to assist the ground troops engaged in counter terrorists offensives in the area .
Meanwhile, Air Force fighter jets bombed three identified LTTE camps located in Oddusudan area late in the night yesterday, Air Force spokesman further said.
The targeted LTTE camps located in a jungle patch, 8 km, northwest of Oddusudan junction and air raid was launched at 11.50 pm the air force spokesperson added.
The terror targets had been under constant surveillance and the latest air reconnaissance last evening observed intensified terrorists activities in the camps, said the spokesperson. He added that both raids were successful, citing the pilots.

The United National Party has decided to refrain from holding rallies or processions on May Day, in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
Accordingly, the UNP has cancelled its public events planned in Kurunegala.
Instead, it will hold religious observances on May 01st.
The Buddhist event will take place at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, while the venues for the other religious ceremonies are to be decided in due course.

The auspicious time for anointing oil in the New Year falls at 7.42 a.m. on Wednesday. The official ceremony in this connection will be held at the Maha Saman Devalaya in Ratnapura.
The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation will provide a live broadcast of the proceedings .
Oil anointing rituals will be conducted at temples islandwide .

Minister A.H.M. Fowzie says there is no decision to suddenly increase fuel prices.
A study is now being conducted regarding the financial situation of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and world oil prices.
Fuel prices were last increased in January this year and since then the corporation has encumbered a loss of 7.23 billion rupees.

Minister Tissa Karaliedda says the import from India of 37 ingredients used to manufacture aryurvedic medicine has been stopped. These herbs are now cultivated in the country under the Osu Uyan programme. The ministry of Indigenous medicine purchases these plants. A herbal farm has also been cultivated in a 50 acre land in Nikawaratiya.
Meanwhile, the National Drug Authority is to conduct raids on 10,000 registered pharmacies islandwide. The raids will be conducted this month within four days. They will focus on the issuing of medicine without prescriptions, employment of unqualified pharmacists, operating unregistered pharmacies and selling drugs that are not approved in the country.

At least 15 passengers were injured when a Colombo bound bus skidded and ran into a stream at Panaluwa, Meegoda today.

The Excise Department seized Rs.40million worth illicit liquor and authorised liquor sans permits from raids conducted countrywide during the special detection week held targeting the Sinhala & Tamil New Year 2008. Also 1904 persons were arrested for the violation of Excise Laws.

Seven LTTE terrorists were killed in clashes sparked in Mannar front today, April 15, the report received from forefront stated.
Troops have assaulted LTTE bunker lines in general area Weppankulam around 7.45 this morning. By intercepting LTTE communication channels it is revealed that an LTTE cadre was killed in this attack.
Meanwhile, troops have launched an attack observing a group of LTTE terrorists in general area Palleperumalkaddu in north-east of Parappakandal at 10.40 a.m today. Two LTTE terrorists were killed in this attack, LTTE transmission confirmed.
In the same area army snipers gunned down an LTTE terrorist around 11.35 a.m, the report further said. Separately, three more LTTE terrorists were killed by the army snipers deployed in general area Manthei in two separate incidents took place at 8.35 a.m and 7.35 p.m.
Army soldier on mine clearing operation received injuries due to an explosion of anti-personnel mine in general area north of Parappkandal, the report added. Meanwhile, troops engaged in mine clearing operation in general areas Weppankulam and Parappakandal unearthed 9 anti-personnel mines and 9 booby taps which were laid by the LTTE terrorists before fleeing the area.

By AJIT JAIN IN TORONTO
The new Sri Lankan Consul General in Toronto, Bandula Jayasekara, is taking on a new beat for himself; all his life, he has been a professional journalist. He was the managing Editor of the Colombo Post, editor-in-chief of Ceylon Daily News, a television and radio presenter and also guest writer for the South Asia Intelligence Review, More recently, Jayasekara was director, international and English media, to the Sri Lankan President.
Toronto is not an easy place for a first diplomatic posting. There are all kinds of warring Sri Lankan groups in the city. There have been in the past several tragic incidents, gang wars, killing of Sri Lankan Tamils. And despite the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam having been outlawed by the Canadian government, some people do continue to raise funds for political activities back home.
Jayasekara acknowledged his posting is very significant because I have been given a mandate by the President to unify the people. Because we are all Sri Lankans - Tamils, Sinhalese, Muslims, Burghers. I am here to bring people together, irrespective of where they come from, as they are Sri Lankans first.
"I think," he continued, "my being a former journalist also helps to reach out. I am very clear all Tamils are not LTTE. They are wonderful and moderates, and unfortunately we know only a few people create problems."
He preferred to Indians who, "wherever in the world they go, they will always say 'I am from India.' Similarly, we have to go as Sri Lankans, which I have said I will always do."
Jayasekara lamented the assassination of Sri Lanka's Minister of Highways and road Development Jeyaraj Fernadopulle April 6 "when he went to flag off a race in connection with the Sinhala Tamil new year. He was a Tamil and a catholic, a minister who built bridges between all communities and he was a close friend of the Sri Lankan President [Mahinda Rajapaksa]."
Canada has condemned the attack, in which former Olympic marathoner KA Karunaratne was also killed.
Jayasekara said the ceasefire with the LTTE - during which former Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadiragamar was killed by the outfit - "was flawed from the beginning; [it] was just a peace of paper."
At a recent meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement, Jayasekara said, "the LTTE delegation went to Oslo and refused to come to the table. Another time they did that in Geneva. The government delegation was always ready.
"When the ceasefire started," he continued, "it was not accepted by everyone. Then President Chandrika Kumaratunga was not even given a copy by then Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. There's no ceasefire now. I have been part of the media delegation which went for recent peace talks and I saw what was happening. There have been 7,000 violations [of the ceasefire by the LTTE]."
The newly minted diplomat believes Sri Lanka "is no more a Tamil and Sinhalese problem."
Jayasekara did not hesitate to concede that there are "the extremists on both sides" as the Sinhalese too "We have to work together."
He recently attended an event where, despite opposition from LTTE supporters, many Tamils attended, "where World cup winning cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga was to be the chief guest; but he couldn't make it."
Jayasekara called Canada "a friend of Sri Lanka" and said the country "can play a very positive role. We have to thank Canada - this month it will be two years since Canada banned LTTE as a terrorist organization."
When asked about Sri Lanka's relations with India, Jayasekara responded: "India is a good friend of Sri Lanka. India has always stood by us."
"We are not fighting Tamils," the consul general emphasized. "We are fighting terrorism. There may always be some fringe groups. But the two countries get along very well. We work very closely."
Jayasekara claimed LTTE chief "Prabhakaran and the LTTE don't have more than 5 percent following in the country: that too because people are scared of him."
He recalled a story about former Jaffna mayor Sarojini Yogeswaran, who Jayasekara had interviewed. "It was a live television interview and she told me before the interview:" 'Son, don't ask me certain questions that I can't answer.'
"Within one week [of that interview] she was assassinated," Jayasekara added.
He referred to recent elections in east Sri Lanka "after several years" where the LTTE used to have total sway. "We will soon have provincial council elections [there]," he said.
He conceded that "some mistakes were undoubtedly made," but underlined that "now it is a different situation."

A Tamil civilian was killed when an armored vehicle of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) knocked him down on the eve of Tamil-Sinhala New Year Day. The victim Kaalimuththu Ledchumanan, 44, of Paththiniyaar Makizhangku'lam was cycling towards home Sunday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. along A-9 highway from Thaandikul'am when the armored vehicle knocked him down fatally, media sources said.
The Vavuniyaa Police informed Vavuniyaa Magistrate M.Ilancheliyan Monday morning about the fatal accident.
The police further told court that they have arrested the army driver who drove the armored vehicle on that day and the inquiry was underway.

Two journalists who took part in an army-organised press trip to the northern Jaffna region, where there is fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels, were subsequently subjected to verbal harassment by military officers who disliked their coverage.
Daily Mirror reporter Poornima Weerasekera was scolded by telephone by an officer on 8 April about photos of soldiers in Jaffna.
The newspaper said they illustrated the military presence in the region, but the army said they were just there to protect the journalists during the trip.
Vindya Amaranayake, a reporter with the daily The Bottom Line, was admonished by telephone on 9 April by army spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakara, who accused him of giving a “negative” picture of the situation in Jaffna and said the army would think twice next time about inviting journalists to visit the region. Amaranayake said he felt directly threatened by Nanayakara’s comments.
Reporters Without Borders calls for the lifting of restrictions put on the national and international press in its coverage of the conflict in the north and northeast of Sri Lanka.

The U.S. Agency for International Development and the development agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, HELLENIC AID, recently inaugurated the newly-rebuilt Anuradhapura Junction Public market in the northeastern Sri Lankan city of Trincomalee. Officials from the two donor agencies, which jointly funded the project, were joined at the event by Trincomalee District Government Agent, Major General T.T.R. DeSilva and Trincomalee Urban Council Chairman G. Mugunthan.
The joint seven-hundred-thousand dollar grant funded the rebuilding and expansion of the dilapidated market, one of the main markets in Trincomalee town. As the last component of the grant, People in Need, a Czech non-governmental organization, will now provide training to vendors and local authorities on market management and maintenance and hygiene promotion. “We hope that the rebuilding of this market will be a symbol of the revitalization of Trincomalee and serve as a foundation for renewed economic activity and social interaction in Trincomalee,” said USAID Mission Director, Rebecca Cohn. Ms. Cohn said the market is one of many investments the U.S. is making to help people in eastern Sri Lanka benefit from and contribute to the economic growth that Sri Lanka as a whole is experiencing.
USAID will be completing its more than one-hundred-thirty million dollar tsunami recovery efforts in Sri Lanka in 2008. This work includes the construction of a new bridge over Arugam Bay; a water supply system in Pottuvil; the upgrading of fishing harbors in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Dondra; the construction of eighty-seven children’s playgrounds in tsunami-affected communities; and the construction and repair of schools, libraries and vocational training centers throughout the tsunami-affected zone.
Sri Lanka is one of a number South Asian countries the U.S. has helped to recover from the devastating effects of the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami. The U.S. has contributed more than eight-hundred-forty million dollars in assistance in recovery and relief aid. The American people also responded in great number. According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, U.S. private tsunami aid donations, including both cash and in-kind donations, is more than three-billion dollars.
U.S. assistance has restarted over two-million-six-hundred-thousand businesses in the affected region. It has rebuilt more than eleven-thousand community buildings, provided economic restoration grants to more than one-million-seven-hundred thousand recipients, and trained over twenty-thousand communities in early warning and disaster preparedness.
The U.S. remains committed to help tsunami-affected communities make a full recovery.

LAHORE, Apr 15 (APP): The 44th Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held in Colombo-Sri Lanka on the side lines of the forthcoming SAARC Trade Fair.
This was decided in the 43rd Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) held under chairmanship of Tariq Sayeed, President SCCI here on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Mir Nasir Hossain, Senior Vice Presidents SCCI from Bangladesh, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President SCCI from Pakistan, Nawaz Rajabdeen, Vice President SCCI from Sri Lanka, Executive Committee Member of SCCI, and some leading businessmen as special invitee. The Executive Committee reviewed activities of SCCI after taking over of New President of SCCI Tariq Sayeed.
Sayeed informed members his recent call on Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce,India, in New Delhi on March 1, 2008 and Sheelkant Sharma, Secretary General SAARC in Kathmandu on April 2-4, 2008.
Both visits were of high importance in highlighting issues of great significance for SAARC Chamber and its active participation in regional cooperation.
He also informed the Executive Committee regarding his presentation made to Committee of Economic Expert in New Delhi on the invitation of SAARC. He was accompanied by Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President SCCI.
The Executive Committee also discussed trade and economic studies assigned to its national federations/chambers in member countries on various subjects and reviewed the proposed design for construction of SCCI building in Islamabad.
Nawaz Rajabdeen, Vice President SCCI informed about dates of SAARC Trade Fair to be held in Colombo in August 2008.
He invited strong participation of National Federations and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry for success of Trade Fair.

DIG Gamini Navarathnae says raids are being conducted island wide to nab fraudulent doctors. Stern action will be taken against the culprits. The DIG requests the public to provide information on such persons.The police have intensified raids against fraudulent doctors following a request made by the government’s medical officers association to the IGP recently.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will enter the local gas market in June. The consumers could purchase CEYPETCO gas cylinders from filling stations of the corporation. Its director MEthsiri Wijegunawardena says a high quality domestic gas cylinder could be purchased at a low price. Tenders have already been called to import gas cylinders. In the 1st stage the corporation will import 5,000 cylinders and the number will be increased gradually. The colour of the new cylinder will be red.

The air force has attacked a LTTE communication centre. Air force spokesman wing commander Andrew Wijesoriya said that the attack was launched at around 12.30 this afternoon using fighter jet.
The communication centre is situated to the South of Maankulam. Pilots have confirmed that the attack reached the target.
The air force spokesman said the attack was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the location. The attack is believed to have caused severe damage to the LTTE communication centre.

SINGAPORE, April 15 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's Ceylon Petroleum Corp (Ceypetco) has delayed the award of a 12-month term tender to buy 360,000 tonnes of utility-grade fuel oil to conduct a further price review, a company source said on Tuesday.
The state-run refiner will extend the validity date for this tender by two weeks to April 29, as it seeks more time to examine bidders' prices and review the quality of fuel oil required by the power sector, he said.
"We have already notified bidders that we need another two weeks to decide," he added.
Traders said the tender could be cancelled and re-offered to the market at a later date.
"I don't think they took into account the kind of offers they were going to receive on the tender, now they seem a little shell shocked," a trader familiar with the tender negotiations said.
Ceypetco issued the tender last month on behalf of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which was seeking supply for a new power plant in Muthurajawela.
The tender closed on April 1 and was originally expected to be awarded to Brazil's Petrobras, which offered to sell the low-sulphur fuel oil at a premium of $42.27 a tonne to Singapore spot 180-centistoke (cst) quotes.
Ceypetco planned to purchase on a cost-and-freight basis (C&F) to Colombo, for 12 monthly shipments of 30,000 tonnes each starting in June 2008, or a total of 360,000 tonnes between June 2008 and May 2009.

The government of Sri Lanka called for the expulsion of an Icelandic diplomat who made a clandestine visit to the Tamil Tiger-held areas in the north, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday in a statement, IcelandReview reported.
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said it asked Reykjavik to recall Bjarni Vestmann, a minister-counsellor at Iceland’s foreign ministry, after he entered the country on a tourist visa and went to the north to meet with rebels. Officials of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry had denied any knowledge of his visit to Sri Lanka and particularly his visit to the rebel-held Wanni district in the north.
“The Sri Lankan foreign minister strongly protested the action of Vestmann and requested his immediate recall,” a ministry statement said. Foreigners and journalists are not allowed to enter territory held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) without government permission.

The diplomat had managed to get a ride with Scandinavian truce monitors, the ministry said. It said it had also lodged a protest with the Norwegian-led Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) for transporting the diplomat. When Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama took up the matter with his Icelandic counterpart, Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir, the latter “tendered an unqualified written apology” to the government of Sri Lanka, a press release from the Sri Lankan foreign office said.

The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) in its final public statement issued today blamed the Government for the "absence of will" in the present Inquiry to "investigate cases with vigour, where the conduct of its own forces has been called into question."The report piled more pressure on Colombo over its rights record amid a new phase in a 25-year civil war.
"The uncooperative atmosphere has rendered the task of (the panel), which approached its work in a spirit of cooperation and, at first, with optimism, disquieting and unpleasant," the report said.
A presidential commission into rights abuses, including a massacre of 17 aid workers in 2006 that Nordic truce monitors blamed on security forces, was ordered in 2006 following global calls for action.
The international independent group of eminent persons (IIGEP), which released its final report on Tuesday, had said in March that it would quit its operations in Sri Lanka, citing government interference.
The IIGEP was nominated by a host of foreign counties to observe the presidential commission's probe into abuses.
"Sections of popular opinion suggest that human rights and respect for the rule of law should take second place to measures necessary to repel these hostilities. The IIGEP rejects this opinion," it said in its report.
The panel said the government had neglected to investigate cases with vigour "where the conduct of its own forces has been called into question" and called for the establishment of a witness protection scheme.
After formally scrapping a six-year truce with the Tigers earlier this year in a wider bid to win the war militarily, the government banished Nordic truce monitors who had blamed troops and rebels for repeated abuses.
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.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has clamped down on a Tamil organization operating in two provinces that authorities allege is funding money to a terrorist group in Sri Lanka. On the weekend, police seized two buildings belonging to the World Tamil Movement in Montreal and Toronto, and froze the organization’s bank accounts, placing the assets under federal trusteeship.

The Railway Department is to install a state-of-the-art protective mechanisms, ‘Protective Mirror System’, at 788 unprotected level crossings in the country to save minimize accidents near level crossings.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
All political parties and independent groups contesting forthcoming eastern provincial council will start their election propaganda activities under different themes. Special discussion in this regard are being held now. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva says United People’s Freedom Alliance will contest under the theme of reawakening eastern province which was brought under government forces sometime back. UPFA has started its propaganda activities by visiting house to house. This time the May Day rally of UPFA will be held in Ampara district.
Meanwhile the United National Party is making their propaganda activities taking the grievances, need of the people in eastern province. Accordingly UNP has planned to have many election rallies in the respected areas.
A spokesman for JVP said that their party will contest the forthcoming eastern provincial council election under the theme of defeating separatism.

Sinhala stage drama actor Terrance Ranasinghe has passed away aged 70. He acted the character of Pothe Guru in the renowned stage plays Sinhabahu and Maname. He set a Guineas record for his longstanding appearance in Sinhabahu. The remains of Mr. Ranasinghe now lie at his residence at number 56, Godakandeniya Road, Peradeniya. The funeral will take place at the Kossinna cemetery tomorrow.

A new trading company for wheat flour mill enter to the market next month. The Serendib wheat flour company says the particular company is expected to produce wheat to the market.

The branches of this group of company in middle east countries have already started producing wheat. The Board of Investment has given their approval for this company. The branch which was established at Colombo Port is the 7th branch outlet of this company.
Six billion rupees has been invested in this project. The company’s production capacity of wheat flour per day is one thousand metric tons. Measures have been taken to increase the production in future.
The company expects to distribute the production by the middle of the year. The sales agents have been appointed in this regard. This is another attempt to eradicate the monopoly of wheat production.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has accused the Tamil Nadu Government for not taking stern action against terrorists in the state.
Talking to newspersons here, VHP International Working President S Vedhantham said Al-Umma terrorists were once again building up in Coimbatore.
He said increasing LTTE militant activities in Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram and naxal activities in Dharmapuri prove that Tamil Nadu Government was showing a soft corner towards terrorists.
Despite intelligence warning, the government was not taking stern action against the terrorists, he alleged.
He also urged the government to construct cow sheds in all temples across the state to ensure that cows donated by devotees were not to be sent to slaughter houses.

Fighting ensued between the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE despite torrential rains in the Wanni battle theatre on Monday (April 14), where 5 LTTE were reported killed and 20 others wounded.
Heavy fighting broke out in the tensed Wanni and Northern fronts since last Saturday(12), following a relative lull in the battle fields as LTTE deaths tolled over 80 with soaring casualties. The fresh offensives were launched by combined Army infantry and artillery units further pushing into non-liberated Wanni territory, military sources state.
On the Vavuniya battle front, 7 terrorists were believed seriously wounded following a confrontation with SLA infantrymen in general area Madhu, at 11.a.m. In addition 3 soldiers also have sustained wounds in separate clashes with LTTE at Palampiddi, Karampaikulama and Madhu East, MCNS sources report. Another soldier was reported wounded due to an AP mine explosion in general area Palampiddi, yesterday at 12.20 p.m.
Meanwhile, 5 LTTE terrorists were killed and 13 others reported wounded in heightened skirmishes between SLA and LTTE in general areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa at the Welioya front. 2 soldiers also laid their lives while 7 others were reported wounded during the confrontations.
Meanwhile, SLA handed over 2 LTTE bodies including a female cadre found killed in the Welioya front to the ICRC officials yesterday at 3 p.m.
According to reports received, troops have also destroyed 4 LTTE bunkers in offensives launched towards Tiger FDLs at Muhamalai yesterday since 9.45a.m, till 9.30p.m. An LTTE terrorist was reported killed and 2 others injured, while military claimed that a soldier has sustained injuries during the confrontations.

LTTE terrorists have triggered off a claymore mine targeting a motor cycle carrying civil security force personnel in Kebethigollewa .
According to available information the explosion took place at 7.45 a.m while civil security forces personnel on their bike along the Thalgahawewa - Yakawewa road in general area Kebethigollewa. The victims who received injuries were rushed to the Kebethigollawa hospital for immediate medical attention, sources further added.

New York - There is virtually no safety for children in Sri Lanka as the brutal armed conflict there escalates. Every day the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), the Government armed forces, and paramilitary groups, such as the armed wing of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), commit heinous crimes against children.
The LTTE and the TMVP recruit and use children as soldiers while the Government obstructs humanitarian access to thousands of children in war torn areas, denying them urgently needed assistance and concealing the grave crisis they face, according to the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict's new report, No Safety No Escape: Children and the Escalating Armed Conflict in Sri Lanka.
No Safety No Escape is being released today at the United Nations headquarters against the backdrop of an escalating military build up and fear of deepening warfare in Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, thousands of children are missing out on school, being denied basic health care and facing daily threats to their lives, such as suicide bombings, landmine explosions, abductions, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, recruitment as soldiers and forced displacement.

'This has turned into a war against civilians and it is the children who suffer most,' said Julia Freedson, Director of the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, a global network of non-governmental organizations based in New York. '
We are at the UN today because the entire UN system, especially the Security Council, has an obligation to ensure that these children are protected. There is no time to waste,' she continued. No Safety No Escape calls on the UN Security Council to exert pressure on the LTTE, the Government and the TMVP to uphold international child protection standards.
'Sri Lankan children have no escape. They are living in a state of constant fear and all too often those fears become a reality as children are recruited as soldiers, forced from their homes and schools and separated from their families. I ask, how much longer will the international community stand idly by while these children's lives are destroyed?' said Bhavani Fonseka, Senior Researcher at the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a Sri Lankan policy think tank. 'I have witnessed this brutal conflict first hand, and as a Sri Lankan I implore the UN to use its resources and influence to help resolve this crisis.'
No Safety No Escape details a spectrum of violations committed against Sri Lankan children in the context of armed conflict and provides practical recommendations to the Government of Sri Lanka, the LTTE, the TMVP, the UN Security Council, the humanitarian community in Sri Lanka, donors and other governments.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Wimal group requests IGP not to pursue case against colleague Jayantha Wijesekera
The dissident JVP group yesterday dismissed accusations that it would join President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government and accept ministerial portfolios.
Kalutara District JVP MP Jayantha Samaraweera told The Island they wouldn’t accept ministerial portfolios under any circumstances.
The dissident group’s spokesman Samaraweera said they challenged the JVP leadership publicly after an influential section of the party attempted to politically assassinate their parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa.
The MP said Mrs. Sujatha Alahakoon, who had been a member of the 11-member dissident group, switched allegiance to the leadership due to heavy pressure. "We sympathise with her," he said, asserting that the rest would stand by Weerawansa and face any eventuality. Accusing the leadership of resorting to strong arm tactics to subvert the dissidents in a bid to isolate Weerawansa, Samaraweera expressed confidence in resolving the dispute.
Fielding questions, he said they hadn’t entered into any official level talks with the party. "But MPs are in constant touch," he said, asserting that their unofficial talks would facilitate an understanding and hopefully a quick end to the dispute.
Both factions are determined to resolve the damaging crisis before Parliament meets again on May 6.
Samaraweera said Nandana Gunatilleke, MP, quit the party as he strongly opposed to the path the Marxist party was taking. With his departure along with the exit of Gampaha District MP Siripala Amarasinghe on medical grounds, the JVP parliamentary group was reduced to 37. The revolt triggered by Weerawansa has now reduced the group to 27 and unless the JVP leadership drops its bid to oust Weerawansa, the break-up would be permanent, the MP said.
Meanwhile, the dissidents, in a letter addressed to IGP Victor Perera, had urged the immediate release of Trincomalee District MP Jayantha Wijesekera now in remand over the seizure of two vehicles belonging to dissident MPs. Samaraweera said they wouldn’t want police to pursue seizure of vehicles belonging to dissidents Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Suranga Jagodage from the MPs vehicle park in Parliament premises. Wijesekera was remanded till April 17 when police produced him before Chief Colombo Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi last Friday.
Samaraweera said Wijesekera wouldn’t have acted on his own. He would have been ordered by the leadership to target MPs supportive of Werawansa, he said.
Fielding questions, the MP emphasised that Wijesekera’s presence was urgently needed in the East to lead the campaign for the first ever elections to the Eastern Provincial Council. He said they wouldn’t in anyway try to cripple the JVP campaign or undermine the party. The party needed Wijesekera in Trincomalee and the dissidents wouldn’t try to interfere in the JVP campaign in the East.

The Police would arrest 22 JVP members in connection with the robbery of three vehicles owned by parliamentarians who had aligned themselves with JVP parliamentary group leader and propaganda secretary Wimal Weerawansa and additional security would be given to the dissident JVP parliamentarians who were under threat, police said .
Chief Inspector Tusitha Kumara of the Chilaw Police said 20 JVP members of the Chilaw area were to be arrested. The police had requested them to surrender to the Chilaw police station.
Police also said that two other JVP members were wanted in connection with the robberies at Parliament.

Sri Lankans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday requested the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Abdulla Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, to use his good offices and address the parents of the dead child to give clemency to Rizana Nafeek.
Niyaz Mustafa, Senior Finance Controller attached to a leading firm in Jeddah, in a letter to the King states: "I approach you to use your good offices to impress upon the parents of the little child, who is no more in this world, to spare the life of Rizana Nafeek and to receive the rewards of Allah the Almighty."
He has stressed that the King’s request to the parents would not go unheard.
"As is well known," he has said," forgiving a fellow human being and if that results in saving his or her life, brings about Allah’s bounties and the greatest rewards to the forgivers."
Niyaz has said in the case of Rizana Nafeek, pleas for clemency have come from far and near and from almost all corners of the globe.
"Your Majesty, you have always been like a father figure to all the citizens and residents of this great country," he says requesting Sri Lankans to send in appeals for clemency for Rizana Nafeek. The address of the parents of the dead child is Mr. Naif Jizijan Khalaf Al-Otebi care of Sri Lankan Embassy, P.O. Box 94360, Riyadh- 11693, Saudi Arabia. Fax number 009661-460 Email lankaemb@shabakah.net.sa

Stewart Bell, Graeme Hamilton And Adrian Humphreys, National Post
Counterterrorism police in Quebec and Ontario effectively shut down a non-profit organization for Canadian Tamils this weekend due to allegations it has been raising money to finance terrorist activities in Sri Lanka.
The RCMP was expected to announce details of its unprecedented actions as early as today, but several sources said police had moved in to enforce a Federal Court restraining order against the World Tamil Movement.
The WTM's offices in Montreal and Toronto have been under police investigation for six years, and were raided by police in 2006. While no charges have yet resulted, the decision to seek a restraining order suggests Ottawa is aggressively pursuing the group.
The restraining order pertains to real estate in Montreal and other assets in Toronto.
The recent events are focused mostly on Montreal. Police sealed off the Montreal WTM office on Friday, said Steven Slimovitch, the group's lawyer. He said his clients were barred from entering the premises, disrupting community programs.
"A Federal Court judge has issued an order to seal the office of the World Tamil Movement and to essentially put it under the trusteeship of the federal government," he said.
The order was issued under a section of the Criminal Code dealing with terrorism financing, but Mr. Slimovitch said no defence counsel were present for the hearing and his clients deny the allegations they are financing terrorists.
"My clients have never been charged with terrorism-financing, and my clients have never had a chance to defend themselves against terrorism-financing accusations," he said.
The action is the latest development in two related RCMP-led investigations called Project Osaluki and Project Crible. The probes, by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams in Ontario and Quebec, are examining allegations the WTM has been funnelling money to the Tamil Tigers to finance civil war in Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Tigers are an outlawed terrorist group in Canada. Knowingly raising money for the group or financing its activities is against the law and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Many members of Canada's large ethnic Tamil community support the Tigers and their fight to create an independent state for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority.
Police went to court last week to ask for restraining orders against WTM properties in Toronto and Montreal, said a source familiar with the case. Officers were in the process late yesterday of serving official notice to the people associated with the properties.
Police officers were having difficulty finding at least one per-son linked to the group and its properties. The RCMP was apparently waiting for that to take place before publicly announcing the moves it had taken.
This appears to be a first in the realm of terrorism, but the police action is similar to the way police routinely deal with organized crime: Officers will appear before a judge in private and present affidavits seeking judicial approval to restrain properties considered proceeds of crime.
While the property is restrained, the owner cannot sell it, move it, alter it or dispose of it. The order secures the property pending a court hearing. The owners are then notified and can appear before the courts and mount a defence against the Crown's allegations.
A judge will then decide whether the restrained property should be forfeited to the Crown or returned to its owner. The process is similar to how police restrain fortified clubhouses of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and other bike gangs.
The weekend police action in Montreal has disrupted community activities scheduled for the group's headquarters in the city's Cote-des-Neiges district, Mr. Slimovitch said.
"Essentially they're shutting down the entire community -- artistic things, sporting things," he said. "My clients completely deny any terrorism financing. They support the Tamil people and they support the Tamil people's right to self-determination, but they are very much against any form of terrorism."
An official with the WTM Montreal office declined comment and referred all questions to Mr. Slimovitch. The lawyer said he intends to go to court to have the reasons for the order disclosed.
Corporal Elaine Lavergne of the RCMP said the police force could not comment as a result of the secrecy order.
"We are under the authority of a court," she said. She could not even disclose the level of court that issued the order, which she said is sealed from public view. "It has never happened before," she said of the sweeping secrecy provisions.
The president of the WTM's Ontario branch, Sitta Sittampalam, also declined to comment yesterday. "I was asked by my lawyer not to reveal anything on this matter," he said. "I'm not in a position to divulge anything."

Sri Lanka has lodged a strong protest with the US over the screening of a pro-LTTE film My daughter the terrorist at a premier American film festival.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to United States Bernard Goonetilleke has lodged Colombo's strong protest over the screening of the film in a letter addressed to both the US State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, media reports said.
The film, a documentary on the lives and faiths of two female Tamil Tigers produced by Norwegian filmmaker Beate Arnestad, was featured in a documentary film festival in Durham, North Carolina on April 4.
Earlier, the Sri Lanka embassy in Washington has urged the authorities of the US State Department and the FBI to take appropriate measures in preventing screening of the controversial film during the four-day festival.
The film is said to be a distortion of exploitation of the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment, an official statement said in Colombo.
"My daughter the terrorist" has audaciously portrayed a 12-year-old Tamil girl's path towards becoming a suicide bomber, trained and brain-washed by the LTTE terrorist movement, the release quoted sources from Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry as saying.
It goes on to say that the Norwegian producer Beate Arnestad had arrived in Sri Lanka during the Ceasefire Agreement period and entered Wanni "without the permission of the Foreign Ministry or any responsible state body for the filming of the movie".
"Sri Lankan expatriates from all over the US have risen in indignation and fury at the gross insensitivity of the organisers of the film festival," The release said.

This year's Boao Forum for Asia, China's annual Davos-like meeting held on the tropical resort island of Hainan, featured plenty of pageantry. Under the swaying coconut trees, Chinese leaders over the weekend hosted the prime ministers of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia and the presidents of Mongolia, Tanzania, Sweden, and Chile. Even the king of the Pacific island nation of Tonga was there and got the full diplomatic treatment of a military band and guard of honor in the nearby resort town of Sanya. Meanwhile, corporate chieftains from companies including Volvo, CNOOC (CEO), and Alibaba mingled over cocktails in elaborate evening banquets with Chinese opera performances.
But all of that was overshadowed by the presence of 67-year-old Vincent Siew, a Taiwanese politician who hasn't even assumed office yet. Siew, who becomes vice-president under Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou on May 20, got less than half an hour of rushed talks on Apr. 12 with China's President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the Boao Forum. Still, with those 20 minutes Siew stole the show from the many other dignitaries, with crowds of journalists and diplomatic and corporate delegates mobbing him everywhere the career politician went.
That's because the meeting between Siew and Hu (and a follow-up session a day later with China's newly appointed Commerce Minister) was truly a diplomatic breakthrough. Indeed, it was the highest-level exchange between leaders from China and Taiwan in the almost 60 years since Siew's Kuomintang (KMT) predecessors fled to Taiwan in 1949.
And the contact occurred even while the two sides technically remain at war, with Beijing pointing more than 1,000 missiles at Taipei and the rest of the island. The meeting "produced great, highly satisfactory results," said a smiling Siew before leaving Hainan for Taipei on Apr. 13. "It's a great success."
Much is at Stake EconomicallyOutsiders agree. The meeting "is very good news for the region," said former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who attended the Boao Forum and met Siew while there. "The two sides now have begun down a new path."
That the hastily arranged meeting even happened was almost by chance. In 2001, Siew founded an organization promoting China-Taiwan economic links called the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation. As head of that foundation, he has regularly participated in the Hainan Forum and even met Hu on one previous visit. But those meetings took place while the KMT was the opposition party, with Taiwan led by President Chen Shui-bian of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. This year's visit took on historic significance after the KMT swept presidential elections in March. That electoral change has raised hopes of a breakthrough in China-Taiwan relations following eight years of frostiness when Beijing and Taipei were not speaking to one another.
Economically there is much at stake. An estimated 1 million Taiwanese now live and work on the mainland. They have invested some $70 billion in factories making electronics, toys, and textiles and in real estate projects, ranging from hotels to villa compounds, in a broad coastal swath extending from Guangdong and Fujian provinces in the south to the greater Shanghai area and including cities like Kunshan, in Jiangsu province, dominated by Taiwanese business.

An Amnesty International-organized demonstration held in front of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in New York on Friday, 11th April was blatantly infiltrated by sympathizers of the LTTE living in the US and Canada.
Amnesty International billed this demonstration as an effort to protest to the Sri Lankan Government against harassment and killing of several media personnel in Sri Lanka, claiming that most victims were Tamils.
Over 200 Americans, mostly students assembled near the Permanent Mission on Third Avenue, near UN Headquarters, noisily protesting against the Government of Sri Lanka. Making use of this opportunity, LTTE sympathizers who were Tamils of Sri Lankan origin, raised placards that were obviously in support of the LTTE, with slogans such as "Sri Lanka stop bombing Tamil civilians" and "Sri Lanka stop torturing Tamil prisoners", all similar to the line taken by LTTE sympathizers at this juncture to avert military pressure on LTTE.
It is regrettable that Amnesty International has allowed and apparently joined hands with LTTE sympathizers to bring discredit to Sri Lanka, in favour of the LTTE agenda in the guise of promoting human rights.

Over 25,000 people, including 6,000 students, in the LTTE-held areas in the north-western Mannar district face displacement as the advancing government troops and the rebels are locked in fierce fighting, official sources here said Monday.
'The entire population of the LTTE-held Madhu and Maanthai west Assistant Government Agent division, numbering over 25,000 face displacement due to recent fighting in the area,' Mannar district Government Agent (Chief Administrative Officer) A. Nicholaspillai said from his Mannar office, about 310 km from Colombo.
Claiming that the people of these areas have moved further northwards deep into the LTTE held Kilinochchi area, he said the current rainy season and the resultant flood have worsened their plight.
Nicholaspillai said relief supply to the displaced people had been 'seriously affected' and the UN World Food Programme and the Commission General of Essential Services (CGES) of the government were distributing food and other necessary items.
'The people are scattered and managing with temporary shelters. Their situation is not satisfactory,' the Mannar Government Agent said.
He said most of the food and medical supplies for these displaced people were being handled by the Kilinochchi Government Agent with the land entry route through Uyilankulam to the LTTE-held Mannar areas remaining closed for months due to heavy fighting.
Fierce fighting in the Mannar district on the eve of the Tamil-Sinhala New Year has left over 100 combatants killed on both sides, with both the government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) claiming heavy casualties on the other side.
The government on Sunday claimed that at least 77 Tamil Tiger rebels and 12 army personnel were killed when advancing government troops clashed with LTTE cadres in the northwestern Mannar district on Saturday.
It also said that the advancing government troops, backed by artillery bombardment 'gained a significant area of ground' held by the rebels in Mannar after daylong clashes.
However, LTTE's military spokesperson Rasaiyah Illanthirayan, in a statement Saturday night, claimed that 30 Sri Lankan Army personnel were killed and 75 others injured in the clashes. He conceded only three LTTE deaths in the fighting.
Illanthirayan also said that the military's pre-dawn four-pronged bid was fiercely thwarted by the rebels with the heavy clashes lasting for well over eight hours.
Independent verifications of the battlefront casualties are not possible as journalists are barred from visiting the battlefront.

Norway does not support the formation of an independent Tamil State in Sri Lanka, Norway's special envoy to Colombo, Jon Hanssen-Bauer, told the United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament (MP) Jayalath Jayawardene and to two leading Sinhalese and Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka on the sidelines of an international conference that ended in Oslo on April 11.
“Norway will not support the establishment of Tamil Eelam,” the MP quoted Hanssen-Bauer as saying. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan cabinet minister Arumugam Thondaman, who also attended the meeting, separately quoted Hanssen-Bauer as telling him that Norway would not be able to play the role of a peace facilitator as long as fighting raged in the island nation. “How can we do that when war is going on?” the minister quoted the Norwegian envoy as asking.
Meanwhile, speaking at the conference, Jon Hanssen-Bauer said that no 'externally designed solution' will end Sri Lanka's dragging ethnic conflict, adding, “One should not be tempted to try impose an externally designed solution to conflicts but assist the parties in defining a domestic one.” “The common understanding between the Government and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) has been that talks are aimed at finding a political solution that is acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka. For Norway, any solution endorsed by the Sri Lankan people is acceptable,” he added.

Unidentified men operating in a white van abducted two civilians along New Chetty Street, Kotahena (Koddaagncheanai), Colombo Friday noon in front of Our Lady of Sorrow church, the relatives of the abducted men told Kotahena police.
The victims abducted from a heavily crowded area are both family men and are from Jaffna.
One of the victims has been identified as Emmanuel Anthonythas, 57, from Koyyaaththoaddam and father of one female child. The other victim is Raphael Bernard, 47, a father of three children is from Paasaiyoor and is a fisherman by profession.
Raphael Bernard arrived from Jaffna last month with his son to send him to a foreign country and was residing in a lodge, his relatives said.
Meanwhile, a complaint has been made to Sri Lankan Deputy Minister Rathakrishnan and Mano Ganeshan, the Colombo district parliamentarian and leader of Western Province People’s Front regarding the abduction.

SYDNEY, July 10 (Reuters) - A Sydney man was arrested and charged with terrorism offences on Tuesday for being a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers and supporting the organisaton, which has waged a two-decade long civil war, police said.
The 41-year-old man will appear in Sydney's Central Local Court on Tuesday. Police said they will seek his extradition to the southern state of Victoria, where two Australians have already been charged with similar offences.
Australian Federal Police said the Sydney man was charged with "intentionally being a member of a terrorist organisation", "providing support or resources to a terrorist organisation" and "making an asset available to a proscribed entity".
The charges carry maximum prison terms of 25, 10, and five years respectively.
The Tamil Tigers have waged a two-decade long civil war in Sri Lanka aimed at carving out an independent state for minority Tamils in the island nation.
In May, two Australians in the southern city of Melbourne were charged with being members of the Tamil Tigers and using 2004 Asian tsunami relief funds for terrorist activities. The men have appeared in court but have not yet entered a plea.
Nineteen Australians already face terrorism charges.
Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, has never suffered a major peacetime attack on home soil, but tougher anti-terrorism laws were imposed after the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacked airliner attacks on the United States.

Heavy fighting broke out between security forces and LTTE in the Wanni and Northern battle theatres yesterday (April 13), where 5 LTTE were killed and 16 others reported wounded.
According to reports received, SLA infantrymen forced through the LTTE FDLs in Muhamalai, Jaffna in a pre-dawn offensive launched on Sunday. The Media Center for National Security (MCNS) said the military offensive lasted till 8p.m., where heavily fortified 8 LTTE bunkers were reported destroyed by troops.
In a separate incident in general area Muhamalai, a soldier was reported wounded during a confrontation with LTTE, yesterday afternoon, MCNS said. An LTTE terrorist was also killed during the incident, the sources further added.
In the Mannar front, 2 LTTE terrorists were killed in SLA launched attacks in general area Vediyamurippu, military sources report. Meanwhile, during search operations conducted in general area Kattankulama, troops have recovered 35anti-personnel (AP) mines, security sources said.
In the Vavuniya battle front a terrorist was reported killed and 2 wounded, while another was shot dead and 14 others reported wounded during intermittent clashes with troops separately in general areas Janakapura North and Kiriibbanwewa in Welioya on Sunday.
In addition a soldier has laid his life and another wounded in clashes with LTTE in general area Vedimakulama, Vavuniya security sources said.

The fire brigade has been deployed to rescue a man who had fallen into a 20 foot well in Kirilapone. However all attempts had failed and the man was pronounced dead.

The main opposition UNP and the SLMC today kicked off their campaign for the May 10 Provincial Council Polls. SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali said that the party will start the campaign with a small scale meeting in Ampara today.

The state-run PowerGrid Corporation of India has proposed to lay down an under sea power line between India and Sri Lanka. The proposed undersea high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line will be for the transfer of 500-mw, which will be subsequently upgraded to 1,000 mw.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein A Bhaila has said the LTTE is still “extorting” money from Tamils in Qatar and that the Sri Lankan mission in that country is strongly looking into it.

Government Tuesday appointed multi-billionaire business tycoon Harry Jayawardene as Executive Chairman of the national carrier SriLankan Airlines three months ahead of the expiry of the management agreement with Emirates, the internationally acclaimed airline owned by the powerful Maktoum family of the United Arab Emirates and operating out of Dubai.Mr. Jayawardene who is Chairman of the airline was confirmed with executive status a week after Emirates announced that they would be pulling out of the management agreement with the Sri Lankan national carrier after the Government withdrew the work permit of Emirates CEO Peter Hill triggering a rupture in the relations between the two airlines. Emirates has however decided to retain its 46% ownership of the Sri Lankan airline.
The breakdown in relations began when Emirates refused to accommodate the Presidential delegation on a scheduled London-Colombo flight when President Mahinda Rajapaksa was returning from a private visit to Britain to attend the passing out of his son Yoshitha from the Naval Academy in Dartmouth.
The newly appointed Executive Chairman this week held two meetings, one at the Bandaranaike International Aiport (BIA) and one in Colombo with staff members of the airline and said that he would ensure that the high standards of the airline were maintained. Two senior Emirates officials remaining in Colombo were not invited for either of the two meetings on the basis that they would be leaving shortly.
Despite Emirates threatening legal action over revoking the visa of its SriLankan CEO Peter Hill and last week lifting a self-imposed ban on recruitment of Sri Lankan pilots, a top level source close to the West Asian carrier said yesterday they had decided against clashing with Sri Lanka any further.
In fact, he went as far as saying that Emirates had also decided to amicably hand over such things as ticketing and reservation operations that they were handling for SriLankan within a period of six months of the management contract terminating at the end of March. There was no official confirmation of this from Emirates. Earlier reports had it that Emirates was preparing to charge huge fees from SriLankan for these services. SriLankan Airlines reservation operations are handled from Dubai and had made a major contribution to its efficiency.
However, during initial discussions between Emirates CEO Tim Clarke and Sri Lankan Government officials in Colombo last week, BOI Chairman Dhammika Perera is learnt to have produced evidence of alleged unfair practices resorted to by the Emirates management to the detriment of SriLankan, including wide scale undercutting of air tickets while having a code share agreement with the local carrier.
On Wednesday a SriLankan A-340 flight UL 564 suffered extensive damage when the ground handlers at Frankfurt airport began to push back the airliner for takeoff to Colombo using a tow truck before a boarding chute was retracted causing a deep gash on its left side. The damage is so serious; sources said that the aircraft now might have to be ferried to Toulouse, France for repair. Interestingly when the pilot of the aircraft had heard the noise of the chute damaging the aircraft he had shouted into the radio asking the ground crew to halt the entire operation and it is alleged that they had continued with this highly irregular procedure till more serious damage was caused to the body of the aircraft.
According to the Pilots’ Guild sources the matter is now being probed by the authorities in Frankfurt and police there had already recorded statements from everyone concerned, including the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft.
Interestingly in the first meeting on Tuesday Aviation and Shipping Minister Chamal Rajapaksa had with key SriLankan union leaders like those representing technicians, engineers, pilots, flight attendants etc. and Harry Jayewardene, Mr. Rajapaksa on his own had answered one of their other worst fears, when he declared that he was even ready to get some legislation passed in Parliament to prevent all types of political interference in the running of the airline.
Despite Mr. Jayewardene’s appointment as Executive Chairman, sources said some of the unions also raised their misgivings about having any truck with Mihin Air during talks with Mr. Jayewardene on Thursday at the BIA, but he had simply said that Mihin would run its own operations and SriLankan would concentrate on running its.
When pilots had raised their fears about getting adequate aircraft for the airline in future in view of the fact virtually all aircraft it now flies are on lease, Chief Financial Controller Vipula Gunatillake had assured that he was already in the process of renewing the lease of two aircraft and he was trying to get additional aircraft.

From Neville de Silva in London
Breakaway LTTE “eastern commander” Karuna alias Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan has pleaded guilty to breaching British immigration laws and will be sentenced by a Crown Court on Friday. He faces a jail term of up to 24 months and/or a fine. Karuna, who was produced before Magistrates Derek Price and Geoff Edwards at the Uxbridge Courts on December 24, pleaded guilty to a charge of violating the UK ID Card Act of 2006. The sentencing is to take place at the Isleworth Crown Court.
Karuna entered the United Kingdom on a diplomatic passport allegedly issued by the Government. Though it bore his picture, his name was given as Kokila Dushmantha Gunawardena who held the designation Director of Wild Life. The British High Commission in Colombo had issued him a visa purportedly to attend a conference on climate change upon the submission of a Third Person Note (TPN) by the Foreign Ministry.
Although it was earlier stated that the passport along with the visa application form and the TPN were sent to the private firm to which the British High Commission in Colombo has outsourced the processing of visa application, British sources say this is not correct. Highly placed British sources said the passport, visa application and the TPN were handed over to the British High Commission but not by the persons from the Foreign Ministry who usually delivers them.
When this issue was raised in Parliament, Deputy Foreign Minister, Hussein Bhaila, denied knowledge of the passport or the TPN. The sentencing on Friday comes amidst reports that the Crown Prosecution Service is studying the possibility of bringing him to justice for alleged crimes committed in Sri Lanka in breach of UN conventions. This is particularly the UN Convention against Torture.
British laws allow offences committed against this Convention anywhere in the world to be tried in British courts. The provision (Section 25 (1) of the UK ID Card Act 2006 under which Karuna pleaded guilty states:
“It is an offence for a person with the requisite intention to have in his possession or under his control: (b) an identity document that was improperly obtained and that he knows or believes to have been improperly obtained; or (c) an Contd. from identity document that relates to someone else.” The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Home Office confirmed that Karuna had pleaded guilty when he was produced in court for violating the 2006 Act.
If Karuna is sentenced to imprisonment which seems very likely, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is expected to spend the coming months in sifting evidence and trying to construct a case against him probably under the Convention against Torture which provides a hugely wide- ranging definition of torture in Part 1 Article 1 of the convention. Although commonly referred to as the Convention against Torture its full title covers “other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.”
Karuna who was arrested last November is believed to have sought asylum in Britain when taken into custody. He was living with his wife and family in affluent Kensington at the time of his arrest. He had entered Britain in September last year. A Home Office spokesman told the Sunday Times that seeking asylum did not necessarily mean a person could not be returned to his or her country.
“The 1951 Refugee Convention allows us to exclude persons from the protection of asylum where there are serious reasons for considering that an individual has committed a serious crime or other acts which make him or her undeserving of international protection.” “The Convention also provides that in some circumstances persons can be returned to the country of origin even though they may have a well-founded fear of persecution there,” the spokesman said.
Authoritative British sources said that while Karuna serves out his expected sentence, the CPS would examine whether charges could be framed against him. The basis of their study would be what Karuna has told investigators from immigration, Metropolitan Police and British intelligence during his detention at an immigration centre and evidence that has been gathered from several other sources relating to Karuna’s activities before and after he defected from the LTTE.
British authorities are aware that Karuna was brought to the airport for his flight to UK in a closed car that drove to the tarmac. He was taken on board the aircraft by an airport official. Authoritative sources said that the diplomatic passport carried by Karuna (under an assumed name but with his photograph sans the familiar moustache) was examined both in Colombo and in the UK by experts who had pronounced it to be a genuine Sri Lankan passport. If Karuna gets the maximum sentence of 24 months then the Crown Prosecution Service has that much time to file charges.

The government is considering getting down Gurkha soldiers from India to beef up the security of top political leaders who face grave threats to their lives, reports said.
A proposal in this regard has already been made to the Ministry of Defence, and it will be taken up at government level in due course.
Gurkha soldiers are the top choice of heads of state and other VVIPs of several Asian countries to care for their security, as they are considered top experts in their profession.
A final decision is to be taken after a special security requirement assessment of the top political leadership, according to reports.

Three channels of the ABC radio network would be on air from on April 15, a top official said.
The Sinhalese 'Hiru', English 'Gold' and Tamil 'Sooryan' which is starting on next Tueday is part of a network of five radio stations that were closed by the government last year.
ABC chief Reynor Silva said the channels would start at 6.00 am.
Frequencies for three of the channels were issued earlier this week. Broadcast licenses for 'Sun' and 'Sha' FM has also been issued Silva said.

Aitken Spence Hotels, which manages ten properties in Sri Lanka, including Heritance Kandalama and the Tea Factory, have launched an exclusive loyalty rewards program entitled 'The Diamond Club'.
This program offers members the chance to earn points which can be used at a later date to upgrade hotel rooms or pay bills, at no extra cost. Other special features available to members are priority bookings and redemption of points against gift vouchers.
Membership of the Diamond Club is limited to those who have spent a minimum of Rs. 10,000 at an Aitken Spence Hotel, although membership can also be bought by paying Rs. 10,000. Members also receive a free username and password, which gives them access to the exclusive Diamond Club website, where they can monitor the accumulation of their points and take advantage of exclusive special offers.
Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director of Aitken Spence's Hotel sector, said "the Diamond Club is our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests who have patronized our hotels over the years".
He added that this endeavour was not only to reward the existing clientele of Aitken Spence Hotels, but to consolidate a loyal customer base as well.
Aitken Spence also own hotels in Oman, India and the Maldives, although currently Diamond Club points can only be earned at Aitken Spence hotels within Sri Lanka, he said.a

The April New Year season in Nuwara Eliya is on a low key this year with the expected turnout in this picturesque salubrious hill country holiday destination, popularly called ‘Little England’, falling far short of expectations.
Security concerns coupled with economic factors are attributed by hospitality industry officials for the poor turnout this season.
The official ceremony to kick off the season, which had been held consecutively for the past 25 years or more, was in itself a low profile affair this year without the colourful drill display by school bands.
While some sources said security considerations kept away the school bands others maintained that a directive by the educational authorities barred the participation of students in this annual outdoor ceremony.
Presiding at the ceremony held near the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, Mayor Chandanalal Karunaratne lighted the traditional oil officially ushering in the season on April 1.
During previous years, holiday-makers, eager to unwind themselves, start making frantic hotel reservations from about January itself, industry officials noted. "They are keen to grab the best places in town".
"But, this season that kind of excitement was missing", they pointed out. "People were perhaps undecided primarily because of the security situation in the country".
"There was a drop no doubt, but reservations are picking up now", says Palaka Perera, Grand Hotel’s General Manager.
"We see a definite improvement", he stressed. "We are positive of a good turnout".
Many tourist hotels in Nuwara Eliya, including some popular haunts, have advertised special discounts for visitors during the season – something quite unusual around this time of the year
Hotel Alpine, one of the most sought-after stop-overs in this hilly destination, offered visitors a 25% discount from April 1st to 10th and 5% off from 11th-19th. The 25% rebate is applicable again from the 20th t0 30th.
At a time when the rate of an average hotel room shoots up to about Rs. 10,000, this tells the whole story, industry officials pointed out. "We are keeping our fingers crossed".
The special events during the annual season such as the Governor’s Cup (April 13), flower show, tennis tournament and motor racing are however being held on schedule.
"There is no change", sources said. "Everything goes according to plan".
"We have provided adequate security", DIG (Nuwara Eliya - East) Jagath Abeysirigunawardena assured. "There is round-the-clock patrolling".
Intermittent thunderstorms have also intervened to spoil the fun.

by Shamindra Ferdinando
Controversy surrounds the move to hold the May Day in Ampara to promote the UPFA-TMVP alliance contesting the first ever elections to the Eastern Provincial Council scheduled for May 10.
The decision taken in Parliament against the backdrop of last Sunday’s assassination of Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle has shocked the security establishment.
Unfortunately the security top brass is reluctant to advise the political leadership against going ahead with what one official called a high risk and suicidal adventure.
Well informed sources said the government wanted to go ahead with the meeting despite the LTTE threat.
The sources asserted the government would like to flex its muscles, particularly in Ampara to offset the formidable UNP-SLMC alliance. The sources said the focus of the government campaign would be on Digamadulla electorate where the UNP-SLMC alliance had the edge over the ruling coalition.
Security sources said a large political gathering in Ampara could cause catastrophic result. Although government security forces had destroyed all major LTTE bases in the Eastern Province, the LTTE has the capacity to mount operations, a senior security official said.
The LTTE struggling on Jaffna and Vanni fronts in the face of a relentless military campaign would strike at any given target, he said, asserting nothing could be as vulnerable as a May Day rally in Ampara.
Providing a fool proof security plan would be impossible, sources said. The presence of breakaway LTTE faction TMVP would make matters worse.
In the immediate aftermath of Fernandopulle’s assassination, the Rupavahini said people had requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa and ministers to restrict their travel until the army brought the Vanni under their control. The sources said state TV station wouldn’t have carried the message without express orders from the government.
These sources said it would have been better if the government restricted public engagements even on some false pretext.

www.thecolombotimes.com wishes a happy and joyful Sinhala and Tamil New Year

A police officer who was on duty at a police post in Galge along the Buttala-Kataragama road was killed in a lightning strike today. Unaware that it was lightning police in the vicinity had later opened fire fearing an LTTE attack.

Security has been beefed up in the city with additional measures in place for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year because of fresh concerns over possible terror attacks during the festive season, police said.
An additional 1000 police officers have been deployed in the city of Colombo and its suburbs, Police Spokesman DIG N. K. Illangakoon said.Military Spokesman Briga-dier Udaya Nanayakkara said there have been no specific intelligence warnings of terror attacks during the New Year season.
“But, there is always a risk that the terrorists can strike whenever possible,” he said. “Additional troops have been deployed and there are rese-rvists to be called in any eventuality.”
He also said a public awareness campaign was in place to inform public of security arr-angements.
Meanwhile, special transport arrangements have been org-anized for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival.“Some 600 additional buses are in service,” said a spok-esman for the Sri Lanka Tran-sport Board.
“It will be in effect from April 8 to April 21, 2008. Special buses will be plying to and from cities such as Kandy, Badulla, Anuradhapura, Galle and Matara.” Meanwhile, Nalaka Bandara of Railways Authority said some 45 trains were being used for transportation of passengers in addition to the routine fleet.

Sri Lanka's national power grid crashed on Sunday, a holiday for the Sinhala-Tamil New Year, most likely due to overload, a senior state electric company official said.
"One of the hydropower stations called Vicotia power plant tripped. That's the reason for the island wide power cut," said Ceylon Electricity Board General Manager Ranjit Palleperuma.
Sunday is the first day of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, when people traditionally stay at home and observe religious ceremonies.
Power failures are common during the festival season with overload on the national grid.
Palleperuma said engineers were working to restore the power supply. The outage was not related to the war between government soldiers and rebels fighting for an independent state for the ethnic minority Tamils, he said.
"It is not a (case of) sabotage," he said.
There are around 25 power plants in Sri Lanka, a country of 20 million people. But if one of the main power lines trips, the whole system shuts down.
Much of Sri Lanka's infrastructure, from roads to hospitals, has been neglected by successive governments focused on the two-decade civil war that has killed more han 70,000 people.

JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe addressing a press conference on Wednesday blamed the government for the arson attack on the printing press of The Sunday Leader, The Morning Leader and Irudina saying that no one else could be responsible for such an attack inside a high security zone. "Even a baby will know how this was burnt. The government did it. Write about this, as I say this with responsibility," Amarasinghe charged.
"I want to tell the media something important," the JVP leader began. "Irudina is against the JVP. However this has to be said.
The Sunday Leader printing press was burnt. This was situated in a high security zone. Even a baby will know how this was burnt. The government did it.
Write about this, as I say this with responsibility. We condemned it. This is the first of many acts to be displayed. The final one will be performed by us," Somawansa said.
While making clear that he believes that the Leader papers are "against the JVP," Amarasinghe said that it was a media freedom issue, and that the JVP condemned the attack on the press.
Amarasinghe was speaking about the internal turmoil in the JVP before suddenly branching off to discuss the arson attack on the Leader printing press. He said that he was unable to "get Wimal Weerawansa who is the JVP propaganda secretary and JVP group leader to make a statement in parliament when the innocent Tamils were evicted from the lodges in Colombo."
"Who made the statement? It was Anura Dissanayake," he said.

A Land Rover Discovery, worth Rs. 18.9 million, has been imported from the United Kingdom for Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.
The City Branch of the Sampath Bank has carried out the related banking aspects of the transaction.
On February 19th, the Customs had released the vehicle imported through 'Sann Freighters' of Ragama.
Earlier, there were allegations against Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya, to which Mr. Ranawaka belongs, that he had illegally sold a super luxury Benz that had been imported by using his duty free license.

Though the USA says that the Colombo Port has the highest security in the world, not so international re-insurers, who charge a war risk premium on vessels docking at the Colombo Port, a shipper and an academic said.
Rohan Masakorala, Course Director, Academy for International Trade & Transport quoted a US Customs officer last Saturday who said that two US Coast Guard officers had deemed that the Colombo Port had the highest security in the world at a seminar in Colombo. After the Colombo Airport was attacked by the terrorists in July 2001, international re-insurers have begun levying a surcharge on all ships and planes entering the Colombo sea-port and airport..
Masakorala further told The Sunday Leader that the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex body of the country's apparel industry, has impressed upon the government, of the importance of implementing e-commerce among all state sector bodies, including that of Customs.
Apparel exports are Sri Lanka's single biggest foreign exchange earner. Masakorala is also JAAF Deputy Secretary General.
Masakorala who was one of the speakers at a seminar on the USA's Container Security Initiative (CSI), made this statement, after The Sunday Leader queried from him that one of the chief concerns of US Customs is that Sri Lanka Customs still processes their documents manually.
"Deadlines have been set for state agencies to convert their operations to ecommerce before the year end," Masakorala, who declined to give further details said.

Four terrorists were injured during a confrontation with Troops on Saturday (12) in the morning around 7.45 in the VELLANKULAM area, VAVUNIYA while two soldiers were reported injured in another confrontation in the East of MADHU area .
Meanwhile five terrorists were killed during a fierce attack launched by Troops in the afternoon around 2.00 on the same day (12) in the SINNAYAVELLANKADDUKULAM area, in VAVUNIYA.

Two LTTE terrorists were killed during a confrontation with Troops in MUHAMALAI, JAFFNA on Saturday (12) evening while two soldiers were also injured earlier around 9.10 in the same area.
Meanwhile, the Army was on the attack once again in the evening on Saturday (12) in the MUHAMALAI area when two LTTE bunkers were completely destroyed around 5.20 in the evening with five terrorists reported injured. A soldier was also reported injured in MUHAMALAI around 5.25 in the evening.

The Sri Lankan government has been mobilising their people, who intend to travel abroad for better prospects, to look for semi-skilled and skilled jobs and discouraging them from opting for menial positions as that lands them in various troubles, the top diplomat from that country said.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Mohammed Nabavi Junaid, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE, spoke about the new developments with regard to labourers and housemaids.
Talking about his government's efforts to reduce the number of people who look for unskilled jobs abroad, Junaid said, "In the recent past, the number of Sri Lankans who opted for menial jobs dropped drastically from 50 per cent to 30 per cent. We are striving hard to ensure that no Sri Lankan travelled abroad for any menial job."
According to the mission's records, over 35,000 Sri Lankans are residing in the capital and over 165,000 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan embassy had fixed the salary of housemaids at Dh825 per month. On asking whether the number of housemaids travelling to the UAE has gone down, the envoy said, "The fixing of wages of housemaids did not affect their arrival but most of them have now started to opt for semi-skilled jobs. And this number has gone up. We give those who come as housemaids in managing household chores."
Junaid said, "Nowadays, there are not too many complaints from housemaids and labourers. We always strive to resolve the cases amicably and not let them lodge complaints with courts. We settle cases at the mission."
The number of people who are kept in the embassy's safe houses does not exceed ten. So the situation here is quite good when compared to the other countries in the region, the envoy said, praising the UAE government's regulations.
"Our community always lives here amicably and peacefully and follows the host country's rules and regulations," the ambassador said.
Asked about the outsourcing of passports, the envoy said, "We don't have that much work to sign an MoU with Empost like Indian embassy. We have a small community. Only issuing new passports take time as they have to be sent to Colombo. In case of extension and correction or any change, it does not take more than two hours as maximum.
"We do not let people return without completing their transactions on the same day. If we delay a person who is coming from Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, where will he stay.

Two attacks launched by the Army were reported in the area North of JANAKAPURA, WELIOYA on Saturday (12).
A terrorist was killed and two were reported injured in the first attack around 11.25 in the morning while a terrorist bunker was completely destroyed in the second attack around 3.50 in the evening. Troops confirm that the LTTE sustained severe damages while a soldier was also reported injured in the attack.
Meanwhile, five confrontations with LTTE terrorists were reported from the North of KIRI IBBANWEWA area, WELIOYA on Saturday (12) in which two terrorists were reported killed while 14 terrorists and five soldiers were reported injured.
Troops confirm that Four LTTE terrorists were injured around 8.10 in the morning during a confrontation. Also reported as injured were two terrorists and a soldier during a confrontation at 11.10 in the morning and two more terrorists were injured and a soldier was injured around 11.25 am. Five terrorists and three soldiers were also injured during a confrontation at 11.50 in the morning.
Two terrorists were killed and another was injured in an attack around 3.25 in the evening in the same area.

Asian nations should make joint efforts to deal with the pressing problems of climate change and resource shortage when energy demands keep rising as the continent becomes an important driver of the world economy, President Mahinda Rajapakse told the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in China today.
President said that the world has also seen the emergence of many challenges, including the fight against terrorism that pervades the world today, the continuing spread of nuclear weapons, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, international trafficking in drugs, women, and children; and in recent years the most alarming problem of the depletion of the earth's natural resources; and the destruction of the environment.

“With all the wealth that industrial progress has produced, today, we are gravely threatened by global warming and climate change.

In the face of these challenges that mock our most determined attempts to solve them within established frameworks, we must fashion our policies to enable continued development while addressing the challenges posed. This Boao Forum has a critical role to play in this regard,” he said.
“However in meeting the challenges posed by globalization today, as well as the challenges faced by the environment, we see the need for a new definition of man’s relationship with nature and the environment. We need to look back at our traditional values, and also look forward to what today’s scientific knowledge can give us to restore our good relations with nature, President

President Pervez Musharraf and President Mahinda Rajapakse of Sri Lanka agreed on improving their trade and commerce ties with specific focus on continuing Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The two leaders met in the southernmost city of Hainan on the sidelines of Boao Forum. They discussed measures for bolstering economic ties between their two countries. Sri Lanka is the second country after China to have Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan. Sri Lankan Minister for Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama said the meeting was"very productive" and it would facilitate take Pak-Sri Lankan cooperation to the highest level.
He said President Pervez Musharraf and President Mahinda Rajapakse discussed issues of common interest including the forthcoming SAARC's heads of state summit to be held next August in Colombo. He said Sri Lanka was a member of Commonwealth and it looked forward to Pakistan again joining the organization.
The minister in his comment on FTA said the two countries had Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and they desired to further enhance their cooperation in economic terms.

Residents of Jaffna have been issued with a special security clearance permit after the conduct of a census in the peninsula, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri said.

Around 350,000 persons in the age category of 13 to 55 years were given the computerized permits, with support from the District Secretariat, he said.

Speaking further, Maj. Gen. Chandrasiri said that the holders of these permits would be exempt from extra checking when they cross over to the south of the country.
However, legal and human rights activists question the issue of this permit, which practically invalidates in Jaffna the national identity card that has been the legally accepted identification in the country.

Clashes between security forces and LTTE continued on the northern and Wanni battle fronts killing 11 terrorists and injuring many others on Friday, April 11, the military report said.

On Jaffna theatre of battle, troops launched an attack targeting LTTE gun position in general area Nagarkovil. Troops confirmed that at least 4 terrorists were either killed or wounded in this attack.

Meanwhile, security forces personnel launched a fresh attack at LTTE bunker defence in general area Muhamalai and troops confirmed at least 4 LTTE terrorists were either killed or wounded in this attack.

On Wanni theatre of battle, in Vavuniya front, troops observed a movement of a group of LTTE terrorists and attacked them killing 2 LTTE cadres in general area Vedamakulam. In a separate confrontation took place in Vinayakankulam, troops confirmed 2 terrorists were killed.

In Mannar front, army snipers deployed in Adampan and Thirukethiswaram areas have gunned down 4 LTTE cadres, the report received from the forefront indicated.

In Welioya front, troops confronted with a group of LTTE terrorists in general area north of Janakapura around 10.15 a.m yesterday. Two LTTE terrorists were either killed or wounded in this attack. In the same area 2 terrorists were killed while 2 others suffered injuries in a separate confrontation took place around 5.25 p.m. yesterday. One soldier also received injuries in this incident. An LTTE cadre was killed in a separate confrontation took place in the same area around 3.10 p.m. Meanwhile, 2 army soldiers received injuries in a clash sparked in general area north of Janakapura, the report further stated.

Two LTTE cadres were wounded when the troops ambushed a group of LTTE terrorists in general area Kiriibbabwewa. Meanwhile, 3 terrorists were either killed or wounded in a separate clash took place around 11.50 a.m, the report further said.
Troops deployed in general area Andankulam attacked at terrorists and captured two LTTE trenches the sources said. 63 anti personnel mines, 2 trapped 81mm mortar bombs, 2 T-56 magazines, an LTTE pack were found inside the captured terror trench. These items were left away by the terrorists when the troops launched effective fire at them. Ground troops confirmed that two terrorists were either killed or wounded in this clash.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra kazagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko appealed to the European Union and said they must bring pressure on the Sri Lanka government to stop the military offensive against Velupillai Prabhakaran led Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Vaiko's appeal came after the LTTE's political head Nadesan made a similar appeal to Norway and its International Minister Eric Solheim to intervene in the situation and bring a stop to the war few days ago.

Militarily, the LTTE is in a very bad position and has already lost the sprawling Eastern Province to the country's army while desperately trying to keep the Mulaithiuvu and Kilinochchi districts they run with an iron fist in the North. The current war was started by the LTTE when they stopped water to a farmland by blocking an irrigation canal. Although the LTTE is banned in India, Vaiko led MDMK an extremist party has been carrying on a relentless campaign to save the tottering terrorist group's base in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Vaiko equalled the offensive against the LTTE in Sri Lanka as an offensive against the Tamils, to wipe out an ancient race. But the LTTE, one of the most repressive Fascist regimes in the world recruits children as soldiers disregarding constant protests by the UNICEF and the United Nations. It has also become a major reason for the Tamils to flee away from the area.

Vaiko also did not mention that 54 per cent of the Sri Lanka Tamils live outside the LTTE run Wanni area in Sri Lanka having fled away from the area, when he was speaking at this conference organized by the Art of Living Foundation of the Indian Spiritual Guru Sri Ravi Shankar in Oslo. Vaiko's demand was not very different from that of the LTTE. He said, that unless Tamils were accepted as a "separate nation" and their inhabited zones were regarded as their "traditional homelands, no negotiation would lead to a solution. He still maintained the position taken by the LTTE for a separate state in Sri Lanka.

Other political leaders like Subramaniam Swamy have accused parties like MDMK and PMK of carrying out with funds supplied by the LTTE.

Meanwhile UNP's Jayalath Jayawardenena speaking at the seminar said a ceasefire between the warring parties should be organized. He did not say whether he was expressing his private opinion or the opinion of his party at the seminar.

Naval troops conducting two separate search operations recovered a claymore mine, a portable generator and a haul of welding rods and grinder discs in Thalaimannar and Mannar on the 11th April 2008.

During a search operation conducted in Thoddaweli, Thalaimannar. naval troops recovered an LTTE claymore mine weighing approximately five kilograms along with its pedestal, buried closer to the railway track.

In another search operation conducted past midnight, troops recovered a portable generator, 25 packets of welding rods, each weighing 2.5 kilograms, and 20 grinder discs left behind by smugglers in Katupalliya, Mannar.
Three serially-connected Land Mines on Mannar-Thalaimannar Road and a Claymore Mine hidden in a scrub Jungle recovered in Pesalai, Mannar

Naval troops conducting two separate search operations based on information received recovered three serially-connected land mines and a claymore mine in Pesalai, Mannar on the 10th April 2008.
The three boxes were explosive filled land mines were found buried in the Mannar-Thalaimannar Main Supply Route (MSR). Two weighed 23.5 kilograms and the other was 22 kilograms in weight. A seal type remote control circuit with a 9 Valt battery, an electric detonator and a 4-metre detonator code were also recovered along with the mines. The mines were later defused by the naval bomb disposal team.

Tamil Nadu State Intelligence police have seized 16 cans of highly inflammable chemical solution, suspected to be used for manufacturing powerful explosives, meant for smuggling to Sri Lanka.
Police said acting on a tip off, the 'Q' branch police team arrested a Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Navaneetha Krishnan from the Samathuvapuram locality near Sakki Mangalam. The chemical solution was being smuggled to Sri Lanka for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), police said

Oslo, April 12 (IANS) No “externally designed solution” will end Sri Lanka’s dragging ethnic conflict, a senior Norwegian diplomat has said, as an international conference here called for a negotiated end to decades of fighting. Norway’s special envoy to Sri Lanka, Jon Hanssen-Bauer, told the two-day meeting that ended late Friday that Oslo would be more than happy to back “any solution endorsed by the Sri Lankan people”.

“One should not be tempted to try impose an externally designed solution to conflicts but assist the parties in defining a domestic one,” Hanssen-Bauer told the meeting organised by the Art of Living Foundation of Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

“The common understanding between the government and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) has been that talks are aimed at finding a political solution that is acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka,” he said. “For Norway, any solution endorsed by the Sri Lankan people is acceptable.”

Although Sri Lanka has withdrawn from the Norway-brokered ceasefire agreement of 2002 with the LTTE, Oslo remains the designated mediator between the Tamil Tigers and Colombo.

Hanssen-Bauer’s comments follow criticism from ruling circles in Sri Lanka that Norway has been biased towards the LTTE and that it wants to foist on the island a solution to the conflict not acceptable to the majority.

Reflecting his own style of functioning, Hanssen-Bauer added: “In our view, mediation works best when the mediators opt for a low profile and avoid visibility on their own behalf.

“They should aim for a limited role, be more obsessed with process than results, and stay involved through the complex ups and downs of a typical peace process.”

Participants from Sri Lanka appealed for negotiations to end one of the world’s longest running conflicts that has claimed more than 70,000 lives since 1983 and led many more to flee the country and take shelter in other countries.

Arumugam Thondaman, the Sri Lankan minister for youth empowerment and socio-economic development, said he was “strongly of the opinion that there is no military solution (to the conflict). It is essential to evolve a political solution”.

Buddhist monk Seevali Nayaka Thero said it was time for both the government and the LTTE to think about the lives being lost because of the war.

“In any place, in any country, only by war you cannot solve the problems. Only peace talks and reconciliation can solve the problem,” he added. “This is exactly the message Buddha conveyed 2055 years back. It is very important we have to stop the war, we cannot take any more loss of lives.”

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has in the past visited LTTE-held areas in northern Sri Lanka, spoke about the importance of spiritualism in resolving any conflict.

“Whether it is inter-religious conflict or intra-religious conflict or it is a conflict between communist or capitalist ideology, it all starts in the minds of people, in the hearts of people.

“When such conflict begins, they shut themselves from reasoning, prejudice overtakes, and communication goes haywire. It’s here we need to build the trust among the communities. Spiritual leaders, religious leaders, can play a bigger role in this.”

Among others who took part in the conference were India’s MDMK leader Vaiko, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramvichar Netam, Members of European Parliament Erika Mann and Nirj Deva, Rajiv Wijesinha of the Sri Lankan Peace Secretariat, Colin Archer of the International Peace Bureau (Switzerland), Sri Lankan MP Jayalath Jayawardene and Maduluvave Sobitha Nayaka Thero (Sri Lanka).

JVP dissident faction led by its parliamentary group chief, Wimal Weerawansa, has mooted the formation of a Deshapremi Peramuna (Patriotic Front) and pledged to work under that banner. They have vowed to take this action if their disputes with the party leadership are not amicably settled.
The decision by Mr. Weerawansa and ten dissident MPs to form such a front, with the backing of a number of civil society organisations and trade unions was taken at a meeting the dissident group held on Thursday at the Patriotic National Front office in Borella.

Political observers point out that the fact that like the PNM, the new political group also is being formed with a similar name suggests a link between the two. This development came as the crisis within the JVP worsened. Police have begun investigations into several incidents involving the forcible removal of vehicles belonging to JVP dissident MPs with one JVP MP and another JVP cadre being remanded.
Instead, a newspaper titled ‘Rivida’ is to be published by Mr. Weerawansa and his dissident supporters shortly. The move by JVP dissidents came as it became clear Mr. Weerawansa may be sacked from the Party after a disciplinary inquiry. This is after May 10 when a decision by the Central Committee to suspend him takes effect. Mr. Weerawansa told the dissident MPs that the new front, when formed, would not support either the Government or the opposition parties. However, JVP leader Somawansa Amerasinghe said that the Government was helping Mr. Weerawansa and his group and they were in turn helping the Government.

The 35th death anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake will take place in Colombo today. The statue of the late leader at D. S. Senanayake College junction will be garlanded at 9.30 a.m by Dr. P. Jayasinghe, the secretary of the commemoration association.

This will be followed by an almsgiving, at the Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Wijerama Mawatha at 10.30 a.m. organized by UNP Chairman Rukman Senanayake who is also the nephew of Mr. Senanayake.

The main memorial ceremony including a public meeting will be held on June 19 in conjunction with the birthday of Dudley Senanayake. The event is organized by the Dudley Senanayake commemoration association.

Sole remaining SLFP rebel Parliamentarian and dissident SLFP (Mahajana) wing convener Mangala Samaraweera will now face the party disciplinary inquiry launched by its General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena on May 27, a top party source said.

Mr. Samaraweera and the other rebel MP the late Sripathy Sooriarachchi were each served a second charge sheet calling for their explanations over their crossing over to the opposition, their decision to form an alliance with the UNP and their opposing the last Government budget among other matters. Mr. Samaraweera had been served a total of seven charges.

Ironically the second charge sheet was served on February 3 and Mr. Sooriarachchi was killed in a freak accident on February 6. The first hearing of the disciplinary inquiry against Mr. Samaraweera was fixed for March 26, but he had sought a postponement after his mother died during the latter part of that month.

Party sources said evidence on behalf of the party will be led by D.P. Mendis PC, while Paul Ratnayake Associates will represent Mr. Samaraweera. The inquiry will begin with Mr. Mendis leading the evidence of party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena.In January the party had to withdraw the two earlier charge sheets after the lawyers for the two rebels spotlighted some glaring glitches in them in court. They pointed out that the party Central Committee that decided to charge sheet the duo was not a lawful CC as it had an excess of three members above the limit set by the party constitution and four of the Disciplinary Committee members had to be considered as being biased as they were also on the CC that decided to charge them.

Under the party constitution the CC should comprise a maximum of 63, but at the time the crucial decision was taken it had 66. Since the decision Dilan Perera had resigned from the CC in protest at Mahinda Ratnatillake joining the Government and two other CC members have dropped out.

The lawyers for the rebels also pointed out that John Seneviratne, W. Karunajeewa, Prof. Wiswa Warnapala and Saliya Mathew were all members of the CC and the Disciplinary Committee. In correcting these glitches, the SLFP has appointed a new Disciplinary Committee comprising Senaka Walgampaya PC (Chairman), Champani Padmasekera attorney at law (Secretary), Boniface Silva PC, Sagara Kariyawasam attorney at law and Sarath Weragoda attorney at law.

The Inquiring Panel appointed to hear the disciplinary inquiry against Mr. Samaraweera comprises Boniface Silva PC, Champani Padmasekera and Sarath Weragoda.

Singapore - Three Malaysians were setenced to between four and 15 months in prison for child trafficking after they were caught trying to smuggle Sri Lankan children to London via Paris, news reports said on Saturday. The Malaysians were caught at Changi Airport on February 7 with the three children, aged 11, 14 and 15.
Shangar Shanmugam, 39, was sentenced on Friday to 15 months in jail while his sister, Patmavthi Shanmugam, 31, was jailed for 10 months, The Straits Times reported.
Their friend, Vigiletchimi Suparayan, 61, was sentenced to four months in prison.
Shangar was promised 1,000 US dollars by a woman known to him as Naga to deliver the children to London, the court heard. Naga made three Malaysian passports with false names for the children at a Malaysian immigration office.
Shangar gave a cut of the money to his sister and asked her to pose as the mother of one of the children, the report said.
He drove into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint with the two women and three children and went to the airport.
The three Malaysians could have been jailed for up to four years each for the offence.

The Government of Sri Lanka's (GoSL) military offensive in the Mannar District has caused a series of displacements of civilians from the areas of Pandivirichchaan, Adampan, Andankulam and other areas starting on August 25, 2007. The IDPs sought refuge in Madhu, Thatchinamadhu, Periyamadhu, Pallamadhu, Kooraai, Kalliyadi, Illuppaikadavai, Vellankumam, Thevanpiddy and other divisions within the Mannar District. Other refugees have displaced to Vavuniya North, Mullankavil (Kilinochchi District), and Mullaitivu District.
All the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were provided safe, temporary accommodation in the areas mentioned above at this stage of displacement. During the last two weeks the GoSL army has engaged in an offensive with the objective of capturing the Madhu Church and its precincts. The remaining people in the Madhu Church area left the area on 1 April 2008. Due to shelling near the church the next day (2 April 2008) the people took the statue of 'Our Lady of Madhu' and provided an abode for her in the Thevanpiddy St. Sebastian Church.
Many of the IDPs are going to other areas according to their wishes. Because of the out of season rains, the unpaved dirt roads are almost impassable. Transporting those seeking refuge is extremely difficult. In addition to the difficulty in transporting the IDPs, due to the rains, lack of fuel, and lack of vehicles, they are experiencing extreme difficulty in inadequate temporary shelters.
The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) continues to make arrangements and transport the IDPs from the place of displacement to the areas they wish to be temporarily settled. TRO is also constructing and providing shelters, drinking water, health, Non-Food Relief Items (NFRI) and other emergency relief assistance. The UN, iNGOs, and local NGOs are providing medical and other humanitarian assistance to the IDPs.

Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the 14 countries facing `food emergencies` due to rising prices and a shortage of rice in the world market. The list was released Friday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The 14 countries, including those affected by high prices for sorghum, wheat flour, millet and maize, are as follows:
Cote d Ivoire: prices of rice in March 2008 were more than double their levels of a year earlier.
Senegal: wheat prices by February 2008 were twice the level of a year ago and sorghum was up by 56 percent.
Nigeria: in the important subregional market of Dawanau, prices of sorghum and millet have doubled in the past five months.
Somalia: the price of wheat flour in northern areas has almost tripled in the last year.
Sudan:prices of wheat in Khartoum, the capital, in February this year were 90 percent higher than a year earlier.
Uganda: prices of maize in March 2008 have risen by 65 percent from their levels of September last year.
Ethiopia: maize prices in Addis Abbaba in March 2008 were double their levels of a year ago, while those of wheat were 42 percent higher.
Mozambique: in Maputo, the capital, maize prices in March were 43 percent higher than a year ago.
The Philippines: rice prices have increased 50 percent in the past two months.
Sri Lanka: prices of rice in March 2008 were almost double those of a year ago.
Bangladesh: the price of rice y increased by 66 percent in the same period.
Tajikistan: prices of bread in February were twice the levels at the same time in 2007.
Armenia: the price of wheat flour has increased by one-third in the same period.
Haiti: food prices are reported to be from 50 to 100 percent higher than they were last year.

Adding more ingredients to the uncertainty within the JVP, one of its parliamentarian’s yesterday denied media reports that she was being held forcibly and insisted that she stayed at a friend’s house overnight and was unable to contact her driver which led to the confusion.
Addressing a news conference in Colombo, JVP Parliamentarian Sujatha Alahakoon said she was duped by the dissidents to join them and there was no truth in media reports that she had disappeared.
She claimed she was unaware about a split within the party following a statement made in Parliament by Wimal Weerawansa until she came to the Nippon Hotel media briefing on Tuesday.
“We were all shocked at Mr. Weerawansa’s statement in Parliament on Tuesday. Nobody knew anything about the statement before it was made. In fact we later wanted to mend fences and I thought the MPs who accompanied me were going to announce that the matter had been amicably settled,” she said.
The dissident group went to the headquarters of the Patriotic National Movement instead of the party office at Pelawatta. There, they were lectured by Senarathna De Silva, a former party stalwart and Politburo member who had been sacked later. At the news conference she wanted to reach a compromise, she said.
Commenting on media reports about her alleged disappearance she said she could not contact her driver on Tuesday as she stayed over night at a friend’s house. She said she went to her residence at Matale the following day to take the flak of her husband and relatives who were worried about her safety.
Anuradhapura district Parliamentarian Ranaweera Pathirana who left Tuesday’s media briefing under police protection after attempting to disrupt it said there was a conspiracy against the JVP.
However the intention of the party leadership was to resolve the crisis amicably with the least damage to the party, she said.
Asked about the attacks on a number of dissident MPs he said he did not know about any attack on any of them. Mr. Pathirana declined to condemn the attack on his fellow Parliamentarians and maintained that party loyalists who voted for the JVP would have been very angry about those who defected.
On the robbery of vehicles of certain members he said there were no private vehicles or private income for JVP members as all vehicles belong to the party and members depend on funds provided by the party.

JVP strongman, K.D Lal Kantha, has accused the Rajapaksa brothers of playing vital roles in dividing the JVP. He also He accused JVP parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, of systematically organising a “sinister campaign” against the party that culminated in forming a dissident group.

The Soccer Carnival, organized jointly by SCOPP, the Eastern Governor and the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Eastern Province proved to be a resounding success, attracting large crowds.
The event served as a boost to the game of soccer and young sportsmen of the area. The Soccer Carnival was made possible following the liberation of the East by the government, ridding the area of terrorists. All this while, the soccer fans seldom had a chance to see games featuring teams from various parts of the country.
The programme organized by SCOPP proved to be a never to be missed chance for th4e fans to witness the game being played at their doorsteps. Large crowds of fans thronged the McHeyzer Stadium in Trincomalee. SCOPP was able to put together a team featuring players from the Wanni, Mannar and the Jaffna district.
This Soccer Carnival was organized as by the Social Affairs Section of SCOPP as part of the Peace Secretariat's initiative to promote 'peace through sports'. In the Soccer Carnival staged at the McHezyer Stadium in Trincomalee on 05th April 2008, a Colombo Combined Multi Ethnic School team and an Army Team that played in the FA cup tournament participated from Colombo.
A combined schools team, a youth team and the Trincomalee Football League team participated from Trincomalee.The northern region was represented by a team drawn from the Wanni,Mannar,Vavuniya and Jaffna districts.The players were drawn to the carnival despite the various constraints posed by the conflict situation mainly due to their interest in the game. The first match was between the Trincomalee and Colombo team The Trincomalee team played a sustained game despite the fact that the Colombo team had in their ranks members of the under 19 national squad.
The Trincomalee team beat the Colombo team 2- 1 goals. The Chief Guests were conducted to the special dais by a ban around 3.00 p.m. Four School bands took part. Members of the Trinco Women's Football team welcomed the guests with garlands. DSG - SCOPP Mr. C S Poologasingham and the Eastern Province Secretary Balasingham participated as chief guests in the event.
After the Chief Guests raised the national, provincial and sports flags, the match between the Trincomalee youth team and the Wanni North team took place. The Wanni North team was able to overcome the better trained Trinco team, winning the match by 3-0 goals. The Captain of the Wanni Combined Team, S. Sivaruban said "We have come here surmounting many obstacles. We are unable to fine tune sporting talents due to the war. We could even become national players with proper training and facilities.
Players in the East are now able to get the facilities which we lack." He expressed the fervent hope that very soon the soccer players of the North should also be able to enjoy these facilities. Finally, the match between the Trinco League and the FA Cup Army team was staged. Both sides were evenly matched; the Trinco League showed much determination and finally finished the game with a goalless draw.
AT the Prize giving, DSG - SCOPP delivered the welcome address, speaking in all three languages, stressing on the need for peace and the role of sports in fostering understanding and goodwill. The keynote address was delivered by President of the Trinco Football League, DIG, Upali Hewage. He called on SCOPP to organize more events of this nature, promoting goodwill and understanding among people.
SCOPP organized a cricket match in Colombo last year as part of its programme of promoting peace through sports, featuring combined Schools teams from the North and Colombo. The event attracted large crowds, notably, the people of the North currently living in and around Colombo. SCOPP has also plans to promote sporting skills of women of the North and East through an exchange of women's soccer and cricket teams.

Sporadic clashes continued in the Wanni and Northern fronts yesterday) between troops and the LTTE as military reports indicate that at least 10 LTTE terrorists were killed and 19 wounded.
According to military sources, security forces pushed into LTTE defenses during the multi-pronged offensives launched in the Wanni battle theatre on Thursday. Meanwhile, 9 soldiers were reported wounded including 4 due to AP mine and IED explosions, security sources said. In the Jaffna front, a terrorist was reported killed when troops attacked an LTTE bunker defense with mortar and rocket propelled grenade(RPG) fire in general area Muhamalai. A soldier was also wounded and transferred to the military base hospital in Jaffna.
In the Vavuniya front, in general area Ramanathakulama a soldier was reported wounded due to an AP mine explosion while engaged in clearing operation in the area. Meanwhile, troops also removed 24 AP mines laid by LTTE in general area Madhu.
In the same area an LTTE terrorist was reported killed sniped by troops deployed ahead of LTTE defences. Two terrorists were also reported killed when SLA soldiers sprung an ambush in general area Cahnnavalankadu,.
On the Mannar front, according to reports received 3 LTTE terrorists were killed, and similar numbers wounded while 6 others were believed either killed or seriously wounded in confrontation in general areas Udayadi, and Veddayamurippu. Meanwhile, a soldier was reported wounded following clashes with LTTE in general area Veddiamurippu. Separately, naval troops while conducting search operations in general area South of Pesalai yesterday recovered 3 23kg weighing land mines which were serially connected at 2a.m., security sources said..
According to reports received 4 LTTE terrorists were killed, 14 wounded in intermittent clashes erupted between troops and LTTE at the Welioya battle front. 5 soldiers were also reported wounded in clashes at Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa. Meanwhile, troops recovered 192 AP mines during separate search operations conducted in general areas North of Janakapura and Kiriiibbanwewa.

KUALA LUMPUR: Salcon Bhd’s joint-venture company has secured a conditional letter of acceptance from the Sri Lankan Government to build a water treatment plant costing 44.6mil euros.
The plant, which can process 180,000 cubic metres a day (or 40 million gallons per day), will be constructed in Ambatale in the western province of Sri Lanka, Salcon said on Friday.Work on the project will start within 42 days from the signing of the loan agreement between the Nordea Bank, Denmark AS, which is the funding agency, and Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry.
It is expected to be completed in two years.The project is funded by Danish International Development Agency which promotes sustainable economic growth and development of the social sectors in developing countries.Salcon’s portion of works is 40% of the total contract value, that is about RM88.4mil, which comprises the design and construction of a process plant.

by William Fisher
Washington is providing military aid to six of the countries cited in the US State Department's latest series of human rights reports for recruiting and using child soldiers.
They are Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda.A new study by the Washington-based Center for Defense Information (CDI) charges that, while child soldiers are often recruited and deployed by rebel groups over which the government has little control, in other cases the recruitment is being carried out by directly by governments and government-supported paramilitaries.
For example, the CDI reports that in Chad, government security forces recruited and retained child soldiers and compelled forced labor by adults and children. It says that human rights abuses included killings and use of child soldiers, adding that government and other armed groups continued to use child soldiers.In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the CDI reports that government military units and armed groups continued to recruit and maintain child soldiers in their ranks.
It notes that military authorities took no action against commanders who employed child soldiers, and says that while the government reached agreements with militias for the demobilization of child soldiers, the groups did not generally respect the agreements.In Sudan, the CDI report says, "There were numerous serious abuses, including forced military conscription of underage men and recruitment of child soldiers."Recruitment of child soldiers also remained a serious problem in Sudan's Darfur region. While much of the recruitment was carried out by a variety of anti-government rebel groups, the CDI says there are credible reports that government and government-aligned militias also conscripted children to serve as soldiers.
The State Department and CDI reports come at a time when the George W. Bush administration is sharply increasing its use of military aid as a reward for countries that cooperate with its war on terrorism, despite concerns about human rights and political instability.The CDI found large increases in government and commercial US arms sales in recent years to 25 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that have become allies against Islamist militancy since the Sep. 11, 2001 attacks.
The nonpartisan think tank said half the countries were identified by the State Department in 2006 as having serious, grave or significant human rights problems.The center's analysis of US data showed government-to-government US arms sales to some 25 countries rocketed to 3.9 billion dollars in 2006 from about 400 million dollars a year earlier. The 2006 figure accounted for about 22 percent of the total 18 billion dollars in US foreign military sales last year."The trend is continuing in a steep upward climb," said Rachel Stohl, a co-author of the CDI study.

The center also criticized the Bush administration for its increasing use of new military assistance accounts, which it said allow the Pentagon to bypass legal restrictions on training or arming human rights abusers."The United States is sending unprecedented levels of military assistance to countries that it simultaneously criticizes for lack of respect for human rights and, in some cases, for questionable democratic processes," the center said.
"While these countries are currently considered important to US efforts in the 'war on terror' now, political and military instability makes their continued allegiance to the United States questionable."Military aid increases were due in part to the lifting of sanctions and restrictions against certain countries immediately after Sep. 11, 2001, according to the center. Direct commercial sales, in which US weapons manufacturers strike deals overseen by the State Department, stood at over 3.0 billion dollars for the same countries during the period from 2002 through 2006.
That was up from 72 million dollars for the five years preceding the Sep. 11 attacks.At the same time, the nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity (CPI) charges that foreign lobbyists are exploiting the country's post-9/11 fear to obtain billions of dollars in US military aid – and a substantial part of it is being sent to countries that routinely violate human rights, participate in "extraordinary renditions," and recruit and deploy child soldiers.
These are among the conclusions of a yearlong study by a CPI team of seasoned reporters – known as the Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).The ICIJ report, released last year and titled "Collateral Damage," concludes that "the influence of foreign lobbying on the US government, as well as a shortsighted emphasis on counter terrorism objectives over broader human rights concerns, have generated staggering costs to the US and its allies in money spent and political capital burned."
"Deals to provide military aid to what are perceived as often corrupt and brutal governments have set back efforts to advance human rights and the rule of law," the ICIJ report says.Since 1950, the US government has provided over 91 billion dollars to militaries around the world from a single fund.
There are a number of additional funds, so the total is substantially higher. Most of the money comes from the Defense and State Departments.Joanne Mariner, director of the Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program for Human Rights Watch, told IPS, "We're concerned that US military aid is, in some cases, showered on repressive governments.
In our view aid should be more carefully conditioned to ensure that abuses are not carried out with American funding."In their investigation, 10 ICIJ reporters on four continents explored US counterterrorism policy since the 2001 attacks. They found that post-9/11 US political pressure, Washington lobbying and aid dollars have reshaped policies towards countries ranging from Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, to Pakistan and Thailand in Asia, Poland and Romania in Europe, to Colombia in South America.
The ICIJ report notes that many of the recipients of this aid are countries believed to be guilty of human rights abuses. For example, it charges that countries receiving military aid from the US have participated in "extraordinary renditions" – kidnapping suspected terrorists or transferring prisoners to countries known to practice torture and other inhuman and degrading practices.Reliable data shows that airplanes chartered by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) made at least 76 stopovers in Azerbaijan, 72 in Jordan, 61 in Egypt, 52 in Turkmenistan, 46 in Uzbekistan, 40 in Iraq, 40 in Morocco, 38 in Afghanistan, and 14 in Libya. Most of these countries are recipients of US military assistance.
For example, in Uzbekistan, "Torture and ill-treatment" remain "widespread" and continue to occur with "impunity," according to a highly critical assessment by the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Uzbekistan currently receives well over 100 million dollars in US military aid.Since the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan has become one of the largest recipients of US military aid – reportedly more than 10 billion dollars.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) contends that torture is used extensively by both police and prison officials. It notes that no officials have been punished for engaging in such excesses. HRCP further alleges that instances of illegal detention occur on a relatively regular basis and that most of them go unreported.
The ICIJ report also says that Indonesia used the charitable foundation of a former Indonesian president to hire lobbyists to pressure Congress to keep US funds flowing. Its report says the Indonesian government ran a concerted lobbying effort of Congress after the 9/11 attacks using "high-powered influence peddlers", including former Republican Senator and 1996 presidential candidate Bob Dole.

Four men were shot and injured after failing to comply with the Police direction to stop at the Mihintale Checkpoint. Further investigations have revealed that the men were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The military said that the government had dispatched 89 lorry loads of food and other essential items to un-cleared areas in the Northern Province during the period of March 28 to April 3.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva says there is a greater possibility of Sri Lanka being elected chairman of the World Health Organisation, at the elections to be held at the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland next month. Many member nations of the organization and especially in the Asian region maintains the stance that Sri Lanka should receive chairmanship.
WHO representative for the South East Asian region Dr. Sharmalee Flayn Ban Vang met Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry of Health this morning. She and the WHO Sri Lanka Resident Director Dr. Agastino Bora have discussed in depth with the minister on future assistance to provided by the organization for Sri Lanka’s health programmes.
The Ministry of Health says the WHO has taken into account the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in the health sector in the past five years. Sri Lanka has been successfully in preventing the intrusion of bird flu epidemic, which had spread in many countries in the world. The AIDS disease is still not in an epidemic level in the island.
The health minister has pointed out that Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where free health services are being provided.
He added funds for the health sector have not been curtailed despite the fact that the country is engaged in a war for the past three decades. The Minister also said Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where health professionals are being trained at government expense and given compulsory state employment after training.
Sri Lanka has recorded the lowest birth rates and maternal death rates among all South Asian countries.

A secretariat on climatic changes is to be set up. Minister Partalee Champika Ranawaka says the objective is to response positively to climatic changes in the world.
Nobel price winner professor Mohan Munasinghe has been appointed as senior advisor of the secretariat. Functions of the center includes compilation of data such as rainfall and temperatures and to analyze such information according to international mathematical system and to predict on climatic patterns.

JVP parliamentarian Jayantha Wijesekara who surrendered to the police in connection with hijacking vehicles of dissident JVP MPs has been remanded till 17th of this month.
In Thursday night the Police recovered robbed vechiles of three JVP parliamentarians in last night.The vechiles were parked in the JVP head office in Colombo and another vechile was found at Chilaw.
These vehicles belonging to three JVP parliamentarians, who are backing Weerawansa, had been forcibly taken away by unidentified groups. A senior police officer said the vehicles of Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Jagoda had been robbed on Wednesday from the Parliament garage and the vehicle of Samansiri Herath was taken away by a group of persons who had gone to his home at Arachchikattuwa, Chilaw the same night.
The group which had robbed the vehicles from the parliament members’ garage had also attacked a policeman there.He was admitted to hospital. There was yet another report that a fourth vehicle, the one belonging to Matale District JVP member Sujatha Alahakone was robbed. But it was found that the vehicle was taken from her residence to another place by her driver.

However in yesterday the JVP parliamentary group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa has gone into hiding following death threats to him and the ten JVP MPs who backed him after the party split early this week. Weerawansa had left his residence yesterday on the advise of his supporters and gone into hiding following his differences with the party leadership, political sources said.

LTTE gunmen riding on a motor bike shot dead a Tamil laundry owner this morning (April 11), in general area Kaithady- Jaffna.
According to Chavakachcheriya Police, the victim identified as Pandari Paramanathan, 34, father of three was killed by the gunmen who had stormed into the laundry at around 10.30a.m. According to civilian sources, Parananathan has been receiving continuous death threats from the LTTE.
The LTTE operatives have fled the scene immediately, the sources further said.
The Chavakachcheriya Police is conducting further investigations.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has strongly condemned the suicide bombing which killed a Government minister and at least 14 other people at the start of a marathon in Sri Lanka, on April 6.
She also extended her condolences to the bereaved families of the Victims, as the funerals of the victims continued to take place on Thursday, states the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right's (OHCHR) in a press release.
"Such violence shows a complete disregard for the right to life and security of Sri Lankans, and breaches the most fundamental principles of international law," Arbour said.
The attack is alleged to have been committed by he Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been accused of other recent attacks, including bombings of public transport and in other public places.
"I remind the LTTE and other armed groups that attacks which directly or indiscriminately target civilians are crimes under international law," High Commissioner said. "Violent attacks on people taking no active part in hostilities are strictly prohibited."
Such acts of violence also undermine efforts for a meaningful dialogue on improving the situation of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, she said.

The Tamil Nadu police have arrested a Sri Lankan youth who was allegedly attempting to smuggle chemicals including cyanide to Sri Lanka. The chemicals are said to be used for the manufacture of explosives. The youth from Jaffna was arrested near Madurai. Indian police claimed that he had close relations with the LTTE.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has made a clarification on a working paper published by officer of the International Monetary Fund Mrs. Nombulelo Duma, on Sri Lanka’s inflation. The Central Bank says several news media and certain politicians have made comments using the paper as a report of the IMF.
On the first page of the working paper itself it has been stated that the views expressed in the paper should not be construed as those of the IMF. It states that the research is still in progress and that the paper has been published to elicit comments and generate debate on the issues. On receipt of the draft working paper prior to its publication economists at the Economic Research Department of the Central Bank studied the data and the research methods used and found serious technical deficiencies.
The Central Bank says the model could explain only 25 percent of the movements in the inflation. Based on its findings the Central Bank forwarded comments on the paper highlighting its weaknesses but the author failed to understand the technical comments and published the substandard paper with its obvious imperfections.
The Central Bank makes this clarification since the highly erroneous conclusions of the study have been widely quoted in the media and by politicians.

Chinese President Mr. Hu Jintao expressed his condolences to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
The Chinese President said he recognized the loss created in the Sri Lankan Cabinet by the assassination of the Minister by the LTTE, and also noted with sympathy that President Rajapaksa was meeting him at the time the late Minister Fernandopulle’s funeral was taking place in Colombo.
At this meeting President Hu Jintao assured Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that China will stand by Sri Lanka in its efforts to counter terrorism.

(Lanka-e-News, ) Lanka-e-News learns that MP Sujatha Alahakon of JVP Weerawansa Faction is in the custody of Somawansa Faction.
Meanwhile the Somawansa Faction says that MP Sujatha Alahakon will hold a pres conference tomorrow (11) and will say she will join the Somawansa Faction again.
However, Lanka-e-News learns that MP Sujatha Alahakoon is being kept in a secret place in the custody of Somawansa Faction and wil be brought to the press conference tomorrow.

 

Former Air force commander Harry Gunathilaka passed away this morning.He was father of present Air Force Commander .

He served as the fifth commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force from November 1976 to, passed away peacefully this morning at his home at the age of 79.

Air Chief Marshal Harry Goonetileke ndc, psc who was predeceased by his son Group Captain Shirantha Goonetileke, who died in action in 1995, leaves behind his wife Marion Goonetileke, his son the present Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, his daughters Shiromini Guruge and Sharmini Fernando, his daughters in law Nelun Goonetileke and Roshanthi Goonetileke, his sons in law Oliver Guruge and Kenneth Fernando and his Grandchildren Nihara, Rehan, Rukshila, Manillka, Mirasha, Evan and Ronali.

The funeral will be held tomorrow (12) at the General Cemetary Borella 1.30pm from Jayaratne's Funeral Parlour) with Military honours.

 

Form,er Air force commander Harry Gunathilaka passed away this morning.He was father of present Air Force Commander .

Police recovered robbed vechiles of three JVP parliamentarians in last night.
The vechiles were parked in the JVP head office in Colombo and another vechile was found at Chilaw.These vehicles belonging to three JVP parliamentarians, who are backing Weerawansa, had been forcibly taken away by unidentified groups.
A senior police officer said the vehicles of Piyasiri Wijenayake and Achala Jagoda had been robbed on Wednesday from the Parliament garage and the vehicle of Samansiri Herath was taken away by a group of persons who had gone to his home at Arachchikattuwa, Chilaw the same night. The group which had robbed the vehicles from the parliament members’ garage had also attacked a policeman there. He was admitted to hospital.
There was yet another report that a fourth vehicle, the one belonging to Matale District JVP member Sujatha Alahakone was robbed. But it was found that the vehicle was taken from her residence to another place by her driver.
However in yesterday the JVP parliamentary group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa has gone into hiding following death threats to him and the ten JVP MPs who backed him after the party split early this week. Weerawansa had left his residence yesterday on the advise of his supporters and gone into hiding following his differences with the party leadership, political sources said.

Three U.N. peacekeepers from Sri Lanka were shot while on patrol Wednesday in the Martissant slum by unknown gunmen. Their injuries were not life-threatening, U.N. mission spokeswoman Sophie Boutaud de la Combe said yesterday.

One LTTE terrorist was killed and three were injured when the Army attacked and destroyed a terrorists bunker in the area North of JANAKAPURA, WELIOYA on Thursday (10) afternoon . Two soldiers were also reported injured in the attack.
Eight terrorists were injured at 10.53 in the morning North of KIRIBBANWEWA area while another three terrorists were also injured .
Two terrorists were also killed in a confrontation in the same area of KIRIBBANWEWA WELIOYA. A soldier was reported injured in the area North of JANAKAPURA on the same day (10) while one terrorist was killed and three were injured in the North of JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA . Meanwhile, in the same are, two soldiers were injured during a confrontation.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Local legislator Prof.G.L.Peiris says Sri Lanka has best opportunities in the boat manufacturing sector due to the high skilled and cheap labor.
He said the country has a great opportunity to be the centre for boat building in the region of South East Asia.
Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo he said the proposed Sri Lanka's first ever ‘Boat Show 2008’, which is planned to be held on 8th-10th June 2008 at BMICH will boost this sector and attract foreign buyers and the investors.
“The industry was champion by the European countries and to the high labour wages, shifted the manufacturing sites to East Europe in the recent past. However due to the ever rising labor cost, now they are focusing on South East Asia”. He said.
Speaking further he explained that traditionally Sri Lanka has been building boats, mainly for her fishing industry. Over the years there was also a structural shift from traditional one-day fishing in coastal areas to deep-sea fishing that required different types of boats for multi day use. Most of the fishing boats, currently manufactured with the use of fiberglass technology which is relatively new to the industry are of poor design, quality and in-board facilities.
Consultant of the Boat Training Institute [BTI] Nalin Atygalle said that some of the giants in the industry have mastered the technology with the assistance of foreign experts and their products are now well accepted in the world market.
Further he noted that approximately 50 large, medium and small scale boat manufactures are in operation and about 10 of them are exporting various boats to several countries in Europe and neighboring countries.
“Sri Lankan manufactures have already proven to world market that the quality and the timely delivery are possible with the latest technology being used to meet the international demand,” he explained.
He said that some leading manufactures are getting orders for special types of boats, where they cannot meet the demand. As a result, sub contracting industry has evolved and is been initiated as a backward integration.
Attygalle said that the hotel industry will benefit greatly from the show since the latest water sports and water related activities will be displayed by leading international and local traders. This will be a fine opportunity for the hotel trade to try out new areas to improve their entertainment selections.
Further Nalin noted that this exhibition will consist of approximately 150 trade stalls displaying and the Export Development Board (EDB) has invited buyer’s delegation from Maldives, India, Bangladesh, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Middle East and other countries to visit the Boat Show with the assistance of the Sri Lanka missions in respective countries.

The Sri Lanka Democracy Forum (SLDF) held a discussion with the visiting delegation of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) including APRC Chairman Professor Tissa Vitarana and eight other delegates on 6 April 2008, which followed a meeting of SLDF’s international Steering Committee and an SLDF sponsored day long conference the previous day.

The meetings took place in the shadow of escalating violence in Sri Lanka, surrounding the Madhu Church in Mannar and the brutal assassination of Minister Fernandopulle and fourteen others by an LTTE suicide bomber in Weliweriya. SLDF unreservedly condemns these and other acts of violence which target civilians.
The conference on 5 April 2008, attended by SLDF activists and other activists from Europe, addressed issues relating to a political solution, democratization, concerns of minorities, the politics of human rights, diaspora activism and the impact of the upcoming Provincial Council elections. The conference was followed the next day, by a meeting of SLDF’s international Steering Committee to arrive at decisions relating to SLDF’s work over the next six months.
On the evening of 6 April 2008, SLDF Steering Committee members and a few other observers held a three hour long discussion with the visiting delegation of the APRC.
SLDF reiterated that there was no military solution, and that the only way forward was through a just political process that addressed the grievances and aspirations of the minority communities leading to State reform within a united Sri Lanka. SLDF expressed concern that recent developments and the delays and deflection of the APRC process have shattered the confidence of the minority communities.
SLDF called on the APRC Chairman Prof. Vitarana and the APRC representatives to immediately release at least an interim report of the ninety percent consensus that had been arrived at within the APRC process. Given the divided and polarized positions within Parliament, further progress with respect to a national consensus will be difficult to achieve unless all communities participate in a national debate on State reform.
SLDF appreciates the participation of the APRC delegation in constructive engagement with the critical concerns raised at the meeting. The meeting also provided the opportunity for Mr. Devadas of the Europe based Sri Lankan Dalit Social Development Front to make submissions to the APRC on a political solution that addresses the concerns of Dalits, who face caste oppression within the Tamil community.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayaka opened the new Dharma Shala of Bodhirukkarama temple .He also attended opening ceromany of new two storied Dharma shala building at Pelmadulla ,Induruwa,Gileemale Pushparama Temple . Mrs..Thalatha Atukorala(MP),Dunesh Gankanda (MP), and Ven.Kalegama Panna Nanda thero also attended this occasion. He also attended a free medical camp at Ratnapura Gileemale ,Pitiwala Village and donated spectacles for poor masses.

The Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings (JKH) has acquired a 44% stake in the Indian BPO giant, Quatrro Finance and Accounting Solutions, for $5.72 million, JKH announced on Wednesday.
The deal values Quattro, a company founded by Indian BPO pioneer Raman Roy, at $13 million. Through the acquisition, JKH hopes to make Sri Lanka a major international resource base for finance and accounting solutions, exploiting the proven skills of Sri Lankans in finance and accounting.JKH, among the biggest and most diversified companies in Sri Lanka, entered into a partnership with the Indian company in 2006 to develop the BPO market in the Asian region, with initial focus on India and Sri Lanka.
In 2006, it had revenues of Sri Lankan Rs. 30 billion ($277 million).Quatrro F and A plans new service lines, geographies and business models in business process outsourcing. The range encompasses risk management and fraud, technical support, market research, knowledge services and mortgage processing.
The company has clients in North America, Europe and Asia.Quatrro F and A gained a foothold in the U.S. market by acquiring the Chicago-based Financial Process Outsourcing LLC (FPO) in a structured financial deal using a combination of debt and equity. FPO is a niche player in F and A outsourcing, focusing on small and medium enterprises. It currently has about 500 employees working in Mumbai and the U.S.

Amnesty International condemns the suicide bomb attack of 6 April 2008 in Gampaha district, Weliveriya, near Colombo. The bomb blast killed at least 12 people, including JeyarajFernandopulle, a senior government minister, and injured over 90 people including children. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been blamed for the bomb attack that targeted a local sports event. Amnesty International reiterates that attacks targeting civilians and indiscriminate attacks violate international humanitarian law which binds all sides to the conflict and constitute war crimes. All such attacks must cease immediately and unconditionally, and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
The organisation is alarmed that since the abrogation of the ceasefire agreement in Sri Lanka on 16 January 2008,1 the conflict continues to involve the intentional targeting of civilians and indiscriminate attacks. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 180 civilians died in the first six weeks of 2008, and nearly 270 more were injured in a series of attacks on civilian buses, railway stations and individuals in Colombo, Dambulla, Kebhitigollewa, Madhu, Okkampitiya and Welli Oya.2 The ICRC has expressed concern that “since the start of the year civilian casualties had gone up as the number of indiscriminate attacks had grown in the north, east and south of the country.”
Since 2006, the conflict in Sri Lanka between government forces, the LTTE and other armed groups has escalated and has continued to be marked by widespread human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.4 These have included unlawful killings; torture and other ill-treatment; recruitment of child soldiers; abductions and enforced disappearances. There are reports of both sides bombing and shelling schools and hospitals5. Hundreds of civilians have been killed; hundreds others injured and more than 200,000 people have been displaced.Abuses by the LTTE.
The LTTE has attracted increasing criticism since the 1980s for its use of child soldiers, targeting of civilians and indiscriminate attacks, including using suicide bombers. During the conflict the LTTE has also endangered civilians by sheltering among them and by launching attacks from civilian areas. Its members have also abducted and killed civilians. 1 With the abrogation of the CFA the mission responsible for monitoring its implementation, the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has terminated.

The PUTTALAM Police in a cordon and search operation recovered hand grenades, iron balls and welding sticks from the PUTTALAM area which were berried in a house. One suspect was taken into custody PUTTALAM Police are conducting investigations.

LTTE pistol gang fired at Troops conducting a foot patrol taking advantage of the people in the area at the time in the NALLUR area. Troops trained to react immediately using their weapons in self defense were unable to do so due to fear of causing harm to the people using the road at the time of the incident. One soldier was injured.

The Embassy of United States in Colombo has welcomed the release of 11 children by the TMVP. In a press release today (Apr 10) the Embassy commends the effort of Sri Lankan government , UNICEF and other parties to bring about this release and their commitment to providing counselling, rehabilitation, and training that will enable former child soldiers to become productive members of society .

President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China assured Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that China will stand by Sri Lanka in its efforts to counter terrorism. This assurance was given when the two Presidents met at Yalong Bay Resort in the Hainan Province of China today.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in China to attend the Annual Conference of the Boa Forum for Asia. This was the second meeting between the two leaders in 14 months, and is indicative of the strengthened links between the two countries, and the rapid emergence of China as one of the key development partners of Sri Lanka.
On matters of economic assistance to Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa thanked China for the considerable assistance given, highlighting the Chinese assistance to the Norochcholai Coal Power Project, the Hambantota Port and the Performing Arts Theatre in Colombo.
President Hu Jintao was appreciative of Sri Lanka's continued stand in support of the One China Policy, and stated that this position has stood well as a test of the good relations between the two countries.
In discussions on developments in Tibet, the Chinese President explained the unfortunate incidents that have taken place there, and thanked the President and government of Sri Lanka for viewing the matter in the proper context.
President Rajapaksa wished every success to the Olympics Games that are to be held in China later this year, and stated that Sri Lanka was proud that China will be hosting this important international sports event.
President Hu Jintao while appreciating the good wishes expressed by the Sri Lankan President for the Beijing Olympics stated that China will be sending a high level delegation as observers to the SAARC Summit to be held in Sri Lanka later this year.
On the development of investment opportunities, the Sri Lankan President invited Chinese investors to take advantage of the good potential that prevails in Sri Lanka as a destination for investment in the region.
In discussing cultural links between the two countries, the Chinese President reiterated China's agreement to assist in the establishment of the proposed International Buddhist Zone, at Piliyandala.
President Rajapaksa renewed the invitation to the Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka, to which President Hu Jintao said he looked forward to a visit at a mutually convenient time.
The President of China expressed his good wishes to the Sri Lankan President and the Sri Lankan people for the forthcoming traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
China has already pledged more that US $ 1 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka in 2007. The Boao Forum for Asia, which President Rajapaksa is due to address, (BFA) was inaugurated in February 2001. The Annual Conference of Boao is a platform for political leaders, academics and business leaders from Asia and other countries concerned with the development of Asia to communicate and seek cooperation and common development of all Asian countries.

Parliament colleagues of slain Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle carrying the coffin at the funeral ceremony in Welihena this evening.

[Pix by Indraratne Balasuriya ]

The recent attacks on JVP dissidents are led by a Melbourne based JVP leader who has arrived in Sri Lanka a few days ago to hunt down on the defectors, a leading dissident JVP parliamentarian said. This JVP strongman who is a Tamil had been the co-ordinator of the JVP-LTTE alliance during the IPKF occupation in Sri Lanka where both parties fought against India.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem left for Mecca this noon to perform umrah. The Trincomalee district leader of the UNP led alliance at the forthcoming provincial polls Hakeem is slated to kick start his campaign on his return over the weekend.

Sri Lanka army at two separate occasions attacked LTTE boats detected in Jaffna lagoon last morning (April 9).
According to the defence sources in Jaffna, seven LTTE boats in two groups were detected in the Jaffna lagoon , off Ariyalai , moving towards security forces forward defence line (FDL) around 10.20 am. Army attacked the LTTE boats at close range using armour tanks, said the sources. Tank crews have confirmed that one LTTE boat was exploded during the confrontation, the sources added.
Elsewhere in the Jaffna lagoon, army directed artillery fire at an LTTE boat detected around 11.20 am. Later, a body of a suspected LTTE agent was found washed ashore said the sources.

The Ministry of Human Rights and Disaster Management in a release said yesterday, that the Government had accepted 11 child soldiers released by the TMVP, and had directed the relevant authorities to commence a programme of rehabilitation for the children with immediate effect.
The Commissioner-General of Rehabilitation Suhada Gamlath has accepted these children, who are thought to have been involved in the conflict.
The parents of the children will have access to them and they would undergo psychological evaluation and counselling in addition to programmes aimed at education, vocational training and skills, according to the release. The release said that the Government appreciated the commitment shown by TMVP and that this move was a clear indication that the organisation has taken this measure in consequence of its entry into the democratic main stream.
The Government has repeatedly requested all armed groups to release any children they may have in their custody, with a view to rehabilitating and integrating these children and securing of a better future for them.
The release said that the Government was committed in dealing with the issue of children in armed conflict adhering to the undertaking given to several international for a including the UN Security Council's working group on children and armed conflict. It also said that the Government had taken a number of steps to secure the release of, and initiate programmes of rehabilitation for, children caught up in armed conflict.
The release of the children had been facilitated by the Batticaloa Police in cooperation with the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) and was witnessed by UNICEF and officials of the Ministry.

A soldiers suffered serious injuries when two members of LTTE pistol gang opened fire at an Army patrol at Nallur, in Jaffna this morning (April 10). According to the defence sources in Jaffna, two terrorists who had come on a motorbike opened fire at the soldiers around 8 am.
The injured has been admitted to Palali Base hospital. A search operation has been launched in the area, the sources added.

Fidelity Investments Management Hong Kong has launched an emerging Asia fund that it boldly calls the only “true” fund of its kind in the market today.
The Fidelity Funds Emerging Asia Fund, which has a start date of April 21, includes as its investment universe the emerging markets of China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines as well as the frontier markets of Pakistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. True, there appears to be no competition in that specific combination of markets but there are global emerging market funds that seek to invest in any emerging market worldwide depending on the opportunities.
Teera Chanpongsang, who will manage the fund, expects to initially invest the bulk of the portfolio’s assets in the emerging rather than the frontier markets, where he sees “limited opportunities” at the moment. Fidelity hasn’t set a target size for the fund. Two other funds that Chanponsang has managed for Fidelity, the Global Telecommunication portfolio launched in September 2004 and the Thailand portfolio launched in July 1998, now have $900 million and $1 billion in assets, respectively.

This latest fund excludes South Korea and Taiwan, which are already considered developing markets economically but are still trapped in the emerging markets category due to reasons related to their capital markets.
South Korea will likely join Asian stockmarkets such as Hong Kong and Singapore in FTSE Group’s developed market classification at the index provider’s next review in September 2008, while Taiwan may have to wait longer before it achieves that coveted status.
There is currently no formal review or consultations by MSCI Barra regarding a possible change in the status of any MSCI country index in its Emerging Markets Index series.“We exclude South Korea and Taiwan because we believe they will be classified as developing markets, and we are looking to the future,” says Chanpongsang.
He expects that Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia will be part of the MSCI Emerging Asia Index in three to five years.Excluding South Korea and Taiwan, Asian emerging markets are expected to post a GDP growth of 8.6% this year and 8.5% next year, according to Morgan Stanley research. That’s better than the expected GDP growth of 7.8% this year and the next for Asia ex-Japan.
“The outlook for Asia is positive as the region continues to experience healthy growth. In particular, emerging Asian markets are transforming rapidly. With higher economic growth and strong earnings outlook, emerging Asia provides potentially higher and undiluted returns with relatively higher risk than developed markets," says Chanpongsang, who has been a fund manager for 14 years and has extensive experience in emerging markets in Asia.Chanpongsang also counts demographics as one of the opportunities presented by emerging and frontier markets in Asia.
In Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, more than 50% of the population are below the age of 25. This is an important statistic because the majority population in these markets will constitute their labour force in the coming years and will be the ones supporting consumer growth.
The fund will be looking for stocks that fit four investment themes: domestic consumption, exposure to China and India growth, infrastructure spending, and new frontier markets.In Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia, more than 60% of GDP is driven by domestic consumption and this is a trend that Chanpongsang expects to continue. He notes, for example, that the mobile phone market in emerging and frontier markets in Asia presents a huge opportunity, with six in every 10 new subscriptions worldwide coming from Asia.
There are around 1.1 billion mobile phone subscribers in emerging and frontier markets in Asia, and he expects this figure to double in five years.An example of a stock that fits the domestic consumption theme is Parkson Holdings, a Malaysian-listed company that operates 39 stores in China, 30 stores in Malaysia and 3 stores in Vietnam.
Department store growth in the region is expected to stay strong, with same store sales growth now at 20% in China and 25% in Vietnam. Chanpongsang likes this company because it has been a first mover in China and Vietnam, generates huge cash flow, and has a management team with a good track record.
An example of a stock that fits the infrastructure spending theme is Larsen & Toubro, the largest engineering and construction company in India. It’s a play on infrastructure construction and industrial capital expenditure.
The company holds exclusive pricing power because it is the only one that is able to accept very large-scale projects, Chanpongsang says, plus it is also expanding into new areas such as defence, aerospace and power for future growth.The fund will use a customised benchmark with a weighting of 33% China, 33% India and Pakistan, and 33% Southeast Asian markets.From an investment universe of around 17,000 stocks in emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Chanpongsang will focus on 988 stocks that have a market capitalisation of at least $500 million. Ultimately, the fund will invest in 80 to 120 stocks.
Company visits will play a key part in the investment process.Because politics is a major factor in emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Chanpongsang will be consulting with political analysts as part of his risk management process. The fund has a subscription fee of 5.25% and an annual management fee of 1.5%.

Nasir Mahmood

Karachi—Jamal Uddin Ahmad, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Bangladesh and other Prominent tax professionals from all the SAARC countries will read papers during the different sessions of two day South Asian Tax summit and will carry out in-depth analysis on the merits and demerits of the tax system prevailing in the SAARC countriesIncome Tax Bar Association Karachi (ITBAK) and Nutshell Forum will organize South Asian Tax Summit at a local hotel of Karachi on April 15 &16, 2008.
Theme of this summit is Regional Cooperation for Economic Development: Vision 2020.During two day South Asian Tax Summit, Dr. Anura Ekanayake (Deputy Vice Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & Industry & Director, Unilever Sri Lanka Limited), Dinesh Kanabar (Executive Director, Tax & Regulatory Sevices, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, India) Prof. Lakshman Watawala (President, Society of Certified Management Accountants & Former Chairman, Board of Investment, Sri Lanka), Sunil H. Talati (President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), Farooq M. Ladha (Head of Tax Services Ernst & Young, Middle East) N. R. Gajendran (Chairman, International Fiscal Association, Sri Lanka & Alternate Chairman, Taxation Committee, ICAS), Sunil Goyal (Former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India & South Asian Federation of Accountants) will present paper on vital tax related issues of the region.
In a joint statement about South Asian Tax Summit 2008 Muhammad Azfar Ahsan (Global CEO, Nutshell Forum), Abdul Qadir Memon (President, ITBAK) and S. M. Shabbar Zaidi (President, SAFA) said “We are appreciative of all the speakers who will be coming to Pakistan for this conference. We are optimistic that the two days South Asian Summit will provide us a platform to restructure the regional tax system.
To strengthen the regional system, we will also try to organize this summit in other countries of the region.”

CHENNAI: A 33-year-old Sri Lankan woman who got two boarding passes at the Chennai airport was arrested by the immigration authorities on Tuesday.
The officials also arrested another woman and a man, also Sri Lankan nationals.
The officials said Fatima Nasrina Azeez, 33, checked in two flights, one international and the other domestic.
Using her original passport, she completed the immigration formalities and obtained a boarding pass to go to Colombo. She then got another boarding pass for a Thiruvananthapuram-bound flight. She gave the international flight pass to Nagamma Muthiah, 47, having planned to take the Thiruvananthapuram flight. Perumal Sri Skandaraja who had instructed the two women how to exchange the passes was among the arrested.

Minister Mervyn Silva's security verbally abused the photographers of Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa while they were covering the renaming of the Kelaniya flyover this morning. The incident occurred after they captured the minister's security abusing the cameraman of a private TV station.

The house and other property of three JVP dissident’s came under attack late last night and early this morning injuring at least one parliamentarian.According to the dissident group of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) the official vehicles of four of their members have been stolen by another JVP MP from the Parliament garage.
Kalutara district JVP parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake charged that his Toyota Double Cab was forcibly removed by a group led by Trincomalee district MP Jayantha Wijesekara yesterday (April 08th).
The group, after assaulting the policeman on duty, has also taken Ratnapura district MP Achala Suranga Jagoda's Toyota van, he added.
The policeman, injured in the attack, has been admitted to hospital.
The vehicles were parked at the MPs' garage in Parliament, Mr. Wijenayake said, as the dissident group left for a press conference after a special speech by JVP Parliamentary Group leader Wimal Weerawansa.
The vehicle of the party's Monaragala district MP Padma Udaya Shantha, that another dissident group member, Mr. Samansiri Herath, had used yesterday for his journey home, had been hijacked by the group after assaulting his driver.
Matale district MP Sujatha Alahakoon's vehicle too, has gone missing with the driver from the Parliament garage on the evening of April 08th, Mr. Wijenayake added.
The MP has lodged complaints with the Speaker, Parliament's acting Secretary General and the Welikada Police.
Meanwhile, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara told BBC Sandeshaya that he ordered the police to launch an investigation after Mr. Wijenayake's complaint.
However, he did not accuse Mr. Wijesekara of any involvement in the incident, the Speaker added.

, Anuradhapura Corr.North Central Provincial Chief Minister Berty Premlal Dissanayake has warned that he would take legal action against the Land Reform Commission to prevent it from allocating 100 acres of land to the NGO Seva Lanka Padhanama. The land earmarked for allocation on a long term lease and ownership is situated at Katupathwewa in Nochchiyagama.
At a meeting of the Provincial Council held on Tuesday, JVP member Anura Dissanayake revealed the Land Reform Commission’s plan and requested that the land be distributed among the poor farmers of Katupathwewa. Joining the debate the Chief Minister said that he would not hesitate to take legal action against the Land Reform Commission in the event of their giving the land to the NGO.
The Chief Minister also endorsed the view of the JVP member that this land be distributed among the farmers in the area. He revealed that the move has already been suspended.
The JVP member said that the same organization had on an earlier occasion received 25 acres of paddy land and another 25 acres of bare land.

Commenting on the split within the JVP, SLFP General Secretary and Agricultural Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena said he believed that neither group would extend support to the Government. "
The Government is keenly awaiting the developments," he said.UNP National Organiser S. B. Dissanayake said a small group headed by Wimal Weerawansa might support the Government but the larger group would remain in the Opposition since they are opposed to Wimal Weerawansa. Dissanayake said the disagreement had been there since 1971. It was the gene of Marxism all over the world.

(Lanka-e-News, ) JVP guards attempted to intimidate and expel the the 'Lanka-e-News' journalist who went to report the press conference held in the National Library yesterday (09).
However, the 'Lanka-e-News' journalist proceeded into the hall where the press conference was held. The organizers did not let him to seat in a front row.
They covered the journalist and did not allow him to take photographs and one guard attempted to drag the journalist out of the hall.
Amidst disruptions, the journalist asked from the JVP leader, if he had not obstructed the way to Mr. Weerawansa to return to the party while inviting him. Instead of answering the question, Mr. Amarasinghe enquired what media he represented. When the journalist said that he represented Lanka-e-News, Mr. Amarasinghe said he knew what it was and accusing it had no ethics, exposed his own ethics stating that the journalist could write Somawansa had no answer.
Then 'Lanka-e-News' journalist questioned if he was not allowed a front seat because he was from 'Lanka-e-News'.
MP Vijitha Herath retorted stating that the journalist knew that it was the party tradition.
When Mr. Amarasinghe was leaving after the press conference, the journalist asked if the disruptions by his bodyguards were democracy. Then Mr. Amarasinghe asked to show who obstructed him. As 'Lanka-e-News' journalist said that it was Mr. Amarasinghe's bodyguards, a JVP Central Committee member named Suresh attempted to push him aside.
The journalists refused the tea party arranged by the JVP in protest of the behavior of the JVP guards against the 'Lanka-e-News' journalist.
We kindly ask from the JVP Somawansa Faction if these intimidations were not a slap on the face of the people's right to know. It is not a mere intimidation on the journalist in his personal capacity.

(Lanka-e-News, ) JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said in a press briefing held yesterday (09) in Colombo National Library that they had the rest house bills of Wimal Weerawansa who claimed not visited Sripada or Dambulla. He further said that the pro-imperialist, foreign conspirators would be exposed in future.
He made these comments in response to a question posed by 'Lanka-e-News' journalist on the allegation made by Weerawansa faction that several conspirators who were handled by foreign forces were destroying the party.
Mr. Amarasinghe said that he himself submitted the long charge sheet against Mr. Weerawansa to the party Central Committee and he had not been removed from the Politburo or the Central Committee.
"It is pointless complaining to the Speaker that he was removed from the JVP. He can come to the party head office as soon as possible and meet us. Today some people are talking of safeguarding the party. Nobody knows about the letters I wrote to the Election Commissioner from abroad in 1994 when certain elements were trying to capture the party goodwill. Those who talk of JVP today are a bunch of thieves who were nowhere. Only Tilvin Silva participated in the party congress before 1989. Others had no understanding on the party."
"Wimal Weerawansa was the leader of the JVP parliamentary group. When people were arrested from Colombo lodges, we could not get him to make a statement against that. (There were Tigers too.) Later MP Anura Kumara Disanayaka made this statement. The main allegation against Weerawansa is, not representing the party stand. Despite whatever personal views we have, we must appear for the majority stance. (Shows the party constitution.) Minority should respect the majority stand. JVP Central Committee will meet soon to take a decision to expose the allegations against Wimal to media and public. It is now clear what his position is. He smells bad everywhere he goes."
'Lanka-e-News: You said that the door is open for Wimal Weerawansa to come to the party. By the same time, you expose his rest house stays to media and block the way for him to come to the party. Are you attempting to cheat the media and the public?
Somawansa: What is your media?
Lanka-e-News: I am from Lanka-e-News.
Somawansa: We know about 'Lanka-e-News'. You don't have media ethics. You can write that Somawansa had no answer.
Lanka-e-News: Is it the reason your bodyguards did not let me to come to the front rows? Is it the democracy you talked of a moment ago?
(Somawansa Amarasinghe is silent.)
MPs Vijitha Herath, K.D. Lal Kantha and Chandrasena Wijesinghe participated in the pres conference representing the Somawansa faction of JVP.

The driver of a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna dissident group led by Wimal Weerawansa has been attacked by a group of party supporters, reports said.
Samansiri Herath, MP for Puttalam district, was attended a news conference organized in support of the JVP's Parliamentary Group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa after he made a special speech in Parliament.
Yesterday night (Apr. 09th), a group of JVP supporters had arrived at Mr. Herath's residence to discuss the crisis facing their party.
Their discussion went on for several hours, and it later turned into a clash, according to reports.
The parliamentarian's bodyguards had taken him safely inside the house, but his driver was assaulted by the group, it is alleged.
However, Mr. Herath or the assault victim had not lodged an official complaint, but upon being informed of the incident by his bodyguards, the Chilaw Police had obtained statements from the two.
The injured driver was first admitted to the Chilaw Hospital, from where he was transferred to the Ragama Teaching Hospital.
It has now been established that the vehicle belonging to the party's Monaragala district MP Padma Udaya Shantha that Mr. Herath had used yesterday for his journey home, had been hijacked by the group of attackers.
Vehicles of three other JVP MPs were also stolen on April 08th from Parliament garage, reports said.

The dissident group of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) says the official vehicles of four of their members have been stolen by another JVP MP from the Parliament garage.
Kalutara district JVP parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake charged that his Toyota Double Cab was forcibly removed by a group led by Trincomalee district MP Jayantha Wijesekara yesterday (April 08th).
The group, after assaulting the policeman on duty, has also taken Ratnapura district MP Achala Suranga Jagoda's Toyota van, he added.
The policeman, injured in the attack, has been admitted to hospital.
The vehicles were parked at the MPs' garage in Parliament, Mr. Wijenayake said, as the dissident group left for a press conference after a special speech by JVP Parliamentary Group leader Wimal Weerawansa.
The vehicle of the party's Monaragala district MP Padma Udaya Shantha, that another dissident group member, Mr. Samansiri Herath, had used yesterday for his journey home, had been hijacked by the group after assaulting his driver.
Matale district MP Sujatha Alahakoon's vehicle too, has gone missing with the driver from the Parliament garage on the evening of April 08th, Mr. Wijenayake added.
The MP has lodged complaints with the Speaker, Parliament's acting Secretary General and the Welikada Police.
Meanwhile, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara told BBC Sandeshaya that he ordered the police to launch an investigation after Mr. Wijenayake's complaint.
However, he did not accuse Mr. Wijesekara of any involvement in the incident, the Speaker added.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Donald Perera, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke and Inspector General of Police Victor Perera paid their last respect to the slain minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle at the minister's private residence in Katana this morning, April 09.
Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa has also condoled to Mrs Fernandopulle and other members of the minister's family.
The Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated by the LTTE suicide bomber by exploding himself when the minister flagging off a road marathon race organized by the marathon champion K.A Karunarathna in Weliweriya on last Sunday, April 06.
The funeral of the late minister will take place at Katana with full state honours tomorrow, April 10.

Security forces personnel on Wanni liberation operation have moved further towards LTTE territory causing damages to the enemy, the reports reached from forefront said. Eight LTTE terrorists were killed while seven others received injuries in yesterday's clashes sparked in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welioya fronts. Further, 22 LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded, the report further said. Seven army personnel also received injuries in yesterday's clashes, it added.
On Jaffna theatre of battle, troops have launched an attack targeting LTTE movement in general area Eluthumadduval around 12.50 p.m yesterday. Troops confirmed that 4 LTTE cadres were either killed or wounded in this incident.
On Wanni theatre of battle, in Vavuniya front 6 LTTE terrorists were killed while 2 others suffered injuries in clashes sparked several areas yesterday, the report said. Two army soldiers also received injuries in yesterday's clashes.
Meanwhile, 14 Arul bombs were found by the troops on search operation conducted in general area east of Palampiddi.
In Welioya front clashes reported from north of Janakapura, Kokkuthuduwai, north of Kiriibbanwewa and Puttankulam areas yesterday. Two LTTE cadres were killed while 5 others received injuries due to these attacks. Further, 18 more terrorists were either killed or wounded due to the heavy attacks launched by the troops, the report said. Four army personnel also received injuries in these clashes.
Meanwhile, troops removed 145 anti-personnel mines from the general area Kookuthuduwai, sources added.
Troops captured an LTTE base located in general area Kokkuthuduwai following a heavy gun battle with the terrorists. The captured LTTE base consists of six underground bunkers with well-built overhead protection and it can accommodate at least 60 personnel easily. LTTE terrorists have fled the area evacuating their casualties in the face of effective fire power launched by the troops. Two claymore mines, three 60mm mortar bombs and few other items were found in the location, sources said.

LAHORE,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are lucrative investment locations for each other’s exporters, as Pakistan is a gateway to resource-rich Central Asian States and Sri Lanka enjoys duty-free access to huge European and Indian markets.
This was the consensus developed at a meeting between Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dr Wijeratne Bandara Dorakumbure and President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Mohammad Ali Mian here at LCCI on Wednesday.
LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Muzaffar Ali, Vice President Shafqat Saeed Piracha, Sri Lankan Consul General Sidath Kumar were also present in the meeting.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner said that under Generalised System of Preference (GSP) Sri Lank has a free access to huge European Market and under the regional pact it enjoys same facility with India that could be availed by Pakistani exporters for re-export to these markets.
He said that both Pakistan and Sri Lank had signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the FTA should be utilized to the maximum for the promotion of two-way trade.
Sri Lanka has secured duty-free access for as many as 7200 products to the European Union Market under the EU’s GSP Plus Scheme.
The main product categories which have vast potential in Sri Lanka under the GSP Plus Scheme include apparel and textiles, clothing accessories, sea foods, activated carbon, artificial flowers, foliage plants, rubber-based products tableware and bicycles.
This is an ideal opportunity for Pakistani manufacturers who can do 25% value addition in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, who spent well over two hours at LCCI said that Pakistani businessmen can also explore diverse opportunities available for them in Sri Lanka to manufacture products for exports to India under the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement.
He said that electrical items, textile and garments, light engineering, mining, ceramics and gems and jewellery have huge investment opportunities for Pakistani businessmen.
LCCI President Mohammad Ali Mian said that Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry was making all-out efforts to increase the volume of two-way trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, there is a need that the Chambers of Commerce in the two countries should come forward to create a win-win situation for both the sides.
The LCCI President said that people-to-people contact,tourism links, exchange of business delegations, direct airlink between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and establishment of display centers in each other’s countries can enhance the bilateral trade.
Mian said that there is a lot of scope for Sri Lankanindustrialists for collaboration in various sectors such as rubber & rubber products, processing of fish, tea, tobacco and other agricultural commodities, cement, petroleum refining, gems & jewelry, education & human resource development etc.
He informed the Sri Lankan High Commissioner that Pakistan is strategically located and is a gateway to the markets of Central Asian Republics, China and Afghanistan. It would become the energy and trade hub for the regional countries with the construction of Gwadar Deep Seaport.
It is pertinent to mention here that the total volume of trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka during 2001-02 was US$ 100.6 million, which is an increasing trend and had reached to US$ 230.5 million in 2005-06.
Pakistan’s major exports to Sri Lanka include cotton fabrics, rice, chemical products, cotton yarn and articles of iron and steel. On the other hand Sri Lanka’s major exports to Pakistan are tea, coffee, oil seeds, rubber and rubberproducts.

Associated Press,

Court documents show the Italians had contact with international arms dealers to supply Russian-made tanks and helicopters, buy a naval cannon and night visors for Sri Lanka - , and procure rubber-coated bullets and tear gas launchers from a French company. Many of the prospective deals appeared to fizzle out quickly. But prosecutors say the ring came close to success with a separate attempt to sell more than 100,000 AK-47s to Iraq, as well as with the Libyan case.
Since the 1 million-gun order for Libya was daunting, the Italians decided to seek an initial 500,000 rifles and 10 million bullets in China, according to the arrest warrants issued in Perugia.
They held talks with a trading company called China Jing An Import & Export Corporation, which in turn was to procure the arms from China's giant, state-owned North Industries Corp., also known as Norinco. Neither company responded to requests for comment.
In 2005, the U.S. government barred Norinco from doing business in the United States, accusing the company of helping Iran's missile program. Norinco has denied that allegation.
Libya's order was huge even for Norinco. Jing An warned the Italians that it would take more than two years to produce that many guns.
``You must be sure of the quantity of the order,'' said an e-mail from Jing An director Yin Weiguo. ``I have to admit that it's a big order, and a bit of a surprise for us.''
Before sending six rifles for testing by Tripoli, the Chinese also requested export documents known as end-user certificates showing Libya as the final recipient of the samples.
The job of obtaining the papers fell to Mansur and other Libyan officials, who, according to the court documents, were in the pay of the Italians.
Prosecutors believe the group paid the colonel and another Libyan Defense Ministry official at least $500,000 in kickbacks, including tuition payments for Mansur's son, studying in Britain. The Italians also agreed to share with the Libyans the profits from the deal.
Libyan officials in Tripoli and diplomats in Rome and at the United Nations declined to discuss the case, and requests for contacts for Mansur and other officials named in the probe were ignored.
Demands for even more money frayed relations between the Italians and their contacts during the spring and summer of 2006, as they waited for the paperwork from the Libyan government.
In one wiretapped conversation, Squarzolo, reporting to his bosses from Libya, suggested that Moretti call the colonel to smooth things out.
``I'm not calling Mansur,'' Moretti replied. ``Why should I call him, to hear him ask 'send money to my son?' Tell him we need results, not just requests and demands.''
The certificates were finally produced in July 2006, signed by an official identified in the court documents as Major General Abdulrahman Ali Alssied, the head of the Defense Ministry's procurement office.
While the Libyans conducted tests, the Italians and the Chinese hammered out the final contract for 10 million bullets, 300,000 T-56 rifles and 200,000 variants of the T-56 with a double handle.
The price tag was $40.9 million, which grew to $64.8 million after the Italians added a 60 percent profit. They told the Chinese that ``we have to share the commission with people in Libya.''
Peter Danssaert, a weapons trafficking expert at the International Peace Information Service an independent, Belgium-based institute that focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa said the huge order exceeded the needs of Libya's military.
Also, the type of T-56 rifle the Libyans were seeking is a decades-old model, an unlikely choice given Libya's drive to modernize its armed forces by buying anti-tank missiles and other advanced defense systems from Europe and Russia.
The outdated weapons could have been earmarked for low-tech forces in spots such as Chad, Sudan, Somalia or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Libya has been working to boost its clout on the continent, now that it has been relieved of U.N. sanctions and is restoring ties with the West, Danssaert said.
Libya now sits on the U.N. Security Council, after announcing in 2003 the dismantling of its clandestine nuclear arms program and compensating victims' families for the 1988 bombing of Pam Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Finardi, the expert at TransArmsEurope who researched the case, said that though it is impossible to say which factions within the African countries would have benefited from the huge shipment, it is likely that the weapons would have gone to government forces as part of Libya's push to strengthen ties with its neighbors.
However, in Iraq, there have been accusations that Libya is funneling arms to insurgents.
In January, a top Iraqi security official in Anbar province, police Col. Jubair Rashid Naief, accused Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the eldest son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, of aiding a group of 150 foreign and Iraqi fighters responsible for several attacks in the area. Gadhafi has not commented on the allegation.
Back in 2006, Iraq also figured in another major negotiation by the Italian traffickers, who, separately from the Libya case, were working on a $40 million deal to sell more than 100,000 Russian-made AK-47s to the Iraqi Interior Ministry.
That deal, negotiated without the knowledge of the U.S. Baghdad command, was blocked along with the complex Libya scheme when Italian police stepped in to make the arrests.

The proposal to extend the emergency regulation by anther month was passed in Parliament today by a majority of 78 votes. 93 votes were received in favour of the proposals while 15 votes were received against it. The JVP voted for the proposal along with the government and The TNA voted against it. UNP and other opposition members were abstain at the voting.

Heavy damages were caused to the tiger terrorists in confrontation in KIRIIBBANWEWA area yesterday (08) between 12.10 p.m. and 2.20 p.m. Two soldiers too were injured in the melee.

STF personnel were able to recover Land mine (15 ½ Kg), detonator code 16 feet and Flexible wire 50 feet on a search operation conducted in GALDEBOKKAWA, KANCHIKUDICHCHIARU area, AMPARA yesterday(08) around 5.30 p.m.

Naval troops found a 9mm micro pistol 02 magazines, 15 rounds and improvised claymore bomb weighing 5kg in SIRITHAPPU PESALAI, MANNAR yesterday (8).

The Government categorically denies allegations emanating from certain quarters that Sri Lankan security forces have been shelling the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, sacred to the Catholic community, and held in high esteem by all communities in Sri Lanka. Acting Foreign Minister, Hussein A. Bhaila met the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Monsignor Mario Zenari at the Foreign Ministry today (08 April 2008) and briefed him on the present situation at the Madhu Shrine.
The Acting Minister informed the Apostolic Nuncio, that the LTTE has brazenly violated the sanctity of the Shrine by its use of the Church precincts for hostile action, despite the fervent and repeated appeals, both by the Bishop of Mannar and the Catholic Bishops' Conference. Notwithstanding repeated provocations by the LTTE, which has been attacking the security forces from the vicinity of the Church, including the deployment of heavy mortars, the government forces have not returned fire, in order to avoid causing damage to the Sacred Shrine.
It is clear that the LTTE is resorting to its now familiar and sinister ploy of deliberately spreading calumny through its well-oiled propaganda machinery to mislead the people of Sri Lanka and the international community.
The LTTE has cynically manipulated the situation at the Madhu Shrine, which resulted in the priests having to vacate the Church premises, taking the Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Madhu with them. It is highly questionable whether there was any compelling need to move the Statue to a location deep inside the uncleared areas, whereas it would have been logical to take it to Mannar, for safekeeping with the Bishop of Mannar.
Acting Minister Bhaila urged Msgr Zenari to use his good offices with the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka to exert pressure on the LTTE to immediately vacate the precincts of the Madhu Church and ensure the safe return of the Statue to the Madhu Shrine. The Apostolic Nuncio in response stated that the LTTE had blatantly breached the undertaking that they had given to avoid entering the Church precincts and initiating armed hostilities. He assured the Acting Minister that he would discuss this matter at a meeting with the Catholic Bishops in Kandy tomorrow and would also convey the Government's position to the authorities at the Holy See. Msgr Zenari thanked Acting Minister, Bhaila for the high priority that the Government has accorded to resolving this issue and its concern for ensuring the sanctity of the Madhu Shrine.
The Government of Sri Lanka, elected by the democratic will of the people, is acutely conscious of the responsibility to protect all places of religious worship in the country. In this context, the LTTE's barbaric track record of its brutal massacres of worshipers at the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, and the Meera Jummah Mosque in Kattankudy, as well as the desecration of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, Sri Dalada Maligawa, stands out in sharp contrast.
The Government, consistent with the aspirations of all peace loving people of Sri Lanka, gives its solemn assurance that it is firmly committed to taking all measures necessary to safeguard the sanctity of the Madhu Shrine.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse arrived in Sanya, a scenic city in south China's island province of Hainan, Wednesday for the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).
He is the first foreign state leader arriving here for this international meeting, due to open on Saturday in Boao of Hainan Province.
During Rajapakse's stay in Sanya, Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet with him, and the two leaders will review the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and exchange views on facilitating bilateral win-win cooperation.
According to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hu will deliver a key-note speech at the opening ceremony of BFA.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar, President Rajapakse, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Jeria, Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou V, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al-thani, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will also attend the opening ceremony.
The BFA was established in 2001 as a platform for high-level interaction between leaders from Asia and the world.
The theme of this year's annual meeting is "Green Asia: Moving Towards Win-Win Through Changes."

Mohammed Rasooldeen, Arab News
Convicted Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek yesterday appeared before the same judge in Dawadmi who had sentenced her to beheading last year over the death of a four-month-old baby.
Chief Judge Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rosaimi ruled that any further objections to his verdict must be presented to the Supreme Judicial Council, which had recently ordered the case back to him for “clarifications”.
“I am happy that the case has been sent back to the court where the original death sentence was given,” Nafeek’s lawyer Khateb Fahad Al-Shammary said before the hearing.
In handcuffs and wearing an abaya, the 20-year-old was told she needed to return to the Supreme Judicial Council if her lawyer planned to make further objections to the ruling.
The Kingdom’s highest court received Nafeek’s case after the Court of Cassation (the Saudi court of appeals) last year upheld the death verdict of the Dawadmi court. The appeal to the ruling occurred on July 15, 2007, on the last day the appeal could have been filed.
During yesterday’s hearing, Nafeek appeared in the courtroom with the father of the dead infant, Naif Jiziyan Khalaf Al-Otaibi. Also present at the hearing was Fawzul Rahman, a Tamil-speaking Indian expatriate employee of a local mosque who is acting as Nafeek’s interpreter.
The court also summoned the person (whose name has not been provided) who allegedly acted as an interpreter after Nafeek was arrested on May 22, 2005, shortly after the death of the baby. This person allegedly translated a confession made by Nafeek on the day of her arrest but did not appear in the court yesterday to testify. It is not clear if the judge will issue a contempt of court charge against this unnamed individual.
Some reports on the case have claimed no translator was present at the time Nafeek allegedly made a murder confession. In February 2007 Nafeek retracted this confession and maintained that the baby died from choking during bottle-feeding and that she immediately sought help to save the child when she realized what was happening.
Nafeek had been working for the family for about two weeks when the alleged killing took place. Nafeek maintains she had been hired as a cleaning maid but her job ended up involving nursemaid duties as well.

COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka's police arrested four people and seized a large quantity of explosives that could have been used in a suicide bombing, officials said Wednesday. Investigators found about 50 kilogrammes (110 pounds) of plastic explosives and grenades in a location in central Kandy district on Tuesday, a police official said.
"There is an indication that the explosives were probably meant to be used in a suicide attack," an official involved in the case said.
The arrests follow Sunday's assassination of highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle by a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber, a blast that also killed 13 other people.
The rebels have been fighting for autonomy for ethnic minority Tamils in the Sinhalese-majority island's north and east since 1972, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people.

The Kelaniya Flyover constructed on the initiative of the late Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle in record 61 days at a cost of Rs. 2.2 billion, will be named “Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Memorial Flyover,” tomorrow as a mark of respect to him.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes reports that attacks against journalists and media workers at the state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) television station have ceased since March 20.
However, the IFJ continues to hold grave concerns for the safety and well-being of J.S Tisseinayagam, the editor of www.outreachsl.com, who has been detained since being taken into custody by officers of the Terrorist Information Department (TID) on March 7.
Tisseinayagam was initially detained under emergency regulations for 30 days. On April 1, the Colombo Magistrates Court granted a TID request to extend the detention order to May 5, after the Supreme Court ruled against an application for bail on March 31.
It is understood that no charge has been laid against Tisseinayagam.
The IFJ and its affiliates, the Free Media Movement (FMM), the Sri Lankan Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) and the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union (FMETU), as well as the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) and Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists’ Alliance (SLTJA), demand that authorities make transparent the reasons for detaining Tisseinayagam, as well as N. Jasiharan, the owner of E-Kwality Printers, and follow due legal process.
In the case of SLRC, the IFJ’s affiliates reported a series of attacks against five SLRC staff and other journalists between January 1 and March 20. The attacks allegedly targeted journalists and others who witnessed or reported on an incident at SLRC’s office involving Labour Minister Mervyn Silva assaulting the station’s news director on December 27, 2007.
At a specially convened meeting with representatives of government-owned media institutions and government members on March 17, Sri Lanka’s President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, pledged to act to ensure the attacks and intimidation of SLRC workers ended.
The President’s commitment was regarded by the IFJ as a welcome intervention by a government that otherwise has demonstrated a lack of regard and respect for the working conditions and rights of journalists and media institutions to report freely and critically.
However, the IFJ remains concerned about SLRC’s capacity to report freely and fairly in the public interest under the authority of a recently retired general, Sunil Silva, who was appointed by the Government as SLRC’s Additional Deputy Director General of Administration on March 20.
With these concerns in mind, more than 40 human rights and press freedom organisations from five continents have joined the IFJ-initiated campaign to Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka and signed a joint letter requesting President Rajapaksa address immediately the failure of Sri Lanka’s authorities to act on threats and attacks against journalists and media workers and to bring those responsible to account.
The IFJ is leading a Global Day of Action on April 10 as part of the campaign to send a message of solidarity and hope to colleagues and friends in Sri Lanka and to urge Sri Lanka’s Government to uphold its obligations to assure journalists of their right to protection and to support press freedom in Sri Lanka.

Canadian Parliamentarian Art Hanger yesterday (April 8) presented a civic petition against LTTE terrorist activities on the Canadian soil before the House of Commons. The MP who represents Calgary Northeast, speaking on the petition said that it is on the subject of eradicating terrorism with special reference to the Sri Lankan based terrorist organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
"I am honoured to present a petition submitted to this House by 1,068 Canadian residents throughout the length and breadth of this country on the subject of eradicating the scourge of international terrorism, with special reference to Sri Lanka" MP Hanger said.
He further noted that the petitioners have expressed their appreciation of the ban imposed on LTTE terrorists by Canadian government in 2006, following similar action taken by the U.S.A., India, the UK and the EU, which recognized the true nature of this terrorist outfit.
Speaking about the petitioners' main concerns, MP Hanger said, " the petitioners respectfully seek that Canada fully cooperate with the legal and democratically elected government of Sri Lanka; that it live up to its legal obligations in combating international terrorism; and take all measures to prevent the raising of funds within this jurisdiction for terrorist warfare in Sri Lanka".
"I am pleased to table this petition for the consideration and necessary action of the House", he concluded.
LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils living Sri Lanka since 1983. During its three decades terrorists campaign, over 70,000 Sri Lankan citizens have lost their lives. The outfit fund its terrorist activities mainly through their front organizations operating in developed countries including Canada. In its latest savagery, LTTE killed 14 civilians including a government minister, former national marathon champion, national athletic coach and many athletes including schoolchildren when it carried out a suicide bomb blast targeting a national sport event on last Sunday.

Leader of the Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna Somawansa Amerasinghe says neither parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa nor any other member has been expelled from the party.
Adressing a media briefing in Colombo he further said none of the responsibilities entrusted upon Mr. Weerawansa has been removed.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake presenting a motion to extend the state of emergency by a further month in Parliament today said the Government will successfully implement the program to establish democracy in the country through defeat of terrorism.
He added that the people in the newly liberated Eastern Province are now enjoying their democratic rights.
The Prime Minister has recalled how the late Minister Jayaraj Fernandopulle has pointed out the need in and out of the Parliament to defeat terrorism and establish democracy.
He also said 93 security forces personnel were killed in combat last month. 38 civilians were also killed. 686 Security Forces personnel and 21 civilians were injured during this period.

By Nirmala Kannangara
Police intervened to provide security to Anuradhapura JVP Parliamentarian Ranaweera Pathirana following the tense situation that erupted at the press briefing held by JVP defectors at Hotel Nippon yesterday.
The police intervened to provide transport under police escort to the MP to the JVP Headquarters after Pathirana came under threat of being assualted by supporters of the other JVP defectors.
The police team arrived at the Nippon Hotel while the press briefing was in progress and later had to escort Pathirana to the JVP headquarters since the 11 JVP defectors left the parliamentarian at the venue.
However, when questions were raised as to why the police team escorted Pathirana after he lashed out at JVP’s Wimal Weerawansa’s actions in parliament earlier in the day, the police team did not wish to tell the media the real reason behind the move.
"Police is there to give protection to who needs security. Even if the media wants we are willing to provide security for them as well," the police said.
However the riot squad and a police team was present outside Hotel Nippon in Slave Island to avert any possible tension situation.
Meanwhile, the lone parliamentarian who accused Weerawansa of betraying party policies spoke to fellow JVP parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha over the phone and requested him to send a vehicle for him.
ASP Premalal Ranagala who escorted Pathirana to the party headquarters told The Morning Leader that the police intervened to provide transport to the parliamentarian following the tense situation that erupted following his statement at the press briefing.
"We were told that he was being isolated following the statement he made to the media and that there was a threat of him being assaulted by supporters of the other defectors. Pathirana is a parliamentarian and we as the police are bound to provide security for their protection and that is what we did," he said.
Ranagala also said that Pathirana was taken to the party headquarters in Pelawatte and was handed over to the party officials there.

By Shezna Shums and Nirmala Kannangara
Gas companies and milk powder importers have requested the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) for another price increase in domestic gas cylinder and milk food, the The Morning Leader learns.
Managing Director, Laugfs Holdings Limited, Thilak de Silva said yesterday that they have made the application seeking a price revision to the CAA on Monday based on the February and March world oil prices.
"We made the request to the CAA for an increase of Rs.80 per a cylinder considering the world oil prices during February and March. According to the pricing formula we have the authority to request for a price revision once in two months," De Silva added.
Meanwhile, Finance Director Shell Gas Company Rimoe Saldin too told The Morning Leader that they have made an application to the CAA for yet another price revision from the first week of May.
"As a rotation we have the right to request for a price revision in every two months according to the pricing formula. The last price hike was in March and the next would be from May but it is the CAA that has the power either to give permission or to refuse our request, considering the factual oil prices in the world market during February and March," Saldin further stated.
Milk powder importing companies have requested the CAA for a Rs. 20 increase for a 400 gram milk powder pack.
Currently a 400gram pack of milk powder is sold at Rs 275 and if the request is permitted by the CAA, a pack would increase up to Rs 295.
This is a joint request to the CAA by all milk importing companies in the country.
Director, Milk Division, Maliban Biscuit Manufacturing Ltd, Lakshman Weerasuriya told The Morning Leader that this request was made last week and that all milk importing companies are still awaiting a reply from the CAA as to how much they would be permitted to increase.
About 95 percent of the country’s milk demand is met by the milk powder imports,
Weerasuriya said that there was a worldwide shortage of milk, which was increasing the costs as well as creating a shortage in the market.
This shortage was created after some of the main milk producing countries experienced drought and the other factor was that many cows had to be killed following the scare of mad cow disease.
The other factors that have compounded the problems for the milk industry is that both China and India were developing at such a rate that their demand for food including milk powder has also increased causing a sever shortage in the world wide milk powder market.
Weerasuriya also said that every 30 years the world experiences the prices of most items increasing.
Explaining that when compared with last year the costs of a coconut, coconut oil, palm oil, flour, salt, tea and other foods are shooting up this year, and that this is the case all around the world.
To improve the local milk industry and make it profitable to expand, Weerasuriya said that the cost of a liter of milk has to be sold for at least Rs.100.
Annually Sri Lanka imports about 60,000 metric tons of milk powder and one metric ton costs about $ 5200.

(Lanka-e-News, ) Minister of Labor Relations and Manpower Mervin Silva has sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police Victor Perera urging him to probe and reveal the hidden paws behind the killing of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
Minister Mervin alluded to the Sirasa Media Network based on the facts that the sports festival was organized and publicized by Sirasa and issuing the footage of the crime scene to international media within a short time.
Minister Mervin Silva threatened the Sirasa Media Network media persons several times recently and reprimanded publicly the Maharaja Organization that owns it. He has warned to Sirasa not to come to cover any function he participates.

Sri Lanka and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote tourism, exchange tourists between the two countries, attract investment and facilitate knowledge transfers in areas of each country’s expertise.
While noting that the MoU would open up a window of opportunities for both countries to develop tourism, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who signed the MoU on behalf of the government, said that Egypt had to develop its air connectivity with Sri Lanka, which is inadequate at present.
"With no direct flights available to Egypt, it is not feasible for Sri Lanka to promote tourism, with flight costs to Egypt via Doha or Dubai being too expensive.
Egyptian tourists are not likely to consider Sri Lanka over Seychelles or Mauritius for the very same reason of not having direct flights between the two countries," a member of the Sri Lankan business delegation said.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the two ministers who had met shortly before the MoU was signed discussed the need for developing new tourism products while diversifying the existing product base, which will include hosting international conferences, events, seminars and workshops.
The threat factor to tourism from terrorism was also discussed by the two ministers.
The Ministry said that the MoU will seek to establish a joint tourism committee which will address issues related to human development, and investment.
It is expected to actively engage the private sector in this joint committee while a suggestion to offer preferential rates was also mooted in the MoU.
Dr. Sicille Kotelawala, Deputy Chairperson, Ceylinco Consolidated, and Dr. Chris Nonis, Chairman, Mackwoods Ltd and Harry Jayawardena, Chairman Aitken Spence and Stassen Exports Ltd were present at the signing ceremony.
Egypt’s Tourism Minister, Zoheir Garranah, signed the MoU for Egypt.

W. F. U. Fernando, functional Deputy Inspector General of Police, has complained to the Supreme Court that the National Police Commission had failed to consider his seniority and promote him to the rank of permanent DIG.
He alleged that consequent to the interviews held in May 2007, an officer junior to him had been promoted to the rank of DIG. Although he had held the posts of functional DIG in the Wanni and Jaffna Districts, the National Police Commission had made an unreasonable decision not to promote him.

The National Peace Council said Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle had been targeted as he had been a supporter of the government’s military campaign, the executive director of the NGO said in a statement issued on behalf of its governing council.
The following is the full text of a statement headlined ‘Path of violence and war is too costly,’ issued by the Norwegian funded NGO: "The assassination of Minister of Highways and Road Development, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and the killing of 14 others including some of the country's athletic stars, and the injuring of over 80 others by a suicide bomb attack at a new year Marathon race adds to the long list of political leaders and civilians whose lives have been cruelly taken due to the long unresolved ethnic conflict. The National Peace Council condemns this bombing which is suspected to be by the LTTE. Targeting of civilian events for violence is reprehensible.
Minister Fernandopulle belonged to both a religious and ethnic minority and could have played a greater role in rebuilding relations between the ethnic communities and the warring parties. Instead he was a proponent of the government's strategy of military confrontation with the LTTE which claimed his life. At the same time he assisted civil society groups such as ours when it fell within his domain of authority despite our critical stances.
Minister Fernandopulle was one of the government's key speakers, and his absence will be felt at the forthcoming Eastern Provincial elections where he would have played an important role. We urge the government to ensure that all high risk candidates at these elections, icluding leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauf Hakeem whose security is being sought to be reduced, should be provided with additional security.
Once again we urge the government to reconsider its strategy of violence and war towards the resolution of the ethnic conflict. The loss of life and the disruption to the life of the people make it clear that the path of violence and war is too costly for any democratic society to bear. We also urge the LTTE to make it known in a convincing manner that they will be ready to respond positively to political initiatives, instead of persisting in their campaign of violence and war."

A group of MPs from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna says so far they have not been enlightened regarding the party action pertaining to JVP propaganda secretary parliamentarian Wimal Weerawanse.
This was stated at a press conference held in Colombo this afternoon chaired by MP Piyasiri Wijenayake. He said their aim is to fulfil the national task assigned by the people. He said the party has now fallen into the clutches of conspirators.
MP Achala Jagoda said Mr. Weerawanse has a clear stance for solving the national issue. He said imperialists and western forces are conspiring against the MP. 9 other JVP MPs participated at the press conference.

The United Nations has strongly condemned the suicide attack on Sunday during a peaceful sporting event.
The UN office of the resident coordinator in Colombo offers its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
The UN condemns all violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Sri Lanka. In a statement issued today, the UN also urges all parties to the conflict to do everything within their power to avoid civilian casualties. It also appeals to them to seek a negotiated peaceful solution to the conflict

By Anusha Ondaatjie
April 8 (Bloomberg) -- Sri Lanka's economic growth is expected to accelerate this year as rising government spending and commodities exports counter weakening consumer confidence, the central bank said.
Gross domestic product may expand 7 percent in 2008, at the lower end of the range estimated in November, Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its annual report released in Colombo today. The $27 billion economy grew 6.8 percent last year.
The South Asian nation's rubber and tea exports have surged amid record commodity prices, helping shipments climb 23 percent to an unprecedented $863 million in December. That's boosting growth as renewed violence in the island's civil war and the second-highest interest rates in Asia hurt consumer spending.
``There'll be pressure on growth if rates are not brought down,'' said Bimanee Meepagala, an analyst at Eagle NDB Fund Management Co. in Colombo. ``If there is a solution to the conflict, the economy could take off in the second half.''
The central bank has kept its benchmark repurchase rate unchanged at 10.5 percent for 13 straight meetings in a bid to cool inflation running above 20 percent. Sri Lanka's economic outlook ``depends critically'' on an end to the island's 25-year civil war, according to the International Monetary Fund.
The central bank's growth forecast is more optimistic than that of the Washington-based IMF and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, which expect an expansion of 6 percent in 2008, the slowest pace in three years.
The yield on the note due March 2009 with a coupon of 7.5 percent was little changed at 18.75 percent at 2:00 p.m. in Colombo, according to Ceylinco Shriram Securities Ltd. The rupee was holding at 107.6 to the dollar.
Cease-Fire
The government on Jan. 16 ended its 2002 cease-fire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, saying the rebels had used the accord to re-arm 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.
``The vast potential in the eastern province suggests that, with time, if the available resources are tapped appropriately, it could unleash a new source of growth that would be a huge boost to the national economy,'' the central bank said today.
The bank in November forecast the economy would grow between 7 percent and 7.5 percent this year as the government spends money to rebuild the eastern region.
Gross domestic product unexpectedly grew 7.6 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31 compared with 7 percent in the third quarter, the statistics department said on March 28.
Oil Imports
Costlier oil imports and military purchases to combat the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels have fanned price gains. Consumer prices in the capital Colombo rose 23.8 percent in March from a year earlier, after increasing 21.6 percent in February.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa vowed in his Nov. 7 budget speech to ``eradicate'' terrorism in the country, lifting defense spending by 19 percent. The government says it wants to reach a political settlement on the issue of Tamil separatism.
``Saving the country from terrorism and balanced economic growth are our two biggest challenges,'' Rajapaksa said today at the central bank's Colombo headquarters. ``We need big projects to bring economic growth to low-income people.''
Central Bank 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 spur inflation. The island needs to rein in inflation to achieve 7 percent economic growth this year, Cabraal said in January.
Credit growth in Sri Lanka's private sector, including consumers, slowed to 18.3 percent in January, compared with 24.8 percent a year earlier, according to the central bank.
``Tight monetary policy was one reason to curb domestic demand,'' Nandalal Weerasinghe, the bank's head of economic research said today. ``In the future, inflation will fall.''

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, April 4, 2008 - The Czech NGO, People In Need (PIN) has completed the reconstruction of a Public Market at the Anuradhapura Junction in the tsunami and conflict affected town of Trincomalee in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The completion ceremony of reconstruction of the Market was held today. While the market buildings are modern and functional, the design respects the traditional open Sri Lankan markets. The reconstruction project also aimed to rebuild and deepen interactions and relationships in and between communities and local authorities. The overall costs of construction totaled 508,286.00 US dollars.
"The market reconstruction is a complex project with multiple aims; it has to do with post-Tsunami reconstruction efforts, with economic development of the whole region, as well as with stabilizing fragile relationships between neighbouring communities,' says Matej Novak, head of PIN's mission to Sri Lanka.
The construction work commenced in mid-September 2007 and finished according to plan by the end of March 2008. The design of the Market was developed by a recognized Sri Lankan architect on the basis of community priorities validated in the first phase of the project and with respect to the traditional design of open Sri Lankan markets. Functional and modern features were incorporated into the design. Markets usually provide a natural place for community interaction, so a special emphasis was placed on securing room for areas suitable for relaxation, leisure time and social events. ¨
The originally dilapidated market site with neglected hygienic standards was significantly improved. The newly constructed main building accommodates 43 sale spaces with water supply in almost one third of them. The sale spaces vary in design and size to accommodate the sale of fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, grocery items and whole sale items. Another existing building was reconstructed and accommodates an office for the Urban Council staff responsible for market operation, 5 multi-purpose store spaces, and toilets accessible to the disabled. Other improvements include the construction of public toilets, fixing the drainage system, upgrading the water tank and well, construction of a guard room, building an access road, parking lots, installing a transformer, and providing for garbage collection and composting. Turf has also been planted along the perimeter of the market, and trees have been planted around the courtyard with concrete benches installed nearby.
The project aims are not only to increase the living standards of Trincomalee inhabitants but also to rebuild and deepen the interactions and positive, sustainable relationships in and between the communities and the local authorities. In an effort to facilitate this process, PIN assisted vendors in establishing a multi-ethnic Market Association. PIN in close collaboration with the Urban Council representatives and the Market Association also initiated the development of Guidelines which will specify the proper management and maintenance details of the Market's operation.
PIN continues to provide further support to the communities and to the Urban Council Trincomalee through a series of training sessions, providing assistance with the opening of the Market to the public, and revisions of operational procedures. PIN does this in order to ensure that all communities and local authorities are prepared for the initial handover of all responsibilities in conjunction with the new market, and to make sure that the community possesses the appropriate capacity.
The Public Market at Anuradhapura Junction was constructed under the project implemented by the NGO People In Need in close cooperation with the Urban Council Trincomalee. Financial assistance was provided by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and HELLENIC AID.

4200 litres of diesel (210x20) was found by Navy on a search operation at IRUKKULAPIDDI, MANNAR yesterday (07) around 5.00 a.m. A generator (2.4) was found by Naval troops an a search operation at PALLIMUNAI, MANNAR yesterday (07) morning.

An LTTE cadre was killed in an attack launched by Army troops at OMANTHA East NAVATKULI area today .

Five Tamil civilians who escaped from the uncleared area in ARASIMALE in PULMUDAI sought refuge at the Army camp today (08) around 7.30 a.m. All the refugees are males from PUDUKUDUIRIPPU, MULATHIU and between the ages 22-28 years. The refugees had escaped in a boat from MULATHIU to ARASIMALE last night around 11.00 p.m.

Wimal Weerawansa, in a press conference, a while ago said that the JVP has fallen to forces of imperialism. He said in parliament today that "JVP has planned to remove me from the membership of the party which is equal to assassinating me" and added "I have been suspended by the party.
Reports said that eleven other JVP MPs are grouping with Weerawansa. They are Piyasiri Wijenayake and Jayantha Samaraweera (Kalutara), Priyankara Dissanayake and Samansiri Herath (Puttalam), Padma Udaya Shantha (Moneragala), Achala Jagoda and Deepal Gunasekara (Ratnapura), Nimal Premawansa (Nuwara Eliya), Ranaweera Pathirana (Anuradhapura), Sujatha Alahakoon (Matale) and National List MP Mohamed Muzamil.
Unexpected drama took place at the breakaway JVP press conference in Colombo as one rebel MP blasted the other rebels before returning to the party fold. Anuradhapura JVP MP Ranaweera Pathirana who scolded the 'Weerawansa & Co' was seen escorted by police to JVP headquarters. Now the rebel MP numbers have come down to ten.

RAMANATHAPURAM: Five fishermen from Rameswaram were detained by the Sri Lankan navy for crossing the IMBL and lodged in the Jaffna prison.

The five, Franklin, Nagarajan, Palsamy, Antony Royappan and Kumar of Pamban, had set out for fishing in a country boat on April 4. They were detained by the Lankan Navy while fishing near Katchativu.

They were produced before the Mannar court which remanded them in Jaffna prison.

 

The Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chikera denounced the LTTE suicide attack on Sunday which killed 14 people including Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, and urged all right thinking people to condemn this type of brutal killing without reservations.

The Bishop made these comments while extending condolences of the Church to all those bereaved on account of this brutal attack. The Church assured all grieving parents, spouses, and children will be in their prayers.

The massacre of innocents anywhere benefited no just cause and has no place whatsoever in any agenda for dignity and peace for Sri Lankans, the Bishop emphasised.

All peace loving people of this beloved land should even now speak in one voice and strive together to replace violent confrontation with dialogue and negotiations, he further said.

 
The speaker suspended the parliament for 10 minutes today due to the disruption caused by UNP MPs coming to the well and protesting the appointment of Dhammika Kithulgoda as acting Secretary General of Parliament. The speaker also added that since the appointment was an acting appointment with a validity period of 14 days it's neither illegal nor unconstitutional.

Families of those who killed and injured persons in the Weliweriya bomb blast will be compensated. Minister Rishard Badiudeen says 100 thousand rupees will be provided on behalf of a dead person and 50 thousand rupees for a wounded.
The Ministry of disaster relief services and resettlement provides funds following instructions by the President.

 

JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa explaining facts in parliament today said he has not done any harm to the party since he became a member of the JVP.
He said at the party’s central committee meeting held on the 21st of last month a decision has been taken to remove him from the party.
Mr. Weerawansa has been stripped off from all the posts he held in the JVP. He said members of the central committee have been barred from speaking with him.
Mr. Weerawansa said a small group of the decision making arm of the party harbour a suspicion against him. The MP questioned as to why the party is taking this type of decision satisfying the desires of various adverse forces that operate against the country.
Speaking further, he alleged a conspiracy within the party which lead by Western agents to sideline him.

 



3 LTTE terrorists were reported killed sniped by SLA troops deployed ahead of LTTE forward defences in the embattled Wanni theatre on Monday (April 7).

The presidential inquiry into the massacre of 17 aid workers employed by the French aid agency Action Against Hunger (ACF) in the first week of August 2006 has taken a dramatic turn with the Agency quitting the proceedings.

The Counsel for the ACF yesterday shocked the Commission by declaring that his client would no longer be involved in the process.

The ACF's made its move against the backdrop of the shocking revelation that the agency's Trincomalee-based office had prevented workers attached to its Muttur Office from leaving the area as heavy clashes erupted between the army and the LTTE.

The army reinforcements had moved in after LTTE launched a multi-pronged assault on Muttur and neighbouring areas in the first week of August. They almost succeeded in overwhelming security forces before a series of ground attacks backed by air and artillery support broke the backbone of the enemy.

The ACF's Counsel told a stunned Commission that he would continue to represent a relative of a victim. The Commission has expressed concern over the unexpected development.

Several relatives of the 17 aid workers cross examined by Gomin Dayasri, Counsel for the army, acknowledged their relatives had the opportunity to join thousands of civilians who fled the area. Witness quoted the slain workers as saying they remained in Muttur on the orders of the ACF.

The Island learns ACF personnel who had a suite at JAIC Hilton had already left.

The fresh controversy comes close on the heels of Dayasri's call to D. Nesiah, a member of the Commission to quit as he also represented the interests of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) which is also a party to the proceedings. The CPA is among several NGOs pressing the government to bring perpetrators of the Muttur massacre before a court of law.

SCOPP Chief Rajiva Wijesinha earlier called that the ACF should be investigated for asking its employees to remain at their office as the army and the LTTE battled for supremacy.

"I have argued before that we have not dealt firmly enough with the original reason for the tragedy, which was the utter irresponsibility of the ACF organisation in putting such workers at risk," Wijesinha wrote to Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. "I would therefore respectfully request that the government ask that an independent inquiry be conducted into the circumstances."

6 Tamil civilians including 4 females sought protecting with security forces after fleeing from the non-liberated Wanni area on Sunday (April 6).

In the lead up to the Palestine Investment Conference, 21-23 May 2008 Dr. Hasan Abu-Libdeh, PIC- Palestine CEO, met with the Heads of the Representative Offices of Korea, Sri Lanka and Russia, as well as the Representative to the Malaysian Prime Minister, to present a brief on conference developments.

During the meeting, Dr. Abu-Libdeh, informed the four parties that almost 800 participants have been invited with 150 regional and international confirmations.

'This reflects strong international interest in this important initiative and indicates that our aim of profiling Palestinian success stories and promoting Palestinian potential has international resonance,' Dr Abu-Libdeh said.

The discussion included an overview of the Conference agenda, which will include several themed sectoral investment sessions and a full-scale exhibition of Palestinian products and projects.

Provincial Council Minister of Western Province, Dulip Wijesekera is to fill the vacancy created by the tragic death of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle according to the electoral list of UPFA, reports say.
Wijesekera was placed 14th in the UPFA list of the Gampaha District, polling 48,078 preference votes at the 2004 general election.
He is currently the Minister of Co-operatives and Trade of the Western Provincial Council.

The European Commission, the executive of the European Union, on Monday strongly condemned the suicide bombing in Sri Lanka on Sunday which killed 14 people including a government minister.
"I am deeply shocked by yesterday's heinous attack on minister of roads Jeyaraj Fernandopulle near Colombo," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU commissioner for external relations in a statement on Monday.
"I strongly condemn this suicide attack, which not only killed Minister Fernandopoulle and 14 civilians but also injured many innocent bystanders," she said.
Fernandopoulle was killed by a suicide bomber as he flagged off a marathon race near Colombo on Sunday. He was reportedly a vocal critic of the separatist rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The government blamed the LTTE rebels for the attack.
"The EU condemns all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians. The EU continues to believe that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka and only a negotiated settlement can open the way for a lasting peace," said Ferrero-Waldner.
Reports said that Sri Lankan airforce jets on Monday bombed and destroyed a base used by the Tamil Tiger rebels.
The Sri Lankan defence ministry said that the airforce jets destroyed a base suspected of being used to train suicide bombers in the rebel-held north.
Tamil rebels have been blamed for a series of blasts in Colombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka this year after the government pulled out of a 2002 Norwegian-brokered ceasefire in January this year.
The minister for nation building, DM Dassanayake, was killed in a bombing on 8 January, days after the government pulled out of the ceasefire.
Since 1983, the Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent homeland for ethnic minority Tamils after decades of marginalisation by governments run by the Sinhalese majority. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting.

The United States while condemning the LTTE terrorist attack on Monday (April 6) which killed 14 people including Government Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a former Olympian K.A Karunarathne and national athletic coach Lakshman de Alwis, stated that its perpetrators have achieved nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka.
The U.S embassy in Colombo made these remarks in a press release issued today (7) while expressing States Government's condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.
Full text of the press release issued by the United States embassy in Colombo.
The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 6 in Weliweriya, Gampaha District that claimed the life of Minister of Highways and Road Development and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
Also killed in this heinous attack were National Athletic Coach Lakshman de Alwis, well- known marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne, and several other persons, while scores more were injured.
Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many Americans. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.
The United States denounces this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the country's conflict.

The people of Jaffna await the traditional New Year with great expectations and better security, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri addressing the media said.
According to Maj. General Chandrasiri, essential food items are in plenty with a three month buffer stock available. He also pointed out that security has been strengthened and that life in the peninsula is returting to normal with the impact of the LTTE on the wane.
"Intelligence information obtained at grand level revealed that the LTTE had extended its network in the various spheres of the Jaffna Peninsula as a result of the CFA," he added.
He also emphasised that said the LTTE violated the Norwegian brokened Cease Fire Agreement and that as a result the people of Jaffna faced a food shortage with the subsequent A9 road having to be closed.
Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganeshan said the first shipment carrying essential food items arrived on August 24, 2006 and this was followed by many more shipments. He said already essential food items sufficient for three months have been stored in Jaffna. People are all set to celebrate the New Year in a big way, he said.

BLTTE terrorists targeted a Special Task Force (STF) route clearing patrol today (07) around 8.25 in the morning exploding a Claymore mine in the URASIRI area , VAVUVATHIVU in BATTICALOA.
Two terrorists were killed when the alert STF officers quickly reacted and fired back in a counter attack immediately .
No STF Officers sustained any injuries.
In the search operation which was conducted after the incident the STF recovered hand grenades , a pistol and a motor bicycle.

Thirty Four (34) terrorists were killed by the Army in the heavy fighting with the LTTE in the many confrontations which has continued in the VAVUNIYA sector of operations on Sunday (06). Four terrorists were killed in the MADHU area, while three (03) were reported killed during a confrontation in the CHUNDIKULAM area VAVUNIYA by Troops around 12.20 in the afternoon on Sunday (06). In the search operation which followed the body of a terrorists and a T56 Assault rifle was also recovered from the same area.
Two of the four terrorists were killed in the MADHU area in a confrontation in the afternoon around 1.32 while a soldier was also reported killed and another injured in the same area in the afternoon around 1.35 in the afternoon. Troops recovered one LMG and a three T56 Assault rifles from the same area in the search operations conducted after the incident.
Two terrorist were also killed in the MADHU area, in the afternoon around 1.32, one around 5.20 in the evening, and the other in the morning around 11.15.
Meanwhile a soldier was injured due to the explosion of an anti - personnel mine around 11.30 in the morning in the same area while the terrorists fired mortars targeting Troops injuring one soldier around 11.05 in the morning in the PERIYAVALANKULAM AREA, VAVUNIYA.
Four terrorists were also killed in a confrontation in the KALLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA in the morning around 8.00 on Sunday (06). 14 terrorists were reported killed and nine (09) were injured when Troops successfully launched a fierce attack around 9.15 in the morning on a line of LTTE bunkers destroying four (04) of them also the KALLIKULAM area.Two soldiers were reported injured in the attack.
Three terrorists were also killed when Troops fired at a group of terrorists in an ambush launched around 11.13 in the KALLIKULAM area.
Meanwhile, four terrorists were killed when Troops launched a fierce attack and destroyed three LTTE bunkers in the evening around 5.10.

(Lanka-e-News, ) As assassination of a youth has been reported from Valachchenai of Batticaloa District yesterday (6th) as the first election violence of the Eastern Province Polls. The person who was assassinated was identified as Mohammed Thambi Majid Ashroff alias Jauffer, a strong supporter of Muslim Congress.
He was killed in Birandrachchenai area in Valachchenai around 5.30 pm yesterday by using a sharp weapon. It is reported that Mr. Ashroff was having political disagreements with one Ameen who is a candidate of Batticaloe District under UPFA ticket, during the last Local Government elections, and relatives of late Ashroff believe that one Nazeer, a supporter of Ameen is responsible for this killing.
UPFA candidate Ameen is a supporter of Minister Ameer Ali.
Mr. Ashroff who killed yesterday was hoping to migrate tomorrow (8th).
Muslim Mosques Federation of Kalkuda have made arrangements for a Hartal by closing all the shops in the town from 12.00 noon today (7th) to oppose this killing.

(Lanka-e-News, ) Together with the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Security forces have banned exit of vehicles from Vavuniya side and also the civilians to go through Medavachchiya Area Check Point. Therefore, more than 1500 people including students and employees were seen hanging around the check point as they were not permitted to go through.
The people of Sinhalese villages such as Poonewa and Galkandegama which are situated between Vavuniya and Medavachchiya are also facing heavy difficulties due to this ban.
Vehicles and civilians are not permitted to exit from Vavunia side to the south through the checkpoint but this rule is not applicable to the vehicles and civilians who are going to North through the checkpoint.
Earlier, from 2nd February this year, the same ban was effected on vehicles and civilians not to pass through the area check point of Medawachchiya. However, people who are residing close by to the check point were allowed to go through the check point under special permission, but from yesterday, that special permission was also cancelled.

Australia condemns the suicide bombing near Colombo on 6 April which killed senior Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister, Mr Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister for Highways and Road Development and Chief Government Whip in the Parliament.
This senseless attack also killed at least fifteen others and injured more than 90 Sri Lankans who had gathered for the start of a marathon race to celebrate the coming Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
The Australian Government sends its most sincere condolences to Mr Fernandopulle’s family and to the families of all those killed and injured in this terrible attack.
Australia remains concerned about the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and condemns terrorism in all its forms. The use of terrorist methods by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is completely unacceptable.
Sri Lanka’s conflict cannot be resolved militarily. It is Australia’s firm view that a political settlement, developed in dialogue with all affected communities, is urgently needed to bring lasting peace to the country. Australia encourages the Sri Lankan Government and all parties involved to redouble their efforts to develop realistic proposals to support a political solution to the conflict.

A total of 449 displaced families in Kiran have been resettled in their original places of residence under the Negenahira Navodaya Programme, Army sources revealed.
The resettlement process was implemented with the full cooperation and support of the troops. Almost 2000 persons have seen normalcy brought back to their lives as a result.
Sources reveal that all the families were provided with necessary infrastructure, dry rations and other essentials. The Army made arrangements to provide transport for the resettled families.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, “green” power supply and consumption are formally recognized for the benefit of those manufacturers who would like to identify their production processes with environmentally benign sources of energy.
Sri Lanka’s first ever Green Power Supply agreement of this kind is signed between Nilwalabase Hydro Power (Pvt) Limited, MAS Fabric Park Ltd, Thulhiriya and Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) joining as the verification agency was signed on 2nd April, 2008 to recognize the consumption of the power supply.
Due to increased concern on global climate changes and associated mechanisms to cut down greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming, there is a growing interest amongst the manufacturing community to shift away from using fossil fuels when satisfying its energy needs.
The best alternative to fossil fuels comes mainly from non-conventional renewable energy sources such as small-hydropower, biomass, wind power and solar energy.
Therefore, there is a worldwide trend in identifying manufacturing facilities with the use of these non-conventional renewable energy generation technologies. The production from such facilities can be then labeled as those based on these environmentally friendly energy sources called “green” energy.
In Sri Lanka there are “green” power plants like small-hydropower plants already connected to national grid. They already sell power to the CEBunder small power purchase agreements (SPPA) and they are paid small power purchase tariff offered by the CEB.

A family of four were slain at their residence in Puttalam early this morning while a 16 year old girl was also abducted from the same house. Puttalam police suspect a homeguard in the area may have been involved in the incident.

Defence sources claimed that two LTTE cadres were killed in STF retaliatory fire, while attempting to flee detonating a road side claymore mine targeting Police Task force personnel on patrol in Tandiady, Batticaloa today morning.

The International Association of Athletics Federations has condemned the bomb blast that killed Minister Fernandopulle,a former Olympian and a national coach.
The statement read,“The IAAF utterly condemns this outrage. To target those innocently involved in a sporting event is reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers go to the bereaved families."

Director of the Criminal Investigation Department says seven special investigation teams are conducting investigations in to the murder of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
Superintendent of Police, Gampaha L.S.Edirisuriya told the SLBC that the severed head of the suspected assassin and his identity card were found at the place where the carnage had taken place.
He added a name of a Muslim person appears on the ID.
The SP also said identities of 14 out of the 15 persons killed in the blast have been established.

The Cortege bearing the remains of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle left the Parliamentary Complex, a short while ago for the residence of the late Minister in Katana. The police informs the general public to avoid the Colombo-Negombo main road and to use alternate routes as much as possible during the period the motorcade reaches its destination.

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement in response to a suicide attack at a marathon race taking place just outside Colombo on Sunday:

“Canada strongly deplores this senseless act of violence, which killed Sri Lankan Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and former Olympic marathoner K.A. Karunaratne as well as civilians taking part in a sporting event.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and to those wounded in the attack.
“Canada condemns all forms of terrorism. We are deeply concerned about the worsening impact of this ongoing conflict on civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders. It is clear that violence will not bring lasting peace to Sri Lanka.”

The death toll of suicide attack in Weliweriya yesterday rises to 15.
The police say 14 bodies have been identified. 75 persons injured in the incident are being treated at the Gampaha General Hospital.
7 persons in a critical condition have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for special treatment.
Meanwhile A.S.P office in Gampaha says that extensive investigations are now underway on the suicide bomb attack. Crime investigation unit of the Gampaha police carries out the investigations with the help of specially trained officers.

The Tamil Tigers, a terrorist organization whose suicide bombings and political assassinations have killed 4,000 people in the past two years, have quietly established a U.S. presence to help bankroll and equip its brutal secessionist campaign in Sri Lanka, authorities said.
Formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and designated as terrorists by the State Department in 1997, the group has sought for more than three decades to violently overthrow the Sri Lankan government and create an independent state for the Tamil minority.To that end, its political wing has established "branches" in at least 12 countries, including the United States, as part of a global expansion in which the LTTE seeks to purchase millions of dollars worth of anti-aircraft weapons, automatic rifles, grenade launchers, ammunition, explosives and other military equipment, according to federal law-enforcement authorities.
That expansion has included operations in Maryland, New York and New Jersey in an effort to help raise cash and procure weapons.
A criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York in April 2007 in the arrest of a senior LTTE member in the United States said he raised money and arranged meetings between U.S. financial backers and the organization's senior leadership in Sri Lanka.
The 32-page document said the LTTE relied on "sympathetic Tamil expatriates" in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia, France and other countries to raise and launder money; smuggle arms, explosives, equipment and technology to Sri Lanka; obtain intelligence about the Sri Lankan government; and spread propaganda.
Yesterday, a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber hit a marathon event in Sri Lanka, killing the apparent intended target, senior highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, 13 others and wounding 100 as the blast struck amid athletes, officials and spectators.
Described by the FBI as one of the "most dangerous and deadly" extremist organizations in the world, the LTTE grabbed the attention of U.S. authorities in August 2006 when eight people were charged in the New York case with conspiracy to provide resources and material support — including Russian-made SA-18 surface-to-air missiles, missile launchers and AK-47 assault rifles — to terrorist associates in Sri Lanka.

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe yesterday confirmed reports that JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa was under a disciplinary inquiry.
Although he didn’t identify the outspoken MP as the subject of an inquiry, Amarasinghe said any one found guilty of indiscipline would be severely dealt with.
"In fact, we will not show any mercy on our part," he told a commemorative meeting held at Vihara Mahadevi open air theatre in honour of comrades killed in the 1971 insurgency.
In Weerawansa’s absence, a brief welcome speech was made by trade union heavyweight Lal Kantha.
Amarasinghe said a section of the media wanted to be privy to the progress of the inquiry. Once the party finalized the inquiry the media would be informed, he said. But that would be handled by the JVP the way it wanted, he said.
In a hard hitting speech, the JVP leader accused a section of the media of trying to cause chaos and being part of a conspiracy to divide the party.
During his speech, he repeatedly attacked the media for working for money with an ulterior motive.
Dismissing reports of sharp divisions within the party, he said anyone found unfit to hold positions would be removed irrespective of his standing.
On the stage with Amarasinghe were Vijitha Herath, K. D. Lal Kantha, Chandrasene Wijesinghe, G. G. Gunaratne, S. K Subasinghe, Bimal Ratnayake, Priyanga Kotelawela and Chamira Koswatte.
Amarasinghe said the absence of JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva and MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka who were overseas would be portrayed as trouble within the party.
Amarasinghe said that he wouldn’t deny the fact that there were disputes within the party. Over the years, people have quit the party and others had been sent out. But the party would survive, he said.
Weerawansa is under heavy fire for taking a friendly approach towards President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government. Weerawansa who played a critical role in transforming the JVP to a real power has been at loggerheads with a section of the party over his approach towards a range of contentious issues, particularly the call to disarm the breakaway LTTE group TMVP.
Amarasinghe yesterday reiterated his call to disarm the TMVP. Emphasizing the urgent need to disarm the group ahead of the May 10 elections to the Eastern Provincial Council, he accused President Rajapaksa of turning a blind eye to a growing threat.
The disarming of TMVP which he dubbed as the ``Pillaiyan gang’’ would send a strong message to the people still living under the jackboot of the LTTE. Unfortunately Rajapaksa couldn’t see reason as he wanted to take political advantage of the forthcoming elections.
He planned to win the EPC and then call fresh parliamentary elections ahead of the next Budget, Amarasinghe said.
Weerawansa recently public criticized the call to disarm the breakaway group at a press briefing called by the Patriotic National Front.
Acknowledging the breakaway group faced a serious threat from the LTTE, the JVP leader said that they wouldn’t mind even if the group was given security cover similar to that afforded to the president himself. But the group shouldn’t be allowed to carry arms, he said.
He repeated his famiiar allegations against the West, India and the UNP and the SLFP.

The UNP and JVP yesterday condemned yesterday’s LTTE attack on Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle which killed ten others including National Athletics Coach Lakshman de Alwis and K. A. Karunaratne,a veteran long distance runner who had represented the country.
The UNP said although there had been political differences between the UNP and the Chief Opposition Whip the party appreciated the services rendered by the minister. Condemning acts of terrorism, the UNP said the party would never condone terrorist attacks.

A family of four were slain at their residence in Puttalam early this morning while a 16 year old girl was also abducted from the same house. Puttalam police suspect a homeguard in the area may have been involved in the incident.

Sri Lanka, Air Force supersonic fighter jets bombed at LTTE black tiger base located at Northwest of Mankulam this morning, (7 April).
Air force spokes person wing commander Andi Wijesoriya speaking to defence.lk said that their sorties were launched around 6.15 a.m. based on the information gathered through air surveillances and ground intelligence sources. The pilots confirm that the target was achieved accurately, he added.
Meanwhile, MI 24 helicopter gunships conducted air attack targeting LTTE bunker defences at south of Muhamalai in Jaffna around 6.30 a.m. today, (7 April).
The air attack were launched to assist ground troops who engaged in limited offensive operations in the area and to disrupt the LTTE formations, Air Force spokesperson further added.
Damages to the LTTE yet to be known.

General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake said that the alliance formed between the UNP and the SLMC have decided to contest the forthcoming Eastern Provincial elections under the theme- ‘saving the country from the satakaye saapaya (curse of the shawl)’.
The decision has been taken since this was an important political crossroad regarding future of the entire country.Considering the prevailing security conditions, the UNP-SLMC alliance hopes to conduct at least one rally in each of the districts where polls are to be held, Attanayake added.
These rallies will be participated by the two leaders of the parties, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rauff Hakeem, he added.
Leaders and candidates of those districts are already meeting people and conducting awareness programs, the UNP General Secretary said.
Through their election propaganda in the areas, the alliance hopes to create awareness regarding the fallout of the peace process as well as the skyrocketing cost of living.

Members of a Civil Defense Force(CDF) team were targeted by a LTTE terrorist Claymore mine explosion when they were on a route clearing patrol in the AREA of HALMILLEWETIYA , KEBBITHIGOLLEWA today (06) around 8.45.
Two CDF members injured in the explosion were admitted to the KEBBITHIGOLLEWA hospital .
A Special Task Force search operation in the area is in progress.

THREE SEPARATE ATTACKS conducted by the Army in the general area of MUHAMALE destroyed five LTTE bunkers Saturday (5).
A few terrorists were reportedly injured in a confrontation at NAGARKOVIL the same day evening around 4.10 p.m..

Three LTTE terrorists were killed and six were injured when the Army launched a fierce attack on a line of terrorist bunkers around 11.10 in the morning on Saturday (05) in WELIOYA.

The government vehemently condemns the cowardly assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle by the LTTE this morning. A press release issued by the government’s Information Department says the government also expressed its deepest sorrow regarding the deaths of others killed in the attack. Mr. Fernandopulle was an outspoken politician with exceptional attributes of courage. He was a democrat and appeared for the rights of all communities. His untimely demise is an irreparable loss to the Sri Lankan political firmament and especially to his colleagues in Parliament and the People of Katana and the Gampaha district.
The government says his demise will be mourned by all those who espouse democratic values and by all citizens regardless of ethnic identity and religious faith. The government emphasised that this act of terrorism underscores the importance of eliminating terrorism from the country. The government extended its deepest condolences to the wife and children of Mr. Fernandopulle and to the families of all those who died in the attack.

[Picture A bomb victim ]
Police and the security forces commenced special investigations on the LTTE suicide attack that killed Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle in the WELIWERIAYA town along with twelve others .

The Police said it suspects a suicide bomber pretending to be a marathon runner carried out the attack.

Television footage showed a powerful explosion a few feet away from the minister, regarded as a potential prime minister-in-waiting, as he addressed athletes lining up at the start of a marathon. "It was a suicide bombing of the Tigers," media minister Anura Yapa said.

 
Several political parties in the opposition are preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Acting Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Kitulgoda, claiming that the president had appointed him in breach of the law.

Commenting on the appointment, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake alleged the posting had been done in complete violation of the constitution of the country.

Only authorized officers have access to the Chamber, and if any outsider tries to gain entry, parliamentarians have the right to eject him, Mr. Attanayake said.

According to the UNP General Secretary, the party's written objections to Mr. Kitulgoda's appointment have been sent to the Speaker.

In addition, all parties in the opposition will bring a no-faith motion when Parliament begins sittings on April 08th.

When contacted for a comment on this proposed move, SLMC Secretary Hassen Ali said that his party would extend fullest support for same.

We also attempted to obtain a response from JVP Propaganda Secretary and MP Wimal Weerawansa by calling his mobile phone, but he had been in the midst of meetings on both occasions.

TNA's Suresh Premachandran said it was an unlawful act by the President to appoint a Secretary General to Parliament, with the absence of the Constitutional Council.

The TNA will support a common move by parties in the opposition, Mr. Premachandran added.
Our attempts to contact Minister of Constitutional Affairs Dew Gunasekara were futile.

Then we spoke to Mr. Kitulgoda himself, who said that he would not have accepted the position, had it been made in breach of the law.

 

Troops acting on civilian information yesterday (April 5) recovered a 15kg weighing mine dumped by LTTE in general area Pallaimunai, Mannar.

According to reports, the mine was found to be an improvised version of a land mine with 11/2 ft width and 1 ft height. The mine is also known as 'capt. Pawan 99' and was laden with TNT high explosives security sources said. An antenna receiver was also fitted to the mine, sources further said.

Troops further recovered a remote control device, 16m length detonator code, 2 electrical detonators and 2 medium size energy cells.

 


Weliweriya police which initially said that the attack was triggered by a suicide bomber, said while ago that a child marathon runner giving evidence to the police has said he had seen a parcel being thrown at Minister Fernandopulle by a person who came from the cemetery side. However the Police still don’t rule out it being a suicide attack.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo


Chief Organiser of the government and Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was killed in an LTTE suicide bomb attack this morning. The blast occurred at around 7.30 am while the Minister was at a marathon race in a Weliveriya.
Sources say the Minister arrived at the starting point of the Marathon to give the starting signal when the blast occurred. Police say the Minister was killed at the site and 11 others have also been killed. 99 persons were injured in this morning’s blast.
Hospital sources say 92 persons are receiving treatment at the Gampaha District Hospital. The condition of ten is critical. Three patients have been transferred to the Ragama Hospital. Four others are receiving treatment at the Accident Ward of the Colombo National Hospital.
The post-mortem has been conducted on the Minister and preparations have been made to convey the body to Colombo. The bodies of seven persons have been identified by their relatives. Marathon runner K.A. Karunarathne and National Athletic Coach Lakshman De Alwis are among those killed.

The office of Gampaha A.S.P. says the head believed to be that of the suicide bomber has been found. Police spokesman DIG N.K. Ilangakoon says special security arrangements have been made centering the site of the blast and search operations are being conducted around Weliveriya. IGP Victor Perera toured the site of the blast.
Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a father of two and aged 55 at the time of his assassination. He was born on 11th January 1953 and received his primary and secondary education at Ave-Maria Convent and Maris Stella College in Negombo. Passing out from the Sri Lanka Law College, his legal career commenced in 1977. In 1983 he was appointed as the Organizer in the electorate of Katana for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
He was elected to Parliament from the Gampaha District in 1989. In 1994 he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the second time and was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration. In 1997 he was appointed as the Minister of Plan Implementation and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2000 he was appointed the Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Christian Religion Affairs. In 2004 Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was appointed the Minister of Trade and chief government whip of parliament.

The late minister is renowned as a leader committed to enhance ethnic relations between Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. He is also noted as a Minister who frequently kept in touch with the media regarding current developments. The late Minister gave his final comments to the SLBC at around 6.50 this morning regarding the eastern provincial election while travelling to Weliveriya for the Marathon race.

In a message of condolence Minister of Information and Mass Media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says the untimely demise of Minister Fernandopulle creates a huge void in the country’s political arena in addition to being a great loss to the country. The Minister appreciated the role played by the late Minister in solving the ethnic issue and advancing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. The Minister added that the need of this moment is to take forward the attempts of Minister Fernandopulle and eradicate terrorism.
The Presidential Secretariat says the final rites of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle will be conducted with state honours. President Mahinda Rajapakse has directed relevant units in this regard.
 

The LTTE suicide cadre who targeted Minister Fernandopulle had come in the guise of a marathon runner participating at the New Year sports event, Weliweriya police said. Over ten people have reportedly been killed in the blast.
Sri Lanka’s former marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne is also among those killed in the Weliweriya bomb blast this morning. Karu represented Sri Lanka at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
National Athletic coach Lakshaman De Alwis is among those who got killed in the bomb attack that killed Minister Fernandopulle ’.

LTTE terrorists have exploded a bomb targeting a road marathon organized in the Weliweriaya town around 7.30 this morning.
Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, who was the chief guest to the occasion along with many civilians was reported killed in the cowardly bomb attack. According to latest reports received, at least 12 people were killed and over 90 injured in the explosion.

K.A Karunarathne is also said to be among the dead who was a former national and South Asian marathon gold medalist.

The bomb has been exploded just before the Minister declared the start of the marathon at the Kanthi play ground, in Weliweriaya, corresponding with a 'Hindu-Sinhala New Year' event.

Meanwhile, Gampaha Division SSP Hector Darmasiri was also seriously injured and admitted to the General Hospital at Gampaha. Gampaha Hospital sources, speaking to defence.lk said that over 90 people were admitted with serious injuries. 3 civilians were also admitted to the general hospital at Ragama and one was reported in critical condition, according to Ragama hospital sources.

Minister Jeyaraj was a politician who represented the parliament from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party since 1983. A lawyer by profession, Minister Jeyraj was a fluent speaker in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. Being a faithful catholic the Minister expressed his concerns over LTTE's occupation of scared Madhu church and the removal of the Madhu statue.

During his career, Minister Jeyaraj has held the many ministerial portfolios including, the Minster of Catholic Affairs, Minister of Ethnic Concession and National Unity, Minister of Port and Aviation, and Minister of Road Development. He was 55 years old and a father of two children.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent children, Tamil and Sinhalese political leaders in indiscriminate bomb attacks. FBI in a recent report called LTTE the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world.

UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake said that the alliance formed between the UNP and the SLMC have decided to contest the forthcoming Eastern Provincial elections under the theme- ‘saving the country from the satakaye saapaya (curse of the shawl)’.
The decision has been taken since this was an important political crossroad regarding future of the entire country.
Considering the prevailing security conditions, the UNP-SLMC alliance hopes to conduct at least one rally in each of the districts where polls are to be held, Attanayake added.
These rallies will be participated by the two leaders of the parties, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rauff Hakeem, he added.
Leaders and candidates of those districts are already meeting people and conducting awareness programs, the UNP General Secretary said.
Through their election propaganda in the areas, the alliance hopes to create awareness regarding the fallout of the peace process as well as the skyrocketing cost of living.

Additional Director General of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Dewapriya Abeysinghe has been suspended with immediate effect, reports say.
This step comes after MP Wijayadasa Rajapakse was given a DVD copy of the SLRC footage done on his “Hiru Sandu Arana” variety show by Abeysinghe.
The show marked the launch of eight books, the audio CD “Hiru Sandu Arana”, the short film ‘Agnidesh’ and the personal website of Wijayadasa Rajapaksha.
“Hiru Sandu Arana” was held with the presence of distinguished invitees at the Water’s Edge on February 06th 2008
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, SLFP (M) leader Mangala Samaraweera, MP R. Sampanthan, ,dignitaries of the judiciary, ambassadors, artistes, heads of media institutions and journalists graced the event.
MP Rajapaksa and the SLRC had signed a pact to broadcast the event, which was set for two hours and was paid a sum of Rs. 6,32,000 in return.
Accordingly, the event was broadcasted on March 01st.
Despite being paid for two hours of airtime, the SLRC Chairman has edited the programme, reducing it to 1 ½ hours, which included advertisements for nearly 15 minutes.
Two days before the program was scheduled to be aired, over 20 telephone calls by Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, requesting to see the edited copy was left unanswered.
No media institution airs an edited version of a program without the approval their client.

There has been a steady stream of civilians escaping to Government controlled areas from the Un- cleared areas and reporting to camps of the Security Forces in the Mannar Sector recently complaining of continuous harassment by the LTTE terrorists.
Five more civilians including a father aged 66 years and mother aged 63, reported to the Sri Lanka Navy Camp at Pallimunai , Mannar on Friday (04) morning around 8.30 . They were also with their three daughters aged 22, 21 and the youngest being 17 years.
The parents had complained that they had left their homes in the - Un- cleared areas by hiring a boat which cost them Rs100,000 as they lived in fear that their daughters of marriageable age will be forcibly recruited by the Tiger terrorists.

The Army between the wee hours of Friday (04) between 3.00 until 9.00 in the night launched a series of fierce attacks continuously and destroyed seven (07) LTTE terrorists bunkers ahead of the MUHAMALAI FDL's in JAFNA. Troops believed that they inflicted severe damage to the LTTE.

Air Force MI 24 helicopters engaged an LTTE mortar position on Friday (04) around 12.30 in the afternoon in the ANDANKULAM area, MANNAR. Pilots had confirmed that the target was successfully engaged.
It has now been revealed that two (02) terrorists were killed and eight were injured in the attack.
A soldier has been reported injured due to the explosion of an anti- personnel mine in the PULIYANKULAM area, MANNAR, on Friday (04) while another solder was also injured due to the explosion of an anti- personnel mine in the PARAYANAKULAM area in the afternoon around 12.15.

FourLTTE terrorists were killed by Troops during a confrontation in theANDANKULAM area, WELIOYA on Friday (04) around 11.00 in the morningwhile another terrorist was killed during a confrontation in the Northof JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA around 10.10 in the morning while yetanother terrorist was killed in the same area in WELIOYA around 11.45in the morning.
Meanwhile, A total of 218 anti- personnel mines consisting of 65 and153 anti personnel mines were recovered by Troops at 12.30 and 2.30respectively in the afternoon in the same area of JANAKAPURA North,WELIOYA on Friday (04).

The Army and Police conducting a joint search operation recovered three hand grenades from the THAMBALAGAMA area, TRINCOMALEE on Friday (04) in the morning around 9.30.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

JVP Parliamentary Group leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa was not attended for the JVP’s annual April Heroes Day event held today at the Vihara Maha Devi Park, amidst reports of a major split in the party.

However leader of the party Somawansa Amarasingha said, "The party is unhesitant in taking disciplinary action against a party member, irrespective of position, when the need arises. If any party member fails to carry out the duties entrusted, the party takes over all positions that particular member holds.

"Speaking at the JVP’s annual April Heroes Day event held this evening at the Viharamahadevi park, Colombo Mr.Amarasingha did not disclose about Wimal Weerawansa’s suspension.However he said the UNP would be defeated from the Eastern Polls.

In yesterday a number of local media institutions published reports about Weerawansa’s suspension. According to the reports the JVP has decided to suspend the membership of Propaganda Secretary and parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, on 21 March.

The party, it is reported, has decided not to make public the decision until after the eastern Provincial Council (PC) elections.However JVP strongman and Parliamentarian Lal kantha denies media reports regarding the alleged suspension of Wimal Weerawansa from the party.

Lanka Dissent .com which leads this story on Friday said it stands by its article published that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has suspended the party membership of Wimal Weerawansa, its politburo member and Propaganda Secretary.JVP MP K.D. Lal Kantha told 'Derana TV' today that media reports regarding Mr. Weerawansa's suspension were incorrect.

His statement comes after the television station gave wide publicity today to same through its SMS News Alerts. Mr. Weerawansa had not been invited to the March 21st meeting of the Central Committee meeting, and after lengthy discussions, it decided to take back his party positions, 'Lanka Dissent' declares to its readership with responsibilityMeanwhile, Mr. Weerawansa was a notable absentee at the 37th April Heroes commemoration of the JVP that was ceremoniously held at Viharamaha Devi Open Air Theatre in Colombo.

No clear reason was given for his absence.Led by JVP leader Wimal Weerawansa, all politburo members of the party participated.The party's Secretary Tilvyn Silva and politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake are presently abroad on official duties.

(Lanka-e-News, ) UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella says that the jungle law of the Rajapakse regime has armed the Pillaiyan Group that contests to the Eastern Provincial Council while submitting a motion to the courts to seek permission to reduce security of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem.
As soon as Hakeem resigned from the portfolio, his security was reduced and he had to go to courts to retain his security. The government went to courts seeking permission to reduce the security of the SLMC leader just as he resigned from the parliament to contest to the Eastern Provincial Council. Mr. Kiriella said that the government attempts to reduce the security of Mr. Hakeem who is under threat for a long time, to expose him to victimization.
At a press conference held in the official residence of the Opposition Leader, Mr. Kiriella questioned on what basis 30 to 40 security personnel had been provided to Rajapakse family members and several hundreds personnel to Pillaiyan while reducing security of the SLMC leader.

The dead body of a female LTTE cadre who was killed in entry-exit point in OMANTHA, VAVUNIYA was handed over to the LTTE through the ICRC .

by Shamindra Ferdinando
The unprecedented electoral deal between the UNP and SLMC to contest the first ever elections to the Eastern Provincial Council would help the main Opposition party to re-build its support base in the East, political sources said.
Despite initial reservations, the SLMC had accepted the UNP’s right to nominate Muslims to contest all three districts in the Eastern Province, the sources said.
The SLMC had initially reiterated that the UNP shouldn’t put forward any Muslims in keeping with their previous electoral pact which prevented the main opposition party from nominating a single Muslim in predominantly Muslim electoral districts at the last parliamentary elections in April 2004. A committee headed by former UNP Chairman N. G. P. Panditharatne that probed the UNP defeat had pointed out that the electoral pact with the SLMC, too, had contributed to the defeat, the sources said.
The sources said UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who led the recent negotiations, had rejected that surmise. Naushad A. Majeed, in charge of Muslim affairs in the East, who had been involved in the discussions with the SLMC, had wanted the UNP to field three candidates each from Ampara and Trincomalee and two from Batticaloa.
Majeed who unsuccessfully contested the Digamadulla electoral district at the last parliamentary election on the SLMC ticket but subsequently switched allegiance to the UNP had challenged the SLMC. Later they had agreed that the UNP would field two candidates each for the Ampara and Trincomalee districts and one for Batticaloa.
The UNP also said Naushad would contest Digamadulla as its main chief candidate at the May 10 elections. Political sources said the UNP’s stand forced the SLMC leadership to call a special meeting to discuss the developments. Under heavy pressure to reassert its position, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, General Secretary Hassen Ali (SLMC National List) and Chairman Basheer Segudawood (Appointed through the UNP National List) had quit their seats in Parliament to contest the elections on the UNP ticket. The sources likened this to SLMC ‘A’ team contesting on the UNP ticket.
Their decision should be viewed against the backdrop of their being compelled to contest on the UNP ticket despite initially vowing not to give up the tree symbol, a political analyst said. With their resignation, the SLMC had been reduced to just two MPs (Mohammed Faizal and Mohammed Shafeek Rajabdeen). Faizal represents the Digamadulla electorate while Rajabdeen entered Parliament after the assassination of UNP Colombo District MP T. Maheswaran on the first of January this year.
This was due to the SLMC contesting the Colombo District on the UNP ticket. Well informed sources said Hakeem’s vacancy in Parliament would be filled by Naushad who was next in line on the Digamadulla list. The SLMC wouldn’t fill the two National List vacancies until the elections were over, the sources said. The sources said the result of Digamadulla electorate would decide the ultimate winner.

The first suspect in the Wasgamuwa National Wildlife Park double murder was arrested by the Kandy Region Special Investigation Unit last Friday.
The suspect B. Thilakaratne alias "Konhora Malaya" was arrested while hiding in the house of a relative at Dewanagala in Mawanella, police said.
Police were on the lookout for him following the brutal killing of the care-taker of the circuit bungalow and a guide of the park on the night of January 28.
The two victims, Samarakoon and Dingiribanda were found hacked to death in the bungalow by the police the following day.
Initially, police believed that the LTTE had killed them, but within a week investigators arrested four men from Dehiattakandiya, who had joined a hooch-party in the bungalow on the night of the killings.
These arrests led to the recovery of the shot gun issued officially to the caretaker of the bungalow and several other articles that had been robbed from the bungalow.
The arrest of the prime suspect was made by a police team led by Chief Inspector M. Farook and IP M. Rafaithu on the directions of DIG (Central) Kingsley Ekanayake and SP Gamini Seneviratne.

By Susitha R. Fernando
The Supreme Court yesterday severely warned the Chairman, Board of Directors and General Manager of the CEB who were all present in court while pointing out that they would be charged for contempt of court if they fail to supply electricity to one of its consumers within the day.
The CEB promised to supply electricity to Citialert Security (Pvt) Ltd of Jethawana Road, Colombo 14 after which the application for contempt of court was withdrawn.
Following the CEB’s failure to comply with an interim order issued by the Supreme Court top CEB officials were personally summoned to be charged with contempt of court.
The bench comprising Justices Shiranee Tillakawardane, Nimal Dissanayake and Andrew Somawansa warned them that if they could not comply with the court order the next step would be to remand them.
Last Wednesday the court issued notice on CEB Chairman W. A. S. Perera, Vice Chairman K. A. Ranaweera, Board Members, B. A. Galwatta, J. P. Hettiarachchi, Senaka Sarathchandra, H. P. Cashian Herath, Lalith R. de Silva, General Manager Pulleperuma and Area Engineer- Colombo North, Mrs. P. H. D. Zoysa to appear in court personally to inquire into charges of contempt of court for failing to comply with a court order.
Following a petition being filed by the security firm the Courts had on March 11 directed the CEB to supply electricity to the part of the premises occupied by the petitioner an action the respondents had allegedly failed to comply with thereby drawing on themselves the wrath of the Courts. However the petitioner withdrew the application for contempt of court when CEB officials personally undertook to resume the supply of electricity to the petitioner on that very day.
Counsel Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera instructed by G. G. Arulpragasam appeared for Citialert Security (Pvt) Ltd.

Amnesty International is concerned that Journalist J. S. Tissainaygam, who was detained by the Terrorist Investigation Division, is at risk of going blind if he does not receive specialist treatment for a serious eye condition.

Sri Lanka will contest the post of Director General, WHO that falls vacant next month, a spokesman of the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition said today.
Sri Lanka is in an advantageous position to win the influential post as a result of its performance in eradicating certain disease like Polio and the controlling the spread or HIV /AIDS, hydrophobia and the role played in the ratification of Kyoto Protocol by UN member countries, he said.

Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, Zhong Shan will lead a delegation to Sri Lanka from 17 to 19 April.
During the visit the Vice Governor Shan is scheduled to call on the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion and Export Development and International Trade.
The delegation will comprise Zeng Haoming, Vice Head/Department of Information Industry, Peng Ba, Vice Director/Foreign Affairs Office, Chen Rufang, Vice Head/Foreign Economy and Trade, Zhang Geng, Head/Bingjiang District, Zhu Jun, Head/Zhejiang People’s Government (General Office) and Ms. Yang Jing, Interpreter.

Mr. Weerawansa is accused of violating the party discipline
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's political ally, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has decided to take displinary action against one of their most senior leaders.
JVP has decided to suspend the membership of Propaganda Secretary and parliamentary group leader, Wimal Weerawansa, on 21 March, media reports said.

The party, it is reported, has decided not to make public the decision until after the eastern Provincial Council (PC) elections.

The JVP is to mark the 37 anniversary of the first JVP uprising in Colombo on Saturday.

When asked by BBC Sandeshaya whether Mr. Weerawansa would attend the rally, JVP parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said the question simply does not arise.


Mr. Herath says party delegates will attend Saturday's rally 'as usual'

There was no need to specifically question his participation, Vijitha Herath said, adding that those who were nominated by the party would attend the rally as usual on Saturday.

He refused to comment on media reports of displinary action against the parliamentary group leader.

Mr. Weerawansa, who was regarded as the JVP's public face, was reportedly accused of violating the party discipline.

While JVP senior leaders called for the disarmament of the militant groups in the east before the PC elections, Wimal Weerawansa recently argued otherwise.

He has told journalists in Colombo, last week, that those who argue that Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) should be disarmed should 'consult a psychologist'.

The TMVP which is formed by Karuna is currently led by Pillayan, who contests the elections with the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The JVP earlier sacked another senior leader, Nandana Gunathilake.

Mr. Gunathilake who was JVP's presidential candidate in 1999 supported Rajapaksa government at the vote for budget proposals, last year, as JVP abstained from voting.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva says there is a decline in the suicide rate in Sri Lanka during the period of past few years.
Programmes launched island wide by the Ministry of Health with the view of developing the mental health of persons have largely contributed to this remarkable change in the suicide rate.
The Minister revealed this information at a media briefing held in Colombo today for the launching of the first national report on Harassment and Health in Sri Lanka. The report has focused attention on various types of violence prevailing in the society.
These are violence against children and youth, negligence of elders and sadistic, self-inflicted and group violence. The government has implemented effective programmes to avoid all types of violence. The Minister said the government will ban women leaving the country for serve as house maids in the Middle East countries with the view of minimizing violence against children.

JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa’s party membership had been suspended by the party Central Committee, local websites said
The Central Committee of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna that met on March 21st has decided to suspend the party membership of its Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa with immediate effect, party sources said.

Sri Lanka air force sources say that LTTE mortar positions located in the North of Yodawawa area have been attacked this afternoon using Russian built MI 24 helicopter gun ships.
According to the sources the attacks have been carried out around 12.30.p.m. on information obtained through military intelligence reports. The targets have been accurately hit, the sources added citing helicopter pilots

Military reports received from Mannar battlefront today (April 4) indicate that four terrorists have been killed so far during the day's battles.

According to the reports, 2 terrorists have been killed by snipers deployed in Adampan and Malikaittidal areas this evening.

Also, intercepted radio transmission among LTTE elements reveal that 2 terrorists have been killed and 8 others injured in the air raid conducted at LTTE mortar positions in the Alankulma area this afternoon.
Meanwhile, one soldier has suffered injuries due to LTTE mortar fire in Northeast of Parappakandal around 12.40.p.m.

Close and repeated assessment as well as inquiry into the ground realities and the needs of the fellow-soldiers is of prime importance to a commanding officer who spearheads warfare in order to salvage thousands of civilians living under the diktats of a megalomaniac who is now the most-feared terrorist in the world.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, Commander of the Army, as part of his routine agenda despite his day's heavy workload, never fails to visit operational areas and mingle with his men of all ranks. The objective is to learn of the ground realities, logistics and more importantly, to speak to soldiers on the ground for first-hand information.

Lieutenant General Fonseka, repeating this practice Friday (4) morning took time off to meet Wanni Security Forces Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya and Senior Officers in Wanni at the Vavuniya Headquarters and discussed several issues related to ongoing offensives in those respective areas. Commander Lieutenant General Fonseka made inquiries regarding torrential rains that inundated operational areas, sudden outbreak of viral diseases and its effects on the soldiers. He also took stock of developments in the areas where fighting patrols are engaged while Engineer troops are busy unearthing booby traps and explosive devices. Division, Brigade and Unit Commanders were present on the occasion to listen to their Commander.

Domination of newly captured areas, arrangements organized to receive more and more displaced people and passage of soldiers on leave to mark the forthcoming National New Year Festival were among the major concerns that were taken up during discussions. Lieutenant General Fonseka issued further advice to the ground troops before he left Wanni.

Three LTTE cadres surrendered to Sri Lanka Army yesterday (April 3) told that three bands of the LTTE terrorists known as Malthi, Radha and Charles Anthony are presently occupying the sacred Madhu church premises.
The three LTTE cadres who had surrendered to army camp at Kattiadampan in Mannar last morning also told that they had to dessert the outfit due to unbearable harassments they had to suffer in the hands of senior LTTE cadres.
According to the surrendees, they had been forcibly recruited to the armed mob called "police" of LTTE in year 2007, and were deployed for terrorists activities in the South of Madhu area after few days of training . The three youths had made an abortive attempt to dessert outfit few months back and later ended up at an LTTE torturing camp at Kanakapuram in Kilinochchi.
"We had suffered despicable inhuman treatments at the camp. However, they (LTTE) redeployed us in the Madhu area few weeks ago due to shortage of cadres, one surrendee has told a defence official. According to the surrendees, they had managed to escape the LTTE hold whilst they had been taken to Chettiyarkattiadmapan area, a week ago.
The surrendees have also revealed that large number of LTTE cadres belonging to Radha, Malathi and Charles Anthony bands had a strong presence in the Madhu church at the time that they had left the area. The terrorists had deployed their heavy and medium calibre weapons within 100 -75m range around the church premises and often launched attacks at security forces taking cover from the church, the surrendees have told. Also, they have revealed that the band led by Jeyam, had withdrawn his camp from Madhu church as his command from the back become ineffective to hold the LTTE cadres in the frontlines against advancing troops.

The Government yesterday categorically stated that no Constitutional Amendments are needed to qualify for GSP Plus status from the European Union.
"The Government has rejected this view consistently and unequivocally. The Government's position is now amply vindicated by an authoritative ruling of the Supreme Court that the rights in question are firmly embedded in our legal system and are enforceable through the judicial process in Sri Lanka," a Government statement stated yesterday.
It has been maintained that compliance with conditions for obtaining GSP+ concessions is impossible without amending of Sri Lanka's Constitution.
This argument, propagated mainly by an NGO, is entirely erroneous and based on untruths, the statement added.
The Government's response to this is that it would be not merely irresponsible but indeed wicked to deprive hundreds of thousands of workers of their livelihoods on the basis of a construction of the law which was clearly erroneous and which the highest Court in the land has now held to be fundamentally wrong.
This is the view expressed by the NGO and echoed by the Leader of the Opposition, which is now conclusively rejected by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
It is now irrefutably established that the call for the initiatives proposed by the NGO and supported by the Leader of the Opposition is based on a profound misconstruction of the law. The propaganda which has been carried out strenuously on this flawed footing, has caused, and is continuing to cause, grave damage to Sri Lanka's cause.
"It is much to be regretted that these obstacles and impediments arise entirely from action by groups within our shores, deliberately calculated to prejudice the minds of decision-makers on grounds which are demonstrably unwarranted.
Against these odds, the Government remains steadfast in its resolve to do everything in its power to protect the trade and economic interests of this nation, while upholding its sovereignty and legitimate sense of pride."

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said its 'BB-' ratings on Sri Lanka Telecom Plc. are not affected by the recent change in ownership.
Japan's Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. sold its entire 35 percent stake in Sri Lanka Telecom to Malaysia's Global Telecommunications Holdings N.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Usaha Tegas Sdn. Bhd.
S&P said it expects the new shareholder to be in Sri Lanka Telecom's management and have board representation, and the government to continue to refrain from adverse intervention, given the competitive nature of the telecommunication industry and the active participation of domestic and foreign investors in the company.The rating agency has a negative outlook on the company.

The Sri Lankan government said Friday that over 50,000 families displaced in clashes in the east when situation deteriorated there in 2006 have now been resettled.
"During the last 10 months we have managed to resettle 17,938 families in Trincomalee and 31,343 families in Batticaloa," A. M. Razick, the secretary to the Ministry of Re-settlement told reporters on Friday.
Razick said this represents over 150,000 individuals, adding that over 8,000 families are yet to be resettled.
The government's resettlement of the internally displaced people began after it secured the entire Eastern Province from the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in July 2007.
Extensive clashes between the LTTE and government troops broke out in the province in mid-2006 when the LTTE carried out continued attacks around the eastern port of Trincomalee.
Government troops in a systematic military operation secured Sampur in the district of Trincomalee which was the LTTE's seat ofeastern administration and then evicted the rebels from Vakarai, their stronghold in the Batticaloa district.
The government now says major action plan is underway to restore civilian life in the province.
A local council election in the province's Batticaloa district was held last month.
The Eastern Provincial Council election is to be held on May 10.

While Attorney General submitted a motion on SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem’s security, the Supreme Court refrained from giving a fresh ruling on the matter and therefore the status quo on his security remains. Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said that Hakeem can file a FR case if the government moves to prune his security.

The UNP today charged there are attempts by the government to victimise SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem and expressed concerns that he might face the same fate as that of UNP Colombo District MP T. Maheshwaran.

Petroleum workers yesterday accused Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayake of following in the foot steps of non Cabinet Minister Mervyn Silva after the politician allegedly threatened a senior official for not paying his mobile phone bill.
A spokesman for the Ceylon Petroleum Common Service Union said: "had the government acted swiftly when Silva triggered chaos at SLRC late December, Dissanayake wouldn’t have dared to act in a similar way.
The union alleged that the Deputy Minister had stormed the CPC premises with a group of outsiders and threatened the Deputy Finance Manager. The union claimed the politician had grabbed the Deputy Finance Manager’s phone demanding that his phone bill should be paid in full.
The union expressed serious concern over the conduct of the politician. A spokesman said President Mahinda Rajapaksa should take disciplinary action against Dissanayake. "We will not tolerate such tactics," he said.
The union’s Convener D. J. Rajakaruna said the Deputy Minister wanted the CPC to settle his telephone bill amounting to Rs 500,000.
The Finance Division of the Corporation said that they wouldn’t pay phone bills other than the official phone bill. This decision was taken by the Board recently, the spokesman said, vowing they wouldn’t give into political pressure.
The Deputy Minister wasn’t available for comment.

Two Iranians arrived at Arichalmunai seashore along with a group of 12 Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees in Rameswaram on Thursday.
Official sources said that the refugees were dropped by a clandestine boat operator at the fifth isle off Mandapam Coast, fearing Indian Coast Guard (ICG). However, the stranded Sri Lankans and Iranians were taken to Arichalmunai seashore by an Indian fishing trawler.TN Police suspected that the Arabic-speaking Iranians could be experts in making or providing training in lethal weapons and might have served in the LTTE camps in Sri Lanka.

The Army launched a fierce attack and captured a line of LTTE bunkers while at the same time inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA on Thursday (03) around 11.20 in the morning.
A number of weapons and military hardware were recovered by Troops during a search operation conducted after the incident.
Meanwhile two terrorists were killed ruing a confrontation with Troops in the JANAKAPURA area, WELIOYA, on Thursday (03) . A soldier was also reported injured in a confrontation at KIRIBBANWEWA area, WELIOYA yesterday (03) around 1.45 in the afternoon.

SLAF fighter jets bombed an LTTE training base located in general area Pulopalai, South East of security forces FDL - Muhamalai this morning (04 April). Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya speaking to defence.lk said that the air raid was conducted between 6.20 a.m and 6.40 am today with fighter jets.
Air raid was launched observing latest development at the targeted LTTE base through the air surveillance conducted recently, he added. The pilots confirmed that targeted LTTE training facility was completely destroyed due to the bombardment.

Defence sources in the Wanni battlefront citing intelligence reports say that LTTE terrorists have ordered the priests in the Madhu church to leave church premises with immediate effect. According to the sources, LTTE terrorists have issued their orders today (April 3) with the full backing of an influential terrorist supporter in Mannar, in order to spare the church premises for terrorist activities.
Earlier, LTTE had positioned its heavy mortar and artillery guns at close range to the church in order to take cover from the civilian refugees at the church, said the sources. However, as the priests and the refugees started to protest against the cowardly tactics of LTTE, the terrorists have ordered the priests to leave the church premises, the sources added.
Meanwhile, the sources citing the reports said that the priests have managed to take the sacred statue of our lady of Madhu with them despite the strong protests of the LTTE terrorists.
The sacred area has been declared a no war zone and the Sri Lankan security forces have spared the area from military offensives.

Fishermen had recovered an oxygen cylinder in the sea off MANKERNI, BATTICALOA and handed it over to the Army on Thursday (03).

Troops recovered six 81 mm mortar bombs and six Fuses during a search operation in the SAGARAPURA area, TRINCOMALEE on Thursday.

THOTHUKUDI: As many as 12 Kanyakumari fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard in Thoothukudi on Thursday.
On March 7, 62 fishermen, 31 from Thoothur and another 31 from Chinnathurai, were detained when they were fishing in the Indian coastal waters. The first batch of 50 fishermen were released by the Sri Lankan Navy on March 9.
The remaining 12 fishermen, released after 27 days in captivity, landed in Thoothukudi after they were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard at the midsea by the Sri Lankan naval authorities.
Fishermen returned to their homes in coastal hamlets Vallavilai, Eraimanthaurai Thoothur.
Though a Sri Lankan court had released them on March 24 after absolving them of charges of crossing the international maritime boundary line, it took another week for them to reach Indian shores, said Andrew, one of the fishermen who returned home after the ordeal.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Ranjith Page, Chief Executive Officer at Cargills (Ceylon) Ltd was honoured with the ‘Business Leader of the Year’ (Large Scale Organisation) Gold Award at the glittering CIMA Janashakthi Pinnacle awards held at the Cinnamon Grand on Wednesday 02 April 2008. The most distinguished honour on offer, this national level award is held in high esteem by the business community and recognises leaders who have made a significant contribution not only to their organization, but also to the business community. The Gold Award winner of the Business leader will receive a scholarship to the Annual Programme on “The Job of the Chief Executive” at the Singapore Institute of Management, Singapore.Ranjith Page, Chief Executive Officer at Cargills (Ceylon) Ltd was honoured with the ‘Business Leader of the Year’ (Large Scale Organisation) Gold Award at the glittering CIMA Janashakthi Pinnacle awardsAcknowledged as one of the premier events in the country’s business events calendar, the CIMA Janashakthi Pinacle Awards celebrate business excellence, leadership, management and team work at the highest standards. They also reward excellence in professionalism among the cream of Sri Lanka’s business community.
Chief Guest at the Awards was Nobel Prize Co-Winner Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, who was joined by a host of distinguished invitees from the financial, accounting and corporate world. W.T. Ellawala, Chairman of Janashakthi Insurance Company Ltd, which has partnered CIMA with this awards scheme since its inception and has sponsored the event for the fifth consecutive year, was present as Guest of Honour.
Ravindra Pitigalage, Chief Financial Officer at Lanka Transformers Group of Companies triumphed as the CFO of the Year (Large Scale Organisation).
The Gold Award for the Young CIMA Star of the Year was awarded to Asanka Wimalaratne, General Manager at Textprint Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Dayan Gunasekera, Management Accountant at Hemas Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd took home the Silver Award in this category while Himashi De Silva, Asset and Liability Management Officer at Sampath Bank Ltd won the Bronze Award in this category. Three Merit Awards went to Kasuni Silva, Fadhil Jiffrey, and Malika Perera.
The Gold Award for the CIMA Business Manager of the Year was awarded to G. Ramanan, CEO at HNB Securities Ltd.
The winners of The Young CIMA Star, Business Manager of the Year and the Chief Financial Officer of the Year will receive a scholarship to a two-week executive programme at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, said to be India's best business school.
The Gold Award for the Management Team of the Year was awarded to Lanka Bell (Pvt) Ltd while the Merit Award went to Amba Research Lanka (Pvt).
Congratulating the winners, Chief Guest at the Awards, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Co-Winner Prof. Mohan Munasinghe said, “The high calibre of award winners shows that there is no dearth of talent in Sri Lanka, which should be a cause for both pride and optimism, as we face the challenges of the 21st century. In particular, addressing issues like sustainable development, poverty alleviation and climate change will require us to focus on not only the economic, but also the social and environmental dimensions. The business sector has a critical and constructive role to play, in collaboration with government and civil society”.
Guest of Honour and Chairman of Janashakthi Insurance Company W.T. Ellawala said, “The CIMA Janashakthi Pinnacle Awards were created five years ago to recognise and facilitate the accomplishment of business leadership and financial professionalism, to recognise talent, skills, to focus on ambition and the determination to achieve. Excellence and professionalism are two core values instilled deep in the culture of Janashakthi Insurance. Our continuing association with the Pinnacle Awards demonstrates our commitment to encourage these attributes in local business. We will continue to partner CIMA by sponsoring the Pinnacle Awards because of our commitment to encourage professionalism and entrepreneurship in the financial services business, and in all other spheres of life.
The winners were selected by an eminent panel of judges, top professionals drawn from diverse fields and expertise, who made the selections after studying the applications and finally personally interviewing each of the short listed candidates. They were Trevine Fernandopulle, Ravi Peiris, Richard Jurienz, Rohini Nanayakkara, Dr.Uditha Liyange.

From tissaattanayake.lk
UNP launches its island wide protest campaign `Satakaye Sapaya `on Thursday at 10.00 a.m. at all Main Towns in Sri Lanka.
UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said, this protest campaign proved to be a resounding success going by the massive crowds who thronged the Towns in support of this campaign. Indeed, mammoth crowds who gathered even exceeded expectations of the Organizers. The large crowds shouted slogans and protested against the Rajapakse government’s absolute failure to provide urgent solutions to the country’s burning problems.
They also urged he Govt. Not to drive the country further into irredeemable despair and devastation. They demonstrated against the Govt.`s inability to solve the ethnic war leading the country into panic and fear, while also turning a blind eye to the escalating cost of living, and rapid steep price hikes burdening and crippling the people.
Amidst unexpected crowds joining in the protests `These kitchen utensils are of no use as we are starving under this Govt. and no food has been cooked in them for several days owing to the high cost of living and prices of food.
`They also protested against the Govt.`s efforts to plunge the country to an unprecedented Black Sinhala New year without food, money, peace and freedom.
The huge crowds at the demonstrations loudly vowed to drive out this corrupt, tyrannical, inefficient and lawless Rajapakse regime along with its `curse of the shawl` or `Satakaye Sapaya ` via this campaign, and to install a UNP regime which is the only Govt. that is a repository of the hopes of the presently hopeless and hapless masses!
This Campaign will be intensified and conducted Island wide in the future: meetings, seminars and processions will also be conducted, said Tissa Attanayake, Gen. Secretary of the UNP.

The security provided to Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem has been completely withdrawn.
However, he will be given security as a candidate at the eastern provincial council elections.The withdrawal of Hakeem’s security came in a motion filed by the Attorney General on behalf of the IGP and the Defence Secretary, in response to a fundamental rights petition by Hakeem, that was taken up today (Apr. 03rd).On February 11th, the SC took up the petition filed by Hakeem, and ordered that he should be provided with backup vehicle and security personnel, to which the AG had consented.The FR petition will be taken up again tomorrow.

Three LTTE terrorists were surrendered to the Army. All three of the surrenders revealed that they have no protection and they have faced lots of inhumanities with the LTTE terrorists. These are the reasons that they have decided to escape from the LTTE terrorist organisation.

A.M.M. Naushad will take oaths as a member of parliament on April 08th to fill the post that fell vacant following the resignation of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem from his parliamentary seat.
Naushad is a son of M.I.M. Majid, former MP representing the Akkarapattu electorate in Ampara.
He entered politics in 1983 from the UNP. He also served as Deputy Secretary of the UNP in 2001.In the same year, he left the UNP and contested general elections from an independent group, after the SLMC entered into a pact with the main opposition party.At the election, his group polled the highest number of preferential votes. At the 2004 parliamentary election, Naushad contested on the UNP-SLMC ticket and polled the third highest number of preferential votes.

Catholic clergy removes the statue of OUR LADY OF MADHU from Madhu church Mannar under LTTE pressure in this evening.
The Lady of Madhu shrine has been removed to a safe place. According to the recent reports the LTTE terrorists launched Mortar attacks on the MADU Church and closer areas. These attacks were also launched to the priests who were living in the church.The church has now been completely deserted.

The Office of the Elections Commissioner says the Eastern Provincial Council Election will be held on the 10th of next month. The acceptance of nominations for the election ended at 12.00 noon today. The election on the 10th of May will be held for the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee.

The Government of Myanmar has agreed to provide five thousand metric tons of rice immediately to Sri Lanka. This is the result of a discussion between President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Government of Myanmar. A delegation headed by Minister Bandula Gunawardena will leave for Myanmar tomorrow to further discuss on this issue.
Secretary to the Ministry of Trade says first shipment is expected to reach the Island next Saturday.
Minister Gunawardena said that many countries including India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Cambodia have also agreed to provide rice to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile the Government says it will declare a maximum retail price for rice.
The Ministry of Trade says it plans to import rice from India, Burma and Pakistan in time for the upcoming festival season.
Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena says India has relaxed its stern policy regarding exportation of rice and rice stocks from that country is expected to reach Sri Lanka within the next few days. End

RAMANATHAPURAM: Sri Lankan refugee camps, particularly those in southern and central Tamil Nadu, are under the police scanner in view of United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Karaikudi on Saturday.
She will participate in the inaugural function of an auditorium constructed by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for Alagappa University and attend a rally at Karaikudi. There are about 108 Sri Lankan refugee camps in the State. Of them, the Mandapam camp in Ramanathapuram district and Kottapattu in Tiruchi district are protected. Over 7,000 Sri Lankan Tamils stay in these two camps.
According to a rough estimate, more than one lakh Sri Lankan Tamils are living in various parts of the State. In Sivaganga district, where Karaikudi is situated, there are six opens camps at Thayamangalam, Okkur, Monkiloorani, Devakottai and Nattarasankottai, which has two camps.
Sanjiv Kumar, Inspector General of Police, South Zone, who is camping at Karaikudi, told The Hindu on Wednesday, that the Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Vijay Kumar, had chalked out a plan of action to monitor Sri Lankan refugees. “As for open camp refugees and non-camp Tamils, we have devised a mechanism to monitor them. It is being strictly enforced.”

15 LTTE terrorists were reported injured in a fierce confrontation with Troops in the area West of MADHU, VAVUNIYA while three soldiers were also reported injured North of MADHU area . Two of the soldiers were injured due to the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while the other was injured due to the explosion of an anti- personnel mine in the same area. Another soldier was reported injured due to terrorist mortar fire around 10.00 in the morning on Wednesday (02), also in the MADHU area.
Meanwhile, the Army destroyed a LTTE terrorist bunker killing ten (10) terrorists in the PERIYAPANDIVRICHCHAN area, VAVUNIYA area . Troops recovered the body of a terrorist. Two soldiers were reported killed in action while another four were injured in the attack.
Two terrorists were killed by Troops in another confrontation in the SINNAPANDIVIRICHCHAN area, VAVUNIYA . A soldier was reported injured in a confrontation in the KALLIKULAM area, VAVUNIYA on Wednesday (02) while seven (07) LTTE terrorists were reported killed during a fierce attack by the Army in the SINNAWELIYANKADDU area, VAVUNIYA .

Heavy fighting continued in the ADAMPAN area MANNAR on Wednesday (02).
One LTTE terrorist was killed in a confrontation in the PARAPPAKANDAL area, MANNAR on Wednesday .Three soldiers were reported killed and four were reported injured when LTTE terrorists fired mortars in the PARAPPAKANDAL area, MANNAR while another soldier was reported injured during a confrontation at KALAIADANTHAN area, MANNAR.
17 LTTE terrorists were killed in the heavy fighting reported from the ADAMPAN area, MANNAR on Wednesday (02) while four soldiers were reported killed in action and four others were also injured.

In Mannar three LTTE terrorist Fiber Glass Dingy (FDG) boats with 2750 kg of cement which had been prepared by them to be transported to the un- cleared areas were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy on Yesterday.The Sri Lanka Navy was able to prevent many such attempts by the LTTE terrorists to smuggle cement in the last few days.

Two personnel from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) have seized the accreditation cards of a ‘Swarnavahini’ camera crew that went to cover an illegal land filling in Kotte on Wednesday.
When contacted, Programme Manager of the channel Shan Wijetunga said that accompanied by a cameraman, he had gone to Samarakoon Park near Ananda Balika Vidyalaya this afternoon, following information about the unlawful act.
Owned by the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, the reservation area was the scene of attempted reclamation by certain persons on several previous occasions as well, Wijetunga said.
When the ‘Swarnavahini’ crew was taking footage of the incident, two persons, claiming to be from the police, had come to the place and demanded them to produce their accreditation cards.
Wijetunga had in turn, requested them to show their IDs, which they had refused, this time saying that they were from the MSD.
They had also rejected a request by the ‘Swarnavahini’ crew to return their media IDs, and insisted to wait until the arrival of a higher official.
Later, one of the MSD personnel had shown his identity card.
Since they had refused to return the accreditation cards, Wijetunga and his cameraman had left the location and lodged a complaint with the Mirihana Police.
It is reliably learnt that the two MSD personnel are attached to the security detail of Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

Daily Mirror
'Jana bala sena' protest organized by the main opposition took to the streets of Narahenpita today. They protested the skyrocketing cost of living especially paralysing the populace from celebrating the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

A worker of a police checkpoint construction site in Moneragala town died of gunshot injuries when the service weapon of a police constable on guard duty allegedly misfired. The constable had apparently been cleaning his T-56 rifle when it misfired. The suspect was produced in court this morning.

Two LTTE terrorists were reported killed in confrontations in the MUHAMALAI area, JAFFNA, throughout the day on Wednesday (02). One terrorist was also reported injured .

Troops conducting a search operation recovered a large stock of heavy caliber ammunition from the KADIRAVELI area, BATTICALOA .

Sri Lankan author Yasmine Gooneratne has been shortlisted for the prestigious International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2008, for her book The Sweet & Simple Kind (Perera Hussein Publishing House, 2006). With high profile entries from across the globe, the Irish award is the largest and most international prize of its kind.
This much acclaimed novel was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize in 2007 - the first time ever that a book published in Sri Lanka made this prestigious award list. Gooneratne now has the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan ever to be shortlisted for the Dublin IMPAC award.
In the style of the roman-fleuve, the novel chronicles the heady years of the newly independent Sri Lanka of the 1950s and 60s, weaving a rich social tapestery of family turmoil, love and political chicanery as her fully fleshed out characters negotiate the pitfalls of language, religion, privilege and personal freedoms.
Yasmine Gooneratne was born in Colombo and educated in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Australia. Acclaimed as a critic and editor she has earned an international reputation as a pioneer in the field of Commonwealth Literature written in English. She has won many awards and prizes for her work. An Emeritus Professor of Macquarie University, NSW, she divides her time between Australia and Sri Lanka.

The arrest and detention without charge of a senior journalist, Jayaprakash Tissainayagam for nearly a month is matter of grave concern that highlights the vulnerability of journalists to accusations of having links with the LTTE.
The Supreme Court, which has granted him leave to proceed with a petition of fundamental rights violation, has declined an application for interim relief to release Mr Tissainayagam on any condition deemed fit after a confidential report was submitted to it by government lawyers.

In the meantime the Terrorist Investigation Department of the police has also obtained an order from a Magistrate's Court to seal the printing press of which Mr Tissainayagam is a director. This action has been taken against them for allegedly aiding the LTTE and attempting to tarnish the good name of the government by publishing distorted and false propaganda.
The National Peace Council accepts that all persons need to follow the law and not engage in illegal activities. However, journalists are particularly vulnerable in situations of conflict to which the government is a party as they are duty bound to cover all sides of the conflict. A responsible journalist will be motivated to make contact with all conflicting parties to ascertain the all facts pertaining to the conflict.
The National Peace Council requests the government to press charges, if any, against Mr Tissainayagam without delay or release him on bail if at this time it is unable to gather the quantum of information required to press ahead with legal charges. We are deeply concerned as Mr Tissainayagam has been an activist and colleague of long standing and repute in the fields of human rights and peace and his prolonged detention serves as a warning of the perils of engaging in such work.

NEW DELHI: Faced with stiff resistance from Tamil Tiger guerrillas, Sri Lanka has ordered emergency military supplies from Pakistan, according to official sources here.
In a development noted with some concern by the Indian establishment, the Sri Lanka Army has sought 150,000 rounds of 60 mm mortar ammunition and as many hand grenades for immediate delivery, the sources said.Sri Lanka has also requested $25mn worth of 81mm, 120mm and 130mm mortar ammunition to be delivered within a month, the sources told IANS.General Sarath Fonseka, the Sri Lankan army chief who spent six days in India last month, has conveyed the requirements to his Pakistani counterpart, General Ashraf Pervez Kayani, said the sources.
The Pakistani military has apparently agreed to supply the ammunition on an emergency basis from its War Wastage Reserve maintained in various army depots.The SOS comes amid escalating fighting in Sri Lanka where the military is desperately trying to gain control of areas the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) holds in the island’s north.The current fighting is concentrated mostly in the districts of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu, which along with Kilinochchi are commonly referred to as the Wanni region, as well as in Jaffna.In Mannar, the military has been trying for months to advance into LTTE territory.
And with rains starting around two weeks ago, the military push could slow down further.The Sri Lankan military controls most of Mannar, Vavuniya and Jaffna. The Tigers are in control of the whole of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.Despite some gains, the military is finding the going tough in the north, in contrast to the eastern wing of the country that came under Colombo’s control in 2007 after the Tigers withdrew their forces.
The resistance the LTTE is putting up is making Sri Lanka turn to Pakistan to make up ammunition it is exhausting, the Indian sources said.Sri Lanka started buying arms and ammunition from Pakistan in a big way from 1999. The total purchases until December 2007 were worth $50mn while there has been a sudden jump in the quantity of merchandise ordered this year.Pakistan’s main military supplies to Sri Lanka include mortar ammunition, radio sets, hand grenades, naval ammunition and tanks.
The military links between Islamabad and Colombo worry New Delhi because this gives Pakistan access to Sri Lankan defence establishments and intelligence that analysts here fear hurts Indian security interests in the long run.India mainly provides what it says are non-lethal military supplies to Sri Lanka. And while refusing it offensive weapons, New Delhi has publicly expressed displeasure over Sri Lanka’s military purchases from Pakistan and China.
Sri Lankan officials argue that they are free to go to any country for weapons supplies since India refuses to provide lethal weapons. Colombo says that in any case it keeps New Delhi informed about their shopping list.A section of the Indian establishment feels that with so much military hardware pouring into Sri Lanka, the war in the island is unlikely to end any time soon.

MANAMA: SriLankan Airlines is to expand its operations to Bahrain with six wide body aircraft per week, it has been revealed. The airline currently operates five flights a week between Colombo and Bahrain.
These include four wide body aircraft and one narrow body aircraft.
"We shall soon increase it to six wide body aircraft a week, thanks to the support of the travel agents in Bahrain, " said country manager Terrence De Silva.
He was speaking at the airline's annual agents' award ceremony at the Golden Tulip Hotel.
"We have been registering a steady growth over the years," said Mr De Silva.
"Because of the increased demand, we shall have a combination of wide body A330 and A340, each with 287 and 314 seats respectively.
"We now operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. We hope to add Wednesday also in the new schedule, which may come into force by the middle of the summer."
Mr De Silva said a large number of passengers on SriLankan are Indian expatriates, especially Goans, working in Bahrain.
"We currently operate to 11 destinations in India, for which we offer convenient connections from Colombo. We operate 100 flights a week to India from Colombo," he added.
"We share our seats with Doha, and the seat factor last year was about 85 to 90 per cent. Our frequent flyer programme, Smiles, has become very popular with the passengers."
The 10 top agents who won the award were: Pegasus Travels ( Gold), Bahrain Overseas Travel & Cargo (Silver), Al Noaimi Travel ( Bronze), Dadabahi Travel (Appreciation), Capital Travels, Almaraya World Travel, Alfanar Travels, Algosaibi Travels, International Travel Bureau, and Alamal Travel Tours & Cargo.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating by one notch to 'B+' saying budgets were weak, inflation was high and the country was borrowing heavily from foreign lenders at commercial rates.
"The ratings downgrade of Sri Lanka reflects the increased vulnerability of sovereign creditworthiness to adverse shocks associated with rising inflation, persistently large fiscal deficits and worsened terms of trade due to soaring oil prices in the context of greater government recourse to commercial and market-based financing," James McCormack, Head of Asia sovereign ratings said.

Sri Lanka's economic growth will probably slow to 6 percent in 2008 and 2009 from 6.8 percent in 2007 due to high interest rates and global economic weakness, the Asian Development Bank said today.

Sri Lanka's economic growth will probably slow to 6 percent in 2008 and 2009 from 6.8 percent in 2007 due to high interest rates and global economic weakness, the Asian Development Bank said today.

Action Against Hunger (ACF) is seeking a criminal indictment against those responsible for the murder of ACF's 17 staff members. "The culprits, whoever they are, must be brought before a Court of Law and held to account for their actions so as to put an end to the impunity that reigns today in Sri Lanka," ACF said.

The popular Sinhala language daily, the Divaina, reported that Chennai's Gemini Colour Laboratory refused to hand back the Sinhalese and Tamil language negatives robbed from the Director of the controversial film entitled Prabhakaran.
Pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam political activists robbed the negatives of the full length feature film named after the LTTE leader Prabhakaran when the Director of the film Thushara Peiris was there at the Colour laboratories attending to the processing of the film.
The newspaper quoted him having said the laboratory administrators asked for a letter from the Federal government in New Delhi to handover the negatives of the film to its rightful owners when the director of the film travelled back to the colour laboratories to receive the negatives he owned.
The laboratory owners in a seemingly frustrating act told the owners that the film negatives robbed from the director could only be released with the permission of the central government.
Thushara Peiris gave up his protest fast and travelled to Chennai to obtain his film. While this drama was taking place the trailer of the film appeared in the Youtube. Divaina newspaper said only a copy of the film has been handed over to the director when he went to the Colour laboratories in Chennai.
Meanwhile, political activists went to the civil courts in Chennai to block the release of the film from the laboratories. A civil court issued a temporary restraining order delivering the prints of the Sri Lankan film Prabhakaran for a week.
Additional City Civil Court judge Sethuraman of Chennai issued notices to the State Home Secretary Director General of Police the Union Home Secretary Sri Lankan film producer Osmund de Silva and film Director Thushara Peiris to file a counter in two weeks. The case has been filed by pro- LTTE political party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal katchi President Thol Thirumavalan.
In his plaint the pro LTTE party VCK leader said the film highly affected Tamil Diaspora. He said the film was being dubbed in the Gemini Colour labs in other Indian languages including Tamil. The judge postponed the hearing until April 8.

2 bullet riddled bodies of civilians were found at Galayaya in general area Nochchiyagama, this afternoon (April 2).
The Nochchiyagama Police has transferred the bodies to the Anuradhapura general hospital for postmortem examinations. According to Army sources, the victims identified as A.K Pediris, 62, and Jayalath Kumara, 17, were father and son who have gone into the Katupottewa part of the Wilpattuwa jungle to collect firewood at around 12.45p.m.
No other details of the victims are available at the moment.
Motives for the killing and the identity of the killers are not known, Nochchiyagama police said.

Troops advanced and held into an 800m long LTTE defence line at Kalliadanchan, located 1.5km North of Giant's Tank northern bund in Mannar front during an early hour offensive launched today(April 2) security sources said.
According to reports received, 13 LTTE terrorists were killed and 43 wounded as heavy fighting broke out between SLA and LTTE since the wee hours. The advancing troops were assisted with heavy mortar, artillery and armour tank fire as they broke through the LTTE defences in the multi-pronged assault.
Despite being heavily fortified the land stretch fell into military, with soaring losses to the LTTE what was identified as a decisive blow to the outfit, defence sources said.
Meanwhile, a soldier has laid his life while 12 others were reported wounded in the confrontation.
Troops are now consolidating defences while search patrols continue to clear the area.

The Army troops captured the KALLAIADANCHAN area in MANNAR today (02) in the wee hours of the morning around 4.30 a.m.

39 LTTE cadres were killed in four separate confrontations throughout yesterday (01) in JAFFNA, VAVUNIYA, MANNAR and WALIOYA.
Six LTTE cadres were injured when Army troops attacked four LTTE bunkers in NAGARKOVIL yesterday (01) at 11.45 p.m. and 9.15 p.m.
Five LTTE cadres were killed in a confrontation in MARATHAMADU in VAVUNIYA yesterday(01) around 6.20 p.m. Five soldiers injured in confrontation in SULAIMAN, MARAMADU yesterday(01) around 8.45 a.m. Twelve LTTE cadres were killed in separate encounter with Army troops in SULAINA MARATHAMADU area VAVUNIYA yesterday(01) at 1.45 p.m. 12.35 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. A T - 56 weapon was recovered.
Eighteen LTTE cadres were killed in confrontations with Army troops in PADEIR KULAM area, VAVUNIYA yesterday (01) 6.40 p.m. and 8.50 p.m.
Two LTTE cadres were killed in a confrontations in PUTHUKADU in MANNAR yesterday(01) around 3.26 and 1.35 p.m. One LTTE cadre was killed in confrontation with Army troops in MALITIDAL in MANNAR around 3.10 p.m. A soldier sustained injuries in an encounter with tiger terrorist in PALLIKKULI, MANNAR yesterday (01) around 8.40 a.m. Three LTTE Cadres were killed in confrontation in ANDEKULAM in WELIOYA yesterday (01) around 2.30 p.m.
Three soldiers sustained injuries in a confrontation in ANDANKULAM yesterday (01) around 3.30 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. An LTTE trench line was captured by Army troops yesterday (01) around 1.45 p.m. Four LTTE Cadres were injured in the ensuing confrontation. Subsequently 20 hand grenades and 03 booby traps were recovered. One LTTE Cadre was killed and one injured in a confrontation with Army troops in ANADAKULAM yesterday (01) around 6.00 p.m. and 12.30 noon.
Five soldiers sustained injuries when terrorists attacked troops with mortar fire in ANDANKULAM yesterday (01) around 8.20 p.m. On a search operation conducted yesterday (01) in ANANDAKULAM area, Army troops were able to recover 166 anti - personal mines, one hand grenade and 04 caps.

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate Courts today that the LTTE had employed its cadres to give threatening calls to leading Colombo businessmen to extort money and provide accommodation for the rebels in Colombo.

Extensive investigations are being conducted into the attempted escape of prisoners at the Kuruvita Prison.
Five inmates were killed when prison officials fired upon a group of detainees, who attempted to flee, whilst being escorted to the prison after appearing at the Courts.
Senior SP Ratnapura Kithsiri Ganegama says three teams of policemen have been deployed to apprehend three prisoners who escaped.
Superintendent of Prisons, Kuruvita Rohan Jayasuriiya says one of the escaped prisoners was shot to death by prison officials in Walandura in Kuruvita, when the victim tried to throw a hand bomb at the official.

Mr. Dhammika Kithulgoda has assumed duties as acting Secretary General of Parliament this morning. He was warmly received by Parliament employees at the ceremony held in this connection, where Maha Sangha headed by Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero chanted Pirith to bless the new Secretary General.
Mr Kithulgoda at this occasion said his appointment is totally legal, as he had earlier held the posts of Secretary General of Parliament and court judge.

A shooting incident was reported from the Wilpattu National Park a short while ago. A special Army team has been dispatched to the area, the police said.

A Tamil Nadu party has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking a ban on the Tamil film "Prabhakaran" made in Sri Lanka, saying it "denigrated" Tamil people.

A.L.M. Hisbullah said that the President never promised to give the Chief Minister post to Pillayan unless the TMVP garnered a majority of the seats.

Rauf Hakeem, Hasen Ali and Bazir Segu Dawood have resigned from their parliamentary seats in order to contest the forthcoming Eastern PC elections.

Around a thousand protestors led by Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph have gone to the Mannar Divisional Secretariat to hand over a memorandum, against both the LTTE and Sri Lankan forces waging war in the Madhu area.

SLAF fighter jets made precision sorties at a discreet LTTE gathering point this morning (April 2) located West of Visuamadu Kulam in Mullaittiuvu district.
According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya, the location was frequented by senior LTTE cadres. The target was accurately engaged and damages caused to LTTE were no known at the moment, he further said.

SLAF fighter jets made precision sorties at a discreet LTTE gathering point this morning (April 2) located West of Visuamadu Kulam in Mullaittiuvu district.
According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya, the location was frequented by senior LTTE cadres. The target was accurately engaged and damages caused to LTTE were no known at the moment, he further said.

The National Building Research Organisation says several areas in the Walapane Divisional secretariat division of the Nuwara Eliya District is under the threat of landslides.
The organisation said as a result of torrential rains the area is gradually dipping.
Head of the landslides unit of the organisation R.M.S. Bandara said this poses a serious threat to the Kirthi Bandara Maha Vidyalaya in Kubalgamuwa and around 70 houses in the area.
The organisation notifies residents to evacuate the buildings and the traffic to avoid using the Walapane-Naranthalawa highway.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supports the Lake House Employee’s Union (LHEU) in filing a Fundamental Rights petition to prevent political interference and intimidation of journalists working with media outlets belonging to the government-owned Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (ANCL), or Lake House, and to promote implementation of the Lake House Provisions Act.
The LHEU is a member of the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union (FMETU), an IFJ affiliate.
According to the LHEU, the petition submitted to the Supreme Court on March 27 seeks to protect the public’s right to information, demand independence from editorial restrictions caused by political interference, and implement immediately the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Special Provisions) Act 1973, known as the Lake House Provisions Act.
The Act was initially meant to prevent governments using the publicly funded ANCL to serve political interests. The Act stipulates that Lake House’s major shareholder, the government-appointed Public Trustee, cannot give directions on editorial policy or free expression in regard to any Lake House publications.
However, the LHEU reports the Act has not been implemented. Instead, it says that ANCL’s business turnover of almost Rs3 billion (about US$28 million) is currently channelled into supporting the activities of politicians.
Almost 2500 members of ANCL’s 3000 staff are alleged political appointments, according to the LHEU. The LHEU claims that staff changes, dramatic shifts in job responsibilities, recruitments and dismissals have been heavily influenced by successive governments.
“Independent media is essential in Sri Lanka, particularly as the Government has shown a consistent lack of respect for free media and the rights of journalists across the island,” said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.
“As guardians of the public interest and human rights, journalists and media houses should not be pressured into submitting to the interests, persuasions and attitudes of any political leader, party or politician.”
The IFJ calls on the Supreme Court to investigate fully the claims made in the Fundamental Rights petition and to take appropriate action to ensure that state-owned media in Sri Lanka is freed of political interference.

Income from registration fees charged from migrant workers at the airport by the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau showed an increase of Rs. 25 million during the past month. This was revealed to The Island by the Manager of the SLBFE’s airport branch Sri Lal Perera yesterday (01).
The SLBFE’s airport income from migrant workers in 2007 exceeded the previous year’s income by 50 million rupees. This was a clear net profit for the SLBFE he said.
The SLBFE charges Rs.7,700 from each Sri Lankan going abroad for employment, under the provisions of the foreign employment law, but in the case of those who go through employment agencies 70 percent of the fee charged is paid to the employment agency. However, those who find employment direct through other Sri Lankans or foreigners have to pay the SLBFE the full amount before their departure.
He said the income from the fee is used for insurance and welfare schemes for the migrant workers and their families and also to meet expenses of repatriating workers who get into problems in countries they work.
Sahana Piyasa, a transit home of the SLBFE, for migrant workers returning due to problems or illness while working abroad, provides transport and help in medical treatment and travelling expenses for those who quit employment without a salary to return home.
Yesterday (1) there were 17 such persons who were provided help to return home and that included three males and 14 females who returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bharain and Dubai, Sri Lal Perera said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and a high level government delegation will fly to China on a five day visit next Monday, sources said. This is President Rajapaksa’s second visit to China in just over a year.Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and several other top Government Ministers are scheduled to accompany the President during the April 7-11 visit to China. Details of the visit have not yet been made public.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and a Sri Lankan delegation, last February, toured China on a State Visit to mark the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China.
Of special significance during President Rajapaksa’s last visit to China
was the agreement signed for the development of the new port at Hambantota, by Chinese investment and expertise. Several others agreements relating to trade, investment and infrastructure development in Sri Lanka were also inked.

Three LTTE fired mortar bombs fell into the holy Madhu shrine premises on Tuesday (01) twice. Those three mortar strikes have fallen towards residential quarters of the clergy in the shrine. But reports so far received do not speak of any damages or any casualties according to reports.
This terrorist act is a blatant violence of the understanding that has been made with regard to no firing zone around the holy premises.

At least three soldiers attached to the Katukeliya Army Camp in Polonnaruwa were killed and a further 63 were injured when lightning struck them this evening, the Polonnaruwa police said.

SLMC Batticaloa district strongman M.L.A.M. Hisbullah crossed over to the government and placed his signature for the UPFA nomination list at the President’s House a short while ago.

Sunil C. Perera in colombo

The France based organisation GRANDLYON, together with VEOLIA , a World Leader in Water Treatment are in Sri Lanka to complete the phase II ,of the Walasmulla Hospital Sewerage Treatment System.
The Visiting French delegation of Grand Lyon said their organisation assists Sri Lankans and their mission is neither political nor commercial . Speaking to media in Colombo on Monday Guy Peyretti ,Deputy Director of GRANDLYON , said ‘They intend to provide further support for Sri Lanka on a regular basis’. Gradyon spent 50,000 Euros for the first phase of the project and the visiting delegation will inspect and prepare a feasibility study on Phase II shortly.“Our aim is to complete the project within this year” said Peyretti . Responding to media, he further added , the Government of Sri Lanka has extended it’s fullest support for the ongoing project.
In November 2004, the City of Lyon in France obtained the approval to launch a European Programme named AIAURBS/PROACT to reinforce relations between European and Asian Cities.
This programme commenced in the month of November 2004, and Sri Lanka was well represented with Municipal Council representatives from Negombo, Moratuwa, Dehiwela/Mount Lavania who attended the inaugural meeting in Lyon for the purpose of establishing links with European Cities. It was a month before Sri Lanka was severely affected by Tsunami.
A delegation headed by Mr.Alain Joly arrived in Sri Lanka and met His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who at the time was the Prime Minister and Mr. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Health. The emphasis at these meetings centered around assiting Hospitals and the youth who were severely affected by Tsunami.
A MOU was signed between Grandlyon and the Ministry of Health to rehabilatate Hospitals and a joint venture was formed between BIOFORCE, France and the Chamber of Construction in Sri Lanka to create Training Centres.
The outcome of these MOUs have resulted in three Training Centers being set up in Balapitiya, Matara and Kalutara and the Refurbishment of the Water Supply System at the Walasmulla Hospital.
Furthermore, BIOFORCE LANKA was created with a view to setting up a network of local Companies to donate medicines and other essential items to hospitals. Since December 2007, the supply of medicines and other items to the Maharagama Cancer Hospital and Weeraketiya Hospital commenced.
Mr.Guy Peyretti , Mr. Robert Jonac of VEOLIA and Mr. Benoit Silve of BIOFORCE have returned to Sri Lanka to conduct meetings with local Business Leaders, the Ministry of Health and the Political Leaders with the obiective of discussing the possibility of improving the Waste Water System at the Walasmulla Hospital, constructing water storage tanks with pumps for families in Hatton and also to set up training programs in the other areas of the Island .

A group of 26 Tamil civilians who had escaped the non liberated areas in Mulathivu, sought refuge in the Naval Division in Nilaweli and Kallarawa in Trincomalee today, (April 1) reported that LTTE has intensified recruiting children in Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts .
According the Navy sources , the group of eleven civilians consisting of 05 adult males, 04 adult females and 02 children arrived at Nilaweli Naval division while another group of 15, comprising nine males and 06 females at Kallarawa this morning.
The escapees have revealed that they had to leave their homes to save their children from LTTE.
Navy said that the two groups of refugees had arrived in two fiber glass dinghies. One dinghy had 11 persons onboard including two children one aged just seven months and the other aged two and half years. The other boat had 15 persons onboard, said the sources
Upon sighting the distress calls of the escapees, the naval troops had immediately rushed to their assistance and accompanied them ashore under naval protection. They are now being provided with food and drink as well as necessary medical treatment and accommodation, the sources added.

Four recognized political parties and five independent groups have submitted their nominations for the eastern provincial council election. 28 independent groups have already made their deposits.
Assistant Elections Commissioner of Trincomalee M.M.S.K. Bandara Mapa said two political parties and two independent groups have submitted their nominations in the district. Batticaloa assistant elections commissioner S. Sudakaran says the Wilver Democratic Front has submitted its nominations.
According to assistant elections commissioner of the Ampara district Lakmenda Damayantha Kumara Thennakoon, one political party and three independent groups have already submitted their nominations in the district. Accepting of nominations for the eastern provincial council election will end at 12.00 noon on Thursday.
The time period granted to submit deposits would end at 12.noon tomorrow. The PAFFREL will station foreign and local observers to monitor the elections. Meanwhile the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress says it will jointly contest with the United National party under the Elephant Logo.

The hartal in Kalmunai was called off following a meeting between the police and the parties concerned. Meanwhile sources from the area said the TMVP had instigated some of the incidents resulting in tension in the area.

 

Four LTTE cadres were killed in an Army attack in ANDANKULAM WELIOYA yesterday (31) .

 

A female LTTE cadre was killed when Army troops launched an attack yesterday (31) in MUHAMALAI, JAFFNA.

 

A pressure bomb and five anti-personal mines were recovered by Army troops on a search operation in MULINAMARTHAMADU- VAVUNIYA yesterday (31) .

 

210 anti-personal mines were recovered on a search operation conducted by Army troops in JANAKAPURA North, WELIOYA yesterday (31) .

LONDON, April 1 (Reuters) - A rights group report on Tuesday blamed local security forces for the massacre of 17 Sri Lankan tsunami aid workers in 2006 and accused the government of an outright cover-up.

At the time, the killing of the local workers from aid group Action Contre La Faim (ACF) in the island's northeast was the worst attack on humanitarian workers since the 2003 bombing of the United Nations compound in Baghdad.

The mainly ethnic Tamil workers, who had been involved in rebuilding after the 2004 tsunami, were found shot in the head and lying face down in the ACF compound in the predominantly Muslim town of Mutur in August 2006.

The military said they were trapped in fighting between troops and rebels.

The University Teachers for Human Rights (UTHR), a Sri Lankan group that has been criticised by both sides throughout the two decade civil war, named a local Muslim home guard -- a police auxiliary -- and two constables as the killers of most of the group.

"The evidence shows state security forces, including police, killed the 17 aid workers and that senior police officers covered it up," said Rajan Hoole of UTHR. "The killing of civilians during time of conflict is a war crime. The perpetrators and their superiors should be brought to justice."

Most Mutur residents had fled the town by the time of the massacre. The first aid team into the town days later found the bloated bodies in the ACF compound, most shot at close range.

The Sri Lankan government has denied responsibility and blamed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

International monitors recently told the government they were withdrawing from the inquiry because of official interference and lack of internationally acceptable standards.

The report said the brother of a Muslim home guard had been killed by a Tiger gunman the previous day and he had vowed revenge. It also said a special forces commander in the town ordered security forces to "finish off" any Tamil speakers in plain clothes if they had any suspicions after another rebel disguised as a civilian killed troops.