Visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr.Iftekhar Ahamed Chowdhury who condemns the terrorism concept and said the Bangladeshis successfully eliminate the terrorism concept from the country.
“We ended poverty level of the masses and we also obtained support of the all level of the masses to increase gross domestic production, increase food products and develop the country using their man power. We used micro credit plans and some other financial assistance to encourage masses to obtain their participation for the development activities of the country.
“We used these concepts to improve the quality of the life of the masses ,he said.
Speaking at an exclusive interview with the ASIAN TRIBUNE he said the terrorism is one of dangerous arm for the entire Asian region but in Bangladesh there is no bombs .
“ We condemned the terrorism, he said .

“We done our development plans successfully and addressed it through the concepts of micro credit applications, through non-formal education and government efforts to improve the economy and the social life. This strategy assisted us to improve quality of life of the masses and end food crisis, he said.
“We are self sufficient in the food producing sector .We also propose to set up a Food Bank for the Asian Region, he said.
“We have done all possible things to increase the food production in Bangladesh and now maintain good growth at this sector, he explained.

Explaining his views on the ongoing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka he proposed peace is an important role to end the ethnic problem.
Replying questions he said Bangladesh has taken steps to strengthen trade ties with SAARC countries and the rest of the world.
“We expanded our national Air services to Sri Lanka.We invite investors to invest in Bangladesh and the government of Bangladesh would provide better concessions for them, he said.
“Four decades ago the Bangladeshis obtained Sri Lanka as their development model, he said.

Malaysia has abolished the visa on arrival (VOA) scheme for 27 countries, effective from today. According to a statement issued among the countries are India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the latest entry, Pakistan.

Seven LTTE bodies were recovered following a fierce gun battle erupted between the security forces and LTTE terrorists in general area north of Mundampiddi in Mannar front this afternoon, July 31.
The latest report received from the battlefront said that troops in Task Force-1 attacked at terror stronghold located in north of Mundampiddi around 2.15 p.m. inflicting maximum damages to the enemy. 3 T-56 weapons, 2 hand grenades were also uncovered along with the 7 bodies of the slain LTTE cadres during the search operation conducted, the report added.
Troops have gained total control over 5 square kilometer area as the terrorists fled with their casualties in a face of effective fire power launched by the advancing troops. The further consolidating operations are now underway.

Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka (CCI) will once again collaborate with the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) to host an interactive session for construction industry stakeholders including Construction Contractors, Architects, Designers, Property Developers and Furniture Manufacturers, which will be held on 12th August 2008 at Trans Asia Hotel, said Dakshitha Talgodapitiya, CEO of the CCI.
Malaysian Timber Council has also facilitated the visit of a ten member trade delegation comprising Manufacturers of Furniture, Mouldings & Flooring, Suppliers of Plywood, Particle Boards and Sawn Timber, with whom one to one business meetings will be arranged by the Chamber on 11th and 12th August 2008.

Dr. T. M. Wong, Director, Malaysian Timber Council will deliver a lecture on “Biodeterioration of Wood”. The lecture will be followed by a reception and dinner which will take place under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Construction & Engineering Services and His Excellency Rosli Ismail, High Commissioner of Malaysia, who will grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

This initiative of the Chamber is designed to augment the supply of raw materials for the Construction Industry and Timber Processing Industries, while providing a valuable information service to the timber trade. Malaysian Timber Council is a state owned organization established in the year 1992 to promote the Development of the timber based industry in Malaysia and marketing of timber products. With Malaysia being endowed with a profuse variety of timber species, it has emerged to be a global leader in the supply chain of timber and timber based products. MTC and CCI have developed a strategic alliance and similar events have been hosted since the year 2006. This is another endeavour of the Construction Chamber to facilitate enhancement of Construction Industry Capacities and Competitiveness.

All those who are interested in Participating at this event are requested to contact the Chamber Secretariat on 2577812 and 2577815 since participation is by invitation only.

Pakistan has submitted the draft of a defence cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said today.

Addressing a selected group of journalists, Mr. Qureshi said the draft was handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for their consideration.

He said his country had stood by Sri Lanka in difficult and challenging times and he was glad Sri Lanka acknowledged it.

Mr. Qureshi also assured that Pakistan’s defence assistance, which included weapons and training, to Sri Lanka would continue.

The Lanka Private Bus operators Association has decided to join a proposed three day strike to be organized by the National Trade Union Centre. The date for the strike is yet to be confirmed.

Customs has deferred a proposed ban on sale of high capacity electric and electronic home appliances by duty-free shops at Katunayake Airport till September 1.

The eye witnesses of the attack on a shop belonging to a JVP supporter in Arnaganwila had identified that Minister Mervyn Silva was among the attackers, Aralaganwila Police said. However the Minister denied any involvement in the incident.

Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 helicopter gun ships launched a close air support mission targeting LTTE defences in 1Km west of Wellankulam junction, Mannar front, today, July 31.

The Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, speaking to the defence.lk said that the air raid was launched around 11.30 a.m to assist the ground troops of Task Force1 engaged in offensive march in Mannar front.

The target was accurately hit, spokesperson added.

Two Indian journalists who are in the country to cover the India-Sri Lanka Test series were briefly detained yesterday (July 30th) in Galle on security grounds, the Free Media Movement says.

The FMM said in a statement that it was relieved that both of them were released without much delay.

Indian Techvision cameraman Ali Ekram of RP TV was detained by police while doing a story on the Galle cricket stadium's backdrop, the Old Dutch Fort.

He was released after other journalists covering the test match intervened.

Another TV journalist Mustaque Ali working for Zee news was detained by a group of fishermen while he was filming the beach close to the Galle Fort.

He was able to contact fellow journalists to explain that he was there to cover the cricket match but until the Navy arrived he was not allowed to go back to his hotel.

He was asked by the Navy to delete the footage of beach close to the harbour, the FMM press release said.

Both these incidents show the difficulties and hostile environments faced by journalists working in Sri Lanka especially photo and television journalists.

In the past too, a number of foreign photojournalists were detained on security reasons only because they were covering normal day to day arrangements, the FMM said.

The FMM said it hopes that Galle cricket authorities will take necessary steps to ensure safety of the journalists in light of the two incidents.

Kalutara Chief Magistrate, H. Anura Seneviratne yesterday (July 30th) directed to further remand an OIC of a police station until August 06th for allegedly sexual harassing a 14-year old girl.

HQI of the National Child Protection Authority, W.D.V. Wijesena presented a lengthy description of intimidatory phone calls by the main suspect, Harold Rex Janson, to witnesses in the case.

He said that a videoed statement from the girl has also been recorded.

He further said that the witnesses of the case could be threatened if the main suspect was released on bail, which was requested by lawyers of the main accused.

The second suspect, who is the victim’s boyfriend, was released on two sureties of Rs. 250,000 each, as he is to sit for the GC.E A/L examination this year.

He was, however, ordered to give a statement to the HQI of the National Child Protection Authority.

The Kalutara Chief Magistrate criticized the police media spokesman for making public statement regarding the case.

An All Ceylon Muslim Congress which includes four ministers and eastern provincial council minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah are meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Issues concerning Muslims and development of the eastern province are due to be taken up, Mr. Hisbullah said.

Meanwhile Eastern Provincial Council Chief minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan who has made a request to meet the Indian Prime Minister has so far failed to gain a positive response.

The TNA is to meet with the Indian PM on Saturday.

Dubai-based Al Futtaim Engineering LLC, the new owner of Sri Lanka’s Associated Motorways Ltd (AMW), on Thursday announced the customary offer to purchases the remaining (29.8 percent) shares in the company.

On Monday, the De Zoysa family sold their majority 51 percent stake in AMW and at the same time John Keells Holdings sold its 20 percent stake in the company, both to the same Dubai firm which now has a 71 percent stake in the firm. The De Zoysa brothers – Ajita and Tilak – however remain in management control at the request of the new owner.

A statement issued by Al Futtaim to the Colombo Stock Exchange today said that the company was offering to buy at Rs 174.50 per share the remaining 16 million or 29.84 percent of the balance shares at AMW. The mandatory offer is required by law once a company owns a certain amount of shares.

A number of bilateral issues related to the 15th SAARC Summit were discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and India on Thursday evening.
According to the local foreign ministry officials the both Foreign Ministers discussed elimination of terrorisam from the both countries .
Meanwhile Buithan and Nepal prime ministers will meet on mid night of Thursday in Colombo.
According to the ministry sources Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukarji was arrived on Wednesday with tighest security.Meanwhile heads of the SAARC states will arrive on Friday and the local police said it would restrict a number of roads due to these VIP arrivals.
According to the sources Australia and Myanmmar will receive observer status of the SAARC summit and the further discussions would be held on Friday to approve their observation status.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two Day Summit of SAARC Foreign Ministers commenced on Thursday and their topics were defeating terrorism regional wise, food security and using resources of the region as a solution for the global energy crisis ..The draft statement on food security compiled at the yesterday’s SAARC Foreign Secretary standard committee forum be presented to the summit. Setting up a SAARC Food Bank and 300 million dollar Regional Development Fund will also be discussed in the two day Summit. India has already pledged 100 million dollars in this regard. During the press briefing at the Summit held in Colombo Pakistan Foreign Minister Mathdum Sha Mohamed Kurshi agreed to assist Sri Lanka to eliominate terrorisam. He said that his country also provides military training for the Sri Lankan forces. He said that terrorism is a challenge not only to Sri Lanka and Pakistan but also to the entire world
Meanwhile, the SAARC Heads of State Summit will begin on Saturday. The government said it has made arrangements to welcome the heads of state who will arrive at the international airport at Katunayake to attend the SAARC state leaders’ summit The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said four agreements would be signed during the Summit. Reaching a common consensus on defeating terrorism setting up a SAARC Development Fund and including Afghanistan to the SAFTA will be the main focus under the agreements.

The UNP yesterday challenged the Government to enumerate, if possible, the benefits that the country would derive from this SAARC summit without making statements to hoodwink the masses.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella told reporters yesterday that his party did not oppose any international conference being held here, yet this was not the appropriate time for it.

Mr. Kiriella said that the SAARC Summit was scheduled to be conducted in the Maldives, but it declined to do so citing political and economic reasons.

“Sri Lanka grabbed the chance despite the country undergoing numerous problems. This may be the first international conference to be held causing inconvenience to the public. Many houses have been demolished in the name of SAARC,” he said.

He said that the country would not benefit in a substantial measure from this summit though the Government was spending public money in billions of rupees.

He said that the Foreign Ministry had planned to host an expensive dinner for 400 guests.

“Besides, millions of rupees have been spent on floral and electrical decorations,” he said.

Commenting on the upcoming provincial council elections, he said that garment factory workers in particular living in these two provinces should exercise their franchise wisely at the election.

“If this government continues to be in power for another several months, Sri Lanka will lose the GSP+ facility extended to our garment exports to Europe. If it is removed, our textile industry will be in jeopardy with thousands of workers losing employment. Therefore, they should use this election to send a clear message to the Government,” he said.

Criticizing the Government for its failure to keep its election pledges, he said that the Hambantota district had been recorded as one of the worst malnutrition-hit area in the country.

“This is despite the Mahinda Chintana pledges to give nutritious packages for pregnant mothers and free mid-day meals to school children. None of these pledges have been kept today,” he said.

Advancing troops of the Task Force-2 operating in Palamoddai general area at the Wanni battle theater mounted heavy mortar and artillery attacks Wednesday (July 30) killing at least 8 terrorists, injuring 19 others, military sources said.

According to finalized reports received from the battlefront troops have advanced into LTTE bunker positions overwhelming terrorists and seizing control over 8 bunkers killing at least 7 terrorists alone, while LTTE transmission were cited as another 15 seriously injured. Troops pounced at the LTTE defences in a surprise assault launched in general area Palamoddai, at around 6p.m. 3 soldiers were also reported wounded in the skirmishes, military said.

Earlier, at 10.45a.m, troops clashed with a group of terrorists and have reportedly killed a terrorist and injured 4 others in the same area.

The Kandy Police Wednesday (July 30) took custody of a terror suspect alleged to be an employee of a LTTE bank run in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaittiuvu.

The suspect a 26 year old youth was arrested by a special team of officers, Kandy Police said adding that the suspect had conferred that he was visiting his sister now resided in Kandy.

The Kandy police are conducting investigations to establish whether the suspect was involved in any terrorist activities, the sources further said.

The European Union (EU) says the aircraft for the visiting EU delegation to visit Trincomalee was picked after considering security issues and refuted the allegations raised by EU Member of Parliament Niranjan Deva Aditya over the issue.
The Sri Lankan born EU MP had told the media on Tuesday the leader of the delegation turned down an offer of a Government aircraft to visit Trincomalee on the grounds that the EU could be seen to be partial.

“This decision did not really belong to the Chair of the Delegation, and had nothing to do with being partial as a Parliamentary delegation. To undertake missions abroad we have to be authorised by the EP's conference of presidents, i.e. by the political leaders of the House, including the EPP-ED, i.e. the political group M. Deva belongs to. This authorisation was granted under the explicit condition that in planning our mission paramount consideration would be given to the safety of our Members,” Philippe Kamaris, Director General, External Policies of the European Parliament said.

Mr. Kamaris recalled that last February when the Government organised a flight for the EU Ambassadors to Batticaloa the helicopter came under heavy attack from the LTTE, upon landing, resulting in one of the participants being injured.

“Of course, since last February the situation on the ground has changed; nonetheless, it was deemed safer for our mission to use the good offices of the UN and to fly with a plane bearing the UN colours.

All participants were informed of this when we were planning our mission and there were no objections,” he added.

Niranjan Deva Aditya had said the EU delegation did not go to Trincomalee, as had been planned with the full support of the Foreign Ministry and the Government of Sri Lanka, for many reasons.

One reason was that instead of the Government aircraft an aeroplane from South Africa was chartered for the delegation through a private company by the EU Delegation Office in Colombo through the United Nations.

The plane yet to be certificated as airworthy according to Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Rules did not arrive in Colombo from South Africa until Sunday (July 20) for a flight for Wednesday (July 23), though plans of the EU delegation were known at least two months in advance by the EU office in Colombo.

UPFA members of the Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha have taken a decision not to attend any meetings and rallies which former President Chandrika Kumaratunga would attend in the future.

UPFA member Priyantha Pushpakumara, who is also a coordinating officer of the President, said that the former President had requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa to appoint Pradeshiya Sabha member Ranjith Rupasinghe as the SLFP’s Attanagalla district organizer.

However, President Rajapaksa had appointed Parliamentarian Sarana Gunawardane as the SLFP’s Attanagalla district organizer.

Local Media minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa inaugurated the IV SAARC Journalist Summit of the South Asian Free Media Association –SAFMA in Colombo on Wednesday.
Around 130 local and foreign Journalists attended the media summit and highlighted grievances on media men in the Asian region and said most of Journalists were killed and harassed by the Para military forces and separatists.
Speaking at this occasion Sri Lankan media minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the government has taken positive steps to look after local media men and already appointed a special committee made up of ministers to look into the complaints of journalists. This is an additional bodies set up as institutional safeguards against rights violations.
“Our system in short though imperfect is certainly less compromised in its imperfection than most other nations facing similar threats and endowed with problems associated with development lag, he said.
He said local media industry was liberalized by the government .The government has taken the form of encouraging private media organizations and creating conditions for their development. With 14 television stations , 32 radio stations and 23 news papers with nation-wide circulations, with the private media out numbering state media with ever-expanding internet access, with the proliferation of news related websites. State media cannot lie and get away it, he said.
He further said media has played a crucial role. On the one hand, it has empowered the people by providing necessary information and cogent analysis of economic , political and social processes ; and on the other , responsible sections of the media.
He said the SAFMA has reiterated its commitment to playing a progressive role in the region’s development.
Addressing the occasion president of the SAFMA Laxman Gunasekara said Journalists of the Asian Region face similar things, but work together to achieve a common goal.
“War, violence, harassment, assault or killing of journalists are common things, but we have to avoid this situation, he said.
Secretary General of the SAFMA Imitiaz Alam said journalists also face travel restrictions among the SAARC countries.
“We must ease these restrictions with the help of SAARC heads, he said,.
Mrs.Sadaf Arshad said most of journalists in this region face various threats .She also presented a detailed country reports on media harassments, rights violations and killing of media men in the region. The SAFMA plans to declare its declaration at end of the four-day summit.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30). MAP

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terror outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The organizations operates under extreme tribal ideologies created by its megalomaniac leader V. Prabhakaran and has unleashed one of the most barbaric terrorist wars in the world against the citizens of Sri Lanka.

Security Forces operating at the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front led continuous attacks at identified terror positions Monday (July 29), inflicting heavy damages to LTTE as finalized military reports state 16 terrorists killed, 3 wounded in addition to 16 others believed either killed or wounded in the battles.

According to the reports, troops of the 57 Division operating at the eastern flank of the battlefront have killed 4 terrorists in general area Northwest of Kalvilan, Southeast of the Vellankulam-Thunukkai main road, and 2 others killed by troops of the Task Force 2 now operating in Navvi and Palamoddai general areas, West of the A-9 trunk road.

2 soldiers sustained injuries in separate confrontations ensued with LTTE in general area Kalvilan, while another soldier laid his life and 2 reported wounded in separate fighting erupted in general area Vavunikulam, Southeast of Mallavi, military further stated.

Meanwhile, troops of the Task Force-1 flanking the western edge of the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front had reportedly killed 9 terrorists in yesterday's clashes. According to reports, 10 terrorists were either killed or wounded during a fierce exchange of gunfire between troops and LTTE in general area Admpamkulam, at 2.25p.m., in addition to 4 others reported killed in a SLA laid ambush in the same area at around 2.45p.m.

Also, troops confirmed killing 5 terrorists during a confrontation with LTTE in general area Kalmadu, at 2.30p.m.

During a subsequent search operation conducted troops recovered an LTTE body, 05 hand grenades, a T-56 assault riffle and a dog-tag, sources stated. Military citing ground troops said that, 3 terrorists were either killed or wounded in general area Kalmadu at 2.35p.m.

On the Welioya battlefront, security forces have killed a terrorist and injured 3 others on Tuesday's fighting in addition to 2 Army soldiers who were reported wounded in the incidents, according to military. Troops have also uncovered 103 anti-personnel (AP) mines and 11 IEDs during separate search operations conducted North of Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa and Nittukkaikulama. Meanwhile, troops also have attacked and overran 8 LTTE bunker defences either killing or injuring 3 terrorists during the offensive North of Kiriibbanwewa at 5.30a.m., reports further stated citing ground troops.

Sri Lanka Navy Off-Shore Patrol (OPV) vessel 'SLNS Sayura' responding to a distress message received, have rescued a multi-day fishing trawler and its crew Tuesday(July 29) in the high seas, 85 nautical miles off Foul Point, Trincomalee.

The trawler, 'Hiruni II' and its crew of 5 were drifting for 13 consecutive days after the trawler experienced an engine failure approximately 52 nautical miles off Pulmoddai and drifted further into the deep seas, Navy said citing the rescued. The vessel was also constrained in her manoeuvrability after she began to take in water due to a fracture in her hull worsening the situation in the choppy waters, the sources said.

On receiving the distress signal, navy launched a rescue operation and reportedly has detected the drifting trawler on Monday, as Navy further said that the boat and its crews were towed to the Trincomalee Harbour yesterday.

The trawler belonging to one N.H Sugath, had cast-off from Trincomalee on 4th July, Navy sources further added.

Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) on Tuesday (July 29), following directives given by Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, formally requested Mannar Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph to resume the custody of the most sacred Madu Shrine on total completion of Army repairs and renovation.

Rt Rev Dr Rayappu Joseph who used the Madu Road for the first time to reach the holy Madu Shrine today (July 29) after it was cleared of terrorists and their explosive devises was conducted to the Shrine premises by Major General Jayasuriya where His Lordship had a tour of close inspection of the inner chambers and surrounding premises. The holy Shrine area fell to the Army hands in April, this year.

The Army Engineer troops, consequent upon instructions from Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, undertook the challenge of repairs to the holy church at a cost of Rs1.5 million, allocated from the Army budget. Last Tuesday (July 22) the holy 'Our Lady of Madu' was brought back to the Mannar Bishop House after an informal discussion Major General Jagath Jayasuriya has had with Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph on 21 July.

Wanni Commander also pointed out that Army Engineer troops have by now de-mined and cleared one square km of land surrounding the Shrine of landmines, booby traps and other explosives, left buried by LTTE terrorists when they retreated after inflicting damages on the church building some months back. Major General Jayasuriya also gave an assurance to the Bishop that his troops would not serve in the reserve area to the premises in uniforms or with arms once the holy statue is returned and feast organized.


Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph, pleased with the speedy renovation of the premises, in turn has expressed the hope that the holy statue could be consecrated again in the near future after sending a team of Catholic priests in advance to the venue for prior administrative work. Mannar Bishop after extending his greetings to the Security Forces has told that the precincts appear to be conducive to conduct of routine religious services in accordance with the traditions.

An unknown gunman riding a motorcycle opened fire at a group of five police guards deployed at the residence of TNA. M.P. T.Kanagasabai at Kalawanchchkudi, injuring one of them on Wednesday evening.

Police said the injury was not serious.

The MP was in the house at the time of the attack.

John Keells Holdings (JKH) said on Wednesday night that its directors at a special board meeting were fully briefed of the judgement in the Lanka Marine Services Ltd (LMSL) and the board had decided to ‘fully implement’ the Supreme Court decision.

“The board resolved to meet full compliance with the judgement,” JKH Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunawardene said .

The board meeting which all 10 directors attended was called by JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake to discuss the judgement over the 2002 privatization of LMSL, in which JKH has a 90 percent stake, and discuss the financial implications and other issues arising out of the verdict.

Mr Gunawardene said it was a ‘normal’ board meeting. “The board was briefed by the executive directors of all the facts of the judgement. The board also resolved that John Keells will continue to serve its customers and stakeholders to the highest standards as maintained by the company,” he said. The JKH Deputy Chairman said they were discussing with the authorities on fulfilling the tax obligations as listed out in the judgement.

The 10-member board comprises executive directors -- Susantha Ratnayake - Chairman, Ajit Gunewardene - Deputy Chairman, Sumithra Gunesekera and Ronnie Peiris - Group Finance Director, and non executive, independent directors -- Franklyn Amerasinghe, Tarun Das, Steven Enderby, Mohamed Muhsin, Deva Rodrigo and Ms Sithie Tiruchelvam.

Last week the Court declared that the 2002 privatisation of LMSL was illegal, unlawful and arbitrary. It ordered Treasury Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundera (who was chairman of the Public Enterprise Reforms Commission at the time) to pay compensation of Rs 500,000. Directors of JKH were asked to pay Rs 250,000 as costs. Court also ordered that the land on which the bunkering facilities lies should be returned to the state and that all taxes – since LMSL got tax-free status – should be paid from the date of privatization onwards.

South Asian leaders are to urge the UN to expedite the finalizing of a UN charter against terrorism, Foreign Secretary Dr.Palitha Kohona said today.

Foreign Secretaries of the eight countries of SAARC ended their two day discussions this evening and said terrorism is an issue that affects all the countries in the region and needs to be addressed at a regional level as well as an international level.

“The UN charter has been seven years in the making and needs to be expedited,” he said.

Dr.Kohona who now heads the standing committee of foreign secretaries also said that Sri Lanka has proposed the creation of a food bank which would enable food be to stock piled in SAARC member nations so as to be used when they were food scarcities in the region.

He added that the Secretaries had also almost finalized the guidelines on the role of the countries that participate in SAARC as observers.

World fuel prices, which are on an easing trend, on Wednesday fell to $122.37 per barrel for the Brent variety while the OPEC basket was trading at $121.73, the Central Bank said.

The trend in world prices was also reflected in the Colombo stock markets today where a large parcel of LIOC shares were traded at a higher price with investors believing that lower crude prices would help to generate more volume sales for LIOC and in turn raise profits. In the refined products market in Singapore, petrol traded at $124, diesel at $154.50 and kerosene at $156.90.

Police will shortly submit a report to the Attorney General on the incident where Minister Mervin Silva had forcibly entered a shop belonging to JVP supporters in the Polonnaruwa district and opened fire damaging his shop and a motorbike.

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that Aranaganwila the Police are wrapping up the investigations and a report will be sent to the AG soon for legal proceedings to commence.

However a JVP spokesman said so far no action ahs been taken against the Minister despite a complaint being lodged with the Police.

The skeletal remains of two people stacked in a gunny bag were found by a group of fishermen in a canal in Kadawatta today. Police are investigating the discovery.

A top LTTE operative, in-charge of procurement module in Sri Lanka, was arrested in Chennai today, Indian police said. The Q-branch, intelligence wing of the Tamil Nadu police, today arrested Thambianna (46), "in-charge of the LTTE's procurement module" in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will cut the number of maids it sends to the Middle East, a labour official said, citing increased complaints of abuse by women migrant workers.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama says the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) would get stronger under an Iranian leadership. The Minister made these remarks in his address to the 15th Non-Aligned Movement foreign ministers meeting which opened in Iran yesterday with a speech by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Attorney General C.R. De Silva suggested establishing a special High Court to hear bribery cases to expedite the legal process and to eradicate bribery and corruption in the country.

SAARC Leaders visit Parliament next Sunday (August 3) morning and a reception will be accorded to them in the House, Sergeant at Arms Anil Samarasekara said.
SAARC leaders last visited Sri Lanka for the summit held in 1998. The present summit will host leaders from Afghanistan, the new member of SAARC, along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the BMICH for two days August 2 and 3.

Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan who is attending his first international leaders’ meeting, Dr. Farukhddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmey Thinley, Prime Minister of India Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prasad Koirala, President of Maldives Moumoon Abdul Gayoom, Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Riza Gilani will be the guest leaders who will attend the reception in their honour at the Parliament.


SAARC summit this year will adopt a special declaration on mutual action against terrorism in the region that had witnessed the assassination of several of its leaders during the last two decades, including the Premier of neighbouring India Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Minister of Labour Dr. Mervin Silva yesterday vehemently denied accusations that he was involved in attacking a JVP supporter’s shop at Aralagangwila.

He said the JVP was divided and were trying to blame him for their troubles.

After the alleged incident on Sunday night, Aralagangwila Police visited the Minister at the Mahaweli holiday bungalow and recorded his statement. "I came here only last Sunday. This place is unknown to me and how could anybody expect me to get involved in a shooting incident. While trying to canvas for votes why should we antagonize the JVP?" he asked.

When media contacted JVP spokesman Vijitha Herath he said it was not anyone else but Mervin Silva himself who was responsible for the fracas at Aralagangwila on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, a special police team has been dispatched to Aralagangwila from Anuradhapura to conduct further inquiries. DIG North Central Province K. P. P. Pathirana said the Police report would be forwarded to the IGP as soon as he receives it. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the SLFP Minister Maithripala Sirisena when asked to comment said that he only heard of such an incident but was unaware of anything else.

The Government Medical Officers Association warned they would resort to trade union action if the government does not abandon the idea of signing an MOU with India on Tele-medicine. Spokesman for the GMOA Dr. Upul Gunasekara said yesterday such an agreement would only place a big burden on the shoulders of the government.

The Sri Lankan doctors already practice tele-medicine "as we don’t hesitate to confer with our counterparts in other countries, mostly when seeking a second opinion on a difficult case. Our consultants are trained in the UK, USA and Australia and they are able to get in touch with the senior consultants in those countries to seek secondary opinions," he said. However, the present situation is different as the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) is attempting to sign an agreement with a company which is affiliated to the Government of India – namely Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd," a GMOA source said.

If entered into, the whole executive authority of the one-year project in tele-medicine would be with the Indian company while Sri Lanka will provide the financial resource and should on any account a medical mishap occur while the patient is being treated by an Indian doctor, then compensation would also have to be borne by Sri Lanka.

He claimed that this was highly unethical and foolhardy on the part of the GOSL to enter into such pact where it was at the losing end. "The Indians would definitely not seek our assistance when treating their nationals."

He said that the agreement should work both ways. "They should at least seek our assistance in the field of primary health care because our health care system is on par with that of the developed countries. "Our infant and maternal mortality rates rank amongst the lowest," Gunasekara said.

The spokesman urged the government to go through the right channels by discussing the matter with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and the thirty eight medical colleges for expert advice and suggestions.

The SLMC in Sri Lanka ensures that the nation is provided with a proper health care system. "I wonder who is going to stand by the people of Sri Lanka should the Indian doctors err in their medication. I doubt the Indian Medical Council will take responsibility for the people of our country," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile the JVP accused India of trying to worm its way into our medical field. They have already taken over petroleum, electricity and mineral sand while one finds many Indian drugs also in the market. "Now it seems that India is trying to take over our human resource as well by imposing this scheme of tele-medicine on us."

The government has finally decided against signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India.

After years of talks, the pact was decided to be inked on the sidelines of the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa informed the Economic Advisory Committee meeting at Temple Trees yesterday (July 29th) of the decision, saying that CEPA would not be economically beneficial for Sri Lanka.

The Free Media Movement says it is deeply disturbed over the remarks attributed to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka in recent interviews he has granted.

One such interview appeared in the state run Sunday Observer newspaper of 20th July 2008, the FMM said in a statement.

The contents were later posted on the website of the Ministry of Defence ( www.defence.lk) thus giving it official credence.

Another interview was published in the Sunday Sinhala weekly Lakbima and was posted thereafter on their website (http://www.lakbima.lk/archive/last 20.07.08/index.htm).

We reproduce below relevant excerpts of the interviews where Lt. Gen. Fonseka is quoted as justifying the recent attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists.

"If Keith Noyair has not done anything wrong, he does not have to live in fear. If he has done some damage to our organisation or to a person, especially when he has done something which he is not suppose to do, then it is natural he must be living in fear. If they think that they have done something of that nature the best thing for them is to correct themselves and rectify the mistake".

"We know that journalists are being bribed, given 'drinks', treated in restaurants and they have their own vested interests.. . We know very well about those media people who take bribes, write and voice their opinion for some personal gains.

These so called media guys are not responsible to the people and they are not entitled to such media freedom.

That Keith Noyair who was assaulted was returning from a restaurant with his friends and they were drunk. We do not know that somebody in the restaurant had got annoyed with them, followed him and assaulted.

So, especially the media people should behave well and set an example to others. To me, those who stage protests with unshaven beards, long hairs and wearing costumes like in fancy dress competitions are not scribes who are clamoring for media freedom but a gang of thugs". (Interview with the Observer, reproduced in www.defense.lk )

In another interview with Sinhala language weekly Lakbima the commander had said the attacks on Keith Noyahr, Iqbal Atthas and Namal Perera could be the consequences of their “misdeeds”

If indeed Lt. Gen. Fonseka has made the remarks attributed to him, the FMM is of the view, that it is unbecoming conduct of a highest military officer.

At a time when he is spearheading a war against Tiger rebels, it is unfortunate that he has chosen it fit to justify indirectly the recent attacks on journalists.

(The FMM waited for a week before making this statement to see if there would be any corrections to the interviews form the commander.)

In reporting any public interest issue, no doubt, independent journalists may express dissenting views. Such views may sometimes be uncomfortable to various persons in the echelons of power.

The time honoured tradition under successive Governments have been for those concerned to counter those views, correct the facts if they are known or state their own.

If they violated the laws of the land, they would also have recourse to Courts.

However, if the remarks of Lt. Gen. Fonseka are in fact correct it clearly leaves an indelible impression that the might of the military is being brought to bear on unarmed and unprotected journalists.

This in the form of a hate campaign to threaten harasses, intimidate and force them into silence. This is an extremely disturbing trend and is unprecedented in Sri Lanka.

Making this even more disconcerting, the FMM strongly believes, is the deafening silence of the Government.

Not so long ago, they announced the appointment of a Ministerial Committee to alleviate the problems faced by journalists. Several Ministers made pledges to protect them and ensure media freedom.

The FMM says it believes that it would be the responsibility of the Government to make its position clear.

Otherwise, FMM fears, their silence or indifference would only pave the way for more journalists to be killed, brutally assaulted, intimidated and harassed.

Private bus owners are being reached for support for a three-day work stoppage planned by the National Trade Unions Centre.

Head of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gamunu Wijeratne and four other bus union leaders will meet the NTUC tomorrow (July 31st) to discuss matters.

Convener of the NTUC Samantha Koralearachchi said they expected trade unions in other sectors too, to join hands in the union action.

Dr. P.B. Jayasundara need not be removed from his positions as Secretary of the Finance Ministry and the Treasury, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has stressed.

Innocent public officials should not be blamed for the wrongs of political leaders and politicians, the president said, referring to the Supreme Court ruling against the top official.

Mr. Rajapaksa was speaking at the economic advisory committee meeting at Temple Trees yesterday (July 29th).

Dr. Jayasundara and Ministers Karu Jayasuriya, Milinda Moragoda and Bandula Gunawardena attended the discussion.

Top Sri Lankan fixed line phone operator Sri Lanka Telecom's SLTL.CM group June quarter net profit jumped 168 percent to 1.5 billion rupees ($13.95 million), a local business website reported on Wednesday.
The website www.lbo.lk cited a Sri Lanka Telecom statement in its report published ahead of the results release on Thursday by the bourse.
An official from Sri Lanka Telecom said it had given the quarterly results to the bourse although he was unable to confirm the numbers. A stock market official confirmed it had received the results and hoped to publish them on Thursday morning.
"Sri Lanka Telecom, the island's top fixed line operator, said June quarter net profit shot up 168 percent to 1.5 billion rupees from 560 million rupees in the same quarter a year before," the website said.
It said group revenue went up by 21 percent to 11.8 billion rupees in the same quarter.
Company net profit went up 129 percent to almost 1.3 billion rupees, it said.
Sri Lanka Telecom shares closed 0.56 percent up at 45 rupees a share on Wednesday, calculated on a weighted average.
Sri Lanka Telecom, which is 49.5 percent state owned, is among the most heavily-weighted firms on the Colombo bourse, accounting for 10.2 percent of the market's capitalisation. ($1=107.54 rupees)

Officials from eight South Asian nations have outlined an ambitious set of goals for the 15th SAARC summit, underway in the Sri Lankan capital. From Colombo, VOA correspondent Steve Herman reports the group is hoping to transform itself from a reputation for a lot of talking, but little action.
Poverty alleviation, ensuring food security, tackling energy shortfalls and fighting terrorism are all on the agenda of the 15th Summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. There is skepticism the organization, known as SAARC, can tackle such a to-do list.

The group has a reputation for issuing declarations with little follow-up, and that is when the summit has actually been held. Some years the leaders have failed to gather, due to the hostilities or disagreements between member nations.

Sri Lanka's foreign secretary, Palitha Kohona, says that is now in the past.

"Over the last year or two the countries of the region have left their bilateral issues aside in order to achieve the common good," Kohona said.

But all is not calm. Border incidents and simmering tensions among SAARC countries, including between Pakistan and SAARC's newest member, Afghanistan, threaten to overshadow this year's gathering and its goals.

The 15th Summit is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the region's residents. The South Asian countries have the largest number of people living in poverty.


Summit spokesman, Sri Lankan Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, says leaders this year are serious about moving SAARC to the implementation stage.

"Implementation means you reach the people and you work with people to make something meaningful and to feel it in the ground," he said. "So, for 20 years we were more on declaratory process and now we are transforming ourselves into implementation."

SAARC, which was established in 1985, includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Noting the decades of evolution it took for such bodies as the European Union or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve effectiveness, the head of the Center for Policy Alternatives, Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, believes it may be premature to expect much from SAARC.

"Arguably SAARC is ahead of its time," he said. "The level of development and maturity in terms of political institutions and institutionalization of democratic culture - that has yet to happen in sufficient measure."

SAARC officials say ministers of state have agreed on nearly everything to be included in the summit declaration, which will be endorsed by the heads of government on Sunday.

The leaders are to sign an agreement establishing a regional development fund. India is pledging to fund one-third of the $300 million fund, which will be dedicated to eradicating poverty.

-London/Colombo/Mumbai/Singapor-30 July 2008: Fitch Ratings Lanka has today affirmed Sri Lanka-based Hayleys MGT Knitting Mills PLC's (HMGT) National Long-term rating at 'BBB+(lka)'. The Outlook is Stable.The rating reflects HMGT's strong credit matrix and market position.
However, the rating is currently constrained by a potential withdrawal of the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme by the European Union (EU), due to HMGT's significant volume of indirect sales to the EU. In addition, a tightening of global demand for garments, higher local competition in the medium-term and significant cost increases remain challenges.
The EU's decision on re-awarding or withdrawing GSP+ scheme to Sri Lanka acts as an overhang on the rating, as approximately 70% of HMGT's sales in FY08 were indirectly to EU-based brands. Fitch also views the slowdown in sales of final garment products in the developed markets (Q109 - Marks & Spencer: clothing down 3.6%; Next Plc: retail down 5%) and cost increases in input cotton yarn and utilities as key operational constraints for HMGT. Over the medium-term, the possible entry of a large Indian knit manufacturer by 2009 is also expected to increase competition within the local industry.However, HMGT's encouraging financial and operating performance over the last three years, with continuous revenue growth (FY06-FY08 compounded annual growth rate: 26%), margin stability within a low volatility band (Gross Profit:2 4%-26% ; Profit After Tax: 9.8%-10.5%), improved working capital management, and the forecasted leveling-off of capital expenditure in the short-term are expected to act as a cushion to the above negative effects.HMGT's coverage and leverage ratios (as measured by funds from operations/ gross interest expense and total adjusted debt, net of cash/operating EBITDAR) have gradually improved over the last three years to 5.9x and 1.6x respectively (FYE08).
Its lower liquidity and the reduced undrawn credit facilities will be, to some extent, negated by the expected reduction of capital expenditure in the short-term, and the possible increase in access to credit lines due to an enhancement of banks' "single borrower limits" subsequent to main shareholder Hayleys' divestures.HMGT is the second-largest independent knitted fabric manufacturer in Sri Lanka, with predominantly local sales (transactions in USD) to large garment manufacturers based in Sri Lanka.
HMGT remains a key player in the backward integration process for local value addition under the GSP+ scheme, and has obtained accreditations from global brands such as M&S, Next, and Bhs. HMGT, with 15 years of experience, remains the only factory in Sri Lanka capable of producing 100% polyester fabric, and currently manufactures a wide range of products.

An expected meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lanka's only Tamil chief minister may not take place - amid grumbling that the former Tamil Tiger is being denied powers to succeed as a guerrilla-turned-administrator.
Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who is chief minister of the eastern province, was to have called on the Indian leader when the latter visits Colombo Aug 1-3 to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, informed sources said.

It would have been the first time in two decades that any former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) member would have an audience with an Indian prime minister. It would have also shown India's continuing interest in Sri Lankan affairs, in the northern and eastern provinces in particular.

According to the sources, Sri Lankan authorities did not favour a meeting between the prime minister and Pillayan in particular when Manmohan Singh was coming primarily for a South Asian summit. The Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), a radical Sinhalese nationalist group, is already branding Pillayan "an Indian agent".

Pillayan was among a large number of LTTE fighters who revolted in March 2004 and eventually formed the Tamil Makkal Vidhuthalai Puligal (TMVP). He became chief minister of the multi-ethnic eastern province in May this year after the TMVP fought the provincial elections in alliance with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's ruling coalition.

According to informed sources, Pillayan has since been complaining that he is being denied powers due to him as the top elected man in the eastern province, made up of the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Amparai.

For almost all his ills, Pillayan is blaming Mohan Wijewickrama, a confidant of the president who has been the undisputed eastern province governor for some time and who, according to Tamil sources, is reluctant to give up his powers. The governor could not be reached for this report.

An informed source told IANS: "The government has accepted the (India-backed) 13th amendment (to the constitution of 1987) to devolve more powers to provinces. But they are not giving even those powers to the chief minister. The governor makes appointments the chief minister should make. He seems to look at the chief minister as his advisor.

"The whole thing is very frustrating. The chief minister does not have powers over the police. Can you think of a chief minister in India minus police powers? And the governor is exploiting genuine Tamil-Muslim differences in the region to his advantage. In simple words, the governor is proving by his actions that no Tamil chief minister can ever think of genuine autonomy in the north or east. This is exactly what the LTTE says."

The LTTE has repeatedly said that its fight for an independent Tamil state is necessitated by Colombo's refusal to genuinely share powers with the Tamil minority.

India is opposed to a break up Sri Lanka but believes that Colombo has to do a lot more for genuine power sharing. India conducts friendly interactions with almost all political forces in Sri Lanka. In recent times Western representatives have also called on Pillayan in Trincomalee despite levelling charges of human rights violations against his TMVP.

Kathmandu - Nepal's main political parties Wednesday agreed to allow the caretaker prime minister to lead the Nepalese delegation to a regional summit being held in Sri Lanka, a government minister said.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's attendance at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit on August 2-3 was in dispute following opposition from the country's Maoist party.
However, a meeting of the four biggest parties in Nepal's constituent assembly, which includes the Maoists, agreed to let the former prime minister represent Nepal at SAARC.
'We have agreed that Prime Minister Koirala will lead the Nepalese delegation to the summit,' Minister for Peace Ram Chandra Paudel told reporters.
'The decision was taken under special circumstances where a new government would not be installed by the time of the summit and Nepal not attending the meeting would have postponed the summit altogether,' Paudel said.
Koirala will lead a 35-member Nepalese delegation and is expected to leave Kathmandu Thursday.
The SAARC summit requires all its member nations to attend the meeting or the conference will be postponed.
The Maoists had opposed Koirala, saying his resignation had already been accepted and he would not be able to sign agreements representing the country.
They instead proposed President Ram Baran Yadav to lead the Nepali delegation, but this was rejected by the Nepali Congress party.
The Maoists emerged as Nepal's biggest party following elections in April. However, the formation of a new government has been delayed because of a dispute over power sharing mechanisms.
Kathmandu - Nepal's main political parties Wednesday agreed to allow the caretaker prime minister to lead the Nepalese delegation to a regional summit being held in Sri Lanka, a government minister said.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's attendance at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit on August 2-3 was in dispute following opposition from the country's Maoist party.
However, a meeting of the four biggest parties in Nepal's constituent assembly, which includes the Maoists, agreed to let the former prime minister represent Nepal at SAARC.
'We have agreed that Prime Minister Koirala will lead the Nepalese delegation to the summit,' Minister for Peace Ram Chandra Paudel told reporters.
'The decision was taken under special circumstances where a new government would not be installed by the time of the summit and Nepal not attending the meeting would have postponed the summit altogether,' Paudel said.
Koirala will lead a 35-member Nepalese delegation and is expected to leave Kathmandu Thursday.
The SAARC summit requires all its member nations to attend the meeting or the conference will be postponed.
The Maoists had opposed Koirala, saying his resignation had already been accepted and he would not be able to sign agreements representing the country.
They instead proposed President Ram Baran Yadav to lead the Nepali delegation, but this was rejected by the Nepali Congress party.
The Maoists emerged as Nepal's biggest party following elections in April. However, the formation of a new government has been delayed because of a dispute over power sharing mechanisms.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Colombo on Wednesday night to participate in SAARC Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.
Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister MK Hussain Bahila and Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad received Mukherjee at the airport.
The SAARC Council of Ministers' meeting will finalise the agenda for the August 2-3 summit.
Mukherjee arrived in Colombo from Tehran where he attended the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
This year's SAARC summit is being held under the theme of 'Partnership for our people' and will also focus on launch of the SAARC Development Fund, establishing a South Asian Regional Standards Organisation, and increasing cooperation among SAARC nations with regard to criminal offences.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit is also likely to be discussed the expansion of the regional grouping.
The Sri Lankan government has stepped up security across the capital for the SAARC meeting.
]

Due to the SAARC rehearsal some roads were closed within the Colombo city limits. Here the traffic congestion on Kelaniya road when the roads were closed.

KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's major political parties demanded Wednesday that the caretaker prime minister withdraw plans to take part in a regional conference in Sri Lanka.
Girija Prasad Koirala,, who resigned earlier this month but is continuing as head of a caretaker government, is planning to fly to Colombo this weekend for the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation summit.

"It is not right for a prime minister who has already resigned to represent the nation in an important conference like that," said C.P. Gajurel of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), the party of the former communist rebels who have emerged as the largest political entity.

Gajurel said the newly elected president should go to the summit instead, even though he holds only a ceremonial position with no executive powers.

Bhim Rawal of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) also said it asked Koirala to cancel his summit plans.

The SAARC summit is regarded as an important event involving heads of government of the eight South Asian nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

SAARC requires all member countries to participate or the conference will be postponed.

Elections in Nepal were held in April but formation of a new government has been delayed because the political parties have not been able to agree on a coalition.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is yet to accept Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera’s ‘resignation’ but in the event that happens some names including Central Bank Governor Ajit Nivard Cabraal have been mentioned as possible replacements for this position, a senior Presidential Secretariat official said on Wednesday.

He said a short while ago that the weekly cabinet meeting will not be held today, as normally scheduled, due to the SAARC summit and thus no changes in the Treasury Secretary’s position will be made until next week. Dr Jayasundera came under fire from the Supreme Court last week in the court’s judgement on the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services Ltd. The court ordered that the Treasury Secretary pay a sum of Rs 500,000 as compensation which the latter did on Monday.

The official said Dr Jayasundera, in his letter to the President, has asked that he be ‘relieved of his duties’ and suggested that Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Sumith Abeysinghe be appointed as the acting Secretary to the Treasury. While Mr Cabraal’s name has been suggested to the President as a possible candidate for the Treasury Secretary’s job, other names being mentioned for this position are Highways Ministry Secretary S. Amarasinghe, Additional Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath and Deputy Secretary to the Treasury Sumith Abeysinghe. No names have been mentioned for the Central Bank Governor’s job if Mr Cabraal moves to the Finance Ministry, he said.

Colombo stocks were quiet in early trade on Wednesday with some interest in Lanka IOC mainly because global fuel prices are falling, brokers said.

There was interest in the outcome of the John Keells Holdings (JKH) board meeting which is on today to discuss the LMSL privatization judgement by the Supreme Court and the company strategy in this connection. “With fuel prices falling globally, Lanka IOC saw some buying interest,” a broker said. LIOC prices gained by Rs 1.75 with a block of 556,000 shares traded.

Turnover was modest in the morning at Rs 33.6 million while the All Share was up 20.9 points at 2,429.62 and the Milanka up by 38.56 points at 2,905.36. A little-known stock, Tess Agro also saw 817.300 shares being traded, up 10 cents at Rs 1.20.

JKH stocks didn’t trade this morning and brokers said interest was unlikely unless the company issued a statement with the outcomes at the end of today’s board meeting. Stock analysts said the market was also awaiting JKH’s quarterly to June 2008 results which are due any day, now. “This won’t contain any numbers relating to the LMSL privatisation issue and the offloading of its 20 percent stake in AMW. However there may be a post-balance sheet statement referring to these issues,” an analyst said. Hayleys is another stock that’s likely to pick up during the day with aggressive stockmarket trade Dhammika Perera picking up parcels as he keeps increasing his stake in the company.

The Supreme Court today ruled that the Urban Develoment Authority (UDA) and the residents of the unauthorised buildings should come to a mutual settlement by August 19.

Kingsley Rodrigo, head of PAFFREL claimed today that state owned weapons and vehicles are being used for campaigning purposes by some ministers.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa granted a pardon to CWC leader Arumugam Thondaman -- who was found guilty of contempt of court and imposed a suspended sentence by the Nuwara Eliya Magisrate last morning.

“Under section 34 of the Constitution, the President has granted a pardon to Mr. Thondaman,” an official from the Presidential Secretariat said.

The order was issued against Mr. Thondaman and two others last morning. The President granted the pardon that same evening.

The Nuwara Eliya Magistrate had imposed a suspended sentence on Mr. Thondaman, Minister Muttu Sivalingam and CWC Provincial Councillor, V. Radhakrishnan after they were found guilty of contempt of court yesterday.

Magistrate Amali Ranaweera imposed six months simple imprisonment, suspended for three years, on the three accused who had been charged with forcibly entering the former CWC office at No 21, Lady McCallum Road, Nuwara Eliya.

The order was issued following a complaint made by Mr. S. Sathasivam, the secretary of the Ceylon Workers United Front (CWUF). The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 1000 on each of the accused and discharged the six other accused.

In 2000, the former Deputy Chairman of the CWC and the present secretary of the CWUF had a dispute. On August 31, 2000 the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate issued an order directing that Mr. Sathasivam be allowed to use the said building. Later the CWC filed an application in the Court of Appeal against the said order. Meanwhile, a group of CWC members had forcibly entered the said building and Mr. Sathasivam had complained to the magistrate that the CWC had violated the court order and thereby the accused had committed contempt of court.

The JVP yesterday alleged that the government was using Minister Mervyn Silva and a group of TMVP members led by Mangalam Master to unleash violence in the North Central Province.

JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa to reveal whether he sent Minister Silva to the North Central Province to enlighten people about future development plans or to attack rival candidates from other political parties.

“Besides Minister Silva, TMVP candidate Mangalam Master too takes a hand in carrying out acts of violence. TMVP members are involved in extorting money and harassing people in the area,” he alleged.

Mr. Dissanayake said Provincial Councils could play a major role in developing the respective areas and uplifting the life standards of the people in the area.

“Almost all provincial councils have failed to fulfill the needs of the people as the chief ministers are dancing to the tune of the central government. Provincial councils should be able to function on their own with the funds allocated to them.

But they exhaust the budget allocated for a year within a month and then pass supplementary estimates monthly for the rest of the year but still there is nothing to show as the work done,” he said.

The JVP has prepared a five year development plan for each provincial council covering main areas like education, health, agriculture, small and medium enterprises.

The JVP development plan for the Anuradhapura district will be launched today while plans for Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts will be placed before the public within the next week.

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) went into an uproar yesterday forcing the Deputy Mayor S. Rajendran to adjourn the session for 15 minutes after SLMC, WPF and UPFA Councillor Vasudeva Nanayakkara staged a walk out opposing the manhandling of two SLMC Councillors Arshard Nizamdeen and M.A. Sharrifdeen allegedly by police when they brought the stay order which was issued by the Supreme Court stopping the demolition of houses in Glennie Street.
SLMC Councillor Arshard Nizamdeen charged during the sessions that he was manhandled when he brought the court order. He blamed the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for neglecting the people of Slave Island and charged that none of them visited the area that day. He alleged he was manhandled by the police and that some government servants who were present there threw the court order away and got on with the demolition.

The SLMC MPs staged a walk-out after making this statement while the Opposition Leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara also joined them stating that he is also walking out in protest of what took place at Slave Island.

In addition four WPF Councillors also staged a walk out.

UPFA Councillor Ariyaratne Wedage said a similar event took place when the Maligawatte flats were being constructed by a previous UNP government. He alleged that alternative houses were only given to party supporters then.

Criticising Opposition Leader Nanayakkara, Mr. Wedage said he had made a complaint to the President about him but the President had ignored it. “He said that I was destroying the SLFP,” Mr. Wedage alleged.

However Mr. Wedage condemned the attack on the Councillors and the media at Slave Island during the demolition of the houses.

The sessions ran into chaos when some UPFA Councillors tried to block the JVP Councillors from making a statement. The Deputy Mayor S. Rajendran who was in the Chair suspended the sitting for a while.

When the sittings resumed after about 15 minutes, JVP Councillor Hemantha Kumara said that giving houses to those who were living in unauthorized structures was a good thing but the government should have done this good deed in an acceptable manner. He said evicting these people in a hurry because of the SAARC was unacceptable. “One cannot do wrong things giving SAARC as an excuse,” he said. The JVP also condemned the attack on media and the councillors during the demolition.

Meanwhile it also transpired that the Mayor had given a letter permitting a banning of parking vehicles in R.A. de. Mel Mawatha without referring it to the Standing Committee on Traffic in the CMC as per the procedure. This was revealed by UPFA Councillor Milton Liyanage.

However Council Member Ajantha Liyanage said this was a temporary measure taken for the SAARC summit.

The SriLankan Airlines, the country’s national carrier has terminated the services of a foreign licensed pilot who was found to have submitted a falsified letter to the airline and initiated an inquiry into the incident.
In a statement, the SriLankan Airlines said yesterday that this particular employee, holds a valid Airline Transport Pilot’s license from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, which endorsed his rating as a Captain on the Airbus A340, A330 and A320 aircraft. This license is in accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the global governing body of the industry It also said that prior to joining the SriLankan Airlines in October 2007, he had worked for European, Asian and Middle Eastern airlines. However, the pilot had submitted a false document in order to satisfy a criteria specific to SriLankan which stipulates that directly recruited Captains require 1000 hours of flying experience as a captain on a particular aircraft.

On July 22 the SriLankan Airlines received information that this employee had not held a captain’s post in the airline he was employed at immediately prior to joining the SriLankan. A clarification of this information was sought by the SriLankan Airlines from his previous employer who replied with a confirmation of the information the next day.

The pilot was dismissed after a formal inquiry held by the airline on July 23. The airline has informed the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka about this incident, it added.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

Keells Foods and Elephant House Ice Cream have signed up as the Official
Supplier of Food and Ice Cream for the India tour of Sri Lanka. Handing over the sponsorship cheque to Duleep Mendis, Chief Executive of Sri Lanka Cricket is Neil Samarasinghe, Head of Frozen Confectionary, Ceylon Cold Stores . Also in the
picture are Lakith Peiris (Promotions & PR coordinator, Sri Lanka Cricket), Nalin
Jayasooriya (Brand Activations Manager, Ceylon Cold Stores) and Saliya Nanayakkara (Asst. Brand Activations Manager, Keells Food Products Ltd.)

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya presented his Credentials to U.S. President George W. Bush, at the Oval Office of the White House, on July 28, 2008.

During the ceremony, President George W. Bush warmly welcomed Ambassador Wickramasuriya to Washington D.C. and said that he looked forward to deepening the relationship between the two countries. He added that the United States values its friendship with Sri Lanka, noting that the two countries established a trade relationship as early as the 18th Century, and since then, time has seen the expansion of ties between the two countries, in tourism, education, investment, and common interests.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya responded with equal warmth and conveyed President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s appreciation of U.S. support to Sri Lanka in its continuing struggle to combat terrorism, especially the pro-active measures taken by the U.S. toward this end. For three decades, Sri Lanka has suffered the social, psychological, physical and economic consequences of terrorism, which has taken the lives of countless innocent civilians, who have become victims of war.

The Ambassador commented that the United States and Sri Lanka have shared diplomatic relations spanning over a period of more than 60 years. The two countries have pledged a comprehensive alliance, sharing common values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, human dignity and free trade.

President Bush said that the United States looked forward to working with Sri Lanka to advance a common agenda and to deepen the strong and abiding friendship between the two countries.

President Bush engaged in friendly conversation with the family of the Ambassador, enhancing the easy informality that followed the formal ceremony.

SAARC Journalist Summit of South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) will inaugurate another regional conference in Colombo on Wednesday.
Around one hundred local and foreign journalists from the SAARC region will attend the two-day conference in Colombo under the SAFMA banner to talk on Freedom of Media in Conflict Situations.
National Organiser of the Sri Lanka chapter of SAFMA N.M.Ameen said this conference would discuss freedom of media and plans to declare its recommendations before the SAARC Foreign ministers.
“We could get approval of the SAARC heads to provide free LIBERAL VISA FOR JOURNALISTS from the last SAARC Summit held in New Delhi .Now we are moving to prepare a criteria to issue liberal visa for the journalists in the SAARC region, he said.
Speaking to media through telephone on Tuesday he said the SAFMA plans to obtain approval from the SAARC heads to allow mass media products distribution among the SAARC countries.
According to the SAFMA organizers this year conference will begin on 30th Wednesday and local Media minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Parliamentarian Lauxman Kiriella will grace the occasion.

Leading media-practitioners, from the SAARC countries are now in Colombo to attend the prestigious media event of the year.
“Everything is ok, we are still welcoming the SAARC journalists, he said.
Explaining current free media concept of the region Mr.Ameen said right of freedom of information was recognized by the international community even before the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when the UN General Assembly declared in a 1946 resolution that “freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the UN is consecrated.”

“ The right to freedom of information has been guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and in regional treaties, such as the Inter-American Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, European Convention on Human Rights, he said.
SAFMA notes that nearly all SAARC countries have recognized the need for freedom of information laws but their initiatives need to be reinforced.
Meanwhile Minister of Mass Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said all facilities have been provided for foreign journalist who have arrived the country to report events in 15th SAARC Summit. Two centres have been established for them in BMICH and Trans Asia Hotel. The Foreign Media Personnel are coordinated by online system operated under the purview of Government Information Department. Computer Science Department of the Colombo University contributes for this project. According to the government sources around 75 journalists have arrived the country from SAARC countries and another 150 journalists are to arrive from those countries to report SAARC Summit soon.

The LTTE has announced its intention to declare a unilateral ceasefire from July 26 to August 4 to cover the duration of the SAARC Summit in Sri Lanka which brings together the heads of state of the eight South Asian countries. This is not the first occasion on which the LTTE has made such an offer. The Sri Lankan government has rejected the LTTE's offer as a ploy to gain a respite from the government's military operations and to obtain the sympathies of the international community. The government has recently said it is ready for talks only if the LTTE lays down arms which the LTTE has rejected outright.

As the host of the SAARC Summit, it is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan government to take all steps within its power to prevent any form of violence during the course of events in which several Heads of State will participate. The presence of the Heads of States of SAARC countries in Sri Lanka in the days ahead is a good occasion for both government and LTTE to show their intention of resolving the ethnic conflict through political negotiations. It also provides a platform to showcase regional cooperation and integration, which has been lacking in the past years. The fact that the LTTE has extended its support, for whatever reason, is an indication that it too places strategic importance on this Summit.

Whatever its motivations, a ceasefire offer is not to be lightly rejected as it offers a new space and a new opportunity for peace. Small steps can lead to forward movements that build trust and the possibility of a new peace process.

The absence of positive responses by the international community to the offers of talks and ceasefires is indicative of a credibility problem that accompanies such offers and points to the need for both the government and LTTE to reassess their past behaviour and to find ways to rebuild their credibility. The LTTE's unilateral ceasefire offer, for instance, would have had more credibility if it had been accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of a change of heart and approach in the direction of a political and negotiated process of conflict resolution. It would have been even more encouraging if a proactive stance had been taken by the LTTE directly with the government and its representatives, instead of an indirect effort through the media.

However, the National Peace Council believes that the positive aspects of the LTTE's unilateral ceasefire must not be discounted and could be built upon. The international community has an important role to play in creating the conditions for a new ceasefire agreement in the future. We call on the government to relax its embargo on peace emissaries going into the Wanni to meet with the LTTE so that this effort can be made both internationally and locally as well. It is disappointing that the visiting EU parliamentary delegation was unable to visit the east, as this could have created a concrete opportunity for international representatives to evaluate with goodwill the efforts taken by the government to restore normalcy in that area.

The ongoing war is creating tremendous human suffering and violations of human rights. The quest for a peaceful solution is a humanitarian obligation, and the right to life, and to live peacefully is now a necessity.

Exide Industries, that enjoyed a 76 per cent market share in automotive batteries, will increase exports from its Sri Lankan subsidiary to India by 15 to 20 per cent this fiscal to take advantage of tax benefits in trade among South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) countries.

Exide subsidiary Associated Battery Manufacturers (Ceylon) shipped around 88,000 batteries to India during 2007-08. The ABML facility was upgraded earlier during the fiscal that resulted in the rise in exports as well as local sales.

While exports more than doubled from Rs15.9 crore in in FY07 to Rs33 crore in FY08, the local sales shot up 35 per cent to Rs111.4 crore during the same period. Field trials have started for the Advanced Hybrid Maintenance free technology based batteries at ABML, Sri Lanka.

The batteries will be introduced in June this year. Tests were also in progress for a maintenance free version of a flat plate inverter battery which was scheduled to be introduced later during this year.

We import the batteries from ABML to service the small and medium buyers in India, informed P K Kataky, director, automotive, Exide Industries.

This apart, the company would start delivering batteries for the Tata Nano from its facility at the vendor park area of the Singur factory in a year's time.

As senior officials of the SAARC wound up the two-day programming committee meeting in preparation for the August 2 and 3 summit, the regional grouping is believed to be engaged in an informal debate on the pros and cons of expanding the membership. According to diplomatic sources here, the subject figured informally during talks . “The opinion among the member-countries is divided at the moment. All one could say at this juncture is that the issue is on the table for a possible debate at a future stage.”

The SAARC was created in 1985 as a seven-member organisation with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the founding members. In 2007, Afghanistan was inducted as the eight member.

The Association in 2005 created a category of countries with observer status. China, the E.U., Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mauritius and the U.S. are the observers.

The representations from Australia and Myanmar would be considered at the summit.

As per diplomatic sources, some of the neighbouring countries in the region with observer status in the SAARC have expressed a desire to become full-fledged members.

The argument of those in favour of expansion of SAARC by including some of the neighbouring countries in the region is that it does not conflict with the charter and gives a boost to the Association.

Those who advocate a more cautious approach are of the view that the Association would lose its distinctive identity with inclusion of countries outside the South Asia region even if they are contiguous to the region.

The military today handed over the Madhu Church to Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph after renovation. The Bishop for the first time visited the Church premises since the military took over the holy shrine.

The Police will temporarily close several key roads connecting the route between the Old Parliament and the BMICH tomorrow as a part of traffic control rehearsals to be put into effect during the SAARC Summit. The regular traffic will be controlled along the Galle Road from Old Parliament to the Kollupitiya Junction as well as several other main roads leading to the BMICH between 9.45am to 11.30 and 12.30 to 2.00pm as result of this programme.

The LTTE took (assassinated Indian Prime Minister) Rajiv Gandhi for a ride but the Mahinda Rajapksa Government will not be taken for a ride by a false declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by the Tigers, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said this evening.


Speaking at a pre SAARC summit press briefing, the Minister made the comments when asked for a government reaction to the LTTE’s violations of its own unilaterally declared ceasefire by firing artillery into the Muhamalai Forward Defence Lines (FDL) s earlier today.

“The LTTE signed an agreement when Rajiv Gandhi as in power and then withdrew into the jungle and violated it. Another Ceasefire Agreement was signed with the UNP and they violated it more than 10,000 times but we will not be tricked into such situations again,” the Minister said.

He added that the Government has taken all measurers to ensure security of all delegates attending the SAARC summit and they could go about their work without any fear.

Another row broke out on Tuesday at Hunter’s whose auditors quit in a dispute over disclosures, after a shareholder opposed a statement issued by the company this morning to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

According to letters sent to the CSE, Hunter’s said at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on July 23 called by a shareholder to discuss two resolutions in a dispute over a cheque issue and directors remuneration, that, “… with the consent and agreement of the shareholders present at the meeting the said two resolutions were not voted upon at the meeting.”

Soon, after shareholder Talib T. Al. Nakib, who called for the EGM, wrote to the CSE saying the Hunter’s position was misleading, as “it omits the main point agreed upon by the Board of Directors, namely, the EGM was incomplete in the absence of the auditors.”

He said the Board agreed to reconvene to enable it to call upon the auditors (Ernst & Young) to be present, adding that the resolutions proposed required the explanation of the auditors covering the relevant period. Ernst & Young resigned as auditors some weeks back after being asked by the company to explain why some information was including in the 2007 annual report. The auditors were not present at the July 23 meeting.

Courtesy –Lankaenews.com
Mind-boggling huge amounts of the tax-payers' money are being spent lavishly on entertaining and throwing parties to SAARC summit VIPs, the 'Lanka-e-News' learns. The government got a supplementary estimates bill for Rs. 2880 million passed for expenditure on the summit but it is learnt that certain ministers and government top bureaucrats are trying to grab a lion’s share for throwing dinner parties and other extravaganza paying exorbitant rates.

While President Mahinda Rajapaksa's dinner to 200 invitees cost only Rs.4000/- per head, the dinner being arranged by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama for 400 invitees at the BMICH (Committee Room A) costs Rs,10,000/- per head without cock-tail, it is reported. Charges on cock-tail would cost another one million rupees. Floral decorations and lighting that has been entrusted to a private Lighting and Sound System company would cost another Rs.2.5 million, it is learnt.
Another dinner party being given by Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohana costs Rs.5000/- per head while expenditure on accommodation to about 100 Foreign Ministry senior officials who are staying for 10 days at the Cinnamon Grand, Trans Asia and Intercontinental hotels will cost another Rs.10 million. They are being provided vehicles and all facilities in the hotels but no coordination work for them with visiting VIPs has been assigned, it is reported.

Military reports received form Muhamalai Forward Defence (FDL) indicate that LTTE terrorist have launched artillery attack at troops manning the area this morning (July 29).
Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the terrorist have fired about 10 rounds of heavy artillery at troops between 6 to 6.30AM . Two soldiers have sustained injuries due to the attack, he further said. He added that terrorist have used their guns located in the Poonaryn area for the attack.
LTTE recently announced through its media network that it would maintain a unilateral ceasefire since July 27 in view of the SAARC summit which is currently being held in Sri Lanka. However , observers of LTTE activities raised doubts about LTTE's intentions over this sudden decision. The government maintained that it would only go for a ceasefire when the LTEE have laid down their arms. According to observers, the latest attack has substantiated their doubts about the integrity of the LTTE.

Troops continuing their liberation operation in the Wanni region yesterday (July 28) reported that 33 terrorists were killed while 34 others wounded and 11 more were either killed or wounded. Also, 3 soldiers laid down their lives in the battlefield while 8 others suffered injuries.

Troops of Task Force 2 operating at the right flank of the combined Vavuniya- Mannar battlefront had several clashes with the terrorists in Navvi area and claimed 9 terrorists were killed 12 others were wounded.

Troops attacked a terror bunker around 4 in the evening and claimed to have killed 3 terrorists and wounded 8 others. One soldier suffered injuries in this incident.

In a separate confrontation occurred in the same area around 4.20 PM troops claimed 3 terrorists were killed and 4 others were wounded. A soldier suffered injuries due to an Anti Personnel (AP) mine explosion during the incident. In a similar confrontation occurred around 1 PM troops claimed 2 terrorists were killed. Meanwhile, a sniper deployed in the area confirmed shooting down of one LTTE cadre around 14.20 PM.

In the general area Kuttimulai a soldier of 57 suffered injuries due to an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion last afternoon. This injured was air lifted to the Anuradhapura military hospital.

Meanwhile, troops of 56 division operate separately from main battlefronts in Vavuniya, lunched an assault at an LTTE bunker located in the Navatkulma area around 11 AM. Troops claimed one terrorist was killed and found 3 AP mines during the clearing operations. In a similar incident occurred in Vilakkvittakulam area around 2.40 PM troops claimed 2 terrorists were killed.

Troops operating under Task Force 1 continued their march towards Vellankulama along the left flank of the Vavuniya- Mannar combined front engaged indirect fire at the terror targets located North of Iluppaikkaddavai last forenoon . According to the details received from both ground and technical sources, 8 terrorists were killed and 5 wounded in these attacks.

On the Welioya front troops of 59 division had daylong clashes with the terrorists in the areas North of Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa, and Kokkuthuduvai areas and claimed 13 terrorists were killed , 17 others wounded and 11 more were either killed or wounded. Also, 3 soldiers were killed and 5 others were wounded during these clashes.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations in the area removed 61 AP mines and 7 IEDs during the day.

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) extends its sincerest
congratulations to H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman of the AIT Board of
Trustees, on his recent appointment as Thailand’s Minister of Foreign
Affairs.

This past weekend Dr. Tej was sworn in as foreign minister with
immediate effect by His Majesty the King who issued a royal command on
Saturday July 26. His Majesty the King then gave his good wishes to
the new foreign minister at an oath-swearing ceremony at Klai Kangwon
Palace, Hua Hin, on Sunday.

The President of the Asian Institute of Technology, Prof. Said
Irandoust, offered warm congratulations to Dr. Tej on behalf of the
Institute.

Dr. Tej, who is a former ambassador of the United States, France, and
Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, has had an
illustrious diplomatic career in the foreign service of Thailand, first
joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969.

Dr. Tej joined AIT as member of its Board on 25 April 2005 and was
appointed as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee the same year. He
was elected as Chairman of the Board on 30 October 2006, replacing H.E.
Mr. Anand Panyarachun, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, who
served as AIT Board Chairman for 6 years.

Following his appointment as Thailand’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Dr. Tej
has resigned from the Chairmanship and Board of Trustees of AIT.

Popular Restaurateur Harpo Gooneratne announced plans to take his popular
Sri Lankan home-grown brand “Harpos Pizza” to the neighbouring Maldive Islands, as part of an ambitious plan to expand into the SAARC region.
‘Harpos Pizza’ is already one year old in Sri Lankan market and enjoys a fast growing clientele, comprising both Sri Lankans and expatriates.

A delighted Gooneratne said that he was proud to market a Sri Lankan brand beyond the shores of this country. “The trial runs in fact proved very successful with an excellent feedback all round.
Potential in the Maldives market is great. Since ours will be the only 'crispy base' authentic Italian pizza on the island, we are confident of a very high demand and thus good sales in the local market”.

He added that his target market would be both resident Maldivians and expatriate hotel guests in Male. The operation will be initially run by three trained and skilled Sri Lankans with high speed delivery bikes taking ‘Harpos Pizza’,
piping hot to customers around the Male island. “Depending on the success of this operation in the capital Male, we plan to expand delivery to the adjoining resort islands and will then use the traditional dhonis and bikes for quick delivery”, he said.

The range of Hapos Pizza to be marketed will be from the standard variants and Sri Lankan flavours together with a special Tuna-based pizza for the Maldivian palates, developed according to local tastes and flavours. All pizzas will be strictly Halal and free of pork-based products.

Gooneratne whose popular Colombo restaurants include ‘The Commons’ Coffee House and ‘The Bay Leaf’, the City’s finest Italian restaurant, will also spearhead F&B operations at the 25 room Bed & Breakfast ‘Park House’ property in the capital
Male, owned by Maldivian entrepreneur / hotelier Abdul Rasheed.

In its continuous efforts to uplift the ICT industry in the country, Dialog Enterprise Solutions, an integrated business division of Dialog Broadband Networks (DBN), has come forward to sponsor the National Best Quality Software Awards 2008, the only national competition of its type in Sri Lanka. The event is organized by the British Computer Society, Sri Lanka section.

The competition which marks its tenth anniversary this year, has made a remarkable contribution to the ICT industry in Sri Lanka by recognising and promoting exceptional local ICT achievements, since its inception in 1998. The annual event has also played a significant role in improving the standards and quality of locally developed ICT products and services while creating a new gateway to the global ICT market.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Mr. Kavan Ratnayaka, Chief Executive Officer, Dialog Fixed Telephony & Broadband Services said, “As a company which has made extensive investments in introducing world class broadband technologies to Sri Lanka, we are extremely proud to be part of this prestigious event which recognizes and supports local ICT achievements. Software applications form a key component of the ICT industry and we would like to commend BCS, Sri Lanka branch for fuelling its growth by creating a platform for local Software developers to showcase their achievements at both national and international levels.”

The National Best Quality Software Awards are judged by an expert panel of judges from diverse disciplines including IT, Engineering, Management, Accounting, Marketing etc. from the Private Sector and Academic circles. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented to the winners of six categories ranging from Applications and Infrastructure tools to Media and Entertainment Applications. They will also be eligible to compete at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) which is an international awards program initiated to increase ICT awareness in the community and assist in bridging the digital divide.

Unlike past governments that were tricked by ceasefires declared by the terrorists who had fallen on hard times, the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime will not fall for any ploy of the sort, said Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake.

Speaking at the passing out ceremony of 55 cadet officers of the Diyathalawa military academy, the PM said many questions were being asked about the government’s stance on the recent unilateral ceasefire declared by the LTTE.

The terrorists declare a ceasefire whenever they are weakened, to reinforce their military power, he added.

Noting that others question whether the government is not prepared for talks with the LTTE, the Premier said that the LTTE is an armed group which has declared war against a government elected by the people.

As a responsible government, we request the LTTE declare a ceasefire after disarming and renounce the demand for a separate regime, he said.

VAVUNIYA: TROOPS CONFRONTED LTTE terrorists operating in the general areas of NAVATKULAM, VILAKKAVETTIKULAM, KUTTIMULEI and north of NAVVI in VAVUNIYA on different occasions Monday (28). Nine terrorists were killed and four terrorists injured in confrontations.

One soldier in the advancing team sustained injury due to explosion of terrorist IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and two others were injured in LTTE mortar fire.
Three anti personnel mines were removed by the troops during a search following confrontations at NAVATKULAM.
Meanwhile, confrontations in the the MANNAR front erupted at ADAMPANKULAM and ELUPPAKADAWELI Monday (28) killing twelve terrorists and injuring five more.

One soldier was injured in the confrontations.

Similar fighting north of JANAKAPURA, north of KOKKUTHUDUWAI and north of KIRIIBBANWEWA in WELIOYA killed nine terrorists and injured over twenty five the same day.

Three soldiers were killed and six soldiers injured during Monday’s confrontations in WELIOYA.

The Standing Committee of the 15th SAARC summit constituting the Foreign Secretaries of the eight member states of SAARC will commence deliberations today on the key issues to be taken up at the main Summit to be held from August 2 to 3.

This is the 35th session of the SAARC Foreign Secretaries. The present chair of the Foreign Secretaries of SAARC nations, Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon wills formally handover the chairmanship to Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the meeting.

The Foreign Ministers' meeting is to be held on July 31st and August 1st. The SAARC leaders will meet on August 2nd and 3rd.
Four agreements including the topic of eliminating terrorism from the region are expected to be signed at the leader's summi which will also see the launching of a SAARC Development Fund.

Members from seven non-SAARC countries will also take part at the summit as observers. They are, the USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, Mauritius and European Union.

Meanwhile, various functions including cultural shows have been organized in line with the SAARC Summit. Accordingly, a SAARC dancing show organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Heritage will commence from today to the 1st of August at thr Kularatne Hall in Ananda College, Colombo.

Security forces conducted a search operation based on information received from civilian sources , had found some explosives , bombing accessories and few ammo in Nuwara-Eliya last evening (July 28), sources said.

TNT explosive, iron bolls, detonators and other items had been concealed on the ceiling of a house in Seethaeliya, in the suburb of Nuwara-Eliya, said the sources. Also, two people had been taken in to custody in connection with the incident , the sources added.

The Supreme Court today ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide a security contingent of not less than 8 Ministerial Security Division officers to the UNP Chief Minister candidate Major General Janaka Perera.

CWC leader Arumugam Thondaman and Minister Muttu Sivalingam were today given a 3 month simple imprisonment suspended for six months CWC spokesman R. Yogarajan confirmed.

The next of kin of victims of serious violations of human rights will be amply compensated and legal action taken against the offenders if proved guilty, the presidential Commission of Inquiry said yesterday.

CoI Chief Nissanka Udalagama said the Commission – appointed by the President to investigate 17 cases of serious violations of human rights during 2006 -- hoped to submit its interim report by September on the killing of five youth in Trincomalee and the 17 aid workers of the French NGO in Mutur.

“The public inquiry into these two investigations could have been concluded if the Commission met without interruption. But the Commission’s activities were severely hampered due to various functions taking place at the BMICH where our office is located.

Because of the SAARC summit all Commission proceedings have been suspended again,” Justice Udalagama said.

He said the interim reports would outline remedial measures to prevent the repetition of crimes of this magnitude, the amount of compensation that has to be paid to the next of kin of victims of the 17 crimes, facts and circumstances pertaining to the crimes and the naming of perpetrators.

“The resignation of Dr. Devanesan Nesiah and Javid Yusuf, reducing the eight-member Commission to six is not bound to hamper its proceedings,” Justice Udalagama said and added that the participation of two French retired judges as observers during the public phase of the Commission of Inquiry during the past few weeks had been helpful,” he said.

The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses its serious disquiet on the arrest and temporary detention of Nagalingam Kennyoodsan, Tamil Programme Producer of the Independent Television Network (ITN) by the Dehiwala Police.

He was taken from his boarding room at Malwatte Road, Dehiwala, on 26th July 2008, on mere suspicion.

He has worked at the state-controlled ITN for more than ten years.

He was released on the same day, but only after representations made by media organizations.

However, he has been asked not to come to work and to go on leave by the management of ITN, again without any lawful reason being given.

FMM also learns that a friend of Mr. Nagalingam, Mr. Kathirkamanathan Ragulan, who is also boarded at the same address, has also been arrested by the Dehiwala Police, produced in courts, and remanded in the Welikada prison.

We note with concern that dozens of people of Tamil origin have been arrested around the capital Colombo, as part of security measures that are being taken for the SARRC summit.

On the 25th anniversary to the month of the anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983, and in the light of the continued detention of journalist J. S. Tissainayagam on extremely tenuous legal grounds since March 2008, we consider this to be an act of ethnic discrimination.

While FMM fully acknowledges the duty of the authorities in respect of the security of the capital during an international conference, we are deeply worried about Mr. Nagalingam's arrest made on mere suspicion, and treating him like a criminal by taking fingerprints before releasing him only on personal bail.

It is also regrettable that even after a Cabinet sub-committee for the protection of media professionals has been established, acts of intimidation and attempts at the humiliation of journalists are continuing.

FMM cannot see any positive influence on the curbing of the on-going suppression of the media as a result of the establishment of this ministerial sub-committee.

Adding an element of farce to the unfolding tragedy, we note that the sub-committee's telephone hotline, announced with tremendous fanfare, has been dead for days.

EU Praliamnetarian Niranjan Deva Adithya hitout at the EU delegation head for coming to Sri lanka and attempting to preach democracy.
However he said the recent visit by the European Parliament Delegation set up to improve Relations with South Asian countries has generated much controversy.
Speaking to media in Colombo on Tuesday he said last weekend’s newspapers carried embarrassing headlines stating that we had been misled.
Full text of his statement:-
Far from improving relationships with Sri Lanka - the visit on the contrary, has led to recriminations, finger pointing and mistrust.
This was claimed by the Government, by the democratic Tamil political parties including PLOTE, Mr Anandasagaree, by the JHU and even the JVP. One newspaper even claimed that the Labour Party Member and Leader of the European Parliament delegation Mr Evans was an LTTE propagandist having appeared on LTTE platforms in London.

This is deeply disturbing news. As a Sri Lankan born Conservative Member of the European Parliament elected to represent 8 million British people some of whom have great affection for Sri Lanka I am now making this statement in order to redress this situation.

I do so with a consistency of principle I have maintained throughout my 40 year long political career in the UK and Europe.

I have always put what I consider to be the national interest first, then my constituency interest second and finally my party interest third.

I have never put the interest of the Conservative Party before the interests of the United Kingdom. This has led me on occasion to challenge the views of the Party leadership.

Similarly now, in the European Parliament I have voted many times against my Party whip when I believe that the interest of the UK come before those of Party political expediencies.

As a dual citizen, proud of my Sri Lankan heritage, similarly I would never put the interests of any party before those which I believe to be in the national interest of all the Sri Lankan people.

One of the stories claimed that Mr Evans as an alleged LTTE supporter had a hidden agenda which made him avoid meeting the new Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Mr Pillayan in Trincomalee; thus aborting the visit to Trincomallee.

So let me deal with this first.

We did not go to Trincomallee, as had been planned with the full support of the Foreign Ministry and the Government of Sri Lanka, for many reasons.
First mistake was because the leader of the Delegation turned down the offer of a Government aircraft on the grounds that we could be seen to be partial; whatever he meant by that.

Instead an aeroplane from South Africa was chartered for us through a private company (Expo Aviation) by the EU Delegation Office in Colombo through the United Nations.

The plane yet to be certificated as airworthy according to Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Rules did not arrive in Colombo from South Africa until Sunday the 20th for a flight for Wednesday the 23rd July; though our plans were known at least 2 months in advance by the EU office in Colombo.

We were therefore going to be put on an inaugural flight in a 20 year old aircraft which had yet to be certificated as airworthy by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and flown by South African pilots who had never flown the route before.!!

Second, the Civil Aviation Authority rushed the clearance procedure by 14.30 on the 23rd July but insisted that a local flight director from Expo Aviation were to fly in the aircraft for our safety as the pilots who were hired by the EU/UN were not cleared for the route.

We did not know any of this nor were we told by the EU/UN office about this except that we were to be flown in a new UN aircraft and given assurances that all would be well by various Sri Lankan authorities.

Third, on the day of the flight we reported to the Ratmalana airport at 12.00 as scheduled and at 1.20 pm the South African pilot who had been hired came on board the MEPs bus and informed us that “this flight is not going to take off and I am not cleared to fly the aircraft”. Having made this statement he then left..

Naturally mild panic ensued in a bus full of MEPs who demanded that we return to Colombo at 13.30 that day.

So what do we glean from this?

1) That the EU office in Colombo having passed the matter over to the UN to charter the plane, washed their hands of the whole affair and did not even bother to check nor monitor whether the plane had been chartered, whether it had arrived, whether it had been cleared as airworthy and whether the pilots had been security checked and route cleared before we set out for the airport.

2) The Civil Aviation Authority rushed through an airworthy inspection based on a South African airworthy test conducted weeks before.

As an Aeronautical Engineer I know how long it takes to do an “a” and “b” check on a 20 year old aircraft especially after arriving from South Africa and probably used on wildlife safaris.

I am appalled that we have been put at such risk by the misfeasance of the EU Commission Office in Colombo who did not carry out their duties in a timely manner and on my return to Brussels it is my intention to question the Commissioner on the floor of the House as to whether this was indeed a matter of malfide.

I am now also requesting the Government to carry out its own enquiries as to the sequence of events and the various decisions taken by the private company, the EU office, the UN and the SLCAA which culminated in this fiasco, by holding a Committee of Enquiry so that we can end speculation and clear the air.

I also belatedly record my sincere thanks on behalf of the whole Delegation to all the Government Officials for the unstinting assistance provided to us to make this journey to the Eastern Province which alas did not happen for the aforesaid reasons.

Rather than increase the influence of the EU in Sri Lanka I deeply regret that the Parliamentary visit has diminished the EU’s standing as an authoritative friend.

The same “shooting ourselves in the foot” tendency has developed among some (though not all) of the Embassies of the Member States, who have lost the plot and forgotten that they are not some glorified single issue NGO but rather that they are here to promote their countries national, economic, trade, environmental and social interest for the benefit of their own people back home.

In my view the national interest of all the Sri Lankan peoples demands the eradication of terrorism, the establishment of the primacy of the rule of law, the concept of being equal under the law , constitutional liberties, democratic governance and equality of opportunities for all the people applied uniformly throughout the whole of the island.

These principles are also the foundation of the European Union.

The EUs relations with Sri Lanka are unique.
There is no other country in the world that can match the longevity of the relationship which Europe through Portugal Holland and Britain, has had with Sri Lanka.

The British were in India for only 150 years and yet British attachment even now for India is strong as ever.

Yet for over 450 years Sri Lanka was connected to Europe and the European peoples. That is why Sri Lanka is held in such high esteem and much love by the people of Europe.

The outpouring of grief in Europe over the Tsunami in Sri Lanka was an eye-opener to me. That is also why anything Sri Lanka says or does is minutely examined. This is a fact and the sooner we accept this truth and turn it to Sri Lanka’s advantage , the better for all concerned.

Instead of resisting this unrequited love, we should embrace it as I have done and build on it for the benefit of the peoples of this country.
The European Union above all else is a construct of compromises. The very ethos of the EU is truth, reconciliation, forgiveness and the identification of a common democratic interest under the rule of law and sharing power through unity in diversity.

How else could millions of Germans, French, British, Dutch, Belgians and Italian peoples have come together in 1958 to create the modern European Union, forgiving and forgetting the hatreds generated by the bloody wars in Europe when 70 million of their fellow countrymen were slaughtered by one another.

What has been achieved by the Government in the Eastern Province in turning previous terrorist into Chief Ministers and civil administrators in a peaceful democratic forum and resettling over 90% of the internally displaced people in a short time is truly remarkable. We should acknowledge this, not carp about it.

Far from belittling this achievement, the European Union must do everything in its power to support the Government in the development of the Eastern Province, empowering the democratic process by capacity building and encouraging inward investment to enable life opportunities, youth employment, health and education services for 3 million people who for over 20 years have lived without freedom in utter despair and abject poverty under terrorism.

So let me say a few words about freedom and democracy.

Sri Lanka is one of the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world, having gained self governing status under universal adult franchise in 1931 – only a few years after the UK itself.

Since independence in 1948 Sri Lanka has peacefully transferred power through the ballot box on 7 occasions holding 12 general elections and 5 presidential elections.

Compare this with the EU.

Germany has had 16 general elections having earlier been a Fascist dictatorship from 1932 to 1945. Spain has had 10 general elections having been a Dictatorship between 1936-77.
Portugal was a dictatorship from 1933 to 1976 and had the first of its 9 democratic elections only in 1975. Greece was a dictatorship from 1964-74 with the first of its 6 democratic elections held only in 1976. The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia Romania, Bulgaria were totalitarian states since 1948 only becoming a democracies less than 12 years ago.

Sri Lanka is an older and more mature democracy than 21 of the 27 current Member States in the EU.

It then becomes absurd for European Parliamentarians to come to Sri Lanka and lecture the Sri Lankan polity about the nature of democracy. In fact Sri Lanka could teach a thing or two to some of these newly emerging democratic nations in the EU particularly about her robust and independent judiciary which is vigorous in determining breaches of fundamental rights.
This over arching point was wholly ignored during the press conference given by the Chairman of the European Parliamentary Delegation.

The European Union is not some Utopia. It is not a land of milk and honey where sweetness and light reigns supreme and the streets are paved with gold.

It is a area of land where nearly 70 million people were slaughtered in 9 years during two world wars; where millions of innocent women and children were bombed and gassed to death as recently as 60 years ago at a time when Sri Lanka was a self governing country living in communal harmony and peace

As a European legislator for 500 million people in 27 states, I have to confront on a daily basis rising unemployment, a tide of crime, shootings, and knife attacks.

I have to confront discrimination against Gypsies and minority communities, a trade in sex workers and young girls sold into prostitution from some of the poorer EU member States, waves of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers whose human rights are unprotected, corruption in the newer member states where the independence of their judiciary is highly questionable, a huge drugs problem with the young being turned into useless lifelong addicts; and with overcrowded prisons where 70 percent of the prison population are from the ethnic minority communities.

We are in David Cameron’s words “A Broken Society”.

In Britain we face the challenge of terrorism on a daily basis. Prime Minister Brown against our opposition breached the most fundamental of our rights and freedoms, blew a hole through the Magna Carta which has underpinned British freedoms for 800 years and pushed through legislation to lock up suspected potential terrorists for 48 days, yes 48 days, without charging them.

Today notwithstanding 25 years of conflict generated on three occasions by bloody JVP terrorist uprisings in the South and by separatist suicide terrorism by the LTTE in the North, Sri Lanka still functions as a mature parliamentary democracy where the rule of law not only prevails; it is being constantly strengthened by the Supreme Court and a highly visible independent judiciary.

In the SAARC region in particular Sri Lanka is a model of institutional stability and rectitude; given what has happened in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives to name a few.

This is a phenomenal achievement over the last 60 years due largely to the maturity of the UNP and the SLFP working to maintain the fundamental democratic ethos whatever the sometimes overwhelming external challenges.

These are attributes which we in the EU must cherish, not denigrate. Those of us who come here with an open mind and without a predetermined agenda recognise what has been achieved and what has been secured.

Now I come to a matter of paramount concern to all my colleagues in the European Parliament even if they have never set foot in Sri Lanka.

There is genuine concern about the human rights and collateral damage inflicted on innocent people fuelled by enduring conflicts the world over; be it in Kosova, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad, DRC or Sri Lanka.

In times of conflict there is a difficult balancing act between the protection of human rights under the rule of law and its neglect under the rule of expediency; particularly when many innocent lives are at stake and time is of the essence.

In other words, “when is it right to torture someone to find out where he has hidden a big bomb which, if it goes off, will kill thousands of innocent civilians”?

If you believe in the supremacy of the rule of law, the answer is “never”.

Because carrying out the act of torture is in fact carrying out an act of terrorism and nullifies the moral imperative of going to war to end terrorism in the first place.

This was a point repeatedly made by the European Parliament to the United States over allegations of torture in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and in Guantánamo Bay.

This is also why the UK Government three weeks ago successfully prosecuted seven Queens Lancashire Regiment soldiers on charges of murder and abuse in Iraq. The government agreed to pay nearly 3 million pounds to torture victims and admitted liability for 'substantive' human rights breaches.

By locking up a few rotten apples, the Government could say with pride and without contradiction that the many thousands of other British soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan were honest, brave, loyal and law abiding and were conducting themselves 'to the highest standard of behaviour.'

By enacting the rule of law and punishing the few, the British Government won a huge accolade for the many.

Similarly in Sri Lanka given various allegations of disappearances and abuse, a few indictments and arrests would do the Government a power of good. By applying the rule of law and by being seen to apply it; such actions would immediately promote Sri Lanka as a nation where the rule of law even in times of the bitterest conflict reigns supreme.

I this regard I look forward to receiving soon the report by Justice Udalagama on the Presidential Committee of Inquiry set up to investigate the killing of 5 youth in Tricomalee and the 17 aid workers in Muttur in 2006.

Of equal importance is the ability of 21 million ordinary Sri Lankans from all communities including the Tamil community, the majority of whom live prosperously side by side with the Sinhalese in the South, to live a life of equal opportunity in democratic freedom.

The promise that was a peaceful multicultural multilingual multi religious Sri Lanka where the Sinhala, Muslim and Tamils with other minorities lived together in peace in the 1950s was destroyed. Destroyed by separatist LTTE terrorism due to the chauvinistic and short-sighted policies of some Sinhalese leader’s in the 1960 and 1970s and the terrible dreadful events of July 25th 1983 which the Government of the day allowed to happen.

I recently met the Ven Bhramanawatte Sivali Thero of the Amanapura Nikkayar at a Conference in Europe where he astounded the chauvinistic Tamil Nadu politician Vaiko by speaking Ancient Tamil to him. This set me thinking, having travelled through out Asia where I have met Thai speaking Buddhists, Chinese speaking Buddhists, Cambodian speaking Buddhists and even Hindi speaking Buddhists but never Tamil speaking Buddhists.

Frequently now I wonder whether Sri Lanka would have been a much more peaceful and much more homogeneous place if say 40% or so of the Tamil speaking population had been Buddhists and not exclusively Hindu or Christian.

Is taking the Buddhist religion to Tamil people such a difficult task ?

Today the Sinhala democratic polity of Sri Lanka has learnt from its past mistakes. This is evident to all who are living in Sri Lanka. However to those living abroad and are at the receiving end of a constant barrage of LTTE propaganda, this change is not so self evident.

It is therefore vital to inform and educate the opinion formers and decision makers in the international community of the changes that this and previous Governments have made in regard to equality of the ethnic groups, equality of the languages and even about the teaching of Tamil to Sinhalese students and Government servants.

And for the EU the lesson is simpler still.

We need to learn - not to lecture.

We need to learn to make statements that encourage good governance - in the spirit of friendship while at the same time not strengthening the hand of the terrorist in any way at all.

We need to engage Sri Lanka in a dialogue of equals as an ongoing and regular process, without employing megaphone diplomacy.

This was something, which we failed to do, last week, and for which, on behalf of the British Conservative Members of European Parliament, I do now apologise.

Like our rich cultured past, Sri Lanka and all her peoples have a great future. Together, side by side, as friends, lets join hands across the continents, go out, meet the challenges, overcome every obstacle and build that future.

Security forces personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensive operation inching further towards LTTE territory have gained control over more LTTE areas inflicting damages to the enemy, the finalized military report received from the forefront said. 13 LTTE terrorists were killed and 6 others suffered injuries due to the clashes ensued between security forces and LTTE yesterday, July 27. In addition, 19 more terrorists reportedly either killed or wounded due to the yesterday's clashes. Two security forces personnel have made utmost sacrifice for the sake of motherland while 8 others received injuries.
Troops of 57 Division operating in Vavuniya front launched an attack targeting a group of LTTE terrorists in general area Parappukkal. Intercepting LTTE communication, it is revealed that 4 LTTE terrorists were killed in this attack. An army solder received injuries was admitted to the Ampara hospital.
Army snipers deployed in Kuttimulai area gunned down an LTTE terrorist during day hours yesterday while another army soldier injured in a separate confrontation took place in Mallavi area.

On information received from a civilian, troops have found a LTTE suicide belt while conducting a search operation in Pattaikadu area in Vavuniya this afternoon, July 28.
According to the information, the suicide belt had been buried in a bare land in the area when it was recovered around 12.40 p.m.

Oslo - A Norwegian aid group Monday rejected allegations that is has given trucks to Tamil rebels fighting the government of Sri Lanka, reports said.
Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry posted an article on its web site Sunday stating that Norwegian People's Aid had given trucks and other vehicles to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The article said the LTTE was using the vehicles 'for its military operations in the North, and intends using them for disinformation activities, too.'
Norwegian People's Aid secretary general Petter Eide rejected the allegations, saying 'the trucks were stolen,' Norwegian news agency NTB said.
'These allegations are just fabricated. The vehicles were stolen, taken by force,' Eide added, saying the aid group had no interest in equipping the LTTE.
Norway in 2002 helped broker a ceasefire agreement that has since collapsed.

Dr. P.B. Jayasundara extending his letter of resignation today, sought to be relinquished from his current position as Secretary to Ministry of Finance after paying the landmark fine imposed by the Supreme Court.
Dr. Jayasundara who happens to be the longest serving Treasury Secretary after former Secretary R. Paskaralingam was ordered to pay Rs. 500,000, the highest ever compensation in a fundamental rights case, after finding him guilty of having concealed facts to the Cabinet and being party to an act of massive corruption.
However, the sources said that it is doubtful that President Mahinda Rajapakse would accept the letter of resignation, having considered the appeals made by Ministers and other Senior Government officials at this juncture.
Meanwhile, Private sector shaken from the recent judgment expressed their concern over UPFA Government resorting to legal remedy in taking-over profit making private ventures which were loss making state burdens before being privatized.

Girija Prasad Koirala will represent Nepal at the 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Colombo on August 2 and 3.
Though Koirala resigned as Prime Minister on June 26, he would represent the country as the political parties could not form the new government even after more than three-and-half months of the Constituent Assembly election.
The cabinet meeting on Monday decided to send a 35-member delegation to the SAARC Summit under Koirala’s leadership. The ‘caretaker’ Prime Minister’s daughter Sujata Koirala is also part of the delegations.
Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat, who is also officiating as the Foreign Minister, will lead the Nepali delegation for the SAARC ministerial meeting.
Interestingly, the Maoists and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) ministers did not attend the meeting as they have already resigned from the government.

TULF Leader V.Anandasangaree sent an open letter to the leader of the LTTE V.Pripaharan and asked to declare five declarations to end the ongoing civil war and find a solution for the ethnic issue.
He asked a permanent unilateral ceasefire, lay down arms to find solutions for the ethnic problem, give up idea of the separatism, accept seven heads of the SAARC countries as arbitrators and accept their solutions to form a united Sri Lanka.
He said he would talk to the President of Sri Lanka to find a best solution and follow a long tern ceasefire.
In his letter he mentioned the international community has rejected the LTTE claim for separatism.
“If you agree to give up demand for separatism the whole world and the SAARC will intervene and help to solve the ethnic problem, he said.
“This is the golden opportunity to give up the armed struggle and enter the democratic path .The happenings of the Eastern Province can be taken as a good example for the LTTE to come into the democratic path .You will be welcomed to take part in the administration .I will do my best to help you to come into the democratic path, he said.
He said the country would gladly agree to change their present attitude and help to find a satisfactory solution.
“I am not aware into whether the ethnic issue of ours is in the agenda of SAARC conference. But terrorism will certainly be a subject for discussion and therefore discussion of the ethnic issue will become unavoidable. I will make a request to the president Mahindha Rajapaksha to take up the issue of the Sri Lankan ethnic problem for discussions with other heads of the SAARC countries, he said.

A protest by staff running the SAARC foreign media unit at Hotel Trans Asia has ensured them a meal costing Rs. 4,000 per head after mediation by Sajin Vaas Gunawardena.

Earlier, these officers from the Information and Police Departments had alleged they had not been provided with adequate facilities.

Head of the Presidential Media Unit Lucien Rajakarunanayake and SSP Amarasinghe of the Presidential Security Division had complained about this to the Presidential Secretariat.

Foreign Ministry sources said the Information Department had been given Rs. 10 million to provide facilities for journalists from the South Asian region.

In addition, Rs. 400,000 has been granted to cover food expenses.

However, the supporting staff at the media unit had earlier been issued with coupons to buy their food from the hotel's staff canteen, at Rs. 450 per head.

They had protested to the hotel management against this treatment, but were told that the Foreign Ministry had made the decision.

In spite of a previously estimated staff of around 50, nearly 100 officers, including 70 from the Information and Police Departments, had asked for meals, thus aggravating the situation.

Foreign Ministry sources noted that this was not a question about facilities for the foreign media, but about the meals of the supporting staff.

Ports and aviation minister Chamal Rajapaksa has asked the airports and aviation services authority to make arrangements to shift the planned second international airport to a new site in Mattala in the Hambantota district.

Two Indian warships INS Ranvir and INS Mysore will be anchored just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters to provide security to the Indian Prime Minister and other high ranking officials who will be in Colombo to attend this week’s SAARC Summit. “The two ships will only operate just outside the Sri Lankan waters and the Sri Lanka Navy will provide security in the Sri Lankan waters during the summit,” a top defence official said.
“They will be called in the event any emergency situation arise during the period of the summit,” he said.
The official also said the Sri Lanka Navy’s Off-shore patrol vessels and a fleet of Fast Attack Craft were already deployed to meet any emergency situation that arise during the summit. “The ships would stay until the end of the summit,” he said.
The ships INS Mysore a Delhi-class destroyer and INS Ranvir a Rajput-class destroyer will be equipped with Sea King and Chetak helicopters.
The 6,900-tonne Delhi-class destroyer, with a 360-crew, for instance, is a power-projection warship capable of operating even in an NBC (nuclear-chemical-biological) environment, with a wide array of missiles and weapon systems.
Indian military bases along the coastline, like Ramnad in Tamil Nadu, will also be on high alert to meet any contingency during the summit, reports said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy activated a tight security blanket with deploying a large naval fleet in the West coast during SAARC summit period. A senior navy official confirmed that a fleet consisting Off-Shore Petrol Vessels (OPV), Fast Attack Craft (FAC-Dvora), Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC), Fast Gun Boats (FGB) and newly set up Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) will carry out sea patrolling around the clock.
In addition to the sea coverage, two boats team from RABS were also deployed for the inland waterfront security.
Two teams each consisting more than five boats of the RABS had been deployed in Diyawanna Oya and Beira Lake security.

Treasury Secretary Dr.P.B. Jayasundera today paid up the fine of Rs.5 lakhs to the government over the illegal deal carried out between JKH and Lanka Marine Services Ltd.

At least 18 treasure hunters were arrested in the Galgamuwa area, Police said.

They were identified as residents of Ja-ela, Gampaha and from same area as well, police said.

Most Colombo city residents and those living in the immediate outskirts have opted to remain indoors or travel to outstations during the week as meetings of the SAARC got underway on Sunday.

Less number of vehicles entered the city on Monday compared to other weeks and most shops and offices plan to reduce their business activities later in the week expecting less number of customers to turn up.

Most residents said they would opt to stay back at home than traveling and caught in traffic blocks.

Hotels in the outstations including Kandy and the southern coastal line said they had received more bookings compared to other weeks and were expecting more visitors.

The Sri Lanka Tourism organized Hikkaduwa Beach festival 2008 is also expected to draw out crowds from the city in addition to Cricket fans traveling down to Galle to witness the second test match between Sri Lanka and India starting on Thursday.

Security is being further intensified in an around the city with 12,000 policemen and 8,000 security personnel.

On Monday residents witnesses sudden interruptions of traffic with roads being closed at short notice for the movement of delegates between hotels and the main venue at the BMICH.

Meanwhile the official level meetings opened on Sunday and the Foreign Secretaries are due to meet from tomorrow before the Foreign Ministers meeting opens on Thursday followed by the heads of state meeting on Saturday and Sunday.

Those using the Negombo road have been warned that they should expect sudden interruptions of traffic for long hours on Friday as the heads of state are due arrive on Friday.

Associated Motorways Ltd, (AMW) Chairman Ajita de Zoysa told reporters on Monday afternoon that the decision for Associated Electrical Company (AEC) to sell its 51 percent stake in AMW to Dubai-based Al Futtaim Group was because of a need to raise capital.

“My uncle, Sir Cyril de Zoysa, who was a pioneering industrialist started this company which my father Mr. V.T. de Zoysa headed later on,” he said, touching on AMW history. He said this deal was entered into as the company needs large capital infusion to start the projects that the board has foreseen for the company. Earlier in another report this morning on TimesOnline, it was erroneously reported that Ajitha and Tilak de Zoysa, are sons of the founder Sir Cyril.

The new owner of AMW was introduced to the company by Dubai-based, Sri Lankan investor Alex Lovell.

“Mr. Alex Lovell introduced the Al Futtaim Group to me and on Saturday Mr. Bob Farrow (Senior General Manager- Business Development) from Al Futtaim offered to buy the AEC stake in AMW. I took board approval and then we decided to do the market transaction today,” he said.

Mr. De Zoysa said he will be retiring within three months and then his younger brother Mr. Tilak de Zoysa will take over the Chairmanship at AMW. However, Mr. Ajita de Zoysa will continue to be the Chairman at AEC.

After the 51 percent stake of the 59-year-old AMW Group was sold, John Keells Holdings’ (JKH) also disposed its 20 percent to the same party. Mr. Farrow told TimesOnline that after the AMW board had sanctioned the transaction, Al Futtaim had approached JKH. “Then they decided to sell,” he said. He said the AMW-JKH- James Finlay property development project that was announced some months ago will contine as Al Futtaim is also into property development.

This acquisition follows Al Futtaim’s recent control of Singapore’s retailer, the Robinson Group. A press release by AMW said that in line with the Takeovers and Mergers Code of the Colombo Stock Exchange the share offer will 'go unconditional' following official confirmation of acceptances above the 50 percent threshold.

When asked whether there were any depressing sentiments when ‘selling the De Zoysa heritage’, Mr. Ajita de Zoysa said, “There is no heritage or sentiment, but this is for the greater good of the company and the country at large in terms of investment.”

He said this is the second large foreign investment he has brought into the country during the last 18 months (Union Bank investors were the first) and that Sri Lanka’s investment potential is great. He said that Al Futtaim will set up a car assembling plant to manufacture cars for the local market as the prevailing tax structure makes it difficult to import cars.

Demonstrating its commitment to add value to the Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry in the country, Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka's leading telecommunications service provider, has come forward to sponsor Infotel 2008 as the strategic partner- Communications and Broadband. Infotel 2008 is one of the biggest ICT showcases in Sri Lanka.

The week long ICT event commencing on the 27th of October, will bring together various segments of the IT industry including industry experts, professionals, academics and the user community on to a single platform.

Speaking on the company's sponsorship, Mr. Thivanka Rangala, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dialog Telekom said, "As front-runners in technological advancements in Sri Lanka, we're extremely glad to partner Infotel 2008 as strategic partner- Communications and Broadband. We believe that this event will be an ideal opportunity for individuals and organizations to harness the full potential of the ICT industry in Sri Lanka while also gaining a deeper insight into the industry's unique business drivers and logistic needs. The event I'm sure will help generate awareness among the general public at large about the unlimited possibilities of this dynamic industry"

Infotel 2008 will not only display hardware and software solutions but will also feature a 'career section' which will serve as a career guidance centre for job seekers and students aspiring to take up ICT for their higher studies. The event, which will be held in conjunction with the national ICT week, will be an effective meeting place for both service providers and prospective local and foreign clientele.

"Infotel 2008 will be an ideal platform to showcase the combined strengths of the ICT industry of Sri Lanka and to pitch this message onto the international arena. It will highlight the enormous growth potential in the country and the comprehensive policies, infrastructure and conducive business environment in place to fuel and sustain this growth," said Minister for Science and Technology Hon. Tissa Vitharana.

The 10th International IT Conference (IITC) organized by the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) and Cyber Security Week are other events that will be held as parallel events to Infotel 2008. e-Sri Lanka segment which is a new addition to the event, aims to create awareness among the general public to use more online services for their requirements.

Infotel 2008 will comprise of over 250 stalls and nearly 25000 guests are expected to participate at the event.

by Jehan Perera

Five days before the commencement of the SAARC Summit meetings on July 27, the LTTE announced its intention to declare a unilateral ceasefire from July 26 to August 4 to cover the duration of the event. This announcement was initially made through a statement issued to the world at large through the media, and was subsequently conveyed to the government by the Norwegian facilitators. The LTTE’s offer was immediately rejected by the government as a ploy to gain a respite from the government’s military operations and to make a play for international attention.

The government’s negative response to the LTTE offer was not surprising. Ceasefires between warring parties usually occur in situations of protracted stalemate, when both sides find themselves stuck and hurting. The present news from the war front is invariably of government progress. The media carries stories of one LTTE camp after another falling to the government forces. There is little or no reliable information about government losses, although there are hearsay accounts that the casualties in hospitals are larger than the government is prepared to admit.

What is noteworthy, however, is the lack of positive response of the international community to the LTTE’s offer. Sections of the international community have been assertive in affirming the need for a political solution to the ethnic conflict, as opposed to a military solution. But there have been no reports of either foreign governments or international organizations urging the government to reciprocate the LTTE’s unilateral ceasefire. This is indicative of the severe crisis of credibility that accompanies the LTTE in relation to its commitment to peace and to which it needs to give its mind.

The absence of any positive response to the LTTE’s ceasefire offer points to the need of the LTTE to reassess its past behaviour and to find ways to rebuild its credibility with the world at large. The scant respect that the LTTE showed in the latter stages to the Ceasefire Agreement that it entered into with the government in 2002 has seriously eroded the credibility of the organization as a partner in any future peace process. It is difficult for anyone who has been following recent events to forget how the LTTE provoked the present government by its crude military actions shortly after the Presidential election of November 2005 which it had subverted by its imposed boycott of Tamil voters in the north and east.


POSITIVE ASPECTS

Despite its lack of credibility, the positive aspects of the LTTE’s unilateral ceasefire must not be discounted. The immediate beneficiaries would be the visiting foreign delegations for the SAARC Summit. It is unlikely that the LTTE could have penetrated the very tight security measures that the government has taken, closing main roads in Colombo and requiring staff at the conference venue to stay on without going home for the entire duration of the Summit. But the assurance of the LTTE’s unilateral ceasefire would also add to the sense of security of all the participants at the meetings.

Another important gain would be to bring back the issue of a ceasefire into the public debate. There is no doubt that the former Ceasefire Agreement got very much discredited due to the LTTE’s conduct in the final stages in 2005-06. Thereafter the government was able to project its own abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement and military actions against the LTTE as justifiable ones. From that time onwards the general population has been acquiescing in a brutal military conflict, with its terrible human rights violations, on the premise that victory will be quick, even by the middle of this year, as the government had promised.

On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly clear that the government’s battlefield successes notwithstanding, the war is dragging on beyond the government’s earlier time tables. The suffering of the civilian population in the war zones is immense. Both the Bishops of Mannar and Jaffna, whose areas of religious authority cover the present battle zones, have issued statements describing the plight of tens of thousands of people, driven from place to place by the shifting of battle zones. The LTTE’s recruitment of virtually all able bodied adults and use of human shields, and the government’s artillery and air bombings add to the catastrophe of the civilians.

Despite the repeated claims of military success, it is not advisable to disregard the possibility of the past repeating itself. So far the government victories have been in the western part of the Wanni, whereas the LTTE’s core strength lies in the eastern part. As the areas cleared of the LTTE get larger, the amount of soldiers needed to hold the territory effectively grows exponentially. Independent military strategists are agreed that the harder battles and LTTE counter attacks are yet to come, and there is no guarantee of success.


SUSTAINABILITY QUESTION

There are also questions that need to be asked about the sustainability of the government’s military strategy. This is not the first time that government forces have regained large tracts of land from the LTTE in the course of the war. In the period 1988-90, the Indian army took control of nearly all of the north and east, driving the LTTE into hiding in villages and in the jungles. Operation Jayasikuru conducted by the Sri Lankan army in 1997-98 also led to the capture of large tracts of land, so much so that the government was emboldened to say that 96 percent of the war had been won.

No less an authority than army commander, General Sarath Fonseka has said that the imperatives of Tamil nationalism are such that the LTTE can remain a guerilla force of about a thousand for ten to twenty years. In such circumstances it is clear that there cannot be real peace or reconstruction of the north and east for decades, and this in turn will impact upon developments in the rest of the country. This is why a second track of a negotiated political solution needs to be kept open. The government’s initiative to evolve a political solution through the All Party process is an important contribution in this regard. A ceasefire could be another, though it would need to be linked to the political solution that includes acceptance of Sri Lanka’s unity and the decommissioning of weapons.

The international community has an important role to play in creating the conditions for a new ceasefire agreement in the future. It was reported in the media that prior to the LTTE’s unilateral ceasefire offer, they made contact with their offices abroad to ascertain their views. One possible task for the international community is to engage in dialogue with the LTTE’s branches abroad and assist the LTTE to make a self-criticism of those elements of their past strategies that have led to disaster to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. If the government relaxes its embargo on peace emissaries going into the Wanni to meet with the LTTE, this same effort can be made locally as well.

The LTTE’s ceasefire offer would have more credibility if it is accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of a change of heart and approach in the direction of a political and negotiated process of conflict resolution. The stopping of forcible recruitment, killing of civilians in terror attacks, and the killing of political leaders, such as TULF MP and human rights activist Dr Neelan Tiruchelvan, whose 9th death anniversary was commemorated this past Sunday, would figure high on this list. Whatever its motivations, a ceasefire is not to be lightly offered or rejected as it offers a new space and a new opportunity for peace. Creating the ground for a ceasefire is a humanitarian obligation.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Sri Lanka will not be signed on the sidelines of the two-day Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit, starting August 2.


Political opposition as well as discontent amongst some companies have been blamed for the delay in the signing of the agreement, talks for which were sealed early this month.

“It is almost certain that the agreement will not be signed during the Saarc summit, as some political parties are not in favour of it. It seems, the Sri Lankan government does not want any controversy to crop up during the Saarc summit and hence wants to delay it. We hope the agreement will be signed later during this year,” said a government official.

India and Sri Lanka have a functional free trade agreement (FTA) covering goods since 1998. The CEPA would have covered goods, services and investments and ensured deeper economic ties between the two nations.

According to experts, most of the industry and the political set-up in the island nation support the agreement, but some Left leaning parties, known for their anti-India stand, are not in favour of it.

“Such political opposition is normally seen when such agreements are finalised. Sri Lanka would have benefited from a deep economic integration with a growing economy like India. This is because such economic engagements have a trickle-down effect. Moreover, asymmetries of both parties are taken care of in such agreements through checks and balances,” said Saman Kalegama, executive director of Institute of Policy Studies, Colombo.

According to a recent analysis by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), bilateral trade between the two countries increased by four times to reach $2.7 billion in 2006-07, from $865 million in 2000-01. During the same period, Indian exports posted an annual average growth rate of 25 per cent, while Sri Lankan exports increased by 47 per cent.

Officials maintain that the agreement would have benefited Sri Lanka more than India. For instance, India would have cut more number of items from its existing list of 429 items than the island country, which at present has 1,180 goods in the negative list.

“Moreover, India’s offer on opening up the services sector is better than that of Sri Lanka, which is not comfortable in opening up the sector for Indian companies. But we are not going to push for signing of the agreement. The initiative has to come from Sri Lanka,” the official added.

Sources said some companies in Sri Lanka are also not in favour of the CEPA.

“These companies have had problems while interacting with India on non-tariff barriers as well as other legal issues. Indian companies have also faced similar problems in Sri Lanka but it does not mean that these problems should come in between important economic engagements,” said an observer of India-Sri Lanka relations.

The 15th SAARC Summit which got off the ground in Colombo yesterday is set to adopt a series of measures with the main focus on a joint approach to combating terrorism, maximising energy and water resources, food security, poverty alleviation in addition to several other key issues concerning the region.

Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day's deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.

Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.

The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.

Also according to Kariyawasam deliberations would focus on meaningful ways to uphold this year's SAARC theme "Partnership for Our People". Thus SAARC would deliberate regarding practical and meaningful ways to propel the vision of growth for our people through partnership, Kariyawasam said.

Kariyawasam said that the leaders had realized that SAARC had to evolve into a more people centered organisation and thus this year's theme was a progression from last year's theme of connectivity.

He further noted that in comparison to other such regional gatherings SAARC's progress in a relatively shorter span was very encouraging and said it was on the threshold of greater prosperity on both economic and social fronts through enhanced co-operation.

Also during its 15th Summit SAARC is set to adopt four agreements such as SAARC Development Fund, South Asian Standards Co-ordination, South Asian Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and Protocol of Afghanistan's accession to SAFTA.

In addition the economic, social and technical cooperation among the countries of South Asia is to be considered as a factor, which would contribute significantly to national and collective self-reliance.;

In addition several key issues pertaining to the progress of members and the region are slated for deliberation and discussion which could open up new vistas in regional cooperation.

A noteworthy aspect of the last Summit held in India was the 30 point declaration made by the Heads of States which covered areas of crucial importance to the SAARC membership. Some of the important areas of the declaration have a bearing on key connective instruments of SAARC.

This is inevitable since there has to be back up organs not only to formulate particular policies based on the decisions taken by the leaders but also to implement such policy.

Thus the 15th SAARC summit is expected to carry progress from that point onwards - in other words the implementation of the different proposals is what is most relevant and practical to SAARC.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) comprising eight countries of South Asia, i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka first came to be according to an idea mooted in May 1980 by then Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman.

The Foreign Secretaries of seven countries in South Asia met for the first time in Colombo in April 1981 and identified five broad areas for regional cooperation.

Next After a series of meetings the Foreign Ministers met in New Delhi in 1983 where they adopted the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC).

During the next two years South Asian nations committed themselves to form this South Asian alliance and the process culminated in the First SAARC Summit held on 7-8 December in 1985 in Dhaka where the Heads of State or Government of seven countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka adopted the Charter formally establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Moreover, the cooperation of the SAARC is also based on broader principles of respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the Member States and on mutual benefit. The highest authority of the Association rests with the Heads of State or Government.

The SAARC Charter provides that the Heads of State or Government shall meet once a year or more often as and when considered necessary by the Member States. The country which hosts the summit holds the Chair of the Association. Thus Sri Lanka will hold the Chair for the next year.

(By: Walter Jayawardhana)

Norwegian People's Aid - One of Norway's biggest non-government organizations which is alleged used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for its terrorist activities is also learnt was accused of secretly smuggling in weapons for at least another insurgency in Sudan in the past, according to Ministry of Defence sources.

Several political parties in Sri Lanka, in the past, have accused the Norwegian government of using its aid outlets like Red Barna, to aid the LTTE. The Norway government has been accused of training covertly the LTTE frogmen in underwater warfare at secret locations in Thailand in the past.

This is in addition to the powerful broadcasting and military communication station the Norwegians more overtly granted the LTTE, through the clearance of the 2002-2004 government. The Norwegians working in the ceasefire-monitoring mission were alleged openly engaged in pro-LTTE activities during the Mavil Aru crisis(2006).

The website of the NGO which is currently controversial declares:

"Norwegian People's Aid is a voluntary humanitarian organization, which has deep roots in the labor movement struggle for political freedom, social and economic freedom, equal rights and cultural growth. It is a value-based organization, which stands up for the oppressed and poor. The premise of NPA's undertakings is based on five values: Unity, Solidarity, Human dignity, Peace and Freedom."

According to other reports it was established in 1939 and the Norwegian intelligence services are suspected to be involved in the NGO to aid foreign insurgencies in the past.

"The Norwegian People's Aid, earlier has been accused of smuggling in with its humanitarian aid arms, ammunition and landmines for a Sudanese insurgent group by air - a group accused of some of the worst human rights violations like the LTTE despite the group's de-mining activities elsewhere.

"The European Sudanese Public Affairs Council charged the aid agency of supplying arms and ammunition to the insurgent group Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) :

"Norwegian People's Aid had became involved in Sudan in 1986, and almost immediately began providing support to the SPLA, and its 'humanitarian' wing, the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association. There had always been speculation as to whether Norwegian People's Aid was involved in the supply of war material to the southern rebels, and this documentary confirmed that NPA had for several years organised an air-bridge for the supply of weapons to battle zones within Sudan under the supervision of its Nairobi office. One of the NPA pilots involved in the gun running, Svein Kristiansen, stated, that his plane had landed at SPLA bases with some 2.5 tons of weapons.

It was stated that between 80-100 tons of arms were carried to the Nuba mountains and elsewhere in NPA-controlled airplanes supposedly carrying humanitarian assistance.

Another Norwegian People's Aid pilot, interviewed by the documentary makers, related how when he began working for NPA he believed that he would be flying NPA humanitarian assistance into the Nuba mountains. He then realised that NPA was also transporting weapons, including land-mines, into Sudan:

The purpose was to fly aid, blankets, medicine, food, clothing etc. from Lokichokio up to the Nuba mountains to the people there that didn't have anything. That was the main purpose that we served there. That was also my understanding of what we would be doing when I arrived in Lokichokio. And to my surprise we ended up flying more than just aid. We did some other trips where we took off from Lokichokio empty, and we picked up crates, boxes, and so forth, of ammunition, weapons, and other things, and flew it up to the Nuba mountains so that they could fight the war they had going up there.

They were mostly ammunitions, and arms, also some anti-aircraft weapons. And I found out later that there was also land-mines in quite a few of the boxes.

Pressed by the interviewer on how he could be sure the cargo contained land-mines, the pilot stated that there would be papers stating what was in the cargo and how much everything weighed. The crew would check the manifest as well as the cargo to make sure it was the same weight in order to know how heavy the plane would be when it left the ground. The pilot also stated that out of curiosity he had opened up several of the boxes and had "looked in them and saw what was there".

"The callousness shown by Norwegian People's Aid in cold-bloodedly supplying land-mines to war zones in Sudan must be measured against NPA's official position with regard to land-mines and their use, stating that they are a "deadly legacy killing and maiming innocents everyday". NPA is also ostensibly committed to advocacy work with regard to land-mines, and, for example, is a member of the Coordinating Committee of the International Campaign to ban Landmines.

"The above-mentioned Norwegian documentary also provided evidence that Norwegian People's Aid's involvement in actively assisting and facilitating the SPLA's military activities dated back to the 1980s. In September 1989, for example, the Norwegian Red Cross offered the International Committee of the Red Cross a large barge funded by the Norwegian government.

The barge, with a cargo capacity of up to 60 tons, arrived in July 1990 and was soon in place on the Nile. It had been intended to use this barge for the delivery of food aid by river. NPA was allowed to take responsibility for the operation of the barge. The documentary also showed that the SPLA had clearly used the river barge for military purposes, including the transport of hundreds of SPLA soldiers in order for them to engage in fighting elsewhere - all this with the active assistance of NPA.

Norwegian People's Aid's activities in Sudan had led to the Norwegian government commissioning COWI, an independent consultancy, to investigate NPA's use of the considerable funds it had received from the Norwegian government. The report, entitled Evaluation of Norwegian Humanitarian Assistance to the Sudan, documented that Norwegian and similar relief funds were being used to support SPLA soldiers, and thus prolonging the conflict. The report stated, for example, that by the early 1990s Norwegian People's Aid:

Began to adopt more closely the aims of the SPLA and developed from 1992 a growing field presence. The report went on to state:

NPA's intervention is that of a solidarity group. It has taken a clear side in the war. It supports the causes of SPLA/M and its humanitarian wing SRRA. NPA's solidarity approach means that in practice the activities of NPA are closely related to the political and military strategies of the rebel movement.

"The report placed on record that Norwegian People's Aid's humanitarian activities were said to "support the political and military struggle of the SPLA/M". With regard to whether the NPA was directly supplying the SPLA with food, the report stated that:

Many sources, including some within the NPA confirm that food relief has also been used to feed SPLA troops. A 1995 USAID audit, for example, revealed that in early 1995 some 200 metric tons of sorghum, valued at about US $100,000, and under NPA control, was diverted to feed SPLA soldiers.

Documentation in this example relating to the diversion of aid had been "fraudulently stamped" by SRRA officials. The report spoke of "other cases showing insufficient control". The report stated that:

The food relief supplied by NPA has been extremely important to the SPLA which managed to sustain its position as a strong rebel movement.

The Danish media further reported that Norwegian People's Aid had allowed the SPLA to sell emergency aid in order to purchase weapons of war.

Norwegian aid funds were also diverted to buy the SPLA food, houses and cars, and to was pay for the schooling of the children of SPLA officers.

The report also made it clear that Norwegian People's Aid may have increased the level of tension in parts of southern Sudan.

The support of NPA to the higher levels of the SPLA has reinforced the tendency of SPLA to rely on its own external diplomacy to obtain critical resources, such as food, rather than seeking the support of the indigenous populations of the areas where it operates. There has been a marked lack of interface between the SPLA's higher ranks and the "traditional" chiefs and governance structures of the tribes, particularly the Equatorian tribes.

"The report also examined the NPA's position with regard to working towards a peaceful solution to the Sudanese civil war. It was stated that the NPA did not see:

The reduction of violence in the Sudan as [its] main objective. It was not considered appropriate for a "solidarity".organisation like NPA. The cause of the SPLA, as expressed by John Garang and his leadership group, is just according to the NPA. The prevention of conflict, in this context, is entirely subordinated to the pursuit of partisan advantages.

In December 1999, Human Rights Watch stated that:

The SPLA has a history of gross abuses of human rights and has not made any effort to establish accountability. Its abuses today remain serious.

Human Rights Watch has pointed to summary executions, arbitrary arrests and food aid theft from civilians in famine areas by the SPLA. Established and respected humanitarian organisations such as CARE, Save the Children, World Vision, Church World Service and the American Refugee Committee have jointly stated that the SPLA is guilty of "the most serious human rights abuses". The BBC has reported growing friction in SPLA-controlled areas of southern Sudan, specifically within Didinga areas: "The Didinga have accused the SPLA of becoming an army of occupation in the area."

These are the very areas in which Norwegian People's Aid is active. It is obvious that NPA and the money which supports it, is helping to artificially sustain the SPLA in these and other areas of "occupation". Without the support of external forces such as Norwegian People's Aid, the SPLA would have had to negotiate an end to a stalemated conflict.

It is clear that Norwegian People's Aid serves not merely as a propaganda adjunct to the SPLA, but also as an organisation willingly involved in the supply of weapons and war material to southern rebels. It nutures a deeply unpleasant organisation, and helps perpetuate Sudan's civil war.

The activities of NPA have done a great disservice to all genuine humanitarian organisations active in Sudan. Their activities have highlighted the need for aid agencies to operate within the United Nations-managed Operation Lifeline Sudan. NPA's military aid to the SPLA has made the Sudanese government all the more suspicious of those groups that do not."

These accusations appeared in the website:

http://www.espac.org/norwegian_pages/norwegian_aid.asp

The website also said : "A November 1999 Norwegian television documentary, entitled 'Weapons Smuggling in Sudan', has highlighted the role played by some aid agencies in logistically and politically perpetuating the Sudanese civil war. The documentary clearly outlined the actions of Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in supplying the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) with weapons in the course of the Sudanese civil war in the 1990s."

Associated Motorways Ltd (AMW) called a press conferencetoday to explain the reasons for the sale of the De Zoysa family-held stake in the company.

Stock brokers and analysts said the De Zoysa family stake (51 percent held through Associated Electrical Company-AEC) had been on offer for many years at various times. “They (AEC) got a good price,” one analyst said. The name of Dubai-based Sri Lankan investor Alex Lovell (who AMW Chairman Ajita de Zoysa introduced to the Union Bank as an investor some years ago) also figured as a party connected to today’s transaction, the anayst said.

While the transaction of the family-held company seemed to stump many in the media, it was no surprise in the Colombo bourse. It was also unlikely that the JKH sale of its stake in AMW was connected to last week’s judgement against the privatisation of LMSL.

The JVP today charged that the Indian intervention in internal matters of Sri Lanka has intensified during the current regime of President Mahinda Rajapaksa than in 1987 under J.R. Jayawardene administration.

Video calling company iPoint-media Plc. said Monday it has signed an agreement with Sri Lanka-based systems integrator CNT International Ltd. to offer services throughout Asia-Pacific.
Financial details were not disclosed. As per the deal, CNT will offer iPoint-media's 3G video calling and participation TV platforms to mobile operators, service providers and television broadcasters across Asia-Pacific, the British company said.

Colombo stocks saw its indices on the rise in morning trades today after the Associated Motorways Ltd, (AMW) controlling stake (held by Associated Electrical Company (AEC)) and the John Keells Holdings (JKH) 20 percent stake in AMW were both sold to to Dubai based Al-Futtaim Engineering, stock brokers said.

This came back on the negative market activity seen during most of last week dragged by JKH which was slammed by the Supreme Court over the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services (LMSL). The land and most assets wered ordered to be returned to the state. The All Share Index was up by 16.18 points to stand at 2,386.71 while the Milanka dropped by 19.95 points to stand at 2,833.12. Total turnover stood at Rs.7.59 billion.

THOOTHUKUDI: A donation slip book bearing a Kilinochchi address in Sri Lanka was found with other items like camera, video cassettes, Rs. 25,000 in cash and two film rolls in a bag and was seized by the police, here on Thursday.
The bag was found abandoned near the Thoondigai Vinayagar Temple in Tiruchendur by a daily wage labourer. Local police took custody of the bag on Thursday.

Kilinochchi houses the headquarters of the LTTE and the book contained the address, "Society Upliftment Centre, Headquarters, Kanagapuram, Killinochchi."

Today, a Q Branch team led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Antony Gnanasekaran and a team from the Special Branch arrived in Tiruchendur for investigation.

DSP, Tiruchendur N. Samydurai Velu said the recording in the video cassettes was not suspicious in nature since it was of a family function and the New Year celebration. Police suspect that the bag could have been left at the spot either by some Sri Lankan tourist or supporters of the LTTE.

Solidar Consortium was advised to utilize unspent donor money from the suspended Post Tsunami Reconstruction and Community Development (RECODE) Programme (due to the on-going civil conflict) in Vadamarachchi East, on a similar project elsewhere in a tsunami-affected area. Solidar felt that the district of Ampara provided the most stable platform where the long-term viability of the project can be better assured while the conflict continues .

The eastern districts have a large imbalance of unfulfilled housing, infrastructure and socio-economic development needs as a result of the 2004 tsunami. Many areas are also conflict-affected.

In the housing sector alone, unfulfilled commitments and delays in construction have left thousands of families languishing in transitional shelters for more than 26 months. This has created heightened tension and between families that have been re-housed and those that have not. the case of tsunami housing requirements, details provided by various authorities have been scrutinized, and information has been collected on commitments by other INGOs and UN Habitat. All of this indicates a clear and unfulfilled requirement for further support for owner-driven housing (where owners contribute labour to the building of their house).

As a result of discussions with donors and partners in the housing sector, there is a view that owner-driven housing, as opposed to donor-driven projects, is a more effective mechanism of delivery.

In most instances the government has provided an initial grant of US$2,500 to families in the owner-driven housing scheme, but there is a significant shortfall in the number of families that received top-up assistance from additional donors to complete construction activities. (We have also come across cases where tsunami registered families appear to have missed out on the government grant).

Solidar focuses on owner-driven housing and predominantly on those families that have already received base grants but lack funds to complete their houses and are still often in temporary shelters. When timeframes are considered, these families are a priority as appreciable vetting of families has already taken place prior to the provision of the base grant, and land issues are already addressed in most cases.

Minister Mervyn Silva has stormed a shop owned by a JVP member in the Aralaganwila area of Polonnaurwa and opened fire and caused damage to the shop on Sunday night, the JVP said.

The MP and 25 others had stormed the shop in the Nuwaragala area and carried out the attack.

The owner of the shop, Kithsiri Gayan has lodged a complaint at the Aralaganwila police claiming that he was threatened by the minister not to engage in political campaigns during the upcoming provincial council election.

Police said they are investigating the case.

Cabinet has approved the preparation of a Master Plan to develop the Kalpitiya peninsula in the Puttalam district as a Special tourist project on the instructions of Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda.
The Kalpitiya peninsula is a unique destination by itself with a cluster of 14 islands of varied sizes. Five of these islands are inhabited while the rest are frequented only by the seasonal fishing community.

The Kalpitiya Integrated Resort Project was initiated as far back as 2003 when action was initiated to prepare a Master Plan for Kalpitiya. However action on the project got delayed due to a scarcity of initial funding required in developing the basic infrastructure prior to other construction. To address this issue and to accelerate the project, Cabinet approval was obtained by the Minister of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism had already appointed a project Steering Committee and together with this a project office was set up. The project Steering Committee represents all the stakeholder agencies including North Western Province Land Commissioner, Chairman/Central Environmental Authority, Coast Conservation Department, Fisheries Department, Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority etc. To cover various aspects of the project intensively in terms of immediate action required several sub committees were set up in the area of infrastructure development, land acquisition, investment, community awareness creation, legal and environment.

The project office will be headed by a Project Director and the rest of the staff will be Project Manager, Consultant / Architect, Engineer and support staff. The project office is in the process of reviewing the existing plans for Kalpitiya with a view to formulate a distinctive concept for the Kalpitiya Resort like in Bali in Indonesia.

The development envisaged will be strictly environmental friendly and ecologically sound and catering to the up market tourists.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona has clarified the circumstances that led to the cancellation of a planned visit by the European Parliamentary delegation to Trincomalee.

An EU press statement said the last minute cancellation and a catalogue of chaos and confusion meant that the Delegation did not fly to Trincomalee.

Despite repeated assurances, endless complications resulted in the party being turned back from the Ratmalana Airport, it said.

However, Dr. Kohona said the government had offered to transport the delegation in one of its aircraft which was declined by the European Commission office in Colombo, resulting in the latter seeking a private hire of an aircraft for this purpose;

The Ministry of Defence has then contacted the Civil Aviation Authority and requested that a flight to China Bay belonging to a private company be approved for this purpose.

It may be noted that although months of preparation time had been available, the said aircraft had arrived in Sri Lanka from South Africa only on 20th July 2008, with an operating crew inexperienced with the route.

Once the clearance for the aircraft by CAA had been given in the morning hours, and the final segment of the ensuing procedural process was taking place, the delegation had decided to return to their hotel from the Ratmalana airport, Dr. Kohona said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has failed to ensure adequate facilities for foreign journalists who are in Colombo to cover the 15th SAARC summit, reports say.

A unit, set up by the Foreign Ministry to into the requirements of the foreign journalists, has failed to provide even the basic facilities such as drinking water, reports add.

After being notified of the situation, the Presidential Secretariat has sent SSP Amarasinghe of the Presidential Security Division and Director of the Presidential Media Unit, Lucian Rajakarunanayake who have mediated to ensure facilities for the foreign media.

A special Indian security contingent has arrived for the security of the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to Colombo for the 15th SAARC summit, sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say.

In addition to the 70-member squad from the Indian Special Protection Group, three destroyers and three special helicopters are also in the island, sources add.

A fire broke out at a clothing store inside the Panagoda military camp. However the military says the fire was brought under control and there was no damage to the facility. The fire was believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.

Parts of Human skeletons were found from the Diyabeduma forest in Hingurakgoda today. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera says investigations are underway.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning terrorists attacks in India has said the government remains firm in their commitment to “jointly fight the menace of terrorism in all of South Asia”. The text of the statement follows:

I unreservedly condemn the cowardly terrorist attacks in Ahmedabad, India, yesterday, killing and injuring a large number of persons, as well as the terrorist attacks in Bangalore the previous day.

I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all those killed and wish a speedy recovery to all injured in these wanton acts of terror by the forces ranged against democracy.

Sri Lanka being a country gravely affected by the scourge of terrorism for more than two decades, we understand well how the manipulators of terror seek to destroy the harmonious relations among communities and the democratic traditions that prevail in our societies.

My Government and I share the determination and commitment of the Government and people of India not to yield to this sustained threat of terror from those who seek to achieve their ends by inflicting maximum damage to the lives and limbs of civilians, disrupting their day to day lives and society at large.

My Government and I express our solidarity with India in these difficult hours, and remain firm in our commitment to jointly fight the menace of terrorism in all of South Asia.
According to the news reports at least two people were killed and 55 injured as more than a dozen explosions ripped through the bustling western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BoI) has called a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for development of a textile manufacturing zone and a industrial park at Perth Estate in Horana.
State land extending to 223 acres, located 48 kilo meters southwest of the capital Colombo and accessible through Colombo – Horana – Ingiriya road via Wagawatte junction is currently offered for the project.
Approval of the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka has already been obtained to set up the textile manufacturing zone and the industrial park within the particular land and approval is available to extract up to 20,000 cubic meters of water from the river Kalu Ganga located almost 2.5 kilo meters from the project site. Already, 33kV high tension power line capable of providing power supply up to 5 MVA has been constructed up to the site.

Sri Lanka's Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva has recently assured the public that legal system will continue the fight against injustice and corruption in Sri Lanka.
Chief Justice inaugurating the newly built Provincial High Courts for Uva Province of Sri Lanka has also said: “when fight against corruption continues, there can be instances where our directions and orders are not carried out."
"We are not shaken by these but know the next steps in overcoming such pathetic conditions,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s controversial Deputy Minister for Labour, Mervyn Silva who always steps on his own tail has put up a billboard at a prime location in Colombo city to convey his regards and wishes for a future 17th SAARC summit.

While Sri Lanka is hosting the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo Deputy Minister Silva has reportedly put up the wrong poster offering wishes to a 17th SAARC summit.

A Foreign Ministry official who prefers to remain anonymous said media on Sunday that such hoardings, showcasing the wrong information to the general public and the foreign delegates will tarnish the image of the country.

Troops of the 59 Division led by Brigadier Nanadana Udawatte Sunday (July 27) seized total control over 'Sugandan' base a satellite base of the LTTE's 'One-Four-base' complex located North of Kiriibbanwewa inside the thick jungles of Mullaittiuvu, following days of heavy confrontations.
Earlier, on 30th May 2008- troops captured the 'Munagam base' the main logistic link between the LTTE strongholds in Wanni and cadres in the east, across the Mullaittiuvu jungle, followed by the capture of 'Michael base' one of the strategic satellite bases of the 'One -Four base complex ' on 4th July. Troops are now consolidating the defences, sources said.
More information will follow.
Meanwhile, an LTTE area leader identified as 'Veandan' was reported seriously wounded during a separate confrontation with troops operating North of Janakapura today. 5 terrorists were killed and similar numbers injured including a senior cadre 'Maran' during the fighting reported from 10a.m., till 1p.m., defence sources said citing ground troops. A soldier has laid his life, while another sustained injuries, in the confrontation according to initial reports.
Troops have also recovered a body of a slain LTTE cadre along with an I-com set, during a subsequent search operation conducted in the area.
Also, troops operating North of Kiriibbanwewa have reportedly destroyed and gained control over an LTTE bunker defence and a mortar pit as troops said that at least 3 terrorists were wounded in the attack. Another terrorist was killed, 2 wounded in a similar confrontation with LTTE in general area West of Kiriibbanwewa, according to military.

Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministries of the SAARC countries attended their official meetings under the Chairmanship of Sri Lanka in Colombo with the tightest security on Sunday.
A heavy security blanket was setup by the Sri Lankan security forces and a number of roads were closed due to the meetings. The SAARC officials formed a
Steering Committee and Director General of SAARC and South Asian Affairs Mrs. Grace Ashirwadan was appointed to the post of Chairmanship.
During the meetings the SAARC officials prepare necessary preparations for the main SAARC summit.
SAARC Foreign Secretaries meeting will be held on the 29th and 30th of this month. Foreign Ministers will meet on the 31st of this month and the first of next month. SAARC State Leaders Summit will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of next month. Four main agreements will be signed during the SAARC State Leaders’ Summit.
Meanwhile the SAARC commuter transport summit has commenced at the Mount Lavinia Hotel and a number of SAARC officials were attended the occasion. Local transport minister Dalas Alahapperuma attended the occasion and said that the exchange of views between SAARC countries would benefit the transport sector. He stated ideas expressed in such meetings will mutually benefit the Asian region which is experiencing rapid change.
Eight hundred houses, which were constructed by the government under the SAARC Friend Ship Village concept, were donated to people of the Nawalapitiya area on Sunday. The government said another 800 houses would be constructed in Nawalapitiya under this scheme. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama handed over these houses to the selected occupants.

Parts of Human skeletons were found from the Diyabeduma forest in Hingurakgoda today. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera says investigations are underway.

Forbes’ first-ever list of the World’s Top 50 Microfinance Institutions were chosen from a field of 641 micro-credit providers. The list was prepared by the Microfinance Information Exchange under the direction of Forbes magazine. To qualify, the institutions must have made available their audited financials and must have passed review by a Forbes panel of advisers.


Amongst the 641 Microfinance providers, SANASA Development Bank is ranked 5oth place, which is the only Microfinance provider in Sri Lanka ranked within the top 50 MFI’s.

Speaking to media Chairman of the bank P.A.Kiriwandeniya said the rank (out of 641) for the top institutions according to scale, which is based on the size of their gross loan portfolio, efficiency, which considers operating expense and the cost per borrower as a percent of the gross national income per capita of their country of operation, risk, which looks at the quality of their loan portfolios, measured as the percent of the portfolio at risk greater than 30 days, and return, which is measured as a combination of return on equity and return on assets. Each category is equally weighted for an institution’s overall ranking, he explained.


Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, Forbes magazine, is published bi-weekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published bi-weekly, and Business Week. Today the magazine is known for its lists, including its lists of the richest Americans (the Forbes 400) and its list of billionaires.

Despite several warnings by the Elections Commissioner (EC) against the misuse of State property in the election campaign , the Government has continued to flagrantly and deliberately violate the laws, said UNP Gen .Secretary and M.P. Tissa Attanayake at a media briefing in Colombo .
In the past few days, ahead of the forthcoming elections, the violations have increased rapidly. The Elections Commissioner whose powers are crippled without an Elections Commission being duly appointed by the Govt. had instructed the UNP to challenge these violations in a Court of law, Attanayake, exhorted.

South African judge Navaneetham Pillai has been appointed Human Rights High Commissioner of the United Nations.

She succeeds Louise Arbour, who ended her term in June.

According to UN spokeswoman Michelle Montas, Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has approved Ms. Pillai’s appointment which should be now endorsed by the General Assembly.

Other nominees to the position included Hana Gilani of Pakistan and Juan Mendes of Argentina.

Ms. Pillai has been serving in the International War Crimes Tribunal at The Hague since 2003.

Several countries, including France, have welcomed her appointment to the UNHRC.

The ministerial subcommittee tasked with matters of the media has become non-contactable, said UNP’s free media spokesman Dayasiri Jayasekara.

He said that telephones at the BMICH office of this subcommittee have been inaccessible for the past one week.

According to him, the 0602119241 telephone has been suspended by the service provider, while there is no answer to the 2669128 telephone.

The government appointed subcommittee comprises ministers Sarath Amunugama, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Dallas Alahapperuma, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Faizer Mustafa.

KUWAIT CITY : Criminal Investigations Department (CID) securitymen on Thursday raided a prostitution den in Khaitan, resulting in the arrest of seven Asian women and a Sri Lankan man, reports Al-Qabas daily.
After receiving information about a prostitution den operated by two Sri Lankans — a man and a woman — in Khaitan, CID officers put the suspects under surveillance to check the veracity of the report. Police later raided the vice den, which led to the arrest of the operators, who were wanted by law for various charges, along with six women engaged in prostitution.

SRI Lankan police on Sunday detained a German man on suspicion that he used false documents to secure a job as a top pilot for Sri Lanka's national carrier, a spokesman said.
Mr Ranjith Gunasekara said the man had been flying for the company for 10 months before an internal probe found he was only qualified as a co-pilot, and not as a captain of a wide-bodied airliner.

'We are going to take over all the documents from personal files for our investigations', Mr Gunasekara said.

'The German national is now being held by the airport police'.

There was no immediate comment from Sri Lankan airline, which until April this year was fully-managed by Emirates of Dubai.

Sri Lankan airline sources said the German national was discovered when a junior pilot, who had been sent for routine training on a bigger Airbus A-340, noticed that the 'captain' was uncomfortable with the controls.

However, he had still captained Sri Lankan flights to European destinations including London, Frankfurt and Paris, as well as Dubai, the sources said.

Lawyers for film actress Anarkali are considering filing a Fundamental Rights application against the Police, if they fail to take action to arrest Western Provincial Council member Duminda Silva who has been accused of abducting the actress and her mother and holding them forcibly.

The move came after Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate and Additional District Judge, Dharshika Wimalasiri turned down an anticipatory bail application filed by the provincial council member.

Wellawatta Police Officer in Charge, Chief Inspector Mangala Dehideniya told Timesonline that there were no immediate plans to arrest Mr. Silva, though the Anticipatory bail application was turned down.

“He has to be present at the next date when the case is taken up on November 13”, he said.

Anarkali speaking to media she and her mother still live in fear as they have been threatened by Mr. Silva.

“We still live in fear and hope that action would be taken against Mr. Silva”, she said.

It is reliably learnt that the LTTE is using vehicles recently obtained from an International Non-Government Organization (INGO) operating in the North for its military operations in the North, and intends using them for disinformation activities, too.

According to the reliable sources in Wanni, said that the LTTE terrorists have obtained a large number of vehicles belonging to an INGO operating in the Kilinochchi district, for its use. According to our sources, the terrorists had obtained these vehicles from the office of an INGO named Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) in Kilinochchi, early this week.

The vehicles, which the INGO claims was taken over by the terrorist outfit, included a few heavy earth moving vehicles, four trucks, a tractor, several land cruiser jeeps and a number of motor cycles, the sources said. According to these sources, the INGO had taken this fleet of heavy vehicles to the areas under terrorist control stating they would be used for Humanitarian Aid work in the area. The vehicles are now being used by the terrorists, to build bunkers, trenches, terror camps , and to transport terror leaders as well , the sources added.

Observers of LTTE activity have expressed concerns over the likelihood of the LTTE using these INGO vehicles to enact another "massacre" or bloody act to gain propaganda mileage. According to them, the LTTE has been very effective so far in engineering such crimes by attacking civilian targets in Wanni to point fingers at the Armed Forces. "An INGO vehicle attacked by the armed forces" would be a great headline for the terror propagandists to earn sympathy for the terror outfit, they said.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit that has been fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. During its 3 decades of existence the outfit has pioneered a large number of terror tactics particularly in the field of suicide bombing, that have been soon copied by the other terror organizations in the world . Fuelled by extremist tribal ideologies held by their megalomaniac leader, V. Prabhakaran, and largely foreign funds generated through its false propaganda, LTTE terrorists have killed tens and thousands of innocent civilians in many village massacres, bus bombings , train bombings, ethnic cleansing raids , and etc. The outfit is also included in the UN list of shame for using children for terror attacks.

The ICRC took over 11 bodies of slain LTTE cadres from Army yesterday (July 26) at the Vavuniya hospital. The bodies were then taken into non- liberated areas in the Wanni via Omanthai entry/exit point in order to be handed over to the LTTE .

According to the military sources, the bodies were a part of 33 bodies of LTTE cadres that had been left by the terrorists before they fled away from the Vavuinkulama area on Thursday (July 24). The remaining bodies are still lying at the Vavuniya hospital, the sources added.

LAHORE: Trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have increased a manifold after the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries since 2005, said Shoaib Hamid director Pak Sri Lanka business council- FPCCI Friday.

According to a press release, Hamid said air flights between Pakistan and Sri Lanka should be increased, as it was the main hurdle in man-to-man contact.

He said exchange of trade delegations between two countries should be ensured for the understanding of trade related issues between the two countries. He said a trade delegation was being proposed to visit Sri Lanka in September 2008.

The Housing project for those who would lose their houses in Slave Island would take at least one year to be completed, Secretary for the Urban Development Ministry and Acting Chairman of the UDA Dr. P. Ramanujam said.

The project is for those who would lose their houses in Glennie Passage and Sir Chittampalam Garden Mw.

He said the piling has begun and the residents who had been living in Glennie Passage and Sir Chittampalam Garden Mw near the railway line in Slave Island will be given permanent houses in Dematagoda.

“This project will take 9 months to 1 year. We have already given temporary houses to those residents at Ferguson road. Once the housing scheme project is done we will immediately resettle these people,” he said.

Many of the residents who had lost their houses are given 10X20 temporary houses constructed out of wooden planks in a water logged grounds on Ferguson Road Mattakkuliya,. These temporary houses that are similar to tsunami make shift homes are said to be insufficient for human habitation.

Many of the residents down Glennie Passage and Sir Chittampalam Garden Mw complain that despite a Supreme Court stay order officials from the UDA constantly visit them and ask them to leave.

However many of the adamant residents do not comply with the UDA as a case has been filed in the Supreme Court.

On Thursday when the case had been taken up the Supreme Court issued notice on Additional Defence Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi to explain to the Court as to why he continued with the demolition of houses in Slave Island despite a stay order to stop it.

The case is to be taken up again this coming Wednesday.

The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), currently headed by Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna, has asked the government to enroll 1,000 armed cadres to the Police and armed forces, a party spokesman said yesterday.

TMVP spokesperson Azad Moulana said they had made representations in this regard to the Defence Ministry and were waiting for a favourable response.

At least 1,500 TMVP cadres -- formerly armed militants -- were now going through a rehabilitation process with the coordination of the state, various NGOs and other groups to make them ready for duties in the state security forces, he said.

“The TMVP will be satisfied if the cadres are first recruited into the Civil Defence Force or (Grama Arakshayas) since it will provide them an opportunity to begin work at the village level. This experience could help them later on if they are taken in to the police or other security force services,” Mr. Moulana said.

He said another batch of TMVP cadres would be heading for South Korea shortly to take up employment once the rehabilitation process was completed. Civil Defence Force Commandant Sarath Weerasekera said he was aware of a move to recruit TMVP cadres but a final decision would be taken by defence authorities.

“As of now I have not received any orders to that effect” Rear Admiral Weerasekera said. He said the CDF was ready to take TMVP cadres as they had now shunned the separatist cause and were helping the Government in its fight against the LTTE.

“Naturally they are now terrorist targets and we should look into their welfare as well,” the commandant said. Military spokesman Udaya Nannayakara said any Sri Lankan, TMVP or otherwise, was always welcome to the security forces, provided he or she met the required standards such as education, fitness and so on.

He said defence authorities were, however, yet to take any decision on recruiting TMVP cadres.

The Foreign Ministry wants to establish a Dog-Free Zone at the BMICH -- the venue of the SAARC summit -- and the Viharamahadevi Park. Colombo Municipal Council workers, acting on a request made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, began rounding up stray dogs in the area from yesterday.
The CMC’s chief veterinary Surgeon Dr. D. Illeperuma said the government policy was to vaccinate and sterilize stray dogs and let them live in their environment.

“Street dogs are a symbol of poverty. We are continuing with our policy of vaccinating and sterilizing these dogs. At present there are more than 3,300 stray dogs in the city and most of them are sterilized and vaccinated and we have allowed them to remain in the environment.

“It’s a difficult task to evacuate street dogs. Even if we remove all in one area another set of dogs would come to the same area but for the time being we are doing our best to take away the ones roaming near the summit venue,” he said.

Dr. Illeperuma said that twenty four dogs from areas around the BMICH had been taken to the CMC’s dog pound. He said the dogs were tagged and would be released in the same area after the summit.

He said dogs had destroyed newly-done flower beds in the Viharamahadevi Park which was revamped for the SAARC summit and therefore the dogs in the park too would be locked up until the end of the summit.

15 Anti- personnel mines were recovered by Troops conducting clearing operations in the DANGALIYADDE area, BATTICALOA on Saturday (26) afternoon around 3.00.

Meanwhile, 1130 rounds of T56 live ammunition, 163 Anti – personnel mines, 185 Anti – personnel mine fuses, 10 rounds of RPG and one 120 mm round was recovered by the Police conducting search operations in the KIRIMICHCHIYA, VAKARAI areas of BATTICALOA.

3.5 Kg of TNT explosives were recovered by Troops conducting a search from MILANKICHCHI area, BATTICALOA on late Saturday (26) evening around 7.10 p.m.

RIYADH: A four-member TV crew from the Kingdom has left for Sri Lanka to film a documentary titled "Faces and Places" to be shown on Saudi TV during the holy month of Ramadan.

In addition to the places where early Arabs had visited, the crew will visit several of the country's prominent tourist attractions.

"We have arranged this tour on a request made by Media Insight, a private company that works for Saudi television to prepare documentaries to project countries that would attract Saudi tourists," said Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen.

The embassy has arranged the tour in cooperation with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines.

The media group, which left on Wednesday, comprises Faisal Shadid Al-Otaibi, TV director and leader of group; Mubarak Al-Otaibi, producer; Assaleh Taha Mosa, cameraman; and Khaleddiya Al-Daghestani, interpreter.

Speaking to Arab News, Faisal Al-Otaibi said the purpose is to take Sri Lanka to every Saudi home through the local television to show them the country's natural beauty, culture, heritage and the contributions made by Arabs who visited the island centuries ago. "Some of the beautiful mosques in Sri Lanka were built by Arabs who visited the island as traders," he said.

Arab traders built Sri Lanka's Abrar Masjid. The well-known Arab traveler Ibn Battuta visited the island in A.D. 1325.

Al-Otaibi said the program would be telecast in three 20-minute episodes weekly.

Sri Lanka's Hikkaduwa Beach Festival which is kicking off on July 30, will attract more young tourists to the island, and is positioned to become the South Asian equivalent of the Rio carnival, officials said.

The five day event has had organizers working hard to put Sri Lanka on the map for young people around the world.


"Looking at other markets, we find entertainment coupled with local culture as the key reason for people to go to these destinations," says Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director, SriLanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

"So the Hikkaduwa beach festival is one step in a long journey to get the youth market back to Sri Lanka."



Officials say there is a booming global youth market of 20 to 30-year-olds and India and China are also emerging in to the field, with growing economic affluence. But Sri Lanka has been losing out so far.


"There was the idea that the youth market is not lucrative, they don't spend," says Mudadeniya.

"But now we call them flashpackers. They like to flash their money - to spend.



"It's an emerging market, especially Indians who have high disposable income. We have lost this market.
"Sri Lanka has rarely catered to the needs of this age group with little or nothing happening in the way of entertainment," says Mudadeniya.

Officials say at a time when high fuel prices are making long-haul flights expensive, attracting visitors from short haul destinations makes better economic sense.

The country's prime attractions – at least the actively promoted ones - are its archeological sites and cultural pageants.

The cultural pageants are strictly religious and allow no revelry among guests and onlookers unlike in some other countries.

Sri Lanka is also famous for its beaches, but with the ethnic conflict, the more beautiful ones, such as Nilaweli and Arugam bay in the east, have become no-go zones.


This leaves the southern coast with Hikkaduwa being one of the key spots.


Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Renton de Alwis says Hikkaduwa peaked in the 1960s. The 1960s was a time of change when post-second World War baby boomers revolutionized the culture of the western world.

The beach festival, however, hopes to re-engineer Hikkaduwa's image.

"Through events like this, Hikkaduwa can get rejuvenated and people will again begin to look back at Hikkaduwa," says de Alwis.

"We believe that Hikkaduwa will need a re-engineering of a sort, as a destination.

"This year we are looking at the festival as a take-off. More importantly Hikkaduwa will be getting a flavor as the carnival in Rio."

Hikkaduwa is already geared for the youth market, with local revelers going there from the capital on weekends in addition to a steady stream of foreign visitors.


A beach carnival last year had attracted mostly Sri Lankan youth. Foreign visitors had made up about 20 percent of the total.

This year the Tourist promotion office hopes to double foreign visitors to 40 percent.

Mudadeniya says most places in Hikkaduwa are already full. Hotels from Galle to Bentota up and down the coast are also expected to fill up, during a usually dull-period in a country where hotels fill up only during the European winter season.

The festival may generate about 16,000 room nights in all.

The tourist promotion office has launched a website, www.srilanka.travel/hikkaduwa for visitors to get more information.

Artistes and DJs from India, United States, Europe and UK will join popular Sri Lankan performers, giving the beach festival a mix of cultures across continents.

Bikram Jith Singh, a renowned flutist from India, Glamslam girls from UK, and international DJs such as Micheal Parsberg of Denmark and Lisa Littlewood of Scotland will be in action in Hikkaduwa next week.

A Magistrate dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by the Western Provincial Councillor Duminda Silva.

Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate and Additional District Judge Dharshika Wimalasiri made the order sequel to a complaint made by film actress Anarkalli Aakarssha to the Kollupitiya police alleging that she was abducted by Duminda Silva and held in detention forcibly.

The Wellawatte Police told court that on the direction of the Attorney General, they conducted investigations into the complaint of an alleged abduction of the film actress on July 3 at Swarna Road Wellawatte.

Wellawatte Police OIC Mangala Dehideniya said they investigated into the complaint made to the Kollupitiya Police and recorded statements from Sujeewa Dharmawickrama, Mahendra Perera, Anuradha Jayasinghe and the residents in the vicinity.

Police also said they tried to record a statement from an important witness Mahesh Bandara who was absconding.

Police also filed a report saying the actress told the Police over the phone that she would call over at the station to make a statement but had failed to do so through fear.

Following the police submissions the Magistrate dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Duminda Silva and ordered the police to fully probe the incident and report to court on November 13.

Counsel Daya Perera PC appeared for Duminda Silva while

Counsel Denzil Gunaratne PC with Nalin Dissanayake appeared for Anarkalli Aakarssha.

The JVP yesterday said the vacancy caused by the resignation of its National List MP Wasantha Samarasinghe would be filled by Sujith Kuruwita, leader of the association of unemployed graduates amidst some speculation that the government was eyeing the position for Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The Defence Secretary dismissed this as a figment of somebody’s imagination.

Samarasinghe, one of the three JVP National List MPs, resigned to contest the NCP poll as its chief ministerial candidate. The former MP said they had proposed Kuruwita as his replacement.

He dismissed the possibility of the UPFA filling the vacancy as speculated by some quarters as the JVP contested the last general election on the UPFA ticket and the National List slots had been allocated to the UPFA.

The JVP said under the agreement with the SLFP, they were to receive five slots but gave up two after the then President had explained the difficulty in keeping the promise as their allocation wasn’t enough.

Otherwise, we would have 41 members (36 plus five National List) in the sixth parliament, the JVP said, adding one of the three National List members, M. Musamil had joined the Weerawansa faction.

The delay in filling Samarasinghe’s vacancy has triggered speculation the government would try to take the slot. Some have speculated Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa would enter Parliament through the National List to take the Defence portfolio.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday appealed to over 10,000 soldiers who had left the military for various personal reasons during the past four to five years to return to fight for their motherland.

"This is a very decisive juncture when the security forces have got the upper hand and need all the help they can get", he said.

The Tigers are in disarray - they are falling apart like a pack of cards and fleeing for safety leaving behind heavy guns and artillery as never seen before, Rajapaksa asserted.

The LTTE had left behind one 120 mm mortar and two 81 mm heavy mortars and bodies of 33 senior cadres of the elite Charles Anthony brigade, he said.

"We have spent a lot of money and time on training these soldiers professionally and they had subsequently left for personal reasons. We can expedite the process for them to return and all that they need to do is to come back", he assured.

He said that at one time when he had met TMVP leader Karuna and his deputy, the present chief minister of the Eastern Province and asked them to have faith in the political process and to enter the democratic mainstream through the ballot, they harboured doubts about such a possibility.

"Today, they have realized that what they could not achieve through the bullet they had achieved through the ballot".

"Similarly, request those LTTE cadres who have either been misled by Prabhakaran or realized the folly of their resorting to terrorism to surrender to the Government even at this late stage. We are ready to rehabilitate them and assist them to enter the democratic process", Rajapakse said.

"The LTTE cadres only need to place their faith in the ballot and not the bullet and we are genuinely prepared to help them as we have nothing against the Tamils. We are only against terrorism", he pointed out.

"We will help all those who surrender in the same way we helped the TMVP to develop the Eastern Province by entering the democratic process", he noted.

Time is running out for the LTTE, which is facing defeat. The LTTE is collapsing. It’s not very far away - it could be today or even tomorrow, the Defence Secretary said.

"I request the soldiers who left the military to return without delay to assist the ongoing operations in the North".

More than 175 South Asian media industry professionals are expected to attend the fourth SAARC Journalists Summit, to be held in Colombo from July 29 to August 1.

The participants will include many senior and experienced professionals from the print and electronic media, a spokesman for the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA)-Sri Lanka Chapter said.

"The theme for this year’s Summit is Freedom of the Media in Conflict Situations - the significance of which is obvious to all."

The Journalists Summit, held alongside the SAARC Heads of State Summit, has become a forum where matters of concern for the South Asia media industry are raised and discussed. The delegates will present their observations and proposals to all SAARC Foreign Ministers during a formal interaction with them, at the concluding session, the spokesman said.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa has been invited to inaugurate the Summit. Among the distinguished participants would be N. Ram,who is Chairman of the South Asia Media Commission.

SAFMA, which represents media professionals in the region, is an affiliated body of the SAARC Secretariat.

By Ashwin Hemmathagama of Lakbimanews

The government has sought the services of international lobbyists in the form of lobbying companies, at the cost of millions of rupees in order to stave off foreign sanctions on Sri Lanka.
LAKBIMAnEWS learns that the government has recently signed such a deal with an American firm to obtain ‘lobbying services’ at a cost of Rs.65 million (US $ 600,000) for a one year period in order to persuade some congressmen in the US Senate, to desist from taking action against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, leader of the European Union Parliamentary delegation Robert Evans warned on Friday that the Sri Lankan Government will have to face consequences, due to its deteriorating human rights record.
The law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (BHFS) which signed a deal with Sri Lanka will advise and assist the government with issues relating to Sri Lanka and the United States of America.
Proposed activities include arranging meetings and consultations for representatives of Sri Lanka with members of congress and executive branch officials in order to enhance “US awareness and understanding of Sri Lanka and to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.’’
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington called for tenders on the instructions of Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohone.
Though several reputed US firms have submitted expressions of interest, doubts have been raised as to why BHFS has been selected ignoring many bidders who have a good track record in the field.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador in Washington DC, Bernard Goonetileke has released the initial payment of US $ 300,000 on May 21, 2008 to BHFS for the first six months. The ministry is making arrangements to pay the balance US $ 300,000 before end of July, sources said.
Sources say that the next payment should be paid after an evaluation on work already completed by the BHFS LLP.
However, political sources also express their concern as to why the Foreign Ministry has kept this deal concealed not only from the citizens and the Parliament of Sri Lanka but also Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

By Mendaka Abeysekera in New York
Despite his pledge to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda terrorism in Berlin last week, White House hopeful Senator Barack Obama continues to remain mum on the LTTE, defined as the world’s most ruthless terrorist organisation by the FBI.
Last January, Senator Obama characterised the conflict in Sri Lanka as a “vicious civil war” at the ‘Candidates@Google’ meeting.

He described the Sri Lankan crisis as the inability of people to accommodate others “who are not like us,” and mentioned Sri Lanka as an example, pointing out that war rages even when “everybody there looks exactly the same.”

After his comment, the Consortium of Sri Lankan Expatriates, in a letter addressed to Senator Obama, urged him to review his stand on Sri Lankan conflict in the name of democracy and fair play.
They pointed out that following the Senator’s comments, it appeared that Senator Obama had been misled either by the Tamil Tiger terrorist lobby or misguided by the media.

However, Senator Obama or his office is yet to respond to the letter sent to him by the Sri Lankan consortium.
The Nation learnt that the Obama camp has been continuously lobbied by the US-based pro-LTTE supporters during the last few months.

As a result of this claimed bond between two groups, prominent LTTE supporter and Leader of India’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Party, Vaiko also briefly met Senator Obama at a function in Chicago on July 11.

Meanwhile, Senator Obama’s supporter, Democratic Congressman Danny Davis from Illinois, sent a letter of support which was read on July 25 on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka at a rally in the US capital, organised to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ‘Black July.’ The rally was organised by People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) and US Campaign for Burma (USCB).

By Aisha Edris
The Power and Energy Ministry had booked more than five circuit bungalows belonging to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) until August 30.
According to Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya (LVSS) General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal, the Ministry had booked several CEB circuit bungalows in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.

The Ministry has booked the CEB circuit bungalows in Anuradhapura, Minneriya, Udawalawe, Samanalawewa and Thambahinna.

“Usually, when a CEB circuit bungalow is booked, they have to make the payment prior to using it. But, in this case, the Ministry was granted approval without making any payments, while CEB employees who paid for the bookings had been informed that they could not use the bungalows till August 30,” he said.

Jayalal further said that Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratne had transferred CEB Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Colombo, Wijetunga to the North Central Province to initiate an electricity supply project in the area.

“The Minister had transferred the Colombo City DGM to the North Central Province and they have initiated a project to supply electricity to all the households in the area. This, we fear, was done to win the elections,” he charged.

He also said that the Defence Ministry had damaged the CEB Ampara circuit bungalow, which was used for the Eastern Province elections, and the CEB now had to spend Rs. 200,000 to repair it.

“The Defence Ministry used the newly-renovated bungalow but it was severely damaged when they vacated it. The CEB had to spend a large amount to repair the damages while the Ministry is yet to make the payment of Rs. 159,000 for using it,” he added.

The relatively high government debt burden and under performance of the public investment programme has resulted in increasing inflation, which has hindered our economy, pointed out the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), in its report presented at its 169th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Increases in the prices of oil and the rising costs of food are factors that also contributed to rising inflation and the CCC urged the government to address these factors on an urgent and immediate basis.

It further stated that the cost of money in today’s context could be in the range of 18%-24% or even higher depending on specific circumstances and that this situation would have a harsh impact on overall investment and a host of business decisions.

Since the country can no longer rely exclusively on fossil fuel and hydropower for the generation of energy, the CCC proposes to focus on solar and wind power as a matter of great urgency.

It also drew attention to the fact that the efforts to appoint the Constitutional Council were not successful. Pointing out that this issue was of high importance for good governance and to ensure law and order in the country, the CCC requested the government to address this issue without delay.

The UNP has decided to oppose any move to deprive former President Chandrika Kumaratunga of her civic rights through parliament on a matter of principle.

The decision to oppose moves to strip Kumaratunga of her civic rights was taken at a discussion of the party's political affairs committee last week.

Media learns the issue was mooted by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on the basis of a principle established in 1998.It is learned, UNP MPs Lakshman Seneviratne and Ravi Karunanayake had said the party should not defend Kumaratunga but the principle established in 1998 with which the committee had agreed.

Wickremesinghe had told the committee that in 1998, when the PA Government introduced a motion to nullify the civic disability imposed on former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the then President, Chandrika Kumaratunga had given an assurance that the Special Presidential Commission law will not be used in the future to deprive a person of his or her civic rights and based on that principle the UNP did not oppose the motion.

The UNP Leader pointed out that President Mahinda Rajapakse as a minister of the PA Government also supported that motion in parliament.

"It is that principle we want upheld and did not participate in the debate on Mrs. Bandaranaike's motion and state our case. But if the President wants to now go back on that accepted principle, then we must have the right to place in parliament the issues that led to his former leader, Sirimavo Bandaranaike's civic rights as well in the same debate," Wickremesinghe said.

UNP National List Member and former Finance Minister K.N. Choksy has informed the party he will not resign his seat for national organiser S.B. Dissanayake.

The UNP Political Affairs Committee last week requested Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to ask Choksy to resign his parliamentary seat for Dissanayake's appointment to 'test' the member's right to sit in parliament.

The Court of Appeal had in an earlier ruling said Dissanayake faced civic disability due to a Supreme Court conviction for contempt in which he was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

It is learned President's Counsels, Choksy and Tilak Marapone in separate opinions given to the party months earlier had also said Dissanayake suffered civic disability due to the judgement and that his civic rights would be restored only in December 2011.

The Sunday Leader learns Choksy had informed Wickremesinghe on Thursday, July 24 that he has no intention of resigning his seat for a newcomer to the party like Dissanayake and added he holds the seat in his own right due to the long standing contribution to the party.

"I am the only national list MP who has not crossed and is this the way the party shows its appreciation," Choksy had asked an embarrassed UNP Leader.

Choksy had also told Wickremesinghe he would be leaving for India today (Sunday) and on his return would come before the Political Affairs Committee and explain why he cannot resign his parliamentary seat as well as why Dissanayake will be deprived of his civic rights till December 2011.

The UNP Leader had earlier asked Dissanayake to test the issue of his civic disability by contesting the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council election as the party's chief ministerial nominee but he had declined the offer insisting on a parliamentary seat.

JVP members of the Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha have been allegedly assaulted by a group of thugs associated with the Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman G.H. Buddhadasa.

JVP sources told The Sunday Leader that the party members in the PS were assaulted allegedly by UPFA supporters because they objected to a request to make a special statement by Kaduwela PS member Prabath Dharshana, who defected from the JVP to join Wimal Weerawansa’s faction.

The Kaduwela PS had convened on Friday (25) at 9.30 a.m. and during the sessions; the four JVP members in the PS had supported a motion moved by Deputy PS Chairman, Jagath Kumara to object the involvement of a Kaduwela PS member in the distribution of liquor and narcotics in the Kaduwela area.

“The motion was moved against Buddhadasa. When the motion was taken up, over 150 of his thugs were in the gallery watching everyone who spoke in favor of the motion,” a JVP source said.

Former JVP member Dharshana had then requested time to make a special statement and the JVP members in the PS had objected saying he had no right to make such a statement. The governing UPFA members had then opposed the statement of the JVP members.

Following a heated argument between the JVP members and the UPFA members, several members had attempted to assault each other. However, the incident was settled and the session had continued. “The statement Dharshana intended to make was going to be against the JVP and the UPFA members wanted it made. That was why they created a disturbance,” the JVP source said.

At the conclusion of the PS sessions at 2.30 p.m., a group of about 150 thugs had allegedly arrived at the ground floor and assaulted the JVP members, who were about to leave the premises.

According to the JVP source, JVP PS member Asitha Niroshana was badly assaulted and his travel bag was also taken by the thugs. Niroshana is currently being treated at the Colombo National Hospital. JVP PS member Gamini Sarath Kumara had lodged a complaint regarding the incident with the Nawagamuwa Police.

Police Spokesperson SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that the police has so far not made any arrests with regard to the incident.

He said that the Nawagamuwa police was still conducting the inquiries and that the JVP council member receiving treatment in hospital had said he was able to identify two people who involved in the alleged assault. “The police is now making arrangements for the member to identify the suspects,” SSP Gunasekera said.

Since the visit of Mahinda Rajapakse, President, Socialist Democratic Re-Public of Sri Lanka to the Islamic Re-Public of Iran and his diplomatic meeting with the President of Islamic Re-Public of Iran Mahmood Ahmadinjad have created a very good diplomatic relationship and trade opportunities between the two countries.

Sri Lankan delegation consisting Senior Coordinator to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse of the social democratic re-public of Sri Lanka for the United States of America and Sri Lanka Consul General to Colombia and Venezuela Mr Jeff. M. Goonawardena and Chairman of National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) Mr Amal Senalankadhikara, along with Iranian counter part MS Farnaz Foroutan (BEHROUZ NIK CO) were able to organize successfully the first ever Gems and Jewellaries exhibition for 3 days in Teheran commencing from 28th, 29th and 30th of July, 2008 in association with Premadasas Gems & Jewellary Plc [ward place] of Sri Lanka. Over thousands of leading business people in Iran are expected to visit the exhibition

Further the Sri Lankan delegation met the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Iran His Excellency M.M. Suhair and discussed the ways and means how to introduce and attract the Sri Lankan hospitality to the Iranians and the opportunity available for learning English language for their children in Sri Lanka.

NAITA Chairman, Mr.Amal Senalankadikara have briefed Sri Lankan Ambassador that NAITA can facilitate the Iranian students to improve their English language and technical skills in association with Waltham Forrest College of London, Hotel School of Sri Lanka ,Thilanka Hotel group and Springfield international school in Kandy in order to improve and boost the tourism industry of the Islamic Re-Public of Iran. Also Mr Amal Senalankadhikara and Mr.Jeff Goonawardane have agreed to coordinate with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Iran in this regard

The Sri Lankan delegation will be visiting the leading institutions and industries in the Islamic Re-Public of Iran [Behrouz Food Industries a well reputed import and export in Iran for tea and food items] and to see the opportunity to organize an Iranian trade exhibition in Sri Lanka in a short while

Also the Sri Lankan delegation will be leaving to Dubai after leaving Iran on the via to Sri Lanka to organize the next exhibition on Gems & Jewellaries and travels & tourism in Dubai somewhere in October, 2008 where there also most of the leading business people are expected to visit the exhibition.

Sri Lankan security forces have already setup a tightest security blanket to protect SAARC dignitaries during the forth-coming SAARC Summit. The relevant authorities to achieve positive results have finalized security and other arrangements, said local political analysts.
The Police said 12,000 police officers backed by the armed forces and home guards will form one of the largest ever security dragnets and several security measures from searches to surveillance have already gone into place in the city and suburbs with the authorities taking no chances.
Apart from the local security setup, hundreds of foreign police and security forces personnel, largely from India are also listed to arrive in the country shortly to provide security cover for their respective heads of state or government with the coordination of the local authorities.

Surveillance at the Bandaranaike International Airport has also been stepped up mainly to monitor persons entering the country ahead of the summit.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the 15th SAARC Summit will commence on Sunday at the BMICH, Colombo.SAARC officials will hold their meetings from Sunday to 0th July and the SAARC Foreign Ministers would meet on 31st of this month and their meetings would be finished on 1st of August.
Heads of the SAARC states will attend their 15th Summit on 2nd of August and it would be ended on 2nd of August, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.
Afghanistan is the recent member country, which attended the SAARC umbrella, will attend the conference.
“Eight SAARC leaders will attend this year’s conference, said the Foreign Minister at a press briefing held in Colombo on Saturday.
Seven industrial countries will attend as the observers and China and Iran try to obtain membership of the SAARC, said the ministry sources.
Unofficial meetings among the SAARC heads will be held at the Parliament complex. Earlier unofficial meetings of the SAARC Summits were held at luxury hotels at the respective venues.
“This is a great change of this year’s summit, told the foreign minister.

The United National Party is in a jeopardy due to a recent proposal made by a senior member of the UNP John Amaratunga to appoint S.B.Dissanayake as a member of the Parliament. Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake seconded this proposal at the UNP’s Politburo meeting held on last Wednesday at the Parliamentary complex.
After the motion presented the politburo Leader of the Party Ranil Wickramasinghe said he would discuss with the relevant National list Parliamentarian to resign from the parliament to in order to appoint Mr.Dissanayake to fill the vacancy.At present SB holds national Organizer post of the UNP.

However the said MP who told the leadership that he cannot resign his seat, but assured to sacrifice his life for the UNP.
However the SB followers said the said national MP did not face the last general election and he would not face future elections as well.
The SB supporters said Mr.Dissanayake was in jail due to the party activities done by him. They said the UNP must honor this type of politician who wishes to face future elections behalf of the UNP.
The UNP’s internal sources said this was the second time SB’s proposal was failed before the politburo of the United National Party.

Several Cabinet Ministers are to request President Mahinda Rajapaksa to dismiss Secretary of the Finance Ministry and the Treasury, P.B. Jayasundara, the ‘Lakbima’ newspaper reports.
The Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva recently ordered Dr. P.B. Jayasundara to pay Rs. 500,000, as compensation after finding him guilty of corruption during a sale of an 8.5-acre land of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and a transfer of 90 per cent stake of Lanka Marine Services Ltd to John Keells Holdings (JKH).
The Ministers are of the opinion that retaining such a corrupt official in his post could cause dejection in the public sector, the ‘Lakbima says’.
It is not appropriate to retain such an official who has been disliked since the UNP regime, it adds, citing the ministers.
Speaking recently, senior Vice President of the SLFP, Nimal Siripala De Silva said that the government would come to a decision regarding Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, after considering the recent Supreme Court ruling against him.

A corporal and five soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army who were detained on suspicion for killing five Tamil youths in the Kavusikulam area after abducting them in a white-coloured van were released on sureties amounting to Rs. 500,000 each.
Vavuniya High Court judge, J. Vishwanadan ordered to release the suspects - Harry Bandara, Ruwan Sudarshana, Anuradha Dhananjaya Wijekoon, Samantha Udaya Kumara Kodikara, Asanka Pushpakumara and Sudarshana Kulathunga on bail.
These SLA personnel attached to the Veppamkulam Army camp were accused of committing abduction and murder in the Kausikulam area near Veppamkulam in early November 2007.
Under the directions of the Attorney General, the CID arrested the suspects and detained them in the custody of the military police.
The case filed against the suspects identifies T. Kapil Dev, Vigneshwaran Kiritheepan, Vijaya Kumar Jeyandan, James Gajendran and Manoharan Jakuharan as the slain Tamil youths.

The controversial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be a key issue in diplomatic discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, embassy sources say.
Both parties originally agreed to sign the CEPA agreement during the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo.
However, the Sri Lankan government has decided against it, claiming that the CEPA will not benefit the island’s economy.
Speaking at a media briefing on July 24th, Professor G.L. Peiris said that the would not bring about the downfall of local industrialists by taking a hasty decision on the matter.
The government is currently discussing this issue at length, he added.

Though President Mahinda Rajapakasa calls Ranjan Ramanayake an ‘outsider’, it is actually Basil and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa who are the true outsiders, leader of the UNP, Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
Addressing a group of lawyers in Rathnapura today (July 26th) the UNP leader said, “Ranjan is a citizen of this country. However, Basil and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are citizens of America.”
If we take a train as an example, the first class represents the Madamulana Walauwa. Sinhalese occupies the second class. The Muslims are on the footboard while Tamils are not even onboard, he added.
Today, people are divided everywhere as Sinhala -Tamils, upcountry and low country etc. Finally, even the Sinhalese are dividing themselves. Division leads to destruction of this country, Mr. Wickremesinghe said.
The United National Party is not a party with divisions. However, it is hard to solve these problems till everyone considers them as Sri Lankans, he added.

The Health Ministry, in collaboration with the medical teams of the army, navy and air force, will provide round the clock medical care to the various categories of participants in the SAARC summit to be held in Colombo. A Ministry spokesman said that the Katunayaka Airport medical division had been strengthened and an emergency treatment unit will be set up to provide treatment in emergencies.

He said that 250 personnel, including doctors and nurses will be on call while another 250-member medical team will be on duty 24 hours of the day during the entire period of the Summit. Five ambulances would be provided by the Airport and Aviation services. Two doctors and two nurses from the Negombo hospital will be available in case of an emergency while a general physician will be present at the airport emergency unit. Four consultants from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka and De Soyza Maternity hospital will also be made available to attend on women visitors if necessary.

Medical personnel from the National Hospital, Sri Jayawardenapura General hospital, Ragama, Kalubowila and Kandy Teaching Hospitals and the Negombo General Hospital would be on call to attend to any emergency.

Sri Lankan housemaids coming to work in the UAE will now compulsorily have a life and personal accident insurance cover under the latest directives of the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare in Colombo.

The mandatory insurance cover, is set to come into effect from August 15, is a bid to enhance protection and social security of the island nation's domestic servants abroad and would soon be extended to the workers in other countries in the Gulf.

The local sponsor will have to pay a total premium of Dh200 while signing the employment contract, which is usually valid for two years. This cover is valid only for new contracts and would apply to existing contracts only when they are renewed after mid-August.

S. A. Zain, Country Coordinator of the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment at the consulate in Dubai, told Khaleej Times, "This is an additional insurance cover for workers as the existing one is not adequate to protect them while they are working abroad and provide for their families after their death. It will also take care of their repatriation costs. It is a very useful cover for our migrant workers."

The Sri Lankan ministry has signed an agreement with the Oman Insurance Company to provide the insurance coverage in the UAE.

Though all workers travelling abroad to work now have an insurance cover in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare policy, officials cite this as inadequate especially in cases of death and repatriation.

Assistant general manager of Oman Insurance Usman Khadmi said, "This is a good move as it is very important to provide protection to the migrant workers since they are coming here to work hard for their families.

Oman Insurance would also cover the insured member in the event of death, permanent or partial disability up to a maximum of Dh30, 000 and repatriation of the mortal remains with costs up to Dh10, 000. In case of an accident, the member will be paid Dh15, 000 per annum for medical expenses. If the member is being repatriated because of harassment by the employer or if he/ she is medically unfit or in case of default by the employer like liquidation or bankruptcy, the member will be paid the cost of one-way ticket to Sri Lanka.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday condemned the election of ministers to chair the highly influential Parliamentary Standing committees COPE and PAC, saying that it was an ‘intentional undemocratic move to weaken legislative scrutiny so that the irregular financial expenditure by the Executive would continue unabated’.

The International watch dog on good governance also urged the two ministers to resign from those positions and display their commitment, integrity and democratic values.

Ministers John Seneviratna and Anura Priyadharshana Yapa were elected as chairmen of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament on Wednesday.

The action of the government is against all norms of democratic parliamentary traditions. The TISL on July 8, urged the government not to appoint Ministers to these committees in order to ensure a healthy environment to have an effective financial oversight, Executive Director TISL, J. C. Weliamuna said in a statement.

“We reiterate that Parliament should reconsider this questionable decision and uphold the fundamental value of appointing Opposition members to head the parliamentary oversight committees”, he said.

According to Parliamentary tradition, oversight committees are normally headed by members of the Opposition. This tradition has been maintained in Sri Lanka well over the years, Mr. Weliamuna said.

Meanwhile, Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardana said that both Ministers were elected to the chair by the members of the two committees unanimously after the opposition members walked out.

“The government did not have a hand in it. It was entirely the responsibility of the members of the COPE and PAC and the two Ministers were elected without a fight. The numerical position of members of the committees was 16 to the government and 15 to the Opposition.

However, if there was a contest the situation would have been different. But there was no opportunity for that. Even the Speaker explained this situation to the Opposition,” Mr. Gunawardana said.

General Secretary of the UNP. Tissa Attanayaka MP said that the modus operandi of the government was to cripple the investigations of the two committees.

“The tradition in a parliamentary democracy is that the chairmanship of these two oversight committees is held by the Opposition. During the UNP rule we honoured this tradition. By appointing two Ministers to the chair of these committees the intention of the government is very clear” Mr. Attanayaka said

Mount Lavinia Chief Magistrate Harsha Setunga ordered the CID to obtain a report how the trishaw in which the assassinated journalist Sampath Lakmal said to have travelled with another army officer on the day of his assassination went out of fuel and how the fuel was obtained.

The Magistrate made this order sequel to an application made by Counsel Clinton Dabare, who watched the interest of the aggrieved party at the Magisterial inquiry yesterday.

The CID is probing into the killing of the journalist at Dehiwela on June 01, 2007 by an unidentified gunman.

The CID said they had recorded statements from 15 people including a Brigadier, a Lieutenant and a soldier and they were conducting further investigations based on the statement made by the soldier Warnakumara ,who had allegedly travelled with the victim in the trishaw on the day of the incident.The Magistrate ordered the CID to fully probe the incident and to report court on October 04.

The main opposition UNP yesterday took Finance Ministry Secretary P.B. Jayasundera to task for what it termed a breach of parliamentary privileges of parliamentarians by not providing required financial information to the House in keeping with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake told parliament Dr. Jayasundera should provide a report about the economic status of the country to the House by July 1 every year.

Mr. Karunanayake said this was a requirement according to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

However, he said two reports were presented to the House only after this deadline lapsed.

Yet, he said those two reports contained ‘mere accounting gimmicks’ with no relevant information as required by the Act.

“This is a breach of parliamentary principles,” Mr. Karunanayake said urging the government to look into the matter.

Jathika Nidahas Peramuna parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake told Parliament yesterday that his vehicle had been damaged beyond repair after it was stolen from the parliament garage recently.

After JNP members broke ranks with the JVP in April this year, some of their vehicles were stolen from the parliament’s garage.

Mr. Wijenayake said the engine of his vehicle could not be used due to the addition of ‘emery powder’.

“I bought this vehicle after getting Rs. 1.7 million under a loan scheme for MPs” he said asking Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara to look into the matter as he had no vehicle today.

The Speaker asked Mr. Wijenayake to meet him personally to discuss the matter.

Moving an adjournment motion in Parliament yesterday, UNP Colombo District member Ravi Karunanayake said Sri Lankan Airlines was taken over by the government on April 1, 2008, from the management of Emirates Airlines, but after takeover, it was said to be running at a loss. During the first 100 days after the takeover, it had incurred a loss of 5,700 million rupees.

The government was known for its mismanagement. It should not continue to allow recurring losses in the national airline.

He said Mihin Air which had proved to be a disaster was brought into existence to satisfy certain individuals. It had incurred a net liability of 3,700 million rupees. The government should explain why such a massive amount of public funds were wasted in this manner. Mihin Air had gone on losing revenue on all destinations from the very beginning. Now it it was a completely failed venture.

Public funds wasted could not be recovered as the main problem in both airlines was mismanagement. Like all the other loss making public sector enterprises such as the Sri Lanka Transport Board, the Railways or the Electricity Board, and the two airlines the government should take advice from competent persons and revive them to become profitable.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Kumarie Abeyratne yesterday asked the Cinnamon Gardens Police whether any person identified from the TV footage had been arrested in connection with the attack on Nuwan Udaya Gunatileke, an accomplice of Minister Mervin Silva, for assaulting the News Director T. M. Chandrasekera of the Rupavahini Corporation.

The Magistrate's query followed a submission by Attorney-at-Law Anton Senanayake, appearing for suspect Nuwan Udaya Gunatileke, alleging that his client was assaulted in the presence of the police.

Police said that investigations into the incident were not yet completed.

The Secretary, Public Administration and Home Affairs, D. Dissanayake yesterday said the Ministry has not received any intimation from the government to declare Friday, August 1 a Public and Bank holiday.
Commenting on the rumour going round that August 1 would be declared a holiday he said there was no such intimation so far.

“If the government intends to declare a Special Bank and Public Holiday, it must be gazetted by the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry. The Labour Ministry makes a request from the private sector to do the same,” Mr. Dissanayake said.

The National Freedom Front yesterday in parliament criticised the Presidential Commission headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama to investigate violations of Human Rights. It cited it as bias in carrying out investigations.

Making a special statement, NFF MP, Wimal Weerawansa said though the President could appoint various such commissions, public funds were spent to maintain them.

Mr. Weerawansa pointed out this commission had been assigned the task of conducting investigations into 16 incidents. “Twenty months have lapsed after the appointment of these commissions. Yet, it has failed to complete investigations into at least one case. During the entire period, it had concentrated only on two issues which were the killing of 17 aid workers in Mutur and another case in Trincomalee,” he said.

Mr. Weerawansa said the security forces were held responsible for these two incidents.

“We should not forget this fact,” he said.

He charged the commission had failed to initiate investigations into the cases such as the killing of 98 navy personnel in Digampathana and 13 civilians in Welikanda, for which the LTTE had been accused.

He noted there had been no investigations into the massacre of 68 persons in Kebithigollewa, and 14 persons in Mutur when they were in an ambulance.

“The government has spent over Rs. 80 million so far on this commission. At the same time, it has tried to get money by meeting the heads of diplomatic missions of the European Union, Germany and United States,” he said.

“The commission members have asked for money from the Ambassadors of these countries which have made allegations of human rights violations against Sri Lanka,” he said.

He asked whether the commission members asked for money from these countries by agreeing to work according to their interests.

The CID yesterday said they had received no complaints against Rupavahini Corporation employees regarding the incident that took place within the Corporation premises on December 8, 2007.

When the matter was taken up for inquiry before the Colombo Additional Magistrate, Ms. Kumari Abeyratne, the CID filed a report and stated that they were further probing into the incident and once the inquiries were over a report would be sent to the Attorney General for his advice.

The Counsel for the suspect inquired from the CID why they did not produce the suspect who had assaulted his client, Mesthriyage Upul Nuwan Gunathilake at the Rupavahini Corporation.

Sergeant Wasala Wijeratne of the CID said no complaint had been made to them in that regard but they were conducting investigations into it.

The Magistrate observed the public had seen the parties responsible for the incident on television and yet only one person was brought before the court as a suspect.

The suspect’s counsel said there were two parties involved in the incident but only one person had been brought to court as a suspect.

He pointed out his client was assaulted by the employees in the presence of the Police and no action was taken on his client’s complaint.

Once the statements were recorded from a few other persons, the extracts would be sent to the Attorney General for scrutiny and his opinion.

The Magistrate ordered the CID to send the report to the Attorney General and to report to court on August 17.

She ordered the suspect to make a statement to the CID. Counsel Anton Senanayake appeared for the suspect.

The Duty Manager at the Katunayake Airport (BIA) says it is advisable for passengers to arrive earlier than the usual three hours before their scheduled flight departure, during the period of the SAARC Summit.

The movement of motor traffic will be restricted from the Galle Face Roundabout to the BMICH and the New Parliament Road from 9am to 12.00 noon tomorrow in view of the SAARC summit. Similarly, vehicle movement will also be restricted along the Colombo- Katunayake road between 3pm to 6pm on the same day, police said.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, at a media briefing this morning, criticized the 'irresponsible' approach of the EU delegation by making statements after meeting people who met their own agendas.

VAVUNIYA: ICRC officials Saturday (26) afternoon at about 3.30 p.m. took away eleven more dead bodies of Tiger terrorists into un-cleared areas across the OMANTHAI Entry/Exit point.

BATTICALOA: TROOPS engaged in a search and clear operation in the general area of ERAVUR in BATTICALOA on Friday (25) around 10.10 a.m. recovered one T-56 assault rifle, two T-56 magazines and sixty T-56 ammunition rounds.

The same day (25) Special Task Force (STF) personnel engaged in a similar operation in the general area of PORATIVU recovered two hand grenade, forty-six T-56 ammunition rounds and two T-56 magazines.

WELIOYA: EIGHT TERRORISTS were killed and ten more injured during confrontations erupted in the general area north of JANAKAPURA on Friday (25).
One soldier also injured in the confrontations.

VAVUNIYA: CONTINUING CONFRONTATIONS in the general areas of PANDIYANKALLI, north of ODDANKULAM, PALAMODDAI and NAUVI areas in VAVUNIYA killed sixteen terrorists and injured ten more terrorists on Friday (25).

Eight soldiers were reported killed and ten were reported injured during confrontations. Troops also recovered one dead of a Tiger terrorist, one T-56 assault rifle and five ration packets.

JAFFNA: ARMY TROOPS operating ahead of the Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) in MUHAMALE killed one terrorist during confrontations on Friday (25) around 9.20 a.m..

VAVUNIYA: AS TIGER TERRORIST are now being defeated in the WANNI front, three LTTE cadres who deserted rank in the organization surrendered to the Security Forces Thursday (24).

Two of them who were residence in JAFFNA surrendered to the Army troops in WELIOYA while the other LTTE cadre from GAMPOLA area reached the troops at MALLAVI area.

Later, those surrenders were handed over to the MUNDIMURIPPU Police for further investigations.

India: Commodore P E Van Halteren, the top Naval Officer in Tamil Nadu yesterday categorically denied allegations that the Sri Lankan Navy was straying into Indian waters and firing at Indian fishermen.

"They (Lankan Navy) never cross into our territory," Halteren told PTI in Chennai.

He said incidents may be taking place when the Indian fishermen sail too close to Sri Lankan maritime boundary. "Especially at night, it is difficult for them to differentiate between fishermen and the LTTE. It would be better if our fishermen do not cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and enter their territory," he said.

The Indian Navy official suggested that boats should be fitted with Global Positioning System equipment to avoid crossing the maritime boundary line.

Some political parties in the State had been accusing the Sri Lankan Navy of firing at Tamil Nadu fishermen, charging them with crossing into their waters, a charge denied by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Government.

"If the fishermen carry GPS with them, it would warn them when they crossed the maritime boundary," Commodore Halteren said.

"The Global Positioning System (GPS) is easy to use and it is affordable," he said and suggested that an awareness should be created among fishermen about its usage.

Halteren said some of the fishermen crossed the maritime boundary hoping to get a better catch.

"On our side there is very little fish available. This is also one of the reasons why fishermen try to cross the IMBL."

He said about 18,000 boats of different kinds were operated for fishing activities. "It is very difficult for us to guard each and every fishermen when they venture into sea.

Helteren said, "Our duty is to just check whether any boat or ships are involved in any illegal activities. However, as an extra effort, we always warn our fishermen whenever they are very close to the boundary area." For its part, the Tamil Nadu government has already approved a Rs 7.7 crore pilot project to fit GPS devices being developed by state owned Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) onboard the fishing vessels from the Ramanathapuram district, from where a majority of fishermen set sail to Palk Straits.

Elcot officials had said they plan to fit 4,620 country boats and 1,697 country boats with GPS in coming months. While mechanised boats would be charged Rs 7500, the country boats would be provided hand held devices free of cost.

GPS provides the fastest and most accurate method for fishermen to navigate, measure speed and determine location.

The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to the reference made on the circumstances which led to the cancellation of the visit to Trincomalee by the European Parliament's delegation for relations with South Asia. The latter's press statement issued today (25/07/2008) states that "the last minute cancellation and a catalogue of chaos and confusion meant that the Delegation did not fly to Trincomalee. Despite repeated assurances, endless complications resulted in the party being turned back from the Ratmalana Airport,....".

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to outline the steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka in facilitating the said visit as follows:-

(i) During the planning stage of the European Parliament delegation's visit to Sri Lanka that just ended, the Government offered to transport the delegation in one of its aircraft which was declined by the European Commission office in Colombo, resulting in the latter seeking a private hire of an aircraft for this purpose;

(ii) The Ministry of Defence on 22 July 2008 contacted the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and requested that a flight to China Bay utilizing a 1989 Beech King Air B 200 aircraft belonging to a private company be approved for this purpose. Upon the private operating company being contacted, they said that they were planning to operate the said flight on 23 July 2008, if they could meet the requirements of CAASL. This necessitated amendments to the documentation procedure, as the aircraft had not been authorized to operate on domestic routes.

(iii) In order to facilitate the visit by the European Parliamentarians to the Eastern Province, a thorough review was made by the CAASL in the morning of 23 July 2008 where all technical staff had been present and a one-off conditional approval was granted for the operation of this flight.

It may be noted that although months of preparation time had been available, the said aircraft had arrived in Sri Lanka from South Africa only on Sunday 20 July 2008, with an operating crew inexperienced with the route, and therefore CAASL was compelled to stipulate that the Director/ Operations of the private company was required to complement the crew of the said flight.

Once the clearance for the aircraft by CAASL had been given in the morning hours, and the final segment of the ensuing procedural process was taking place, the Parliamentary delegation which was scheduled to depart at 1330 hours had decided by 1300 hours to return to their hotel from the Ratmalana airport. Since this decision was made by the delegation itself, it is factually incorrect to state that the party was "turned back" from the Ratmalana airport.

It is therefore, abundantly clear that the Sri Lanka government had done its utmost in facilitating the European Parliamentary delegation visit to Trincomalee, including the granting of approval for the operation of the flight given the acute time constraints. Undoubtedly, the government wished for this visit to take place to showcase the developments in the Eastern province following its return to democratic rule. However, it is evident, especially noting the date of arrival of the crew and aircraft i.e. 2 days prior to the visit, that the private flight operator had not followed the required operating procedure in a timely manner to fulfill the regulatory and safety responsibilities of the Civil Aviation authorities to undertake the transportation of the European Parliamentary delegation as scheduled, to Trincomalee.

The position articulated by the Parliamentary delegation in its statement on not visiting Trincomalee is regrettable and is open to misinterpretation. Therefore, it would have been more appropriate if the statement released by the visiting Parliamentarians could have been more responsibly presented.

Three LTTE cadres surrendered to the Army on Thursday (July 24) at two different locations on the Wanni battlefront. According to the defence sources , two Tamil youth had surrendered themselves in the Mallavi area while the other on the Welioya front.

The two surrendered at Mallavi were residents of Jaffna while the other surrendered at Welioya was from Gampola area, the sources said.

According to the sources, All threes surrendees had stated that the LTTE is at its last legs and many of its cadres are waiting for an opportunity to seek protection with the security forces. The surrendees were handed over to the police in order to direct them for rehabilitation , the sources added.

Sri Lankans living in Finland yesterday (July 25 ) staged a mass protest demonstration in Helsinki against LTTE terrorism in Sri Lanka . The protestors held their demonstration for 2 hours in front of the Finish parliament with a strong participation of Sri Lankan of all ethnicities and Finns alike.

The protestor displayed banners saying that Sri Lanka is the homeland of Sinhalese , Muslims and Tamils but not of a single race. Many other banners and placard were seen held by the participants against recruiting of child soldiers , ethnic cleansing and civilian massacres, routinely carried out by the LTTE.

The protesters also urged the Finish government to curb LTTE's front organizations that engaged in fundraising for the terror outfit and other LTTE affiliated criminal gangs that collect funds from the Tamil people through extortion.

Also , they requested the Finnish Government to help Sri Lanka in defeating terrorism and building peace and harmony for the war torn nation.

Sri Lanka has approved a proposal for a mega underwater power transmission deal with India to meet a major part of the soaring power needs in the country the power and energy minister said on Friday.

Power and Energy Minister WDJ Seneviratne said that the proposed $450 million deal, once executed, would help export electricity through a 200-km submarine cable from the Madurai power grid in Tamil Nadu via the Palk Strait -- the narrow strip of sea that divides the two countries - to Thalaimannar, Mannar and to the Anuradhapura national power grid.

"This is a project acceptable to governments of both countries as it is a two-way traffic. We are hoping to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) as soon as possible," Seneviratne said.

"Once completed, this project is expected to bring maximum economic benefits to both countries through the exchange of 1,000 MW of power," he said, adding the cabinet approved his proposal when it met on Wednesday.

Asked if there was any possibility that the MoU could be signed on the sidelines of the coming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, he said: "It cannot be ruled out."

According to preliminary studies, Seneviratne said the construction work, once it starts, would take 40 months to finish.

The cabinet has also granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the minister for the implementation of a rural electrification project with assistance from Iran.

The Tamil Tigers may have announced a unilateral 10-day truce but the Sri Lankan government is leaving nothing to chance for the upcoming SAARC summit. It has deployed 19,000 additional security personnel to provide protection for visiting leaders who include Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) truce between July 26 and Aug 4 was rejected by the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as 'a trap'.

The 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) starts at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall here Aug 2. It will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

All these leaders will bring their own personnel to look after their security but media reports here and India indicate that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will come with scores of elite commandos of his Special Protection Group (SPG). India is also reported to be sending helicopters and bulletproof cars.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Sri Lankan police and security forces would be in charge of the security cover for the summit.

'About 19,000 additional troops, including police personnel, will be deployed for the summit. It is a well coordinated security plan to ensure the best security cover for the summit,' Nanayakkara told IANS.

Deputy Inspector General Police Nimal Madiwaka added that the hotels where the VVIPs would stay, the convention centre and the roads leading to these venues had been declared high security zones (HSZs).

'The security for the SAARC summit will be an extension of the current security adopted in the country,' Madiwaka said, adding a special transport plan would be implemented for the HSZs Aug 1-4.

Some key roads would be closed for traffic during the two-day summit. People working in offices located inside these HSZs and important vehicles travelling into the areas would be issued special police passes. Vehicles without passes have been asked to use alternative routes.

Shuttle buses would be used to ferry passengers in the HSZ.

The Katunayake international airport has been named a high security zone, and there will be security restrictions on trains as well.

Describing the hosting of the SAARC summit as a 'significant moment' in the history of the island nation, Foreign Minister Rohith Bogollagama said President Rajapaksa was 'happy to showcase Sri Lanka to the international community'.

The US, Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, Mauritius and the EU will participate (at the foreign ministers level) as observer states. Australia and Myanmar are also seeking observer status.

Amid aggressive military campaigns against the Tamil Tigers in the north and a few bomb blasts in the south, the government has stepped up security measures in the capital of 650,000 people over the past year.

Ceylon Agro Industries Ltd, a subsidiary of Prima Company, has reportedly violated an agreement signed for receiving Board of Investment concessions and used same to defraud over Rs. 100 million of revenue to the state. Customs Department sources say its Automatic Data Processing Division came across this scam, and that it has detained six containers of hybrid maize seeds imported duty-free by the company from Thailand.

Ceylon Agro has used an agreement signed in 2001 with the BOI for the import of raw material to defraud more than Rs. 100 million of government revenue, the sources said.

Under this agreement, the company can import hybrid maize seeds free of duty for development and to assist farmers in the commercial cultivation of maize to be used as animal feed.

Instead, it has been importing palm oil and 20 other raw materials duty-free and producing noodles, Kottume noodles mixture, meat balls, sausages, bread, pastries and processed chicken, according to Customs sources.

In addition, Ceylon Agro has allegedly been selling the imported palm oil in the local market.

However, as per regulations in Section 17 of the BOI agreement, no approved company could sell its production in the local market without paying customs duty for the raw material imported.

According to estimations, the company had evaded the payment of customs duties and other taxes of more than Rs. 01 billion.
Its annual turnover exceeds Rs. 01 billion, Customs sources said.

A letter to grant concessions with reference no: EC/4/1047/92 has not been approved by the BOI, said the sources.

When media spoke to the A.M.C. Kulasekara, then Executive Director (Investment) at BOI, he maintained the company has been approved for duty-free concessions, including for the import of palm oil.

Meanwhile, the sources added that Customs officers investigating the alleged scam are under intense pressure to release the detained maize seed consignment.

The newly introduced regulation of mobile and CDMA phones is a violation of the people's right to expression, said Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera who is from the UNP.

He told parliament today (July 25th) that no country has laws to regulate the phones.

Mr. Perera called for more consideration and responsibility on the part of the government in deciding laws that directly affect the people.

In reply, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake said the new laws are intended to prevent the use of mobile and CDMA phone for unlawful and criminal activities.

Troops engaged in counter terrorist offensive operations in combined Mannar - Vavuniya front confronted with a group of LTTE terrorists in general area Kalvilan, west of Tunukkai, Mullaittiuvu district, this morning, July 25.

According information received from the battlefront, 4 bodies of the LTTE terrorists killed in this confrontation were found along with 5 T-56 assault rifles and 2 radio sets, defences sources said.

Troops in 57 Division and Special Forces engaged in consolidation operations in north of Vavunikulam, in combined Mannar and Vavuniya front, have found 33 bodies of the LTTE terrorists along with a large stock of arms and ammunition this evening, July 25, a latest report received from the battle front says.

Eight senior LTTE cadres of the 'Charles Anthony' band were also among the terrorists killed during this gun battle, the report added.

The senior LTTE Terrorists killed during fierce battle were identified as Pallavan, Ambumani, Selvakannan, Sellappu, Muhi, Illambu, Sudar and Jenathan who were at the commanding level of the 'Charles Anthony' band in Mannar sector. LTTE outfit have given self-styled rank of "Lieutenant Colonel" to the Pallavan and Ambumani, the report further added.

Twenty-three T-56 weapons, one Rocket Propeller Gun (RPG), fourteen radio sets, four RPG rounds, two hand grenades, 1.5 kg of explosives, six T-56 magazines, one 15 m long detonator code, one motor cycle and several explosive items left behind or used by dead Tigers were also found by the troops from the consolidating areas.

SLAF MI-24 helicopter gunships Friday (July 25) have totally neutralized an LTTE mortar launching pad located 3.5km Southwest of Tunukkai in the Mullaittiuvu district, during close-fire-support missions launched assisting the advancing ground troops.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, 4 Mi-24 helicopter gunships have engaged in the daunting mission at around 3.45p.m., despite an array of LTTE counter fire.

The target was located at an abandoned construction site and ground troops also confirmed that the LTTE mortar shelling have died away following the air assault, the Spokesperson further added.

Heavy ground battles were reported between troops and LTTE in general area North of Vavunikulam Tank, Southeast of Mallavi in Mullaittivu District as troops mounted intense retaliation thwarting an LTTE counter attack killing over 30 terrorists including a leader of the 'Charles Anthony' band on Thursday (July 24) evening.

According to Wanni sources, fresh fighting broke out since last night till this morning(25), as troops have reportedly found 30 LTTE bodies scattered in the battle filed during subsequent search operations conducted. 'Pallawan' a senior leadeer of the Charles Anthony band was also among the killed, military said citing intercepted LTTE communication.

Yesterday the 57 Division troops led by Major General Jagath Dias and Special Forces troops gained control over the Vavunikulam Tank bund and 10sq.km of adjacent area, killing over 25 terrorists. The valiant soldiers further advanced towards Mallavi crossing the Paliaru waterway, neutralizing remaining LTTE elements in the southwestern edge of the Vavunikulam Tank, our defence correspondent said.

"Banu a senior cadre was identified speaking over the LTTE communication circuits leading the LTTE offensive and have reportedly fled deeper into Kilinochchi unable to withstand the military onslaught.

Army continued to pound identified LTTE positions dispersing its offensive wave as infantrymen and Special Forces hunted down remaining terrorists inflicting heavy damages", defence sources said.

"Despite continuous pleas made for reinforcement been turned down, frustrated terrorists have fled for safety leaving their dead and equipment behind", sources further said citing ground troops.

The Visiting EU delegation said the EU condemned LTTE activities and said the EU would not protect the terrorism.
Speaking to media in Colombo on Friday Leader of the delegation Robert Evans said the EU parliamentarians are fully aware that Sri Lanka is involved in the fight against terrorism but still believe that more must be done to defend human rights and put an end to the frightening number of abductions .The EU parliamentarian were hoping to see for themselves the new situation in the Eastern Province and to discuss matters directly with the Chief Minister.
Whilst welcoming the beginings of the democratic process in the region and that the TMVP seems to be joining the political mainstream , the EU parliamentarians were however concerned about the lack of a timetable for weapons decommissioning .
In addition the former paramilitaries now running the Eastern Province are reported to still be using child soldiers.
He said the last minute cancellation and a catalogue of chaos and confusion meant that the delegation did not fly to Trincomalee .Despite repeated assurances, endless complications resulted in the party being turned back from Ratmalana Air Port , destroying months of preparation, time and expanse.
In several meetings with the media , journalists spoke of continued harassment and fear of being critical of the Authorities .The delegation heard of many cases of media workers being arrested and learnt that 12 have been killed in recent months. The delegation intends to raise the case of M.Tissanayagam and of his conditions of detention in the European Parliament.
These stories came on top of documented abductions and disappearances .The EU parliament delegation urges the government of Sri Lanka as a top priority to organize investigations into these cases; the widespread belief that the military and police enjoy impunity does nothing to set ordinary people at ease and may even fuel the LTTE .EU Parliamentarians were informed officially that some 500 members of the military had been investigated for such abuses and 100 had been prosecuted /convicted .To date no evidence to substantiate this has been provided.
The delegation understands that the situation in Sri Lanka is extremely tense and support efforts to reform the structures of the country in a political way that reconciles the three communities in a constitutional framework. The delegation commends Prof.Vitharana for his attempts to make the APRC live up to its name by including all parties and regrets that despite numerous meetings there is no sign of this happening.
The delegation also stresses the need to implement the XVII th amendment and calls on the President to immediately re-establish the Constitutional Council and independent commissions as they are necessary to address the general crisis of governance.
In the light of all these apprehensions, the European Delegation remains extremely anxious about the impact a possible loss of GSP+ status would have on economy and employment in Sri Lanka and urges the government to do everything possible to effectively implement the international conventions that are required in order to address human rights concerns.
He said European Parliament as a friend remains ready to do all it can to assist Sri Lanka as it faces up to all these challenges in the months head.Answering questions he said today that if a decision on whether to renew GSP+ preferential status to Sri Lanka is decided today, it is “doubtful” if it will go in favour of Sri Lanka.

Robert Evans who lead the seven member delegation on a five day visit to the country said that this is his personal opinion and no final decision has been made on whether to extend the GSP+ status further.

When UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake today raised the issue of the attack on Daily Mirror journalist Yohan Perera, Minister of Urban Development Dinesh Gunwardena said the journalist was not attacked by a UDA man but by a ‘political force’.

Army troops have killed 22 LTTE cadres and recovered all the bodies, North of Vavunikulam, Mullaitivu this morning - MCNS.

Local authorities have issued notices to occupants of a large number of buildings including houses in Kundasale, Kandy to vacate their buildings immediately as SAARC delegates are scheduled to make a trip to Victoria Golf Course, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem told Parliament today.

Colombo Commercial High Court issued an enjoining order against MP Wimal Weerawansa preventing him from pulishing or printing his book.

The government has declared Friday (August 1), a holiday to ease traffic congestion on the opening day of the SAARC summit.

Western Province DIG Nimal Mediwaka yesterday said at a news conference said that the move would immensely help police control traffic congestion in Colombo.

With the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, being holidays the flow traffic to Colombo would be more controllable, he said.

Mediwaka said Police will introduce stringent security measures in the metropolis and certain other designated areas but the public will have to undergo minimum hassle though they will be subjected to body checks by the police and security forces personnel.

Those who are working in the High Security Zone areas in Colombo would be issued special passes.

On the day that the SAARC delegates will be visiting Parliament the roads surrounding Parliament would be closed for traffic from 6.00 a.m. to approximately 2.00 p.m.

Asked whether there would be restrictions on movement of traffic in the Mt. Lavinia area as the spouses of some of the delegates will be staying at the Mt Lavinia hotel he answered in the negative. The hotel will function as usual, he said.

According to well informed sources the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa would be hosting 30 spouses of key SAARC delegates at the Mt Lavinia Hotel for a luncheon.

There will be 12,000 police personnel deployed to oversee the security arrangements during the SAARC in addition to the security forces personnel, he said.

The Colombo–Katunayake road would be closed for traffic intermittently for a maximum period of 26 minutes each time to facilitate the movement of State Heads and the key delegates as and when the flights transporting them would arrive the BIA Mediwaka said.

Train services will not operate between Colombo Fort and Bambalapitiya and a shuttle bus service will operate between the two points from 1-4 August. The passengers could use the rail tickets to travel in these buses he said.

The Galle Criminal Investigation Unit arrested seven suspected street-walkers in the Galle Kithulapitiya area.

Inspector Dammika Amarasena said that the 7 women were sent to Galle Mahamodara Hospital for an AIDS test. They will be produced before the Galle Magistrate.

Major General Janaka Perera, the UNP's Chief Ministerial candidate for the North Central Province, yesterday complained to the Supreme Court that despite having acute threats to his life from the LTTE, the State has so far failed to give him adequate security.

He said that Pillaiyan, who is a dissident of the LTTE, was given ample security during the campaign for the Eastern Province Provincial Council Poll. But despite the public regarding the petitioner as a war hero, he is not given adequate security. The petitioner had campaigned widely against the LTTE, when the petitioner was an Ambassador in Australia. The LTTE is hunting for the petitioner, after this.

Major General Perera had asked for at least ten back up vehicles, ten uniformed police officers, with automatic weapons for outer-range back up security, and ten uniformed commandos with automatic weapons for close-range security back up.

The petition alleged that the state has treated him arbitrarily and unfairly on grounds of political opinion.

The petition requested the Court to grant him interim relief by ordering an increase in the personal security forthwith.


He wanted that security to be continued till this petition is finally determined.

Among the respondents are the secretary Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the IGP Jayantha Wickramarathne, the Army Commander, Lt. General Sarath Fonseka, the Commissioner of election and a few others.

On the eve of the 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to be held in Colombo August 2-3, the US has said it does not believe SAARC is ineffectual and irrelevant and a farce as some in the West and in the region itself contend--who dismiss it as nothing but a group photo-op every few years--and is confident it can grow to be as powerful and influential as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.


In an exclusive interview with rediff.com, Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and the senior-most Administration official for the subcontinent, said, who will lead the US observer delegation to the SAARC conference in Colombo, said, "As you say, I know people don't always take it seriously," but asserted that Washington believes "that SAARC really has a lot of potential."

He argued that "if I look back 30 years to ASEAN in South East Asia, that was the situation. Nobody thought they were doing very much but over time, step by step, they built an idea of South East Asia and of trade relationships and an investment environment and political relationships that mattered and I think the opportunities is there at SAARC as well".


Boucher said, "SAARC is a structure that's flexible, that takes on a lot of big issues," and while acknowledging that "this region is facing a lot of troubles�terrorism is one�there is economic opportunity."


He bemoaned that "this region doesn't trade with itself as much as it should," and in this regard, lavished praised on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] (who after winning the trust vote in Parliament on the US-India nuclear deal is expected to attend the meeting in Colombo) for his announcement "at the last SAARC meeting that he was going to lower duties and open duty-free opportunities in the region -- that was very important."


Boucher reiterated that "there are much more opportunities for trade inside the region that can be opened up �there are issues like water that are important and there are always going to be people with border and immigration issues that need to be taken up."


He said "some other parts of the world don't have even a meeting place, and at the very least, SAARC gives everybody a chance to get together and deal with some of these issues."


"But, I think it also offers the mechanisms to move forward and having a free trade idea, a free trade agreement, and then even if it starts slowly, over time you can really, really make something of this."

Boucher said Washington's "goal as observers is one, to make sure we understand where it's going, but also just to be there to encourage everybody to take it more seriously and invest more in it -- take the steps like Prime Minister Singh announced and really make something of this because the potential is really there and it could mean a lot to people in the region."


He reiterated issues like "trade opportunities, water supplies, peace and stability, opportunities to travel," are paramount and SAARC offers "a way to do this and we got to make use of this."

The Maldives business sector says there are growing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the Maldives.
“Already around 9,000 Sri Lankans are working in the Maldives. But we need more people. The Maldives has a population of only about 350,000 and our labour force is much smaller. So there is a need for workers at all levels, skilled, semi skilled and unskilled,” the President of the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Omar Maniku, said.
Mr Maniku was in Colombo to address the first Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council, this week.“Sri Lankan companies are already investing in the Maldives. For instance, in tourism, Sri Lankan companies are investing in a big way. But there are job opportunities in other sectors as well,” said Mr Maniku. However, the Maldivian Chamber of Commerce said it does not see the need for a formal agreement at government level, to regulate employment of Sri Lankan nationals in the Maldives.
“Already Sri Lankans work in the Maldives and the other way around. So why do you need to have things like job quotas. That is a restriction. We don’t want such restrictions,” said Mr Maniku. The Maldives is the Sri Lanka’s third largest trading partner in the SAARC region and Sri Lanka enjoys a positive balance of trade with the Maldives. Currently Sri Lanka holds about 12% of the Maldives’ hotel rooms.

Tourist arrivals from the Maldives to Sri Lanka, also increased by 19% in 2007, amounting to 29,539 visitors. The businesses sectors of the two countries set up the Bilateral Business Council last year to facilitate further trade between each other. To date the Business Council has 90 members.
The President of the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council, Jayatissa Kehelpannala, said that potential areas for trade and investment between the two island nations have already been identified.“Position papers were prepared for agriculture, banking, freight forwarding/shipping and tourism sectors, initially,” said Mr Kehelpannala.
The Business Council plans to work on tourism promotion, education services and agricultural development with the Maldives. The Council is looking to facilitate exports of fruits and vegetables from Sri Lanka into the Maldives and to import marine products from the Maldives. The Council is also looking to facilitate agricultural technology transfer from Sri Lanka into the Maldive islands to produce and market agricultural goods to Maldives’ tourist resorts.

CSC Kandia (Pvt) Ltd, (pending BOI approval), which is a joint venture company between Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd. (CSC) and Ariston Oil and Shipping (Pvt) Ltd was awarded Licence by the Ministry of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development to carry out bunkering operations in Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd., Chairman Y. L. S. Hameed, stated that “the Licence which comes into effect from July 15, will permit CSC Kandia (Pvt) Ltd, to import, store, distribute and supply petroleum fuel to ships entering the Sri Lankan waters.”
“The awarding of the Bunkering Licence is another very important milestone in an ambitious journey embarked upon by the new management team appointed by Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa with a view to bringing back the past glory of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd,” said CSC Executive Director Mayantha Dissanayake. “We have been given a clear mandate to revitalize CSC and with the blessings of the Minister, we continue to seek innovative methods of further improving our business,” it was pointed out.
The forces behind this new joint venture are the teams headed by Hameed and Dissanayake who have found an ideal partner for this operation in Ariston Oil and Shipping (Pvt) Ltd given the backing of their parent company which has 45 years of experience and expertise in the oil and shipping industry and most importantly the resources and access to key decision makers globally in this sector.
These efforts are in line with the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop the maritime industry of Sri Lanka to the highest international standards using the country’s key advantage of strategic location.
“The direct involvement of Mr. Pyrros Vardirioyannis, the Chairman of Ariston Oil and Shipping (Pvt) Ltd who hails from a well reputed Greek family with a long maritime business tradition established by his late father, Nicos Vardinoyannis, will further strengthen the ambitious plans of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd.” says Ms. Davina Valaydon, Director of Ariston Oil and Shipping. According to her, Ariston Oil and Shipping will work hand in hand with the Ceylon Shipping Corporation on a number of different projects, which will help develop the industry and earn foreign exchange for the country.

The UNP, yesterday in Parliament, charged that Sri Lankan Airline is heading for a crash suffering a loss of Rs.5700 million after it was taken over from the Emirates Company on April 1.
UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake who moved an adjournment motion in this regard said that there was Rs.14 billion cash reserves when the company was handed over to the government by the Emirates. MP Karunanayake said that most other national carriers in the world such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Thai Airways had recorded profits even exceeding their budgeted expectations, but ours had incurred heavy losses. He called for immediate action to resurrect the airline by posting competent persons to the management.
“Our national carrier was cash rich but asset less when it was taken over from the Emirates,” he said. Citing an example for the inefficiency of the airline, he said that one London-bound airbus had taken off from the Colombo airport with an extra luggage without the passenger on board. After this was notified to the airline authorities, there had been an emergency landing at the Dubai airport.
“In this instance, 35,000 gallons of air fuel had been discharged from the aircraft. The entire cost sustained in this case is Rs. 40 million. We have suffered such a big loss because of a mistake done here,” he said. Commenting on Mihin Lanka, he said that it had become a company only with liabilities today.
“You have created a monster, and now you have to live with it,” he told the government, adding that Mihin Lanka owes Rs. 850 million to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for fuel supplied to it. He said that all these burdens had been transferred to the public and the Ministry of Civil Aviation had contributed to the soaring cost of living today in these circumstances. However, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that the take over of Sri Lankan Airlines from Emirates was a historic task done by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Dr. Senaratne said that the national carrier had suffered losses only on flights, yet it had achieved profits in ground handling, catering and through the duty free shops at the airport. “When leaving out the profit achieved in these sectors, the entire loss suffered during the last three months is only Rs.4665 million,” he said. He said that the period between April and June is an off-peak season in the aviation industry, and therefore airlines generally incur losses during this time. “When our airline was handled by Emirates, we had recorded a loss of Rs. 2000 million last year during the said period,” he said.
He said that 300-400 aircrafts had been kept out of operation today in the world due to the problems such as soaring fuel surcharges, and 15,000 airline employees had been removed in the United States alone. Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said that his Ministry had taken various measures for cost cutting and increasing efficiency. He said that Mihin Lanka would start operations in a month.

The Mount Lavinia District Judge Mahinda Samayawardena fixed the trial in the defamation suit filed by Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa against the editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper for October 10.
In this case Mr. Rajapaksa cited the Sunday Leader Editor, Lasanatha Wickramatunga of Kandawatta Terrace, Nugegoda and Leader Publications (Pvt) Ltd as defendants. In his plaint the plaintiff had complained his reputation and goodwill was damaged due to the articles published on July 5 and September 2, 2007 in the Sunday Leader Newspaper and claimed Rs 1000 millions as damages.
He stated that he served the Sri Lanka Army as a lieutenant for two years during 1971 and 1972 and was a person with an unblemished character. According to the purported newspaper report, it was alleged that he had bought four outdated aircraft for a massive sum of money in 2006 from America. And the purchase was done outside the accepted tender procedure, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa estimated the damage caused to him at Rs. 1000 million, and demanded the amount with legal interest and other compensation.
Filing answer to the plaint, the defendant Lasantha Wickramatunga denied the allegations and justified the publication and claimed that it was published in the public interest and the public benefit. He asked that the action be dismissed. Mr. Wickramatunga also stated that the plaintiff voluntarily left Sri Lanka and became a citizen of the United States of America at a time several loyal sons of the soil were dying for the country.
When his brother became the President of the country he was brought back as Secretary of Defence which was an appointment of the President and by the President. He further stated that the plaintiff does not posses a character or reputation which is capable of suffering damage to the extent of Rs. 1000 million and the quantity of damage claimed by him was far in excess and has no legal basis whatsoever.
The defendants also stated that they have a moral social and public duty to bring the facts contained in the publications to the notice of the public.

The Veddah leader of the Girandurukotte, Hennanigala area has reached a milestone in his life by attaining the age of 107 years.
His hearing and eyesight are still excellent and he still attends to his daily chores without assistance. The tribal leader is known as Thalawarige Kalu Appu. He and his wife Thalawarige Lokki (80) left Dambana, home to many Veddahs, and migrated to the Mahaweli “C” area with a few other Veddah families 25 years ago in search of a better life.
Kalu Appu is the leader of 116 Veddah families in the Hennanigala area. He has nine children and 15 grandchildren. He has cultivated paddy after he migrated. He says that he is still fit enough to do his own work and that he has never taken any medicine in his life. “I am still as fit as ever and I am sure that if I were still living in Dambana I would have been able to live another 20 years. I miss my ancestral village, but I am now too old to go back,” he said.
Mr. P.Dharmasena, the Grama Sevaka of Hennanigala, said that Kalu Appu was a very good hearted person and was still steeped in the culture of the Veddahs. He said he still respected the traditions of his tribe although the society around him had changed a lot. “He and his wife are undergoing much privation these days. His wife is in poor health.
They are still living in the house given to them by the Mahaweli Authority many years ago. It does not provide enough shelter from the elements and the roof leaks badly,” he said. He said that he intends to renovate Kalu Appu’s house, at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 and to conduct an adult indigenous felicitation programme on August 5 in his honour.
“When I told him that we intended to organise a felicitation programme for him, he demonstrated his simplicity by saying that he only needed to have his house repaired so that he could end his life without soaking in the rain,” he said.

WELIOYA: One LTTE terrorist was killed and two others were wounded in two different confrontations in JANAKAPURA North area around 09.45 a.m. and 10.55 a.m. yesterday (24). One Army soldier also was killed and another one wounded in the incident.

Two LTTE terrorists were killed and five others were wounded in two different confrontations in JANAKAPURA North area around 12.55 p.m. and 1.40 p.m. yesterday (24).Two Army soldiers also were wounded during the incident.

One Army soldier was wounded in a LTTE mortar attack in JANAKAPURA North area around 4.30 p.m. yesterday (24).

Four LTTE terrorists were killed and ten others were wounded in two different confrontations in JANAKAPURA North area around 10.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. yesterday (24).

Two LTTE terrorists were killed and six others were wounded in three different incidents in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area around 09.10 a.m, 11.35 a.m. and 1.55 p.m. yesterday (24). One Army soldier also was wounded in the incident.

Fifteen LTTE bunkers were captured and eight LTTE terrorists were wounded after a confrontation in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area around 08.00 a.m. yesterday (24).

7 Tamil civilians fleeing unprecedented torture and hardships from LTTE in the non-liberated areas have sought protection with security forces yesterday (July 24), at the Navy-Police joint fishing marshalling point in Mannar.
The civilians arrived in a locally built boat braving the choppy seas off Mannar, at around 8.30 a.m., security sources said adding that the Navy troops provided shelter and refreshments for the civilians who were extremely exhausted and could merely express them selves after battling their way into the coastal waters off Pesalai.
The civilians were later handed over to the Mannar Police and reportedly sent to the Chirakkandi IDP center, the sources added.

Dialog GSM, Sri Lanka’s largest mobile communications service operator announced the introduction of ‘Mobile Cert’, an Instant Electronic Certificate which enables customers to establish ownership of their mobile phone anytime, anywhere by simply dialing #132# or by sending an SMS to 132 through their Dialog mobiles. Dialog GSM is the first mobile telecommunications operator in the country to pioneer a validation system on a mobile platform.

The Mobile Communications technology based electronic/digital certificate is “tamper proof and singularly authentic and credible” said Supun Weerasinghe Chief Operating Officer for Dialog Mobile. “Dialog’s technology platform will produce an unique electronic certificate each time the system is queried, and will deliver the same to the mobile phone within seconds. In addition to the high degree of authenticity attached to an electronic certificate, this form of ownership verification and validation is extremely convenient for mobile phones users” he added.

Based on the company’s commitment to providing the very best in service and technology, the new electronic ownership certificate will eliminate the need to carry any tangible form of proof material making Mobile Cert a convenient, secure and easy to use authentication method for all Dialog GSM customers.

Dialog GSM customers can check and validate their existing records by simply dialing #132# or by typing NAME and sending it to 132. In the event ownership data is in need of correction, Dialog GSM customers are invited to visit any Dialog Customer Service Centre with a copy of their National Identity Card. In the event the NIC photograph does not provide a true likeness to the current appearance of the customer, Dialog would require a recent passport size colour photograph in order to complete the registration process.

Dialog Telekom’s extensive service network consisting of more than Eighty (80) on-line service centres along with the company’s award winning and highly proficient service team will assist customers in ensuring that accurate ownership data is registered with the company. While corporate clients will be advised of the applicable data registration processes in due course, all supplementary connection holders, including Minors should be registered at a Dialog service centre by the primary subscriber. All service related to ownership data validation and registration would be provided free of charge without any change to existing Tariff Plan or Package benefits.

“At Dialog Telekom we have been consistently committed to promoting the responsible use of mobile devices, while in parallel developing Sri Lanka’s mobile communications technology to a level on par with global standards. We fully endorse the endeavors of the TRCSL to establish an environment where mobile consumers are assured of the comfort of ownership validation on an ongoing basis. The Mobile Cert service provided by Dialog assists our valued customers to verify ownership data pertaining to their mobile connection, affirm the same and thereafter be in a position to establish ownership of their mobile connection in a convenient manner” said, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Telekom PLC. “We request our valued customers to join with us in implementing this mobile ownership validation exercise which has been initiated in the interest of consumer safety and national security”.

A Cabinet proposal to develop Transworks Square comprising four acres and 37 perches of land in the commercial hub of Colombo has been approved by Cabinet, it was announced today.
The area has been ear marked for two multi storied buildings. A committee comprising officials of the UDA, the Central Bank and the Finance Ministry will now examine the viability of developing the area under a public/private partnership. The proposal was put to Cabinet by the President and Minister of Urban Development Dinesh Gunawardena.

Government troops have advanced to an area three kilometres south of the Mallavi area in the Mullaitivu district on Thursday killing at least 25 LTTE cadres, military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said.

He said the Special Forces and the 57 Brigade were involved in capturing the area.

He said that seven bodies of the LTTE had been recovered along with a 120 mm mortar gun, 80 mm mortar, five T 56 weapons and one tractor.

The Government has no intention of signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India against the wishes of the industrialists, companies and others in the country, Minister of Export Development and International Trade G.L.Peiris said today.

“There will be a fuller, broader discussing before the signing of the agreement, “Minister Peiris told reporters at a press briefing.

He said that negotiations on the agreement had begun in August 2004 and even though there had been a great deal of discussions , strong opposition has emerged during the past two weeks from the chambers of commerce, industrialists and others and the government wants to give more time for a even border discussion before finalizing matters.

Cabinet has approved a proposal to lay an undersea electricity transmission line between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar which would meet the country’s entire demand for electricity by 2015, Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said today.

The proposal was put forward by Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratna ad Cabinet gave the go head for the Minister to sign the relevant agreements with the Indian Government with regards to this project, the Minister told reporters.

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.

A three-member armed gang that stormed the National Hospital today rescued an inmate who was being treated for surgery after assaulting the prison guard. The guard had been admitted with assault injuries.

3 LTTE boats were destroyed, many damaged when the Sri Lanka Naval elite Fast Attack Craft (FACs) engaged an LTTE boat movement at Chilawattai in the seas 2Nm South of Mullaittivu, today (July 24) at around 6.30 p.m.
According to the Naval Spokesperson Commander D.K.P Dassanayake, 10 LTTE speedboats were making-way along the Mullaittivu coast and the sea battle erupted when the LTTE boat cluster was detected by the naval FACs on patrol. Rest of the LTTE boats beached and the terrorists have fled into a jungle patch seeking shelter from the seaborne naval assault, he said.
No damages were caused to the naval craft, Spokesperson Commander Dassanayake further said.

Security forces Thursday (July 24) handed over 9 bodies of terrorists killed during fighting with troops at the Wanni battlefront in Palaimoddai and Periyamadhu areas to the ICRC officials in Vavuniya.
According to the Army, 4 female fighters were also among the terrorists killed. The bodies were taken by the ICRC at around 12.30 p.m, and will be handed over to the LTTE at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point.

Protestors smashed gates of the University Grants Commission in Colombo and stormed the premises today (July 24th) during an agitation to demand solutions to problems at the Faculty of Allied Sciences at the University Peradeniya.

The undergraduates, led by the Inter-University Students Council, demanded a meeting with the UGC chairman.

Convener of the Council, Upul Premaratne said that the faculty opened two years ago had no physical or human resources.

Instead of providing laboratory, lecture hall and other facilities, authorities were shortening the syllabus in an attempt to underrate the subject, he charged.

Mr. Premaratne also called for the reopening of the Kelaniya University which remains closed for around six months now.

However, the UGC chairman refused to meet the protesting students.

Thereafter, the undergraduates burnt the petition they had brought with them at the commission premises, and broke up their protest.

Contrary to government claims the eastern province continues to remain unsafe and security threats are looming at large with LTTE armed cadres present at many places, said Puttlam District UNP parliamentarian Palitha Ranga Bandara at a media conference this morning at the opposition leader’s official residence in Colombo.
Since the Eastern PC elections , 22 police personnel were killed and 19 were seriously wounded in attacks by unidentified gunmen, the parliamentarian said. Quoting Senior DIG Mahinda Balasooriya’s report on the eastern security situation, he said that police personnel are absolutely unsafe in the eastern province facing threats of attacks which has resulted in discontinuation of night patrolling.

According to the report, for any emergency, fully armed personnel in minimum two vehicles have undertake outdoor visits. They are also required to take walkie-talkie and other communication equipments for any emergency.

When President Mahindra Rajapakse went to declare open the Arugam Bay Bridge, the helicopter in which his entourage travelled came under attack from and the weapons used were a T-56 riflees which means that the LTTE cadres were present at close vicinity, Ranga Bandara said. The Kanjikkudicharu LTTE camp is still in existence an d not LTTE camps have been evacuated, he said.

Sri Lanka says it is deploying 12 thousand more police to guard South Asian leaders who will be in Colombo for a regional summit next week.

Soldiers will also be deployed in strength ahead of the two-day South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit starting August 2.

Police deputy Inspector General Nimal Mediwaka says the heads of state will also have their own security personnel to provide close protection.

India is sending war ships to anchor off Sri Lanka's coast to evacuate its delegates in case of any closure of the island's only international airport.

The rebel Tamil Tigers have announced a unilateral truce for the duration of the summit.

The summit will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

57 Division troops operating at the combined Mannar - Vavuniya front advanced from its newly established positions at Pandiyankulama and forced further into non-liberated area, 3 km Southeast of Mallavi and have reportedly captured the Vavunikulam Tank bunt, in Mullaittivu District today (July 24), at around 10 a.m.
According to initial reports received 57 division troops led by Major General Jagath Dias, flanked the western edge of the Vavunikulam tank and also have captured approximately 10 sq.kms of land area during the advances. Citing intercepted LTTE communication military said that, at least 25 terrorists were killed and scores injured in the clashes.
Fighting ensued between troops and LTTE since this morning as security forces pounded identified LTTE positions with heavy artillery and mortar fire enabling infantry troops and special forces to intensify assaults at the LTTE. Troops have also recovered 7 LTTE bodies, 5 x T-56 assault riffles, 01 x 120 mm heavy mortar gun, 02 x 81 mm mortar guns and few other warlike items including over 100 x mortar rounds during initial search operation conducted in the area.
Also, troops have found a tractor, 2 x motor bikes, 4 x I-com sets and a binocular in the search operations, our Wanni correspondent said adding that ground troops have also observed scattered bodies of terrorists killed lying ahead of the established defences.
Troops are now engaged in search and clearing operations while consolidating defences in the area, sources further said.

SLAF fighter jets launched precision air raids at a LTTE leaders' gathering point Thursday (July 24) located 2.5 km East of Thunukkai in Mullaittivu district.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the air sorties were launched at around 2.30 p.m.

Local Petroleum Minister A.H.M.Fowzi said the government plans to hold a parliamentary debate on oil exploration
in mid of next month.
The debate was a request of the JVP Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake .
Replying to a earlier statement of the NFF Ledear Wimal Weerawansa , Minister Fowzi told the forth-coming Oil exploration business would bring 100 percent successful results to the government of Sri Lanka.The Cabinet of Ministers already approved the agreement .The Attorney General Department throughly went through this agreement and the Supreme Court also approved it, said the minister.
According to the local energy ministry the Sri Lankan government has signed an agreement with a mainly British-owned firm to explore for oil and gas off the country's north-eastern coast. The company, Cairn India Limited, is expected to spend more than $100m on exploration in the Mannar basin over the next three years. Once any commercial exploitation of the resources begins, the firm will be allowed to take up to 65% of revenue.
Cairn India is expected to begin exploration work later this year.

Government of Sri Lanka says it has not decided to stop ariel attacks on LTTE hideouts.
"This type of decision never taken by the government, said Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at the Cabinet press briefing held
on Thursday at the parliamentray complex, in Colombo.
He said the Sri Lanka Air Force clearly targets LTTE hideouts and attack them.
"We could limited the LTTE activities to the Kilinochchi and the Mullative districts, said Mr.Yapa.
At present the troops have shown very clearly that the ongoing military actvities could wipe out the terrorisam .All citizens of Sri Lanka also understand the government vision .We can't become victims of the LTTE traps, said the media minister.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella claimed in parliament today that the Government Security Council had decided last night to suspend air and ground attacks on LTTE locations with immediate effect. However Minister Sarath Amunugama vehemently denied the claim.

The Police and the Public Administrations and Home Affairs Ministry has come up with contradictory versions over declaring August 1 as a public holiday in view of the forthcoming SAARC summit.

At today’s briefing held at the Media Centre for National Security the senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province Nimal Mediwake said that August 1 will be declared as a public. However the Secretary for the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry D. Dissanayake said that the police have no authority to declare August 1 a holiday.

“Parliament has to gazette that August 1st being a holiday. No decision has been made as yet and the police have no authority to declare holidays,” Mr. Dissanayake said.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets launched air strikes targeting an LTTE recruit training centre in the Oddusuddan area, approximately 20 km Southwest of Mulaithiuvu this morning (July 24).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the air raids were launched at 7.30 AM. He said that the targeted camp was located 4km North of Muthuaiyankaddu Tank . The target was accurately obtained, he added citing the fighter pilots.

The Customs have suspended the release of six container loads of goods imported by Prima Flour Company, and launched an investigation .

According to reports, the goods have to be taxed, although they had been imported under the duty-free category.

The BOI said that the state has lost Rs. 1.8 billion in tax revenue since 2001 due to such imports by producing bogus documentation.

Attempts by 'Lanka Dissent' to reach Customs Officer Saman Silva who has led the raid, were unsuccessful.

Customs Director General Sarath Jayatilake too, was unreachable, as an official at his officer said he was at a meeting that would end around two hours time.

When reached, top BOI officer Kulasekara asked media to call him again three hours later, as he was busy at a meeting.

According to its agreement with the government, Prima can bring in wheat and wheat flour free of import levy.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki has confirmed his participation at the SAARC summit as an observer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say.

Iran is the newest observer state at the 15th SAARC summit.

Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Masahiko Komura, will also be arriving to observe the regional meeting.

Military operations will not be suspended during the SAARC summit, said Army Commander, Sarath Fonseka.

Speaking to the media, the Army commander said that the troops in the Northern battlefront would not be brought to Colombo for the security of the summit meeting.

Troops in the south would provide maximum security for the summit, he added.

An Indian security contingent would provide security for the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, he said, adding that the Sri Lanka Army would be in charge of security on land.

Military operations will not be suspended during the SAARC summit, said Army Commander, Sarath Fonseka.

Speaking to the media, the Army commander said that the troops in the Northern battlefront would not be brought to Colombo for the security of the summit meeting.

Troops in the south would provide maximum security for the summit, he added.

An Indian security contingent would provide security for the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, he said, adding that the Sri Lanka Army would be in charge of security on land.

The Construction and Engineering Services Ministry has drawn up a plan to construct 100,000 houses for the low-income groups, including public servants scattered across the country. An island-wide survey carried out by the Ministry reveals that around 1 million houses are needed by people in the low-income groups.
Tenders have already been called from investors and China, Russia, Singapore, Hong-Kong and Malaysia have responded to construct the required houses, the Construction and Engineering Services Ministry said.

Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne told The Island Financial Review that within the next 3 years around 100,000 houses consisting of 750 sq.ft, 3 rooms, a parlour and a kitchen for each house would be constructed for the people in low-income group. The middle-income groups would also be able to purchase one house at a cost of Rs.600,000 up to Rs.1.5 million.

He said that a group of Malaysian investors who had held several discussions with him on the construction of houses would commence the construction work shortly. The investors during the discussions were interested in investing for major housing projects in Sri Lanka as the discussions included the cost of each house, land prices and the required infrastructure facilities for each house.

Minister Senaratne outlined that the investors would be able to carry on the construction of houses under the Board of Investment (BOI) facilities and lands and ancillary facilities would be provided by the government. The government was convinced that the housing shortages of the middle class and the people in the low-income groups could be solved gradually when the expected houses were built. The housing projects would focus on providing houses to public servants as public servants would be able obtain credit facilities from banks to purchase houses.

He pointed out that after the due completion of the due payments a title deed would be issued to every house owner and in case an owner was not satisfied with the house he or she could sell the house to another person. He had asked the Malaysian investors to submit a comprehensive report on the proposed housing projects to him.

Minister Senaratne said that apart from the Malaysian investors, investors from China, Russia, Simgapore and Korea had expressed their willingness to construct houses. The Chinese and Singapore investors had come forward to build 50,000 houses and Russian and Korean investors would construct another 50,000 houses for middle class and the low-income groups.

Referring to the local construction companies, Minister Senaratne said that the different types of houses which were being constructed by some local companies were extremely expensive and beyond the reach of the ordinary people. The demand for such houses was extremely low, but when cheaper houses were constructed ordinary people would be able to purchase them at their discretion.

"The "New Look" Maliban Cream Cracker was being positioned as the "Lifestyle Cracker" catering to all ages. Maliban machinery and technology is of European origin. Thus we have a large space for growth. In Europe the per capita consumption of biscuits is about 32kgs and in Sri Lanka it’s only 2-3 kgs. However as Sri Lanka develops this figure will increase to at least 10kgs in the medium term, thus clearly demonstrating the potential for growth in the biscuit manufacturing market", said Nirosh De Silva, Advisor to Maliban Biscuit manufactures Pvt Ltd at the launch of new Cream Cracker to the market yesterday.
He further said that after the major strike took place in the Maliban Biscuit factory some years back their market share declined. Their 42% market share fall to 15% and it even affected the export sector heavily as they could not fulfill the targets and orders. Thus the strike led them to a financial difficulty. This also led them to a greater competition as many other smaller competitors raised their heads and the main competitor got hold of their share as well. Thus the post-strike years were focused to regain their market share and their good will. Thus they were working on a long term market plan. This plan included some major objectives such as strengthening their financial status and to build a team of young professional for the future of Maliban Biscuits. This launch is a culmination of a good part of last years work. According to the plan they wanted to introduce something new, something different and something to touch the hearts of the consumer. Thus this taste of the new Cracker will make it.

Further speaking he said what has changed Maliban biscuits , which has a history over 50 years, from others is the consistent profitability. By this profit Maliban has continued to do the CSR work even long before the term CSR was introduced. Thus Maliban has always been close to the people.

He pointed out though that the risk to the industry lay in the area of cheap products and excess stocks being dumped by countries who could leverage their trade agreements to gain unfair advantage over local producers.

Speaking about the Marketing strategies, Kumerini Candappa, Head of Marketing said generally a cracker gives a papery taste to the palette and though the consumers taste changed Maliban continued to stick to the traditional taste. And their competition won. This product has 3 main properties as displayed in the packing, as No preservatives, no animal fat and no transfat. One generally eats a Cream Cracker as a hunger stopper, it is an in between meals product. As the competitor advertise its for "podi Badaginnata". But as she said Maliban gives more than that. Maliban is for "hitha pirenna" . Maliban Cream Crackers focus on the satisfaction one gets when consuming a biscuit. This launch also introduces a 50g pack in addition to other packs as today many consumers look to eat crackers on the go. This 50g packet is targeted at the office staff as well as the snack market. This new pack is priced at Rs.20. she said that the new packaging too was part and parcel of their communications to their customers. The red Cream Cracker pack is synonymous with the House of Maliban and therefore they have retained the red, bringing in the wheat fields and the sun to signify the goodness of the product , while the gold lines denote its superiority.

Keerthi Pieris, New Product Development and international Marketing Manager said the Quality is their religion. He said that the company currently exports to over 20 countries in 5 continents. It has a wide global presence as they commenced exports as early as 1963. Maliban biscuits are currently exported to Canada, the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Australia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Seychelles, India, Bangladesh and Ghana.

Answering the media Nirosh De Silva further said that many of our food sector is dominated by multi-national companies, but the biscuit industry is still dominated by mainly two local manufactures, thus they are happy with their achievements. He added saying that Maliban is one of the few food businesses in our country that have the ISO 22,000 certification that relates to food safety. And during last financial year Maliban has recorded a strong financial performance. With regard to plans for the future, Keerthi Pieris said they were focusing on expanding their exports whilst improving the company’s bottom line and planning to expand product range over the next year.

Union in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Minister of Transport Dallas Alahapperuma, has warned him of dire consequences to the SLCTB if he does not take steps to stop the haphazard transfer of July 10 strikers and reimburse the cost of damages caused to their nine regional union offices.
The Union warned that as a self respecting Union it would be compelled to resort to action that could disgrace and damage the SLCTB if the Ministry did not respond.


The Union would not like to see it happen to a national institution that is so close to its heart, it said.

It also recalled that it was the SLCTB workers who were the first under the Rajapaksa regime to get their heads split, bones broken, arms twisted and seek hospitalization and despite all these untoward incidents the employees worked hard to strengthen the SLCTB.

The Union said that the monthly salaries are paid in instalments, no salary advances were being paid and the Rs. 17,875 cost of living allowance still remains unpaid. Despite these shortcomings being brought to the notice of the Minister from time to time he has failed to respond and this added to the Rs. 5,000 salary hike demand sought by the National Trade Union Centre compelled the Union to join the July10 token general strike.

The Union reminded the Minister the strike launched by them was their right as a recognised trade union and due notice of the work stoppage was duly conveyed to the authorities on time and despite all this the Minister is resorting to undemocratic practices and warned of further sterner TU action unless the Minister forthwith stops the undemocratic measures he was now resorting to take revenge on the July 10 strikers.

Aitken Spence was ranked among the top 5 companies in Sri Lanka by Business Today with the award being received by its Chairman Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena from His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently. Dr Rohan M Fernando, a Director and the Head of Business Development of the diversified Group, who was also present at the occasion said, “Our strategy to strengthen our operations in the country whilst leveraging our management expertise to aggressively diversify overseas has contributed towards a consistent performance as a group”.
Aitken Spence moved up three places to show the best improvement in rankings amongst Business Today’s annual top ten listed companies in Sri Lanka. Business Today, a leading business magazine, has been conducting its survey of top corporate performers since 1998. The survey is based on published financial information of private sector companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The magazine says that companies’ “consistent performance, consolidation and growth” have resulted in being recognised amongst the top ten companies in the country. Previously, Aitken Spence was the only company to move up in LMD’s Top Ten listed companies in Sri Lanka, also for the financial year 2006/07. LMD refers to its annual LMD 50 as the Sri Lanka’s version of the FORTUNE 500. The LMD 50 has been published annually since 1993.

As we all are aware energy saving has become a burning issue for Sri Lanka due to the Energy Crisis faced by the whole world today. Solar power is one of the best solution to this challenge faced by developing countries such as Sri Lanka. As one giant step of overcoming this problem PROJECT SOLEN 10000 was initiated in the district of Moneragala.


Under this project 400 homes and 60 schools in the Moneragala district is to be benefited. Moneragala district is considered as one of the less developed areas and also which has a very low percentage of electricity penetration. The three divisions namely, Moneragala, Madulla and Siyambalanduwa have been selected at the first phase of this project. According to a survey done before the implementation of this project it was revealed that 65% was the area does not have electricity.


This project is funded by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece – Hellenic Aid and implemented by the Greek Non Profitable Organization ANCE (Athens Network of Collaborating Experts) in cooperation with the local Youth Organization SWYAA of Sri Lanka and with the approval of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Development.


As this project is implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Development the project is more focused for the school children of Moneragala district. Therefore during the selection of beneficiaries priority was given to the families, which have more children who are still schooling. The sixty schools were selected under the recommendation of the Zonal Education Directors of each division.


The electricity, produced by the panels, will be mainly used by the beneficiaries for lighting and for listening to the radio and watching the Television. The electric lamps that will replace coil oil lamps will allow the school children of the family to do their homework and housewives to do their housework easily even after the sundown without any risks to their health and safety while saving money and respecting the environment.


This project has been recognised as a very vital Project by the Government and has encouraged continuing this kind of project with in the other districts as well. The total value for this project is more than forty million Rupees. The Project will be completed in another two months time. The Minister Councellor of the Hellenic MFA Special Mission in Colombo Mr George Filippeos, Ms. Aspasia Kakari, Project Director ANCE, Mr. W.M.S Wijekoon, Media Secretary of Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Development, Mr. Buddhika Iddamalgoda Director SWYAA Sri Lanka inspected installation of the First School System in ‘Rambawa Maha Vidayalaya’ in Madulla Division.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Australia, Myanmar, Laos, South Korea, and the Philippines on the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Singapore.

During a meeting with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith, Minister

Bogollagama expressed serious concern over the activities of the LTTE and its front organizations through its influence over certain misguided elements in the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia.

Citing the ongoing criminal prosecution against three Australians of Sri Lankan origin, on charges relating to raising funds for terrorism as well as the recent arrest of another Australian in Melbourne, at the request of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, as significant steps by Australia to support the global fight against terrorism, Minister Bogollagama urged the Australian government to proscribe the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, the Foreign

Ministry said.Such a measure would provide the legal framework for the authorities to take effective action against fund raising and propaganda activities by the LTTE and its fronts operating on Australian soil.

With the restoration of democracy to the Eastern Province and the conflict situation being confined to two districts in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka has once again emerged as a safe destination for foreign tourists. He emphasised the need to restore air links between the two countries.

Minister Bogollagama apprised the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thongioun Sisoulith, on the current situation in Sri Lanka and efforts taken by the Government to combat LTTE terrorism.

In this context, he emphasized the need to curb LTTE operations in the region, such as money laundering, illicit arms procurement and human trafficking which have far reaching consequences on countries affected by its network. Both sides agreed to take early follow up action to conclude an MOU on defence and intelligence co-operation.

Minister Bogollagama also met his Philippine counterpart, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alberto G. Romulo. They recalled their previous meeting in Manila in August 2007 and reviewed the progress achieved in regard to the signing of an MOU on defence co-operation, Philippine assistance for the establishment of a Coast Guard Unit in Sri Lanka and training of Sri Lankan security forces personnel in the Philippines.

The Philippine Foreign Secretary said that Filipinos had great affection towards the people of Sri Lanka and that he was particularly impressed with Sri Lanka's natural scenic beauty. Minister Bogollagama briefed his Philippine counterpart extensively on Sri Lanka's current developments.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa who was associated at the discussions with the Foreign Minister briefed on the follow-up action taken with regard to the draft MOU on defence co-operation and the concept paper being finalized for the establishment of a Coast Guard Unit in Sri Lanka.

At his meeting with the Myanmar Foreign Minister U Nyan Win, Minister Bogollagama shared his views on the benefits of ARF membership for countries in the Asia-Pacific region as a useful platform to discuss defence and security co-operation, as well as matters of mutual concern to member states.

The Myanmar Foreign Minister thanked Sri Lanka for the generous and spontaneous assistance given to the victims of the recent Cyclone Nargis which struck Myanmar.

Minister Bogollagama said that there is broad support within SAARC for Myanmar's admission as an Observer State.

Minister Bogollagama had a fruitful discussion with the South Korean Foreign and Trade Minister Yu Myung Hwan. The South Korean Minister indicated their intention to actively engage in the SAARC region to develop an effective partnership.

He also noted that Sri Lanka has been identified by South Korea as one of the priority countries for economic cooperation. Minister Bogollagama expressed his appreciation for the economic assistance extended by South Korea for Sri Lanka's socio-economic development in the last three decades.

He was thankful to the Korean Government for offering lucrative employment opportunities for a large number of Sri Lankans and said that Sri Lanka is keen to send larger number of skilled workers to South Korea for employment. The Foreign Minister will attend the Ministerial session of the ARF today.

Transportation and logistics major Blue Dart Express is planning to establish connectivity with Pakistan and Sri Lanka even as it is mulling a price increase of about 15 per cent within this year, company managing director Anil Khanna said. At present, the company has no exclusive connectivity with a foreign country.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday to announce a new India-Bangladesh trade lane, Mr. Khanna said that while for the Pakistan connectivity, road links were being explored, in the case of Sri Lanka air connectivity was being looked at. "There are barriers at the border route with Pakistan, but going forward we expect them to be removed."

Referring to Bangladesh, the company also announced the setting up of a new warehouse in Kolkata which would act as a hub for shipments to and from Bangladesh. The India-Bangladesh trade lane was being launched jointly with Blue Dart's parent company, DHL, according to Amod Dasgupta, Vice-President-East, Blue Dart.

Blue Dart has a 41 per cent share of the Rs. 1,260-crore organised air express movement industry. It moved 1.9 lakh tonnes of consignments in 2007. In the first six months of 2008, the figure stood at 1.08 lakh tonnes. Mr. Dasgupta said that the eastern region was an important market for the company with new malls and SEZs opening up new opportunities.

Along with its fleet of aircraft and as part of the DHL group (which has a 81.32 per cent shareholding), Blue Dart offers a spectrum of distribution services, including air express, freight forwarding supply-chain solutions and customs clearance. It has 51 domestic warehouses and a fleet of six Boeing freighters operating each night to the seven metros in India. Its income stood at Rs. 808 crore for the year ended December 2007.

On any increase in rates, Mr. Khanna said that the cost of transportation had increased manifold not only due to increased fuel prices but also due to factors such as increased property prices. "While the cost is being controlled through rationalisation, some may have to be passed on to the consumer and a 10-15 per cent increase in prices may have to be effected within this year."

One person was seriously injured when a gunman on a motorbike opened fire at a three wheeler at Old Amabatale Road in Mulleriyawa on Wednesday night.

They said they recovered 13 spent T 56 bullets from the scene of the crime.

Two others passengers who were in the three wheeler escaped unhurt. Police said they were investigating the killing and yet to make any arrests.

Parquet Ceylon Ltd, a flooring products company owned by Lanka Tiles Ltd, is to be restructured in the coming months aimed at turning it into a profitable organisation, the company has informed the Colombo Stock Exchange.

?In the said process, we will disposing of unproductive and unutilized assets including some machinery and part of the land at our factory premoses at Belummahara, Imbulgoda,? Mahendra Jayasekera, Managing Director of Parquet has said in the announcement. He said the money after realizing these assets will be used to settle debt and to invest in new product lines. The company, currently exporting about 30 to 40 percent of its output with the balance sold in the local market, has been showing losses in recent years. .

The Sri Lankan National Football team headed by Chathura Maduranga will be off to India on Sunday to play for the final round of the Asian Cup. Sri Lanka will be playing against, North Korea, Myanmar and Nepal in the Group B round.

UNP today threaten to boycott Public Accounts Committee (PAC) stating that the appointment of Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa as Chairman was illegal. A commotion has taken place regarding this disagreement.

Sri Lankan air force jets attacked a rebel training base in the north Thursday as new fighting in the civil war killed 19 people, the military said.

The jets hit a Tamil Tigers base in the Mullaittivu district about 7:30 a.m., the military said in a statement.

In other fighting, government troops killed nine rebels in battles in the Vavuniya region along the front lines, the military said. Four soldiers were killed in those fights as well, it said.

Scattered battles in the Mannar and Jaffna regions killed six rebel fighters, the military said.

Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan was not immediately available for comment. Both sides routinely exaggerate enemy death tolls while underreporting their own.

It was not possible to independently verify the military reports because the government has barred most journalists from the northern jungles where much of the fighting takes place.

The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent state in the nation's north and east since 1983, following decades of marginalization by governments dominated by the Sinhalese majority. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

The meeting between the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council Mr.Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and the delegation of the European Union was not held on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. as scheduled.
Media persons waiting to cover the arrival of the EU delegation at the EPC Chief Secretariat in the Trincomalee town from 2 p.m. were told by an official of the EPC around 5 evening that the EU delegation had not left Colombo due to engine trouble in the aircraft assigned for their transport to Trincomalee.
Media persons were also told that the new date of the meeting between the Chief Minister and the EU delegation would be informed later.

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said media freedom is a focal point when measuring the level of democracy in a country when he met leaders of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) yesterday morning at JVP Headquarters.
Mr. Amarasinghe also noted that violence against media is a major blow against democracy and therefore his Party will continue involving in activities against media suppression. The SLWJA representatives noted that the amount of violence and threatening against journalists has increased immensely and the police which normally take swift actions in any other case opt to a lukewarm policy when investigating cases of violence against journalists.

They also insisted that political parties and journalists should work together at instances where it is possible, to ensure democracy of the country. A JVP spokesman said that the JVP leader also signed a petition on violence against media and media persons which is to be handed over to the government later.

Premila Priyadarshani who won the 100 metres gold medal at the South Asian Athletic Championships in March has tested positive for a banned drug, Athletics Association sources revealed yesterday.

Priyadarshani had tested positive for the drug Terbutaline at the recent National Athletics championships in Colombo where she was subjected to a random test after finishing second in the 100 metres behind her arch rival N.C.D Priyadarshani.

The results of the test done by a WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) approved laboratory in Malaysia had been intimated by the lab to the Athletics Association of Sri Lanka (AASL), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and WADA.

IAAF has already asked the AASL to submit the name and other details of the athlete to them.

AASL President Major General Palitha Fernando said that they would conduct an inquiry today to ascertain the facts, and said that they could announce the circumstances of the positive result only after that.

“It is a positive test. But we will know what really happened only after today’s inquiry. We can comment on the issue only based on the findings” he said

Priyadarshani registered her most famous victory in the 100 metres at the South Asian Athletics Championships in March this year in Cochi, India defeating Jani Chathurangi de Silva, another Sri Lankan sprinter who has been banned for doping. She clocked 11.74 seconds while de Silva finished with a time of 11.87 seconds.

According to Wikipedia ,the web-based encyclopaedia, Terbutaline which is sold under trade names Brethine, Bricanyl, or Brethaire is a â2-adrenergic receptor agonist, used as a fast-acting bronchodilator (often used as a short-term asthma treatment) and as a tocolytic to delay premature labour.

The inhaled form of terbutaline starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.Terbutaline is currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited drugs, except, when administered by inhalation, and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) has been obtained in advance.

The main Opposition UNP in Parliament yesterday called on the government to pay compensation to those families in Slave island whose houses were demolished recently and to take action against those who demolished those houses neglecting the court order.
Chief Opposition Whip and UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera who made a special statement in the House yesterday said the demolition of these houses has created a black mark in the country’s history. He said the people expressed their anger as their houses were demolished through applying force and thuggery. Mr. Perera charged that the lawyers who appeared for this case has received death threats. The UNP MP said summits such as SAARC was held in Sri Lanka in the past but the people were never asked to leave their houses for security reasons.

“This is a clear sign of anarchy where the law is not respected,” he said. He stressed that all members of Parliament should exercise their responsibilities in rectifying this situation. “We members of this August assembly should look at this issue independently and not through colored spectacles,” he said.

UNP in parliament yesterday scoffed at the government’s claim that Killinochchi is within ‘grabbing distance’ of the security forces, saying the war is being used to cover up all its ills today.

UNP MP for Puttalam district Palitha Ranga Bandara said that the government had not implemented any project beneficial to the country. MP Bandara said that the government is boasting about war to hoodwink the public who are subjected to undergo a myriad of problems.

“There are 50-60 kilometres from the recently captured area in Mannar to Killinochchi. Yet the government claims that it is within the sight of the security forces,” he said. He also criticized the government for setting different dead lines to end the war.

“We are sick of listening to such statements made by the government ministers and the defence authorities. War is the only slogan available for the government to cover up its present problems,” he said.

Commenting on the ceasefire agreement signed by the UNP in 2002, he said that no parliamentarians were killed during its term.He said that 10 MPs have been killed since 2005 and therefore the national security is at stake today.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said in Parliament yesterday that time is ripe for the international community to boldly tell Sri Lanka to accept the internal self-determination rights of the Tamil people if it cannot deliver a political solution.

Tamil leader MP R. Sampanthan who moved an adjournment motion on the North-East situation, said that the Government was committing gradual genocide.

“You are destroying our society, culture and economy,” he said.

“If the Government cannot deliver a political solution, the time has come for Tamil speaking people to go their own way,” he said.

However, Senior Minister and Leader of the House Nimal Siripala de Silva shot back at Mr. Sampanthan saying the latter was making this appeal to the international community at a time when the LTTE was being crushed militarily.

The minister said that the problem should be resolved through democratic institutions and not through bombs and claymore mines.

Today, Mr. Sampanthan talked about self-determination rights for Tamils based on their right to the lands of their historic habitation.

In this manner, people in Akurana will also claim their area as their historic homeland. Our Veddahs in Dambana will make the same claim.

If we accept this concept Sri Lanka will be divided into at least 25 parts,” he said.

He said that it was the LTTE that had committed ethnic cleansing, by evicting the Muslims from the Jaffna Peninsula.

“The so-called human rights groups did not raise their voices about the massacre of people in Kebitigollewa.

These organizations compile biased reports to demean Sri Lanka in the eyes of the international community,” he said.

An advance Indian security contingent has already arrived in the country to provide security to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his delegation for the upcoming SAARC Summit, a Government Minister said yesterday.

Defence Spokesperson and senior Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that a security contingent slightly larger than the usual number provided for any international leader would arrive in the country to offer security to the Indian delegation, out of which an advance contingent had already arrived in the island recently.

Minister Rambukwella refused to divulge the figures of the security contingent but said that expecting an advance security team was ‘normal’ as President Mahinda Rajapakse himself had on some occasions dispatched an advance security party prior to his visits overseas.

“Expecting international security for an international occasion is normal. Some leaders prefer to come with their own security. In regard to this matter, the Indian Prime Minister is bringing with him a slightly larger security party. President Rajapaksa too has taken his own security on some of his trips overseas,” Minister Rambukwella said.

Meanwhile according to sources, an Indian Navy ship has already entered Sri Lankan shores in order monitor the coastal area and an India helicopter along with a bullet-proof car are expected to arrive this week.

Despite the Indian security delegation arriving in the country, a large local security force has been deployed to offer security for the international leaders expected to arrive in the country at the end of this month.

Additional checkpoints will be set up in many areas in an around Colombo from July 26 to August 3 and the routes leading to five star hotels, accommodating the international leaders and their delegations will be closed, the Government said.

Police personnel attached to Horana Police arrested a suspected female LTTE suicide cadre this morning (July 23). According to the police sources, the arrest was made around 10.30 AM on information received by the police.
The 34 year old suspect has been identified as a resident of Kilinochchi, said the sources. She had come to the area yesterday and obtained an employment at a garment factory situated in the Moonagama area, the sources added.

Government of Sri Lanka hailed Indian government’s victory on Tuesday and said it is another victory for Sri Lanka.
Addressing a special press briefing at the parliament complex on Wednesday Minister Maithreepala Sirisena said it is a blessing for India and Sri Lanka.
He said government has rejected LTTE’s so-called peace offer but said the UNP’s behavior on the government decision is shameful.
“Our troops are now marching towards the Kilinochchi and Mullative –LTTE’s heartland. But the UNP does not encourage our troops to end the terrorism, he said.
“Our security forces proved its discipline from its operations against the LTTE to liberate the eastern province. We hope to liberate the northern province and wiped out the terrorism, said the minister.
He said the United national Party made negative remarks on government’s decision not to stop military operations against the LTTE. He further said the holding of the SAARC summit in Sri Lanka is a challenge for the LTTE. The TNA, which represents the LTTE, also present facts against conducting the conference in the country. He added similar sentiments expressed by the JVP also reflect their political bankruptcies. Mr.Sirisena explained that both the UNP and the JVP are subjected to a serious political collapse. More than 12 thousand UNP supporters in the north central and Sabaragamuwa provinces have come forward to support the government.
Meanwhile JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake making a special statement in parliament on Wednesday said India is acting with the intention of becoming an economic giant in the region. He added the economic expansion unleashed by India should come under extensive discussion. He said the Indian government wants to act as a dictator .

Sri Lanka’s Opposition, United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe protested against the appointment of government ministers as heads of the Committees on Public Enterprise (COPE) and of Public Accounts (COPA).
“These postings amounted to an underestimation of Parliament's right to question financial matters of the state,” Mr. Wickremesinghe told Parliament.
The government at a meeting held at the Temple Trees yesterday decided to appoint Ministers John Seneviratne and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa to head COPE and COPA respectively.

Champion weight lifter Chinthana Vidanage, one of just eight prospects from Sri Lanka at next month’s Beijing Olympics, received a valuable morale booster from his employer Brandix Lanka Limited when the country’s largest apparel exporter presented the athlete with a token of its support.

Less than two weeks before he leaves for the greatest challenge in his athletic career, Vidanage was presented with sports gear and an assurance that his 25,000 colleagues at Brandix would also be bracing their muscles with him when he embarks on his medal quest in China on August 12th.

“Chinthana symbolizes the aspirations and the determination to excel that have been instilled in employees of Brandix at all levels,” said Pravin Kalpage, CEO of Brandix Casualwear, who conveyed the Group’s best wishes at the presentation of the sponsorship. “All over Sri Lanka, associates of Brandix will be watching his progress at the Olympics with great intensity.”

The holder of eight Sri Lanka weight lifting records, Vidanage who has consistently exceeded 300 kg lifts in training for the Olympics, will compete against 23 other lifters in the 69 kg Class in his first round on August 12th. The weight lifting events take place over three days.

A consistent supporter of sporting teams and individuals who represent Sri Lanka, Brandix recently sponsored the Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Team that competed at the Asian Schools Swimming Championship in Malaysia. Earlier this year, the company became the clothing sponsor for the Sri Lanka Men’s and Women’s Golf teams.

Other recent commitments to sport include the sponsorship of an eight-member contingent of exceptional undergraduate athletes from the University of Kelaniya to participate at the World University Games (Universiade) 2007. Sri Lanka’s colourful fast bowling sensation Lasith Malinga is also employed by Brandix.

The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has reported to the Commissioner of Elections that vehicles used by the former Chief Minister of North-Central Provincial Council which were officially returned to the relevant authorities after the dissolution of the Provincial Council and all details of the returned vehicles were recorded. But these vehicles have reappeared for election propaganda work with different registration numbers appearing in their number plates, the CaFFE has reported. It was verified that fraudulent documents with regard to the ownership of the vehicles have been prepared and the vehicles are openly being used for election campaigning. According to official documents the vehicles were handed over to a business establishment called Siri Motors, the Transport Authority, the Regional Development and Construction Agency and some retired government officials.

The CaFFE has furnished to the Elections Commissioner the registration numbers in the number plates of the vehicles. Vehicles bearing Nos. NC KE 2682, NC GC-5339 , 64-7666 and 65-6409 used by the former Chief Minister and vehicles bearing numbers 54-7305, 53e-9380, 32-6503, 32-946, 65-6413 and 58-8333 which were used by the staff of the provincial council are being used in the manner for election work, the CaFFE has indicated to the Commissioner of Elections.

Furthermore, vehicles under the purview of the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine bearing the number plates KJ 9443, KH 4334 and KI 3443 are also illegally being used for elections work, the CaFFE has stated.

In its letter to the Elections Commissioner, the CaFFE has requested for institution of necessary legal action to prevent the misuse of the vehicles and other state properties for election propaganda work.

Meanwhile UNP Secretary General Tissa Attanayake stated at a media conference today that vehicles without number plates were being used for election propaganda work and these vehicles are freely passing the security check points and barriers without being checked or questioned. Tissa Attanayake said that this is a very dangerous trend in the run up to the PC elections and should be stopped.

Staff at the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) who manage a waste-management project in the southeastern Sri Lankan District of Ampara consider it a sign of success when town residents complain that their rubbish needs collecting.

"When we started [the project] there was very little awareness of the negative aspects of improper disposal or of proper waste-management systems," Gary Morris-Iveson, UNOPS's programme manager for environmental restoration in Ampara, 350km east of the capital, Colombo, told IRIN. "Now when they complain that bins are full, it shows they want the waste removed."

The project is part of the EU's tsunami reconstruction assistance to Sri Lanka. The EU had allocated US$12.5 million for post-tsunami environment projects in the Ampara District, including environmental restoration, drainage and cleaning the beaches of tsunami-related waste, Morris-Iveson told IRIN. "We removed debris from the entire 95km beach stretch in the district as part of the overall project."

The three-year waste-management project, run with local government authorities, was launched in Ampara District in November 2006. The district was divided into three "clusters" or regions - in Ampara, Kalmunai and Thirukovil - and the $5.5 million project covers all 12 administration divisions in the district.

Morris-Iveson told IRIN that the project proposed a "holistic" approach to the rubbish problem by tackling it from point of collection to disposal.

"Usually projects will concentrate on one aspect, like collection, recycling or composting," he told IRIN, "but this project looks at the waste cycle from start to finish and throughout the entire district."

Arumaithurai Subakaran, project manager with EML Consultants, which conducts training programmes for local public officials and the public for the project in Ampara, told IRIN that much of its success would rest on community participation.

"A lot will depend on how people dispose of waste and how it is collected," he told IRIN, "the mindset needs to be changed that proper waste disposal can actually benefit the community."



Subakaran said local awareness had increased and now some residents waited for collection trucks or brought waste to collection centres if the bins were full. "Earlier it would be dumped just anywhere."

The project has received favourable reaction from the community because it has improved infrastructure and capacity levels while raising awareness, Subakaran said. "If you just talk and there is no real help, these programmes would end up flops; you need to match the preaching with action," he said.


Forty tonnes of waste are accumulated in the Ampara District a day, according to Morris-Iveson. Before this project, only 20-25 percent of the rubbish was collected and was either improperly dumped or burnt, he said. "There was no proper disposal; even solid waste from hospitals that carries health hazards was dumped and burnt together."

Three landfill sites and 12 recycling and composting facilities are to be established in the three cluster areas to process all the daily waste; 1,500 collection bins have been distributed throughout the district.

"We will also provide incineratory facilities to burn waste from hospitals," Morris-Iveson said.

The recycling facilities and the landfill will be complete in the Ampara cluster by the end of 2008 while the other two cluster areas are likely to be completed by June 2009.



The project also plans to promote recycling and composting as an income generator. "We have looked at partnerships between the public and the private sector," Morris-Iveson told IRIN. "The local administrative bodies in each division will link up with a private company and explore selling the compost."

UNOPS also hopes to implement similar programmes in other regions. "This is the first time that such a project has been launched in Sri Lanka where the entire waste-disposal mechanism is being looked at," Morris-Iveson said. "We are documenting the project completely so that we can implement similar projects, for example in the neighbouring Batticaloa or Trincomalee Districts."

EML's Subakaran believes that similar projects can succeed elsewhere, but the trick is capacity-building while raising awareness: "Preaching has to go hand in hand with action."

COLOMBO, Wednesday 23 July, 2008: The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) completed a review of the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) which outlines fundingrequirements for humanitarian programs during 2008.
The review highlighted key humanitarianpriorities and also highlighted key operational challenges in reaching those displaced by conflict in Sri Lanka.The Monday review meeting held in Colombo was convened by the UN Resident Coordinator,Neil Buhne, and attended by the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe.
Of the US$195.7 million required for humanitarian and early recovery programs in the North and the East of the country, approximately $64 million has been funded to date.The total funding requirement represents a 10% increase to original projections due to higher prices associated with food and fuel as well as costs for transporting supplies to reachvulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas.
The Minister of Human Rights and Disaster Management, Mahinda Samarasinghe called theconflict, “a blot on our political and socio-economic landscape for over two decades,” and heacknowledged the important role of donors and the United Nations in supporting governmentefforts to reduce the impact of the conflict on Sri Lankans. The CHAP process is the planning mechanism between the Inter-Agency Standing Committee(IASC), and donors, to supplement the Government efforts to address humanitarian needs including displacement, as well as the return of displaced populations.
It also assists insupporting preparedness and ‘best practice’ initiatives such as the Guiding Principles for Humanitarian and Development Assistance in Sri Lanka. The CHAP, in 2007, which targetedsome 400,000 conflict-affected IDP, received nearly $100 million in funding, representingapproximately 76 percent of the projected requirement of $131 million. Speaking in Colombo after the review, “Emergency responses must operate side-by-side with development,” said Minister Samarasinghe.
“A holistic response has to be not just aboutresponding to conflict but also its mitigation and prevention”. The Minister took the opportunity to thank UN agencies, particularly WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF,UNDP and OCHA for their support in complementing government efforts last month when Galle,Gampaha, Kalutura and Ratnapura districts experienced severe flooding. In addition to 260metric tons of food provided by WFP, UN OCHA provided a grant of US$ 40,000 to supportrelief efforts coordinated through the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Further funding is being considered by the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Neil Buhne. Samarasinghe added that he is undertaking to establish improved disaster preparedness measures, including buffer-stocks for areas vulnerable to flooding and other disasters.
In closing, Minister Samarasinghe said, “I want to express our government’s sincere thanks to the IASC and donors, and to the UN for their support in organizing this review.” The UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Neil Buhne, said that the ultimate aim of theCHAP is to help the most vulnerable in humanitarian situations. “Neither the Government nor we [the UN] want to stop at temporary solutions,” he said. “We need to get people back to stablelives, with stable work, and a real future.” He further stated that the Government is looking at aNational Policy for Durable Solutions for those affected by conflict, and the UN is lookingforward to supporting these efforts.

A lawyer who drove his motor car under the influence of liquor disregarding police orders was fined Rs. 10,500 when he pleaded guilty before the Mount Lavinia additional magistrate Mrs. Darshika Wimalasiri.

The suspect Asanka Sanjeewa Welikala an attorney-at-law is a resident of S. de S. Jayasinghe Mawatha, Nugegoda.

On or about July 9, 2008 the suspect had driven his car at Mount Lavinia junction against the order of a police officer to stop. Subsequently, a police officer of the traffic division of Mount Lavinia had given chase and the lawyer and the car were taken into custody. On inspection, the lawyer was found to be under the influence of liquor.

The suspect was enlarged on bail and ordered to be present in court on 22. Accordingly, the suspect appeared in court and pleaded guilty.

Subsequently he was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 7500 over the first count of driving a car under the influence of liquor and Rs. 3,000 over the second count of disregarding police orders.

The opposition members of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) staged a walkout demanding adequate protection to the Provincial Council members, when yesterday’s session of the Council began.

Chairman of the Provincial Council H.M.Mohamed Faiz presided over the meeting. The opposition members condemned the recent hand grenade attack on the residence of the UNP Provincial Council Member Arasarathna Sridaran. They stressed that TMVP was responsible for the attack. The Chairman told the council that he would inform the DIG Eastern province to provide enhanced protection to the PC members.

JVP Member Wimal Piyatissa pointed out that the government should have adopted measures to provide security for the PC members prior to the Provincial Council election. The member, who condemned the grenade attack, pointed out that the Provincial Council was facing a monetary crisis for want of funds for the proposed development activities.

At this stage, the opposition group staged a walkout leaving only the JVP member Vimal Piyatissa . He proposed to relax the present restrictions on fishing and to advance the time of leaving home to 4 am amidst interruptions. The proposal was not seconded by any member. The session was adjourned until August 19, in view of the walkout that continued even after the tea break.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Charith Senanayake, a teammate of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee chairman Arjuna Ranatunga at Ananda College and also in the national team was appointed yesterday as the new manager of the Sri Lanka cricket team ending a prolonged controversy over the post just on the eve of the first cricket test starting today against India.

The interim committee members who met at the SLC headquarters in a lengthy meeting agreed unanimously to the appointment of 45-year-old former left handed Sri Lankan opening batsman, in the nick of time before the Indian tour.

Senanayake who played three tests against New Zealand in Sri Lanka's 1991 tour, also played seven One Day Internationals in 1990 and 91 with moderate success.

Senanayake who is now domiciled in Kenya is in Sri Lanka on holiday and has agreed to take up the assignment for the Indian tour on a contract worth Rs. 75,000, a car and a US $ 50 per diem.

Senanayake earlier attended an interview with SLC for the post of Director – Cricket Operations left vacant by the exit of Bandula Warnapura, but declined to accept the job as the offered remuneration was low.

Senanayake's 12-year-old son Sanjay represented Kenya Under 15 in the CLICO International cricket tournament in the West Indies in April this year.

SLC earlier appointed Hashan Tillekratne as the national team manager replacing Air Vice Marshal Shriyan Samararatne, but sports minister Gamini Lokuge refused to ratify the appointment forcing SLC to choose a fresh manager and plunging the affair into a controversy.

Addressing the parliament today R. Sampanthan said that 147 people have gone missing of whom 38 returned and another 15 were found to have been kept under detention since June 1.

The Q Branch of the Tamil Nadu police busted a major LTTE procurement network, seizing five imported Yamaha outboard motors with a 40-horse-power capacity each.

In connection with the seizures, three persons, including a Sri Lankan from Manalmelkudi in Pudukottai, were taken into custody.

A credit line agreement to the value of US$ 100 million was signed between India and Sri Lanka today to upgrade the Southern Railway line.

Civic groups including Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Kumar Rupesinghe today expressed their shock, disappointment and anger towards the government and President Mahinda Rajapaksa for demolishing houses and the eviction of slum dwellers at Glenie Street, Slave Island.

65 Sri Lankan maids who were in safe houses in Kuwait will be brought down to Sri Lanka at the expense of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa has been appointed as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament, despite protest from the opposition that a minister should not be appointed to the position.

The Opposition on Tuesday said that a member who is not a minister or an opposition member should be appointed to the post as there could be a clash of interest if a minister is appointed.

Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratne has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Earlier in the day Media Minister was named as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) .

Colombo stocks closed on Wednesday with positive gains with John Keells (JKH) shares showing a marginal gain of 25 cents to Rs.98.50 but market analysts said this cannot be seen as a (gaining) trend in the days to come.

“We are not sure whether JKH will be able to continue with their bunkering business. So the share will hover at the Rs.90 levels,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research Lanka Securities said.

Monday’s Supreme Court judgement of the 2002 privatisation of Lanka Marine Services (LMS) to the company affected its share price throughout the last few days. The market ended ‘green’ with the All Share Index up by 17.89 points to 2356.52 with some large cap stocks such as Tokyo Cement, Distilleries, Dialog and LIOC showing gains. Milanka rose by 22.37 points to close at 2800.1. Total turnover stood at Rs.119.5 million.

The UPFA’s chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council Election, Bertie Premalal Dissanayake has threatened to punish those who do not vote for him, UNP’s General Secretary Tissa Attanayake MP, alleged yesterday.

Addressing a news conference in Colombo, he said that Dissanayake has around 70 armed bodyguards terrorising the North Central Province voters. "However, Major General(Retd) Janaka Perera, who risked his life fighting for the country and is still under LTTE threat, has been provided with just four police constables."

On Tuesday, armed gangs threatened several rice mill owners in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa who they deem to be anti government, with dire consequences if they dare support the UNP, Attanayake said.

Election laws are being openly flouted with state resources, including vehicles being abused by UPFA candidates, he said."President Mahinda Rajapaksa as head of State cannot campaign at elections, but his photograph too is being displayed all over NCP and Sabaragamuwa."

Attanayake said that polls violation complaints against UPFA candidates were not being acted on by the police.Those officers who are brave enough to enforce the law, are being transferred out of NCP and Sabaragamuwa.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is purposely delaying the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, because he knows that one’s independent mechanisms such as the Elections and Police Commissions are established, the UPFA would lose both the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Elections, Attanayake added.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed a Special Task Force comprising Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Judicial and Ports Development Minister Dilan Perera, Western Province Chief Minister Reginold Cooray and Sri Lanka Mahajana Party General Secretary Ranjith Navaratne to monitor the development activities in the Sabaragamuwa and North-Central provinces.

In accordance with the 13th Constitutional Amendment Provision 154-G an Advisory Committee has also been appointed by the President to set up respective provincial councils in the North-Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces, the National Movement for Power Acquiring for Provincial Councils said.

Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that the government would implement the 13th Amendment of the Constitution to govern the provincial councils administration. In 1987 under the Indo-Lanka Pact the 13th Amendment came into being and the government was convinced that the implementation of the 13th Amendment was the only solution to the ethnic crisis.

He said that the international community and people in Sri Lanka had focused their attention to the North-Central and Sabaragamuwa provincial councils elections to be held on August 23. In case the Opposition won the provincial council elections, the efforts of President Rajapaksa to introduce a devolution package would be in vain. The Tamil speaking people and the international community had realized that the implementation of the 13th Amendment in the provincial council administration was of great importance.

Minister Senaratne outlined that Sri Lanka could be isolated by the international community unless the government took positive measures to resolve the core issues affecting the Tamil community. It would be most appropriate to implement this Amendment because a lasting peace could be created and the war could be stopped. It was the bounden duty of all democratic political and non-political organizations to rally under one umbrella to form an effective national movement to introduce devolution of power to all provinces, he said

He also said that under President Rajapaksa’s guidance and supervision a National Movement on Devolution of Power to provincial councils would also be formed.

The Customs have removed seven goods from a list of duty-free items that are available at the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake for returnees from overseas employment and foreigners.

The measure will become effective from August 01st.

The removed items include air conditioners, refrigerators with more than 500 litre capacity, dishwashers and deep freezers.

Cookers with four burners and oven, fully automatic washing machines, CRT televisions of more than 29 inches and LCD televisions of more than 32 inches are also in the list.

According to Director General of Customs Sarath Gunatilake, the measure has been taken to reduce energy consumption.

One Army soldier sacrificed his life in a confrontation in PEMPIODDAI East area around 4.30 a.m. yesterday (22). One T-56 weapon was recovered by the troops after the incident.

One LTTE terrorist was killed in a confrontation in NAVATKULAM area around 10.55 a.m. yesterday (22). Five Anti Personnel mines were recovered by the troops from the area after the incident.

One Army soldier was wounded in an Anti Personnel mine explosion in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area around 2.20 p.m. yesterday (22).

Twelve LTTE terrorists were killed and thirty others were wounded when the troops destroyed five LTTE bunkers in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area between 1200 noon and 3.00 p.m. yesterday (22). Four dead bodies including two males and two females were recovered by the troops with the following military equipment.

T-56 Weapon 01
T-81 Weapon 01
Large amount of Clothing Items and Food commodities

Two Army soldiers were wounded in two different LTTE mortar attacks in MURUNKANADIPIDDI area around 1.40 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. yesterday (22).

One Army soldier was wounded due to LTTE small arms fire in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area around 5.00 p.m. yesterday (22).

One Army soldier sacrificed his life in a confrontation in PEMPIODDAI East area around 4.30 a.m. yesterday (22). One T-56 weapon was recovered by the troops after the incident.

One LTTE terrorist was killed in a confrontation in NAVATKULAM area around 10.55 a.m. yesterday (22). Five Anti Personnel mines were recovered by the troops from the area after the incident.

One Army soldier was wounded in an Anti Personnel mine explosion in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area around 2.20 p.m. yesterday (22).

Twelve LTTE terrorists were killed and thirty others were wounded when the troops destroyed five LTTE bunkers in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area between 1200 noon and 3.00 p.m. yesterday (22). Four dead bodies including two males and two females were recovered by the troops with the following military equipment.

T-56 Weapon 01
T-81 Weapon 01
Large amount of Clothing Items and Food commodities

Two Army soldiers were wounded in two different LTTE mortar attacks in MURUNKANADIPIDDI area around 1.40 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. yesterday (22).

One Army soldier was wounded due to LTTE small arms fire in MURUNKAIADIPIDDI area around 5.00 p.m. yesterday (22).

12 LTTE terrorists were killed and 30 others reported wounded Tuesday (July 22) when troops of the 57 Division pushed into LTTE defences in general area Murunkaiaddipiddi at the combined Mannar- Vavuniya front, MCNS reports.

According to the sources, troops have destroyed 5 LTTE bunkers during the multiple attacks launched between 12 noon and 3p.m., also recovering 4 LTTE bodies during subsequent search operations conducted in the area, located 5km Northeast of Iluppaikkadavai.

Troops also recovered a T-56 assault riffle another T-81 weapon, LTTE uniforms and few food items in the search operation, sources further added.

The Assembly resolved to issue the Colombo Declaration as the People’s SAARC Declaration issued by a gathering of representatives from SAARC countries. 20 July 2008

We are members of social movements, labour unions, women’s groups and civil society organisations who have gathered here in Colombo from 18-20 July 2008 to forge a vision for a Peoples Union of South Asia.


We represent a rich and wonderful diversity of cultures, languages, religions and a multiplicity of identities and are linked by shared histories, geographies and cultural practices.

We believe we have the opportunity and strength to transform our social, economic and political futures to ensure that all our peoples can live in peace and dignity.

For this to become a reality, we must take a collective stand against all structures of oppression, discrimination and violence facing the people of the region and ensure that those who have been traditionally marginalised from political processes such as dalits, women, indigenous peoples and religious minorities will be in the forefront of this political project.

This involves creating a discourse on democratic and participatory political processes which respect national and local priorities and take into consideration the very real inequalities between the different states in the region. We are ready to take on this challenge.

After discussions and debates for three days at plenary sessions and over thirty workshops we affirm our commitment to achieving the following goals and aspirations;

1. Build a South Asian identity based on our diversities and common histories. We will work towards ensuring that hatred between countries is not propagated through instruments such as the media and education.

2. South Asian countries commit to a no-war pact and declare the region as nuclear-free. This also involves the drastic reduction of defence budgets and de-militarisation of the region.

3. Free movement of peoples in the region or in other words a visa-free South Asia.

4. Revoking so called national security laws that give a free-hand to state authorities to commit atrocities against their own peoples. We call for a peaceful and just resolution of all conflicts in the region through political negotiations.

5. Restoration and creation of rail, road and sea-links that meet the needs of people.

6. Operationalisation of food sovereignty through building alliances of peasants and agriculture labour. This would involve the creation of seed and grain banks, promotion of participatory research and sustainable technologies and the rejection of monopolitistic and environmentally destructive technologies such as genetically modified organisms.

7. The right to mobility is a human right. Migrants should be assured of dignity and right of work as well as physical protection, basic amenities and adequate wages. The victims of trafficking must be protected, especially women and children. Similarly, the rights of individuals and communities subjected to forced displacement due to conflict, disaster, and development projects should be protected.

8. Ensure rights of all workers, especially women workers in accordance with the International Labour Organisation Convention, United Nations Covenants and National Constitutions.

9. The setting up of regional institutions and mechanisms to address human rights violations such as a South Asian Court of Justice. Those responsible for war crimes must be prosecuted.

10. Recognizing the universality of visibility opportunity, equal rights and dignity for all people with disabilities.

11. Achieving Climate justice by ensuring that the burden of adjustment is borne by the elites. This requires a fundamental departure from the current industrial and economic paradigm in the region.

12. The creation of alternative regional trade and economic co-operation frameworks that meet the needs and aspirations of small producers and labour. This will ensure the defeat of neo-liberal instruments such as the World Trade Organisation and Free Trade Agreements in the region. In the light of current attempts to revive the flawed WTO Doha Round we commit to work with groups across the region and elsewhere to ensure that no deal comes out of the WTO Mini-Ministerial Meeting at Geneva from 21-25 July 2008.

13. The scaling up of public infrastructure such as housing, health, education and other civic amenities through democratic sources of development finance. We oppose the privatisation of these services.

We call upon Government representatives at the 15th SAARC Summit at Colombo to seriously address these concerns and demands of the people of the region.

We celebrate the struggles for democracy and resistance to neo-liberalism and imperialism in the region and in particular the victory of the people’s movement in Nepal. Our Peoples Union of South Asia is a rainbow coalition of democratic forces. We pledge to continue to learn, inspire and empower each other to realise this vision.

The United National Party has complained in writing to the Elections Commissioner with regard to the existence of 19 armed camps belonging to the TMVP, or the Pillayan Group, at Egodapattu in Polonnaruwa, said the party's General Secretary Tissa Attanayake.

The EC had promised to inquire when the UNP raised this matter verbally with him on an earlier occasion, but nothing had been done up to now, Mr. Attanayake told 'Lanka Dissent.'

Therefore, the party has lodged a written complaint about the TMVP camps to the EC, he added.

The SANASA Development Bank (SDBL) has recorded yet another impressive performance for the first half year ending 30th June 2008. The Bank has recorded a pre-tax profit of Rs.124.5mn as against Rs.83.6mn for the corresponding period ending year 2007, which is an increase of 49%. Despite the adverse impact of the security and the economic conditions the bank was able to maintain its growth momentum said General Manager/CEO, Mr. Nimal Mamaduwa, in a press release.

Deposits grew up to Rs.6.9bn from Rs.4.6mn registering an increase of 48.6%. The advances grew from Rs.5.08bn to Rs.7.58bn registering an increase of 49% for the six months ending 30th June 2008. The bank was able to make these achievements due to continuous customer confidence and the attractiveness of our products to all customer segments. During the first six months, we were able to open branches in Mathugama, Wennappuwa, Giriulla, Dambulla and the plans are under way to open branches in Deniyaya, Angunukolapalassa, Anamaduwa, Aralaganwilla, Badulla, Madawachciya and Ampara before end of this year. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s recent directions encouraging banks to open more branches outside the Western Province is a welcome move said Mr. Mamaduwa. SDBL will mainly focus in the Development of the rural economy. Our broader network through SDBL branches and the SANASA Primary society network who are our main shareholders will be used as our out retch in extending our services.

Since the country’s economy is going through a difficult period due to skyrocketing oil prices and increased cost of living which are interconnected factors, the banker are also going through a tough time. The probability of loan defaults are on the increasing trend under these conditions. The SDBL has taken this factors into very careful consideration and have allowed extended repayment periods and re-scheduled some of the advances on case by case basis. Despite these conditions, the bank has been able to maintain its non-performing loan ratio at 5.7% as at end of June 2008.
Elaborating further on SDBL’s financial position as at 30th June 2008, General Manager /CEO stated that the balance sheet has shown a healthy growth and the asset base has increase by 43.7%. The shareholders funds with accumulated profits (Tier 1 ) capital has increased from Rs.681mn to Rs.970mn registering an increase of 42%. The SDBL is confident of meeting the minimum capital requirement of Rs.1500mn by the end of 2009. The Bank has secured further institutional commitments both foreign and local to be infused by 2009.

With the expansion of our branch network information technology will be a key priority during the year 2008. The bank is working towards replacing the existing core banking system with a new banking solution to support current and future growth. The Bank intends going into ATM machines at least in few main cities in the near future.

During the first half year of 2008 the Fitch Ratings Lanka upgraded the National Long Term rating of SDBL to ‘BB (lka)’ from BB- (lka).

The national organizer of the United National Party S.B. Dissanayake says he has reached agreement with the party leadership to use a recent court verdict and prove that his civic rights have not been suspended.

According to the accord, UNP's K.N. Choksy would relinquish his national list appointment, and Mr. Dissanayake nominated to fill the vacancy thus created.

The UNP national organizer said that once he took oaths, he would make a speech and resign from Parliament, paving the way for his predecessor to take up the appointment once again.

In the event the Elections Commissioner objected to his name being gazetted as an appointed MP, Mr. Dissanayake said, he would seek redress in court.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is presently discussing the move with Mr. Choksy.

Speaking further, Mr. Dissanayake said the attempt to executive this move when SLMC's Hassan Ali was proposed to be appointed on the UNP's national list, had failed.

He also said that he only intends to prove that his civic rights have not been suspended, and that there are no hopes to remain as a parliamentarian.

Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara has dodged discussing the future of Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, against whom he obtained a Supreme Court verdict yesterday (July 21st).

When contacted by media, he said he would respond only to a statement by the top government official.

Ruling on a petition filed by Mr. Nanayakkara, the SC found the Finance Secretary guilty of 16 counts of corruption in the transfer of a 90 per cent stake of Lanka Marine Services Ltd. to John Keells Group in 2003.

Media sought his views on the future of Dr. Jayasundara as Secretary of the Finance Ministry as well as the Treasury after this ruling, although it is the executive president who is answerable.

Mr. Nanayakkara said he was yet to be officially informed about the SC decision, but that he has come to know about it.

When media inquired him about the necessity of remarks by a person found guilty of having defrauded public money, he quoted the law and noted both parties should be heard.

The sacred statue of 'Our Lady of Madhu' was brought Tuesday, at 11.10a.m., into the liberated area, across the Omanthai Entry/Exit point following consistent appeals made by the Catholic community, all Sri Lankans and the international community for its immediate release from the clutches of LTTE.

The statue was brought in an ambulance (WP LW-O276) by Rev. Peter Arulnadan, also accompanied by Father Sathyapillai Emaliyanuspillai, and Sister Idha Thomas who have reportedly arrived at the Mannar Bishop's House this evening after leaving the Entry/Exit at around 11.25a.m., our defence correspondent at Omanthai said.

The highly venerated statue of our Lady of Madhu was taken to Thevanpiddi area located 70 kilometers Northwest of Madhu in the non-liberated zone by the priests and sisters of the church as ordered by the LTTE on 3rd April.

LTTE terrorists almost turned the Madhu shrine into a terror base by positioning its heavy guns around the church and using it as a barrack for its cadres, before the shrine was liberated by SLA troops beating off the occupying LTTE terrorists on 25th April.

The centuries old 'Our Lady of Madhu' 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 annual 10 day church feast on August, before the terrorists took control of the area in 1999.

The earnest belief of Catholics and many peace loving people have paid off a defence official said, further adding that the holy statue is to be placed back in its original position at the Madhu shrine once the renovations of the LTTE-damaged buildings are completed. The Sri Lanka Army has undertaken repairs and renovations which cost around Rs 1.5 million following a directive given by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, Army said.


Meanwhile, in a communiqué released later this evening the Bishop of Mannar, most Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph asserted that, the sacred statue will be taken back to its original abode Madhu, when the situation becomes conducive after due potential services according to the tradition and practice of the Catholic Church.

SLMC General Secretary Hassen Ali was sworn as a parliamentarian on Wednesday.

JVP Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Ministerial candidate Chameera Koswatte has sent a letter to IGP alleging JVP candidates who went to lodge a complaint were threatened by the Ratnapura HQI. The HQI has allegedly threatened to arrest the candidates by hook or crook after they went to lodge a complaint against the police removing posters in Ratnapura town.

The Attorney General undertook not to demolish houses at Slave Island until a Fundamental Rights case is supported in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief and World Cup winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga told media that Sri Lankans will rejoice Sachin's feat. "Everyone in Lanka is keen to see him bat in real cricket and not cow-boy (shorter version) cricket. There are no words to describe him. One has to just look at his record. It says everything. He is the best batsman I have seen," Arjuna has been quoted as saying in the Indian paper Mid-Day.

The EU delegation visited parliament this afternoon and were welcomed by the leader of the house Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

John Keells Holdings (JKH) stocks together with Distilleriesshares hit the dumps today as expected on the back of yesterday’s Supreme Court judgement of the 2002 privatisation of Lanka Marine Services (LMS) to JKH.

Stock market analysts early in the day said that Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) privatisation also being contested in the Supreme Court, could negatively impact on its subsidiary, Distilleries Corporation shares. “This was the case today with Distilleries dropping by Rs.6.50 to Rs.83.25 and JKH share price dropping by Rs.5.25 to Rs.98,” a stock market analyst said. He said that tomorrow, this will prevail with both these index heavyweights expected to slip and affecting the indices negatively.

The Supreme Court on Monday said the LMS privatisation was illegal and unlawful. The analyst said Janashakthi Insurance Company Ltd (JICL), which started trading yesterday did not perform up to expectations and closed at Rs.9.25, down by Rs.1.75 to yesterday’s closing price of Rs.11. The initial trading price of JICL was Rs.13.50, while the Initial Public Offer price was at Rs.12. The All Share Index lost 41.94 points to close at 2,338.63 while the Milanka dropped 65.95 points to close at 2,777.73. Total turnover stood at Rs.150 million.

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government won a vote of confidence in parliament on Tuesday, ensuring the immediate survival of the ruling coalition and a civilian nuclear deal with the United States.

Earlier, the opposition demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh anyway after three of its lawmakers said they had been bribed to abstain.

The government won 275 votes against 256 for the opposition, the parliamentary speaker Somnath Chatterjee announced.

The United National Party believes it could win the forth-coming provincial council elections while the government spreads violence.
“People knows how to treat the government, said UNP Secretary General Tissa Attanayake .
Speaking to media in Colombo on Tuesday he said the UNP would file court cases against the election violence and malpractices.
“At present we heard 22 violations from the North Central and the Sabaragamuwa provinces, he said.
He said the ruling party politicians have threatened some rice mill owners who refused to vote them. Some police officials were transferred and the police couldn’t maintain law and order in these provinces, Mr.Attanayake said.
Expressing his views on the LTTE ceasefire he said it would be a strategy of the LTTE. However the government has a responsibility to deal with it, he said.
Mr.Attanayake said the government must provide security for their chief ministerial candidate General Janaka Perera .
Replying media he said the UNP Chief Ministerial candidate, Rtd. Army Major General, Janaka Perera rejected Government ‘s puny four man police squad offered to him for his security.
Meanwhile Janaka Perera while disdaining this offer said, this was just a face saving gimmick of the Government to a celebrated war Hero who won many battles for the country.
The Government has provided 12 vehicles and a security contingent of 30 well trained personnel to his rival, candidate. Indeed, he as a war hero is under much more grave threats including that from the LTTE and TMVP cadres. Therefore, it is he who should get a much bigger security detail, at least double that of his rival, he added.

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said that 22 LTTE suicide bombers (Black Tigers ) were killed in the air raid carried out this morning (July 22) at the Uddayarkattukulam LTTE camp.

Citing Air Force intelligence sources , he said that the group of the slain LTTE cadres had been engaged in a rehearsal of a major suicide operation at the time of the air raid.

Air Force fighter jets launched an air strike targeting pre identified LTTE special operation training facility located Northeast of Uddayarkattukulam in the Mullaittiuvu district around 8.15a.m.

The Air Force sources said, targeted camp was providing training for LTTE cadres in special operations and in leadership for the terror leaders. Activities in the terror camp had a significant increase recently, the sources added.

LTTE is the terror outfit that pioneered the suicide bombing tactics to the world. The outfit has been using brainwashed youth, mostly women and teenagers to commit suicide as human bombs. LTTE select these youths from orphanages or recruit those who have undergone gender or cast discrimination promising them to redeem their dignity by dieing for the tribal cause.

UNP Chief Ministerial candidate for the North Central PC polls, retired Major General Janaka Perera says that he has returned the security contingent that was assigned to him.

The team consisting of four police personnel was sent back to the Ministerial Security Division as they were insufficient to tackle the threats he is facing, the CM candidate said.

He questioned whether a security contingent of four policemen armed with revolvers is sufficient when intelligence has warned him of grave threats from the LTTE.

Noting that he is well aware of security matters and that personnel armed with revolvers can only provide limited protection, the retired Major General said that an enhanced unit is required to protect him from claymore or long-range weapon attacks.

He claimed that former Chief Minister, Berty Premalal Dissanayake had been assigned a security contingent of 30 special forces personnel, 28 policemen and 12 Civil Defence Force personnel.

Major General Perera questioned why he is not allowed a similar security unit.

Jayampathy Bandaranayake, chairman of Ceylon Tobacco Co (CTC), took over the reins as chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday at the chamber’s annual general meeting. Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, chief guest, was unable to attend as he was indisposed, chamber officials announced at the event.

Anura Ekanayake, formerly from Unilever and now a business consultant, was elected Vice Chairman and Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman of John Keells Holdings (JKH) as Deputy Vice Chairman. Earlier on Monday, the chief justice, with two other judges agreeing, in a judgement relating to the fundamental rights case against the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services Ltd (LMSL) ordered Treasury Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera to pay Rs 500,000 as compensation saying the deal was illegal, unlawful and arbitrary

The JKH, virtual owners of LMSL with a 90 percent majority stake, was ordered to vacate the premises (where the bunkering facility is) within one month and its directors were asked to pay Rs 250,000 as costs by the court. Dr Jayasundera was Chairman of PERC (Public Enterprise Reforms Commission) at the time the privatisation deal was approved in 2002.

John Keells Holdings’ (JKH) stocks slumped on Tuesday when trading opened in the Colombo bourse on the back of yesterday’s Supreme Court judgement of 2002 privatisation of Lanka Marine Services (LMS).

There was anticipation of a similar (judgement) outcome in the dispute over the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) privatisation also being contested in the Supreme Court, which could negatively impact on SLIC subsidiary Distilleries Corporation shares.

“The LMS ruling has affected the JKH share badly. We will continue to see this throughout the day,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research at Lanka Securities said. He said the Distilleries share price could also see rapid slides during the day as a similar outcome is expected by investors on its parent company SLIC by the Supreme Court. On Monday, Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva with two other judges agreeing, declared that the 2002 privatisation of LMS was illegal, unlawful and arbitrary. LMS is a fully owned subsidiary of the JKH group.

Brokers said the index heavy JKH share price dropped in early trades by Rs.8 to Rs. 95 and was expected to further slip thereby negatively affecting the indices. The All Share Index lost 31.81 points to stand at 2,359.65 while the Milanka dropped by 38.23 points to stand at 2,813.46 in early trades. Total turnover stood at Rs.87 million.

The JVP in Parliament on Tuesday asked the government what action is being taken against Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera who was cited in a Supreme Court judgement on Monday for improper dealings in the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services.

Parliament officials said the query was raised by parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake to which Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardene said he would look into it.

Monday’s judgement by the Supreme Court over the ‘illegal’ deal relating to the privatisation of Lanka Marine Services, a fully owned subsidiary of John Keells Holdings (JKH) has raised many issues amongst the business community over the future of Dr.Jayasundera whose actions were criticised by the court.
TimesOnline spoke to several senior, serving and retired public servants and there didn’t appear to be any clear definition in government regulations on what action is set out when a public officer is found guilty of fraud or deceit. Some retired officials said Dr Jayasundera may not the only guilty party as his action and decisions as the then Chairman of PERC must have been endorsed by a higher official.

Serving senior public officials said there have been cases in the past where officers have been fined by court and the department or institution concerned has paid the fine in the case of an action that came as an order from a higher officer. In some cases, courts have directly held the officer responsible for a decision and in such cases, the officer has had to pay the fine. In the case of Dr Jayasundera, if there is action that can be taken it has to be by the Minister of Finance (his superior officer and in this case President Mahinda Rajapaksa) or the cabinet of ministers which approves the appointment of secretaries to ministries.

Opposition United National Party parliamentarians, who have been critical of Dr Jayasundera’s management of the economy, said the party was considering proposing to parliament the appointment of a special committee to probe the conduct of the Treasury Secretary and also Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal, another official who has drawn the wrath of the opposition.

On July 23, 1983 law and order in Sri Lanka virtually collapsed as mobs went on a rampage, inciting anarchy and fear, uprooting Tamil people, looting and burning their property and killing many of them. These mobs backed by sections of the then Government claimed they were motivated by the desire to avenge the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers by the LTTE in the northern city of Jaffna. The large scale violence that engulfed the people, primarily victimizing those of Tamil identity twenty five years ago in July 1983, discredited Sri Lanka internationally and signaled the brain-drain that would impact the future economic and political trajectory of the country.

Underlying the anti-Tamil pogrom was, and remains, an exacerbated ethnic conflict. Instead of approaching this conflict through a concrete political framework, the Government at that time sought an immediate military solution to a problem that it narrowly described as being a 'terrorist problem'. The failure of the State to protect the Tamil civilian population from the mobs, and its decision to escalate its military efforts, fueled Tamil aspirations for a separate State where their grievances could be resolved. Even to this day, the memory of the July 1983 pogrom remains the single most powerful legitimizing factor of support and inspiration for the Tamil militancy.

It is tragic that 25 years later, the Sri Lankan State continues to give its primary attention to militarily resolving the long-standing question of political rights and autonomy, with the result that mass human suffering continues. July 1983 has testified to the fact that violence knows no territorial delimitations or fundamental concepts of civil society - we are all victims of war, with our human rights and civil liberties threatened.

On the other hand, our work with the people convinces us that our fellow citizens are prepared to accept, and commit themselves to, a political solution that ensures justice and security to all. The people of Sri Lanka continue to believe in credible concepts of power sharing and peaceful coexistence. What was lacking then, and remains lacking now, is the preparedness of the country’s decision making leadership, both political and militant, to give leadership to the quest for a substantial political solution- one that can be effectively transferred from paper to the grassroots - and to actively construct the necessary power sharing accommodations to implement this political solution.


On the 25th Anniversary of what has been termed Black July, the National Peace Council also seeks to honour the memory of those who were victims of ethnic violence. But most importantly, we pay homage to those who, in times of heightened danger, risked their own security and well being to provide assistance to these victims, without any regard to ethnic differences or cultural identity. It is in moments like these that we have observed that the courage and empathy of humanity grows stronger.

During black spots of history, like 1983 or 1990, with the mass scale eviction of Muslims from the North by the LTTE, and the natural disaster of the tsunami of December 2004, a sense of an integrated national identity came to light; where fragmented communities realized that there is a sense of solidarity from the 'other side'. These bridges of human cooperation and co-existence have continued to hold. Even in the bleakest of times there has remained an unfading hope that the interconnected social and cultural ties that have bound the country’s different ethnic communities will not be severed, but instead finally emerge strengthened.

The National Peace Council remains steadfast to its conviction that peace must come through non-violent, political means, and that peace needs to be negotiated with those categorized as 'enemies'. In this time of commemoration of Black July we also affirm that we will work by the side of those who stand committed to these values and ensure that the State shall not be the oppressor but will be the protector and reconciler of the interests of all its ethnic and social groups.

The LTTE Political Wing announced it will observe a unilateral ceasefire that is devoid of military actions during the period of the SAARC conference from 26th July to 4th August, but the government of Sri Lanka rejects rebels offer and said no discussions with any party on this matter.
Responding an oral question rose by Parliamentarian Mr.Wimal Weerawansa, in parliament today Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the government does not response this offer. He said a number of local and international allies try to stop operations against the rebels.
“At present government is defeating the terrorists .We never stop these operations, he said.
A rebel statement said the Tigers would refrain from military action during the 15th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference but warned they would be forced to take "defensive action" if the island's military carried out any offensives against them.

The government sources further said it had not received an official ceasefire notification from the rebels and expressed wariness about the move.

Meanwhile the head of the government peace secretariat, Rajiva Wijesinghe, said the government needs time to carefully consider the LTTE call for a ceasefire during the SAARC summit and will wait till it is officially communicated.

The LTTE Political Wing announced it will observe a unilateral ceasefire that is devoid of military actions during the period of the SAARC conference from 26th July to 4th August.

A rebel statement said the Tigers would refrain from military action during the 15th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference but warned they would be forced to take "defensive action" if the island's military carried out any offensives against them.

"As a sign of this goodwill, our movement is glad to inform that it will observe a unilateral ceasefire that is devoid of military actions during the period of the SAARC conference from 26th July to 4th August and give our cooperation for the success of the conference," the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said in an e-mailed statement.

The government said it had not received an official ceasefire notification from the rebels and expressed wariness about the move.


Meanwhile the head of the government peace secretariat, Rajiva Wijesinghe, says the government needs time to carefully consider the LTTE call for a ceasefire during the SAARC summit and will wait till it is officially communicated.

SLAF fighter jets launched precision air strikes Tuesday (July 22) at a pre-identified LTTE training facility located Northeast of Uddayrakattukulam in the embattled Mullaittivu district at around 8.15a.m.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the facility has been used for training of high profile LTTE cadres and military observations have confirmed intense terrorist activities at the target site.

Udayarkattukulam area is considered as an LTTE nerve center in the Mullaittivu district, defence sources said adding that the center has also been used for special training and 'leaders' capacity training by the terrorist outfit.

The LTTE is yet to reveal losses, defence sources further said.

An LTTE boat was destroyed and two more were heavily damaged when the Sri Lanka Navy's Fast Attack Craft (FACs) engaged a cluster of LTTE boats detected in the seas off Pulmoddai around 1.30 a.m today, 22 July.

According to the naval sources, five LTTE speedboats were heading towards Pulmoddai from Nayaru and the sea battle erupted when the LTTE boat cluster was detected by the naval FACs on patrolling during the early hours.

Naval craft or sailor received no injuries in this confrontation, naval sources added.

Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Keheliya Rambukwella said today (21) that steps have been taken to provide 500 employment opportunities in Korea for youth from the Eastern Province. The selected batch will be provided with a preparatory language course prior to their departure.

Minister Rambukwella added that decision was taken following a discussion he had with the Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council.

So far, the Foreign Employment Bureau has established two vocational training centres in the province with the objective of assisting the masses and educating them for targeted jobs in the region or elsewhere.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition have already recruited employees from these areas to serve in the respective fields in relevant institutions attached to the Ministry, the Minister noted. "The Police Department have also taken on 375 Tamil-speaking recruits to serve in the region," he added.

Minister Rambukwella went on to say that a large number of foreign and local investors have expressed their willingness to invest in the region in response to the Government's request.

A four-day Sri Lankan film festival, to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka, opened at the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce auditorium here on Monday.

It is being hosted by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai, Indo Chennai Appreciation Foundation (ICAF), Madras Film Society and Federation of Film Societies of India (Central office).

Inaugurating the festival, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in southern India P.M. Amza highlighted the cultural ties between both the countries.

He said Sri Lankan art and culture were heavily influenced by India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Tamil, which is a common language.

He also traced links between Tamil and Sri Lankan cinema. Noting that several movies were made in collaboration with India since the origin of Sri Lankan cinema in 1925, he said a Tamil actress from Jaffna, Thavamani Devi, set the trend by acting in a film ‘Vanamohini’ produced in India during 1940s.

Mr. Amza said several people in the Tamil film fraternity shared ties with Sri Lanka. Some of them were former Tamil Nadu chief minister and actor M.G. Ramachandran, who was born in Kandy, and cinematographer Balu Mahendra, also born in Sri Lanka. Tamil actors R. Radhika Sarathkumar and Pooja were among the others who have strong relationship with Sri Lanka.

He said the Sri Lankan government was keen on collaborative efforts from south India to strengthen the ties between the countries.

On the festival, he said it would feature five films with a range of themes, from a story of young girl trying to find her parents to the one of two boys belonging to different backgrounds and their friendship.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that government would exercise its prudence and sagacity in deciding as to when the elections for the remaining Provincial Councils should be held.

He was speaking at a function held at the Temple Trees to present appointment letters to 1000 Transaction Assistants of the People’s Bank.

“To survive in politics you should use tact and in good judgement. We have held local government and PC elections in the east and brought peace and harmony to that part of the country. We will hold elections one by one or two at a time or all at once for the remaining Provincial Councils shortly,” the President said.

Commenting on the present wave of trade union actions he said strikers must not break the civil law and harm state property. The government respected the right of the working class to engage in trade union actions.

The government was for the rights of the working class. But this government would not allow strikes that put nails to SLTB buses, derail trains and put stones in fuel tanks of rail engines, he warned.

“We also have engaged in trade union actions. But we have never destroyed government property and broken the civil law. We have been beaten, tear gassed and been put in the cage,” he stressed.

There were certain people who carry out misinformation campaigns against the government on alleged human rights violations. What they were doing was treacherous and unpatriotic.

They harm the people of this country, not the government, President Rajapaksa emphasised.

Someone must put an end to these destructive thinking. The country was marching towards a new era. The people in the north would be able to get rid of the jack-boot of terrorism sooner than later as the security forces were determined to emancipate the North from the LTTE, the President noted.

One year has passed since the establishment of democracy in the east. Someone must pay a visit to the east to witness the development achieved in a year. People in the east were now enjoying the taste of peace and democracy. But the international community do not see these achievements. Some NGOs are deaf and dumb on these developments in the east, President charged. Security officers provided by the government to certain political leaders had engaged in political activities and the defence ministry would not tolerate it.

“These security officers are supposed to provide security. They must not break the civil laws,” he said.

The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank has provided a soft loan of US$ 22.6 million (Approximately Rs. 2.5 billion) to implement the Public Sector Capacity Building Project.
The objective of this project is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of the Department of Census and Statistics and the Department of the Auditor General.

The first part of the project is for upgrading statistical capacity in order to improve the evidence base for policy planning and to build a modern, well-coordinated national statistical system delivering comprehensive and high quality data. Wider coverage, better accuracy and policy relevance of the data will help the policy makers to take well-informed decisions to macro-manage the economy.

The second part of the project is to improve public sector auditing practices and the effectiveness of the public audit function and increase the transparency and accountability of the public sector including state-owned enterprises through strengthening and modernizing public audit. Improving the communications system around the public audit function will foster communications with parliament, auditors and the general public for better understanding and impact.

These efforts will translate into significant improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department of Census and Statistics and the Department of the Auditor General improving governance, transparency and accountability and saving time and cost. Additionally, this will create capacity for better achievement of the national key development objectives of growth, investment and poverty reduction. Furthermore, the reforms proposed in this project will have a multiplier effect on public sector efficiency and productivity enhancement due to complementarities and links among the two benefiting institutions and related public sector entities.

Implementation of this project will be jointly done by the Department of Census and Statistics and the Department of the Auditor General and expected to be completed within a period of three and half years.

A police constable deployed at a checkpoint at Iranawila who had crept into a neigbouring house and molested a woman occupant was arrested by the Puttalam Police yesterday (21). The constable was interdicted following the incident.
Puttalam police said the constable was arrested immediately after a complaint by the woman and was found drunk at the time.

In the last few weeks a number of errant police officers and policemen were arrested. One was the case of a police inspector who was returning with venison after a hunt in a wild life sanctuary. The other was of a Sub Inspector of Police who had gone out of his police area to arrest a treasure hunter. He was arrested with a large amount of cash he is alleged to have taken from a suspect.

Another case reported recently was an alleged rape by another Inspector of Police of a teenage girl who had gone to the police station to complain that she had been raped.

Senior DIG (Elections) Gamini Navaratne yesterday urged VIPs to pay maximum attention to their personal security while on campaign. Tthe threat from LTTE terrorists looms large, he said.

"There is a tendency among VIPs to relax their security while campaigning for the elections to Sabaragamuwa and North Central provinces," he said.

The DIG who said security would be bolstered with deployment of Police personnel from other districts appealed to the members of the public to be vigilant and to inform the police immediately of any suspicious strangers in their areas.

He said that there was a major problem of thugs entering the campaign area in the guise of supporters representing the various political parties.

"We are certain that some of these thugs could be troublemakers who may use the opportunity of engaging in malpractice during election."

He urged contestants to refrain from bringing thugs as supporters as this could cause a lot of damage to their political parties.

He said that a strategic security plan had been put into operation during the run up for the elections to counteract efforts of the LTTE and thuggery.

Kalutara Magistrate H. Anura Seneviratna ordered the OIC Kalutara North Police Rex Janson to be remanded till July 30 2008, for the alleged offence of sexual harassment on a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The Magistrate ordered him to be provided special security.
W. D. V. Wijesena, the Chief Inspector of the Women and Children’s Bureau told Court that the Attorney-General had instructed that there was sufficient reasons to believe that the girl had been sexually harassed. More suspects involved in the incident are to be arrested and produced before Courts.

The investigations into the complaint were conducted by the ASP, Kalutara Division, but later the Chief Magistrate ordered that the investigations be assigned to the Women and Children’s Bureau.

Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate ordered the Prison Authority of Kalutara to grant facilities to the officers of the Women’s and Children’s Bureau to record a statement of OIC Rex Janson.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the Chief Inspector of the Women’s and Children’s Bureau W. D. V. Wijeratna to record a statement from suspect OIC.

He also ordered 20y-year-old Gunasekara Arachchilage Madusanka to be remanded till July 30.

He has had a secret love affair with the girl.

It was said, in a statement made by the girl, the suspect OIC and her fiancee had sexually harassed her.

The Probation Officer, Ranjith Tissera, submitting a report to the Curts said the girl should be given a school with residential facilities.

According to the request of the Probation Officer, the Magistrate granted approval for the girl to be admitted to a school in Colombo where there are residential facilities.

Further investigations will be conducted on July 30.

A new milk collection facility will be open on 23 rd July, 2008 in Trincomalee in order to support rural dairy farmers in the district. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded World Concern Sri Lanka to build the centre at Uppuveli ,Trincomalee enabling dairy farmers along the Kuchchaveli coast to supply direct to the domestic market. MILCO, who own Highland milk products, will run the centre transporting milk daily to their upcountry processing
plant. The centre can hold 3,000 liters in chilled milk at present and has the capacity to expand to 5,000 liters in future.
Representatives from the Department of Animal Production & Health, MILCO, the
District/Divisional Secretariat and CIDA are expected to attend the opening which marks a turning point for Trincomalee’s dairy farming community. It has been over three years since farmers had a regular buyer for their milk. With powdered milk prices now at record highs,demand for fresh milk is increasing and both Nestle and MICLO are actively soliciting farmers in the district. Farmers can now make between Rs. 32 and Rs. 35 per liter, providing much needed
income as they rebuild their lives after many years of economic hardship.
The Trincomalee facility is one of two MILCO run regional facilities built by World Concern Sri Lanka, an International NGO , the other having recently opened at Vellavely in Batticaloa. CIDA and World Concern also built three smaller Community Chilling Centres with 500 and 1000 liter tanks through which farmers societies can keep their milk cold before transporting it to the regional centres.
Over the 15 month project World Concern Sri Lanka has supporting 580 farmers with technical training, the purchase of cows, micro credit facilities, insurance services and the provision of milk cans and cattle sheds , all designed to improve the farmers productivity and to raise rural incomes. Ian McInnes – Country Director for World Concern Sri Lanka says that “incomes for these farmers have more than doubled as a result of this project”. World Concern Sri Lanka is
also working in Batticaloa and Ampara with a total of 1,500 famers across the Eastern Province.
Mr. McInnes believes there is plenty of scope to assist thousands more farmers across the Province as they resettle through the Governments IDP resettlement project. He says “Many farmers are returning to find their cattle gone, their old collection facilities in disrepair and that they have no access to a regular milk run. Once the cattle are reclaimed or new cows are purchased, the problem of replacing the milk run is easily solved as long as the chilled collection facilities can be rebuilt”.

Police have claimed a delay in the handover of a court order staying the demolition of houses at Glennie Street, Colombo. By the time the notice came, all constructions had been dismantled, said police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara.
He was responding to a question at a media briefing at the Media Centre for National Security today (July 21st).
However, the query was meant to be answered by Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella.
He had been asked as to whether it was bad precedence as well as a disregard of a court order when the police and the Urban Development Authority had gone ahead with the demolition.
The police had gone there to provide protection for the UDA officials for the task, which began around 9.00 am, whereas the Supreme Court took up the case around an hour later.
Mr. Rambukwella said the police had been verbally informed about the SC order, but there had been a delay in the deliver of the notice.
It is unfortunate that the residents had to be evicted, although it was a decision needed for the country's development, he added.

The Supreme Court has ordered Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara to pay Rs. 500,000, the highest ever compensation in a fundamental rights case, after finding him guilty of having concealed facts to the Cabinet and being party to an act of massive corruption.
The case relates to the sale of a 90 per cent stake of Lanka Marine Services Ltd. by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to John Keells Holdings for Rs. 1,200 million in 2003.
In February 2005, an 8.5 acre land at the Colombo Harbour was handed over to JKH.
The court verdict, which came today (July 21st) held Dr. Jayasundara accountable on 16 counts.
The SC ruled that as the then PERC Chairman, Dr. Jayasundara and Executive Director of JKH Susantha Ratnayake had acted with dishonest intent in the sale of LMSL shares.
They had not carried out proper estimation of value of the sale and went ahead in the transfer without cabinet approval, causing millions of rupees in loss to the Sri Lankan state and people, the court ruled.
The Committee on Public Enterprise has also highlighted this transfer in its deliberations.
Further, the SC annulled the transfer of 8.5-acre Harbour land
that had been made without any payment, although the Treasury Secretary had got former President Chandrika Kumaratunga to transfer the land, and had prepared a fake deed for Rs. 1,200 million.
JKH has been ordered to vacate the land and hand it back to the harbour within a month.
The court also found Dr. Jayasundara guilty of having misled the Board of Investment in an agreement for a tax holiday sought by JKH, and declared void all such agreements between the two parties since 2003.
The SC ordered the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue to take measures to recover all tax dues from John Keells.
JKH has also been ordered to pay Rs. 250,000 as costs to petitioner Vasudeva Nanayakkara.
Nihal Sri Ameresekere, successor chairman of PERC and cited as a respondent, personally appeared before the court and submitted lengthy explanations regarding the discrepancies in the LMSL transfer to JKH.
In another development, the Bribery Commission is looking into the possibility of filing action against Dr. Jayasundara, Ministers Milinda Moragoda (PERC was under him) and Karu Jayasuriya (CPC was under him) on the charge of abusing public property in connection with this deal.
Progress of the parliament-approved measure is being reported on a fortnightly basis to the Speaker.

ARMY TROOPS continuing their advancement in the VAVUNIYA front, having responded to Tigers’ offensive fire, captured five of their trench lines in the north of NAVVI Sunday (20) between 12.45 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.. Five terrorists were killed and three more injured in their abortive attempt to hold up the line.

Two more strong LTTE bunkers built in the same area came under continuous Army fire Sunday (20) between 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.. Troops confirmed that three terrorists were killed and five terrorists injured in the incident. One soldier received gunshot injuries and was referred for medical treatment.

Intermittent on clashes the same day in the general areas north of OMANTHE, VEDAMAKULAM, PUNGANTALVAMADU, PARAPPUKAL, north of NAVVI and PALAMODDAI in VAVUNIYA killed fourteen terrorists and injured five terrorists.

Five soldiers serving in the general area of KARAVADIVEMBU in VAVUNIYA were injured due to LTTE mortar fire Sunday (20) evening.

Three more soldiers who sustained injuries in explosions of terrorist anti personnel mines in the general areas of UTTIMODAI and PANDIYANKULAM were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Troops also recovered thirty-two anti personnel mines from PALAMODDAI area on Sunday (20) around 10.25 a.m..

Meanwhile, clashes in ILUPPAKADAWELI, MANNAR on Sunday (20) around 12.10 p.m. caused death to thirteen terrorists. The subsequent search recovered one 12.7 weapon and one T-81 weapon belonging to terrorists.

Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge says appointing Arjuna Ranatunga as chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee was ‘a serious mistake’.
Minister Gamini Lokuge told BBC Sandeshaya that appointing Ranatunga as the head of SLC while he was a parliamentarian was ‘wrong’.
Politicians should not hold positions in sports bodies, the minister added.
The minister was commenting on the recent controversy over appointing former Test captain, Hashan Thilakaratne, as manager for the India's tour of Sri Lanka.

However, in comments to a local media later in the day, Mr. Lokuge denied having said Mr. Ranatunga's appointment a mistake.
He said, his personal view was that persons in political should not be appointed to sports positions.

Police opened fire at a suspect who shot a police constable injuring him after being taken to recover a weapon he had hidden in the Pettah area on Monday evening.

The policeman from the kotahena police station is at the national hospital.

The suspect wanted for nine murders had claimed that he had hidden a weapon in the Pettah area and was on his way to recover it when he pulled out a pistol hidden the location and opened fire, Police said.

Police retaliated killing the man.

Local Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said an agreement would be signed to defeat the terrorism from SAARC Countries during the 15th SAARC Summit. This would assist the SAARC Countries to find stable solutions for the terrorism and other burning issues.
Speaking at the first press briefing connected to the forth coming SAARC Summit in Colombo he said this summit would be a significant for the entire SAARC region .
He said the SAARC leaders also sign an agreement connected to the SAARC Development Fund. It is initially commence with 300 million US$, said the Foreign Minister. During the summit the leaders will find out solutions for the food security of the region.
He said Foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea would visit Sri Lanka during the SAARC Summit.

According to the Japanese media Foreign Minister, Masahiko Komura is considering visiting Sri Lanka, India and Uzbekistan for eight days from August 1.

In Sri Lanka, Komura plans to attend a summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that will be held in Colombo.

SAARC consists of eight South Asian countries including India and Pakistan. Japan has taken part in its summit as an observer since last year with such countries as the United States, China and South Korea. In India, Komura intends to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee to confirm the two countries' efforts for an early conclusion of their economic partnership agreement.

Komura also hopes to lay the groundwork for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's planned visit to Japan by the end of this year. If South Korean Foreign Minister , Yu Myung Hwan attends the summit, Komura may hold talks with him.

In Uzbekistan, Komura plans to meet with Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov, with the two expected to agree to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Government media spokesman and minister Keheliya Rabukwella said troops are successfully marching towards Kilinochchi and Mullative to liberate innocent Tamil people from clutches of the LTTE terrorists.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo he said peace-loving citizens celebrated the first anniversary of the liberation of the eastern province in yesterday. People of the eastern province lived with the terrorism in last 25 years, but at present they live in a peaceful environment.
Mr.Rabukwella said the government has started a reawakening programme to develop the eastern province .It includes Agriculture, Health, Roads, Education and Electricity, said the minister.
A number of foreign investors are interesting to invest in the area. Some of investors have finalized their projects and some are discussing with the BOI to kick off their projects. The minister said he met the Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council and discussed various issues.
The minister said plans are underway to send five hundred youth from the eastern province to Korea for various employment.
“The Bureau of Foreign Employment works with the Korean authorities to fulfill this task, he said.
“We will give a comprehensive training for them, he said.
He said most of youth handled weapons for a separate state but they are now with the government to find democracy and serve the people of the Eastern Province.
He also said that the Bureau of Foreign Employment had discussions with Canada, Libya, and Australia to find out more vacancies for Sri Lankans .
“We have a good demand for skilled labour , he said.
“We try to show these opportunities for the rural youth and increase the foreign income to Sri Lanka, he said.

Security forces made further advances into LTTE defences along the Wanni battle theatre stretching from Mannar Western coast towards Kokkuthuduvali in the Eastern boarders Sunday (July 20) as troops claimed killing 25 terrorists while injuring 30 others during the confrontations.

According to finalized military reports, 12 other terrorists were either killed or seriously injured in addition one dead and 13 injuries reported from military. LTTE terrorists received heavy beating at the combined Mannar-Vavuniya front during the multi-pronged assaults launched, as troops claimed killing18 terrorists and wounding 16 others in yesterday's confrontations. Troops belonging to Task Force -2, operating the Eastern flank of the Mannar - Vavuniya front continued offensive at LTTE positions killing 9 terrorists , injuring 12 others at Navvi, while 2 terrorists were also reported killed and similar numbers wounded at Palaimoddai on Sunday.

Meanwhile, troops operating under the 57 Division led extensive ground assaults at LTTE, penetrating further towards the Thunukkai, Mallavi- Mankulama main road, as Army claimed killing 7 terrorists, injuring 2 others, according to reports. 6 soldiers were also wounded in the confrontations reported in general areas East of Pandiyankulama, Kuttimulai, Parappukkal and Karaveddivembu.

Also, 7 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 14 wounded following offensives launched by troops at the Welioya front. According to military, 12 other terrorists were also believed either killed or wounded during the clashes erupted North of Kiriibbanwewa and Janakapura. Military reports further stated that a soldier has laid his life and 5 others wounded in the confrontations.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in search operations in general area North of Kiriibbanwewa uncovered 177 anti-personnel mines (AP) and 27 IEDs, while 29AP mines and an IED was also reported found in a separate search operation in the same area at around 3p.m.

Meanwhile, a soldier was reported wounded during a confrontation with a group of terrorists in general area Kodikamama, Jaffna, according to reports received from the Northern battle front.

The Ministry of Education has taken steps to appoint 1,226 graduate teachers to schools in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts in the Eastern Province.

Of this number, 1,097 graduate teachers will work in Tamil medium and 129 in Sinhala medium.

They will serve in their respective schools for a period of ten years, the Ministry of Education said.

The graduates were selected for teaching appointments after an oral interview of candidates who were successful in a competitive examination held by the Examinations Department following a Gazette Notification issued by the Eastern Provincial Public Service Commission a few months ago, sources added.

Appointment letters for the graduate teachers will be handed over on the 26th of this month at the Trincomalee Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya and on the 28th at the Ampara D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expressed their dismay at reports of assault and harassment of three media personnel by government officials in Colombo on July 18. The IFJ further stated that they are alarmed at reports that hundreds of police personnel at the scene did not intervene or were unable to stop the assaults.

"Now is the time for the subcommittee to demonstrate the Sri Lankan Government's genuine commitment to support and protect Sri Lanka's independent media, by investigating all attacks on media immediately and bringing the perpetrators to account," the IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

Addressing a press conference today the Police Spokesman said that they are waiting for the victim to identify the assailants to record statements.

The ICC security briefing meeting was held to discuss the possibility of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Surprisingly, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board had not sent any representative for this meeting despite being confirmed (by the ICC) as an alternative venue.

"We are hosting the important home series against India and the same security arrangement will be in place here if the Champions Trophy is awarded to us (which looks unlikely at this time)," said Duleep Mendis, the CEO from Colombo.


The PCB was represented by Shafqat Naghmi (COO) and Ahmed Farrukh (Champions Trophy Director).


"It was only a meeting for security briefing. No final decision on venue, if to be shifted was to be taken in this meeting," said Brian Murgatroyd, ICC Manager (Media and Communications). "The final decision has to be only taken by the Board members".


Interestingly, not only the board members of eight CT participating teams (Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies) will decide about the issue but the Executive Board made up of one representative each of full member country and three representatives elected by the Associate Members will discuss the issue.


"To move Champions Trophy out of Pakistan, the votes of seven full members will be required," added Brian Murgatroyd.

The August Fourth Movement and the Trade Unions Federation are to launch a combined protest campaign from early September to press for three demands.

The two trade unions decided at talks on July 19th to call for a Rs. 7,500 pay hike for both the state and private sectors, member of their convening board Joseph Stalin said.'

A Rs. 2.50 payment per each point of cost-of-living allowance index and the provision of essential food commodities to low income families at reduced prices are the other two demands.

The government will have one-month period to fulfill them, Mr. Stalin said, adding that failing which the health, postal, railways, ports, transport, free trade zone and estate sectors will go ahead with union action.

The trade unions would desist any action in August in view of the provincial polls, the SAARC summit as well as the Advanced Level Examination, he said.

Instead, they will hold awareness campaigns island wide among the working people.

Further discussions will begin on August 05th, he added.

The announcement of the Supreme Court judgment of the 2002 privatisation of Lanka Marine Services Ltd (LMSL) to John Keells Holdings’ (JKH) saw the company share price drop by Rs.1.25 to Rs.103 and it will further slip tomorrow, according to stock market analysts.

The judgement issued this morning said that all assets in relation to the LMSL privatisation should be restored to the state while however permitting JKH to retain the 90 percent stake in the company. “With this situation, the indices will see the same dismal outcome as today, because JKH is index heavy,” a stock market analyst said.

He said that Janashakthi Insurance Company Ltd (JICL), which started trading today, didn’t perform upto expectations with the share depressed to Rs.11 at the close, down by Rs.2.50 compared to the initial trading price of Rs.13.50. The Initial Public Offer price was at Rs.12. The All Share Index lost 31.81 points to close at 2,380.57 while the Milanka increased marginally with 38.23 points to stand at 2,843.68. Total turnover stood at Rs.176 million.

The Colombo Stock Exchange suspended trading in John Keells Holdings (JKH) shares after the Supreme Court dismissed the 2002 privatisation of Lanka Marine Services (LMS) to JKH.

Janashakthi Insurance Company Ltd (JICL), which started trading today, did not perform up to expectation as per the stock market analysts, because the share depressed to Rs.11.50 in early trades, down by Rs.2 compared to the initial trading price of Rs.13.50. the Initial Public Offer price was at Rs.12.

According to stock brokers there are 4.9 million shares up for sale while only under a million buying bids were received during the early hours today. “As such JICL may come down further today,” a stock broker said.

He said there will be a lot of retail activity today, but there will not be any improvements in indices.

. A stock market analyst said that some small to mid cap shares also rose driven by retail interest. “This will be the trend during the day,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research at Lanka Securities said.

The All Share Index lost 4.09 points to close at 2,408.29 while the Milanka increased marginally with 7.48 points to stand at 2,874.43. Total turnover stood at Rs.22 million.

A woman carrying C-4 explosives in a slipper was nabbed at a road block in Medawachchiya on Sunday evening, Police said.

The woman was traveling in a Colombo Medawachchiya bus when her bag was checked at the Kotana road block. She was carrying three pairs of slippers and one of them heavier than the other slippers raising suspicion of the police officer checking her.

A careful examination revelaed that 250 grams of C-4 explosives was hidden in the slipper. She is being detained at the Anuradhapura police.

The woman is a native of Mullaitivu.

363 million ordinary shares of Janashakthi Insurance Co Ltd (JICL) will commence trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange today, Monday 21 July.

The highly successful JICL IPO which was launched on 16 June 2008, was the first IPO in Sri Lanka in two years, and went on record as being oversubscribed four times over, within hours of its opening.

The company initially sold 16.5 million shares at Rs. 12 each, while the Board of Directors decided to exercise the option to issue a further tranche of 16.5 million shares, thus doubling the offering.

Extending his unqualified and sincere thanks to everyone who placed their trust in the IPO and in the long term prospects of the Company, Managing Director Prakash Schaffter said that the success of the IPO is an endorsement of the Company’s strength and image. “The flood of applications in record time not only demonstrated representation across the country, but also reinforced the level of trust and confidence people have in Janashakthi”, Schaffter added.

WELIOYA: 05 LTTE terrorists were killed and 16 others were wounded in a confrontation in JANAKAPURA North area in between 9.00 a.m. and 1.45 p.m. yesterday (20). 01 Army soldier also was wounded in this incident.
02 LTTE cadres were wounded in an incident taken place in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area around 2.40 p.m. yesterday (20). 01 Army soldier also was wounded in this incident.

01 LTTE terrorist was killed and 04 others were wounded when the troops captured 05 LTTE bunkers in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area yesterday (20).

01 LTTE cadre was killed and 04 others were wounded when the troops captured an LTTE strong hold in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area around 4.05 p.m. yesterday (20).

Subsequently following military items also were recovered by the troops from the area.

T-56 Ammunitions 500
FM Radio set 01
Dry ration packets 12

One Army soldier was injured in an Anti Personnel mine explosion in KIRI IBBANWEWA North area around 12.40 p.m. yesterday (20).

Two Army soldiers were wounded in Improvised Explosive Devise blasts in KIRI IBBANWEWA North area around 1.35 p.m. and 3.35 p.m. yesterday (20).

One Army soldier was wounded in a confrontation in KIRIIBBANWEWA North area around 9.50 p.m. yesterday (20).

Following military items were recovered by the troops in a search operation conducted in KIRI IBBANWEWA area through out the day 0n Sunday (20).

Anti Personnel Mines 219
Improvised Explosive Devices 30

VAVUNIYA: Two LTTE terrorists were killed by the troops in a confrontation in OMANTHAI North area around 6.55 a.m. yesterday (20).

Two LTTE cadres were killed by the troops in a confrontation in WEDAMAKULAM area around 11.40 a.m. yesterday (20).

Four LTTE cadres were killed and another one was wounded by an Artillery attack in PUNDANDALVAMADU area around 5.55 p.m. yesterday (20).

Two Army soldiers were wounded in two different LTTE mortar attacks in KARAWEDDIWEMBU area around 3.15 p.m. and 5.45 p.m. respectively yesterday (20).

One LTTE terrorist was killed and another one was wounded in a confrontation in PARUPPUKAL area around 10.05a.m. yesterday (20).

One Army soldier was wounded in an incident took place in KUTTIMULEI area around 12.40 p.m. yesterday (20).

Two Army soldier were wounded in Anti Personnel mine explosions in PANDIYANKULAM East area around 6.50 a.m. and 10.50 a.m. yesterday (20).

Parliamentary business and good governance had hit a setback as more than 50 Parliamentary Committees are non-functional including the all important Committee On Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) even after the re-constitution of these committees after the recent prorogation, Parliamentary sources revealed yesterday.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara announced the re-constitution of these committees on July 10 as all the House Committees ceased to function with the prorogation of Parliament by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 6, he said. There are 55 House Committees attending to various government businesses, public issues and affairs connected to the legislature, he pointed out.

“For instance, the all important COPE, Public Accounts Committee, Public Petitions Committee, Committee on Parliamentary Business, Committees on Standing Orders and Privileges, Legislative Standing Committee, Constitutional Standing Committee and Committee on Standing Orders have not been properly constituted as the member parliamentarians have not appointed the Chairmen of these committees,” the source said.

Normally the subject minister gets the chairmanship of each committee except COPE as on many instances a member from the opposition holds the chairmanship of COPE to maintain transparency, he said.

But the irony is that the public cannot send their petitions to the Public Petitions Committee as it is non-functional. This would not auger well for good governance, he stressed.

Meanwhile, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said the non-participation of Members of Parliament in Standing Committees was to be blamed for the non- functioning of these Committees.

“I have done my part. I have already announced the re-constitution of Parliamentary Standing Committees. It is up to the member parliamentarians to appoint the chairmen and make of these Committees functional,” he emphasised.

Commenting on the large number of petitions received by the Public Petitions Committee, he said a petition must come to the Public Petitions Committee as the last resort after all avenues were exhausted in dealing with a grievance of a citizen.

“What is happening now is that the public are sending petitions to Parliament through their MPs expecting a quick fix. This is not a good trend as the Committee is inundated with thousands of petitions. The public must learn to send their petitions to the Public Petitions Committee after exhausting all avenues for remedy,” Mr. Lokubandara opined.

TOKYO,Japan's Foreign Minister, Masahiko Komura is considering visiting Sri Lanka, India and Uzbekistan for eight days from August 1, informed sources said Friday.

In Sri Lanka, Komura plans to attend a summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that will be held in Colombo, the country's biggest city.

SAARC consists of eight South Asian countries including India and Pakistan. Japan has taken part in its summit as an observer since last year with such countries as the United States, China and South Korea. In India, Komura intends to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee to confirm the two countries' efforts for an early conclusion of their economic partnership agreement.

Komura also hopes to lay the groundwork for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's planned visit to Japan by the end of this year. If South Korean Foreign Ministe, Yu Myung Hwan attends the summit, Komura may hold talks with him.

In Uzbekistan, Komura plans to meet with Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov, with the two expected to agree to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Since Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda may reshuffle his cabinet in late July at the earliest, however, a senior Foreign Ministry official said the plans are still fluid.

Dilantha Malagamuwa's strong hopes for his first ever podium finish in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, were shattered yesterday at the Sentul International Track here in Indonesia when his car broke down after just one lap in round eight.

Defending champion Tim Sugden of Great Britain drove a magnificent race overtaking pole position holder Darryl O'Young in the third lap with a powerful performance and held on to win round eight and storm into the third place of the championships with just three rounds to go.

However, the 2006 champion and this year's championship leader O'Young made sure that he won the same number of points as Sugden, finishing second in round eight having earlier clinched the round seven in the morning.

O'Young maintained his lead at the top of the championship table with a total of 138 points while 11 points behind him in second place is Australia's Christian Jones who has a tally of 127 after finishing third in round eight despite a poor fifth place in the morning's round seven. Malagamuwa remained joint eighth at 45 points despite missing two of the eight rounds as he had to take part in another championship which clashed with it.

"It is thoroughly disappointing to say the least. Everything was falling into place after Saturday's practice and I was just starting to feel that I was threatening the leaders. My instincts told me I was going to finish here higher than ever, but felt everything sinking as the car refused to move midway in the second lap. But that is racing for you," said the country's only international racer before adding: "I will be back to prove who I am. I know I have all what it takes to get on the podium and I will prove it somehow this year", he said determinedly.

In the Round Seven held earlier in the morning, Malagamuwa who started off in the eighth position in the grid was blocked by Hong Kong's Alain Li who started off as the seventh and it was finally in the sixth lap that Malagamuwa was able to break free and shake off the slow driver on the narrow track.

But unfortunately the leading drivers were far off to be caught within the remaining nine laps and the race leader Darryl O'Young was a massive 10.49 seconds ahead of him on the 3.965 km track.

Malagamuwa closed in on former champion Matthew Marsh who was running sixth but failed to overtake him and finished seventh in an overall timing of 23:24.718, a difference of 20.412 behind winner Young.

Sugden who was hounding second placed German Christian Menzel all the way, finally overtook him to finish second while Menzel was third.

Retired Army Chief Maj. Gen. Janaka Perera and UNP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the North Central Province has rejected a four-man police squad offered by the government following reports of LTTE threats on his life.

The war veteran said the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) had discussed the deployment with him over the weekend but he turned down the offer. "This is an obvious face saving measure on the part of the government," he said and urging the State to ensure his security in the run up to the August 23 NCP polls.

Vowing that he firmly believed in militarily crushing the LTTE, the former Ambassador said four police officers wouldn’t be able to handle his security. Asked to elaborate, he said his security contingent should be double in strength to that of UPFA Chief Ministerial candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake’s group. He endorsed the ongoing efforts to destroy the LTTE while asserting the final solution as always articulated by the UNP should be political.

Perera, a professional soldier for 35 years, said his rival’s security contingent comprised 30 Signals Corps personnel, 28 police officers and 12 Civil Defence Force. The Signals Corps personnel aren’t the ordinary soldiers but well trained men in counter-terrorism operations. Dissanayake had been also provided with 12 vehicles, he said.

He called for a realistic security assessment without mixing politics with security issues.

The former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite 53 Division said he wouldn’t dispute Dissanayake’s right to receive security. But the government should be alert to the security threat faced by the Opposition, he said. "Recently, police warned me of a severe threat to my life," he said, but unfortunately they had done absolutely nothing to thwart a possible LTTE attempt.

He said the Rajapaksa administration which had repeatedly vowed to destroy the LTTE couldn’t have been unaware of his contribution at the battlefield. "Troops under my command inflicted three major battlefield losses on the LTTE in 1995 in Ahchelu, Welioya and the Jaffna town," he said. They were some of the biggest losses suffered by the LTTE at that time, he asserted, adding Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka as officers who had fought alongside with him would know his role. The LTTE would also try to hunt down those who had inflicted losses on them, he said.

He said the defence of Jaffna after the fall of the strategic Elephant Pass base in April 2000, too, had been led by him and the present Army Commander who was then the Jaffna Security Forces Commander.

Perera said during his tenure as the Ambassador to Jakarta (May 2005-April 2007), the LTTE lost one of its top arms procurement agents based there.

Responding to our queries, Perera asserted the breakaway LTTE faction (TMVP) could target him in the NCP as they had fielded Mangala Master on the government ticket in the Polonnaruwa District. "We aware of the presence of some TMVP cadres in the Anuradhapura District," he said, warning their entry could jeopardise security in the entire area.

Perera who had qualified for university entry in 1966 to study Geology quit Peradeniya to join the army to complete a two-year basic Cadet course in Sandhurst. He also discussed the raising of the Independent Brigade comprising Special Forces and Commandos in 1990 which he commanded for four and half years and the Reserve Strike Force (53 Division) which he led for two and half years.

The JVP yesterday said a group of supporters of a former minister of the Sabaragamuwa PC contesting the August 23 election to the Sabaragamuwa PC in the early hours of yesterday had attacked two JVP activists at Pahala Kotagala in the Rakwana police area.

A senior party spokesman said the attackers had threatened to kill them if they continued to work for the JVP. Police said that the JVP had lodged a complaint with Rakwana police. According to the complaint, about 12 persons had pounced on the JVPers who had been pasting posters to announce a propaganda rally scheduled to be held in Ratnapura tomorrow (22).

by Jehan Perera


The month of July has become virtually synonymous in Sri Lanka with the memory of the anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983, also known as “Black July.” The large scale violence that engulfed all sections of the people and victimized the Tamils twenty five years ago signaled a turning pointing in the country’s history and also did much to discredit Sri Lanka internationally. On July 23, 1983, law and order became virtually non-existent as mobs went on the rampage and a massive sense of threat and of being under siege gripped the whole country. Mobs roamed the streets of Colombo and elsewhere rooting out Tamil people, looting and burning their property and killing hundreds of them. These mobs backed by sections of the then government claimed they were motivated by a desire to avenge the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers in the northern city of Jaffna.

Underlying the anti Tamil pogrom was, and remains, an unresolved ethnic conflict. Instead of choosing to resolve the conflict through political means, the government at that time sought a military solution to a problem it narrowly described as being a terrorist problem. The failure of the state to protect the Tamil civilian population from the mobs, and its decision to escalate its military efforts, fueled the Tamil campaign for a separate state. It led to hundreds, if not thousands of young Tamils voluntarily joining the ranks of the militancy, with many taking up arms against the state. It also led to a Tamil flight abroad.

Today there are over a million Sri Lankans of Tamil origin who constitute a diaspora community that is largely alienated from Sri Lanka and constitute the main funders of the LTTE that continues in its futile and self destructive efforts to carve out a part of the island for Tamil rule. But most painful and destructive by far is the continuing alienation of the Tamil community from the Sri Lankan state, especially in regard to the ongoing war against the LTTE. Tens of thousands of them are displaced from their homes and hundreds of thousands remain vulnerable to vicissitudes of the war.

There is a sense of powerlessness to influence the course of events that is affecting them in every aspect of their lives, not least in their personal security. Any Tamil is liable to be suspected of having links with the LTTE and to be detained on the slightest suspicion of those in the security forces. Any time a Tamil person is stopped at a security checkpoint, of which there are many especially within the north and east, and in Colombo and other multi ethnic towns, there is a possibility of being held back for further questioning. The plight of leading journalist and human rights activist, J S Tissainayagam, who has been in custody for over four months without any legal charge is a symbol of the plight of the Tamils.


REDEEMING FEATURES

On the other hand, there is also much that is redeeming and hope giving in the present situation. One of my memories of the July 1983 events was being questioned by a mob that was busy burning Tamil shops in my neighbourhood on the morning of July 23. I was a student doing research in between my university studies. When I asked the people who were burning the shops why they acted thus, they asked me “Sinhalade? Demalade?” (Are you Sinhalese or Tamil?) These were the shanty dwellers not far from my home, whose tenements I had often walked past for many years. They were not satisfied with my response that I was Sri Lankan citizen, and threatened me with bodily harm unless I declared my ethnic identity which, in the interests of self preservation, I did.

However, it was not only the shanty dwellers who participated in the rioting. Later that morning I traveled to the downtown area of Colombo Fort to see what was happening there. Amidst billowing flames that spread through Tamil owned office buildings I saw a small bulldozer-like vehicle being used to ram the iron grills of a Tamil owned shop. The office workers who were standing outside watching the mayhem cheered every time the bulldozer banged into the grill. Members of the security forces in big trucks passed by, but made no attempt to intervene. Later the stories emerged of how the security forces had protected the victims, how neighbours had taken in victims, so that even in the midst of a tense and terrible situation, the bonds of human solidarity often prevailed. But what happened out there in the open was plain to see, and the television cameras beamed an awful message from Sri Lanka to the world.

That was 25 years ago. Today there will be very few people, either shanty dwellers or office workers, who will ever justify or cheer a pogrom against their fellow Tamil citizens in Colombo or elsewhere. Our political, religious and civic leaders have told us time and again that what happened was terribly and dreadfully wrong, and must never happen again. And indeed, it has never happened again, despite much greater provocations, including the LTTE bombing of the most sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the more recent spate of bus and train bombings by the LTTE that have caused hundreds of casualties.

The people have changed, and so have the government leaders changed, so that there is a deeper appreciation among the people at every level that the Tamil people of this country ought to be considered as equal citizens with equal rights, entitled to their own dreams of a better life for themselves and their children. There is a desire for a peaceful end to the war, if such a thing can be accomplished in the face of the enduring obduracy and deathly militancy of the LTTE. There is also the recognition of the need for political compromise and for compensation to those who have lost so much in the course of the past 25 years of war and ethnic conflict. Most politicians too, on either side of the political divide, would agree with these sentiments and would work hard to achieve them if they could.


BRUTAL REALITY

But unfortunately, the reality is that the problem today does not lie with the people, or even with the political leaders. Rather, the problem is embedded in the nature of the state that has become so powerful and centralized, and distant from the sufferings of the people, that it can act with ruthlessness to suppress any opposition to its way of thinking. The people are by and large compelled, by their lack of power, by their lack of information, and by their fear, to acquiesce in these actions by the centralized state. It is tragic that 25 years after the July 1983 pogrom, the state continues to give its primary attention to militarily resolving a problem it describes as a terrorist problem, with the result that human suffering and human rights violations continue.

In a larger international context, the ruthlessness of the state when it confronts opposition, especially violent opposition to itself, can be seen in the South Asian region. Mass graves are being unearthed in one South Asian country after another, where the victims of anti insurgency measures due to ethnic and other conflicts are found. The brutal manner in which the Sri Lankan state stamped out the two JVP insurrections by Sinhalese people shows that when the state is threatened, its victims can be of any ethnic or social and economic class. Also significant is the fact that the general population acquiesced in the collateral damage on sections of the Sinhalese people in the government’s pursuit of a military solution against the JVP. Similarly they acquiesce today in the collateral damage that is inflicted on the Tamil people in the government’s pursuit of a military solution against the LTTE.

It is ironic that the SAARC Summit being held in Colombo on July 27 to August 2, coincides with the 25th anniversary of Black July. Sri Lanka volunteered to host the summit, although it was not its turn, and despite the war that is currently raging and costing the country dearly. The government has spared no pains to make the SAARC Summit a success. It is possible that the government sees the success of the summit as redeeming it internationally, if not also locally. The loss of a seat on the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, and the possibility of the loss of the economically crucial GSP+ tariff concession of the European Union have been warning signs of Sri Lanka’s international vulnerability that the government would like to counter.

However, the mobilization of the power of the state to create a conducive environment for the visiting foreign dignitaries from the eight South Asian countries has been fraught with controversy. With barely a fortnight’s notice hundreds of shanty dwellers have been forcibly displaced from prime land in the heart of Colombo, and their homes destroyed, ostensibly to ensure security for the visiting SAARC dignitaries. The news media carried sad images of destroyed homes, and one of a little girl clutching a chicken, amidst the little belongings that her family had salvaged. Although Black July and the SAARC Summit span a time period of 25 years, they both point to the direction of state reform, in which the chief objective would be to ensure that violence and brute force will never be used in dealing with one’s own citizens. Together and in solidarity we have to work for the day when the state in South Asia will be the protector and reconciler of the interests of all its ethnic and social groups.

Army Commandos in pursuit of the withdrawing terrorists along the Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road attacked a group of terrorist detected in the Murunkalyadippudi area 3 Km North of Iluppaikkaddavai around 12.10 this afternoon.

The Commandos confirmed that 13 terrorists were killed in this confrontation while many others suffered injuries. Also, they seized an anti air machine gun of 12.7mm caliber , a T-81 rifle and one radio communication set.

Clearing operations are being carried out in the area.

Troops of Task Force 1 and Commando Brigade today captured the largest terrorist stronghold on the Northwestern coast of the Island at Iluppaikkaddavai. Following this victory troops are marching further northwards along the A-32 road.

Sri Lanka army has declared Iluppaikkadavai town liberated ending 21 years of terror rule of LTTE this afternoon (July 20). According to defence sources troops of Task Force 1 and Commando brigade encircled the remote town situated 12 km North of Vidattaltivu by last night and entered the town this morning.

The sources further said that another large LTTE stronghold situated on the Northwestern coast of the Island has fallen with the new victory.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that troops have also captured the largest LTTE base situated on Northwestern coast. He said that this base was not a Sea Tiger base but used for other terror activities in the area during last 2 decades.

Speaking further he said , troops of Task Force 1 has already marched about 2 Km North of Illuppaikkadavai town and consolidating their defences at present. At least 15 LTTE cadres were killed during the battle ensued during last 48 hours in the area , he added.

Sri Lankan citizen Sameen Ummul Fahumiyya, 56, arrested in March in connection with a drug bust worth over US $1 million, has returned to Sri Lanka after being released in the Maldives before her trial.

A Sri Lankan toddler in UK has died after a television apparently toppled over and fell on him. The one-year-old boy from Swansea, was named by the local Evening Post newspaper as Ghazi Riyaz Mohammed. The paper said the boy's parents have two other children and were thought to be from Sri Lanka and seeking asylum in UK.

Media persons attempt to sling mud on the images of the Army and the Army Commander and when they enjoy the ‘vipaka’ (results) of their sins, they blame me, says Army Commander Sarath Fonseka in an interview with Sunday ‘Lakbima’ Sinhala newspaper.


Commenting on the incidents of threatening to media persons like Keith Noir, Namal Perera and Iqbal Athas, the Army Commander says, “According to my analysis on their charges against Army and Army Commander for attacking them, they might have done wrong to the Army or the Army Commander. When somebody attacks them, their conscience recalls the wrong they had done. Therefore they say that they were attacked by Army.”

Stating that the allegations against him were baseless, the Army Commander added that the aim of allegations was slinging mud at his image.

In response to the Opposition Chief Whip Joseph Michael Perera’s statement that the media persons were assaulted by a team under the Army Commander, the latter said that the MP also had causes to disrupt the forward march of the Army. “If he was a responsible citizen, he could have initiate legal action without limiting to making a statement in the parliament. He could have submitted the evidences to police, courts and Ministry of Defense.”

The Army Commander said that there were enough of such irresponsible persons whose mouths cannot be shut as same as the mouth of a barking dog cannot be shut.

Security forces have reportedly located an under sea jetty of the LTTE from the newly captured Vedithalthivu.

The jetty is 15 meter wide and 150 meter long. It was built to protrude from Vedithalthivu jetty to sea. In this around 200 Sea Tiger boats can be anchored without been seen. This jetty can reportedly be the world’s first of that kind.

Security forces have thoroughly checked the Sea Tiger base in Vedithalthivu now and it is reported that the 30 acre site included two training camps.

Six LTTE boats were destroyted and two damaged by the Air Force and Navy, three km south of Nachchikuddah.

Chairman Renton de Alwis of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board recently has stated that he was confident that the tourism industry will make a come back next month. He noted that despite the drop observed in the previous months, July and August would be a good months for the arrival due to Perehera season.

He said with the positive momentum within the industry there is reason to believe things could get a kick start. The confident chairman who had made tours around the country said that while they are conducting training for beach boys and taxi drivers among other smaller stakeholders in the industry in areas like Beruwela and Kandy there has also been a relative surge in the arrivals as expected.

However, they expect more foreign tourist arrivals next month and pointed out that there was no need to panic. With the recent softening of the French travel advisory and the Katunayaka International Airport expected to be re-opened in a few weeks time, he remained optimistic that things could turnaround.

A Tamil youth (24), and a resident of VELANI area, had made his way via ILUPPAIKADAVAI, MANNAR and surrendered to the Sri Lanka Navy detachment in PALLIMUNAI, MANNAR on Saturday(19) evening around 5.30. He had revealed that he had fled from home to escape from the unbearable cruelty and harassment of the LTTE terrorists and his inability to obtain his basic needs.

The 131 year-old Bogambara Prison will finally be relocated in Pallekelle with construction to begin in the near future. The total cost of the project is estimated to cost Rs.3,500 million while the prison would have all modern facilities. The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Justice and Law Reforms Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda in this regard.

The Treasury has allocated Rs.500 million for phase 1 of the project with the State Engineering Corporation (SEC) being the official contractor for the first phase. Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath said now that approval had been given to start the construction, the SEC would be commencing work immediately.


“It’s an eyesore to have a prison in the middle of a beautiful, historical city. It was during British rule that all the main cities had prisons with tall walls surrounding them. In Kandy the Bogambara prison and in Colombo the Welikada prison are two good examples. A prison should not be located in the middle of a city, the site could be used as a commercial property,” he said.

Mr. Gamlath said the construction of the prison was a huge project and it would take more than three years to complete it.“The Bogambara prison will be handed over to the Urban Development Authority on a request made by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,” Justice Ministry engineering consultant S.D. Jayakody said.

SEC Deputy General Manager (Construction) Lakmini Nonis said the construction will be in four phases and this year construction of the high boundary wall and other buildings would be undertaken. Engineering Consultants Limited which officially designed the prison premises 10 years ago will finally be able to make its plans a reality.

Design Consultant Director (Architecture and Building) Piyal Silva said, according to the plan, the new prison premises would be equipped with a modern security system, a hospital and buildings with special facilities.“There are more than 140 acres in Pallekelle and we are acquiring a large portion of the land for this construction. A closed prison is being designed next to the Pallekelle open prison with more space where more buildings could be constructed,” he said.

Bogambara Prison Superintendent A. P. Nelson Abeydheera said the Bogambara prison consists of one large building with 158 rooms, factory buildings, offices, a kitchen and a hospital building with 45 rooms while the prison has 2000 inmates.

“The increased road traffic is the main reason for shifting the prison. For many years it has been a major obstacle to traffic as it is situated in the heart of the city, but it would be preserved as it is a part of the Heritage City and has great historical value having been built in 1876.

Kandy Municipal Council Commissioner W. A. R. Wimalasiri said the Municipality had not been informed regarding the shifting of the prison but added he believed the prison premises would be preserved as a heritage site.

A Sri Lanka Navy patrol conducting a search operation around 5.30 on Friday (18) evening in the MODERAGAM ARU AREA, WILPATTU recovered a 18 foot Fiber Glass boat fitted with a 9.9 HP Out Board Engine (OBM) and a Fiber Glass “TEPPAM” (A local fishing craft).

The victims in the Wattala car - bus accident on Saturday night have been identified, police said.

They were Dinesh Chamara Premabandu, 26 the driver of the car, his wife Koushalya Abeywickrema 25 and their one year old child Tharuki Sandima from Mabole and Jullian Vanhar 29 of Nugegoda.

Nipuni Kalhari Abeysinghe injured in the incident is in a serious condition at the Colombo national hospital.

Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera the car had veered off to the opposite side of the road and hit a passenger bus at Averiwatta, Wattala.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry moved a supplementary budget in parliament on Tuesday to obtain Rs. 2,880,180,332 for the forthcoming SAARC summit.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will present this estimate and the parliament will hold a six hour debate on this proposal.
According to the parliament sources recurrent expenditure will be Rs.401,881,272.00 and Capital expenditure will be Rs.2,478,299,060.00.
It contained allocations for fuel - some Rs. 45,994,935 and diets and uniforms, most likely for the deployed security personnel and ushering staff amounting to Rs. 540,000.
The overtime and holiday expenditure would be a cool Rs.1, 500,000 and for transport, the allocation is Rs. 5,687,750, sources said. For accommodation, the state will spend a mammoth Rs. 52,692,967.The public institutions have been allocated Rs. 35,300,000 and this includes the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) for the hurried clean up operations and the National Youth Services Council (NYSC).
Under the allocations for rehabilitation and improvement of capital assets, the allocation is Rs. 47,411,960 - an amount that will be spent on buildings and structures.
A senior official of the government said the parliament would approve this proposal and he said it will be an easy task for the ruling party.
“However the United National Party and the JVP have already opposed this proposal.
The Wimal Weerawansa Group will not oppose this proposal, said the official.
The UNP said that the urban development Authority (UDA) officials and the Police began evicting poor residents in an area in Slave Island despite a Supreme Court stay order against the UDA. The victims about 1770 in number from 359 houses claimed that they have been in these shelters for 30 to 40 years. They have been provided with water and electricity supply too, although the Government moved to clear the area overnight for its SAARC ‘tamasha’
Meanwhile government sources said a number of development and facelift projects are underway in the Colombo city to welcome the SAARC delegations.

Sri Lanka army has declared Iluppaikkadavai town liberated for the first time after 21 years this afternoon (July 20). According to defence sources troops of Task Force 1 , Commando brigade and Army 57 division encircled the remote town situated 12 km North of Vidattaltivu by last night and entered in to the town this morning.

The sources further said that another large LTTE stronghold situated on the Northwestern coast of the Island has fallen with the new victory. Troops of Task Force 1 has already marched about 2 Km North of Illuppaikkadavai town and consolidating their defences at present , the sources added.

EU Parliamentary Delegation is now in Sri Lanka .It leads by EU Parliamentarian Robert Evans who was a British MP.
Deputy Leader of the delegation Niranjan Deva Adithya , who is a Sri Lanka said the team will meet Cabinet ministers, Political parties, Civil societies , Media and the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivaneshathurai Chandrakanthan.
During their six day visit the team discuss on GSP Plus status and several issues with Sri Lankan authorities.
The GSP plus concession enables Sri Lanka to export its goods and products to the EU at reduced or exempted tax and duty levies.
The European Parliamentary delegation will visit the Eastern Province to witness the political transformation taking place there and to meet with the new Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan.
The delegation headed by its Chairman Robert Evans, Socialist Group member of the UK, will include a cross section of the political groups and member states represented within the EU.

AS the Australian Football League(AFL) plans its expansion into Sydney, meet the city's schoolboy putting the Sherrin in Sri Lanka. Pennant Hills teenager Ranga Ediriwickrama is closing in on becoming the first AFL player of Sri Lankan descent, named yesterday in the 22-man All-Australian under-18s team.

Four people were killed when the car they were traveling in collided with a parked bus in Averiwatte, Wattala late last night. Police say another occupant of the car was admitted to hospital. Police are yet to ascertain the identity of the victims.

In the backdrop of rising incidents of alleged firing by Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen, India today summoned the island nation's envoy C R Jayasinghe and lodged a protest against them. New Delhi asked Colombo to share the result of the inquiry it has set up into the July 12 incident in which two Indian fishermen were killed.

Sri Lankan driving ace Dilantha Malagamuwa continued with his dream form this season as he posted his best ever position in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) in the free practice session two here at the Sentul International Circuit yesterday.
The Japan based driver who has never finished above the fifth place in a race, qualifying or free practice in four years of competing in the highly competitive championship, showed signs of improvement and a possible podium finish for the first time in Sunday's race as he finished third in yesterday's afternoon session.
Malagamuwa clocked a best time of 1:32.357 in his ninth lap and was third behind Germany's Christian Menzel and Australia's Christian Jones. Sri Lankan's timing was just 0.431 seconds behind leader Menzel who clocked 1:31.926. Jones timed 1:32.289.
"Ít was highly satisfying and a great relief. It was pretty frustrating to finish out of the podium always, because I knew I was capable of doing it. Finally everything fell into place today and I am confident I am going to keep this form for the Sunday's races" promised the champion driver.
However he humbly attributed his sudden improvement to his brilliant engineer Steve Waudby from England who assisting Malagamuwa from this season.
"Steve is also a former champion driver. He is coming down from England specially for all my races. He is doing a marvelous job and he is the best. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and reads the car inside-out. So, he fixes it perfectly to suit my style and I am sure that I am going to conquer new territory with his help. This is just the sign of things to come. I am positive we would be able to send a signal about us to the rest at this race" said a hopeful Malagamuwa with a twinkling in his eyes yesterday.
In the first free practice in the morning however Malagamuwa finished in his familiar zone in the championship posting only the sixth best time. He clocked 1:33.905, 1.162 seconds adrift of best finisher Tim Sugden of Great Britain who clocked 1:31.483. Sugden was only fourth in the second free practice.

The Government is to restrict permission for expatriate workers in Sri Lanka by directing Government Agents to first ascertain whether locally qualified personnel are available. It is only thereafter that foreign personnel assigned by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will be given work permits to serve, in terms of new guidelines.
These guidelines were issued by the Government on Wednesday. In terms of these, only exceptions to this rule will be the positions of a head or deputy of the NGOs concerned. A series of restrictions have also been imposed.
Hereafter foreigners will be granted residence visas only for a maximum of three years to work in Sri Lanka, under the new guidelines. At present, such visas are renewable annually on the recommendations of the organisation concerned.
The Ministry of Internal Administration has sent a circular regarding the new rules to all ministries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Government Agents/District Secretaries, heads of departments and Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Under the new rules, foreigners will be required to submit a security clearance report from the security authorities of their respective countries and they will be forbidden from engaging in any political or unlawful activity during their stay in Sri Lanka.
In the circular, the Ministry said that while acknowledging the contribution made by NGOs or INGOs operating in Sri Lanka towards reconstruction and rehabilitation activities during the disaster periods, it was necessary to streamline procedures for granting of visas to such expatriates working for these organizations.
The Controller-General of Immigration and Emigration may carry out any investigation including security concerns in consultation with the Ministry of Defence or intelligence agencies before granting entry or residence visas. When the applicant gets a clearance certificate or work permit issued by the Ministry of Defence, visas will be granted for the validity period of the certificate.
In cases where it has been found that the expatriates or dependents have engaged in any unlawful or political activity during the stay in Sri Lanka, the Immigration and Emigration Controller General will take immediate action to cancel the visa of such expatriate and deport him or her with immediate effect.
According to the circular, the Attorney General will also initiate legal action with the assistance of Police against an expatriate who violates the law before any decision is taken by the Controller to deport the expatriate.
For organizations that are working in the provinces, the Government Agent, the District Secretary or Divisional Secretaries should make preliminary recommendations for visa requests of NGOs functioning in their areas. They have been asked to ensure that the NGO requesting a visa for an expatriate, has initially attempted to recruit locally and has been unable to find a suitable person locally due to unavailability of required manpower/expertise in the country.
This will be applicable to posts other than the posts of Chief and Deputy Chief of the organization. The concept here is that NGOs should recruit locally as far as possible and should only find expertise for the posts which cannot be filled locally due to unavailability of suitable candidates, the circular points out.
Foreign nationals who arrive on entry or prior visas should apply for residence visas within one month upon arrival.
The ministry has told all parties concerned to ensure strict compliance with these rules.

Users of CDMA and mobile phones in the Jaffna peninsula have been asked to obtain a police clearance certificate for the use of the phones from this month, an official said yesterday.
For the past two months, CDMA phones have been barred while the use of hand phones is restricted to a few hours a day in the peninsula.
The police have already sent a printed application form to the Jaffna Telecom office to deliver it to phone users along with their telephone bills for this month, Regional Telecom Engineer N. Sivanandan said.
He said that since May, the phones had been barred by the security forces and many subscribers had been inquiring from him as to what was happening.
Mr. Sivanandan said the communication network in the peninsula was handled by the security forces and he was not in a position to restore the service. There are nearly 7,200 CDMA phones and 150,000 mobile phones in use in Jaffna.

The overhauling and upgrading of the Old Laxapana power station, in Hatton, has been entrusted to German firm Voith Siemens (VS), on the recommendation of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The decision to award the contract to Voith Siemens comes despite the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) pointing out that the German company’s quotation was 64 percent greater than the TEC’s estimated cost of the project.
Voith Siemens’s initial quotation was Euro 28 million, and TEC’s estimate was between Euro 17 and 18 million. On TEC’s urging for a discount, the government requested a revised estimate, and Voith Siemens came up with the revised figure of Euro 25 million, Euro 3 million less than its first quotation.
Power and Energy Ministry Secretary M. M. C. Ferdinando said that it would be best if the government clinched the deal with Voith Siemens, rather than further delay work at Old Laxapana.
Mr. Ferdinando said that calling for international tenders in order to find a lower bidder would only delay the project. He added that the loan scheme proposed by the German government-controlled KfW Bankengruppe, which is funding Voith Siemens, has “very attractive” terms that would benefit both the Sri Lanka government and the CEB.

Mystery and talk of intrigue surrounds the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership) agreement that was to be signed during the forthcoming SAARC summit.
The government has now decided to postpone the signing or to call it off. What’s definite is that there will be no signing of CEPA during SAARC. Reports are that the government’s coalition partners were angered that “India was trying to use CEPA as a bargaining chip to ensure Indian non-interference in the government’s forward march in the Wanni.’’
The army commander announced this week that his troops are poised now to march into Killinocchi, the Tiger heartland.
Other sources said that though the government agreed to CEPA, a free trade agreement with India, it has now reneged on this agreement due to pressure from the coalition partner, particularly the JHU. Earlier nationalists such a Gunadasa Amarasekera of the “Jathi Hithaishee Viyaparaya’’ said CEPA was a secret agreement being foisted on the country, where Sri Lanka stands to lose badly due to unfavourable terms of trade. The government trotted out a lame excuse that CEPA will not be signed as ‘’cabinet approval has not been obtained.’
However, CEPA was negotiated and about to be signed after the government definitely decided to go ahead with it, and this abrupt turnaround, sources say, was due to immense political pressure and the perception that Sri Lanka is caving into India in order to secure certain conditions such as ‘’non interference on the war front.’
Earlier this month a powerful Indian delegation of three VVIP officials was in Colombo sparking speculation that they were here to stop the army’s march towards the Wanni.

The Glennie Street shanty dwellers in Slave Island whose houses were demolished apparently in view of the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo, plan to handover a petition to all embassies of SAARC countries for perusal by the SAARC leaders who arrive in Colombo.
Saman Priyantha one of a residents at Glennie Street said "we want to educate the SAARC leaders of the inhuman way this government is going about holding the SAARC summit, destroying our lives in the process".
We have already consulted a lawyer to draft our plea with the objective of getting SAARC leaders to assist us, he said.
He said that they were living in these houses since 1960 and it is unfair to remove them in seven days without providing alternative accommodation.
Saman also pointed out "We need to bring the real story to the notice of the international community as it is. We want the SAARC leaders to realize how the Government displaced 750 families". Saman said, "The government is going to provide a 64 square foot wooden hut in Thotalanga for a family to live in. How can we live in such a place with our children without basic facilities"?
The Ministry of Defence directed the demolition of shanties and all unauthorized buildings in Slave Island citing security reasons, giving people a week to vacate their houses. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued an injunction last Friday suspending the demolition of houses until Tuesday (22). However the houses were demolished nevertheless. When lawyers handed over the injunction order to SSP Ajith Jayasundara on Friday evening, he did not accept it, but ordered the Urban Development Authority officers to go ahead with the demolition, charged Colombo Municipal Council Member Arshad Nizamdeen.

LAKBIMANEWS
Based on intelligence reports, police are to remove all “unwanted persons” from the city with a view to assuring security in Colombo for the forthcoming SAARC summit. They said only people who have “solid reasons to be there” will be authorized to enter high security zones while the SAARC summit was underway.
“All unnecessary persons from the high security zones will be removed due to security reasons,” clarified SSP Ranjith Gunasekera, police spokesman. “This will include not only beggars but all persons who do not show solid reasons to remain in the area.”
In a move aimed at “beautifying the city” beggars are to be taken from their regular spots and temporarily accommodated in designated locations. Colombo Mayor Uvais M Imtiyaz told LAKBIMAnEWS confirmed that all beggars will be relocated but said it was on security concerns.
“It is calculated that there are about 500 beggars in Colombo,” Uvais said. “All of them will be shifted and accommodated in community halls at Slave Island, Maradana and so on.” They will be provided with food and other facilities during their stay.
Conflictingly, CMC Opposition Leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that the council had nothing to do with removing beggars from the city. “The CMC is not involved in removing beggars from the city,” he maintained. “It is the work of the ministry of social services and social welfare.”
Nanayakkara elaborated the CMC had started a long term project to provide shelter to people who spent their nights in streets and on pavements. “We plan to provide a plot of land and to invite the private sector to construct a building to accommodate beggars and other people who haven’t got a roof above their heads.” He said electricity and water will be supplied at state cost.
“My estimate is that there are no more than 250 beggars in Colombo city and they all need shelter,” he continued. He said such measures could reduce the number of people spending their nights in streets and on pavements.
When we contacted the ministry of social services and social welfare, they said they had nothing to do with removing beggars from Colombo. Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare Mrs V Jegarajasingham said: “We are not dealing with that matter and it is not under the ministry to attend to such things.”
Meanwhile, beggars near the Fort railway station said some beggars from that area had been taken to “faraway places” more than a week ago. We learnt that some people had come in buses around 1 am, loaded the beggars into the vehicles and taken them to another location. The beggars who were interviewed were not sure where the others had been taken.

Deepani Samanlatha, whose home town is Warakapola, was with her little child near the Fort railway station. She said she had been begging there for more than seven years. She lamented that it was unfair to take them away to community halls in other places and stressed that poor and unfortunate souls like her had to face unpleasant circumstances in society.
“I have been living at this train station for more than seven years now and we wouldn’t have done so if we were given houses,” Samanlatha said. “We don’t want ready made houses.
It is enough if the authorities can provide us with vacant land so that we can build our own homes.” She added that beggars from the bus station opposite the railway station were taken to Anuradhapura about a week ago.
“People who came back after they were released said that more than 20 people died,” she claimed.
“The law is blind,” said JA Lalith Priyankara. “That is what I have to say. I have no place to go and have lived all my life in this bus station.” He earns his living by “helping” bus conductors to load their buses. He said poor, innocent people like him suffer due to the unjust actions of groups who have power.
“The only two things I loved in my life were drugs and my mother,” he said. “But I couldn’t even attend to my mother’s death because of drugs. So I stopped using them.”
He emphasised that it was unfair for the authorities to remove them from the places where they had been earning a living. “Recently I was beaten up for nothing by the police,” he said. “I was only a bit drunk and was calmly sleeping at this bus stand when they came and assaulted me. What did I do to get beaten up? Now I can’t even properly use my hand to eat rice.” He showed us his swollen right hand.

By Ayesha Wijeratne and Dilukshi Thomas
A massive security cordon of around 5,000 security personnel, including the three armed forces and Police will be deployed for the forthcoming SAARC Summit, scheduled commence on July 27 at the BMICH in Colombo, Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunesekera said.

The Summit, which will conclude on August 3, will also see a massive Indian security entourage including highly skilled Black Cats, three warships and two frontline guided-missile destroyers and several helicopters to protect Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Government of Sri Lanka has, meanwhile, taken a decision to give the top most security priority to Singh and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who will be attending the 15th SAARC Summit.
Despite the Summit stretching over eight long days, the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to be present in Sri Lanka only during the last two days of the Summit.

Meanwhile, in light of the Indian Government’s plan to bring vehicles and weapons to ensure the safety of their Prime Minister, the Sri Lankan military has expressed no ill feeling towards these plans.
Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that all security arrangements would be conducted according to the will of the Sri Lankan military and other countries would also be asked to comply with the these plans.

“If the country concerned wishes to bring their own means of security, then they must ask permission from the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka. We harbour no ill feelings towards the Indian authorities and the transportation of their security vehicles. It’s the right of any dignitary, according to the threats they are facing, to have his own security personnel present when he is visiting a foreign country. So, we don’t have any issue with this move,” Nanayakkara said.

By Kushali Atukorale
The trade union movement of Sri Lanka should unite to launch a successful general strike against the government and make it adhere to its promises regarding the salary increments, and reducing the bus and train fares. So said the Convenor of August 4 Trade Union Movement (A4TUM), Saman Rathnapriya.

Speaking at the meeting yesterday, he said that all the trade union should be very well organised and efficient if they want to make an impact on the government.

“We can’t say whether the July 10 strike was a success or not. But we could have been stronger, if we had been properly organised,” Rathnapriya said.

He pointed out that the current government is just using the war to cover-up its corruption, “They are spending millions everyday on the war. Why can’t they finish it off through a political solution? At the end of the day they are spending the money of the innocent people, and not from their own pockets,” Rathnapriya said.

Rathnapriya further said that the President has ample money to maintain one of the biggest cabinets in the world. Yet he has failed to increase the salaries of the working class by Rs 5000. “The only answer the President gave on the day we met, was that he is willing to increase the salary,” Rathnapriya said.

He also said that the President has taken steps to increase the allowances of the doctors and engineers by 300%, but nothing was being done to help the working class. “Therefore we have to be more organised, strong and fight till we win our demands,” he stressed.

The British government has decided to close down the Defence Division at its High Commission in Colombo by the end of this year, diplomatic sources said.
No reason has officially been given for the decision.
According to unofficial reports, Sri Lanka's failure to follow defence and political advice given by London has prompted the closure.
The Defence Division has been coordinating training for the armed forces, provision of intelligence and development of the community police service and other services given by the British government.

Four Sri Lankan men have been sentenced to life for attempted murder in London. Armed with swords, pickaxe handles and pieces of wood, the four tried to behead a 20-year-old man in August 2006.

At a fast in Tamil Nadu today against attacks on Indian fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said the Indian Central government should help get back Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.

Items like large TVs, fridges, air-conditioners, washing machines, etc will not be sold at Airport Duty Free shops from August under a new circular-Customs Chief.

Heavy overnight rain has inundated parts of Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara and Galle, according to the Disaster Management Centre, affecting several families and killing at least one person.

The Government said yesterday that its security plan for the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC ) Summit had been organised in such a manner as to ensure minimum inconvenience to the public amidst maximum security.

Senior DIG Nimal Mediwaka addressing the media yesterday said that Authorities had conducted a pre-security feasibility study from March 1 and was now fully prepared to launch the full security measures which would be implemented from July 25 to August 4.

According to Mediwaka, the authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.

From July 25 to 30, vehicles will be allowed access to these HSZ's subjected to a thorough security check but from July 31 to August 3, only vehicles which have valid permits to access the Zones would be allowed.

Authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.

Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3.

Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations.

Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.

Some roads in Colombo will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3.

According to Mediwaka these vehicle passes could be obtained from Police stations by forwarding an application but the numbers would be limited according to priority basis.

Two centres have been opened at the Fort and Kollupitiya Police stations exclusively for this.

Employees whose offices are in the above-mentioned Zones could proceed to their organisations by presenting their company Identity Cards, Mediwaka said adding that they already possessed details regarding all personnel working within these HSZs.

Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3. Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations from there.

Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.

Some roads in Colombo including Sarana Road, Bauddhaloka Mawatha and Malalasekera Mawatha will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3 but according to Mediwaka alternative routes have been organised with Police personnel and road signs placed at strategic locations to show the way.

roads from the Ceramic junction to Kollupitiya upto the old Parliament, Sri Lanka Ports Authority area, Police HQ, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Galle Face, Slave Island Railway station covering the Army headquarters and the Ministry of Defence will be closed for general traffic.

There would also be restrictions along the Katunayake-Colombo main road from July 30 to August 4 and heavy vehicles would be barred from access during this period. When VIPs use the road to travel to the Airport and back the whole road will be closed for 26 minutes during the time of travel.

However, according to Mediwaka all these measures are to be adopted with minimum harassment to the public and they have organised alternative routes at times with a large security contingent on duty to guide the travellers.

According to sources, the authorities are also contemplating to declare August 01st as a public holiday and Schools are expected to close for their August holidays from July 26 onwards as part of security measures. Mediwaka urged vehicle owners to display their phone numbers when parked outside so that officials would be able to contact them in an emergency.

Replying to a query from a journalist regarding the role of foreign security personnel DIG Mediwaka said that their role would be confined to providing personal security for the relevant VIPs concerned and that they would not be allowed to dictate terms to Lankan Authorities regarding security arrangements as a whole.

He further said that the whole exercise was arranged due to the security threat posed by the LTTE and even though they were confident of the measures they did not rule out the possibility of sabotage which had resulted in these tough security arrangements.

The Tigers who are fighting a losing battle in the North might use the opportunity to tarnish the image of the country by trying to sabotage an international gathering and divert attention from their battle field losses, Mediwaka added.

DIG Mediwaka also urged public to be vigilant during the period and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Security forces personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensive operation to liberate Wanni region inching further towards LTTE territory inflicting damages to the enemy. The finalized military report received from the warfront said that 17 terrorists were killed, 19 suffered injuries and 23 reportedly either killed or wounded due to the yesterday's clashes. 19 soldiers also reportedly received injuries, the report added.

In Jaffna theatre of battle, army snipers deployed in Nagarkovil front gunned down an LTTE terrorist ahead of the defence line.

In Wanni theatre, Vavuniya front clashes between LTTE terrorist and troops reported in Pandiyankulam, Navvi and Palamoddai areas. In several confrontations reported in the Navvi area, 8 terrorists were killed while another 11 suffered injuries, the report stated. 8 soldiers also received injuries due to these clashes.

Meanwhile, in a separate confrontation reported in Palamoddai area, intercepted terror radio communication revealed that an LTTE cadre was killed while another wounded. Separately, an army soldier suffered injuries exploding an anti-personnel mine in general area Pandiyankulam and was admitted to the military hospital in Ampara.

In Mannar front, 6 soldier reportedly injured exploding a booby trap in Kuruniadi and Kaddadivayal areas.

In Welioya front, 7 terrorists were killed and 8 more suffered injuries due to a chain of clashes reported in north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas occurred yesterday. 23 more terrorists were reportedly either killed or wounded. 4 soldiers also suffered injuries during these clashes. Meanwhile, 20 anti-personnel mines laid by the terrorists have been removed by the troops in mine clearing operations in Janakapura area.

Troops conducted search operation based on information received from civilian sources, have found a large stock of military items buried by the LTTE terrorists in Welioya area yesterday, July 18.

The search operation was launched around 12.30 p.m in general area Akkarayanawei and claymore mines, hand grenades, anti-personnel mines and a large stock of medical items including saline bottles were among the items found, defence sources said.

Although a section of the Police attempted to attribute last week’s killing of a 19-year-old youth in Mawanella to accidental discharge of a galkatas (improvised gun) while a group of youth was on a drinking binge, the former Health Minister of the Sabaragamuwa PC Lalith Dissanayake, an SLFP candidate contesting the forthcoming election, yesterday said he had been shot by an Army deserter for no apparent reason.

The victim was one of his supporters.

The Mawanella police initially played down the incident, dismissing it as an accidental death caused by a person trying to show off his weapon.

Lalith Dissanayake told The Island that the 19-year-old youth had been shot at in his propaganda office situated at Galattara in the Mawanella police area.

Police identified the victim as Pathum Sharman Bandara. The Kegalle District candidate said Bandara had been in charge of the office. Both Dissanayake and police alleged an army deserter had killed Bandara for no apparent reason. Asked whether he had involved the deserter in his PC polls campaign, the former Minister denied any link with the suspect. "He is definitely not involved in my campaign. He is a wanted man and a dangerous criminal," he said.

He denied any knowledge of the suspect attacking another person at the SLFP office with a knife before fleeing the scene. He acknowledged the incident was not in anyway linked to the political rivalry with the main Opposition UNP.



According to eyewitnesses, the deserter had shot Bandara several times after he fell down.

Police said this was the first death connected with the ongoing PC polls campaigns in the North Central Province and Sabaragamuwa. Although it hadn’t been due to a clash between the SLFP and the UNP, the incident has alerted the law enforcement authorities to the danger of unauthorised persons carrying guns.

A police official said that some of the men at the SLFP office had been drunk at the time of the incident.

The JVP yesterday said the SLFP was attempting to convert the Provincial Councils into ‘variga sabhas’ by fielding the kith and kin of powerful politicos. This attempt at promoting nepotism must be defeated otherwise it would lead to a feudalistic crisis in the country, JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference at the National Library and Documentation Center, he said a simple glance at the lists of UPFA candidates for the August 23 Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Council polls was enough to show that the SLFP’s plan was to get the relatives of their politicians elected so that they could continue with corruption and waste of public funds. "Powerful SLFP politicos in both provinces had fielded their sons, cousins, husbands, siblings and uncles in the fray," Dissanayake said.

The President, who is the Head of the State, is unable take any measure against this and the discrimination caused by nepotism because he himself had set a wrong example by appointing a large number of his relatives to various high positions in the Government, he said.

"Recently, we heard the President saying that only one member of a family would be given an opportunity to contest the polls. But, how about the example he had set?"

In the Sabaragamuwa Province, the son and son-in-law of Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratne are on the UPFA list, he said. Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya’s cousin, son of Consumer Affairs Minister H. R. Mithrapala, husband and uncle of Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the brother in law of non-Cabinet Minister Premalal Jayasiri, the son and son-in-law of Irrigation Minister Jayatissa Ranaweera, and son of SLFP former MP Heenmahattya Jayatilleka are listed under the UPFA.

In the North Central Province, the brother of Nation Building Minister S. M. Chandrasena, father of Petroleum Resources Minister Duminda Dissanayake and the sister of Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karaliyadda are contesting the August 23 PC polls under UPFA ticket.

"The President and his Government have a ten-year plan to cling into power. Fielding their family members is aimed at supporting this plan. The President also plans to leave power in the hands of his family members. Soon we will be having Variga Sabhas instead of Palaath Sabhas (Provincial Councils). Anyone can understand what will happen when a group of relatives are given powers and the keys to the coffers. This enables further corruption and swindling of public funds. People must realize this and must defeat these family members at the elections," MP Dissanayake said.

A European Parliamentary delegation will visit Sri Lanka between July 20 and 26 for a visit to the Eastern Province. They will meet with the Eastern Provincial Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and discuss the political transformation taking place there.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the European Union Ravinath Aryasinghe, in a release issued from Brussels, while welcoming the visit of this delegation said that this would be the first official contact between the EU and the new provincial administration. Last month a delegation from European Commission avoided a meeting with the Chief Minister.

The delegation will be headed by its Chairman Robert Evans and will include a cross section of political groups and member states represented within the EU

The visiting group will also meet leaders of political parties and key members of the Cabinet, civil society groups and media, according to Aryasinghe.

Ambassador Aryasinghe in his address to the EU Parliamentary delegation for Relations with South Asian countries on Wednesday in Brussels said the delegation would be able to see for themselves the development in the East since restoration of normalcy in the area.

He also said that several in the delegation had visited the country in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami.

The ninth annual Journalism Awards ceremony will be held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel on Tuesday July 22 at 7.00 pm. It is jointly organised by the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Press Institute.

The programme recognizes and honours journalists for their outstanding performance in 2007. Five veteran journalists will also be honoured by the Editors’ Guild with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their long and distinguished service to journalism.

Four awards will be made by the Sri Lanka Press Institute in recognition of Television and Radio journalism.

The organizers have received 294 applications this year.

Eminent lawyer R. K. W. Gunasekera will be the Chief Guest.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) will continue demolishing unauthorized dwellings on either side of the railway line in Slave Island close to the Secretariat halt, Secretary to Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry Dr. Prathap Ramnujan said yesterday.

Asked whether the Supreme Court has issued a stay order to suspend the demolishing of houses, he said that he is not aware of any such order and the demolitions would continue.

"Within a couple of days we will complete the demolishing of all unauthorized dwellings along this stretch, which belongs to the railway and the former War Department area belonging to the Defence Ministry on Uttarananada Mawatha bordering Beira lake," he said.

Ranmujan pointed out that the existence of such dwellings in a High Security area is a threat to National Security and the government had take this decision.

Well informed sources said that successive governments made attempts to relocate the residents of this area with better housing facilities. But they were reluctant to leave the area.


They had been supported by certain politicians of different hue in order to gain votes.

Pandemonium reigned in Slave Island yesterday with clashes erupting between those occupying the unauthorized constructions and the UDA demolition crew.

Police had to use tear gas to disperse the protesting residents who clashed with the UDA officials.

The dwellings were demolished using back-hoe machines, an eye witnesses said.

Train services on the Southern coastal line were disrupted for a few hours as the residents sat on the rail tracks in protest.

No residents sustained serious injuries. Some had suffered minor injuries police said.

"The ‘Daily Mirror’ Journalist Yohan Perera and Cameraman Pradeep Dilrukshana, who visited the site, were allegedly assaulted by UDA officials and Perera whose neck, ear and the mouth were injured has been admitted to ward 72 of the National Hospital. Dilrukshan has suffered minor injuries Hospital sources said.

JVP Colombo district parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunarachchi said that the party is contemplating legal action against the government as some of the residents here had occupied the land for more than 50-60 years. It is against the law to demolish these dwellings.

Dr Ramnujan claimed that 80 per cent of the residents there have agreed to shift to the temporary housing provided by the UDA in Ferguson Road in Colombo -15.

He reiterated that those who don’t want to avail themselves of this facility would be paid a rent allowance of Rs 8,000-Rs 9,000 per month for a period of one year.

"They will be provided permanent houses in the 1,000-unit housing complex now being constructed in Dematagoda which will be completed in one year’s time." He said.

When told that some of the residents who will be losing their dwelling in Slave Island are complaining that the houses to be given to them in Dematagoda are too small he said that the floor area of each house will be 500 sq ft.

The cost of living allowance of Rs. 2,500 being paid to public sector employees will be increased by a maximum of Rs.1,000 and a minimum of Rs. 375, with effect from the beginning of this month, the government announced yesterday.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, that the Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday to revise the CoL allowance based on the outcome of talks between trade unions, representatives of the Cabinet and Ministries of Finance and Planning, Public Administration and Home Affairs.

"Employees who draw a monthly salary of less than Rs. 22,935 will now receive a total CoL allowance of Rs. 3,500, while those with a salary of more than Rs. 22,935 would be given Rs. 2,875."

He said that employees of Corporations, Statutory Boards and fully owned Government Companies, which do not pay a variable cost of living or similar allowance linked to the cost of living index under Management Services Circular No. 30, will also be entitled to the CoL allowance, on the basis approved for public sector employees.

A Memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Defence, Public Security and Law and Order to grant pension status to retired or demised Reserve Police Service officers with 15 years active service, also received Cabinet approval, Yapa said.

"All those who meet the required criteria, would be treated as confirmed in service and receive a pension with effect from May 23, 2007."

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that SAARC countries are entitled to a large amount of carbon stocks by way of an environmental capital which have been used by developed countries, infringing the rights of the present and future generations. These carbon stocks together with carbon credits from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) process can be pooled together, to form a carbon cartel, similar to the rice cartel proposed by Thailand or to the OPEC of oil producing counties.

He said that such a mechanism will allow us to price our carbon stocks or credits in a manner that will benefit the developmental activities of the country.

"It is a fact that SAARC countries are paying large debts to developed countries, at the cost of their own developmental activities and hence it is necessary to look into the possibilities of setting off the existing financial debts with carbon credits available in SAARC countries," he said.

Ranawaka said that the SAARC region while having nearly 1/6th of the global population, has only a total Carbon Dioxide emission level of around 1330 million tons per year, which is only 3. 7 per cent of the total global emissions. According to available data for 2007, the per capita Carbon Dioxide in SAARC countries range from 0.25 – 1.3, whereas the global average is 4.22 Carbon Dioxide.

In line with the Human Development Report of the UNDP for years 2007 and 2008, if the globally accepted per capita emission level of Carbon Dioxide is 2.1, the countries that exceed this acceptable level are depriving the low emitting countries of opportunities as well as the rights of their future generations, Minister Ranawaka said.

The eldest of the new born Kalpitiya triplets, Aruni Croosz had died due to wrong mode of feeding and negligence, according to Kalpitiya DMO.

The cause of death was identified as asphyrisatram. The inquest into the child’s death was held before the coroner M.P. Careem.

At the inquest the child’s parents Anandawasi’ Croosz Devathasan and Pramila Lambert also gave evidence.

The coroner held the death was due to ignorance and negligence of the mother and due to natural causes.

Wellawatte Police informed the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate that actress Anarkali Akarsha had returned to the country and she had agreed to make a statement in connection with the anticipatory bail filed by Western Provincial Councillor Duminda Silva.

Following the submissions of the Wellawatte Police, Additional Magistrate Ms. Dharshika Wimalasiri postponed the inquiry for July 25.

The Wellawatte Police also informed court that on the direction of the Attorney General, it was conducting investigation into an alleged complaint by Anarkali Akarsha Jayathileka on July 3 of abduction at Swarna Road, Wellawatte on July 3 .

When the anticipatory bail application was taken up for inquiry, the Wellawatte Police OIC, Mangala Dehideniya said they had investigated into Anarkali’s complaint to the Kollupitiya police. They had recorded the statements from Sujeewa Dharmawickrama, Mahendra Perera, Anuradha Jayasinghe and the residents in the vicinity.

The police also said they had tried to record a statement from an important witness, Mahesh Bandara and he was informed to call over at the Police station to record a statement but he has failed to do so.

Informing about Anarkali the police said the owner of the residence at Rosmead Place at which address Anarkali claimed to have resided had said she had gone abroad. Further inquiries from the Immigration and Emigration Department had confirmed that she had left the country and had returned on July 15.

The Police had contacted her on her mobile phone and she had told them that she would make a statement after obtaining legal instructions from her lawyers.

Denzil Gunaratne PC who appeared on the instruction of Nalin Dissanayake for Anarkali said she had left the country for her own safety and now she had returned to the country.

On a complaint filed by her, the Colombo Magistrate had ordered Duminda Silva not to harass Anarkali, but he had violated the said order and had allegedly abducted her.

Daya Perera PC appearing for Duminda Silva said there was no evidence to prove the alleged abduction and to allow the anticipatory bail application.

Following the submissions of the parties, the Magistrate ordered the Police to file a report in court on July 25.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been urged to take targeted measures against groups, recruiting child soldiers, including some groups in Sri Lanka.
At the Council sessions on Thursday, US representative Zalmay Khalilzad said the recruitment and use of child soldiers persisted in many countries including Sri Lanka where the LTTE and a government-supported paramilitary group continued to use child soldiers.

He said the paramilitary group’s initial release of 39 child soldiers was welcome, but more must be done to ensure the release of the remaining children.

Radhika Coomaraswamy – the UN Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict -- called for targeted measures against 16 persistent violators, and requested the Council to expand the scope of its Working Group to cover all areas of concern and all grave violations against children, especially sexual violence, which, like the recruitment of child soldiers, was always deliberate, targeted and a direct consequence of criminal intent. The LTTE is listed as a persistent violator in child soldier recruitment.

Ms. Coomaraswamy said sexual violence received the Council's special attention in resolution 1820 (2008), and added that she looked forward to discussions on the possibility of a new resolution covering all other grave violations or, at the very least, place renewed emphasis on the question of sexual violence against children. Such a resolution should also consider the possibility of setting up a process that would eventually lead to targeted measures against persistent violators.

Sri Lanka’s representative Prasad Kariyawasam said that, despite the established task forces and mechanisms, the recruitment of child combatants continued unabated.

Ambassador Kariyawasam said that to end child recruitment, it was important for the Council and the Working Group to remain focused on that most urgent task rather than seeking to broaden the canvas to include other issues that were not of immediate practical benefit.

He said the Council should address how armed actors resorted to new tactics of recruitment, as in northern Sri Lanka, where the LTTE subjected schoolchildren to compulsory weapons and combat training.

The Ambassador said that because non-state actors were not bound by internationally enforceable legal instruments, they should be subjected to stricter scrutiny and more rigorous and internationally enforceable punitive measures.

“The Council and the Working Group must agree on how to deal with persistent and recalcitrant violators. Sri Lanka supported effective, targeted measures. The reintegration of child combatants was the most important of all measures underpinning effective implementation of resolution 1612 (2005). Successful reintegration required resources as well as expertise. The international community’s concern should therefore move beyond words of sympathy to sustained engagement and the flow of necessary resources,” he said

The Security Council expressed once again its strong and equal condemnation of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, and of their killing, maiming, abduction, rape and other sexual violence against them, as well as the denial of humanitarian access to children and attacks against schools and hospitals by parties to the conflict

Wrapping up a day-long debate with nearly 60 participants, the representative of Vietnam read out a presidential statement by which the Council, while acknowledging that implementation of its resolution 1612 (2005) had already led to the release and reintegration of child soldiers, reaffirmed the need for States to comply with their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, and for non-State actors to refrain from recruiting or using children in hostilities.

The Ceylon Electricity Board is planning to convert its thermal power plants from diesel and naphtha to Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) with a view to significantly reducing the operational cost of thermal power plants.
This project will review the relevant existing feasibility studies and prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment and engineering designs for the construction of LNG Receiving Facilities i.e. terminal/jetty and pipelines to the power stations located in northern Colombo.

The project will be implemented by the Ceylon Electricity Board under supervision of the Ministry of Power and Energy.

For this purpose Cabinet has approved a Loan Agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to obtain Japanese Yen 820 million for the Energy Diversification Enhancement Project (Engineering Services) as well as to re-lend the proceeds of the loan to the Ceylon Electricity Board on terms and conditions laid down by the General Treasury.

According to the Exchange of Notes signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan in June, the Japanese Government has agreed to provide a loan of Japanese Yen 820 million (Rs. 820 million, approximately) through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to undertake detailed engineering designs for the proposed project to construct LNG Receiving Facilities.

The government is to borrow additional funds from the World Bank for several several development projects, a minister said.

Cabinet approved finance agreements with the IDA branch of the World Bank to get additional funding for the North East Housing Reconstruction Project (SDR 26.2 million), for the Road Sector Assistance Project (SDR 59.6 million) and for the Education Sector Development Project (SDR 6.1 million).

The North East Housing Reconstruction Project was implemented with a loan of SDR 51.1 million (approximately USD 75 million or Rs. 7.3 billion) from the World Bank in 2005 to rebuild 34,784 houses in 1,712 villages in the North and East. The project is expected to be completed in June 2009. Already, 22,444 houses have been reconstructed, and repairs are in progress on another 6.730 houses. Work on 5,610 houses mainly located in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Mullaitivu is yet to commence.

The Road Sector Assistance Project was implemented with a loan of SDR 69.1 million (USD 100 million or Rs.10 billion, approximately) from the World Bank in 2006 for the maintenance and rehabilitation of 620 km of national roads and 160 km of rural roads in the Southern, Uva and South Central Provinces. The project is expected to be completed in September 2011.

The Education Sector Development Project was implemented with a grant of SDR 41.5 million (USD 60 million or Rs. 6 billion, approximately) from the World Bank in 2006 with emphasis on the improvement of the educational opportunities of children in lagging regions of the country.

The project is expected to be completed in June 2011. The World Bank had agreed to provide a loan of SDR 6.1 million (USD 10 million or Rs 1.1 billion, approximately) as additional funds to expand the activities and scale up the impact and development effectiveness of the Education Sector Development Project.

The Defence Ministry yesterday said a stock of dry ration sacks provided by USAID, to be used by war affected civilians, was being used by the LTTE for their military activities.
Troops found that “USAID’ dry ration sacks to these civilians, were being used by the LTTE to conceal mortar pits in Viduthalthivu,” the ministry said in its website.

Meanwhile the ministry said that latest fighting in the Wanni and Jaffna battlefronts claimed the lives of at least 18 LTTE cadres. It also said that 27 cadres also wounded and 22 more were either killed or wounded.

Four soldiers laid down their lives on the battlefield, one was reported missing and 9 others bore wounds during these battles fought to liberate the motherland,” the ministry said.

Higher Education Deputy Minister Mohammed Musthaffa took a swipe at the Mahinda Chinthana saying that he had to laugh at himself on the paragraph pointing out plans to attract foreign students to select Sri Lanka as their destination for higher education as stated in the Mahinda Chinthana while 8000 to 9000 students leave the county annually to obtain higher education in foreign universities.

Addressing the launching of the National Higher Education Management Information System (NHEMIS) on Wednesday he said that lot of universities in the country does not have the qualified staff, chancellors and sufficient facilities adding that 70% of the students who come out of the universities are dependent on government employment as they do not fit into the private sector and the international market as they do not have proper knowledge in English and IT.

"We must give priority to immediate reforms that would allow private participation in state universities and we must discuss the matter with extremist groups who do not like the idea and should set up a select committee in the Parliament to discuss the matter," he said.

Meanwhile Science and Technology Minister Tissa Vitharana addressing the occasion said that fortunately or unfortunately there are efficient systems of piracy in creating software in the country.

“When I visited the Government Leaders Forum organized by the Microsoft recently in Indonesia, one of their main conditions to come into the country to help our IT sector was that all Microsoft based Software in the country should be licensed.

I said though it is a hard task and we would walk in that direction which is concerned on protecting intellectual rights,” he said.

“Only 0.13% from the budget is allocated to the Science and Technology sector in the country and it is way behind comparing to the other countries in the region. We have been lagging behind in the fields of Microelectronics, Nanotechnology which would be the future of science and technology that would help play a major role in the development of the country,” he said.

The National Higher Education Management Information System (NHEMIS) was launched by the Higher Education Ministry to provide information for planning, monitoring and evaluation for the entire higher education sector along with the technical assistance of the German Government.

While hosted by the Ministry, the system will cover information of the higher education sector such as Universities, Technical Schools, Vocational Training Institutions, Private Higher Education Institutes, Labour Market information and Cross Border Education where the system finally produces national level indicators.

Ministry's spokesman Mr.U. E. Perera said that the NHEMIS is a component of the IRQUE Project which is aimed at improving relevance and quality of undergraduate education in Sri Lankan universities.

"The IRQUE Project is implemented through Policy Planning and Development Unit (PPDU) of the Ministry and supports the government's long term tertiary education reform programme by enhancing institutional capacities to achieve greater relevance and quality in undergraduate programmes and contributes to building human capital as a key factor in poverty reduction," he said.

The technical assistance for the setting up of NHEMIS was provided by the German government along with their counterpart in Sri Lanka, the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC).

Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), currently in a termination phase, and operating with a few staff in Norway, said in their website that all documents and data-files produced during SLMM operation in Sri Lanka will be deposited with National Archives of Norway. Public will be barred access to sensitive information, according to SLMM.
"Parallel to the accounts and audits, a major part of the termination process is to contribute towards an accurate historical documentation of the SLMM throughout the whole period, both in order to complement the resource accounts, and to provide first and authoritative factual information for the future, not least as source material for researchers, evaluators, politicians, and others," the website said.

A Resource Report, on the annual accounts and statistics, covering the total Nordic resource allocations to the SLMM throughout the mission period, an Experience Report, accounting the experiences made – lessons learned – from the SLMM, a Historical Web, replacing the current web site displaying a collection of all official SLMM documents, and a Historical Archive, containing the complete collection of all SLMM files and documents from the mission period, including the case files, are to be produced at the end of the termination exercise, the SLMM said.

The termination process carried out by the SLMM headquarters is to be concluded by October, and the reports ready in November 2008.

The five Nordic governments and majority of the monitors who served with the mission, are participating in the exercise, the website said.

The Indian Coast Guard (CG) has intensified its patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Palk Straits in the wake of recent incidents of alleged firing by Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishing boats.

All political parties in Tamil Nadu wanted the Centre to take action against the 'indiscriminate firing' by Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen.

At least four fishermen were killed in such firings in the last fortnight.

The Coast Guard on Thursday handed over five Sri Lankan fishermen who were apprehended by them near Krishnapattinam coast on June 21 for poaching into Indian waters.

The fishermen along with the boat were handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy today with the island government requesting their repatriation, the release added.

Meanwhile the MDMK, an ally of the main Opposition AIADMK, will hold a day-long fast at Rameswaram on July 27 condemning the killing of innocent Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fast, to be presided over by MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, was an effort to mobilise people's support to condemn the Union Government for its failure to take steps to prevent such incidents.

The fast would be inaugurated by Party Treasurer M Kannappan.

Observing the killing of fishermen inside the Indian territory had become the order of the day, Mr Vaiko, in a statement here said the Congress-led UPA Government Centre and its allies should take responsibility for such incidents.

He alleged that the direct and indirect support given to Sri Lanka by the Indian Government had emboldened the Lankan Navy to indulge in such attacks.

Mr Vaiko appealed to the MDMK workers to turn up in large numbers for the fast.

A watch making shop on Justice Akbar Mawatha caught fire this morning and was completely gutted.

Police water canon carriers parked near by sprung into action and put out the fire before the fire brigade could reach the area.

Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has said that a VIP is given state security only in consideration of recommendations by intelligence services.
Special bodyguards cannot be provided at request, he said, when we inquired him about the unequal security given to main candidates at the polls for the North Central Province.
UNP candidate retired Major General Janaka Perera told the media yesterday (July 18th ) that he was yet to be given any security.
However, UPFA candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake has been given 70 personnel, the ex-military officer has alleged.
Minister Yapa said that an independent assessment of intelligence reports would decide requirements of VIP security.
"Even though I am a minister, I do not have army protection. I only have ministerial security personnel," he said.
Noting that he was the person who had defeated the LTTE when it tried to recapture Jaffna, Retired Maj. Gen. Perera said that the decision of the army and police intelligence was that he was under threats from the Tigers.
"The inability to provide security was officially intimated to me by ASP Dehideniya who came to my house on July 03rd," he said.
The UPFA's former chief minister has 30 soldiers, including a captain, 28 police and 12 civil defence force personnel, the UNP candidate said.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media today, head of the UNP Media Unit Lakshman Kiriella alleged the government was adopting a silent approach towards the safety of the party candidate.

Since August 01, Sri Lanka government has revoked the import tax concessions for seven commodities that had been provided to the expatriate workers returning to Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, Air conditioners of all kinds, refrigerators of over 500 liter capacity with two or more doors, dish washers, deep freezers, four hearth cookers, automatic washing machines and 29” and 32” television sets cannot be purchased duty by returning expatriate workers under circular numbered BD/MISC/2008 issued on July 09.

The Customs Department says that the ban was imposed by the Ministry of Finance which comes under the direct purview of President Mahinda Rajapakse in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.

Mahinda Chinthana election manifesto of the current President stated, “I deeply appreciate the contribution made to our economy by those who go abroad for employment. Several schemes will therefore be formulated to provide the maximum benefits to those who work abroad.”

It further says, “The duty free allowance p resently available for returnees from employment abroad will be increased to US$ 5,000. Laws will be amended to allow the use of this facility during the first 6 months from the date of returning to Sri Lanka.”

Lanka-e-News learns that the government has taken this measure on the request of the duty free shop owners.

A photocopy of the Customs Department circular is shown herewith.

Sri Lanka embassy of Kuwait has lost Rs. 145 million due to an act of Foreign Relations Division of the Foreign Employment Bureau.
The disputed income was derived from the process of signing contracts between the foreign employment agencies and the employers. The embassy levied Dinar 07 each per contract and later increased it to Dinar 10. Around 36,000 Sri Lankans arrive in Kuwait as workers each year and the income through contracts is Dinar 360,000 that equals to Rs. 145 million.

Kuwaiti government has introduced a new contract agreement signed between Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, Judiciary Ministry and Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau. Under the new scheme no levy is charged for signing contracts.
Lanka-e-News learns that the Kuwaiti government officials were prompted to make new regulations since the Director of Foreign Relations of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau rejected to approve the documents submitted by three officials of the Kuwaiti Home Ministry to obtain the services of Sri Lankan house maids. The Sri Lankan official rejected to approve the documents twice and insisted that they should be submitted to the Sri Lanka Embassy.

In retaliation, the Kuwaiti officers suspended issuing visa for Sri Lankan workers for several days and a new agreement was introduced so as the Sri Lanka embassy of Kuwait lost the above mentioned income.

Reserving a room is now easier and fuss-free thanks to Riverina Hotel's new reservation system which guarantees immediate confirmation. Guests can simply log on to the hotel's official website http://www.riverinahotel.com and book rooms in the convenience and safety of their homes.

This new addition to Riverina Hotel's customer service offerings is their way of ensuring that guests are serviced as early as the booking process. With a 14-day view of room availability shown in real time, the system also provides visitors the option to choose rooms according to their budget and preference. A minimal deposit payment of 10% guarantees that the room is available and ready upon the guest's arrival. This deposit is later on deducted from the total room cost.

After the transaction an email is sent which also serves as the guest's confirmation.

When vacation calls, answer it with a stay at Riverina Hotel in Sri Lanka. Located just right on the shores of Beruwela Beach, the hotel combines a perfect blend of Asian hospitality, a bevy of amenities, and cosy accommodation. Take a plunge in the swimming pool, try a relaxing massage, or take the kids to the games room. Riverina Hotel in Beruwela offers guests an array of exciting facilities to make every vacation a memorable one. For more details, visit http://www.riverinahotel.com

Riverina Hotel's latest service is made available through DirectWithHotels, an online reservations specialist that helps accommodation providers worldwide make the most of their official hotel websites for increased occupancy and profit.

Japan's Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is considering visiting Sri Lanka, India and Uzbekistan for eight days from Aug. 1, informed sources said Friday.
In India, Komura intends to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee to confirm the two countries' efforts for an early conclusion of their economic partnership agreement.

Komura also hopes to lay the groundwork for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's planned visit to Japan by the end of this year.

In Sri Lanka, Komura plans to attend a summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that will be held in Colombo, the country's biggest city.

SARRC consists of eight South Asian countries including India and Pakistan. Japan has taken part in its summits as an observer since last year with such countries as the United States, China and South Korea.

If South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan attends the summit, Komura may hold talks with him.

In Uzbekistan, Komura plans to meet with Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov, with the two expected to agree to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Since Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda may reshuffle his cabinet in late July at the earliest, however, a senior Foreign Ministry official said the plans are still fluid.

The Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee has named sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe as the leader of the 2008 Sri Lankan Olympic team traveling to Beijing, China on August 5th.
Susanthika will lead the Sri Lankan team of eight -- three men and four women. She will be carrying the Sri Lankan flag at the opening ceremony.
The other women of the team include badminton player Thilini Jayasinghe, javelin thrower Nadeeka Lakmali and swimmer Mayumi Raheem. Shooter E.M. Senanayake, boxer Anuruddha Ratnayake and swimmer Daniel Lee will be participating for men’s team.
Sri Lanka is pinning hopes on Susanthika to bring home the gold this time. She won a bronze at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 for women's 200 meters, her pet event. The sprint queen was recently felicitated by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Most Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year.

Multi pronged offensives at LTTE defences in the Wanni and Jaffna continued yesterday (July 17) leading Sri Lankan armed forces further closer to their final objective. According to the finalized military reports received from Wanni and Jaffna battlefronts at least 18 terrorists were killed, 27 wounded and 22 more were either killed or wounded. Also, 4 soldiers laid down their lives on the battlefield, one reported missing and 9 others bore wounds during these battles fought to liberate the motherland.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, troops launched attacks at LTTE bunkers located in the Ponnar and Muhamalai areas in 4 separate occasions during the day. However, the exact details of terror casualties of these incidents were not available. Meanwhile, a sniper deployed in the Muhamalai forward defence line (FDL) confirmed shooting down of one LTTE cadre last morning.

In the Wanni theatre of operations, victorious troops of the Task Force 1 marched further northwards along the northwestern coast on the Mannar-Vavuniya combined warfront and halted 3km south Iluppaikkaddavai. Separately, soldiers of the same force removed 21 anti personnel (AP) mines while clearing Echchalarakkai area.

Meanwhile, troops of 57 division (Div) operating at the central part of the Vavuniya- Mannar front continued to dominate South of Tunukkai terror stronghold. During their march troops attacked a group of LTTE cadres detected in the area last evening and claimed 9 terrorists were wounded while a soldier was reported missing. Later, radio monitoring sources revealed 2 terrorists were killed in this incident.

Separately, 57 Div troops operating in the Pandiyankulam area confronted with a group of terrorists in the same evening and claimed 2 terrorists killed and few others wounded. Troops also, collected 2 bodies of slain LTTE cadres along with 2 T-56 weapons. Later, radio monitoring sources confirmed that 3 LTTE cadres were wounded while 2 reported missing in the incident.

A sniper deployed in the Oddankulama area claimed that one terrorist was killed during the evening hours.

Meanwhile, troops of Task Force 2 operating in the eastern flank of the Vavuniya- Mannar front continued their offensives in the Palamoddai and Navvi areas along the day.

In the general area Palamoddai troops had 2 major incidents in the morning and evening. Troops attacked a group of terrorists last morning and claimed 2 terrorists were killed. During the evening hours, troops attacked a terror bunker and claimed one terrorist was either killed or wounded.

Meanwhile, troops attacked and captured 8 LTTE bunkers located in separate locations in the Navvi area during the course of the day and claimed 2 terrorists were killed and 5 others were either killed or wounded. Two soldiers were killed and 4 others suffered injuries due to an IED (improvised explosive device) on the same day evening.

At Pillaiyanankulam , Army listening post came under an attack during midnight. A soldier was killed in this incident.

Meanwhile, troops of 56 Div operating in the Vedamakilam area confronted with a group of terrorists during the morning hours and claimed 2 terrorists were killed.

On the Welioya front, troops of 59 Div continued their offensive march through the Mullaittivu and had daylong clashes with the terrorists in the North of Janakapura, North of Kiriibbanwewa, Andankulama, Nittukkai, and Vellankulama areas.

In the North of Janakapura area, troops had 7 separate confrontations with the terrorists. According to the details complied on ground and technical sources, 3 terrorists were killed, 4 wounded and 6 others were either killed or wounded. Also, troops destroyed 2 LTTE bunkers and removed 3 IEDs.

In the North of Kiriibbanwewa area, troops attacked 3 LTTE bunkers at separate incidents and claimed one terrorist was killed, 3 others wounded and 7 more were either killed or wounded.

In the general area Anadankulama, troops had four separate confrontations with the terrorists and claimed one terrorist was killed, 5 others wounded and 3 more were either killed or wounded. Also, 2 soldiers suffered injuries due to terror mortar fire in one of the confrontations occurred last morning. Troops engaged in clearing operations in the area removed 27 AP mines and 3 IEDs.

In the general area , Vellankulama, troops attacked an LTTE bunker during evening hours and claimed one terrorist was killed and 3 others wounded.

Meanwhile, in the general area Nittukkai, one soldier was killed and 3 others suffered injuries in 2 separate IED explosions occurred last morning.

Ceylon Cold Stores, makers of the popular Elephant House range of ice creams today announced that all its ice creams are fully Halal certified. CCS thus becomes Sri Lanka’s only ice cream manufacturer to market Halal certified ice creams to the country’s Muslim community.

The Halal accreditation was received from the All Ceylon Jamithul Ulama (ACJU). The official accreditation for Halal foods in Sri Lanka, the ACJU is a non-political, non-governmental national religious institution in Sri Lanka exclusively for Muslim theologians. As part of the standard practice with ACJU’s inspection process, is the verification of the source of every single ingredient which goes into the ice cream making process. This includes even the detergents for washing utensils used and the floor.

Head of Frozen Confectionary, Ceylon Cold Stores Neil Samarasinghe said, “As a responsible corporate, we are proud to serve consumers of different nationalities and religions with equal service and at all times. It has been through such innovative and wide ranging products that Elephant House has touched the hearts of thousands of local consumers, by treating them to a unique taste experience that is truly of the highest quality standards. Plans are also underway to immediately introduce our entire Halal certified range to our growing customer base in the Maldives.”

Elephant House Ice Cream markets a unique brand of ice cream in terms of taste and flavour. The Halal certification has been given to the full range of Elephant House ice cream products ranging from 500 ml to 4 litre ice cream tubs of Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Fruit and Nut, Twist and the premium range of ice creams which include Karutha Kolumban, Jugger-Nut, Cookie Cream, Toffee Caramel and Coffee Grande. Added to this is also the entire Lite range of Ice creams, the impulse range that includes 80 ml tubs of the basic flavours with Fruit and Nut and Manga Batta, together with the Jumbo Jolly range with Wonder Cone, Wonder Bars etc.

“The success of Elephant House Ice creams has been that while meeting the highest international standards, it has effectively tapped into the local taste and flavour preferences, thus clearly differentiating it from its competitors”, Samarasinghe added.

The government of Sri Lanka and its cabinet of ministers plan to conduct another discussion on Sri Lanka India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement [CEPA Agreement] which would be signed during the forth-coming SAARC Summit.
Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Cabinet has already discussed the CEPA agreement and the agreement would be strengthen trade between India and Sri Lanka. He said the Cabinet is yet to approve the proposed (CEPA) between the two countries.
Speaking at the Weekly Cabinet press briefing on Friday he said SAARC area is a biggest trade area in the Asian region.
Sri Lanka could expand their trade and help the local manufacturing sector.
However he charged a number of local and foreign NGOs and other pro-opposition allies try to spread rumors among foreign countries about Sri Lanka and said Sri Lanka is a failed state.
“I cannot accept these rumors and the government refutes it, he said.
He said at present Sri Lanka receives international donor support to conduct development process of the country.
“Sri Lanka is one of developing country which fight against the terrorism and also develop the country, he said.
“If we are in a failed state, we cannot obtain international aid, he said.
Addressing media he said bringing overseas security personnel to Sri Lanka for the security of visiting Indian Prime Minister during the SAARC summit would not underestimate Sri Lankan security forces.
The Sri Lankan government is in a fix after signing several pacts with India, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has claimed, alleging that Colombo is fulfilling its promises one by one.

Speaking to the media today, JVP's Anura Kumara Dissanayake charged that one of the accords was for the exploration of oil in the Mannar Basin to India.

An agreement was hurriedly inked and handed over to New Delhi, he said.

The second step in the government's submission is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, said the JVP MP.

Local Marxists earlier lament on SAARC leaders large security contingents especially on the Indian leader, but now they are playing another tune to support the forthcoming SAARC summit.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday JVP Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said foreign leaders could travel with their security to other country.
“It is usual thing, he said.
Explaining SAARC leaders security, he said they could bring their security staff. President Mahindha Rajapaksha also visits with his security when he travels to a foreign country. However the JVP could not accept if any leader comes with a large security contingent, he said.
He said SAARC would bring trade and investment opportunities to Sri Lanka.
“:It could boost local tourism sector as well as the business among the SAARC countries. Sri Lanka must conduct forth-coming SAARC summit in meaningful way, he said.
However the government said the bodyguards and security personnel of foreign dignitaries attending the upcoming SAARC summit would be allowed to conduct their duties undisturbed but stressed they could not meddle with state security programmes for the summit.

Western Province senior DIG Nimal Mediwaka said the government had allowed foreign security units to arrive along with foreign VIPs to carry out their duties related to the personal security of the respective state leaders.

He said the foreign VIP security units would have to declare their weapons to the local security authorities prior to their operations in Sri Lanka during the summit and they would be allowed to carry arms only after the declaration.

However the Senior DIG stressed none of these VIP security personnel of foreign dignitaries would be allowed to interfere with the local security plan designed for the security of the entire summit.

The present cost of living allowance given to public sector employees including those in public services, provincial public service and armed forces would be revised following a cabinet decision.

The cost of living allowance of Rs. 2500 paid upto 30.6.2008 would be increased by Rs. 1000 with effect from 01.07.2008 in respect of employees drawing a monthly salary of less than Rs.22, 935.

Accordingly the revised cost of living allowance for the above employees will be Rs. 3500 while the revised cost of living allowance for the employees drawing an initial monthly salary of Rs. 22,935 or above will be Rs. 2875.

Daily paid employees will be paid a daily cost of living allowance of Rs. 116.66 with effect from 01.07.2008.

The employees of the corporations' statutory boards, fully owned Government companies which do not pay a variable cost of living or similar allowance linked to the cost of living index and paid under the Management Services Circular No.30 will be paid a cost of living allowance.
The Ministry of public administration and Department of Management services issued the circulars regarding this on Wednesday.

The United Nations secretary-general is to name South African Judge Navanethem Pillay as the next U.N. human rights commissioner today, reports quoted diplomats as saying.

The daughter of a Tamil bus driver in Durban, she experienced human rights violations firsthand. Pillay earned a law degree at Harvard, but for 28 years during apartheid, she was not allowed to set foot in a judge's chambers as a lawyer because of her South Asian origins. In 1995 she became the first woman of color to become a judge on the High Court.

Pillay, born in 1941, also served as a judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda prosecuting crimes related to that nation's genocide. She presided over landmark cases in international law that established rape as a war crime, convicted a former head of state for atrocities committed during his rule and prosecuted media for inciting genocide. She has served for five years on the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

A report in Thursday’s Los Angeles Times said:

Pillay may not be as outspoken as the current commissioner, Canadian Judge Louise Arbour, who often shamed governments and leaders that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would not criticize by name.

Arbour took the forefront on issues such as the United Nations' opposition to capital punishment when Ban said he supported each state's right to decide whether to use it, and has criticized the United States for skirting international law in its fight against terrorism.

Human Rights advocates wonder whether Pillay will stand up to big powers when they violate human rights, or push her native South Africa on controversial issues, such as human rights violations in neighboring Zimbabwe and elections there that the U.N. has declared illegitimate. "The challenge for her will be to use the bully pulpit and be a strong advocate for human rights," said Kenneth Roth, the executive director of Human Rights Watch. "As a judge, she has no experience with that." But Pillay's colleagues say that she has her own firm, discreet way of achieving results, a quality that fits well with Ban's philosophy of behind-the-scenes persuasion.

Train services suspended between Slave Island and Fort due to the tensed situation after the UDA disregarded a Supreme Court order and went ahead to demolish what they called 'unauthorized' houses on Friday evening resumed after a two hour delay.

The tension continues, though the trains resumed and more army has been sent into the area. The Ruhunu Kumari train which left Maradana Friday evening for Matara was blocked at Slave Island by protestors whose homes were demolished by the UDA this morning.
The officials of Urban Development Authority (UDA) assisted by a riot police squad demolished the houses of Glenny Passage in Slave Island ignoring the interim injunction of the Supreme Court issued this morning (18).

The Supreme Court order was informed to UDA after eight houses were demolished but the temporarily stopped demolition was restarted with riot police guard using back haws later. UDA officials said they were not aware of a Supreme Court ruling.

UDA did not allow the residents to remove their belongings and demolished the houses using back haws. The residents attempted to stop the action amidst riot police attacks of tear gas.

The angered residents removed the sleepers of the railway track in Slave Island in protest of demolishing their homes of almost five decades temporarily bringing the railway traffic to a halt temporarily. People were blaming the government and police and police were seen armed with batons and shields.

Lawyers brought certified copies to the scene and showed the UDA officials, but they were not willing to accept the order claiming it had not been officially communicated to them.

A leading English paper “Daily Mirror” said the UDA officials assaulted Daily Mirror Journalists when they were in their duty at the Slave Island. The Slave Island police have deployed two teams to probe the assault on Daily Mirror journalist Yohan Perera while he was covering the incident involving shanty dwellers in Slave Island on Friday. A police guard has also been provided for him at the hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Chamber of Construction Industry which represents all stakeholders of the domestic construction industry drawn from both public and private sectors ranging from large multinational corporations to micro enterprises, satisfied a long felt need of the industry by publishing the first ever construction industry catalogue. This was another initiative launched by the Chamber towards enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of the domestic construction industry. The construction industry trade catalogue has become a technical reference document for the industry professional. It reflects the capacity of the domestic construction industry to foreign investors, multidisciplinary consultants, contractors, multilateral and bilateral donors among other stakeholders. It provides vendors of construction related goods and services with a most cost effective channel of reaching their targeted clients and customers, said CEO of the CCI, Dakshitha Talgodapitiya.


He said the 2008 edition of this catalogue will have a free of charge circulation of 5000 copies that will be received by stakeholders of the domestic construction industry, diplomatic, consular and other representatives in Sri Lanka, multilateral banks and donor agencies, international non-governmental agencies and Sri Lankan missions abroad among others.


The 2008 version is more comprehensive and is expected to be encyclopedic in terms of listing products and services across the total spectrum of the market.


In view of the Chambers’ role as a focal point for promotion of export of construction related professional services, contracting capacities and other construction inputs, Chamber will facilitate circulation of this publication to targeted export markets in the Gulf region with special reference to the State of Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain.


The catalogues’ maiden publication in the year 2006 has attracted commendations from both statutory authorities and the market as being on par with similar international publications of this nature. Construction Industry Trade Catalogue 2008 is expected to be released in the month of November 2008.

The Government today said that the Cabinet is yet to approve the proposed Sri Lanka India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) between the two countries.

WANNI: FATIGUE AND EXHAUST in the battlefront does not serve a bar to the advancing troops in the WANNI sector as troops continued their northward advance smashing Tiger defences and their hideouts for another day on Thursday (17).

Confrontations and attacks in THUNUKKAI, PANDIYANKULAM, ODDANKULAM, PALLAIMADU, PILLAYANAMKULAM and THIRAVU areas in VAVUNIYA and north of JANAKAPURA, KIRIIBBANWEWA, ANDANKULAM and VELLAMKULAM in the WELIOYA sector saw nineteen Tiger terrorists killed and about forty injured during Thursday (17).

At least eleven LTTE bunkers, including eight bunkers in NAVVI were smashed in those areas in WELIOYA and VAVUNIYA during the day, giving a further setback to the Tiger operations. Similarly explosion of Improvise Explosion Devices (IED) and clashes in those areas claimed the lives of five soldiers and injured about ten fighting soldiers. One soldier during a confrontation in THUNUKKAI who had gone missing is yet to be married up with the troops.

Troops serving those areas at the same time conducted search and clearing operations in VAVUNIYA, JAFFNA, MANNAR, WELIOYA and several other areas and found four T-56 weapons, three LTTE dead bodies, six hand grenades, three LTTE ICOM sets, two detonators, twenty- one anti personnel mines from MADU and ERACHCHALARNI and packets of dry rations and medical items.

Meanwhile, seven more civilians under LTTE threat arrived in THIRUKKANDAL, MANNAR on Thursday (17) at about 3.00 p.m. in search of protection and safety.

They were directed to IDP centre in MANNAR for temporary settlement.

A tense situation has erupted in Slave Island as authorities demolish unauthorized shanties located near the railway track.The demolition of the unauthorized buildings in Slave Island has been resumed. The UDA claims to not have received any written notification for suspension.
However the demolition of unauthorized buildings in Slave Island was suspended following a stay order by the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka's leading English daily - Daily Mirror said its journalist Yohan Perera and staff photographer Pradeep Dilrukshana have been assaulted by officials of the Urban Development Authority(UDA) while they were at the Slave Island demolition site covering the incident.

Shops remained closed today (July 18th) in Chenkalady town in Eravur, Batticaloa to protest the murder of a youth, whose body was found from a land where the EPDP has an office.

Shops and houses in the area hoisted white flags to mourn the death of Devadasan Suresh Kumar, who had been running a foreign employment agency in the town.

The 35-year-old father of two was abducted by a group that came in a white van on June 19th near a filling station in Chenkaladi.

Several EPDP activists, including a Pradeshiya Sabha member, have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Acting on information given by the suspects, authorities dug up a vegetable garden at the EPDP land and found the body.

Suresh Kumar's father identified the body.

The EPDP, led by Minister Douglas Devananda and a partner of the present regime, has been accused of several incidents of kidnappings, murders and extortions.

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued an Indian national who had been under LTTE custody since 2003 with other seven Sri Lankan Tamils while they were fleeing to India on a boat last Wednesday, July 16. The SL Navy patrolling craft intercepted the boat carrying these escapees near Talaimannar on Wednesday morning.

The Indian National, Selvam Sudesh Kannan (28) resident in Madras, who was said to have come to Sri Lanka with other 3 Indian Nationals on 19th January 2003 and went to Kilinochchi as to visit "one of his crew members' relative there ".

Describing his ordeal Kannan said that they had been arrested on 21st January 2003 and kept under LTTE custody while on their way to Kilinochchi. "we had been kept in a torture camp in Kilinochchi and over 150 people were kept under their custody in this camp", Kanna added.

After years in custody, on February 2008, he had been released and assigned duties in terror garage located Mundanpiddi, Kilinochchi. "As the LTTE outfit running short of cadres to occupy their defences, the people hold torture camps under LTTE custody were released and assigned for various duties, sometimes in the defence lines too", Kannan further said.

According to the Kannan, with the help of Lankan Tamils, he has decided to escape the outfit but he was not aware of the fate of three other Indians as the LTTE terrorist had taken them to separate areas..

Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up their search operations from Delft to Talaimannar to prevent supplies to the LTTE and to block the terror escaping routes, Navy sources said.

Sri Lanka Air Force carried out two consecutive air raids targeting LTTE heavy weapon deployment and LTTE logistic boats in the Mullaittiuvu lagoon area this morning, July 18.

Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, speaking to defence.lk said that SLAF fighter jets raided LTTE's heavy weapon deployment in 2km west of Mullaittiuvu lagoon around 6.10 a.m.

Further speaking he added that the second air bombardment carried out around 6.20 a.m targeting 3 large-scale LTTE logistic boats at Mullaittiuvu lagoon. Citing the pilots, spokesperson confirmed that 2 boats were completely destroyed while the other is still in flames.

South Asian leaders meeting in Sri Lanka next month should agree to slash Telecom tariffs in their countries to promote inter-regional trade, a policy think-tank said on Wednesday.
Regional policy group LIRNEasia said reducing call costs between members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) would encourage trade and improve business links between the countries.

LIRNEasia executive director, Rohan Samarajiva said calls between member and mostly neighbouring countries were often much more expensive than telephoning nations much further away such as the United States.

"It's amazing that, neighbouring SAARC countries cost 40 to 50 percent more than the distant USA," said Samarajiva, referring to calls from Sri Lanka.

Colombo is hosting the 15th eight-nation SAARC summit on August 1 and 2.

"It would, indeed, have been a useful talk shop that broke the monopoly on cheap talk, currently enjoyed by the leaders of SAARC," he said of the meet.

"And once the people start talking and interacting and doing business, who knows what could follow, real regional cooperation, even?"

LIRNEasia conducted a study of telecom charges in SAARC members Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Calls were cheapest in Pakistan, where fixed and mobile phone users pay three US cents a minute 5 to call many non-SAARC destinations, including the United States and Hong Kong.

But users pay 12 US cents to call Bangladesh and India.

In India, calls cost 17 US cents to Sri Lanka, the United States, Britain and Canada. But callers pay 28 US cents to other SAARC countries.

The forthcoming SAARC Summit in Colombo must direct its regulatory authorities to lower call charges for international traffic, said Samarajiva.

Overseas call charges are fixed by individual operators and tariffs depend largely on the rates they negotiate with foreign operators, the study said.

Set up in 1985, SAARC has been criticised for achieving little - mostly because of tensions between key members, rivals India and Pakistan.

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has told the Government to refute its claims that the JVP had links with the LTTE. Unless this was done the JVP will call off its plans to protest against the LTTE's proposed Black July commemoration rallies to be held in foreign capitals.

He was addressing the inaugural JVP provincial election rally held in Anuradhapura on Wednesday.

Soon it would dawn on the people as to who had petted the LTTE. The Government was not interested in serving the people in the province but their ambition was to retain power with them, Somawansa said.

"We are compelled to talk about whether to return a set of rogues to rule the province or elect honest people. Rajapaksa is also doing the same thing that JR did".

He further said Rajapaksa won the Presidential election using Parliament. Later using both parliamentary and presidential power he won the provincial elections. This is Rajapaksas secret formula He questioned to why Rajapakse does not conduct all provincial elections together.

The Government has two gangs which it takes to places wherever elections are held.One gang resorts to thuggery while the other gang rigs the voting.People are fed up of elections. When they go to the polling booth they realize that their vote had already been cast. On many occasions there were more ballot papers in the box than the registered number of voters at a particular voting centre, Somawansa claimed.

The United National Party's chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council Major General Janaka Perera plans to seek legal redress for government's failure to provide him official security.

He told The Island yesterday that his main rival Berty Premalal Dissanayake of the UPFA had been provided security by the Police, Army and Home Guards.

He had sought security from the IGP, DIG and the Elections Commissioner but to no avail. The UNP too sought security for Major General Perera but it failed to get any response even from the Government.

The Major General said that the Police had informed him that his life was at threats from the LTTE. "I have no other alternative but to seek legal redress", he said.

Meanwhile, on comments that UNP chief ministerial candidate for the Sabaragamuwa Province Ranjan Ramanayake is an outsider contesting in the province, Ramanayake said that he is not an outsider but a Sri Lankan. "I have every right to contest anywhere in Sri Lanka" he said.

Some sections of the Public Health Sector were plotting to privatize the blood platelet service by giving the impression through media that outdated blood platelet bags are used in blood transfusions, the All Ceylon Medical Officers’ Association (ACMOA) said in a press release and appealed to the public to help maintain the National Blood Bank.

They were trying to show that the National Blood Bank at Narahenpita was facing a crisis as there was a shortfall in the number of blood donors deliberately ignoring the fact that about 90 percent of the blood received was donated by various voluntary and social service organizations, the release said.

Since the people believe that blood donation was an act of merit and as the employees were actively encouraging blood donors the blood transfusion system of our country had been highly evaluated by the World Health Organization. But the National Blood Transfusion Bill drafted by the Minister of Healthcare proves the point that there was a conspiracy to privatize the National Blood Bank by trying to create an artificial crisis. Therefore the ACMOA will make every effort to defeat the conspiracy of a section of the Public Health Service and the Minister of Healthcare aimed at privatization, the release said.

Four activists of the National Freedom Front (NFF), the breakaway group of the JVP were set upon by a gang of ten JVP members including an Ambalantota Pradeshya Sabha member when they were engaged in pasting posters.

The NFF in a release issued yesterday said the incident occurred around 9.45 pm on Wednesday near Nonagama junction and a complaint had been lodged with the Hungama Police.

Organisers of a recent annual dance of a prominent Colombo club who had hired a group of local girls to dance in the nude had not anticipated the possibility of someone taking photographs and putting them on the net.
Although the name of the club suggests that it represents a particular community, none of its members had been involved in organising the event. The dance was organised at a hotel which has been mentioned in a high profile litigation in which a former VVIP was made a respondent.

This Government is trying to win the Sabaragamuwa and North Central province elections too in the manner in which it won the Eastern Provincial Council elections - by thuggery; intimidation and obstruction of voters; vote rigging; ballot stuffing and violence, said Leader of Opposition and UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe at a meeting convened at the UNP office at Polonnaruwa.
It has become the cruel practice of this government to hold up all its unending imposition of hardships on people until after elections, and then continue the regular and rapid tax, tariff and price hikes. Therefore, it is the people who can teach this government a lesson. So, do not give in to government pressures using hooligans, violence and intimidation.

Wickremesinghe called upon all not to allow the He urged everyone not to be misled by the government’s tricks and treacheries this time. People need not be reminded as to how this government wins elections, and how it runs the government., he added.

Now, the biggest problem facing the people is living and livelihood. Not only people have no peace, they also have no money, no food and their children have no proper education. It is impossible to think of even one aspect where this government has made a contribution to the development of the country or the improvement of people’s living standards.

Sri Lanka is now classified among the ‘failed States ’. The inflation is the highest at 33% in the region, worse than even the poor country, Bangladesh. Human rights violations have hit the peak level. Crimes, violence, abductions, lawlessness and corruption are rapidly increasing. These are the ‘achievements’ of this government for the people.

When the Media tries to expose the government’s wrongs and misdeeds, they are murdered, intimidated, assaulted or abducted. If the Workers demand wage hikes, they too are assaulted or intimidated. If people and Bhikkus demonstrate their protests against government atrocities, they are tear gassed, attacked and chased away using the Police or underworld state supporters. This is how the government is trying to solve the countries and people’s problems, he bemoaned.
Government to win elections by deceits and tricks, because it knows it cannot win otherwise. The UNP‘s plan is to develop the area which has been neglected by the state, he exhorted.

Club Palm Garden in Beruwela announces its newly-improved official website, http://www.clubpalmgardenhotel.com, where guests can now place their reservations and receive instant confirmation after a nominal deposit payment.

The new reservation system is easy to use and provides ample information about the resort's room types and facilities. It also presents a 14-day calendar that allows guests to check the room availability for the duration of their stay. Moreover, the gives instant confirmation once a deposit payment has been made online to secure the reservation.

Located in Beruwela, Sri Lanka, Club Palm Garden Hotel is a member of the Confifi Group of Hotels. It offers 140 rooms, sports facilities, and dining and entertainment venues. To know more about the resort's facilities, location, and other useful information, point your browser to their official website, http://www.clubpalmgardenhotel.com.

This new development in Club Palm Garden's website was made possible by Direct With Hotels. The company makes life easier for accommodation providers by supplying an efficient online reservation system that attracts more guests. By giving guests access to helpful hotel information, better rates, and providing instant confirmation, Direct With Hotels helps improve the profitability of accommodation providers.

With a new online reservation system on their website, booking rooms with Eden Resort & Spa has never been easier and more convenient. Guests can just log on the hotel's website at http://www.edenresortandspa.com to book one of the spacious and cozy rooms and get instant confirmation.

The system also features a 14-day view of actual room availability which affords guests the control of choosing rooms according to their budget and predilection. Not only that, with a minimal payment of 10% which is later on deducted from the total room cost, guests are assured that the room they reserved is available and ready when they arrive.

Welcome to Eden Resort & Spa where guests are offered a world of luxury and indulgent pampering. Nestled within verdant green lawns, a stay here puts guests alongside the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean and the golden sands of the Beruwela Beach. Each room is spacious and well-appointed with amenities for a cozy stay and peaceful slumber.

Lazy summer days at the beach getting a tan are passé as Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) is marketing the country as an adventure destination with adventure seekers being identified as a potential growth market.

“Adventurous holidays are a rapidly growing trend in global tourism and an increasing number of travellers are seeking out new adventures like Sri Lanka having done the usual African Safaris,” said SLTPB Managing Director, Dileep Mudadeniya.


"The adventure tag fits in very well to Sri Lanka given the number of fantastic adventure and wildlife activities we have on offer," he said.

Sri Lanka is a land where you can glimpse a wild elephant, gaze at the pristine grace of a leopard, see a nesting turtle lay its eggs on the beach or witness the dazzling display of peacock feathers. The country is blessed with an abundance of natural diversity despite its small size. This astounding diversity is largely due to its dramatically different terrains ranging from coastal plains to hill country and lush rainforests to arid dry zones.

Large areas rich in flora and fauna are conserved in 13 national parks across the country and over 100 other protected areas. This is not surprising given the country’s 2000-year old history of conservation. What was probably the world’s first wildlife sanctuary was created here in 3rd Century BC.

A trip to Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks is memorable as one is greeted by the sounds of numerous birdcalls. As you enter a park with an expert tracker in a four-wheel drive vehicle, the jungle comes alive with a myriad sights, sounds and motions.



As the vehicle bumps along rutty jungle tracks, the scenery is constantly changing. Monkeys scamper across the path casting anxious glances at the vehicle. A peacock slowly opens its plumage and strikes up a regal pose for the cameras. A cuddly white rabbit hops into view, stops and looks enquiringly and disappears among the foliage just as quickly.

Wildlife and nature conservation in Sri Lanka has a long history. The country’s traditional law has reference to forests where the felling of timber is prohibited. Ancient Sri Lanka also had reservoirs built in the forests so that wild animals would not need to enter human settlements in search of water.

There are many tanks and waterways in and around the wildlife parks of Sri Lanka and there are plenty of crocodiles in the water. Water Monitors, Iguanas and a variety of lizards also inhabit the jungles of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has more than 950,000 hectares of national parks, sanctuaries and nature reserves. Popular among them are the Bundala National Park, Horton Plains, Kumana Bird Park, Sinharaja Forest, Wasgomuwa National Park, Wilpattu National Park and Yala National Park and the Habarana Safari Park.

Large and small herds of elephants are a common sight at the Yala National Park. It also has the largest leopard population in Sri Lanka. Common also are large herds of Spotted Deer and Sambhar, Wild Buffalo, bears and different species of monkey are also in plenty.

Among the primates are several species of monkeys including the macaque and the large-eyed loris. The scaly pangolin can also be spotted along with wild buffalo, giant squirrel, wild boar, jungle cat and the cat-like palm quivet.

The wildlife parks are also home to a variety of birds. Peacocks, painted storks, herons, parrots, spoonbills, bee-eaters, hornbills, woodpeckers and many more of over 450 species of birds can be observed. Some of them are migrant and seasonal. The Siberian duck for instance fly away from the winter to the moderate climate in Sri Lanka. Twenty-six species of birds are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Apart from birds, the other brilliantly coloured creatures seen flying in the island’s skies are over 250 species of butterfly, most of them found in the foothills up to about 900 metres.


Sri Lanka also has an intriguing number of creatures that slither, swim or jump, with 54 species of freshwater fish, and a variety of frogs and reptiles.

In addition, there are 3,350 species of flowering plans, lush tropical fruits, majestic tall trees, lush undergrowth, and rare orchids and medicinal plants.

Wildlife trips offering tourists up-close views of nature's beauty and beasts in their natural habitat are a fast-growing niche and form part of Sri Lanka’s eco-tourism industry. The animals, despite being wild, aren't prone to attack and even though game-hunting draws tourists to certain countries, in Sri Lanka, guests shoot with their cameras and not their rifles.

Boston.com
PARTISANS of human rights have been rightly outraged this year by the behavior of ruthless regimes in Burma, Zimbabwe, and Sudan. But when the government of Sri Lanka was stripped of its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council this spring - a body that includes Saudi Arabia, Cuba, and Russia among its members - hardly anyone noticed, outside of the small community of human-rights organizations.

This inattention has a price. It means there is scant outside pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse to protect civilians caught up in a vicious war between the army and separatist guerrillas known as the Tamil Tigers. Tamil civilians in the northern Jaffna peninsula are exposed to indiscriminate bombing and artillery shelling, and a strict army pass system keeps much of the civilian population from escaping.

Human Rights Watch has called on the government to stop the arbitrary detention of Tamil civilians, who have been held in a kind of concentration camp in the north. "The Sri Lankan government shouldn't treat civilians as criminals just because they're fleeing a conflict area," said a recent statement from the group's Asia director.

China and competing Asian powers India and Pakistan could help end the conflict. But they have been more interested in doing business in Sri Lanka and securing geopolitical influence there - just as they have in Burma and elsewhere. The solution to Sri Lanka's conflict must be political, not military. Rajapakse should be encouraged to strike a deal that grants Tamils substantial autonomy in their own homeland areas. If not, the war will drag on, and Sri Lanka's government may find itself classified alongside the regimes in Burma, Zimbabwe, and Sudan as an international pariah.

STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Thursday that an ethnic Tamil man denied asylum in Britain could not be sent back to his native Sri Lanka because he would be at risk of torture there.

The ruling could have implications for hundreds of other Tamils trying to avoid expulsion from Britain to Sri Lanka.

Thursday's ruling centred on a 33-year-old man who sought asylum in Britain in 1999 citing fears of ill-treatment by the Sri Lankan authorities, who had detained him six times in seven years on suspicion of involvement with the rebel Tamil Tigers.

The man had been released without charge every time. He was ill-treated during at least one of his detentions and his legs bear scars from being beaten with batons.

The man also feared the Tigers because his father had done some work for the Sri Lankan army, which has been fighting the rebels for 25 years in a civil war estimated to have killed 70,000 people.

The European Court of Human Rights said it had received an increasing number of petitions from ethnic Tamils facing expulsion to Sri Lanka from Britain and it had asked British authorities to suspend 342 procedures pending rulings.

Fighting has intensified in the north of Sri Lanka after the army, which has vowed to finish off the Tigers this year, drove the rebels out of their eastern enclave in 2007.

The Tigers, fighting for an independent state for the ethnic Tamil minority in predominantly Sinhalese Sri Lanka, regularly retaliate with suicide attacks.

In its ruling, the European Court of Human Rights "took note of the current climate of general violence in Sri Lanka", according to a summary posted on the court's website.

Government of Sri Lanka plans to launch a special security programme during the forthcoming SAARC Summit.
This security plan will be kicked off from 26th of this month to 4th August.
According to the programme four high security zones will be set up to launch this programme.
However Indian security authorities also decided to provide special security for their leaders during the Summit.
In last week News wire services said India, Pakistan and the Afgan government would send helicopters to protect their leaders and provide better air transport.
In addition, New Delhi is to deploy three warships armed with the latest equipment, including anti-missile systems, in the Sri Lankan waters for the duration of the SAARC summit a the BMICH.
Times of India newspaper said on Thursday the Indian security plan will cover the Indian Prime Minister and his entourage from the much-feared LTTE.

With national security adviser M K Narayanan personally looking into the issue due to the "high threat perception" from the LTTE, hectic consultations are on between India and Sri Lanka to ensure fool-proof security arrangements. As the Tamil Tigers are known to use suicide bombers, there can be no room for mistakes, the newspaper said.

The Times of India report quoted sources as saying that the prime minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG) contingent would be much larger this time as compared to the his other foreign visits.
According to the local Police Official Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimal Mediwaka , proposed security programme of the country would cover Katunayake International Airport and BMICH .
He said the staff officers who work in the institutions which come under these security zones will be allowed to enter their respective premises when they produce the official identity card to the security forces. Accordingly employees of institutions in the high security zone will be provided a special identity card.
The coastal Railway Services will be restricted up to Bambalapitiya Station. Bus Services will be provided from Bambalapitiya to the rest of the places.

The Katunayake- Colombo main road will be temporarily closed when the leaders of the SAARC countries when they visit to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the closure of Fort Railway Station, as described in the news media, was a blatant lie.

He said there was no decision taken by the government to close the station and the fact that it was false information came to light last morning. He also said that 75 per cent of the SAARC budget amounting to nearly Rs. 2,880 million is reserved for the provision of security for the visiting heads of state.

In addition, New Delhi is to deploy three warships armed with the latest equipment, including anti-missile systems, in the Sri Lankan waters for the duration of the SAARC summit a the BMICH.

Globally popular local politician Labour Minister Mervyn Silva plans to initiate an insurance scheme for the journalists in Sri Lanka.
“This would protect the journalists and the media freedom of the country, he said at a press briefing held in Colombo.
Speaking to media on Wednesday he said that it is important for the journalists.
He said some journalists were attacked by certain elements. He stressed that the government is committed to safe guard the media freedom. But certain elements are trying to violate the media freedom.
He pointed out most of journalists were attacked and recent attack was on ITN journalists. Recently, 2 journalists from Independent Television Network were attacked opposite the UNP head Office.
“We condemned this types of attacks, he said.
However a number of local and international media watch dogs criticized Minister Silva’s behavior on some media institutions.
He was also assaulted at an incident in State own television complex due to a verbal dispute.

Following a significant victory over the LTTE terrorists by capturing the LTTE's main sea tiger base in the western coast, army troops continuing their offensive march further into LTTE dominated areas inflecting damages to the enemy, the finalized military report received from the battlefront said. 22 terrorists were killed, 33 wounded and 15 others reportedly either killed or wounded due to the clashes reported in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya theaters of ballet yesterday, July 16, the report stated.

In Jaffna theatre of battle, 2 LTTE terrorists were killed by the army snipers deployed in Kattiyaratan and Muhamalai areas.

In Wanni theatre, Vavuniya front, clashes between security forces and terrorists were reported from Periyamarailuppai, Kuttimulai, Pandiyankulam, Palaimoddai and Navvi areas, the report said.

Troops ambushed an LTTE movement in general area Periyamarailuppai killing 4 LTTE terrorists. Meanwhile, in a separate confrontation took place in Kuttimulai 2 more LTTE terrorists were killed. A soldier suffered injuries due to LTTE retaliation was admitted to the Ampara hospital. In another confrontation took place in last afternoon in general area Pandiyankulam, 4 LTTE terrorists received injuries, ground troops confirmed.

Troops attacked at terror bunker defence in Palaimoddai area and intercepted radio communication revealed that an LTTE terrorist was killed in this attack. Meanwhile, 5 terrorists were killed while 19 others suffered injuries due to the clashes sparked between security forces and the LTTE terrorists in general area Navvi during the day. An army soldier made his supreme sacrifice for the sake of motherland in a confrontation took place in this area, the report said.

In Mannar front, after capturing the LTTE's main sea tiger base in Vidattaltivu troops launched consolidating operations in the area. 3 LTTE bodies of LTTE terrorists killed in this attack found in this operation. Further, 4 vehicles used by the terrorists were also fund by the troops. A Dump truck, a motor bike, a boom truck and a Canter were among them. Two army soldiers also have made their supreme sacrifice on behalf of the motherland and 6 others suffered injuries, the report further said.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in mine clearing operation in general area Palampiddi unearthed 6 anti-personnel mines and a booby trap.

In Welioya front, confrontations occurred between troops and terrorists in north of Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa and Andankulam areas. 8 terrorists were killed, 10 more wounded during these clashes, the report said. Further, 15 other terrorists reportedly either killed or wounded. 9 soldiers also received injuries due to the confrontations and anti-personnel mine explosions.

Troops engaged in mine clearing operations in north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas troops have unearthed 90 anti-personnel mines and 7 Improvised Explosive Devices, the report added.

Three thousand Indian troops will accompany Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his protection during his stay in Sri Lanka to attend next month's SAARC summit.

Noting that it would not do to offend the region's super power, Minister of Media, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said today (July 17th) that the government was compelled to make allowances.

The arrival of the Indian troops would also lessen the security responsibilities of the government, he said.

Minister Abeywardena also said that 75 per cent of the SAARC budget amounting to nearly Rs. 2,880 million is reserved for the provision of security for the visiting heads of state.

Local media has reported that India would send three helicopters for use by its premier, including two combat helicopters for his security.

In addition, New Delhi is to deploy three warships armed with the latest equipment, including anti-missile systems, in the Sri Lankan waters for the duration of the SAARC summit a the BMICH.

Former Test captain Hashan Tilakaratne has said that he would choose the position of UNP organizer for Avissawella over the post of manager of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Tilakaratne said he would not let down the people of his electorate, who had placed trust in him.

Noting that even the UNP leadership has permitted him to play a dual role, he said that he was capable of balancing the two.

Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge has said that he wanted Mr. Tilakaratne to choose between politics and cricket.

WANNI: TROOPS CONDUCTING search and clear operations in WANNI area recovered 235 Anti Personnel Mines (APM) and thirty-one Improvise Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the general areas of PARAPPAKANDAL, NADDUNKANDAL, north of ANDANKULAM, KIRIIBBANWEWA and north of JANAKAPURA Wednesday (16).

Sri Lanka Air Force MI-24 helicopter gun ships raided an LTTE gathering in general area Iluppaikkadavai, 5Km north of Vidattaltivu, this noon, July 17.

The Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the close air support mission to support ground troops was launched around 12.15 p.m observing a gathering of the LTTE cadres by the air surveillances continuously conducting in these areas.

By monitoring the LTTE radio communication following the bombardment, it is observed that terrorists have asked for more vehicles to evacuate their casualties, the spokesperson added.

As the soldiers of Army Task Force 1 and Commando Brigade operating on the Mannar warfront liberated the strategically important Vidattaltivu in last morning, July 16, the LTTE terrorist have started to withdraw towards Iluppaikkadavai, North of Vidattaltivu, defence sources in Mannar said.

An Indian National held captive by the LTTE since 2003 was among a group of Tamils captured by the Navy while fleeing to India by boat yesterday

Laugfs Group of Companies, one of the fastest growing enterprises in the country, yesterday embarked into the lubricant industry by launching ‘Laugfs Lubricants Limited’ together with the launch of four varieties of engine oil.
This is the first-ever Sri Lankan company to enter the highly competitive local lubricant industry with products manufactured to superior international standards.
LAUGFS Group of Companies Chairman W.K.H Wegapitiya said that this is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that a local company had stepped into the lubricant industry with its own brand.
“We consider the launching of the LAUGFS Oil as a day of independence as from day one this country’s lubricant industry was dominated by foreign companies. And today we managed to launch our own engine oil with a Sri Lankan identity. We have produced this oil to meet all the international and local standards the only difference you will find is the lion logo on the pack,” said Mr. Wegapitiya.
Commenting on how the company is hoping to market the new oil brand Mr. Wegapitiya said that soon the company will be launching an awareness campaign and appoint dealers island wide.
“Initially we will import oil from the famous Singapore based blender Italsing Petrolium , a company engaged in producing lubricant oil to other world renowned brands. Once we consolidate the local market we will be taking our brand to international markets such as the SAARC region. Already at this moment we have introduced this brand in Australia through our company there,” he said.
According to LAUGFS, Laugfs engine oils will initially be available in two distinct product lines - Monogrades (Power P40 and Power D40+) and Multigrades (Supreme Petra - Petrol Engine Oil and Supreme DX).Power P40+ which provides all round protection for engines where up to API SJ/CF is recommended and is suitable for Japanese, European, Korean and Indian manufactured petrol engines. Power D40+ is for automotive, industrial, agricultural and marine applications providing enhanced engine protection and detergent properties used in Japanese, Indian and European diesel vehicles.
Supreme Petra - Petrol Engine Oil provides excellent engine protection.
It reduces engine wear and energy consumption and is applicable to petrol engines of all capacities, whereas Supreme DX is an all-fleet plus diesel engine oil, providing excellent engine protection and reducing engine wear and energy.
Laugfs Lubricants has already obtained OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approval for Mercedes Benz vehicles to use its Multigrade engine oils. The only Sri Lankan lubricant license holder of the prestigious American Petroleum Institute, Laugfs Lubricants engine oils are blended at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Singapore, a world reputed oil blender who produces lubricants for world’s most reputed brands.
“With our undisputed world class products which give value for money, we’re aiming at becoming Sri Lanka’s Number One lubricant brand in the long run. However, in the short term, we’re very confident of commanding around 30% of the market share of the lubricant industry in less than two years,” Wegapitiya added.
A complete range of lubricants for industrial customers (hydraulic oil, greases, gear oil, cutting oil, compressor oil, white oil, transformer oils, circulation oil etc) as well as for marine customers will be introduced within the next three months. The company will also have a range of specialised products which include break fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, ATF, additives and enhances (octane boosters, injector cleaners etc).
Laugfs Lubricants Ltd is a subsidiary of Laugfs Holdings Ltd whose diversified business activities span areas such as gas, petroleum, supermarkets, engineering, aqua systems, restaurants, property development, rubber, coir, leisure, salt and chemicals, and power.

Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge yesterday directed the Rugby Union to lift a one month ban imposed on Kandy player Anuranga Walpola who was found guilty of threatening referee D. Nimal at a match.
Nimal was one of the touch judges during Kandy’s match against Police in Colombo and at an inquiry Walpola denied he threatened the match official with physical harm.
The Minister’s intervention analysts say is a slap on discipline and the Rugby Union’s campaign to prevent the game from being brought to disrepute.
The ban on Walpola was also meant to keep the hooker out of Kandy’s last league match against CR and FC this weekend.
At an inquiry last week a letter reported to have been signed by an apologetic Walpola was presented to the Rugby Union’s disciplinary committee but it was not enough to save the player from the ban.
But Kandy have welcomed the intervention of Minister Lokuge saying it was an unfair ban imposed on the player.
“You got to respect the directive by the minister and this means that Walpola will play on Saturday”, said Kandy secretary Iswan Omar.
Omar claimed that what was supposed to be a “friendly remark” after the match by Walpola towards Nimal was blown out of proportion and sensationalised.
The Rugby Union received the Minister’s directive on Tuesday and would present the case to its Appeals Board for a final decision according to secretary D. Hameed.
He did not say when the ban will be lifted.
“The Minister’s letter will be submitted to the appeal board as soon as possible”, said Hameed.
Kandy have already won the League championship for the eighth time in a row.

Ex-cricket captain Hashan Tillekaratne was yesterday bowled out from his appointment as manager of the Sri Lanka team as Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge refused to endorse his post a day after he was introduced to the local and international media as the new manager.
The Daily Mirror learns that Minister Lokuge had expressed displeasure over what he saw as an impending political confrontation between him and Tillekeratne who is the opposition United National Party organiser for the Avissawella electorate from where the Sports Minister hails.
Lokuge is reported to have wanted Tillekaratne to choose between politics and working with the Sri Lanka team as both fields could not run parallel.
The Indian media who are in Sri Lanka to cover their team’s three-Test and five-match one-day series could not believe their ears when they heard that Tillekeratne was removed from his post a day after he was paraded in front of them at the launch of the trophy for the series.
“Yesterday you had a manager and today you don’t have a manager”, one Indian journalist is reported to have told a Sri Lankan player.
The minister is also reported to have been cut up at not being informed of Tillekaratne’s appointment after Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim committee jumped the gun and announced the new appointment to the media.
Media learns that Tillekaratne’s appointment was also made without the approval of the executive committee of the Interim Committee running cricket.
Experts argue that if Tillekaratne’s appointment was terminated by the minister the former batsman could have his image tarnished or viewed as a pawn in the hands of cricket board ‘politicians’.
Only recently did Tillekeratne beat an influential government politician Justice Minister Dilan Perera who withdrew from the contest for the top post in the Cricket Umpires Association.
Tillekeratne played in 83 Tests captaining the team in 10 while scoring over 4000 runs.
“I have played with some of the present players in the Sri Lanka team and this will make my job easy”, Tillekeratne told reporters after his appointment yesterday.

Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate, Ms. Dharshika Wimalasiri, fixed the inquiry into the Chaminda Senasinghe assault case for September 24, in which non Cabinet Minister Mervin Silva’s son Malaka Silva was alleged to have assaulted the victim at a restaurant on Duplication Road.
The Bambalapitiya Police conducted investigations sequel to a complaint made by an accountant, Chaminda Senasinghe, alleging Malaka Silva assaulted him with a firearm at a restaurant on Duplication Road on September 6, 2006, a case where the Magistrate remanded and later released him on bail. Malaka Silva also made a counter complaint with the Bambalapitiya Police alleging that Chaminda Senasinghe assaulted him.
The Magistrate referred both the cases to a Mediation Board for mediation but the parties did not agree to a settlement and the Magistrate fixed the case for inquiry on September 24.
Counsel Ravi Matugama appeared for the complainant Chaminda Senasinghe while counsel Clinton Dabare appeared for Malaka Silva.

The Colombo District Court remanded a British constructor who built the recently opened British High Commission at Buller’s Road, Colombo for allegedly defrauding a local sub-contractor by failing to make payments of over Rs. 18 million.
Colombo District Judge Sisira Ratnayake remanded Graham A. Gardner who had been arrested at his apartment at Barnes Residencies, Colombo-07 on a civil warrant.
The arrest warrant had been issued following a plaint filed by Cavalier Trading Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. of Vijaya Kumaratunga Mawatha, Colombo-05.
According to the plaint, the defendant who had constructed about 20 British High Commission’s buildings around the world had undertaken to build a new High Commission at a cost of 10 million sterling pounds. As the main contractor of the edifice, the defendant under the company named Gibbs International Construction had hired a number of local sub-contractors including the plaintiff, a company which is involved in aluminum and glass construction.
At the end of the construction, the plaintiff has been paid a part of his dues of Rs. 112,217,793. However the defendant Gardner has failed to pay the balance sum of Rs. 18,248,483. On June 30 when the plaintiff requested the money due to him, the defendant had stated that he would not pay any money and that he was leaving the island for Damascus, Syria to build a British High Commission building there.
Filing a motion in the District Court, the plaintiff had asked court to issue an arrest warrant as he was planning to leave the country without making the payment and sought an order for payment of Rs. 18,248,483 with legal interest.
A Colombo fiscal arrested the British contractor at Barnes Residencies and according to the reports at the time of his arrest a taxi from the Airport had been waiting for him.
Appearing through a counsel, the defendant Mr. Gardner had admitted that a payment was due but had said there was some deductions on account of delayed work and the quality.
The District Judge remanded the defendant till July 30 and ordered him to produce a bank draft to the value of Rs. 18,248,483 to be released. The court also ordered the respondent to make a payment of Rs. 15,000 for expenses to be borne by him in prison.Counsel Ikram Mohamed, appearing for the plaintiff, informed court that there were some other local sub-contractors to whom the defendant had not completed payments for the construction. It was reported that they were also contemplating filing action against the defendant.

The Cabinet yesterday decided to study the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to be signed with India, further before taking a final decision on signing it.
Sri Lanka and India have already finalized the draft of this agreement to improve the trade, service and investment sectors between the two countries. The Cabinet discussed the CEPA at length yesterday, and the Ministers pointed out that various segments had interpreted this agreement in different ways.
Minister of International Trade Prof. G.L. Peiris and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama were among those who commented on the matter. Political sources told Daily Mirror that it was eventually agreed to study pros and cons of this agreement further in these circumstances without taking a final decision hurriedly.
In the meantime, President Mahinda Rajapaksa referred to the military capturing the Viduthalaitivu town inflicting heavy losses to the LTTE.
The President pointed out that the LTTE were withdrawing back in an unprecedented manner, yet he cautioned the Ministers to be vigilant about possible LTTE threats in the south at this juncture.
He noted that the Ministers should not ignore possible terrorist attacks targeting economic nerve centres at this hour while being complacent about the military victories in the North.
President Rajapaksa also told the Cabinet that most LTTE suicide squads deployed to the south had been arrested, and as a result Tigers were unable to do any major attack in the south during the past few weeks.
Referring to the arrest of film director having links with terrorists, he said that the LTTE is an organization having the capability to penetrate into any place.

At a meeting with Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and other councillors in Trincomalee yesterday, visiting British Minister Malloch Brown, said that there were human rights violations in Sri Lanka, and therefore he could not guarantee the extension of the GSP+ facility given to Sri Lankan exports to the European Union under these circumstances.
The British Minister held talks with the councillors on a wide range of issues and UNP member Daya Gamage who is also the proprietor of several garment factories emphasized the need to extend this facility citing that it would otherwise cause a crippling effect on the apparel industry here.
Provincial Minister M.L.A.M.Hizbullah told the British delegation that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which provided for the establishment should be implemented in full. He said that police and land powers are yet to be given to the provincial councils.
The councilors said they had not received sufficient funds from the Government to start development work in the province.
The Chief Minister said at the meeting that he was very much interested in establishing durable peace in the East which was devastated by the decades-long war. He said that his province was under developed.
Provincial Chairman M.K.D.S.Gunawardane took up the issue of accommodation of Sinhala medium students to the Eastern and South Eastern Universities, and said the need was to establish yet another university in the East to improve education opportunities.
British High Commissioner Dr.Peter Hayes also participated in the meeting meant for identifying problems faced by the newly established Eastern Provincial Council.

L. Abeyratne, labor counselor at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, says 169 runaway maids living in the mission’s safe house were waiting for available seats to Colombo. Besides the 169 maids in the embassy-run safe house, around 200 Sri Lankan maids are in the government’s detention camp waiting for their turn to go home.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka yesterday called the capture of Vidathalthivu was a remarkable victory for the Security Forces as the LTTE had lost its "biggest Sea Tiger base in the Western coast". Speaking to media, he said that the Terrorists must have never thought that they will lose Vidattaltivu as they developed strong defenses in Vidattaltivu while fighting in Mannar.
"They never thought that they will lose Vidathalthivu two weeks after we captured the 'Green Bowl' in Mannar", he added.
Speaking further , the Army Chief revealed that troops are now advancing towards Illuppakadavai, the next Sea Tiger base in the Western coast, in order to restrict Sea Tiger activities further in the Gulf of Mannar. The capture of Vidattaltivu and Illuppakadavai will be a great help to the Navy as operations from in the Mannar islands will be facilitated in a big way, he further said.
"Therefore, the loss of Vidattaltivu will be a great disadvantage to the LTTE", the Army Commander said. He added that once Illuppakadavai falls, troops can move towards Vellankulam, the Northern most boundary of the Mannar district.

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) is having ruling party members John Seneviratne, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Susil Premajayantha, Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Lakshman Yapa Abeygunawardena, Chandrasiri Gajadheera, Jagath Pushpakumara, Mahinda Amaraweera, Mervyn Silva, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, H.R. Mitrapala, Muttu Sivalingama, Hussein Baila, Basil Rajapaksa and Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera.
The opposition's appointees are John Amaratunga, Mangala Samaraweera, Lakshman Kiriella, Ravi Karunanayake, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, K.D. Lal Kantha, Jayalath Jayawardena, Kabir Hashim, Wijayadasa Rajapakse, Sunil Handunnetti, Piyasiri Wijenayake, Faisal Kassim, Mavai Senathiraja, Dayasiri Jayasekara and S. Jeyanandamoorthi.
Former chairman of COPE, President's Counsel, Wijayadasa Rajapaksa and former minister Mangala Samaraweera are appointed as UNP representatives.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's adjournment of sessions by a month in May resulted in the dissolution of all parliamentary committees, except select committees.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) will have the ruling party's Sarath Amunugama, Pavitra Wanniarachchi, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Tissa Karaliyedda, Susil Premajayantha, P. Chandrasekaran, Janaka Bandara Tennekoon, Viswa Warnapala, Dilan Perera, Segu Isadeen, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Nirmala Kotelawala, V. Putrasigamani and Basil Rajapaksa.
The opposition has appointed Vajira Abeywardena, Ravi Karunanayake, Lakshman Seneviratne, Mohamed Mahroof, Sajith Premadasa, Sagala Ratnayake, Suresh Premachandran, Jinadasa Kitulgoda, T. Kanagasabei, Ajith Kumara, Dunesh Gankanda, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Nimal Premawansa, Premasiri Manage and Mohamed Rafeeq Rajabdeen.
However, chairmen for both committees are yet to be appointed, which will be done at the next meeting of party leaders, reports said, adding that they are mostly likely to come from the ruling party.
If the opposition names its own nominees, there will be a vote.
Meanwhile, 55 ministerial committees have also been appointed.

United National Party (UNP) Chief Minister candidate of the North Central Province Major General Janaka Perera says that the Head Quarters Inspector (HQI) of Anuradhapura police station is biased and the police is engaged in politics.
He made these observations commenting on police detaining of the owner of the Lakeside Hotel. The UNP has rented this hotel and Mr. Janaka Perera stays there for election campaigning. The hotel owner was arrested on a false allegation linked to an incident of handing over the property of the hotel, said Mr. Janaka Perera.

He said that under HQI Sarath Prema’s orders, police took away the hotel owner for recording a statement and forced him to make one against him and his supporters threatening him to be sent to jail for an year.
Mr. Janaka Perera says that the police is under the influence of the higher authorities of the government and acts unfairly.

Commenting on provision of security, Mr. Janaka Perera said that ruling party chief Minister candidate had been provided with a security squad of 70 personnel (28 Special Army personnel, 28 police officers and 12 home guards) while not a single personnel had been deployed for the security of himself.

He said that former Chief Minister Berty Premalal Disanayaka had no threat other than the rejection by the voters. He further said that himself was under severe threat but even the letters written to authorities in this regard were unheeded. However, he said that no circumstances would prevent him mingling with people for election campaigning.

HQI of Anuradhapura police station denied Mr. Perera’s allegations and said that the arrested person would be produced in courts for an identification parade today (16).

He further stated that he had received a complaint that a person who was riding a bicycle on the road in front of the hotel was assaulted. The victim was in hospital for several days and he had lodged a complaint that he was assaulted. The HQI said the police was interrogating an eyewitness to initiate legal action.

Forty eight small scale business places at Kotte Road in Rajagiriya were dismantled this morning (July 16th), purportedly for the safety of foreign dignitaries attending next month’s SAARC summit in Colombo.
After a very short notice, the Urban Development Authority and the Welikada Police had come, armed with a court order and backhoes, and razed the buildings to the ground.

These traders say their livelihoods that had provided for them for the past 20 years, are gone now.

Many have also lost a place to live, as they had used the buildings as their dwellings as well.

Former Kotte Mayor Chandra de Silva had constructed these buildings.

Traders had been paying electricity and water bills as well as taxes to the municipal council.

The present mayor had said that she could do nothing as the order had come from a very high place.

As the battle heats up between Sri Lankan security forces and LTTE rebels, India is not taking any chances with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's scheduled visit to the island nation for next month’s SAARC summit.

The government is believed to have prepared an elaborate security plan as part of which three warships will be inside Sri Lankan waters during the Colombo summit as security cover for the Prime Minister and his entourage. The warships will carry two frontline guided-missile destroyers, sources said.

Based on intelligence inputs, which point at "high threat perception" from the Tamil Tiger rebels, National Security Adviser M K Narayanan is believed to be personally supervising the security arrangements. Incidentally, the NSA was in Sri Lanka last month to hold talks with the Sri Lankan government ahead of the SAARC summit.

The Centre’s concern is not unfounded, considering the fact that LTTE rebels have carried out some high-profile deadly suicide bombings in the recent past, including against Sri Lankan cabinet ministers and on public transport.

India’s heightened worries also stem from the fact that the LTTE has both air and naval wings, and has even using trained deep-sea divers for underwater suicide missions. The group also managed to bomb a military airfield near Colombo recently using a light aircraft without being detected by the radar.

Sources said that the Special Protection Group contingent, which is the ‘proximate security cover’ for the PM, would also have more numbers this time as compared to the PM's other foreign visits.

The eight-day SAARC summit begins in the Sri Lankan capital on July 27, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be there for only two days.

Several human bones have been found in an unmarked grave in Sri Lanka's eastern district of Batticaloa, police said Wednesday.

The site was discovered by a group of people who were digging a well on Tuesday.

"We are not sure if it is a mass grave. Several bones were unearthed. It could belong to one person or several people," said police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara.

The eastern district was the scene of heavy fighting between government troops and Tamil Tigers up to one year ago, when the rebels were ejected from the area.

Gunasekara could not say how long the bones had been there.

"The area judge visited the site today (Wednesday) and we have to wait for his report," he said.

Elsewhere, the military said troops overran a rebel base in the guerrilla-held northern town of Vidattaltivu on Wednesday.

The defence ministry also said that fighting in the north on Tuesday left 31 rebels and one soldier dead.

The deaths raise the number of rebels killed by troops since January to 4,987, while 442 soldiers have died in combat over the same period, according to defence ministry figures.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who have been fighting for an independent homeland since 1972, did not comment on the claims.

Casualty figures on both sides cannot be independently verified since the defence ministry bars journalists from travelling to the front-lines.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a set of guidelines to be followed for visa requests by UN and other International Organizations which have Status Agreements with the Government of Sri Lanka. The guidelines were circulated among all Heads of Organizations at a meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, which was held on Monday, 14 July 2008 at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs functions as the principal line Ministry to the UN and other International Organizations which have concluded Status Agreements with the Government of Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bogollagama appreciated the important role played by the UN and International Organizations, in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka for many decades. In recent years, the participation of these bodies in development co-operation, humanitarian assistance and disaster management work of the Government has increased.

Taking into account the overall requirements of the Government, the new guidelines are intended to ensure the continuity of the functions carried out by these Organizations. The Minister disclosed that the extensive inter-ministerial consultations which preceded the adoption of the guidelines were helpful in addressing internal co-ordination issues relevant to the process.

One of the important features of the guidelines is the consolidation of the linkages between the UN and other International Organizations with line ministries dealing with the relevant sectors of activities.

Minister Bogollagama expressed confidence that, with the issuance of the updated guidelines, measures have been put in place to address outstanding issues related to visa matters in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Mr. Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative and Resident Co-ordinator appreciated the efforts made by the Foreign Ministry in resolving outstanding visa related issues. This would enable the UN and other Organizations to perform their functions smoothly in partnership with the Government. Mr. Buhne also offered to cooperate with the Government in establishing relevant databases.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Dr Palitha T. B. Kohona and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.

The noble mission undertaken by Sri Lankan armed forces to liberate Wanni region from the terror clutches reached a deceive stage yesterday (July 15), as soldiers of army Task Force 1 along with commandos commenced attacking the strong Vidattaltivu terror defence, on the Mannar front. Troops liberated the Vidattaltivu town this morning (June 16) and have already commenced their march towards Iluppakadawelii.

Finalized military reports received form the battlefronts in Wanni and Jaffna indicated at least 51 terrorists were killed, over 17 others wounded and 25 more were either killed or wounded during the yesterday's clashes. Also, one solder made the ultimate sacrifice to the motherland while 15 others suffered injuries during these operations.

In the Jaffna Theater of battle, troops advanced from own defence and attacked a terrorist bunker located in the Kilaly area around 4, last morning. Later, monitored radio transmission confirmed one terrorist was killed in this incident.

In the Wanni theatre of operations, Mannar warfront became most active as troops of Task Force 1 commenced rounding up the Vidattaltivu LTTE stronghold since last evening. Troops claimed that at least 30 terrorist were killed in combined ground and air assaulted directed at the terrorist in the Vidattaltivu area. Separately, 3 soldiers suffered injuries due to anti personnel (AP) mine explosions occurred in Eachalarakkai during the day.

On the Vavuniya front, troops operating under army 57 division and Task Force 2 continued to extend their hold in to the Wanni region in Maratamadhu, Ampaddankulam, Palaimoddai, Navathkulama and Navvi areas.

Troops engaged small arms and RPG fire at a hut manned by LTTE terrorists in the Maratamadhu area last afternoon and claimed 4 terrorists were either killed or wounded.

In the general area North East Ampaddankulam, troops captured an LTTE strong point located last morning. One soldier was killed due to LTTE mortar fire and 6 others suffered injuries in AP mine explosions. Later , monitored radio transmissions revealed 3 terrorists were killed and 4 others injured. Whilst clearing the same area in the evening troops found one radio communication set, and one T-56 weapon. Also, a soldier suffered injuries in an AP mine explosion in the same area during the clearing operation.

In the general area Navvi , troops attacked and captured 4 bunkers during the day and confirmed 4 terrorists were killed , 4 others wounded and 5 more were either killed or wounded. Also, 2 soldiers suffered injuries due to IED (improvised explosive device) explosions.

In separate confrontations occurred in the Palaimoddai, and Navathkulama areas troops claimed 7 terrorists were killed and 2 others wounded. A soldier suffered injuries due to an AP mine explosion last evening.

On the Welioya front , troops marching in the Mulaithiuvu forest had a series of clashes in the areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas during the day. Troops citing both ground and radio monitoring sources claimed 6 terrorists were killed, 7 others wounded and 16 more were either killed or wounded during these operations . A soldier suffered injuries during a confrontation occurred in the North of Janakapura area last afternoon. Meanwhile, troops engaged in mine clearing operations in the area removed 142 AP mines and 19 IEDs during the day.

The Government of Sri Lanka rejects the allegation by Human Rights Watch that more than 400 civilians displaced by the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka have been detained by the Government. The reference is to the Kalimoddai Welfare Centre in Mannar.

At present, the Kalimoddai Welfare Centre accommodates 232 internally displaced families, which includes 110 newly displaced families. In keeping with its obligations, the Government of Sri Lanka has been providing food, shelter, and other essential facilities to these families who had fled the uncleared areas and sought refuge with the Sri Lankan authorities.

The Government has ensured security for these IDPs following threats to their lives from the LTTE. It has been observed by the authorities that the LTTE frequently attempts to infiltrate IDP centres to operate among the civilians. Hence, the Government has been constrained to impose certain temporary restrictions on IDPs, due to security concerns and the on-going military operations in the Mannar area.

Since some of these displaced people wished to move out of the Welfare Centre and stay with their relatives and friends, the Government Agent of Mannar was requested to carry out a survey to ascertain their wishes in this regard. The survey was duly carried out and a decision has been taken to allow those who are originally from the Eastern Province and Vavuniya to return to these areas and stay with host families. Initially, 14 families have been allowed to leave the Centre. Returnees from India consisting of 19 families were also allowed to go back to their original homes.

In order to provide enhanced security and to ensure freedom of movement of the IDPs, action is also being taken to shift this Welfare Centre to an alternate location in the Vavuniya District. Suitable sites at Parayanarkulam and Murunkan have been identified for this purpose.

The decision of these civilians to leave the uncleared areas, defying the LTTE's threats, demonstrates their confidence in the Government of Sri Lanka to provide them security. The Government is committed to assisting all displaced people to return to their original places of residence.

Sri Lanka Army handed over five bodies of slain LTTE cadres to the ICRC at Vavuniya hospital this afternoon (16 July). According to the defence sources in Vavuniya, the ICRC vehicle carrying the bodies entered into the non-liberated area via Omanthai entry/exit point at 2.20 PM to hand over the bodies to the LTTE.

The bodies were collected by troops on Sunday (July 13) following a confrontation occurred in the Palaiveddnmoddai, 7 km East of Vidattaltivu.

Sri Lanka Air Force launched air strikes at the terrorists who were withdrawing towards North of Vidattaltivu this afternoon (July 16). According to the Air Force sources, MI 24 helicopter gunships attacked at two LTTE boats detected 4 km North of Vidattaltivu around 1 PM and claimed to have sunk both boats.

Meanwhile, Air Force fighter jets pounded regrouping Sea-Tiger cadres at an LTTE camp located in the Vallaipadhu area, 40 km North of Vidattaltivu around 3.30 PM. Fighter pilots have confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists, the sourced added.

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and General Secretary Tilvin Silva sent letter of demands claming Rs.10 million each from NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa for violating copyright laws through his recently published book.

Government is reconsidering the move to close Fort railway station for SAARC and is now looking at other options, -Police Media Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.

The Western Provincial Council has decided to levy a fee for garbage collection from residents and commercial establishments in the province. A Western Province Waste Management Authority spokesman said that the local authorities will start charging the fee once a gazette notification is issued in two month’s time.

British Foreign Office Minister Malloch Brown met with Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesaturai Chandrkanthan in Trincomalee today.

They had discussed the issue of devolution of power to the province under the 13th amendment as well as the issue of disappearances.

Mobile operator Tigo said today it has begun issuing phone IDs in the form of ‘Certificates of Ownership’ to its customers this week to meet new, stringent regulations of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRC).

The new rules, announced last week by the TRC, requires mobile users to produce proof of ownership of the mobile they are carrying when required, CEO Dumindra Rathnayaka told reporters. The Tigo ID will be in the form of a card carrying the name, telephone number and National Identity Card number or passport number of the subscriber. He said current customers are required to re-register their connections to ensure compliance with the new regulations as some subscribers may not have the connections in their names. Mr Rathnayaka said that a date when the implementation of the regulation will begin has not been announced as yet.
-Ends-

Election Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake plans to take tuff actions against election malpractices during the forthcoming polls.
Speaking to media on Wednesday he urged the public to corporate with these laws to hold a free, fair and transparent election.
The commissioner said all voters should bring national Identity cards or valid identification card signed by the respective authority.
“If any malpractice happens we will take action to null and void the booth and going for a re-poll, he said.
However he said relevant officials must forward complaint to the election commissioner before the counting, he said.
If I take an action to call re-polls the final results would be delayed, he said.
Replying media he said a number of government officials have applied for the postal votes and the postal votes would cast on 7th and 8th August .
According to the election monitors a number of malpractices and violation of laws were happened during last elections. A number of monitoring groups made their recommendations to the relevant officials to correct the violations. He said that the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PC polls were announced at a unexpected time .

“Most of recommendations of the monitors and the political parties are still in the cupboards or in dustbins, said a party activist.
A number of pre poll violations were reported from Sabaragamuwa and the north Central Province during last few days.
The main opposition said most of government officials and the politicians involved these election law violations .The JVP also made their complaints and said most of their supporters were attacked .
In last night Chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council has complained that Political office of him was attacked .Later the owner of the building also who rented out his place for Major Gen (Retired) Janaka Perera to maintain his office in Anuradhapura for the election campaign in the run-up to the upcoming provincial council elections has been arrested by the Police.

Police said that he was arrested in connection of an assault of a UPFA supporter, but the UNP claimed he was arrested unreasonably.

Police said he was taken in connection of an incident where a UPFA supporter was assaulted on Saturday night and the supporter had been hospitalized.
On Saturday a group of UPFA supporters attacked the office of Maj Gen Perera and some of the attackers were arrested and handed over to the police.

Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka’s leading mobile communications service provider announced the launch of its 3G/HSPA service in Mannipai Jaffna following the setting up of the 530th 3G Base Station in Mannipai, Jaffna. Dialog Telekom earns the distinction of being the first mobile service provider to provide 3G services in Jaffna.

Dialog 3G will deliver the unique communication channel of video calling to customers in Jaffna who will now be able to have face to face conversations with their loved ones locally and internationally.

The launch of Dialog 3G/HSPA services in Mannipai, Jaffna opens up a world of possibilities offering a range of consumer benefits and a multitude of services and applications such as Mobile TV, high speed internet access and a variety of video based value added services. Dialog 3G also provides a video conferencing facility which allows users to have live video conferences through their mobile phones with up to six different people in six different locations simultaneously. Dialog 3G is set to transform the overall mobile experience of customers in Mannipai, Jaffna.

Commenting further on the introduction of 3G in Mannipai, Jaffna, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya Group Chief Executive for Dialog Telekom added “Dialog is very proud to announce the enhancement of our mobile service in Mannipai, Jaffna to 3G. We pioneered mobile communications in Jaffna in 2002, and have enjoyed the loyal patronage of Jaffna consumers ever since. Likewise Dialog has invested heavily in the region and will continue to do so in to the future. With the introduction of 3G and HSPA the customers in Mannipai will be empowered with the very latest in mobile communications and broadband technology on par with the most advanced 3G networks globally”

Dialog Telekom put Sri Lanka on the 3G world map in 2006 when it launched South Asia’s first commercial 3rd Generation service in August 2006. With the launch of its 3rd Generation service Dialog Telekom revolutionised the landscape of mobile telephony in Sri Lanka, while enhancing its own 3rd Generation service with numerous value-added services such as 3rd Generation surveillance and 3rd Generation Roaming. Dialog’s 3rd Generation network currently spans across Greater Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, Ampara, Trincomalee and mostly recently Jaffna along with many other towns in Sri Lanka.

A 50-member delegation from Pakistan will participate in the South Asian People’s Assembly, also known as the People’s Saarc, scheduled for July 18 to July 20 in Colombo, just a week ahead of the official summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Over 500 delegates comprising activists of people’s movements, political groups, civil society organisations, intellectuals, cultural practitioners and parliamentarians are expected to come from Saarc member states for the upcoming assembly to forge solidarity and alliance between people of their countries for democracy, justice and peace in the region.

This time the assembly is putting forth the idea of a South Asian Union. The highlights of the event include numerous workshops under the theme of ‘movements, resistance, alternatives’, cultural events and a mass rally on the last day.

The people’s assembly started in 1993 as a parallel event to the official Saarc summit where heads of the member states meet annually in a South Asian country.

Gallant soldiers of Army 58 Division and Commando Brigade have liberated the strategically important Vidattaltivu town this morning (July 16), said the defence sources in the Mannar warfront.

According to defence sources, Vidattaltivu is the biggest town situated on the North- Western coast of the Island, 20 km North of Mannar and is the main Sea-Tiger base cum the logistic hub of the LTTE in the West. This is the first time after the departure of Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1990 that troops have dominated the area , the sources added.

Defence observers are in the view that the lost of Vidattaltivu would cast a fatal blow on LTTE as it has lost the most important Sea-Tiger base in the present context. According to them the terrorists have no other option than to shift their Sea-Tiger assets to a makeshift camp further Northwards with the lost of its well-established sea borne operation base.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested, at the request of the FBI, a director of a Melbourne business college believed to be linked to the Tigers over alleged terrorism offences in the US.

Thulasitharan Santhirarajah, 34, is expected to face extradition proceedings after his arrest on Monday when AFP agents raided homes and businesses around Melbourne, including the office of his Melbourne International College.

The raids were conducted at the request of the FBI, which has been cracking down on the fundraising activities in the US of members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

A spokesman for federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday confirmed the US had requested that Santhirarajah be detained.

"The man is wanted to face prosecution for alleged terrorism offences in the United States of America," the spokesman said. "As this is an ongoing law enforcement matter, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case."

Santhirarajah appeared briefly in a Melbourne Magistrates court on Monday and was remanded in custody until next month.

As well as the city office of the college, AFP agents raided five properties and businesses in Narre Warren, Dandenong and Lysterfield.

It is understood police questioned some colleagues and business partners of Santhirarajah, but later released them.

Staff at the college yesterday refused to comment on the raids or Santhirarajah's arrest.

Neighbours of Santhirarajah in Narre Warren said they had noticed unusual activity in their street for some time. Diana Taylor said that in recent weeks she had seen people setting up what she thought was undercover surveillance.

Last year in unrelated proceedings, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York arrested the alleged US director of the Tigers.

At the time, the FBI accused Australia's Tamil community of helping fund terrorist attacks by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka.

Two Melbourne men, allegedly linked to the Tigers, are awaiting trial over unrelated alleged terrorism-related offences. They were charged in 2006 with being members of a terrorist organisation, making funds available to a terrorist organisation and making an asset available to a proscribed entity.

At least 30 terrorists were reported killed Tuesday (July 15) evening, at the embattled western coastal LTTE foothold in Vedithalthivu, Mannar as elite Commando troops called in indirect artillery and multi-barrel rocket (MBRL) fire after detecting a large LTTE land movement towards Illuppaikkadavai, military said.

According to Wanni security reports, heavy damages were caused to the fleeing terrorists approximately numbering 60. The terrorist were fleeing following heavy beating from the southern battle flanks yesterday afternoon. Troops have captured a 2.5km stretch of the LTTE FDL during the onslaught, security sources said.

Also, the 58 division troops led by Brigadier Shavendra Silva continued offensive advances into LTTE defences and is said positioned within striking distance of the LTTE western coastal bastion at Vedithalthivu.

Troops have also been able to capture a section of A-32 road during these confrontations further advancing from 12th milepost, security sources further added.

Following a court order the Urban Development Authority has begun demolishing several unauthorized shops in Welikada, Rajagiriya under police protection.

The Vidutalaitivu town in Mannar where the main LTTE Sea Tiger base is located was captured by the army this morning the Defence Ministry confirmed.

An attempt to transport a load of banned and restricted items to the uncleared areas was foiled by the security forces at the Omanthai entry/exit point last evening.
The security forces, on suspicion, searched two lorries transporting essential items to the North and found 8120 torch batteries, 364 metres of green military uniform material, armour plates and other contraband hidden in the roof of the vehicle.

A driver of one lorry had been arrested while the other had got away, Police media spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.

Full implementation of a new law on re-registration of mobile phone users could be delayed, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) General Manager Priyantha Kariyapperuma said.
He explained that implementation might be delayed as re-registration was a time consuming affair and there were more than one million owners of mobile phones in the country.

He said, however, that all other laws pertaining to mobile phones were in force at the moment.

The President’s Public Relations Office yesterday expressed regrets that the Police Department had delayed taking action on a con man who had committed various frauds in the guise of being a Public Relations Officer of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and using the name of Vajira Irugalbandara Director PRO of the President’s Office.

Mr. Irugalbandara told a news conference yesterday that he had informed the Police Department and the Former IGP about this person nine months ago, but he was arrested only last week. He expressed regret that the Department had taken such a long time to take action.

The suspect has been arrested on July 8 as soon as the new IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne assumed office.

He said this person had given awards to several senior police officers of the Police Department and that may be the reason for the delay in action.

This person is also the Deputy President of the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, the Executive Director of the Mathata Thita movement and a senior member of the National Organization for Senior Citizens. He has also given doctorates to many, charging amounts ranging from Rs 100,000 on his capacity of being a member of the National Organization for Senior Citizens and had later changed the name of the organization to Sri Lanka People’s Development Centre.

He had given awards to over 1000 senior police officers.

Mr. Irugalbandara said he had been humiliated by many including ministers, as this person who had used his surname had also claimed to be his brother.

Minister of Justice Dilan Perera who participated in the press conference said he had a negative impression on the Presidential Secretariat Public Relations Director but it changed after the con man was arrested.

Minister of Labour Relations Athauda Seneviratne who also participated at the media conference said he was able to stop some of the action carried out by this person after talking to him and finding out more facts about him.

He said the Police Department should have taken action as soon as they were informed of the fraud. However Mr. Seneviratne said there is no evidence to say that the police had neglected the matter.

KOMPASS SRI LANKA has introduced new business-to-business tools for the promotion and sourcing of products and services for the Sri Lankan companies. A value-added feature called the “Quick Find Index” is included in the print edition of 2008 to help the Sri Lankan business community in particular to find products & services offered by the Sri Lankan Companies in a much easier way. Unlike the previous one, the user-friendly CD-ROM is simplified further and technologically improved with new features that provide email and internet links with just a click and go. The logos and the product pictures of the advertisers have been incorporated for better showcasing. The improved data downloading facility makes the KOMPASS CD ROM a sought after product for the business analysts.
On the other hand, the empowered www.kompass.com is equipped with two new web-based features. One being the display of company profiles of Sri Lankan & other organizations worldwide along with the images of their products that not only widen the exposure but also give a broad spectrum of ideas. The other, the first-of-its-kind, the “Requests for Quotations” (RFQ) system, a complimentary purchasing tool, which allows the purchasing departments to send out any number of requests for quotations swifter and is built on the massive KOMPASS database comprising of 2.3 million companies. This easy-to-use system cuts down the lead time and cost of operations drastically compared to the normal methods of emailing and faxing that are used by many purchasing departments today. This system is constantly updated and also enhances the productivity of all purchasing departments and facilitates effective management of supply base, importantly, reducing the decision-making time.

Such state-of-the-art business promotional mediums conceived and created through unique systems are continuously enhanced and developed by the specialists in the field of Information Technology of KOMPASS worldwide who are keen at delivering life-simple solutions to better serve the customer base.

The House Committee has recently directed the Acting Secretary General of Parliament to increase the fuel allowance of MPs.

The directive was given at a meeting chaired by Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara. Members of the House Committee, Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Water Supply Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, JVP MP Nihal Galappaththi and UNP MP Edward Gunasekera were present at the meeting.

Well informed sources said Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and non-Cabinet rankers, too, would benefit from the latest increase. This would be outside the allocations they were entitled to as Ministers, Deputy Ministers and non-Cabinet Ministers. The sources said the Treasury had approved the revision with effect from April 1, 2008 on the basis of the fuel allowance given to MPs on October 1, 2006.

The House Committee has requested the Treasury to increase the allowance on the basis of the allocation given on July 15, 2003 during the UNP led regime which was more beneficial.

The sources said the Treasury had assured the House Committee that its recommendation would be studied. Ministerial sources said the House Committee was awaiting the Treasury’s response. The sources expressed confidence the Treasury would accept their recommendation.

The sources said the SLFP-led ruling coalition and the Opposition wanted a substantial fuel allowance due to recent increases in the price of both diesel and petrol.

The House Committee had met immediately after the Speaker adjourned sittings at 2.30 p.m. amidst a noisy UNP-led protest against the Acting Secretary General’s appointment. Earlier in the day the Speaker had suspended sittings twice as UNP MPs disrupted proceedings to protest against the decision to bring in Kitulgoda for his second stint as the Secretary General.

The Chilaw Police have summoned two professors attached to the Colombo Medical Faculty to record their statements regrading a medical exhibition conducted by a private individual in Chilaw.

Human body parts were exhibited and Police raided the exhibition on Thursday and took all exhibits into custody. The person who organised the exhibition was arrested. The exhibition attracted thousands of people. Each visitor was charged Rs. 20.

The suspect arrested by the Police has said that he obtained the human body parts and skeletons from the Colombo Medical Faculty.. He had shown the Police a gate pass issued by the Colombo Medical Faculty to remove the items from the Faculty.

The suspect was produced before Courts and remanded.

Earlier such exhibitions were conducted only by authorities of medical colleges.

Senior officials and all trade unions attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board yesterday said that they would oppose the move by secretary Ministry of Power and Energy to hand over the implementation of the Moragolla 27MW Hydropower Project to Lanka Electricity Company.

Ministry secretary and Acting chairman M. M. C. Ferdinando earlier this week instructed top officials of the CEB of the implementation of Moragolla Hydropower Project by LECO.

A senior CEB official told The Island yesterday that LECO was a public sector company established to distribute power and did not have the capacity nor the experience to build hydro power generation plants.

He said that the Moragolla Hydro power project is one of the four component plants considered in the present CEB Long Term Generation Plan.

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development had already offered a Kuwait Dinar 250,000 Technical Assistance Grant for the Moragolla feasibility study following the CEB request to External Resource Development of the Finance ministry for fund sourcing.

Proposals were invited from six pre-qualified consultants for the above study in February 2008. The evaluation of the proposals is completed and the TEC report will be submitted to Broad Procurement committee shortly. After getting approval of the BPC and the concurrence of the KFAED it will be awarded to the selected consultant.

CEB Engineers union said that it was difficult to understand the sudden decision to engage LECO to develop the Moragolla Hydro Power Project at this juncture, where the initial stage of the project implementation was about to be implemented by the CEB with the feasibility study.

"Also we find it as improper to allow this kind of development engaging an outside party for a hydro power plant like Moragolla as it can result in losses to the we believe that the major hydro power generation projects should remain under the CEB for the benefit of both CEB and the country," a senior engineer said.

CEB joint Trade Alliance convener Ananda Nimalaratne told ‘The Island’ - yesterday KFAED has already indicated that it would extend its support for funding the project. If they had agreed to extend their support, the CEB does not need to search for funding agency for the project implementation, he added.

Another spokesman said that Moragolla is situated on the main stream of the Mahaweli river. Therefore the operation of this power station will have a direct impact on the diversion of irrigation water at Polgolla to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

Thus, the operation of Moragolla by an outside party with generation oriented objectives will create unnecessary operational conflict with the irrigation demand in above districts.

Further, as Moragolla Power Plant is located very close to Kotmale power station, CEB has an opportunity to use the existing resources at Kotmale power station during the project implementation period.

Therefore, he added that the project implementation cost would be considerably reduced by the CEB handling it and even after the construction; the operating cost of the power plant will also be minimized by carrying out operation and maintenance of the Moragolla power station under the direct supervision of Kotmale Pradeshiya Sabha using the already existing resources.

He added: "Therefore after due consideration of the above facts, we kindly request you to keep the CEB as the implementation agency and operator for the Moragolla hydro project as it will benefit both CEB and country in many ways".

The government is planning to scrap the fertiliser subsidy, the UNP said yesterday.

Kalutara District UNP MP, Sarath Ranawaka told a news conference in Colombo, that the government having promised to boost agricultural production was cooking up excuses to deprive the farmers of the meagre fertiliser subsidy.

"As in the case of all promises made under the Mahinda Chintana, the stage is being set to forget the fertiliser subsidy as well."

The government’s answer to the economic crisis, strikes, corruption, waste and serious human rights violations is to increase taxes, intimidate workers and assault journalists who dare expose them, he said.

"The economy is heading for a serious breakdown in the absence of any income generating projects being initiated. The situation has been further confounded with money being printed haphazardly. This has resulted in inflation and the prices of goods and services skyrocketing."

Commenting on the conduct of recent elections, Ranawaka said that the people have been robbed of their democratic right to franchise.

"The government has been winning elections by resorting to violence, intimidation and ballot rigging. Such superficial victories do not reflect the true will of the people."

The government is reported to have decided to close the Fort, Colpetty and Slave Island railway stations with effect from 29th this month (July) as a security measure adopted for the forthcoming 15th SAARC summit.


All trains on the Matara-Galle coastal line, it is said will operate upto Bambalapitiya while all other trains passing the Ragama railway station will terminate at Maradana, including those that commute on the Kelani Valley line.

The government is said to be making arrangements to provide a shuttle service from these railway stations to Colombo Fort, upto D.R.Wijewardne Mawatha to turn around near the Lake House.

There will be a newly decided high security zone stretching from Colpetty junction to Fort and Slave Island - Elephant House junction and extending to York Street during the period 25th July to 04th August, according to the latest reports received.

All vehicles would have to be parked outside this security area it is said.

Latest governmental reports indicate Friday 1st August would be decalred a special holiday to help with logistics for security arrangements needed for the 15th SAARC Summit, scheduled to begin from 2nd August at the BMICH.

All security arangements effected for the SAARC Summit will be in force till mid night 04th August, the reports say.

It is also reported that special areas around the BIA Katunayake, BMICH and the Mt. Lavinia Hotel would be declared as high security zones from 25th July.

Local professionals have gathered to monitor the forthcoming provincial council election under a banner of National Polls Observation Center .
Spokesman of the center Attorney at Law Sagara Kariyawasam said local professionals such as doctors, lawyers, University Academics are rally round with this effort .
First time in the local election history, local professionals who need fair and free polls planned to monitor the election, he said.
Speaking to media in Colombo on Tuesday he said over fifty professionals are working voluntarily to observe the forthcoming polls.
“We will increase our fleet and observe each electorate which comes under the Provincial Election.At present we are deploying our members for the North Central Provincial Council and the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections, he explained.
Replying media he said a number of election monitors provide various reports about elections.

“ Public cannot accept some monitors reports on elections due to the complicated situation of their reports .We want to end this situation and give actual figures on election activities, he said.
He said their organization does not have local and foreign fund, but work independently and voluntarily to achieve their aims.
On Monday the Election Commissioner met the General Secretaries of the political parties, which contest the forthcoming Provincial Council Elections. The Commissioner plans to meet local and international media on Wednesday to address them. This is the first time the Election Commissioner plans to meet media after the Presidential Election.

South Asia Free Media Association has decided to organize their international Conference in Colombo to discuss Media Freedom in Conflict Situation.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Branch Laxman Gunasekara said over 130 leading journalists from the SAARC region would attend the conference, which is to be held from 30th July to 1st August.
“We organize this conference parallel to the SAARC conference, he said.
Over 35 Indian journalists and 25 Pakistan Journalists will join with the SAARC journalists and the government Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa will declare open the conference on 30th July.
“We invite UNP parliamentarian Laxman Kiriella , he said.
He said the media delegation would meet SAARC foreign ministers on 1st of August to discuss various common issues of the region.

As President Mahinda Rajapaksa has achieved something remarkable and impressive in establishing a process for the resolution of Human Rights issues, the International Community would like to help Sri Lanka as she makes progress along the lines of action initiated by the President.

This was the view expressed by Britain's Lord Malloch Brown when he met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.

President Rajapaksa told the British Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK with responsibility for Africa, Asia and the United Nations, of the success in defeating terrorism and establishing democracy in the East, and of the emphasis on development there which would send a salutary message to the people in the North. On the government's overall moves for the rehabilitation of those once engaged in terrorism, he said the present Chief Minister of the East was once a child soldier of the LTTE.

He said many people who genuinely want change in Sri Lanka, did not understand the ground realities, vis-…-vis internal politics and related pressures. Problems were there and solutions had to be political, which required final endorsement by the people at elections. There were now signs that the people were backing the changes the government was initiating, and this was best seen in the complete defeat suffered by the moves for a general strike last week.

Lord Malloch-Brown said there was room, for much optimism with the actions taken by the government to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, and the changes initiated in the East. However, it appeared that more action was needed achieve the full results and benefits of the government's moves.

The President said the liberation of the East was completed on July 19, 2007and in less a year democracy had been restored there. Change will come, but they will need time was the view of the President.

Commenting on the moves to eradicate terrorism, President Rajapaksa said it was necessary to defeat the LTTE, seeing how it had continued its war of terror through talks, ceasefires and many other initiatives for peace. Lord Malloch-Brown, explaining to the President the British Government's policy of acting against terrorism said there were six pending cases within regard to illegal support for terrorist organizations and this would send a strong message to all concerned.

The necessity of having a strong institutional arrangement to safeguard Human Rights was shared by the President and the British Minister, while the President presented the case for a better understanding of the constraints that prevailed in establishing such machinery just now, but was the clear intent of the government.

On the subject of child soldiers, the British High Commissioner said the government had taken a very laudable measure in allowing free access to the camps where former child soldiers were being kept. The President said those genuinely interested were free to carry out their inquiries on the numbers of child soldiers still present, but strongly doubted that those who make allegations about this matter would give the full details to help such an inquiry, which the government was ready to support.

Lord Malloch Brown was accompanied by the British High Commissioner Peter Hayes, and the President was accompanied by Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona and Ms. Kshenuka Seneviratne, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

SLAF Mi-24 helicopter gun-ships raided an LTTE gathering point Tuesday(July 15), located 1km North of Vedithalthivu, Mannar at 3p.m.

The air strikes were launched supporting advancing ground troops at the Mannar front Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said, adding that intensified LTTE activity was reported from the area.

The owner of a hotel who rented out his place for Major Gen (Retired) Janaka Perera to maintain his office in Anuradhapura for the election campaign in the runup to the upcoming provincial council elections has been arrested by the Police.

Police said that he was arrested in connection of an assault of a UPFA supporter, but the UNP claimed he was arrested unreasonably.

Police said he was taken in connection of an incident where a UPFA supporter was assaulted on Saturday night and the supporter had been hospitalized.

On Saturday a group of UPFA supporters attacked the office of Maj Gen Perera and some of the attackers were arrested and handed over to the police.

Maj Gen. Perera said that despite some of the suspects being arrested, the police were acting partially by arresting the owner of the owner. Anuradhapura HQI Sarathprema said that another suspect taken into custody in connection of the assault of the UPFA supporter has been remanded until tomorrow and hotel owner too would be produced in courts.

On Saturday a group of UPFA supporters stormed the premises.

Five bodies of the slain LTTE cadres found in the Palaiveddnmoddai area, 7 km East of Vedithalthivu on 13th July, 2008

Security forces made further inroads towards the last LTTE bastions at Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu jungles despite heavy resistance from terrorist elements Monday (July 14), as troops confirmed killing 18 terrorists, injuring 14 others during the clashes reported from the Wanni and Northern battlefronts.

According to reports, an LTTE terrorist was killed in a SLA sniper attack at Muhamalai, while a soldier was also reported wounded during an AP mine explosion in the same area. Separately, 3 soldiers have laid their lives and another reported wounded during a confrontation with terrorists at Nagarkovil general area in Jaffna.

At the Vavuniya theater of battle, 10 LTTE terrorists were killed and 3 injured, while 10 other terrorists were believed either killed or wounded in the confrontations, yesterday. Heavy fighting was reported between troops and LTTE in general areas at Palamoddai, Navvi and Ampaddankulama in the Vavuniya front, as troops said 2 soldiers were also wounded in the clashes.

Following a search operation conducted in general area Nithyangar, Vavuniya troops have uncovered a 10kg weighing claymore mine security sources said.

At the Mannar front, an LTTE terrorist was reported killed in general area Puthukkamam, according to military reports. In general area Shanthipuram troops had uncovered 4 cans of acid which were kept to be sent into the non-liberated areas, security sources added.

Separately, at the Welioya theater of battle security forces confirmed killing 6 terrorists and injuring 11 others during battles ensued between troops and LTTE in general areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa. In addition a soldier was reported killed and 13 others injured during the confrontations.

Also, troops while conducting search operations in general area Kirirbbanwewa have uncovered 24 AP mines and 5 IEDs, security sources said. According to the same sources 35 terrorists were either killed or wounded in the confrontations at Welioya.

THE CONFRONTATIONS that have been raging on in WANNI theatre of operations in order to bring about peace after ending LTTE terrorism eliminated at least twenty-seven terrorists and injured sixty-nine more during Monday (14). Those clashes erupted in the north of JANAKAPURA, KIRIIBBANWEWA, AMPADANKULAM, PALAPIDEI, NAVVI, NITHYANAGAR, PANAPPAKADATTAN, PUTUKAMAM and surrounding areas in MANNAR, WELIOYA, VAVUNIYA and TRINCOMALEE.

Those fights captured one LTTE bunker and two trenches and recovered one 10-kg heavy claymore mine, one T-56 weapon, two hundred T-56 ammunition rounds, field dressings, twenty-five anti personnel mines, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and several other LTTE items.

Four valiant soldiers laid their lives during those encounters and about fifteen soldiers received injuries. Injured soldiers were admitted to hospitals.

Meanwhile, three soldiers died and one more was injured on Monday (14) when an LTTE Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in KADOLANA, JAFFNA. Another anti personnel mine blast in PONNAR, JAFFNA injured one more soldier on Monday (14). Similarly, at about 2.30 p.m. on Monday (14), troops confronted a Tiger terrorist in PONNAR. Troops were able to kill him on the spot.

In the meantime, search operations in PANSALGODALLA, TRINCOMALEE found three hand grenades from the area.

A claymore mine weighing 1.5 kg hidden under a tree on the bank of a lake behind KALAVANCHIKUDI market, was recovered by the STF personnel attached to the KALAVANCHIKUDI camp on July 14, 2008.

The STF personnel were acting on a tip-off from a civilian source. It is suspected that the claymore mine had been placed to target the STF personnel.

Ex-captain Hashan Tillakaratne has been appointed Sri Lanka's national cricket team manager for the upcoming test and limited-overs home series against India.

Sri Lankans employed in the apparel sector in foreign countries will have their wages increased by US $ 25 commencing from next January bringing the minimum salary to US $ 200 per month.

Lal Kantha warned a three day strike in the near future and said that they would begin to strengthen their support in work places from next Monday.
Speaking to the media this morning (July 15th), he said at previous day's talks with trade unions, it was also decided to continue with union action until all their demands are met.

The NTUC agreed to prepare a petition with one million signatures and hand it over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

From July 21st, a series of meetings, starting from the Colombo National Hospital, will prepare workplaces in the state, private and plantation sectors for the planned work stoppage, Mr. Lal Kantha said.

According to him, Jirath Gamage of the Government United Labour Union, Lienus Jayatilake of the United Workers Union and Neil Wijetilake of the Cooperative Employees Union have agreed to go for a collective action to win their common demands.

Further discussions would take place with trade unions affiliated to the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya and the Trade Unions Federation to decide the joint course of action.

Suggestions would be sought from private bus owners, trishaw drivers, school and staff transport services as well, he added.

Leaders of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are to bring their own helicopters for use during next month's SAARC summit in Colombo, reports say.

They will have their own helicopters, while two other helicopters each, with armed soldiers, will protect them during their air travels while in the island.

Sources at the Foreign Ministry said the Sri Lanka Air Force would transport all heads of state to the meeting from the airport to the venue, the BMICH.

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) says their dispute with foreign shipping lines over a handling charge at Colombo port remains unresolved despite repeated protests and court action.

The council, an apex body representing the island's exporters and importers, has waged a long campaign against the terminal handling charge (THC) imposed by lines for moving cargo through Colombo port.

"Despite our continuous lobbying against the application of THC, the authorities continue to turn a blind eye," the SLSC said in its annual report presented at the annual general meeting Wednesday.

"As a result we have seen shipping lines arbitrarily introducing various other charges apart from the freight rate and the THC."

This has affected the exporters' competitiveness in the international market while seriously affecting the consumers as a result of imported goods going up in price, it said.

SLSC officials said that owing to inaction by the authorities, the shipping lines have taken advantage by increasing the THC without consulting with the shippers according to existing procedures.

Shippers accuse the shipping lines of 'price fixing' by setting a standard THC and are demanding the charge be incorporated in the normal freight rates.

They have filed a fundamental rights case in the Supreme Court against the government to press for action against what they call the anti-competition practices by the shipping lines and get the THC withdrawn.

TWO TIGER TERRORISTS holding Rocket Propeller Grenades (RPG) near a bunker at NAVATHKULAM in the opposite direction of a fighting patrol on Tuesday (15) around 9.15 a.m. were attacked head on and killed.

Troops after intense observation attacked the terrorists using small arms while those two LTTE terrorists were near the bunker. Those two Tiger terrorists were confirmed killed.

parliamentary group leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R.Sampanthan, visited Trincomalee after about three years on Monday.

He participated in the foundation laying ceremony for the proposed 50 foot-Rajagopuram of the Trincomalee Viloondy Kanthasamy Temple at an estimated cost of Rs 2 million rupees.

Mr.Sampanthan is also the Trincomalee district parliamentarian. Tight security was provided to him while in Trincomalee town. The vicinity of the temple was brought under tight security by the members of armed forces and police. All devotees, men and women were allowed to enter the temple.being subjected to body checks in temporary enclosures put up near the temple.

Mark Malloch-Brown, British Foreign office minister overseeing Asia, Africa and Middle East Tuesday met with Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan

Chandrakanthan confirmed to the Timesonline that he met with the visiting minister.

The minister arrived in Colombo Monday night on a three day visit.

He is due to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other Government and Opposition leaders.

He had been to Sri Lanka twice before when working at the United Nations before taking up his current post in 2007.

Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena has ruled out an increase of milk food prices during this year.

He said that milk food companies have asked for permission to increase a 400 gram milk packet by Rs. 25.

"I will never allow that to happen. We have been maintaining milk food prices at a stable price for the past nine months", he said.

Three months back when the companies sought permission to increase milk food prices, the government held discussions with the companies and it was agreed that prices will not be increased for three months. The period lapses on July 31.

Aggressive investor Dhammika Perera, also Chairman of the Board of Investment, was appointed a director of Hayleys at a board meeting of the company held on Monday evening, sources close to Perera told TimesOnline.

Perera through his company, Vallibel Holdings bought into Hayleys last month and gradually increased the stake in Hayleys up to more than 16 percent. He is now the single largest shareholder of the company.

A roadside claymore explosion went off on the Pothuvil - Lahugala road on Tuesday morning, but caused no damage, SSP for Ampara Ananda Wijesuriya said.

He said that an STF patrol appeared to be the target.

Siemens Ltd said on Monday its energy division has received an order from Sri Lanka's state-run power supply utility to upgrade the distribution network in the country's capital Colombo.

The order is worth about 2 billion rupees and is the company's largest order in Sri Lanka, Siemens said in a statement.

Ahead of the news, Siemens shares ended at 476.25 rupees, up 1.5 percent in a weak Mumbai market.

British Foreign Office Minister Malloch Brown arrived last night for talks on the situation in Sri Lanka.
The Minister would be meeting a range of politicians from the government and the opposition, civil society organisations and community and religious leaders from across the island during his visit, the British High Commission said. “Lord Malloch Brown will use his visit to support the development of processes that contribute to a potential political settlement to the conflict. He will discuss the APRC's progress with the Government and the implementation of their interim recommendations,” it said.

The Minister would discuss the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, in particular ways of strengthening the mechanisms for monitoring and investigating allegations of human rights abuses, such as the Human Rights Commission and the Commission of Inquiry. The Minister would meet with representatives of the eastern provincial council and encourage implementation of the 13th Amendment to the constitution in the east as a step towards establishing a sustainable democracy there.

Elections Chief Dayananda Dissanayake yesterday apprised political party representatives of the Supreme Court ruling on sound pollution with regard to the use of loudspeakers for mobile electioneering at the forthcoming Provincial Council elections.

According to the SC ruling loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. because of the disturbance that will be caused to others.

He also agreed to issue a set of guidelines to be followed by the electronic media when allotting air time to political parties in the run up to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PC elections.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva alleged that the state media in particular were extremely biased in election reporting and when providing air time to opposition parties.

He also alleged that state property was being used liberally for government election propaganda work, and requested the Elections’ Department to look into this matter.

“Especially, vehicles and holiday resorts belonging to the state institutions are being freely used and abused for this purpose,” Mr. Silva said.

With regard to the security aspect, Police Chief Jayantha Wickramaratne assured the political party representatives he would ensure maximum security to conduct the election and the campaigning in an environment free of violence and sought the co-operation of political parties for this purpose.

Meanwhile the main opposition UNP requested adequate security for its

North Central Chief Ministerial Candidate Major General Janaka Perera and the election department officials said security would be provided based on a threat assessment report.

UNP Vice Chairman Daya Pelpola who participated at the meeting said that it was a routine meeting to enlighten political parties about the election law and said the Elections Chief prohibited political parties from displaying posters promoting the image of individual candidates.

“While putting up posters to educate voters about election rallies, the political parties will not be allowed to singularly promote the image of candidates. There will be no restrictions in distributing handbills and leaflets to canvass for votes,” Mr. Pelpola said.

He said political party representatives were given an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the senior police officials based in the four districts where the elections will be held on August 23.

Environment Minister Champika Ranawake yesterday charged that India had given military training to some 29,000 Tamil youth and regardless of diplomatic norms had used LTTE terrorism to interfere with the 1984 government.

Addressing the media he said India helped the LTTE to take up arms and boost itself, when the Sri Lankan army with a strength of 15,000 soldiers was not able to control the LTTE then.

“The Jayasikuru and Riviresa military operations which were launched to capture the Wanni area resulted in 12,000 soldiers being killed and another 18,000 injured, mainly due to lack of proper military strategies,” he said.

The defeat ended up with the need for peace talks in 2002 and the peace deal that followed. The agreement was President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s creation which Ranil Wickremesinghe presented with a few changes after the government was toppled in 2002, he said.

“So the agreement should be called the Chandrika-Ranil agreement,” he said.

“The LTTE brought aeroplanes, missiles and other weaponry to the country during that period and the LTTE’s battle plan was to defeat our soldiers in Jaffna by blocking the supplies,” he said.

He also said the government had to react by starting the Mavil-Aru rescue operation and going on to win the Eastern province bringing down the image of the LTTE and as a result providing lessons to armies of other countries.

“The battle plan of deploying small groups to go through the jungles and attacking the heart of the LTTE has brought results. The previous battle plan of going to capture territory by following the A9 road has proved a failure in earlier operations,” he said.

“Although the government has certain problems they are courageously involved in defeating terrorism. And that is the only reason why we support this government,” he said stressing that the worlds number one US military failed to defeat terrorists in Iraq and have allegedly killed more than 650,000 civilians. He said some English newspapers had reported that the war was not that visible though the army claims that thousands of terrorists had been killed.

“Some English newspapers do not like to report about battle victories by the army. They try to honour Prabhakaran by saying he is a dedicated man and that the LTTE is the world’s best military organization.”

He said Human Rights and Media Freedom are not violated in the country as it was done in 1989 and that no journalist has been gone missing.

“A Website reported yesterday that 21 journalists were killed in the South Asian region last year and that six of them were from Sri Lanka. Two of the vicitms were from the ‘Voice of Tigers Website’. Are they journalists?. This is the picture that is shown to the world,” he said.

“The editor of the ‘Tamilnet’ website, Sivaram was killed. It is told to the world that Sivaram was a great journalist. He was the general secretary of the PLOTE (DPLF) and was killed for some money gamble which happened in Maldives but it goes down as another journalist been killed,” he said.

He said international interference with military affairs and politics should be defeated and getting people on to the streets and conducting pickets are plans of conspirators who support the LTTE.

Meanwhile JNP General Secretary Nandana Gunathilake addressing the conference said although Human Rights and Media Freedom should be protected they should not be regarded as extreme opinions.

“This war did not start because of any injustice caused to the Tamil community but because of Western imperialists who are trying to create hatred among the nations,” he said.

He said some countries were threatening the government that they would not provide any funds and trying to lay down conditions to pull back the government from winning the war.

“The federal proposal was brought forward by a team of UNP supporters inside the government and the ‘Sudu Nelum Viyaparaya’ was also one such project,” he said.

“We also have a problem regarding the government not sacrificing enough and asking the people to make sacrifices,” he said.

He also said there was not a single Human Rights organization which voiced concerns when 60,000 people were killed by the UNP government in 1989 and added that the media should be handled in the direction of the betterment of the country.

As part of intense security measures being put in place for the SAARC summit, vehicles entering the High Security Zone (HSZ) between Kollupitiya and Fort will face stringent security checks including a body search of passengers police spokesperson Ranjit Gunasekara said,.

SSP Gunesekera said that between July 25 and August 4, special police entry checkpoints would be set up at the Kollupitiya Junction, the Ceramic Roundabout, the Hilton Hotel and in front of Elephant House.

He said all persons wishing to enter Fort and Kollupitiya areas which are situated within the HSZ would have to apply for a special pass which would be issued soon.

All persons entering these areas between the July 31and the August 4 will have to carry this pass and a failure to produce the pass will deny them access to these areas, “application forms will be issued at the Kollupitiya and Fort police stations for people who need the special pass” he said

Mr. Gunasekara added while the number of passes issued would not be limited, they (passes) would be issued only to those to whom it was essential. He added government would declare a national holiday on a particular day between the 30th of July and the 1st of August”.

Train services will function only up to Bumbalapitiya from down south, and up to Maradana from the other side.

The National Freedom Front (NFF) charged yesterday the government was preparing to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India paving the way for the South Asian giant to take over our goods and the services sector. NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa told a news conference the government hoped to get Cabinet approval for this purpose tomorrow and sign the CEPA with India at the upcoming SAARC summit.

Mr. Weerawansa said this would without doubt pave the way for India to dominate Sri Lanka’s goods and services sector and enable Indian professionals like doctors and others to work in Sri Lanka without any restriction. “This will result in an employment crisis here as Sri Lankans will lose job opportunities,” he warned and added that multi nationals operating in Sri Lanka might shift their business ventures to India if this agreement was signed.

The NFF leader criticized the government and said it had no mandate to sign such an agreement without informing parliament and the public of all the details and the government should have canvassed the views of the business community and other stake holders before signing it.

“The Indian government is currently supporting Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism but if it forces Sri Lanka to sign this agreement it will dilute support for eliminating the LTTE,” Mr. Weerawansa said.

The NFF urged the Speaker to call for a party leaders meeting immediately to discuss this important issue and for a debate in Parliament. The party also called on the business community and other nationalist organizations to pressure the government to avoid signing such an agreement without informing the public.

Mr. Weerawansa said the NFF was prepared to propose amendments to the CEPA if the government decided to discuss the agreement and would be forced to take drastic action if the government went ahead and signed the CEPA.

In a bid to stop human trafficking, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) has initiated a tri-party programme in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Sri Lanka police to seize forged passports and arrest offenders.

During the past one-and-a-half months the bureau arrested 33 suspects who were attempting to migrate using forged passports and illegal documents.

SLBFE Chairman Kingsley Ranawake, said, under the programme initiated in collaboration with the Internal Affairs Ministry, the bureau would be vested with powers to arrest, investigate and take legal action against persons who violate the Immigration Act.

“Earlier when we nabbed a person for possessing forged documents, we were unable to take action against him or her other than recording a statement. The suspects would later be handed over to police while forged passports and other documents were handed over to the Immigration Department. Now we can handle the whole operation right up to the prosecution of offenders” Mr. Ranawake added.

He said the new programme would play a major role in eliminating human trafficking in addition to stopping the practice of sending underage children to foreign countries as workers on forged passports.

Under the programme two police personnel in each police division would be exclusively designated for this purpose. The bureau would train these officers to detect forged passports and documents to help them detect and arrest culprits.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration mismanaged its funds and had not adopted correct accounting procedures for the past three years according to the Auditor General in his report on SLIDA for 2006.
The annual targeted training courses had not been conducted during the past so many years. Only 77 courses had been conducted of 128 scheduled for the year 2006. 86 percent of the total annual lecture hours of the consultants had not been utilized, the report said.

It is one of the normal duties of the lecturers including the Director to prepare reports pertaining to courses completed. They are paid salaries for this work. However, the lecturers including the Director had irregularly obtained Rs.308,193 during 2006 to prepare15 such reports. In addition to this the Director and the lecturers had obtained Rs.1,246,364 even without preparing 60 reports connected with courses completed in 2004 and 2005 the AG’s report said.

According to section 7(1) of the Finance Act No.38 of 1971, the Institute should be administered in such a manner as to meet the expenditure from the income. The government had released a sum of Rs.30.30 million as a capital grant Rs.124.29 million as a recurrent grant to the SLIDA from 2000 to 2006. During this period, the deficit of the Income Account was Rs.42 .8 million. Some of the reasons for these deficits could be attributed to the spending of funds granted by the government and the income earned contrary to the rules and regulations, distribution of a portion of the income earned among employees and making payments for reports that had not been prepared. These were some of the irregularities pointed out by the Auditor General Attention of the governing body had not been drawn on this situation the report noted.

The governing Council members were T. M. K. B. Tennakoon, Director SLIDA, D. Disssanayake, Secretary Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Mahinda Bandusena Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara Secretary ministry of Finance, Ariyaratna Hewage Secretary Ministry of Education, H.P. C. Herath Secretary, Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dhammika Amarasinghe Advisor to the President, Jahan Amaratunga, T. P. G. S Nanayakkara, and MO.A. de Zoysa.

Commenting on the death of Kalmunai HQI, W. C. Wijetilleke, who committed suicide last Friday apparently after receiving transfer orders to report duty at the Ampara Police Station on the sameday, Ampara DIG R. P. S. K. Rajapakse said the HQI was not transferred but was asked to report to Ampara for some special duty.
The deceased has told an ASP attached to Ampara who spoke to him on Thursday night that he was distressed over the transfer since he had to work under a junior officer in Ampara. In the early hours on Friday he has shot himself with a T-56 service rifle and had died instantaneously, according to IP Jamaeel who was in the adjoining room in the police quarters. Jameel had told the inquest that he had broken open the door of the room of the deceased and found him dead bleeding from his face.

DIG Rajapakse said transfer to Ampara on special duty could not have been the cause for the suicide. He also said that he had been advising the Kalmunai Police to provide protection to traders who visit Kalmunai from other areas.

However, last Thursday three mattress traders who arrived by lorry to Kalmunai from Mawathagama, to sell mattresses had been shot dead.

The DIG said that he was well aware that the deceased Inspector was an efficient officer and was unable to comprehend as to why he committed suicide.

Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development Arumugam Thondaman requested the government to take steps to get the wages of the plantation workers increased.
At a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees with Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratne also present Minister Thondaman said the plantation workers were undergoing severe difficulties to meet the cost of living due to the increased prices of essential commodities, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment said .
"The CWC had made several pressures to the Government and companies to disburden the cost of living of the estate sector workers with persevering enthusiasm for the past few years," and strove to uplift their living conditions. We anticipate the government will relieve the burden of the cost of living and take steps to give them a wage increase the Ministry said.

The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that July 31 as the last date for filing written submissions, by the retired President Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, in respect of the fundamental rights violation application filed against her

and a few other respondents regarding the alienation of State land at Battaramulla to a private entrepreneur. The Court said no further extensions will be granted.

Two public interest litigants had alleged that the retired President misdirected the Cabinet of Ministers in seeking approval to alienate 135 acres of acquired State land, to a Japanese entrepreneur, to construct a Golf Course. The land had been acquired by the UDA in the early 1980s for flood retention and public utility purposes.

The Bench comprised the Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Justice N. G. Amaratunga and Justice K. Sripavan.

The government has offered alternative housing for families living in unauthorised constructions on either side of the railway line from Slave Island to the Secretariat Halt as their houses will be destroyed before the commencement of the SAARC Summit due on 27 July, a Senior Defence Ministry official said .

"Altogether about 200 unauthorised dwellings will be demolished as this area is in the High Security Zone where the Army and Air Force headquarters, Police and Army hospital are located," he said.

The Urban Development Authority has already made alternative arrangements for housing the displaced, he said.

Dr. Prathrap Ramnujan, Secretary, Urban Development said those who have been asked to vacate their houses have been given three choices, he said.

"They will be provided temporary houses at Ferguson Road in Colombo 15 and for those who would not avail themselves of the facility would be paid a rent allowance of Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 per month to find suitable accommodation for a period of one year," he explained.

Once the new 1,000 unit Government Housing Scheme at Dematagoda is completed, all of them will receive permanent houses, he said.

A spokesman for those who will be evicted from their present dwelling complained that it is unfair for them to leave these constructions as they are poor people and they have been living here for around 15 years, in some cases two to three families living in one house. The government has also provided electricity connections to these houses, he added.

"The total surface area in the alternative houses provided in Thotalanga is 10 ft-10ft," he said.

However, a senior government official said that even the alternative houses provided to them in most cases are far better than what they are occupying at the moment and claimed that they have no right to occupy these lands since they belong to the government and the constructions are unauthorised.

On the other hand, the country’s security takes precedence and they have to understand this, he pointed out.

A Local Government official in the Slave Island said most of these people who were given alternative accommodation by the government sell these properties without occupying them and asked how they could complain when they get a better place to live than where they have lived earlier.

Two sports stars of the Sri Lanka Army blessed with the opportunity of showing their talents in the Olympic arena obtained blessings of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Monday (14) in his office at Army Headquarters before leaving for Beijing in the near future.

Staff Sergeant E.M. Senanayake of the 6th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment will represent the country in 50 m free shooting and 10 m air pistol firing while Corporal B.L. Nadeeka Lakmali of the 2nd Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps competes in jewelling throw.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who offered his heartiest congratulations to the two soldiers for entering the world's highest sports event encouraged them to fly Army flag on behalf of the country as another Sri Lankan soldier did in Asian Cup cricket tournament recently.

Commander presented two Swiss-made weapons worth of Rs. 800,000/- to Staff Sergeant E.M. Senanayake to use at the Olympics and a cheque of Rs. 200,000 to Corporal B.L. Nadeeka Lakmali.

Foreign election observers will not be deployed for the August 23 PC polls in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PC polls, Deputy Director PAFFEREL Rohana Hettiaracachi said today.
About 2,500 local election observers will be on duty on the election day in addition to 50 mobile observer units in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Districts in the North Central Province and Kegalle and Ratnapura Districts in the Sabaragamuwa Province, he said.

Over one million members from the grass root level will be recruited to strengthen the National Freedom Front. This membership promotion drive will commence next Sunday.
President of the NFF and the and parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said that members will be admitted from all parts of the island including Eastern Province on village and town levels.
At present the NFF holds public rallies and hopes to organize village level meetings to educate masses on NFF policies and aims of the party. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday Mr.Weerawansa criticized on proposed Indo-Sri Lanka trade agreement –CEPA and said it would bring opportunities for the Indian government.
He said that the government is to seek cabinet approval for the CEPA trade agreement with India allowing it to get into the local service sector.

The Defence Ministry has issued eviction orders to 800 families in Glain Place, Slave Island, claiming that their land belongs to the Defence Ministry.

Glanny Place, which is a cross road in the Chiththappalam A Gardiner Mawatha, houses nearly 1,500 people of 800 Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim families who have been residing in the area for nearly 50 years.

They have been paying the state taxes, water and electricity bills and have even been included in the voters list.

In addition, a minister of the current regime has laid the foundation stone for a project to provide electricity to the area.

Soon after coming into power, the present government has even obtained their signatures in agreement to evacuate the area, promising to grant them permanent settlements in return.

An attempt to evict these residents without providing them resettlement was disrupted after a massive protest, even obstructing the train tracks in Slave Island.

Several persons who claimed themselves to be officials of the Defence Ministry had visited the area on July 11th and informed its residents to shift to temporary wood settlements in the Keerakotuwa area in Wattala till permanent houses are built for them.


Noting that they have illegally settled down in a land that belongs to the war department of the Defence Ministry, these officials have ordered them to evict within a week.

Speaking to media, a resident of Glanny Place said that they would not shift to the proposed wood settlements in Keerakotuwa, which are only about 10 x 10 feet in size.

He added that they would evict their present homes only if they are offered permanent settlements as initially promised.

UNP parliamentarian, Ravi Karunanayake and several others who visited the area today (July 14th) to look into the matter, informed the residents that the Defence Ministry does not have the power to evict them as it required a court order to do so.

The parliamentarian added that he would not allow an unlawful eviction to take place.

On inquiring MP Karunanayake on the matter, we learns that neither the Defence Ministry nor the government had the power to evict these residents in such a manner and charged that the government was attempting to portray Colombo as a city sans slums to the SAARC summit.

The MP further added that the UNP would not allow anyone; especially not a foreign citizen to forcefully evict people from their homes without legal authorization.

Urging the government to nullify the circular that demanded reason within three days from hospital staff who struck work on July 10th, protests were held in several hospitals this noon (July 14th).

Staff of Colombo National Hospital, Kalubowila Hospital, Kalutara-Nagoda Hospital, as well as leading hospitals in Badulla, Karapitiya, Hambantota, Moneragala, Dambulla, Peradeniya, Kurunegala and Ragama protested today.

Speaking to media, Chairman of the All Ceylon Health Service Union (ACHSU), Gamini Kumarasinghe said that the protest campaign was a success.

He added that unless the government withdraws the circular, they would resort to legal and firm trade union actions.

The ACHSU chairman further said that this circular violates the trade’s unions’ right to strike that is attested by the constitution.

Colombo building uses natural ventilation provided by the construction of high level chimneys running the full length of each wing

British contractor Gibs has constructed a £10m British High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which features green cooling technologies.

These include the use of natural ventilation provided by the construction of high level chimneys running the full length of each wing of the building. When external doors are opened the air conditioning will be automatically switched off, and chimney vents opened to allow the through-flow of cool air.

Designed by Richard Murphy Architects and reflecting the work of the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Barwa, it has been built on a green field site two miles from the existing commission.

The reinforced concrete structure is based on a repetitive cross section with a number of heavily landscaped courtyards.

Accommodation is split into cellular offices and open plan areas, with finishes generally limited to locally procured sustainable materials.

Consultant Edmond Shipway was project manager, QS and contract administrator services, as well as acting as clerk of works on the scheme.

A suspected male LTTE suicide cadre consumed cyanide after he was arrested in Wellawatte this evening and was admitted to hospital.

Fitch Ratings Lanka upgraded the National long – term rating of SANASA Development Bank Ltd (SDBL) to ‘BB (Ika)’ from ‘“BB – (Ika)’. The upgrade reflects the materialization of SDBL’ s planned capital programme, and is supported by the bank’s good profitability and asset quality, albeit constrained somewhat by the risks inherent to the microfinance (MFI) segment, according to a press release by Fitch Ratings. It said the Outlook was stable, said CEO of the bank Nimal J.B.Mamaduwa.

In 2006, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) increased the minimum capital requirement for licensed specialized banks to Rs. 1.5 billion, with a phased deadline, i.e. 50% of the shortfall at 2008 and full compliance by 2009. To achieve this, SDBL has to date raised Rs. 330 million of capital from the Thrift and Credit Cooperative Societies (TCCS) Movement, as well as from local and foreign institutions. In addition, the management informed Fitch that it has secured further institutional commitments of approximately Rs. 550m of capital to be infused by 2009. SDBL’s equity as at 2007 was Rs. 840m, he said.


Loan growth in 2007 was high at 48% (51% in FY06), mainly driven by housing loans and MFI loans. SDBL is primarily involved in MFI-based lending routed through the TCCS Movement and the bank’s branch network, which accounted for 41% of the total loan portfolio as at last year. Housing loans and leases accounted for 30% and 17% respectively. SDBL also had a sizeable pawn broking loan segment (gold-backed loans) which accounted for 12% of loans. The bank’s Non Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3.9% at 2007 from 4.2% at 2006 and Net NPL/ Equity ratio remained steady at 21.6%. However, Fitch notes that due to recent high loan growth, these ratios could deteriorate as the portfolio seasons.

Popular actress Anarkali Akarsha whose whereabouts were not known for a few days contacted the Daily Mirror today and said that she was 'safe' in Singapore and will remain there for a few days.

The government is to introduce a bar code for media IDs from next year - Director, Government Information Department.

Security forces personnel engaged in offensive operation to liberate Wanni killed 19 LTTE terrorists and injured 20 more in yesterday's (July 13) clashes reported in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya fronts. 17 more terrorists reportedly either killed or wounded, the finalized report received from the forefront said.

In Jaffna theatre, an LTTE terrorist was killed when the troops attack at enemy bunker located in general area Ponnar, the report said.

In Vavuniya front, an LTTE terrorist was killed when the troops attack at terror bunker in general area Navathkulam. The bunker also destroyed due to the attack. Meanwhile, troops confronted with a group of LTTE terrorist in general area Parappukkal and intercepted radio communication it is revealed that one terrorist was killed while another 3 suffered injuries. Two soldiers suffered injuries exploding an anti-personnel mine and an IED in Ampaddankulam and Uluvaneri respectively. The victims were rushed to the Vavuniya hospital.

Separately, troops confronted with a group of LTTE terrorists while conducting the consolidating operations in newly liberated areas in Vavuniya front. The report said, a body of an LTTE cadre and Canter vehicle (Isuzu) left away by the fleeing terrorists, were also found while conducting a search operation in the area later.

Meanwhile, in the same front more clashes between LTTE terrorists and troops have been reported from Navvi area, according to the military report. 6 LTTE terrorists were killed while 5 others suffered injuries in these confrontations. One soldier also suffered due to LTTE's retaliation in the same area. 3 terrorists were killed and 2 others wounded in separate confrontation took place in general area Palaimoddai. 2 soldiers suffered injuries exploding terror IED in general area Veerapirayan in the same front. Separately, troops recovered 8 anti-personnel mines while conducting mine clearing operations in newly captured LTTE areas.

In Mannar front, troops found a anti-tank mine, 121 anti-personnel mines, and 16 hand grenades while conducting a search operation in general area Oddupallam, the report said. Meanwhile, 16 anti-personnel mines were also unearthed from the Puthukamam area, the report added.

In Welioya front, during the clashes reported in north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas, by intercepted terror radio communication revealed that 7 terrorists were killed while 10 others wounded. 17 more terrorists were reportedly either killed or wounded, the report stated. One soldier suffered injuries exploding an anti-personnel mine in general area north of Janakapura, the report further stated.

Meanwhile, 58 anti-personnel mines were unearthed by the troops engaged in mine clearing operations launched in north of Janakapura area.

eCollege, the USA’s leading provider of comprehensive online learning technology to colleges, universities and schools, was recently named a finalist in the Software and Information Industry Association’s (SIIA) 23rd Annual CODiE Awards. The company’s software teams - located in Colorado, USA and Colombo, Sri Lanka - were honored in the Best Postsecondary Enterprise Solution category.

Established in 1986 by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the CODiE Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries in 68 categories of outstanding product and services. This year’s finalists represent an impressive array of technology and business excellence, passion and success. They were chosen from more than 1,100 nominations submitted by more than 600 companies.

“Competition was tough this year and that makes selection as a CODiE finalist a real achievement,” said Ken Wasch, SIIA president. “All the companies on this year’s list should feel justifiably proud of their recognition”. The eCollege solution provides a comprehensive, Software-as-a-Service course management system coupled with the best support services in the industry. The company provides all of the hardware, software and support for successful online learning under one roof, allowing schools to focus on what is truly important: creating and maintaining top-notch educational programs.

“To be a CODiE finalist is a terrific honor, and recognizes the diligence and dedication of our software engineering teams in both the United States and Sri Lanka,” said Vance Allen, Chief Technology Officer at eCollege.

In 2007, eCollege launched its next-generation eLearning platform. This new platform unites eCollege’s tradition of stability and reliability with greater capabilities to exchange information between eCollege and the school’s other administrative systems, such as enrollment. The new eCollege platform provides schools with greater control over the look and feel of their online courses for more personalized learning. A team of more than 25 software engineers and quality assurance technicians from the company’s headquarters in the United States and eCollege Lanka worked to develop the new technology platform using the latest Microsoft.Net technology.

“This nomination is a tribute to the engineering excellence of eCollege’s Global Software Engineering team, and I am pleased that the Sri Lanka team was able to make a significant contribution in developing this new platform” said Nalina Wijesundara, Director and General Manager of eCollege Lanka.

by Dr. Jehan Perera

From a working class point of view there was ample justification for the general strike on July 10 called by the JVP. As a party that seeks to represent the most economically and socially deprived sections of the population, the JVP was the right party to call out the organized workforce to take action regarding the deterioration in their economic conditions. The past two years have seen the working class, especially those on fixed incomes, facing severe economic difficulties due to the high rates of inflation that have even touched the 30 percent level. A common story is that of the mother who goes to the grocery store to buy a few spoonfuls of infant milk powder as she can afford no more.

The steep rise in global prices of agricultural and petroleum products that have taken place over the past two years cannot be avoided in Sri Lanka. The problem is that the inflation rate in Sri Lanka is more than double that of neighbouring countries. Economists know very well that inflation is one method by which unscrupulous governments can seek to shift the burden of debt from the government on to the people, and that richer people are more able to protect themselves against inflation than poorer people. Most people have been inclined to give the government the benefit of the doubt on account of the soaring costs of the war against the LTTE.

The impression of a government that is not particularly concerned with cost cutting is difficult to dispel on account of some of the high visibility expenses that are being incurred. Foreign travel is one of them with government leaders appearing ever willing to go abroad with sizeable delegations. The stories of government profligacy extend to ministers taking over large amounts of high cost office space for themselves and their secretaries, and the purchase of very expensive luxury vehicles that are bomb proof. There are also the losses incurred by high government expenditures on various questionable and pet projects, not least Mihin Air, the budget airline which has now been grounded for lack of funds.

In circumstances such as these, the probability of success of a general strike seemed to be high, especially as the two largest opposition parties were backing the strikes. There appeared to be a strong possibility of the strike action highlighting the discontent of the general population in a visible and collective manner. The demand put forward by the JVP was for a Rs 5000 salary increase for public sector employees. The JVP also offered to call off the strike if some of their political demands were met that would demonstrate that the government was serious about reducing its expenditures. These included reducing the number of ministers from above one hundred to 30 and calling off the two provincial council elections that have been called early.


GOVERNMENT VICTORY

On the other hand, the government’s counter offer was Rs 1000 for the present with the balance increase to be decided when the new government budget for the succeeding year will be decided upon. The government also pointed out that the economic implications of giving in to the JVP’s demand would be enormous, and it could even lead to economic resources being taken away from the defence budget, and place the critically important war effort in jeopardy. The government stressed that the JVP’s demands on political issues showed a political motivation that had nothing to do with the cost of living. Government spokespersons even claimed that the JVP was plotting to help the LTTE by deterring the government from its war effort.

Although both sides claimed victory in the aftermath of the strike, the victory was more apparent for the government than for the strikers or the opposition. The two important sectors of electricity and public transport that could have made a visible impact did not go on strike in any noticeable manner. With the normal electricity and public transport systems functioning, and the morning buses crowded with their usual load of office workers and school children, the impact of the general strike on the public imagination was a limited one.

The government’s political victory in yet another power struggle with opposition parties was on account of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ability to engage with the union leaders who were proposing to go on strike and turn them around. Prior to the strike the President called a meeting with the trade unions and engaged in a dialogue with them for over four hours. In the course of this dialogue, he succeeded in making them an offer that many of them accepted, and others did not, thus dividing the trade union movement. The President has demonstrated great skill in engaging, cajoling and co-opting his opponents to win some of them over and effectively neutralize them.

The President’s success in the strategy of divide and rule became first apparent when he successfully persuaded 18 of the top ranking members of the UNP to cross over to his government. This group of UNP members, who called themselves reformists, and who had received large numbers of votes from UNP voters, joined the government promising to influence the government in the direction of good governance. The most important promise they made was to immediately implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution that would enable independent institutions of state to function.

Unfortunately, this group of once powerful leaders of the UNP has not achieved their stated objectives after joining the government. Several of them have been doing high quality work, as befits their high degree of competence, but their work appears to be to justify the government in its current course of governance, which includes violations of the constitution and denying the seriousness of human rights violations. More recently, the tightly centralized JVP, also succumbed to the President’s strategy, and more than ten of its top ranking members have broken away from the party. The trade union movement is the latest to succumb in relation to the government.


WORKING TOGETHER

A crucial development in relation to the July 10 strike, however, needs to be noted. This has been the preparedness of the JVP and UNP to engage in a common programme of action. Since the 1980s, when the then UNP government headed by President J R Jayewardene cracked down harshly on the trade unions and JVP, these two parties have been at opposing ends of the political spectrum. There has been a deep ideological chasm and much distrust between the two parties. The JVP has worked very hard to ensure the defeat of the UNP at all elections that have taken place after the 1980s.

On the other hand, it is very likely that the experience of working together to achieve a common objective by democratic means will be a confidence building measure that can repair the relationship between the two parties. Engaging in strike action is a democratic action that a democratic society needs to tolerate, even though it may severely inconvenience the general public and cause economic dislocation. Therefore the media reports that quote government leaders as saying that they will take disciplinary action against the strikers is unacceptable. Such a repressive action will provide more reason for the JVP to collaborate with other political parties, including the UNP, with which it had no partnership in the past.

It can be observed that when unlike-minded people are compelled to work together for a common objective, they sometimes begin to see things in a broader perspective. This phenomenon may be observed, for instance, at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, which issues passports to citizens seeking to travel abroad. Many of those seeking new passports are ethnic minorities, especially Tamils. Sometimes the Tamil people who come for their passports have had a hard time, traveling for more than a day, from their homes in the north and east, and being security checked several times on their way. The government officials who are aware of the harassment these people have had to undergo, reportedly transcend their own ethnic biases, to take greater care to make the tired and angry passport seekers feel comfortable.

There is a great deal of wisdom in what an older generation of people has to say. They reminisce that when they were students and schooled together irrespective of ethnicity or religion, the divisions did not run so deep. This is because they had to engage with one another in a learning environment instead of growing up separately in separate schools, as at present. The coming together of the democratic opposition and trade unions, though they may have widely divergent ideologies and political stances, to avoid being divided and ruled over, may signal the beginning of a new era. This is being facilitated by the divide and rule policies that are currently prevailing. What Sri Lanka needs more than anything else if we are to get out of the morass is political leaders and political parties that will work together with commitment for the common good.

Wimal Weerawanse says that the government is to seek cabinet approval for the CEPA trade agreement with India allowing it to get into the local service sector.

The driver of the passenger bus that came under the LTTE attack last Friday at Galge on the Buttala-Kataragama Road, is to be rewarded for his bravery.

Police Spokesman, Ranjith Gunasekara said if the driver stopped the bus, the terrorists would have massacred the rest of the passengers. The driver despite being injured, drove the bus to the hospital.

However, the driver managed to avert a major disaster despite his injuries. Four passengers died and 23 others injured in the attack.

The spokesman also said that he would discuss the amount to be rewarded to the driver with IGP Jayantha Wickremeratne. “Police would also write to the Ceylon Transport Board Chairman requesting a promotion or any other incentive to the driver,” he said.

Police and the security forces that launched a massive search operation in the area in the aftermath of the incident arrested four Tamil and two Sinhala young men on suspicion. Police said the suspects failed to prove their identity.

A school boy from Kegalle, who fell in love with his young lady teacher, had abducted her and kept in a house in Kalawewa in Anuradhapura, police said.
The Kandy police said the teacher was rescued and the student and another suspect were taken into police custody a day after the abduction.

According to the police, the 18-year-old student had made a marriage proposal to the young teacher, who was also from the same village as of the student.

As the teacher refused, she was abducted by the student andthree others, who came in a white van on Friday evening when the teacher was at the Clock Tower in Kandy on her way home after school. Police said the student and another were under police custody, while the teacher was admitted to the Kandy hospital for a medical checkup.

Kandy police are conducting further inquiries to arrest the driver of a van and another person involved in the incident.

Sri Lankan racing champion Dilantha Malagamuwa had a most unfortunate weekend of racing at the Sepang Formula One track here in Malaysia but defied odds and bad luck to defend his lead at the top of the Aston Martin Cup Asia series points table with a second place in the second race yesterday.

Malagamuwa finished 10th out of 11 competitors in the first race of the day, despite driving magnificently and leading the others till the 16th lap of the 20 lap race, when a tyre puncture put him out of contention.

Japanese driver Kota Sasaki who is Malagamuwa's main threat in this inaugural Aston Martin Cup series clinched the second race but also had the same misfortune as Malagamuwa and was relegated to the last place in the first race.

The morning race was the more exciting of the two as pole position holder Sasaki stormed off to the lead but Malagamuwa determinedly held on to his tail.

In the 10th lap of the race, Malagamuwa who was lying second behind Sasaki pulled off the manoeuvre of the day when he brilliantly overtook Sasaki on the inside in the fourth turn of the famous 2.706 kilometre track.

The stunning move earned him the lead, but Sasaki hung on till the 16th lap when Malagamuwa had to pull up due to a punctured left front tyre allowing Sasaki to pass him.

By that time, Malagamuwa and Sasaki who were fighting it out neck to neck were more than 13 seconds ahead of the rest of the drivers to underline the superiority of the two.

Sasaki seemed to be headed for an easy victory and taking the lead of the series for the first time, when tragedy struck him in the very next lap. A tyre puncture forced Sasaki too out of contention and the rest of the competitors who were far behind him, surged past him.

Malagamuwa finally put the car back on track and finished the remaining four laps to finish 10th while Sasaki had to settle for last place after resuming, thus allowing Sri Lankan to gain a crucial single point over him in the title chase.

Mel Choo won the race ahead of Tunku Hammam and Stewart Seatter.

The second Aston Martin race began in pouring rain, and Malagamuwa had the misfortune of being blocked by a spinning Mel Choo in the third corner itself while several others sneaked ahead of Malagamuwa.

Malagamuwa recovered but Sasaki was enjoying a lead of more than 14 seconds by that time, and Malagamuwa had no realistic chance of catching the leader and finished second behind Sasaki while Tong was third.

With another four rounds to go in the championships, Malagamuwa is determined to win the series. "As you saw today, bad luck cost me both races. It was the tyre puncture in the first race and a most frustrating blocking in the second. But I know those things are beyond my control and I will keep my head up" said Malagamuwa after the races.

In the two races of the Malaysian Super Car series yesterday, two-times defending champion Malagamuwa finished fourth and third and slipped to the third position in the overall points table with just two more rounds to go.

Malagamuwa now has 105 points while the leader Wira Dani Daim of Malaysia has a rich haul of 127 points. Singapore's Mok Weng Sun sneaked ahead of Malagamuwa yesterday and has a total of 107 points now.

In the first Super Car race, Malagamuwa's Porsche failed to start and when he finally got off the grid all the others were away. From the 13th position in the third lap, Malagamuwa climbed back to contention in amazing exhibition of his abundant skills and finally managed to finish fourth.

Malagamuwa had the chance to finish second in the second Super Car race of the day, but Sun sneaked ahead of him on the outside as he was blocked by Tunku Hammam, who tried to overtake Malagamuwa in the 15th and final lap. Finally Malagamuwa had to settle for third place.

Results:

Aston Martin Cup Asia (Race 1): 1. Mel Choo 24:01.790, 2. Tunku Hammam 24:10.926, 3. Stewart Seatter 24:14.777, 4. Kuo Tong 24:21.389, 5. Teo Bee 24:33.150

Aston Martin Cup Asia (Race 2): 1. Kota Sasaki 26:57.712, 2. Dilantha Malagamuwa 27:13.388, 3. Kuo Tong 27:33.289, 4. Teo Bee 27:42.801, 5. Mel Choo 27:44.437

Malaysian Super Cars (Race 1): 1. Tunku Hammam 19:38.352, 2. Mok Weng Sun 19:54.876, 3. Wira Dani Daim 20:08.621, 4. Dilantha Malagamuwa 20:29.234, 5. Wong Yew 20:35.724

The police are investigating an allegation that the Colombo Medical Faculty released nearly 200 medical exhibits to a private party to hold an exhibition. Medical sources said the transaction had come to light after the Chilaw police took into custody the main suspect who initially insisted on his right to go ahead with the exhibition.

Acting on a complaint lodged by health authorities, Police arrested the suspect.

Police had moved to stop the exhibition over a week after it had begun, medical sources said, claiming the suspect had obtained the exhibits from the Colombo Medical Faculty.

Thousands of students had visited the exhibition over the past several days, police said, asserting the chief suspect had received the backing of several public officials to organise the show. Claiming that he had the patronage of the Chilaw Police, the suspect had charged an entrance fee of Rs. 20. At the time of the raid, there had been nearly 200 medical exhibits which shouldn’t have been handed over to any outsider. Under interrogation, he had claimed that he had hired them.

A Colombo university spokesman yesterday confirmed the release of the exhibits but declined to elaborate. The Vice Chancellor of the University would issue a statement today (14), the official said.

The JVP has lodged a complaint with Kegalle police over an assault on a group of party activists near the Kegalle public ground in the early hours of Sunday.

A JVP spokesman said the ruling party supporters had pounced on supporters decorating an office of D. A. Buddhasena contesting the Sabaragamuwa PC on the JVP ticket. Seeing the attackers, several JVPers had rushed to the scene, thereby forcing the attackers to flee leaving behind their vehicle (SG-GP 6884).

The spokesman said the gangsters had used another vehicle (LA 2296) to escape from the pursuing JVPers. The Kegalle police said that it had received a complaint from the JVP.

The JVP will launch its North Central PC polls campaign with a public rally in Anuradhapura on Wednesday. JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe, NCP Chief Ministerial candidate Wasantha Samarasinghe, the party General Secretary Tilvin Silva and K. D. Lalkantha, MP, will be among the speakers.

Samarasinghe who recently quit his National List seat in Parliament to lead the JVP’s NCP polls campaign said they were in the process of preparing an accelerated development plan for the NCP. Addressing a press conference in Anuradhapura yesterday, he said this would be their blueprint for reviving the NCP, which had been neglected by successive governments.

He expressed confidence that the vast majority of people would want to change the government. The forthcoming election for the NCP and Sabaragamuwa Provinces would give them an opportunity to defeat the corrupt regime, he said, urging both police and security forces to ensure free and fair elections.

The Chief Ministerial candidate said as both the UNP and successive SLFP-led coalitions had failed to take meaningful action to tackle problems faced by the masses, the JVP should be given the opportunity to help the masses.

It was reported yesterday that a 19-year-old supporter of a former minister of the Sabaragamuwa PC had been shot dead in the Mawanella police area.
His death was attributed to a clash between supporters of two UPFA candidates contesting the Sabaragamuwa PC. Mawanella police confirmed the killing but rejected the claim that the victim had been involved with the UPFA. "He was definitely not a UPFA supporter," a spokesman said.
According to him, while some people were on the booze, a galkattas (improvised gun) belonging to one of them had gone off accidentally.

Troops deployed in the Aselapura, in Valaichchenai area have arrested a family along with a canter loaded with dry rations around 3.45 this morning (July 14). According to the police sources in Valaichchenai, the 3 adults- 2 males and one female and 3 children have been taken to the police.

The suspects have confessed that they were transporting the dry rations to the LTTE terrorist hiding in the jungles in the Punani area. Father of the family have told the police that his family was threaten by an LTTE cadre who had been an area resident before joining the LTTE, to supply rations to the LTTE cadres remaining in the area. Therefore, the suspect has opted transport the food risking lives of his wife and children using a hired vehicle, police said.

The said LTTE cadre had asked the family to unload the food items close to the 112 mile post on the Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa main road, police further said. The stock of food contains packets instant noodles , soft drinks, sugar , cheese , milk powder, biscuits and etc. police added.

The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) is to resume its session this week after a recess, its Chief and Minister Tissa Vitharana told reporters.

Vitharana said a Tamil minority party which won the recent elections in the Eastern Province had named its nominee to the APRC thereby permitting it to resume the sessions.

"The TMVP has named the Batticaloa Mayor Sivageetha Prabakaran as its nominee. We could now meet and discuss the rest of the issues", Vitharana said.

The TMVP or the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal is a breakaway faction of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Its Deputy Leader Sivanesaturai Chandrakanthan became the Eastern Province's first Chief Minister in the election held on May 10.

Vitharana, who is also the Minister of Science and Technology said the APRC has finalised 90 per cent of the issues and the remaining 10 per cent of the issues could be thrashed out during the coming sessions.

The APRC came after President Mahinda Rajapaksa in early 2006 convened an all party panel to try and reach Southern political party consensus on the conflict in the North and East provinces.

Sri Lanka Army elites launched an attack at two well-fortified bunkers manned by LTTE terrorist in the Palaiveddnmoddai area, 7 km East of Vidattaltivu around 11.30 this morning (July 13), said the defence sources on the Mannar battlefront.

The soldiers have captured the two bunkers crushing down the fierce retaliation by the terrorist and later observed remains of 7 of LTTE cadres killed in the battle , the sources further said. Five bodies of the slain LTTE cadres have been recovered by the soldiers and action would be taken to hand them over to the LTTE through ICRC, the sources added.

CHENNAI: A 23-year-old Sri Lankan national was arrested at the Chennai airport on Sunday on charges of holding an Indian passport.

Immigration authorities said Sathyavarman of Sri Lanka was on his way to board a Dubai-bound Emirates flight. When he came for immigration clearance, the authorities found him holding an Indian passport, which he had obtained fraudulently. He was detained and handed over to airport police.

Taj TV has decided to seek legal redress at the Supreme Court over the Sports Minister's cancellation of the broadcasting rights agreement for the national cricket team.

The broadcaster is expected to send an official from its Dubai headquarters to prepare the necessary groundwork.

Sri Lanka Cricket's Chief Executive Officer Duleep Mendis sent a letter to Taj TV a few days ago, informing it about the annulment of the agreement that had been effective from 2009 to 2012.

Police sources in Batticaloa said that the Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel had arrested an LTTE cadre in the Wellawali area last morning. According to the sources, a hand grenade, a camouflage uniform, and a dog tag bearing number 1141 were also found in the possession of the cadre.

STF handed over the suspect to the police for further investigations.

The UNP organiser for Sohonthalba in the Anamaduwa electorate H.M.Jayasinghe was shot dead around 10.00pm last night, Police said.

His wife has identified three of the men involved in the shooting as supporters of the UPFA in the area.

Jayasinghe was to leave for Kuwait this morning for employment.

Minister A.H.M. Fowzie has intervened to prevent more than 50 families living in shanties in a high security zone in Slave island being evicted ahead of the upcoming SAARC summit. The UDA over the weekend made an attempt to evict the families, but Minister Fowzie had prevent the move by saying that they should be relocated in the proper manner and cannot be evicted in a hurry.
The Minister said that a land is being developed for the resettlement in the Dematagoda area and the project needs to be expedited. The shanty dwellers living beside the rail track between the Slave Island and Fort have been there for more than 50 years, though the Air Force headquarters, Defence Ministry and the Army headquarters is located close by.

One person was feared killed and another three injured when a hillock they were cutting collapsed in the Galle area on Sunday.

A search was on for a person who had been buried in the incident at Elliot Road Galle, about two kilometres away from the town.

Residents said though there had been no heavy rains in the area but the soil had been loose .

The massive agitation campaign at Hultsdorf, Colombo against the Govt.’s atrocities and lawlessness organized by the Colombo Central Chief Organizer and M.P. Mohomed Mahroof proved to be a roaring success.
This campaign is a part of the UNP’s ‘Janaduka Nivana campaign .Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Chief Guest at the occasion .
A unique feature of this campaign was 1000 youths coming forward to pledge and make a public oath on behalf of the UNP to carry forward the struggle against the Government in the interests of the suffering masses, until the government holds General elections, and it is defeated.

The British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for the Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown will arrive in Sri Lanka on Monday (14) for a four-day official visit.
During his visit Lord Malloch-Brown is scheduled to hold discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe, and other government officials.
He is also scheduled to visit the Eastern Province and meet the newly appointed Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chanthirakanthan. This is Lord Malloch-Brown’s first visit to Sri Lanka after becoming State Minister. He has visited Sri Lanka twice before as Deputy Secretary-General of the UN.

For the first time in Sri Lanka 20 new baby Anacondas, the largest reptile in the world were born at the National Zoological Garden in Dehiwala on Friday night, official said.

The government had issued 661 duty free vehicle permits to Parliamentarians and Provincial Councilors to the value of US$ 146, 30,000 or Rs. 1550 million to import vehicles for their use since 2004, informed government sources said.

Upul Jayasooriya , an eminent Lawyer of the National Lawyers’ Association said the government of Sri Lanka should take court action against corruptions in present, past and the future. Addressing a media briefing on Sunday he said the COPE report, which exposed corruption in many Institutions. The Ports Authority, where, too shady deals are alleged. These are only a few of the many corrupt deals. In all these cases the Government instead of exposing or taking action against them has only made concerted e suppress the swindles and rackets, he exhorted.

Upul Jayasooriya , Media spokesman and an eminent Lawyer representing the National Lawyers’ Association said , it is the duty of the Lawyers as representatives of people’s legal rights to come forward and crusade against attempts, even if it is by the President, his Government or any other, to foment lawlessness, stifle freedom of the people and Media , trample the rule of law , and create an environment of anarchy and corruption in the country which had so long been preserved, protected and nurtured in the best traditions of Democracy.
“Hitherto, we allowed the politicians as people’s representatives to look after the Democratic Institutions of the country, and interests of the people and their aspirations. But, as we now find that the highest of hierarchy of the country, he said.
“President himself is allegedly indifferent to or is the cause of all these problems and issues: not implementing the 17th amendment, toying with the constitutional provisions, while the law enforcing authorities also failing to bring the culprits and criminals duly to book, we, as Lawyers have decided to espouse the people’s cause for a better corruption free, democratic and lawful governance”, he added.

Jayasooriya cited the countless instances of corrupt transactions and Government profligacy at the expense of people’s money, including white elephant projects like the Mihin air which incurred a loss of Rs. 3000 million rupees with no action taken by the Government against those responsible.
The MiG 27 jet purchases; which transaction was concluded with a company, which had its existence only within the confines of a room in London, where millions of Dollars Government corruption is alleged.
Besides, in the Budget, 80 % of the total revenue is allocated to President’s offices alone , and with the Parliamentary power of financial control being sidelined , unlike under the earlier regimes, the President’s expenditure trespasses on all controls, he exclaimed.

Indeed, Dr. Sharvananda a top-notch economist has also referred to the prevalent widespread corruption in the Government ranks, he asserted.

The Government has no money to give the Samurdhi beneficiaries, which annual amount is only Rs. 800 million per year. Neither does it have money to give a justifiable salary increase to the workers, but it is prepared to spend another several billion rupees for the SAARC conference.

For all the sins of the Government it is the people who have to pay. Endless Taxation, ruthless and regular tariff hikes and rising of price of food and essential goods burdening the people are the answers the Government has to cover up its corruption and wasteful expenditure. He lamented.

Even as recently as a month ago, despite people’s agonies and poverty stricken state , there has been another discovery of a huge corrupt Government deal which shall be exposed when all details of it are known, Jaysooriya added.

After the dawning of the provincial election fever, a number of pro opposition party members are now getting hands with the government and said they would extend their support to the SLFP.
Speaking to media they said the UNP has presented candidates for the election who are neither aware about the problems of the people in the province nor themselves. The JVP candidates are also the same. Therefore they pointed out the people in the province have conveyed their displeasure to them.

According to the political party sources the United National Party and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna are facing a severe crisis in the North Central provincial council election. The sources said the UNP has presented candidates for the election who are neither aware about the problems of the people in the province nor themselves. The JVP candidates are also the same. Therefore the people in the province have conveyed their displeasure to them, said the sources.
According to the new UPFA members, a huge political transformation has taken place recently due to the government’s efforts to restore peace and develop the country.

Addressing a political rally in Kekirawa Minister of Mass media Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said a large number of members of the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has intended to support the government. Political analysts said the wrong political decisions of the leadership of those political parties as the main cause for this.
In Dimbulagala more than 100 members of the UNP and the JVP obtained the membership of Sri Lanka Freedom Party and one thousand families in the Anuradhapura West electorate have left the JVP and joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Leading JVP and UNP activists in areas including Nochchiyagama, Kongahagamayagama, Kokunnewa, Pahala Halmillewa and Siyambalawa left their parties and obtained membership of the SLFP. The new members stated that they joined the SLFP to express their support for the government’s development drive.
Meanwhile, a group of UNP members in several villages in the Matale district have also joined the SLFP. The group obtained SLFP membership at the official residence of Minister Janaka Bandara Thennakoon. The Minister said the group consists of leading UNP activists in Elkaduwa, Leliambe, Udathenna and Kawduludeniya. The Minister added that another group of over 1,500 individuals are planning to join the SLFP.

The Wellawatte Police are yet to record a statement from Western Provincial Councillor Duminda Silva, who is alleged to have abducted actress Anarkaili Akarsha.
Meanwhile, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate has ordered the OIC of the Wellawatte Police to appear in court on July 17 in connection with an anticipatory bail application filed by Mr. Silva, who has sought bail to avoid being arrested and detained in connection with the alleged abduction.
Mr. Silva’s counsel, Gaya Jayatillake, made the anticipatory bail application on Mr. Silva’s behalf.

The Bribery Commission on Friday raided the office of Ananda College, Colombo to probe complaints that school admissions approved by former Principal B. A. Abeyratne were continuing to take place after he was transferred to the Education Ministry following his indictment over a school admission case.
The Bribery Commission’s Investigations Director, Neville Guruge, said a probe was being conducted but declined to give details.
Officials who visited Ananda College had taken into custody files pertaining to admissions which have taken place with the approval of the former principal.
Media learns that one of the allegations under inquiry is that approval for student admissions for various grades had been backdated after Mr. Abeyratne was transferred.
The statements from Vice Principal Lal Dissanayaka and deputy principal Dharmasiri Lokuliyana have also been recorded. Mr. Abeyratane was transferred to the Education Ministry on July 3 after he was indicted in the High Court for allegedly producing three documents which he claimed had contained his handwriting.
The CID had wanted the documents to check his handwriting with another document where he is reported to have approved a year one admission.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the Attorney General's Department to take over with immediate effect all “important cases” now in the custody of the Bribery and Corruption Commission and ensure their successful prosecution.
Attorney General C.R. De Silva, PC confirmed the setting up of a special Bribery Unit in his Department on the directive of President Rajapaksa, and said they had already had discussions on Friday with the Bribery and Corruption Commissioners on how work would be allocated and prosecutions done.
Government sources said that the move to bring in the Attorney General's Department to handle what they called a 'stockpile' of bribery and corruption cases came in the wake of a string of incomplete investigations and failed prosecutions by the Commission in recent years.
Recently, a former high-profile Deputy Minister's case was dismissed on a 'technical point' as were several other cases previously involving well-known politicians and public servants who got away scot-free due to faulty handling of cases usually on simple procedural matters.
The independence of the Bribery and Corruption Commission was strengthened by the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, but it has been riddled with problems from its very inception. At one time the Commission was bogged down in in-fighting between its senior officials and sometimes between officials and the Commissioners themselves. They had lost the public's confidence in their ability to nail those involved in bribery and corruption.
Deputy Solicitor General Kapila Waidyaratne will head the special Bribery Unit under the direct supervision of the Attorney General himself. Four Senior State Counsel and one State Counsel have been picked to man the unit. Prosecutions will be handled at the request of the Commission, Mr.
De Silva said. "We will undertake only important prosecutions,” he added.
Following the Presidential directive, the Attorney General has written to the Secretary to the Treasury Dr. P.B. Jayasundera requesting additional funds for the working of the newly set-up special Bribery Unit.
The new unit in the Attorney General's Department will however not entertain complaints, and will only assist in prosecutions where it feels intervention is required. State prosecutors will also appear on behalf of the Commission in the lower courts, like the Magistrate's Courts as well as in the High Courts and in all cases before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
On Friday, a team from the Attorney General's Department headed by Additional Solicitor General Palitha Fernando met Bribery and Corruption Commissioners Ameer Ismail (Chairman), Indra de Silva and P. Edussuriya to work out the modalities of how to share the work in accordance with the Presidential directive. The Police was not present at the meeting. Another meeting has been scheduled in the coming week.
They are reported to have discussed suggestions to overhaul the workings of the Commission and how to improve detections and prosecutions as well as supervise investigations.

30 LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 26 others wounded Saturday (July 12), during confrontations ensued between troops and LTTE, at the Wanni and Northern battlefronts, MCNS reported. 2 soldiers laid their lives in the battles, while 7 other sustained injuries, security sources said.
According to the same sources, 18 terrorists were killed, 4 wounded at the Mannar front, while a soldier was also killed in the confrontations. Meanwhile, 2 terrorists received injuries at Jaffna in addition to an Army casualty.
In the Vavuniya battlefronts, 7 terrorists were killed and 8 injured, while military claimed a soldier killed and 3 others wounded in yesterday's fighting. In addition, troops claimed that 5 terrorists were reported killed 12 injured during skirmishes erupted between security forces and LTTE at the Welioya battlefront. 3 soldiers also received injuries in similar confrontations at the Welioya front, security sources further added.

He was not aware as yet of Indian diplomats arriving in Colombo for the SAARC Summit bringing their own security, however he saw nothing wrong in leaders of countries having their own security when they travel abroad, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the Indian media yesterday (July 12).
He was answering questions regarding security for Indian delegates to the SAARC Summit in Colombo, at a press conference at Thirupathy in Andhra Pradesh, prior to his departure for Sri Lanka.
"I have my own security here. It is natural. Any leader who comes to another country will not just walk in there. They will bring their own security. We consider it our duty to look after their security while in Sri Lanka, but they also bring their own security. Every leader does that", the President said.
Answering a question about a statement by the LTTE's Political Wing leader, Nadesan, that the Government was not willing to reopen negotiations, President Rajapaksa said the government was ready even today.
"I am ready today. Let them keep their weapons down, because whenever they are weak they are ready for talks."
Asked about possible deadline for talks with the LTTE, President Rajapaksa said there was no deadline as it was up to the LTTE. "From my side, we are ready. Only, they must give up arms, and give up terrorism. You know the problems you have in your own country with terrorists and terrorist organisations."
"See what happened in Kabul. Terrorism strikes in Kabul, New York, London and Colombo. It is all the same. You cannot achieve anything through terrorism," he said. Asked whether he was interested in mediation, he said it should be possible to settle this matter by direct discussions: "We are all Sri Lankans, we are all brothers, whether we are from the North, East or South. Surely we can settle this by talking to each other".
President Rajapaksa explained in detail how the LTTE had been carrying out attacks on civilians, women and children, for more than 20 years, even when a Ceasefire Agreement was in place. He said that within two weeks of his election in November 2005, the LTTE had resumed violence that had gone on for months killing over 200 civilians and unarmed soldiers.
The government had sought negotiations in Geneva and Oslo, which were rejected by the LTTE. The current operation to defeat terrorism had begun only after the LTTE closed the Mavil Aru anicut in mid-2006 cutting off water for drinking and agriculture to more than 15,000 families. The LTTE had rejected the pleas of the government to open the anicut and give water to the people.
He said the LTTE had now been defeated in the East, where an election was held, and a former LTTE cadre, who had joined as child soldier when 15 years old, was now the elected Chief Minister.
On relationships with India, the President said there were very good relations between India and Sri Lanka. "India has always helped Sri Lanka, and now they are helping to train our people, our soldiers". The countries of the Indian sub-continent region were regularly exchanging intelligence and information of terrorism, he said.
Referring to allegations of the Sri Lankan Navy harassing Indian fishermen of Rameshwaram, President Rajapaksa said this was not so. He explained that fishing boats in large numbers came into this area from India, and the LTTE captured some of these boats and use them to transport weapons and explosives. The Sri Lanka Navy had to act against these move of the LTTE.
"You must remember that the LTTE killed one of the greatest leaders of India (Rajiv Gandhi) who tried to help the LTTE to come to negotiations. You must always remember that". He said that subject to correction, he had heard it said that he (Rajiv Gandhi) had offered to give his own bullet proof vest to the LTTE leader, when the latter had said he feared to return to Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Ministry will issue new guidelines on Wednesday on visas to employees of UN agencies and affiliate bodies. A top government official said a new circular would ensure certainty, predictability and transparency in the entire visa issuing process as there had also been complaints from the UN body about alleged delays.
He said that it would also ensure the Sri Lankanisation of UN agencies here. In countries like China, India, Vietnam, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan indigenization of UN affiliates was already in operation and it was only in Sri Lanka in this region that such measures had not been taken.
Other sources said Sri Lanka’s requests to appoint Asians to positions in UN officers here, especially the UNDP and the UNICEF, where the hierarchies were dominated by Westerners, had almost totally been ignored despite some errant officials posted here had been deported since the time the late Lakshman Kadirgamar was the Foreign Minister.

The Police Department has been allocated a large proportion of the budget for the upcoming SAARC summit with plans to buy Radio Cars, out rider bikes and security gates, a Foreign Ministry official said yesterday. According to the estimates, of the Rs. 2.8 billion allocation, Rs. 2.1 billion will be for the Police Department.
The estimate which was prepared by the budget committee is to be taken up for debate later this month.
Foreign Ministry has been allocated 354 million whereas the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall and the Colombo Municipal Council have been allocated Rs. 123 million and Rs. 222 million respectively.
“The Police Department has been allocated such a large proportion of the budget as a lot of security equipment needs to be bought to tighten security,” the official said.
“We have decided to hire out all the vehicles needed for transportation of the VIPs. We have already called for tenders and selected one private company to hire 200 vehicles. Much of the capital expenditure is incurred by the police department to buy security equipment,” he said.
A further Rs. 56 million has been allocated for entertainment and other purposes which include food and beverages of the security forces on duty during the summit from July 27 to August 03.
Benz bonanza
Eight bullet proof Benz-600 series cars and a similar number of non-bullet proof cars have been imported for the SAARC summit, sources said. A bullet-proof Mercedes Benz S 600 series car costs Rs. 60 to 70 million in Sri Lanka.

A sound mine explosion at Ratmalana Airport triggered by a monitor which had stepped onto it this morning caused panic among residents in Ratmalana, Dehiwala and Maharagama areas.

Controversy surrounded the death of Kalmunai Headquarters Inspector C.W. Wijetilake, after it was revealed that he had heard he was to be transferred while in the midst of conducting investigations into the previous day’s killing of three businessmen.
The 57-year-old HQI Wijetilake who was conducting inquiries into the triple murder in Kalmunai town had returned to his quarters on Thursday night and was alleged to have shot himself in the head using his own T-56 weapon just before leaving for duty last morning.
Police media spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara and Kalmunai Senior Superintendent Ananda Wijesuriya said the victim was a senior police officer with a career spanning more than 25 years and had been attached to Kalmunai station for four years.
On Thursday three men in their early twenties were shot dead by an unidentified gang in Kalmunai while travelling in a lorry loaded with mattresses for sale.
Meanwhile UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said the HQI had written down in a book some important information regarding the recent attack on a VIP helicopter in Arugambay and the security situation in the East.
He claimed that police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera had wanted the book sent to Colombo but the Kalmunai Magistrate had instructed that it be kept in Kalmunai as the book might contain vital evidence connected to the HQI’s alleged suicide.

Trade unions are to convene a special convention in Colombo on July 18th to discuss a major union action to press for economic demands of the working people.
Secretary of the Trade Unions Federation Saman Ratnapriya said that related discussions were already underway between trade union leaders.

The JVP-affiliate National Trade Unions Centre has also been invited to the meeting, he added.

The first contingent of a three thousand strong Indian military team providing security for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his delegation, will arrive in Colombo on Tuesday.
This first contingent is expected to be about 1000 military personnel. Another contingent is scheduled to arrive on the 20th of this month. Two Five Star hotels in Colombo have been fully booked for two weeks for the accommodation of these Indian military personnel, Lakbimanews learnt. The last batch of the Indian military personnel will arrive later this month aboard an Indian naval vessel. This vessel will be anchored in the Colombo port as long as the Indian delegation stays here. Troops aboard the ship will disembark only in an emergency, well placed defence sources said.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan government acceded to the request by India, Pakistan and Afghanistan to bring in their own troops for the protection of their VIPs. Accordingly, Lakbimanews understands that helicopters for transport of VIPs, along with bullet proof vehicles, would be sent to Sri Lanka and manned by their security personnel.
A five hundred strong contingent of Pakistani military personnel is expected to arrive with President Pervez Musharaff. The Afghan contingent is expected to be less than hundred.

Sri Lanka has had its share of medals at Olympics and World Championships, but never had a competitor qualified for a sprint final in the World Junior Championships’ history until Shehan Ambepitiya, an 18-year-old sprinter, achieved it last Wednesday.
Running alongside World Youth champion Dexter Lee, US champion Terrell Wilks and Jamaican record holder Yahan Blake, it was a hard task for the youngster and he finished seventh with a time of 10.71 seconds, but his failure at the finals was immaterial as he had already made an impact on the world scene.
It took Ambepitiya a good 10.59 seconds at the semi-finals and a hint from an IAAF official to understand that he had just written a page in Sri Lanka’s sporting history, as the first-ever junior to do so and third-ever Sri Lankan to run in a World or Olympics final after late Duncan White and Susanthika Jayasinghe. Of course in high jump, Manjula Kumara Wijesekara did it some six years back in Kingston, Jamaica, when he finished 9th at the World Junior Championships clearing a height of 2.14 metres.
Surprised
Though the timing is well below his personal best of 10.51 seconds clocked at the Asian Junior championships few weeks back, Ambepitiya was surprised hearing that he was selected for the final.
“Really? I’m in the final? You’re not telling me a lie?” was his first reaction when told that his fourth place was good enough to get through to the next round. He was quoted in the IAAF website.
A quarter finalists at last year’s World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Austria, Ambepitiya has shown continuous improvement since then and his subsequent achievements during the last twelve months speak volumes of his true potentials.
At the South Asian Junior Athletics Championships, he became the fastest in the region winning both 100 and 200 metres and later went on to win country’s first-ever male short sprint medal at the Asian Junior Championships few weeks backs in Indonesia.
“I am sure my mother and my country will be very proud of my qualification to the final,” he said.
Abeypitiya took up athletics and specifically the 100, 200 and 400m at the age of 13 inspired by his mother Sriyani Abeypitiya, herself a 100 and 200m sprinter and his blistering performance at the junior level earned him a scholarships to Gateway International College.
Having made to run under a downpour, Ambepitiya clocked an easy 10.68 seconds to finish first in the first round heat.
“It didn’t bother me that much but it was like running on a river!” he was quoted saying.
Professional athlete
Ambepitiya trained under reputed Sri Lankan coach, Sunil Gunawardene, who has produced a number of world class sprinters during the last decade or so. He says that he wished to be a professional athlete.
“I train 6 times a week and I would like to become a professional athlete. But for that you need to run 9 seconds and I don’t know if I can do that!”
The former President’s College runner, who is currently studying at Gateway International College, said that he was looking forward to a foreign scholarship to further his athletics and academic careers.
“I would love it if a school in the US or in England would offer me a scholarship. I would accept it straight away,” he added.
But his Sri Lankan coach Gunawardene has some reservations in this aspect as he said foreign training has hardly any impact on the local scene.
“I think he has said it considering his future not only athletics but also academic. If he gets it I think he should take it. But I don’t think it will help his athletics career a lot. Our past experiences prove that none of them who went for foreign training had done well, except Susanthika Jayasinghe,” Gunawardene explained.
Hailing the achievements of young sprint prodigy, Gunawardene however predicted that Sri Lanka has found the next Jayasinghe in sprint.
“He has a great future in athletics and I hope the bureaucrats get their act together and help him now,” he added. Despite his heroics, the youngster is without a sponsor and he believed the record feat set by the youngster would inspire authorities to support him.
“In four years, I sure he will win a medal at Asian Games,” he predicted.
He is certainly going to be Sri Lanka’s bet in the foreseeable future in the world of athletics and support is what he needs right now.

By Ashwin Hemmathagama
in Pasyala, which is to commence production of “Yasodha Ambassador 2000 DSZ”.
With the new plant in place, Ambassador motor cars, currently manufactured in India will be shipped to Sri Lanka in fully knockdown form before being assembled locally. According to industry sources, having received the necessary approvals from authorities, the company awaits the clearing of 15 units of Ambassador cars, currently held at the Colombo Port.
Having already sold 6 cars, Yasodha Holdings plans 30 per cent value addition using locally manufactured bumpers, radiator, exhaust system, interior, and upholstery to make “Yasodha Ambassador 2000 DSZ”, a full-option motor vehicle.
“These cars are to receive a duty waiver of 30 per cent as it comes in knocked-down form as it receives value addition in Sri Lanka. The key controlling component of the car happens to be the body shell which is taxed Rs. 400,000/-,” a source pointed-out.

By Aisha Edris
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) Chairman and Vice Chairman have been removed from the union for allegedly disrupting Thursday’s strike.
According to the General Secretary of the Union, Ananda Palitha, Union Chairman A.S.J. Dias and his Deputy P. Gunatilleke had been asking members of the JSS to refrain from participating in the strike. As a result, the union had decided to remove them from their positions.

“The Chairman and his Deputy informed the JSS that we would be participating in the strike. They agreed to all the decisions taken by the Union but at the last moment they played a double game,” he said.
Palitha blamed the Chairman and his Deputy for giving importance to personal gains instead of the betterment of the working people.

“We found out that these two people were offered higher positions if they disrupted the strike on Thursday. Dias had been offered B2 grade while Gunatilake had been offered a Store Manager’s Position,” he said.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) General Secretary Hasan Ali will be sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) on July 22.
Ali, who quit Parliament to contest the May 10 Eastern Provincial Council election, was elected with the highest number of preferential votes to the council.
SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem was the other member from the SLMC who, along with Ali, quit Parliament to contest the Provincial Council election, early May.
Hakeem re-entered Parliament last week and Ali is to follow him shortly.
Following the resignation of Ali from the Eastern Provincial Council, it is learnt SLMC High Command member Basheer Segu Dawood will lead the party in the Eastern Provincial Council and function as the new Leader of the Opposition.
Ali will re-enter Parliament on the SLMC National List.

By Aisha Edris
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions once again are up in arms against the Power and Energy Ministry, which has approached Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), asking it to manage the Moragolla hydropower project.

According to a CEB source, Ministry Secretary M.MC. Ferdinando had sent a letter to the CEB last week, requesting the CEB to grant permission for LECO to manage the Moragolla hydropower project.

“Even if CEB allows LECO to manage the power project, it will not be able to handle it properly since it does not have the expertise in hydropower generation and the results would be disastrous,” the source said.

The source added that CEB would not allow LECO or any of its subsidiary companies to manage these power projects since it may disturb major hydropower project activities. He added that the CEB trade unions would be forced to take stern action if such methods continued.

“Moragolla is the hydropower potential of the Mahaweli River basin and if it is given to a private firm to be managed, it will only interfere with our operations and the CEB would be forced to pay for the water utilised for its power generation in that area,” he explained

He said that the Electricity Act of 1969 specifically states that only CEB could produce major hydropower while mini hydropower projects, which only produce lower than 10 megawatts, could be initiated by private companies.
In June, Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) allowed LECO to manage the Broadlands hydropower project but the government later withdrew the approval consequent to continuous protests.

By Mendaka Abeysekera in New York
The New York-based right organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised the Sri Lankan Government for failing to protect and help Sri Lankan migrant women in Saudi Arabia, who have been virtually treated like slaves for years.

After releasing a 133-page report titled ‘As If I Am Not Human: Abuses against Asian Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia’, in Jakarta on July 8, the author of the report, Nisha Varia said that compared to the Filipino and Indonesian Embassies, the Sri Lankan Embassy had the weakest services.

“The Sri Lankan Embassy provides some help to domestic workers who face abuse, but it is not enough. They need to increase their staff to deal with these cases, improve the quality of their shelter, and undergo training. The quality of the shelter was very poor, and women often had very little information about the status of their cases,” Varia, a Senior Researcher in the Women’s Rights Division of HRW, said.

“In the absence of effective local redress mechanisms, the foreign missions of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Nepal often play a critical role in providing shelter, legal aid and assistance to those who have wage claims or court cases. The demands placed on these embassies far outweigh their resources, and many domestic workers complain of long waiting periods with little information about their cases and, in the cases of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, overcrowded and unhygienic shelters,” Varia added.

“Many of the women I spoke to did not file complaints for fear of counter charges. In other cases, they dropped the charges against their abusers, even if they had a strong case, because otherwise they would be stuck in an overcrowded shelter for years, away from their families and unable to work, and with very little chance of ultimately getting justice,” she said.
Varia was of the opinion that in many Sri Lankan cases, the women had little option, since there weren’t enough jobs at home. “The answer is not to stop women from migrating, but to make migration safe,” she said.

The new report, which concludes two years of research based on 142 interviews with domestic workers, senior government officials, and labour recruiters in Saudi Arabia and labour-sending countries, Saudi households employ an estimated 1.5 million domestic workers, primarily from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Nepal.

According to Saudi Arabia’s General Statistics Department, out of the over eight million migrants work in the kingdom, more than 600,000 come from Sri Lanka.

The 133 page report released in Jakarta revealed the shocking and serious human rights abuses in the form of unpaid wages, forced confinement, physical and sexual violence the Asian workers had to endure while working in Saudi homes.

“Excessive workload and unpaid wages, for periods ranging from a few months to 10 years, are among the most common complaints. The Kingdom’s Labour Law excludes domestic workers, denying them rights guaranteed to other workers, such as a weekly rest day and overtime pay. Many domestic workers must work 18 hours a day, seven days a week,” the report disclosed.

United National Party (UNP) supporters nabbed the leader of a gang of goons linked to United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Chief Minister candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayaka and handed over him to the police. The suspect led the team that came to attack the UNP office in Lake Side Anuradhapura.

Mohammed Rizmy, the media spokesman of UNP Chief Minister candidate Janaka Perera, said that around 7.15 PM Friday (11), the band of thugs entered the UNP office and the leader of them damaged the decorations, two chairs and an electric bulb.
The UNP supporters who came to know about the attack rushed into the office to see that the thugs were fleeing in the vehicle they came. The leader of the team who was drunk failed to escape and he was nabbed by the UNP supporters. They informed Anuradhapura police and handed over him after the police officers arrived in there.

The suspect is one Rowland, a route inspector of Transport Authority. He was admitted to Anuradhapura hospital after recording statements.

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema
The JVP after firing its first salvo against the government on July 10 by holding an island wide token strike and protests with workers attached to the public, private and estate sectors is to decide tomorrow (14), the next course of action to be adopted to win the demands of the workers.
The JVP affiliated National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), which consists of 366 public, private and estate sector trade unions, as part of its campaign to win several demands for the workers has after the July 10 campaign vowed to continue with the battle until the workers' demands were met by the government.
JVP Parliamentarian and NTUC Head, K.D. Lalkantha says that the steering committee of the NTUC would meet tomorrow (14) to discuss several issues.
He said that decisions would be made on how to continue with the agitation campaign and the next course of action to be adopted. It is to be decided if the trade unions would move for strike action that would last over two days.
Role of other unions
Also to be discussed is the role so far played by other trade unions in winning the demands and how best to proceed with them during the next stage.
According to Lalkantha, the NTUC is to also decide on how to overcome the state suppression on trade union action and the steps to be taken on the trade unionists who have been victimised by the government for participating in the July 10 strike.
Lalkantha says that the July 10 token strike was only the beginning of a long battle against the government, adding that it was going to be a tedious and risky trade union struggle given that the government would never agree to grant the demands without a fight.
"If a strike is to be a 100% success, essential services such as power, water supply and transport have to be stopped. The NTUC had no intention of crippling the essential services, as we did not want to place the people in difficulty. After all Thursday's strike was only a one day token strike," he said.
Lalkantha vowed that the struggle that commenced on the 10th would be intensified if the Rajapakse government continues to ignore the demands of the workers.
"The struggle will only end when the workers' demands are met. Till then there will be no turning back. How can a government that does not make any sacrifices expect the people to make all the sacrifices," Lalkantha questioned.
Not invited
According to the NTUC head, nearly 660 trade unions had joined the strike organised by the centre last week, while other trade unions were not invited, as it was only a token strike.
Despite threats, police intimidation and government propaganda through the state media to sabotage the strike, the token strike has been a success, he said.
According to Lalkantha, 70% of teachers, 95% of Central Mail Exchange staff, 60% of the railway staff and 94 locomotive drivers, 72% of hospital staff, 95% of the State Printing Corporation staff, 40% of the SLBC staff and 65% of the SLRC staff had joined the strike.
In addition, 75% of the Auditor General's Department staff, all employees of the National Film Corporation's Advertising and Counters, 50% of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation and 16 out of the 20 monitoring centres of the Meteorology Department had stayed away from their posts. The government however claimed the strike was a dismal failure.
Not agreeing, Lalkantha said that workers at estates in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Welimada, Ratnapura and Matara too joined the strike.
However, President Mahinda Rajapakse two days before the island wide strike speaking to trade union representatives affiliated to the government had said that he was saddened by the fact that trade unions were resorting to strike action to gain political mileage at a time when soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the country and nation without expecting any returns.

SLAF fighter jets launched precision air sorties at an identified LTTE bunker line, Saturday (July 12) located 3.5 km, south of Thunukkai in Mullaittivu, at around 7a.m.

"A bulldozer was confirmed destroyed and few other heavy machinery damaged in the air raid, Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said citing fighter pilots.

According to defence sources, terrorists were undergoing heavy construction work in the site at the time of attack.

19 civilians belonging to 7 families, Saturday (July 12) sought protection with security forces at Pulmoddai, in a desperate escape made from the LTTE clutches at Mullaittivu.

The escapees: 5 males, 6 females and 8 children had arrived at Arasimalai in the coast of Pulmoddai via a locally built craft despite great danger posed from both the LTTE killer squads and rough seas, at 10.30a.m.

All the civilians were from Puthumathalan locality, North of Puthukkudiyiruppu who were said to have undergone continuous harassments and hardships by the LTTE. "They are continuing forcible conscription of both men and children to the outfit and child recruitment has increased over the recent weeks", an escapee was cited speaking to our Wanni correspondent. "Families who refuse to comply with their (LTTE) orders are attacked or frequented by armed squads of the outfit", he further said.

A forcible recruited male, who has later managed to flee from the outfit, was also among the escapees, our correspondent said. "What we hear in the non-liberated areas under LTTE is a looming humanitarian catastrophe. This may be even tragic than our speculations made, as the LTTE is been constantly driven back by the advancing security forces in the jungles of Mullaittivu", a defense analyst said.

Also, according to what these people say, they (LTTE) have now forced civilians to move towards the outer perimeters of LTTE defences, to be used as human shields delaying a probable military assault into its inner-core at Mullaittivu, he further asserted.

Meanwhile, the terrorists have also imposed fishing restrictions off the coasts of Challai and Mullaittivu, gravely affecting the local fishing communities, a civilian was cited saying. "They (LTTE) have banned us from fishing in the coastal waters, as learnt to be a measure taken by the organization(LTTE) to prevent more people from seeking security forces protection", he further said.

The Madras High Court yesterday reserved its order on the early release plea of Nalini, who is serving a life sentence for her involvement in former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.

Advocate General G. Masilamani told Court that the Government needed time to file a detailed counter affidavit to explain its stand and that it opposed Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy's petition seeking to implead himself in the case opposing her release. Judge S. Nagamuthu reserved his orders on the matter.

Appearing for Nalini, her counsel S. Doraiswamy also opposed Swamy's intervention in the matter saying he had no locus standi.

The Ministry of Export Development and International Trade yesterday announced substantial concessions for Sri Lankan garment exporters under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Sri Lanka and India.

Under the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), India had initially allowed imports under a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of 8 million pieces of apparel products from Sri Lanka, manufactured from Indian made fabrics. In addition, there was a restriction on entry ports. In April 2007, India removed restriction on entry ports and sourcing of fabrics for 3 million pieces out of 8 million pieces at zero duty.

At the recently concluded negotiations between Sri Lanka and India, the above concessions have been expanded:

1. The 3 million pieces quota to be increased to 6 million pieces, on a duty


free basis, without restrictions on sourcing of fabrics or entry points.

2. The remaining 2 million pieces, will receive 75% Margin of Preference (MOP) without restrictions on sourcing of fabrics or entry points.

These concessions will come into force with the implementation of the CEPA.

In order to ensure public security, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) has issued a set of procedures that need to be adhered to when using mobile and CDMA telephones. Failure to follow the procedures would result in severe punishment under existing laws, the TRCSL said.

The following instructions have been issued in this connection:

Vendor Licenses:

In terms of the provisions of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, No. 25 of 1991, as amended by the Act, No. 27 of 1996, no person shall by way of trade, manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, deal, transfer, hire, lease, demonstrate, maintain or repair any telecommunications apparatus, except under the authority of a licence issued by the Commission.

The public are hereby advised to purchase any telecommunication apparatus or to get any service from Vendors who have been authorized to do so.

SIM Cards

In future all mobile service providers, Dealers and Sub Dealers should check the photograph of the Identity Card of the subscriber whom the SIM Card is to be issued. SIM Cards should only be sold after ensuring the identity of the person according to the photograph of the identity card.

Further if any dealer feels the photograph appearing in the identity card is different from the present physical appearance, the SIM card and the connection should be issued only after obtaining a new certified photograph of the subscriber.

The subscriber who legally possesses the SIM Card should not allow any other person to use it.

If a subscriber with a legal SIM card requires to transfer it to another person, he/she should follow the procedure of obtaining a new mobile connection in cooperation with the respective mobile service provider.

Various corporate packages used presently by different institutions, under the name of those institutions should in future maintain those connections under their individual user's names.



The subscriber who carries a mobile telephone should keep with him a certified copy of the letter issued by the operator for inspection/identification to prove the ownership of the SIM Card.

The Ministry of Defense, Public Security, Law and Order is making arrangements to issue directions to armed forces, police, and other security institutions to carry out the following inspection check points under their purview.

(a) Evidence to prove that the respective SIM Card is allocated to the Subscriber by the relevant service provider. (This has to be checked with the certificate issued by the relevant Mobile Operator).

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)

In using CDMA telephones, it should only be used in its registered address.

Three boys, who are alleged to have stolen a cellular phone belonging to a member of the security staff of the Prime Minister, when the vehicle he was returning in after duty was stopped at the traffic lights at Grandpass Junction, were arrested by Police. Police also recovered the cellular phone.

The suspects were yesterday produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Ajith Anavaratne. The Magistrate ordered them to be released on personal bail of Rs. 30,000 for which their mothers signed as sureties. In addition the Magistrate called for a probation report of the suspects.

IP Dasanayake of Grandpass Police, Prosecuted. Attorney-at-Law Anton Senanayake who appeared for the suspects said that one of the suspects was a student of an international school.

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramarathna yesterday (11) paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka at the Army Headquarters upon his assumption of duties.

IGP Wickramarathna on arrival at the Headquarters premises was accorded a Guard of Honour and was later introduced to Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers and Directors before he was conducted to the office of the Army Commander.

The visiting Police Chief had a brief exchange of views with the Commander in relation to security related matters and the Commander extended his greetings on his new appointment. To symbolize the memorable occasion both exchanged mementos at the end of the day’s ceremony.

The visiting Police chief also signed the VIP book at Commander’s office.

A woman employee of the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital who joined the public servants token strike on July 10, is reported to have been assaulted yesterday 11, by a male employee of the same hospital who abstained from trade union action.

A complaint to the Peradeniya police was made with regard to the assault, a trade union leader of the hospital, Wasantha Liyanage said .

The complain was also made to the Teaching Hospital authorities, Liyanage said.

The victim, 48 year old Mary Nona was hospitalised, he further said.

The attacker is a twenty-eight-year old worker of the hospital, he said, adding that hospital authorities had taken steps yesterday to transfer the injured woman employee to Nuwara Eliya hospital.

The victim has sought a transfer to the Nuwara Eliya some time ago, but the authorities had arranged to send her to Nuwara Eliya, only after she was hospitalised following the attack, Liyanage said.

He said that the trade union would be compelled to resort to action if police and hospital authorities failed to take appropriate action against the attacker.

Terrorism should countered by a military solution while the current ethnic conflict requires a political solution, says UNP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the North Central PC Council polls, retired Major General Janaka Perera.

Explaining his view to medis , the retired Army officer said he believed the President’s stance on the above matter to be the same.

He was replying to ‘Lanka Dissent’ on the recent statement of Transport Minister Dulles Alahapperuma that challenged Major General Perera to reveal his opinion on the issue.

The UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe and I share the opinion that while terrorism should be countered by a military solution, the current ethnic conflict requires a political one, he said.

We wage war with the intention of bringing peace to a destructive situation created by a certain terrorist group. Therefore, it is clear that the UNP and the government share this opinion, he added.

The government claims that the war is a success. I sincerely wish that as well. My sole wish as a former army officer is the success of military operations. However, my vision is to provide support to the Tamils, subsequent to military offensives, the UNP CM candidate added.

All persons and vehicles entering the high security zones in Colombo during the SAARC summit would have to carry with them a valid pass issued by the police, DIG for Colombo Nimal Mediwaka said.

He said that the passes are being issued with effect from today and can be obtained from the Kollupitiya and Fort police stations.

The passes will be effective from July 30 until the summit is over on August 3 and the passes would have to be obtained in advance.

The pass system will apply for all persons working within the high security zone area which encompasses the Fort and Kollupitiya areas.

Persons traveling in vehicles will only be able to take along them only persons who possess the pass.

DIG Mediwaka said that only a limited number of passes will be issued.

At least 12 LTTE terrorists were killed, 19 wounded and 15 others reported either killed or seriously injured at the Wanni battlefront on Friday (July 11), during confrontations with security forces.

According to finalized military reports, 5 terrorists were killed and 13 others wounded in confrontation ensued between troops and LTTE at the Vavuniya battlefront. In addition 9 soldiers also had received injures in the confrontations. The clashes were reported from general areas at Maruthamadu, Ilamaruthankulama, Ampaddankulama, Paleiveddimodai, Naddankandal and Navvi.

Meanwhile, a soldier sustained injuries during an anti-personnel (AP) mine explosion in general area Puthukkamam at around 1.40p.m.

At the Welioya battlefront, in general area North of Kiriibbanwewa troops engaged in clearing operations removed 267 AP mines and 10 IEDs, according to reports. Separately, troops killed 7 LTTE terrorists, injuring 6 others during confrontations ahead of LTTE defences at Kiriibbanwewa and Janakapura areas. 6 soldiers were also wounded in the clashes, security sources said.

Also troops engaged in clearing operations at Dangeliyadda general area, Batticaloa removed 30 AP mines, security sources further added.

The ‘Combined Association of Unemployed Graduates’ is up in arms against the government for not releasing the results of the teaching examination held last year. The Association says that there are numerous teacher vacancies at schools, but the government is not interested in filling them with the graduates who sat for this exam.

Actor turned politician Ranjan Ramanayake was nominated as the UNP chief ministerial candidate for the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Election today at a meeting held in Kalawana, Ratnapura. After that, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also opened the UNP Ratnapura district office.

TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana said that Karuna and Pillayan met for the first time today since Karuna’s return to the country and discussed future political plans of the party.

A Police Sub Inspector (SI) was arrested by the Bribery Commission for soliciting a bribe from a traffic offender in Minuwangoda today, Director of the Commission SSP Niville Guruge said.

A minor earth-tremor has occurred Embilipitiya today, police said. However, Director General of the Geological and Mines Survey Bureau Dr. O.K. Dissanayake says it has not been recorded in the Pallekele Earthquake Monitoring System. He says only one house has felt it, and further studies will be conducted on Monday.

Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and India, the Sir Lankan garment exporters will be given concession while shipping their products to India. This information was made public by The Export Development and International Trade Ministry of Sri Lanka.

Initially under Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), under Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ), India had allowed import of eight million pieces of garments that were made in Sri Lanka using Indian fabrics.

However, India had already removed constrain on entry port and sourcing of fabric for three million pieces from the total of eight million pieces at zero duty in April last year.

Recently talks were held between authorities of two countries and the outcome was that, now fabric for six million pieces can be obtained from India on duty free basis instead of earlier agreement of three million pieces .

The remaining two million pieces of apparels will receive 75 percent Margin of Preference (MOP) and there will be no restriction on getting the fabrics from India. These grants will come into effect with the implementation of the CEPA.

Market observers are of the openion that bi-lateral trade between India and Sri Lanka will get a fillip to touch approximately $1.5 billion by 2012, when CEPA starts functioning completely.

Police arrested a four-member gang today in Trincomalee, wanted in connection with the alleged murder of six businessmen for refusing to give ransom in recent times. The gang including a graduate and a woman had posed themselves as TMVP or LTTE members when demanding ransom from businessmen, police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said.

RIYADH: The Kingdom will donate 200 metric tons of dates to the Muslims of Sri Lanka during Ramadan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced here yesterday. Saudi Ambassador in Sri Lanka Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman Al-Jammaz, told Arab News that he would handover the consignment of dates to Abdul Hameed Mohammed Fowzie, minister of petroleum and petroleum resources, in the presence of Western Province Gov. Alavi Mowlana at a ceremony in Colombo soon after the dates are received by the mission.

Al-Jammaz, who is also accredited to the Maldives, said that a similar consignment is being sent to Male from the Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry for the same purpose. He pointed out that the Kingdom is keen on establishing its relations with Sri Lanka and Maldives in political, economic, social and cultural fields.

“We are thankful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for this seasonal gift for the Muslims in the island during the holy month,” Fowzie told Arab News over the phone, saying that the consignment will be distributed among the mosques in the island. He added that the quantity donated to each mosque would be determined in accordance with the Muslim population of the area where the mosque is located.

According to the statistics available at the Department of Islamic Affairs in Colombo, there are about 2,500 registered and unregistered mosques in the island, the minister said, pointing out that all the mosques in the island are expected to register themselves with the Department of Islamic Affairs.

Around 1.2 million Muslims live in Sri Lanka, forming 7 percent of the island’s population. “The annual gift of dates from the Saudi government is gratefully acknowledged by the Muslims in Sri Lanka,” the country’s ambassador in Riyadh Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen said. He added that the mosques play a vital role in the Sri Lankan Muslim society. He also took the opportunity of thanking the Saudi government for its continuous assistance to Sri Lanka.

President Mahinda Rajapakse, accompanied by a ten-member official delegation, arrived at Tirumala in India yesterday to worship at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara. Rajapakse was accorded a warm welcome by the temple officials on arrival at the high-security Sri Padmavathi Guest House on the hills.

Two policemen were injured when a hand grenade was thrown at the house of UNP Eastern Provincial Councilor, A. Sasitharan, today evening.

A ten-member JVP delegation led by MP, Sunil Handunnetti is currently in China on a study tour about its socio-economic sector particularly in the agricultural field.

The delegation also includes Ampara District MP, Wasantha Piyatissa. The party’s Kurunegala District MP, Bimal Ratnayake said this visit was offered to the JVP for the third time under its understanding with the Communist Party of China.

MP Ratnayake said the delegation would study various aspects of the economic development of China.

“They are supposed to return on July 20,” he said.

Civil Monitoring Committee on Abductions Convenor and Western People’s Front Leader, Mano Ganesan claimed the number of a white van had been found in Pettah and called on the IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne to take action.
He was referring to the statement made by the IGP that public should inform the police regarding white vans.

The incident had occurred at 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning at Kadiresan Street in Pettah, Colombo involving Tamil civilians (a 67-year-old mother and a 27-year-old son),

Heavily armed men numbering twelve (12) came for Punyavadhan Pathmanathan and tried to abduct him from Everest Lodge, Kadiresan Street, Pettah, Colombo 11 on July 9, 2008 at 5 a.m. reported to the Civil Monitoring Committee by grieving Pathmanathan and his mother, Naduvilan Deivanai.

The Tamil woman Naduvilan Saraswathi, aged 31 was abducted by armed men on April 29, 2008 from the same location. It has been reported to CMC. She was missing from that date and her whereabouts were not known.

This disappearance has been reported to the Pettah police station. Missing Saraswathi’s aged mother, brother and family were staying at Everest Lodge, Kadiresan Street, Pettah, Colombo 11 hoping for the return of Saraswathi.

As per complaint made to the CMC Convenor and Colombo District’s Member of Parliament, Mano Ganesan by the victims, today (9th) morning armed abductors had arrived at Kadiresan Street and tried to abduct the missing Saraswathi’s brother Punyavadhan Pathmanathan, a 27-year-old Tamil youth. However, the mother Naduvilan Deivanai, aged 67 had come running and started crying loudly. The abductors had then introduced themselves as personnel from Pettah police station which was 200 yards away from the place of incident.

The mother had then demanded she be also taken with the son to the police station. While this commotion was taking place other residents had telephoned Pettah police station and complained that ‘some are trying to abduct residents’.

Subsequently, police personnel from nearby Pettah police station had arrived at the scene within minutes and spoken with the abductors.

And the abductors had got into their white van and got away. The white van number is 57 - 0662.

A complaint of the incident was being made by Pathmanathan and Deivanai at the time of this release. It was made to the nearby police post at Wolfendhal Street under Pettah police station.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi allowed the CID to obtain statements of an account opened at the Mathugama Peoples Bank, which is alleged to have been opened by those involved in an attempt to defraud foreign job seekers to Italy.

The CID informed the Chief Magistrate Court of Colombo that they were looking to arrest the culprits who used Disaster Management and Human Resources Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe’s Secretary, Mrs. Gothami Samanmali Gunasekera’s, name to defraud foreign job seekers.

They said the Minister’s Media Secretary, Suranga Prasad Hidallana Arachchi, lodged a complaint on June 30, stating that two persons, namely Sanjeewa Gunathilake and Anuruddha Athukorale, met him with the Vice Chairman of Wallalavita Pradeshiya Sabha and complained that a woman called Grace Damayanthi defrauded them of Rs 150,000 by using the Private Secretary’s name, promising them jobs in Italy. They had also said the culprit had produced a bogus agreement to defraud them and told them to deposit Rs 150,000 to the account of the Ministers Private Secretary at Peoples Bank in Mathugama.

The CID said they were trying to find out whether the culprit had actually used the name of the Minister’s Secretary to commit fraud.

On questioning the private secretary, she had told them that she had met Grace Damayanthi at the Labour Ministry during her tenure at the Ministry, but she does not know what happened to her after that.

The CID said it is necessary to probe the transactions that had taken place in the alleged account at the Mathugama Peoples Bank during the period June 01 to June 30 and moved to order the bank to provide details of transactions that took place in the account during that period.

The Magistrate allowing the application ordered the CID to file their findings on December 05.

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed for a fundamental rights application against the police, filed by two UNP candidates who contested the Eastern Provincial Council election, for not taking legal action against alleged perpetrators of election violence.

Arumugam Jegan and Maharasa Jesudasan had filed the application against the IGP for not entertaining complaints on election violence allegedly carried out by the supporters of Pillayan during the Eastern polls.

Supreme Court bench comprising of Justices Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, Saleem Marsoof and Jagath Balapatabendi granted leave to proceed and fixed the hearing for November 11.

In this case the petitioners cited the IGP, Commissioner of Elections, the Deputy Inspector General of Police- Eastern Province and the Attorney General as respondents.

Counsel J. C. Weliamuna supporting the application stated that during the last election, paramilitary groups under Pillayan engaged in acts of intimidation and prevented them from carrying out their election campaign. This included assaults on their supporters as well.

They cited as evidence the reports of People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) and the Campaign for Free and Fair Election (CAFFE), which claimed the eastern provincial council election, was not a free and fair one.

The petitioners stated following the acts of violence against their supporters, complaints were lodged with the Police stations but no action has been taken to date. They complained that their fundamental rights were violated and asked court to direct the IGP to entertain their complaints and take necessary action against those law breakers.

They also asked court to ensure that future elections be conducted in a free and fair manner and demanded Rs. 10 millions as compensation.

Army troops of the 57 Division captured the NADDANKANDAL area in VAVUNIYA today (11) at noon.
Meanwhile Task Force 2 captured power the NAVVI area in VAVUNIYA. The Army troops inflicted heavy casualties on the LTTE cadres in the ensuing confrontations and terrorists had fled the area in the face of attacks by the soldiers.

The troops are conducting urgent search operations in the captured area.

This is yet another major setback for the terrorists.

A retired Indonesian Marine Corps general has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for trying to funnel weapons to LTTE terrorists, web based news sources said.

Federal prosecutors say 61-year-old Erick Wotulo conspired with three other men to export machine guns, surface-to-air missiles and other military hardware to the Tamil Tigers. The LTTE is been designated as a terrorist organization by the US State Department in 1997.

Wotulo pleaded guilty to conspiring to aid LTTE and money laundering. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison and three years of supervised release, and deported after his prison term ends, media reports added quoting Federal prosecutor.

Also convicted in the scheme were another Indonesian, Haji Subandi, a Singaporean, Haniffa Bin Osman, and a Sri Lankan, Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa. Subandi was sentenced to three years and one month in prison, and Varatharasa received a four-year, nine-month sentence. Osman is scheduled to be sentenced in August.

Security forces personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensives made another major breakthrough capturing two more LTTE strongholds in Vavuniya front this afternoon, July 11.

Despite the heavy resistance, the troops in 57 division approached towards LTTE territory and captured the Naddankandal area while the troops in Task Force 2 captured Navvi area in the same front, defence sources said.

Fierce gun battle between LTTE terrorists and security forces were took place during past few days in these areas and the troops were fighting through the resistance to capture these LTTE strongholds, sources added.

The offensive operations to liberate Wanni continues.

IMPOVERISHED school children in a Sri Lankan shanty town are to get a helping hand from Teesside pupils.
A group of 18 sixth form students from Eston Park School are to fly to Athidya in Colombo on July 27, where they will help bring a little sunshine to the lives of the children.
Pupils will spend the first day and a half acclimatising to the monsoon season before helping to teach the Sri Lankan children, aged five to 15, to learn English.
They will also redecorate the school and have gifts of pencils, paper and toys to give to the children. They will be taking along a miniature photo printer to give each child a photograph of themselves to take home to their parents.
Headteacher Jim Rogers and maths teacher Pauline Franklin, who retires this term, say they hope it will be an eye-opener for their pupils.
Mrs Franklin was inspired to take the children to a third world country because her eldest son, Jamie, 32, works for a mine charity in South Sudan. She said: “It’s an opportunity to experience another way of life and I think it will be an emotional journey for many when they see the conditions the children live in. I don’t think they will ever complain or ask for the latest trainers again!
“Conditions are very basic. There is no running water and only four latrines and four stand pipes for the whole village.”
Pupils will be staying in a hostel and will be able to see elephants in a wildlife sanctuary.
The ten day trip costs £30,000 which the school started raising last October by doing bag packs and charity sales, as well as approaching local businesses for donations.
Mrs Franklin said: “I went to Jim Rogers about 15 months ago with the idea of the trip and said I wanted to open it to all pupils whether they came from a rich family or a single parent. This is an opportunity that many people would not otherwise be able to afford. But we worked as a team and it was wonderful.
“There’s something very special about this group of pupils. They have been dedicated to raising the money. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us. It will be absolutely amazing.”

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Amnesty International express their condolence to the families of the bus attack victims who lost their lives in the terrorist attack at Buttala.
Issuing a statement Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake said it is barbaric attack targeting civilians.
The Amnesty International condemned the targeting of civilians in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka and urged the concerned parties to abide by the international laws. In a news release, it listed a number of incidents, which has led to the deaths of innocent civilians in the recent past.
“These indiscriminate attacks are brutal. The victims are overwhelmingly people who are trying to go about their everyday lives; living in fear of attacks at any time, with the added untold suffering this brings to their relatives. The total disregard for the safety of civilians is completely indefensible,” it said.
The death toll in Friday's bus attack at Buttala increased to four.

The Defence Ministry blamed the LTTE for being behind the attack on the passanger bus on the Buttala-Kataragama in which 26 others were also injured. The attack took place around 10.15am Friday.

Among the dead are two women and a twelve year old child, Police said.

The CTB bus had been plying from Buttala to Kataragama when it came under gunfire near the 49th mile post.

The LTTE has carried out a series of attacks in the area since the beginning of this year. The biggest attack was on January 16 when 27 passengers were killed in a claymore mine attack in Buttala.

The Chinese government has warned that it would slash military aid to Sri Lanka if Colombo does not call off the deal with India for oil exploration in the Mannar basin, ‘Lanka’ newspaper reports.

The Sri Lankan government signed an agreement with Cairn India Ltd. on July 07th to explore and produce hydrocarbon and natural gas in the Mannar Basin.

Earlier, China had lobbied to claim this right.

In 2007, Beijing's war assistance to Sri Lanka exceeded $ 37.6 million in value, while development to the island amounted to one billion dollars that is more than what was provided by Japan, Sri Lanka’s main donor.

In addition, the Chinese government is funding massive projects such as an arts gallery in Colombo, the coal power plant in Norochcholai and the international port in Hambantota.

'Lanka' says further that after understanding China’s aid to Sri Lanka were aimed at securing rights to explore oil in the Mannar basin, India intervened to thwart China’s plans.

India is against the continuous supply of arms by China and Pakistan and called for a peaceful resolution rather than a military one to eliminate terrorism in the north.

New Delhi also urged Colombo to hold the provincial council polls in the east soon after its liberation.

However, India won rights for oil explorations in Mannar on condition of supporting the stability of the Rajapaksa regime, it is having its concern for survival after leftist parties have abandoned the coalition government.

China has reportedly taken up the matter with New Delhi at diplomatic level, the newspaper added.

Sri Lanka Cricket's decision to allow their Indian Premier League-contracted players to skip the 2009 tour to England has produced a sharp reaction from the International Cricket Council.
The tour is scheduled to feature two Tests and three one-day internationals from April-May next year, a date that clashes with the lucrative Twenty20 competition.
But Sri Lanka's players, who are the lowest paid in the world, have since agreed with the SLC that the IPL will take priority.
That could mean they arrive in 2009 without the likes of captain Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga.
"My folks always warned me to be careful because money is the root of all evil," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
"The root of this issue is the sums of money involved. It is far more attractive financially to play in the IPL."
Lorgat admitted the ICC had little choice but to create a window in the international calendar for the IPL.
"I suspect that the prospect of a window for IPL is a subject that will not disappear from the radar," he added.
"To satisfy players financially by relying on their payments from IPL is not sustainable.
"Players have short careers and they want immediate rewards but we have to educate them about the development of the game.
"All of us, players included, must be responsible during this time of enormous opportunity."
The England and Wales Cricket Board had only recently confirmed the schedule after inviting Sri Lanka following the cancellation of Zimbabwe's tour.

Indictment served on Air Force officer Nishantha Gajanayake and three others on the charges of abducting a Tamil businessman and taking Rs.6 million ransom. They were granted bail and ordered not to leave the country.

A man was shot dead in Ferguson Road, Modara at a barber shop this morning by an unidentified gang. The victim was identified as Perumal Wasanthan(47).

JVP vowed today to take to streets if restrictions on fishing were not removed in Trincomalee or concessions of Rs. 20,000 granted per month to the fishermen.

The bus that was fired at, at Galge while it was travelling along the Buttala - Kataragama road this morning took the lives of 5 while injuring another 26.

The SANASA DEVELOPMENT BANK plans to launch a ten year project to develop rural community and assist them to obtain technological know-how to develop their economy.
Chairman of the bank P.A.Kirivandeniya said this project would cover over 1000 SANASA societies , 5000 villages and one million community.
Under the project the bank will provide infrastructure to train the masses on IT, Marketing, Finance Control , Budgetry plans , Money Saving schemes and other vocational areas.
Speaking to media he said this ten year project will assist to develop entrepreneur skills of the masses to do business and industries.The bank will implement self employment projects at a village level basis.It has decided to obtain consultancy services from the vocational training authorities and individuals to train the masses.
“Our main aim is to obtain community participation on current development process under the team work concept, he explained.
The bank plans to aware masses on savings and educate on financial managment and management tools.
“We provide credit guidence services for the selected persons under the project, he said.
At present SANASA covers entire country and manages over 8000 SANASA societies , 41 branches of the SANASA DEVELOPMENT BANK , Insurance and the education sectors.
“We need financial support of the international organisations and individuals who wishes to support our ten year project as an investment, he said.
Local and international well wishers and investors could obtain details from chairman@sdb.lk’
This is a long term project and we need long term investments, he said.

Dialog GSM recently launched a unique mobile package especially designed for kids. Named ‘Dialog Kidz Connection’ it offers a host of special features, especially designed to offer parents more control over their child’s mobile phone while having the facility to contact them when needed. The Kidz Connection includes many child safety features, such as the restricted calls/SMS, SMS copy and Word Filtering on SMS.

With the restricted call/sms feature, all outgoing and incoming calls and SMS are restricted to five numbers that would be chosen by the parent at the point of signing up for the connection. As an added safety feature, MMS and GPRS access is disabled. The SMS copy facility is a unique feature in this product which is introduced for the first time in Sri Lanka. This facilitates the parent to receive a copy of each SMS received/sent by the child.

“Dialog has constantly strived to make mobile communications accessible and relevant to all segments of the society. Today’s launch of the Kidz Connection is yet another important initiative in this regard,” said Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Dialog Mobile. “Our main goal in launching this package was to promote responsible mobile use, whilst keeping the benefits of mobile communication. We incorporated several special features to the Kidz Connection with the goal of making the package more secure and safe to be used by children.

The Kidz Connection on prepaid is issued under the parent’s name and is available at all Dialog outlets. Once purchased parents could top-up the Kidz Connection by transferring credit from parents mobile using the eZ D2D feature in addition to standard prepaid recharge via eZ cards/reloads.

Government of Sri Lanka denies JVP critisisam on security of the SAARC and said no foreign troops would be in Sri Lanka during the period.
Replying a question made by JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake , Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the propaganda carried out by the JVP regarding a battalion of 1,500 soldiers accompany the Indian Prime Minister visiting Sri Lanka for the SAARC summit is totally false and misleading. The Minister pointed out however, it is customary for foreign heads of states to bring specified number of security officials along with them.
According to the government sources the SAARC summit will be commenced from 27th July and it would be ended on 3rd August, in Colombo.
However the National Freedom Front said the forthcoming summit is an important regional meeting for Sri Lanka.
“If Sri Lanka coul not hold the summit it would be a black mark for the country, a spokesman of the NFF said.
However the JVP on Wednesday showed its opposition against deploying Indian forces for the security of Indian participants in the forthcoming SAARC meeting in Sri Lanka.
"India has an inferiority complex against our troops because her army suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the LTTE but our troops had proven far better by almost sweeping off the LTTE. They want to look down on our troops because of this. That is the plan behind their proposal to bring Indian forces for their security," J.V.P. MP K. D. Lal kantha said.
He said that his party was against allowing the Indian troops coming in and this was a humiliation to our troops who had proven better against LTTE. "They would be brought here to exhibit their acrobats on the money of our taxpayers. The estimated cost for the SAARC summit is Rs 2,880 million, and a large sum of this would be spent on a foreign force. We are against this," he said.

At least 3 civilians were killed and 16 others reported wounded when LTTE terrorists opened fire at a passenger bus plying from Monaragala towards Katharagama, at the 49th mile post along the Buttala-Katharagama main road, Friday (July 11), at around 10:15 a.m.

The injured civilians were rushed to the general hospital at Katharagama.

A civilan bus was attacked at Buttala by an unkonown gang a short while ago.According to the Police 3 passengers were killed and another 16 wounded.This incident happened along the Buttala - Kataragama road.

The JVP on Wednesday registered its opposition against deploying Indian forces for the security of Indian participants in the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting in Sri Lanka.
"India has an inferiority complex against our troops because her army suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the LTTE but our troops had proven far better by almost sweeping off the LTTE. They want to look down on our troops because of this. That is the plan behind their proposal to bring Indian forces for their security," J.V.P. MP K. D. Lal kantha told a press conference in Colombo.

He said that his party was against allowing the Indian troops coming in and this was a humiliation to our troops who had proven better against LTTE. "They would be brought here to exhibit their acrobats on the money of our taxpayers. The estimated cost for the SAARC summit is Rs 2,880 million, and a large sum of this would be spent on a foreign force. We are against this," he said.

He also wanted the government to spend the funds on the local security forces so that it could bring better results. "We ask the Government why it had agreed to the Indian Government’s demand at the cost of humiliating our troops.

Do not give into these failings or we would be compelled to take action to prevent this shameful act." Lal kantha said.

He said that when the JVP asks the government to increase the salaries of employees the government says it has no funds but it had funds for events like SAARC.

The JVP in latter 1980s opposed and fought against the presence of the Indian troops who were brought in as a result of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. However, during the last two years the JVP demanded that Norway and Scandinavian nations must be replaced by a friendly nation to facilitate the peace process.

Supporters of a Government Minister are alleged to have set upon a group of JVP supporters at Uadgama in Embilipitiya around 12.30 a.m. yesterday. A JVP member, Ranjith Jayatunga, has been admitted to Embilipitiya Hospital.
In a complaint to the Embilipitiya Police, a JVP activist Nissanka Udayasagara has said the assailants had threatened them stating that they won’t allow the JVP to do politics. They will assault JVPers today and kill them tomorrow, he said.

Making a personal explanation in Parliament yesterday (10), UNP Kandy District member Tissa Attanayake said that a statement had been made in the House in his absence the previous day about an incident at the UNP Headquarters Sirikotha. His name had been mentioned as being responsible for detaining two ITN camera crew members at the Sirikotha.
He said that he had been at a committee meeting at Sirikotha on Wednesday (8), when the Chief Security Officer had informed him that two persons were videoing the premises without permission. They were brought before him by the security officers. Next, he had telephoned the Mirihana police station about the matter and the police had taken the two persons away.

However later, the two persons had gone to the ITN TV station and returned to the police station. Thereafter the police had come to Siri Kotha and arrested the Chief Security officer. Since the whole incident had been mentioned in the House involving his name, he was making this explanation and he would like to say that a violation of rights case will be filed in Court.

Minister of Media and Information Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the matter was before Courts and the police and courts will deal with it according to the law.

JVP Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake making a statement said that the JVP considering incidents that had been occurring after the nominations for the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Councils, a free and fair election will not be held in the provinces.

A group of persons had broken into the JVP propaganda office at Thirappane and broken the furniture and door frames and had caused damage to the decorations. A complaint had been made to the police. Another attack had been made on the candidate for Anuradhapura, Dhammika Jayawardena and he had been threatened with death, he said.

A group of armed thugs had entered the JVP district office Anuradhapura and threatened those present with death. On July 08, a group had entered the JVP office at Galenbindunuwewa and damaged property valued at Rs. 15,000 and when party members went to the police to make a complaint, the police had delayed recording the complaint, he said.

From these incidents, it was becoming clear that a free and fair provincial council election will not be held. The House was requested to intervene and ensure conditions to hold a free and fair Provincial Council election are maintained.

Galle Face had not been declared out of bounds to civilians. It has been closed to the public as its promenade was being given a face lift and not for security reasons, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said yesterday.

He said the government had not banned civilians entering the drive at Galle Face, starting in front of Galle Face Hotel and joining the Galle Face Centre Road close to the Bandaranaike statue due to security considerations.

"People continue to use this stretch of the Galle Face and it is chock-a-block during weekends with many families from the surrounding areas visiting the place."

In the mornings it’s a common sight to see people including expatriates and foreigners walking, jogging or doing exercise on this stretch, he said.

Asked whether the area will be out of bounds to the public during the SAARC Summit, Nanayakkara said the Defence Ministry had still not announced the areas but it was very likely that the public will not be allowed to enter the Galle Face area only during this particular period.

The Parliament’s Hansard Department officials who usually give copies of answers to questions in Parliament raised in the House by members to the media, said yesterday that they could not do so as they have been asked by an official not to do so.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara, said he had not given such instructions and that he would look into the matter and requested that he be informed in writing about the problem.

JVP trade union wing leader MP K. D. Lal Kantha yesterday called on Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma to resign from his ministerial portfolio to settle a bet. The Transport Minister had wagered his portfolio on the challenge that not a single CTB bus crew would join the strike.

"So, now it is up to Minister Alahapperuma to resign from his portfolio since he could not stop us taking out more bus crews than he said," MP Lal Kantha said.

Lal Kantha who is also the chairman of NTUC said that not a single bus of the Akuressa Depot operated yesterday. "In many other places the strike was partially successful."

MP Lal Kantha in return of Minister Dallas’ bet had wagered that he would resign from all his posts including the parliamentary seat if the token strike failed. "The strike was a success, in our view," he said.

A retired Indonesian Marine Corps General was sentenced in the US to 30 months in jail for trying to funnel weapons to the LTTE.

The Kalmunai OIC committed suicide this morning by shooting himself with his own weapon.

Speaking at the 34th National Sports Festival this evening President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed hope of being in a position to stage a similar festival in Killinochchi in the very near future.

A special probe was on, after the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) found a stock of expired plasma at the National Hospital Colombo yesterday.

The CIABOC initiated an inquiry soon after it received an anonymous complaint on Wednesday evening about a stock of expired plasma kept for the use at the National Hospital.

CIABOC Investigation Division director SSP Neville Guruge said that they had found over 100 containers of plasma stored in the hospital whose labels indicated the expiry date as March 31.

It was reported that the stock of plasma had been issued by the Blood Transfusion Service and a special CIABOC team visited the National Blood Bank in Narahenpita yesterday. SSP Guruge said that they had received many complaints and much information that the National Hospital possessed stock of medicines which were substandard or past their expiry dates, and also complaints that it had purchased drugs which were nearing their expiry dates.

He said that it was likely that certain corrupt officers had carried out these dirty deals for profit. The CIABOC is investigating whether any corruption was involved in issuing these drugs to the hospital.

It had also informed the relevant officials of the Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile the Director, National Hospital Colombo, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe, said that the hospital authorities were not conducting an inquiry but the Ministry of Health had already started one.

Asked whether there was a procedure in the hospital to check the quality of the plasma received, he said that there was no such system and that they relied on the Blood Transfusion Service to issue quality goods.

Attempts made to contact Director of the Blood Transfusion Service were in vain.

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi that the fire arms, accessories of these arms, bullets and other articles recovered from a garbage dump at Pajet Road, Keppetipola Mawatha in Colombo-05 had been dumped there by the inmates of ASP Jayantha Wijesekera’s house.

The CCD produced the items found at the scene before the Chief Magistrate and moved on the instructions of the Government Analyst to examine and report on its findings. They also sought a direction from the Government Analyst to tally the lime and other paint stains that were on the fire arm with the wall scrapings of ASP Wijesekera’s house to ascertain whether they were from the same source.

An Air Force serviceman while conducting a routine search at Keppetipola Mawatha recovered the articles from a garbage dump .An expired copy of the passport of SSP Sarath Baddewela, his family photographs, an SSP’s cap and parts of an uniform belonging to an IP, that were found there, were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigations.

The CCD said they were investigating as to which Department the fire arms belong and moved to send the articles to the Government Analyst for examination and to report back thereafter.

The Chief Magistrate agreeing to the motion ordered the CCD to send the articles to the Government Analyst through SI Dinadhi Bandara and to file a report in court on September 7.

The Mount Lavinia Magistrate yesterday ordered Wellawatta OIC to appear in court in connection with an anticipatory bail application filed by Western Provincial Councillor, Duminda Silva. The Provincial Councillor has sought bail to prevent him being arrested and detained in connection with the complaint of alleged abduction of actress Anarkali Akarsha.

Additional Magistrate Ms. Dharshika Wimalasiri issued notice on the OIC to appear before court on July 17.

Filling the application Duminda Silva’s counsel, Gaya Jayatillake, stated that a complaint has been made by Ms Anarkali Jayatilake alias Anarkali Akarsha Jayatilake at the Wellawatta police station with regard to an alleged attempt to abduct her on July 3, 2008. Subsequently a magisterial inquiry has been initiated and his client is suspected of committing a non-bailable offence and suspects he would be arrested for this alleged offence.

He sought anticipatory bail on behalf of Duminda Silva and the Additional Magistrate fixed the inquiry for July 17.

Laugfs Holdings Limited venture in to Cholera Alkyd Chemical manufacturing in Hambanthota, Sri Lanka. Laugfs Salt and Chemicals Limited, a subsidiary of diversified Laugfs Holdings Limited recently acquired 600 Acer extent of Masiththakkala Lewaya of Hambanthota which was a previously abandoned saltern to develop a modern saltern and salt based chemical manufacturing plan. Laugfs Salt will firstly develop Mahasittakkala Lewaya to a proper saltern to produce Salt and then use salt as raw material for manufacturing Cholera Alkyd Chemicals such as Choleren and Caustic Soda.

Sri Lanka had one of South East Asia’s most productive Cholera Alkyd Chemical manufacturing facilities in Paranthan which was destroyed due to the ongoing terrorist problem. After the destruction of the Paranthan Chemical Plant, Sri Lanka has been a net importer of all cholera Alkyd Chemicals such as Chlorine and Caustic Soda, used for water purification and as raw material for many other industries. It is estimated that Sri Lanka spends over Rs.6 billion annually to import Cholera Alkyd chemicals. Also, presently, nearly 15-20% of edible salt requirement is met by imported salt from other countries such as India. Sri Lanka will be able to save huge amounts of foreign exchange that are spent for importing salt and salt base chemicals, once this project is up and running.

Laugfs Salt and Chemicals Limited, a BOI approved project is planning to invest over Rs.800 million in this project which is going to be a joint investment with a Japanese partner who would bring technical expertise of producing chemicals. They are planning to establish a modern and sophisticated plant in Hambanthota once the salt harvests begin. In the first stage of the project, Laugfs will design and develop the Mahasittakala Lewaya to produce salt and the construction of the chemical plant will be in the second stage. Further, this project will generate more than 300 direct job opportunities for people living in the area.

Troops of Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 operating on the Mannar battlefront engaged a tractor transporting armed LTTE cadres this morning (July 10). According to the defence sources, the ground troops have detected the vehicle in the Karaimoddi area, South of Vidattaltivu and called in artillery support around 7 a.m. Ground troops have claimed that 3 terrorists were killed in the incident, the sources added.

Meanwhile, soldiers marching towards the Vidattaltivu LTTE stronghold claimed to have gunned down 2 LTTE cadres in the Puthukkamam area.

Three Hardcore tiger cadres, fully frustrated with LTTE's inhuman cycle of violence and ill-treatment have sought refuge under the Security Forces in newly-captured Palamoddai in Vavuniya after giving up the terrorist organization.

All three cadres in their twenties during their harrowing confessions told the Army troops that they were subjected to rigorous terrorist training along with a few hundred of others in Kattakadu, Palammoddai and Maniwannan areas.

"On 25th September 2007 Tigers stormed my house in Maviladethuram, Adappan and took me by force to an LTTE training base in Palammoddai area. I was forced to undergo training with 220 more youths like me. It was a terrible experience and I decided to run away. My parents are at home and they are extremely worried about my future," the twenty-eight year old escapee, identified in the LTTE as "Alageshan" has gone on record saying.

"Tigers took me into their custody on 27th September 2007 and carried me to a terrorist training base at Maniwannan where I was forced to undergo training for about one and half month. When the troops were approaching that training base, I surrendered myself to the troops. We are now leading a good life under the troops. LTTE will never be able to realize their goal," the other twenty-seven year old escapee has told the troops.

The third escapee has got to say the following; "Tigers abducted me in September 2007 when I was fleeing Wanni areas in order to enter cleared areas and surrender to the Army. However, on the way a few terrorists questioned me and took me away in a van. Later on, a military training with some 200 others was given to me in Kattakadu area. Afterwards, I was taken to the defence line under the LTTE's 'Imran Pandiyan Unit.' We were without food, bathing and suffered heavily under those Tigers. I appeal to all others in the same plight to give up LTTE and surrender to the troops. They would be able to enjoy a better future under the troops, I am sure."

Yesterday (09) around 11.30 pm Air Force MI 24 Helicopters carried out air strikes on a LTTE operation centre in PUNAREEN area. Air force confirms that the air strikes are a total success.

The LTTE Thursday expressed willingness for ceasefire and peace talks with the Sri Lankan government as the rebel group continues to be battered by a concerted military offensive in its stronghold of Jaffna peninsula, according to media reports.

The rebel group's political wing chief V Nadesan accused the island government of "abrogating" the six-year-long ceasefire early this year but said it is not against peace negotiations and that it is ready for an immediate ceasefire.

"It is the Sri Lankan state that unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement and is unleashing a war against the Tamils in their homeland," he charged.

However, it's doubtful whether Colombo will agree to a ceasefire as the rebel group had used the period to rearm itself. Additionally, the government troops seem to have an upper hand in the war against the group in the north of the country.

The LTTE leader's remarks came weeks after the country's military chief LT Gen Sarath Fonseka claimed that rebels had lost capability to fight as a conventional force due to the relentless onslaught from the military since August 2006 and its cadre strength had dropped to 5000 from 8000 in August 2006.

He said troops were advancing steadily into the rebel-held north and within a year the rebels would lose large areas and their control over the population and be reduced to nothing more than a "rag-tag terrorist outfit" in a year's time.

A forest fire broke out yesterday at Knuckles Forest Reserve in the hill country of Sri Lanka.

The fire which started at about 7pm yesterday due to dry weather in the forest range has already destroyed more than 30 acres and continues to spread due to high winds.

The Knuckles Forest range covers parts of Kandy and Matale districts, almost 1% of the land area in Sri Lanka and consists of almost one-third of the island’s flowering plant species.

EPP Coordinator of the European Parliament’s Development Committee, and former candidate to succeed Kofi Annan as Secretary-General of the UN; said at the European Parliament’s passing of the Urgency Resolution on Zimbabwe. Nirj Deva MEP said: “I am utterly disgusted at the continuing presence of Robert Mugabe on the international scene. He represents no-one but himself and his thieving bandit cronies in Zanu-PF. He does not represent the Zimbabwean people, who yearn to be rid of him. Around two million people in Zimbabwe are under threat of famine, poverty and disease.”

“It is now clearly necessary that under the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ imperative, acts of terror and crimes against humanity committed by Mugabe should be punished; and I therefore call for a resolution of the UN Security Council mandating the establishment of a special court as was the case for Sierra Leone and Rwanda .”

“Furthermore, following the European Parliament’s condemnation of the recent elections as ‘not legitimate’ I demand that EU member states uphold their own international agreements not to grant any visa to Mugabe, his cabinet and the ZANU PF leadership on EU territory; and furthermore that the EU member states uphold this principle even when it comes to national or international summits. “

“I call on the Council to tighten up sanctions against members of the Mugabe regime and others responsible for grave violations of human rights – especially in light of the €250 million in development aid that has just been pledged to support Zimbabwe once democracy returns and a legitimate and credible government is elected.”

“The elections of 27 June must be treated with the contempt they deserve.”

The second round of the presidential elections took take place Friday 27 June with Mugabe as the only candidate. Election observers from both the Southern African Development Community and the Pan African Parliament condemned the election.

The resolution was adopted with 591 votes in favour, 8 against and 21 abstentions.

Attorney General C.R.De Silva has intervened and given directions to the Police on Friday and again on 9th July to duly investigate the complaint made by actress Anarkali Akarsha against Western Provincial Councillor, Duminda Silva who had reportedly abducted and harassed her.
The AG also ordered the police to produce the suspect in Court amidst allegations of Police partiality in favour of the suspect and dereliction of duty. It is reported that the Attorney General’s Department is considering indicting Duminda Silva on several charges based on the material produced by Police, although Duminda has denied involvement despite a tape recorded evidence incriminating him.

Sri Lanka's controversial Labour Minister Mervyn Silva narrowly escaped from yet another experience similar to what he faced at the Rupavahini a few months back, when he visited the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) yesterday, a report said.

Reportedly, the Minister had gone to the kitchen of the hospital and tried to intimidate CNH employees to refrain from participating in the token strike today.

When the agitated hospital employees tried to surround him the Minister had fled the scene with his bodyguards.

In December 2007, the Minister was severely assaulted by the state-owned television station, Rupvahini Corporation employees when he tried to threaten the news director.

Local Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the Thursday ‘s strike was unsuccessful and it shows utter failure of the JVP and the UNP. Addressing Cabinet press conference held in Colombo on Thursday he said government is ready to face any type of challenge in future. He said government did not block the Thursday’s strike and it has motivated the masses not to attend the strike.
“Entire transport sector and other essential services were normal, he said. He also reiterated that the JVP shows fake data on this strike .
Government MPs asked JVP MP and Trade Union leader K.D. Lalkantha to keep his pledge to resign from his post as MP if Thursday’s general strike fails as they said it had been proven that the strike is a failure.

“It is sad that we will loose a good MP from Anuradhapura because MP Lalkantha has to resign now as he pledged to do on the floor of this House on Wednesday, Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Several other government speakers too expressed similar sentiments.
Reports receiving from many parts of the country say that the strike implemented by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the United National Party has been a complete failure. Police Media Spokesman and Senior SP Ranjith Gunasekera said attendance of employees in the city of Colombo and outstations has exceeded 80 percent. The essential services such as transport, health and electricity are being implemented satisfactorily. A special security is also underway. The Ministry of Education says all schools are functioning normally. Additional secretary of the Ministry of Education in the western province said attendance of teachers in the provincial councils is 100 percent.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board Tudor Dayaratne said 240 additional buses have been deployed for service today.

Additional general manager railways P.H. Silva said all trains are running on schedule as all employees have reported for duty. There is no change in the train timetable in the afternoon as well. Chairman of the western province road passenger authority J.M. Somasiri said no acts of sabotage have been reported in private bus transport in the western province. President of the Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijeratne explained that none of the buses of his association are engaged in the strike. He adds that the association rejects strikes of this nature, which are being carried out with political objectives. The Ministry of Health says there are no disruptions in the patients’ treatment in the services in any hospital. The attendance of workers is above 90 percent. A large number of persons were reported to have come forward voluntarily to assist in the treatment in the patients. All trade union members of the JVP at the state pharmaceutical manufacturing corporation have reported to work. A group of thugs belonging to the JVP have caused grievous injuries to three members of the ambulance drivers’ union at the Kandy teaching hospital who refuse to obey the orders of the JVP union leadership to refrain from attending to work. One of the drivers Lalith Jayawardena has been admitted to intensive care union at the Kandy hospital.

Local health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said compensations will be provided to the injured workers and stern action will be taken against those who are responsible for the attack.

Parliamentarian Lal Kantha said in parliament yesterday that he would resign from his parliamentary post as well as from the leadership of the national trade unions center if the strike became unsuccessful. Minister and a deputy organizer of the government Mahindananda Aluthgamage raising a point of order in parliament on Thursday morning inquired from Mr. Lal Kantha whether he will keep his promise.

Chief organizer Horana of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Vidura Wickramanayake said the complete failure of the strike reflects the support of the masses for the programme of the government to develop the country by defeating terrorism. He also extended the gratitude of the government for the intelligence decision taken by the general public not to betray the country for a demand to seek a 5,000 rupee salary increase.
Meanwhile JVP parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha claimed the strike was 70% successful. He also added that the Trade Unions would meet on Friday to plan a series of strikes.He said this strike is the beginning of series of strike . Lal Kantha told journalists in Colombo that 660 affiliate trade unions and many others have extended their support to the strike.
Our reporters said functions of many state institutions were disrupted as a result of the one-day token strike called by the National Trade Unions Centre and supported by several other trade unions.
Reports said that certain services were carried out by using force on workers, while security forces personnel were seen carrying out services in the health sector.
At the Colombo National Hospital, soldiers were seen doing patient registration.
Other hospitals too, had their outpatient and clinical services at a standstill.
Saman Ratnapriya of the Health Services Trade Union Alliance said that police had arrested two union members at the Angoda Hospital while there were reports of police intimidation from Mulleriyawa, Hambantoda, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura.

Ratnapriya said despite government scheme to suppress Thursday's strike through "threats, intimidation and negative propaganda.
The island wide strike on Thursday (10) urge the government to increase salaries by Rs. 5000, to grant the cost of living allowance and to decrease the bus and railway fares.

Plantation stocks saved the day at the Colombo bourse on Thursday with the indexes closing higher on heavy trades in plantation shares.

Brokers said prices rose for plantations companies widely believed due to the high potential in plantation firms. Today’s strike did not have any significance in the market. . “The strike which was of no significance to the market,” Srimal Liyanage, Head of Research at Lanka Securities said. The top gainer was Malwatte Valley Plantations which increased by Rs.7.50 to Rs.58.
Kotagala Plantations saw a Rs.6 hike to end at Rs.55. Brokers said that Balangoda hit a high price of Rs.32 in a Rs.4 increase. “Most these plantations are heavily into rubber and the rubber prices are high presently,” Liyanage said.
He also said that despite the cyclical nature of industry the plantations always have the potential. The All Share (ASPI) saw an upward gain of 23.99 points to close at 2405.60 while Milanka rose by 38.41 points to 2895.74 with total turnover at Rs. 137 million.

The Indo-Lanka Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been finalized and will be signed on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Colombo later this month, a top Indian official said today in Colombo. The CEPA will be implemented next year.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is attending the Colombo parley. Indian Commerce Secretary Gopal K. Pillai told a packed audience of top level businessmen, scholars and, public and private sector officials at a Colombo seminar on ‘CEPA Opportunities and Challenges’ that Sri Lanka should take advantage of obtaining Indian expertise to upgrade the services sector.

Warburg Pincus-controlled WNS Holdings has acquired Aviva Global Services, the UK-based insurance captive BPO in India and Sri Lanka, for USD 230 million.
This is one of the largest buyouts of a foreign captive BPO in India.

WNS will finance the acquisition through a USD 200 million line of credit from ICICI Bank, while Warburg, which owns 51% stake and will invest around USD 30 million as equity.

The acquisition will bring over 6,500 employees of Aviva Global Services spread across Bangalore, Pune, Noida, Chennai and Colombo under the WNS fold.

An unidentified gunman killed three Sinhalese youths at Udayar Street in Kalmunai, Batticaloa around 9.30 this morning (July 10th), police reports from the east said.

The victims are said to be businessmen.

Two of the murder victims have been identified as residents of Galagedara area, while the other remains unidentified.

Labour Minister Mervyn Silva has charged that the one-day token strike presently underway is intended to serve the needs of the LTTE, which is bent on destroying the country.

Tigers are hatching such plots to stop the channeling of funds for the war against it and for the benefits of soldiers, he said.

In an interview with today's (July 10th) issue of state-owned 'Dinamina' newspaper, the minister said it was clear that foreign pro-LTTE forces, including Nedumaran in India and certain Norwegians, were behind this strike.

According to him, 500,000 posters had been printed at a cost of one billion rupees and pasted island wide for this strike campaign.

Organizers of the strike would not have got such a large sum of money from sources other than these plotters, Mr. Silva charged.

He requested the President to deploy the CID to investigate how money was found for these posters and to probe those who change colours to suit their needs.

It is saddening to note that the working class has joined this plot by the LTTE, the Labour Minister said.

Noting that the president was well aware of difficulties of the public due to the high cost of living, he said that it was wrong to increase salaries even by Rs. 1,000.

That money should have gone to soldiers and the police, Mr. Silva added.

An unidentified group assaulted a teacher trade unionist of the Nuwara Eliya Gamini National College last night .

The victim, Dharmasiri Hettiarachchi, has been admitted to the Nuwara Eliya Hospital with serious injuries.

Speaking to media Chairman of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Joseph Stalin said that the assailants had gone to the teacher's home around 7.30 pm.

They asked him whether he would be taking part in the July 10th strike campaign, before assaulting him.

According to reports, a driver of Minister C.B. Ratnayake’s private secretary had carried out this attack.

Claiming that the token strike presently underway has been a success, Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre, K.D. Lal Kantha said the future course of union action would be based on the experience gained today.

Speaking to media, he said that if the government does not positively respond to this token strike, which is indicative of supportive and disruptive forces, the NTUC would resort to a stronger union action.

Pointing out that nearly 660 trade unions of the NTUC have launched the strike, the JVP MP said that other trade unions were not invited, as it was only a token strike.

However, it is heartening to note that a large number of other trade unions, including the National Workers Union, have joined the effort, he said, adding they would consider a collective and more expansive action in the future.

Responding to Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma’s claim that the strike was a failure, Mr. Lal Kantha said that a considerable number of train and CTB workers joined the protest.

However, transport services continue to be largely unaffected following government threats to CTB workers to report for duty.

Claiming that 94 locomotive drivers had joined the strike, the NTUC chairman said that the government was operating train services with the assistance of remaining and retired drivers.

Though the Transport Minister challenged to stop at least one bus from being in service, more than one bus is off the roads, he said.

Despite threats, police intimidations and government propaganda through the state media to sabotage the strike, the token strike has been a success, he said.

According to him, 70 per cent of teachers, 95 pc of staff at the Central Mail Exchange, 60 pc of railway staff and 94 locomotive drivers, 72 pc of hospital staff, 95 pc of staff at the State Printing Corporation, 40 pc of staff at the SLBC and 65 pc of the SLRC are striking today, Mr. Lal Kantha said.

In addition, 75 pc of staff at the Auditor General’s Department, all employees of the National Film Corporation’s Advertising and Counters, 50 pc of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation and 16 monitoring centres of the Meteorology Department stayed away from their duties, he added.

Noting that estate workers too, contributed, the NTUC Chairman said that workers at estates in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Welimada, Ratnapura and Matara joined the strike.

According to reports one day token strike launched by the JVP was unsuccessful .Our reporters say majority of the state workers are now in their respectable offices and still no major incidents related to the strike.However JVP MP Lal Kantha yesterday said JVP would be compelled to team up with ‘all anti-government forces’ if the Government ignored the general token strike on Thursday.
He said that the Government is compelling his party to join hands with anti-government forces by failing to address the workers’ problems.
A Drivers' Union treasurer had been stabbed and injured in Kandy today. In a separate incident black tar had been thrown on a Rambukkana train. No injuries were reported.The railway control room said all trains operated on schedule this morning despite the trade union strike.
According to our reporters government own buses are still operating successfully and the private sector also decided to run their buses without caring JVP's political pressure.
Two persons were arrested in Homagama and Horana areas due to the sabotage.In Horana a person was arraested who harased the normal transport activities.
Police said these is no major incident during morning hours , but they also keep on vigilance to end any type of sabotage.
Responding to media Parliamentarian K.D.Lalkantha said 60 percent of the state sector attended the token strike.

The Jathika Nidahas Peramuna yesterday pledged to end the politicisation of the public service by brining in a new Bill titled “Recruiting Criteria for Public Service Bill” to Parliament soon.

JNP MP Piyasiri Wijenayake told a press conference held at the parliamentary complex yesterday that a stable recruitment process for the public sector would be introduced through this bill for the first time after independence. .

Mr. Wijenayake explained that people had been recruited with a view of fulfilling petty political objectives. Citing examples he said only supporters of the Power and Energy Minister had been recruited to the CEB during the tenure of any government while the grama niladharis were appointed according to the MP’s list.

“We thought of introducing this bill to end all these and introduce a stable recruitment process,” he said.

The JNP MP charged that the current government was requested by many to introduce a process but it would not heed those requests and this situation forced them to bring in this bill.

He said under the proposed bill an examination would be held to select the suitable persons while interviews would be held to determine whether a person had the relevant qualifications.

Government Defence Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said that the renegade LTTE leader Karuna Amman will be interrogated only if there is a necessity pertaining to his involvement in the mass killing of over 400 policemen in Mutur in 1990.

Responding to a question asked by a journalist at the weekly defence media briefing at the Media Centre for National Security, Minister Rambukwella said a commission has been already appointed and inquiries are being conducted.

When asked whether Karuna will be interrogated since he has returned to the country the Minister said if the information related to the case made it necessary to do so, Karuna will be questioned as well.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror this week Karuna admitted that the policemen were in his custody at the time he was still part of the LTTE but added that they were killed after he handed them over to LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman.

“They were not supposed to be killed. I was told to hand them over to Pottu Amman to be taken to Jaffna. Later I learnt they were shot dead on the way to Jaffna. I had no direct hand in their killing. Yes it was something that should not have happened but I was not directly involved,” Karuna said.

Eleven lorry loads of food and other essential items had been dispatched to un-cleared areas in the Wanni on Tuesday. A defence official said that the consignment reached areas in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts through the Omanthai entry/exit points.

The stocks contained rice, dhal, dried fish, clothes, fuel, spices, building materials, vehicle spare parts, medicine and such like which are needed for the use of civilians in un-cleared areas.

The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed the fundamental rights violation application, filed by A. S. Ravinkumar, against the Permanent Commission to Investigate Bribery and Corruption.

The petitioner alleged that Pharma Associates had credited a large sum of money to the account of Dr. Ajith Mendis, Director General of Health Services. The petitioners had complained to the Bribery Commission about this incident but the Commission had failed to investigate the issue.


Yesterday, when the case was called before the Supreme Court, the Counsel for the Commission submitted to the Court a completed investigation report done by the Commission, in respect of this issue.

Disna Gurusinghe appeared for the Commission.

Romesh de Silva PC, appeared with Sugath Caldera and Eraj de Silva for Dr. Mendis.

The Bench comprised Justice Shirani Tilakawardene, Justice Andrew Somawansa, and Justice P. A. Ratnayake.

Arrangements have been made for a live telecast of the final night of the Randoli Perahera, of the annual Esala Perahera of Kandy, via Satellite to 125 countries, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara said yesterday.
The final Randoli Perahera, known as the Maha Perahera of the historic Esala pageant, is held in the night of August 17. The Perahera begins on August 07.

Last years' Maha Perahera was telecast live through the satellite to 105 foreign countries and the perahera gained popularity among spectators worldwide, the Diyawadana Nilame told a news conference at the Sri Dalada Maligawa yesterday.

Sri Dalada Maligawa received at least 16,000 Email messages from foreign spectators commending the Perahera, he said.

About 300 foreigners have already said that they would be arriving in Kandy to view this years procession, he said.

He said he had invited the Queen of Thailand to view the Esala Perahera.

India and Sri Lanka will expand their free trade agreement with a new pact to be signed on the sidelines of a South Asian summit in Colombo, diplomats said on Thursday.

The two countries entered a free trade deal in 1998 limiting tariff concessions to goods, but the new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covers services such as banking and also allows greater cooperation between customs administrations.

They will conclude the pact during the two-day South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit starting on August 1, a diplomat said.

Sri Lanka's exports to India increased from 49 million dollars in 1999 to 516 million last year while Indian exports rose to 2.7 billion dollars last year, up from 549 million dollars in 1999.

The Tamil Nadu Government is working on a technical system to track and communicate with Indian fishing trawlers, with the aim of preventing them from straying into Sri Lankan waters and avoiding incidents involving the Sri Lankan Navy or the LTTE.

An official source, which did not want to be identified, told Express here on Wednesday, that the technical and the funding aspects of the system were being discussed. The system under consideration was an indigenous one, he added.

The capture of the LTTE’s Vidathalthivu naval cum logistical facility, expected in the next few weeks, could only have a “partial” impact on the smuggling between the Tamil Nadu coast and Rameswaram for the LTTE, the source said.

This is because the LTTE-TN fishermen smuggler nexus can still use Nochikudah and places north of Vidathalthivu which are still under the control of the LTTE. SMUGGLING ONLY A SMALL PART: The source, however, maintained that smuggling was only a small part of the problem in the Palk Strait. The main problem is poaching for fish in Sri Lankan waters near the shoreline in strategically sensitive areas of Mannar and south Jaffna.

Since TN and Sri Lankan fishermen have, from time immemorial, fished in each other’s waters in this narrow sea, TN fishermen do not think it is wrong to fish near Delft or Thalaimannar. But this gives a headache to the government’s on the two sides, as they have to safeguard or respect the sovereign rights over territorial waters.

However, the Indian, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan authorities are working together with some understanding, within the constraints imposed by security imperatives and notions of sovereignty. They are, by and large, tolerant and kind to the straying or intruding fishermen. Since 2006, the Sri Lankans have released 49 Tamil Nadu boats and 285 fishermen, within days of their capture, although in the past one year alone, 6,839 TN trawlers had intruded virtually up to the Sri Lankan shoreline.

However, some incidents like the one on July 2, in which 249 boats with about 1000 fishermen were captured off Thalaimannar and Delft, could cause a political storm and diplomatic embarrassment, as indeed, the July 2 incident did. “India had to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan Government strongly, as the incident had triggered an agitation in Tamil Nadu when the SAARC summit in Colombo was approaching,” an Indian official said.

A Drivers' Union treasurer had been stabbed and injured in Kandy today. In a separate incident black tar had been thrown on a Rambukkana train. No injuries were reported.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem was sworn in as a parliamentarian in front of the speaker at this morning.

The railway control room says all trains operated on schedule this morning despite the trade union strike.

8 LTTE terrorists were killed and 10 wounded, Wednesday (July 9) as fighting continued throughout the day between troops and LTTE at Palamoddai, Vavuniya according to MCNS reports.

The confrontation broke out at 7:00 a.m., Wednesday and continued throughout the evening till 4, at Palamoddai, the sources said, adding that no damages were caused to own troops. Meanwhile, during subsequent search operations conducted in the area troops uncovered 682 T-56 ammunition rounds, 2 x hand grenades and few ration packets, MCNS further reported.

Rs. 1.5 billion has been allocated for vehicles for the upcoming SAARC summit from a toal estimated expenditure of over Rs 2.8 billion, according to the suplementary estimate for the summit tabled by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in Parliament Tuesday.

The bulk of the money, nearly Rs2.1 billion will go the Police Department while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will get around Rs 354 million, the Colombo Municipal Council around Rs 222 million and the venue of the conference – the BMICH – around Rs 123 million.

Accommodation costs will range around Rs 52 million, entertainment around Rs 56 million, cultural activities Rs 7.5 million hiring of requirements Rs 11.9 million and gifts which would cost around Rs 1.2 milion.

The Minister said that no savaging can be expected under any of the existing projects of the Ministry and therefore the total amount budgeted under this supplementary estimate is required for the successful conclusion of the SAARC summit.

Of the estimate which as approved by Cabinet , the bulk of the amount of around Rs 2.4 billion will got for capital expenditure while the rest will be for recurrent expenses.

The SAARC summit will be held in Colombo from July 27 to August 3.

Colombo share trading was disappointingly low on Wednesday but both indexes gained though on poor investor interest ahead of Thursday’s general strike, brokers said.

They said investors were wary of tomorrow’s strike with turnover hitting dismal levels of only Rs 108 million. The All Share index gained 9.11 points to close at 2,381.61 while the Milanka rose 7.71 points to end at 2,857.33

Brokers said Chevron Lubricants and AMW traded more than Rs 10 million worth of shares while interest continued in Vallibel shares.

JVP and UPFA supporters clashed inside a school in Wattala as the two sides argued over tomorrow's proposed strike.

The incident occured inside Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyala, Hunupitiya.

Residents said that initially a group of JVP supporters had come into the school calling techers to join the strike tomorrow and UPFA supporters had come to block the campaign. The two sides had clashed inside the school and police had to be summoned to settle the dispute.

The demonstration held by the pro-government Trade Union Joint Front this evening (10) before Colombo Fort railway station came under an attack of rotten eggs.

The target of the attack was a group of female workers of harbor and they dispersed due to stench. Minister of Justice and Ports Development Dilan Perera and Western province Governor Alevi Mawlana had a close shave from the attack.
Mr. Mawlana is the person who garlanded the Officer-in-Charge of the Bambalapitiya police station while women were protesting the said OIC’s verbal assault to UNP MP Ms. Chandrani Bandara and Ms. Rost Senanayaka.

The Secretary of the Joint Federation of State Service Trade Unions W.H. Piyadasa was also seen in among the demonstrators. The present government has appointed him to the director board of the National Savings bank.

Members of ruling party trade unions of Ports and Lake House and several Buddhist monks were also among the agitators.

Sri Lanka is proud to host the first ever Apparel South Asia Conference which will be held on the 5th and 6th of November 2008 at the Trans Asia Hotel in Colombo.

This event is initiated by the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute and has the support of the Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka as well as the support of the Joint Apparel Association Forum. The Conference theme is “Beyond 2010 – Challenges and Opportunities”.

This Conference will be the first of a unique annual event planned and executed to meet some of the urgent needs of the South Asian Apparel Manufacturer and Exporter.
Apparel South Asia Conference aims to achieve this objective by having high profile world leaders in the apparel sector exchange ideas with the manufacturing and exporting community in this Region. It would be the place where the meeting of people and meeting of minds with similar interests will take place and will help formulate strategies for the challenging future ahead.

The target audience for this event will be Apparel Manufactures and Exporters from the South Asian region, namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Over 300 delegates from the south Asian region are expected to participate at this initial conference. The conference programme will commence with brief Country papers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka followed by a panel discussion. The Country representatives will form the panel which will be further strengthened by Industry champions from these Countries.

" As the head of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association the premier Trade Association representing the Industry, we have great pleasure in inviting you to present the country paper on Pakistan , said a spokesman of the association.

Sri Lanka Telecom has formulated a new subsidiary to handle the telephone directories which go into the hands of 10 million users in the country.
The new company, SLT Publications (Pvt.) Ltd. is expected to provide additional information apart from the traditional alphabetical listing of its customers in its telephone directory, thus making it the most comprehensive source of information available to everyone.
The country’s most popular classified business directory will continue to be known as the Rainbow Pages.

The Free Media Movement condemns the handing over of the ITN journalists to the police by the UNP at their Headquarters on Tuesday. FMM also added that accredited journalists should be allowed to cover public events and condemned this incident as it is a violation of the freedom of expression.However United National Party has always talk on media freedom and recent harrasment on media said the government sources.
Making a special announcement in the Parliament on Wednesday Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa questions legitimacy of the act of officials at the Sirikotha to interrogate two ITN mediamen who were filming traffic congestion in front of the Sirikotha. Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa in a special statement in parliament said UNP which always speaks on media freedom, has no civilized right to harass mediamen. The Minister further said every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech and other human rights. Minister Yapa also said the entire country is aware of the past anti-media activities of the UNP.
The Minister in response to a query made by member Lakshman Seneviratne said the defence ministry had no connection with the incident of providing bail to a person called Nishantha Gajanayake.

Police Media Spokesman said bogus currency notes valued over 11.8 million Indian Rupees have been nabbed in operations conducted in Pettah and Fort recently.
Faked notes amounting to 3.5 million Rupees have been detected at a temporary boarding house , following a complaint received from the owner of the lodging that two Pakistani nationals, languishing at the location had disappeared.

Sri Lankan trade unions threatened to dismantle all state services in a July 10 general strike for a pay increase, but the government said it could not meet their demands without hurting its war effort.
Trade unions said a majority of the country's 1.2 million government sector employees would attend in Thursday's strike, which is expected to hit government services from transport to health, after a requested salary increase of 5,000 rupees a month was rejected.
However the government of Sri Lanka said the forthcoming strike with the petty objective of toppling the Government.All government employees must clearly discern the nature of this conspiracy, said Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva .Speaking at an official meeting on Wednesday he said employees in several fields in the Health Sector, including Doctors, Nurses, technical officials in the supplementary services have already informed the Ministry that they will not take part in the strike.
The meeting has been called to ascertain steps taken to continuously carry forward patient treatment and other services in the event of a strike.
The Minister has also instructed the Police to arrest any person attempting harass workers attending to their duties. He stressed that stringent punishments will be imposed on casual and substitute hospital or ministry workers who take part in the strike. Stern action will also taken against those who engage in acts of sabotage.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the strike planned for Thursday is based on some political gains and it is not a strike of the working class. The Minister said in parliament under such circumstances, there is no room for the strike to be successful.
Minister Gunawardena has recalled that the present government has provided many benefits to the government employees, which included salary increases in two budgets. It was the present government which restored the pension payments abolished by the UNP government.
Meanwhile the National Freedom Front says a conspiracy is underway to reverse the gains of the security force in the north. The front points out the responsibility of all at this moment is to encourage the troops to secure more victories in the battle front. The NFF points out the government should take steps to control the cost of living. Senior leader of the front and parliamentarian Piyasiri Wijenayake at a media briefing in parliamentary complex said however, deployment working class to reverse victories of the security forces could never be approved. Speaking to media President of the All Ceylon Trade Union Federation and an opposition parliamentarian K.D.Lal Kantha said the trade unions will definitely go ahead with the planned strike, despite suppressing acts by the government.
The Jathika Hela Urumaya, has described the planned island wide strike as 'a ploy by the UNP and the JVP to rescue LTTE leader Prabhakaran.'
In a statement, the JHU said however, that it admitted the reality of a struggle for living by workers in both the state and private sectors.
Despite the assumed motive to win a pay hike, the two parties were trying to close a petty deal with the Tigers and cover up their own political bankruptcies, it alleged.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he was saddened by the fact that trade unions were resorting to strike action to gain political mileage at a time when heroic soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the country and nation without expecting any returns. He said, he did not see anything wrong in trade union action by workers to win their rights.However, it is sad to note that methods employed for winning demands that cannot be won through dialogue are now being used to gain political advantage.

IUCN, the world conservation body has decided to showcase Sri Lanka as a model to encourage greater private sector participation in integrating the environment into business practices. Vietnam, Bangladesh and India are a few of the countries expected to be treated with Sri Lankan success stories that IUCN are currently compiling.

Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with the rights petitions filed by Rosy Senanayake and Anuradhapura parliamentarian Chandrani Perera against the Bambalapitiya Police Officer in Charge Upul Seneviratne.

The Free Media Movement has expressed its displeasure regarding the handing over of the ITN journalists to the police by the UNP at their Headquarters yesterday. FMM also added that accredited journalists should be allowed to cover public events and condemned this incident as it is a violation of the freedom of expression.

Dialog GSM together with the Phone Company International, the authorized distributor for Samsung phones in Sri Lanka recently launched the i450 Live Loud Music Edition 3G phone in Sri Lanka. The i450 is the first Music Edition 3G phone from Samsung. The stylish new phone is designed to give customers the best of both worlds, a phone and a music player all in a single device.
Available exclusively for Dialog GSM customers, the dual slide i450 Samsung phone is fully equipped with a Music Player and a FM Radio to give music lovers a complete mobile music experience. Adding a whole new dimension to the new generation of mobile music phones is the i450's touch-sensitive half-wheel navigation pad and premium metallic speakers. The phone also comes with a powerful 2MP camera ensuring superior picture quality.

Downloading large files is fast and simple with the all new i450 3G phone. With HSPA speeds as high as 3.6Mbps the i450 is the perfect phone for video conferencing and video telephony. Symbian User Interface, 3D Gaming and up to 8GB external memory capacity are some of the other features of the latest Samsung i450 Music Edition 3G phone.

The i450 Music Edition 3G Samsung phone is available at selected Dialog Arcades including Colombo, Kandy, Galle and at Customer Service Centres located at Crescat Boulevard and The Future World. For more information log on to, www.dialog.lk

Dialog Telekom PLC, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia. The Company operates 2.5G and 3/3.5G Mobile Communications networks supporting the very latest in multimedia and mobile Internet services. Dialog Telekom PLC has the distinction of being the first 3G operator in South Asia to commence commercial operations. Its local coverage spans all provinces of Sri Lanka, while international roaming is provided in over 200 destinations. Dialog Telekom PLC, the largest and fastest growing cellular service in Sri Lanka, serves a subscriber base in excess of 4.5 Million Sri Lankans.

SLAF fighter jets launched precision air strikes at an LTTE boat movement detect one kilometer off the coast of Mullaittivu this morning (July 9) at 8.

According to Air Force Spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, an LTTE boat was destroyed in the air attack as other vessels were also believed to sustain damages.

Further, citing intercepted LTTE communication, the Spokesperson said that, 2 LTTE self styled 'majors' were killed and many others injured in the simultaneous air strikes launched at a high profile LTTE gathering point at Vaddakkachchi in Kilinochchi district on Sunday (6).

PKK/Kongra-Gel, the separatist organisation fighting for a separate state for the Kurds in the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq and Iran was running guns to LTTE, said the Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.

The PKK has been designated an international terrorist outfit by the US State Department.

Speaking at the "Silk Road 2008 General/Admiral Seminar" held in the Mediterranean province of Antalya, Buyukanit said it was impossible to counter terrorism at the national level with national policies.

He also said terrorism was the biggest threat to peace and security in the age of globalization, Turkish Press website reported.

"International cooperation has become a sine qua non in the fight against terrorism," Buyukanit told commanders from several countries.

Turkey Military Chief said no type of terrorism should be considered legitimate, no matter what the organisations ideals are. "More than that, even tendencies to legitimise terrorism are unacceptable," he said.

Buyukanit said efforts in diplomacy, intelligence, economy, finance, information and law were as important as military methods in the fight against terrorism, since terrorist organisations were acting like international criminal organisations and carrying out criminal acts such as illicit drug and human trafficking, money laundering, racketeering, bootlegging and kidnapping for ransom.

Chairman of the National Trade Unions Centre, K.D. Lal Kantha, says that he will resign as an MP if tomorrow’s (July 10th) strike protest failed to obtain support from the transport sector.

Making a special statement to the House today, the JVP parliamentarian responded to a statement by Transport Minister, Dalles Alahapperuma, who challenged organizers to stop at least one bus if they could.

Speaking further, Mr. Lal Kantha alleged that the police had visited depots in Mulleriyawa, Udahamulla, Meethotamulla and Polonnaruwa last night and ordered their trade union leaders to report to the police this morning.

If tomorrow’s strike is suppressed using thugs, the NTUC will resort to a stronger trade union action to win workers’ rights from July 11th, he warned.

Chief Opposition Whip, Joseph Michael Perera told Parliament that a "special team" controlled by Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka was behind the attacks on journalists.

In a special statement to the House, Mr. Perera said that on June 30th 2008, Namal Perera of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and Mahendra Rathnaweera, an officer of the British High Commission, were badly beaten up by a gang in a white van in a Colombo high security zone.

Earlier, Keith Noyahr of ‘The Nation’ newspaper was similarly assaulted by a gang in a white van.

In addition, abductions, extortions and extra-judicial killings of persons belonging to all masses, including journalists, by gangs in white vans are reported frequently.

Noting that the government has failed to bring the perpetrators to justice, the Chief Opposition Whip said that in view of this trend of impunity, the UNP feels that the government is connected to such attacks.

Following an exposure by UNP MP Lakshman Seneviratne, ex-Air Force officer Nishantha Gajanayake was arrested in connection with abductions, and fewer similar incidents were reported during his detention.

The fact that Gajanayake was later bailed out by a senior Army officer gave rise to speculation that the Defence Ministry is directly connected to these abductions.

Journalists who criticize the government and the security forces and expose frauds in them are attacked by a special squad under Army Commander.

Noting that he received information from the Army itself, the Chief Opposition Whip challenged the government to arrest the culprits if he was wrong.

Describing remarks by the newly-appointed IGP and his media spokesman on white van killer squads as absurd, Mr. Perera challenged the police to name and to take legal action against journalists who planned to get themselves falsely attacked in order to seek visa to leave the country.

Such officers are not suitable to hold such top positions, the Chief Opposition Whip said, adding that he would ask the National Police Commission through Parliament for their removal.

The government is attempting to publish news items that are supportive of them, by intimidating journalists.

We also would like to prove with evidence that the government is reigning violence in the country through war.

We only ask the government to grant the public their fundamental rights to ensure their freedom.

If they are incapable of doing so, we request a dissolution of the government.

Sri Lanka is yet again named as a failed state and it is evident to any intellectual that the country is heading to be another Zimbabwe.

Speaking further, Mr. Perera said that the estimated budget of the forthcoming SAARC summit is over Rs. 3 billion.

Such an amount of public money is used on bulletproof vehicles and other unnecessary items. The government must tell us how these will benefit the people.

After the SAARC summit, we see no other option for the government than increasing the price of crude oil and increase tax on necessity goods and services to cover the costs.

By this the public will be further burdened by the cost of living and it is distressing to note Sri Lanka is showing signs of a state where rulers will enjoy a life of comforts while the public starves in misery, he added.

The Government Chief Whip Dinesh Gunawardhana said in the parliament that under the present parliament, 31 bullet proof vehicles had been imported and to whom they were provided could not be revealed due to security concerns.
In response to a question raised and given time to answer by MP Ravi Karunanayaka, The Chief Whip said that the vehicles had been imported from the countries like UK and Germany.

An interim question of MP Ravi Karunanayaka asking if Pillaiyan was also given such car, the Chief Whip refused to answer and stated that it could not be revealed due to security concerns.
When MP Karunanayaka stated that the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe had not been provided the pledged bullet proof car, the Government Chief Whip said that the government had provided maximum security to the Opposition Leader.


The Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe rose at this moment to say that his security was affected due to probes against his security staff based on anonymous complaints against them.

The Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardhana promised to look into the issue.

Silvermere Hospitals signed an agreement with the BOI to establish a state of the art medical centre. Mr. Tariq Rauf, Chairman of Silvermere Hospitals Limited signed the agreement on behalf of the Hospital. Mr Dhammika Perera, Chairman / Director General signed the Agreement for the BOI. Dr Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion formally handed over the BOI Certificate of Registrations to the investor.

The Embassy Medical Centre (EMC), a flagship project of the BOI is an investment of US $ 124 million. The proposed Embassy Medical Centre (EMC) will be the pioneer of Sri Lanka’s next generation of healthcare. The hospital will provide customized, professional and state of the art healthcare services of the highest quality within the shores of Sri Lanka.

Silvermere International, a US based company held in high respect for its ability to introduce cutting edge materials and technologies to South Asian markets, having identified the demand to provide safe and high quality healthcare has embarked on an effort to pioneer the introduction of a unique hospital development project in Sri Lanka “Embassy Medical Centre”.

Charles Knight, from Perkins +Will, a leading architectural company designed the hospital project. Perkins + Will which is internationally known for its innovative approach, has designed many hospital projects in the USA, the UAE and other countries worldwide.

The establishment will be located in the northern suburbs of Colombo and is expected to be launched as a 128 bed hospital in 2010. Embassy Medical Centre (EMC) will later be expanded into a comprehensive 180 room facility. All rooms will be designed to include modern medical, computer and administrative systems to support the best physicians. The EMC will offer children and families the very best in diagnostic and medical-surgical care. The services the hospital offers include Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, NICU, Critical Care for adults, a Cardiac Monitored Unit and Adult in patient.

The EMC will take a proactive approach to support the medical needs of its patients, each person and family served will be invited to enrol in the ‘Embassy Health Services Plan’, one which offers benefits on par with those of a membership health club. Embassy Health Services Plan in turn will facilitate the provision of discounted health related products and service experiences.

‘Membership Service Model’ is a system that will enhance the performance of physicians helping them with the registering of patients, reducing the risk of medical errors, promoting healthy lifestyles, proactive health protection and disease prevention initiatives. People affiliated with the new care system will benefit by the ease and efficiency in arranging appointments in the hospital’s service centres and channelling medical suites on the hospital campus, but also the free standing ‘Embassy Family Medical Clinics’ strategically located in Havelock City, Battaramulla, Mount Lavinia, Negombo and Male in the Maldives.

In addition to being unique the EMC once operational, will be the only hospital in Sri Lanka that has formal strategic alliances with respected physicians and medical institutions in the UK and the US. Physicians from London and the US would be scheduled into Colombo and linked via teleconference.

With these alliances the EMC will be in a position to exploit a wide spectrum of support services including Medical education for the nurses and physicians of EMC, Opportunities to host physician and nursing staff from the EMC for educational experiences in hospitals based overseas, Installation of modern medical care protocols for the treatment of diseases of children and adults, and Special Bio Medical engineering support services from UK and US hospitals.

The Embassy Medical Centre will have a competitive advantage in design principles to rationalise consumption and reduce waste. It will have the distinction of being the first establishment in the world to house a medical Bio- Anaerobic incinerator as a means of generating energy for the hospital and the community around.

The EMC expects a status of self-sufficiency whereby it will not only produce its own resources from water to own energy, but it will also take care of its own waste thereby taking the weight off the Peliyagoda Municipality.

Mr. Christy Mancelline, Director of Silvermere Hospitals stated “The EMC will create history by introducing the first medical Bio-Anaerobic incinerator, community energy resource, modern use of open air terraces of patient rooms, eight storey’s open air cooling water fall, on site housing for staff and visitors and mass transit connectors”.

Silvermere Hospitals Limited and its first medical system based in Colombo, has been formed to provide world class hospital and healthcare services to the people of South Asia, and for cost effective medical tourism into our region from Europe and the US.

EMC is committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition EMC will deliver high quality, cost-effective healthcare in the communities they serve.

The Embassy Medical Centre will be located on a 13 acre site near the New Kelani Bridge in the suburbs of Colombo. The Medical Centre will provide convenient parking for patients and visitors, with a parking ramp for 300 cars adjacent to staff and family dormitories and apartments. Unique plantings and water fountains are used to create a quiet and comfortable environment for the medical services.

The Operating Structure is primarily categorized in to two parts consisting of Regional Family Care and International Patient Care. Regional Family Care, concept focuses on a particular market segment that caters to families in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region. The facility would focus on certain areas such as children’s paediatrics, and housing available for the families of patients. International Patient Care will attract patients from around the world including Europe and North America. The concept “Medical Tourism” is where consumers travel long distances for medical treatment, where the market is expected to grow rapidly for the next 30 years.

The proposed medical centre will provide healthcare services that was once a commodity available only to those Sri Lankans who had the opportunity to travel overseas for treatment.

K.D. Lal Kantha said in Parliament today that if the government fails to respond to the trade union action tommorow the JVP will be compelled to team up with anti-government forces to win their demands.

Opposition leader of the Eastern Provincial Council SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem has resigned from the council.

Heated arguments broke out in Parliament today as threats to media were debated. Minister Anura Yapa blamed organized groups for the attacks on media.

The UNP charged in Parliament yesterday that the government had provided 30 soldiers for the security of its North Central chief ministerial candidate Bertie Premalal Dissanayake while a single official had not been provided for UNP candidate Maj.Gen. Janaka Perera.
The main Opposition raised this issue during the emergency debate, and noted that Maj. Gen. Perera, as an ex-serviceman, should be provided with two soldiers according to the existing law in this regard.
UNP MP for the Badulla district Lakshman Seneviratne said that their candidate was under threat from the LTTE today as confirmed by police, and therefore the government should ensure his security immediately.
Mr.Seneviratne, said that in the past Maj. Gen. Lucky Algama had been assassinated when he was on the UNP election stage in Ja-Ela and therefore the authorities concerned should take serious note of the present security aspect of the UNP chief ministerial candidate. “We are asking for adequate security for our candidate who was a valiant military official. Everyone remembers how he protected the Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE terrorists at that time. Today he is politically involved with us. The government should protect him irrespective of political differences,” he said.
He also charged that the UPFA candidate had been provided with back- up vehicles.
UNP MP for the Polonnaruwa district Earl Gunasekara said that the TMVP member ‘Magalam Master’ contesting the election on the UPFA ticket had put up safe houses manned by armed cadres in his district.
MP Gunasekara said that these armed men had even threatened Tamil villagers not to support any political party other than the UPFA at the election.
“The government has already laid the ground work for rigging this election,” he said.

A group of government members are planning to form a national movement to push for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in full, Parliament was told yesterday.
Speaking during the emergency debate, Minister Rajitha Senaratne said they would soon form this movement which would have Justice Minister Dilan Perera and Western Province Chief Minister Reginold Cooray playing active roles.
However, he said their stand that terrorism should be wiped out would continue to remain.
Dr. Senaratne said members of the three armed forces were performing a historic task today, and the LTTE was on the verge of defeat.
“Three army commanders have personally told me that the war could be brought to a successful end by fighting the LTTE continuously for three years,” he said.
Referring to peace talks, he said nobody could guarantee the LTTE’s sincerity when entering negotiations with the outfit.
“The LTTE cannot be trusted anymore given its past records during peace talks,” he said.Minister Senaratne said around 700 civilians had been killed in recent months in Afghanistan due to aerial bombardments by the US Airforce.
“This is an allegation against the most sophisticated Airforce in the world.”
Dr. Senaratne said the Patriotic Act had been passed in the US, and journalists did not have the full freedom to report the news in that country.
“There was a law passed in the House of Commons recently enabling the British authorities to hold a person under detention order for 45 days. Terrorist incidents are not frequent in Britain. If they could adopt such laws what about Sri Lanka grappling with a grave terrorist problem,” he asked.
He also said he would always raise his voice against the suppression of media.

Chairman of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) and Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana, yesterday in Parliament requested the UNP, JVP and TNA to participate in the APRC deliberations to evolve a political solution to the ethnic conflict.Speaking during the emergency debate Prof. Vitarana said that the APRC did not meet for the last month due to the Jathika Hela Urumaya and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna suspending their participation, pending the accommodation of the TMVP in the Committee.
He said that he could now convene the committee meeting since the TMVP had nominated Batticaloa Mayor Sivageetha Prabhakaran as its nominee to the APRC.
“We are yet to discuss only ten percent of issues with regard to power sharing. Now, we can complete our discussion on these areas and formulate a detailed set of proposals very soon to resolve the problem,” he said.
The Minister requested the UNP in particular to be a part of this exercise to build consensus among political parties in resolving the problem.
Referring to the human rights issues he said that he had held talks with various heads of foreign diplomatic missions based in Sri Lanka in this regard.
He said that he had clarified matters to them on the issue.
With regard to the GSP+ issue, he expressed optimism that the European Union would not stop this facility given to Sri Lankan exports because such a move would only aggravate poverty and unemployment problems here.
However TNA MP N.Srikantha said that the government should only hold talks with the LTTE in resolving the problem as they were the two key players of it. The Tamil legislator said that the LTTE had agreed to hold talks and therefore the government should try to find a solution to the problem within a ‘limited and stipulated timeframe’ under a united Sri Lanka.
“We believe that a solution can be found within a united country. Even the Indian Peace Keeping Force was unable to corner the LTTE militarily. Yet, there was a resurgence of the movement given the grievances of Tamil people not being redressed,” he said.
He said that the youths of both Sinhala and Tamil communities were being sacrificed for this war.
“All are our children. If the government remains adamant on a military solution, even the future generation will be sacrificed. We hope the government will realize this fact,” he said.

Caltex, Sri Lanka’s leading brand of lubricants, has entered into an exclusive lubricant supply arrangement with TVS and Honda motorcycles in the Bangladeshi Market. Under this agreement Caltex will be the preferred brand of initial fill and aftermarket lubricants for TVS and Honda motorcycles as recommended by their original equipment manufacturer.
“Our partnership with both TVS and Honda in Bangladesh is indeed an important part of our operations in Bangladesh, helping us to leverage our competencies and expertise further in the Bangladeshi lubricants market,” says Kishu Gomes, Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, the exporter of Caltex branded lubricants to Bangladesh.
"Chevron's technology driven lubricants form a natural fit with both TVS and Honda, since through ongoing innovation and continual testing, Chevron ensures that its lubricants are specifically designed to provide the most technically advanced solution for virtually any engine” Gomes added.
The Bangladeshi motorcycle market has grown significantly over the last few years, with TVS and Honda accounting for a major share of the market.
TVS, represented by Auto Bangladesh Ltd, is a joint venture between TVS & Sons and Rian Motors Ltd of Bangladesh who is the recognized distributor for the TVS range of two wheelers in Bangladesh. The Company assembles and distributes products through its extensive network of sales, service and parts dealers throughout the country. Honda motorcycles are distributed by Atlas Bangladesh Limited, one of the largest Motorcycle and three wheeler manufacturing companies in the country.
Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC commenced export operations to Bangladesh in April 2006 to capitalize on the expanding lubricants market in Bangladesh. “The success of this operation has resulted in greater economies of scale for the company as well as the generation of foreign exchange which is a direct benefit to the Sri Lankan economy” said Mr. Gomes.
Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC is represented by the Navana Group in Bangladesh, a well reputed and highly diversified entity.

SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena said 267 wanted to contest the two provinces on the government ticket. Fielding queries raised by The Island, the minister said among the candidates fielded by the SLFP-led ruling coalition were nominees of the UNP Democratic Group. Among the nominees was Amarakeerthi Atukorale, a coordinating secretary to C. A. Suriyaarachchi, non-Cabinet Minister of Land and Land Development. The UNP Democratic Group would field three candidates in the Kegalle district and two in Anuradhapura.
The minister said the breakaway LTTE group, the TMVP had fielded a candidate on the government’s Polonnaruwa list. "There are about 7,000 Tamil voters in my electorate," the minister who represents the Polonnaruwa district said.
Our inquiries revealed Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Seneviratne’s son and Private Secretary Dr. Parakrama Seneviratne and his brother-in-law, too, would contest the Kegalle district. Junior Finance Minister Ranjith
Siyambalapitiya’s first cousin who is also his coordinating secretary would contest the Kegalle district.
Irrigation Minister Jayatissa Ranaweera’s son, Ravindra is on the UPFA’s Ratnapura list.
Although Youth Affairs Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi’s husband Kanchana Jayaratne was initially denied the opportunity to contest the Ratnapura district on the government ticket the minister had finally managed to accommodate him.
Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karaliyadde’s sister Kalyanawathie the present chairperson of the Kebitigollewa P.S. is contesting the Anuradhapura district on the government ticket. The UPFA Chief Ministerial candidate Berty Premalal Dissanayake son Duminda is in Parliament.
Former UNP Minister A.M.S. Adikari’s wife Rani is contesting the Anuradhapura district on the UNP ticket.
Former UNP Minister H.G.P. Nelson’s son Kings is contesting Polonnaruwa on the UNP ticket.

JVP led trade unions demonstrated in the Colombo Fort on Monday in a build-up for the National Trade Union Center (NTUC) General strike scheduled for July 10. Protests opposite the Lake House, Railway Headquarters and the main entrance of the Colombo port, caused severe traffic jams during the lunch hour with hundreds of employees from State Banks, Lake House, Port, Electricity Board, Railway headquarters and Inland Revenue Department joining in.
The NTUC, the umbrella organisation of 366 state and private sector trade unions is demanding a five-thousand-rupee salary hike, retention of Rs. 2. 50 cost of living allowance and an immediate reduction in bus and train fares.
General Secretary of the All Ceylon Railway Employees General Union, Sumathipala Manawadu said that the government still has time to grant their demands before July 10.
"We had announced the date of the strike one and a half month ago and the government is still silent. The protests are another step to encourage employees for July 10 strike," Manawadu said.
General Secretary of the All Ceylon General Port Employees Union, Chandrasiri Mahagamage, said that the government has cut down the 20 per cent allowance. Their employees had also demanded increase of festival advance. "We informed the Minister several times and he has been turning a blind eye to our demands. Because of that we decided to take part in the July 10 general strike."

The Attorney General yesterday undertook to submit for the Supreme Court’s perusal all documents pertaining to steps taken by the Sri Lanka Army to grant sufficient security personnel to Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya, as recommended by the Supreme Court.
Senior State Counsel, N. G. Pulle appeared for the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the Attorney General.
Once the documents are submitted, the Supreme Court will consider, whether orders have been carried out or else whether contempt charges are to be issued for breach of Supreme Court orders.
In this case, Major General Pannipitiya, has said that he conducted the Thoppigala clearance. But subsequently he was removed from the office of Commander of the Eastern province and had been ordered to leave the Summit Flat, occupied by him. Although the Court ordered at an earlier date that he should be given eight security personnel with two of them selected by him, that order had not been complied with to the full, upto date.
General Pannipitiya had said that he is high in the LTTE hit list and needs high security.
The case is to be called again on October 23.
The Bench comprised, Justice Shirani Tilakawardene, Justice P. A. Ratnayake and Justice Raja Fernando.

All the JVP members of the parliament will attend the parliamentary sessions tomorrow as usual while their trade union front stages its one-day general strike.
The National Trade Union Center (NTUC), the umbrella organisation of 366 state and private sector trade unions, will stage a one-day general strike tomorrow (10) demanding a 5,000-rupee salary hike, retention of Rs. 2. 50 cost of living allowance and an immediate reduction in bus and train fares. NTUC President JVP MP K. D. Lalkantha said that the strike will definitely be held. But according to JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Lalkantha will be present in the parliament during the strike.
"We decided to stage a one-day general strike on July 10 one and half months ago. We announced our decision and informed President Mahinda Rajapaksa too with our demands. But, the government is still turning a blind eye to our demands," Lalkantha said.
He said that now the government is preparing their trade unions and henchmen to sabotage the NTUC strike. Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardana said on Monday that there would be massive attacks by the LTTE during the next 48 hours. "This is completely untrue."

Post and Telecommunications Minister Mahinda Wijesekera yesterday warned of tough measures against employees engaging in sabotage during the strike to cripple operations.
Speaking to trade unionists and journalists yesterday he said employees certainly have the right to strike.
But despite the genuine requests by the employees on the cost of living, there were attempts by political parties to make the strike political and topple the Government.
He urged the trade unions of the Postal Department not to take part in the proposed strike on July 10. "If anyone wants to be a part of the proposed strike he could go ahead but give the keys to others who attend work. I don't want to hear of no stamps, or that a department is closed."
He assured better pay hikes by the end of this year to employees and said what he wanted was their support in order that an increment of 3,000 rupees or 5,000 or even a bonus, can be given.
He said that if possible he would speak to his former colleagues – JVP to stop strike action. The JVP, a party that helped to form the Government is very angry with the Government for taking a significant number of UNPers to its fold, he said.

Troops operating in Welioya front attacked and captured 4 LTTE bunkers located in general area north of Kiriibawewa last morning, July 8. During the fierce gun battle sparked between troops and terrorists, 3 LTTE cadres was killed, intercepted radio communication confirmed. 2 more LTTE terrorists were also suffered injuries, sources further confirmed.
In a subsequent search operation conducted in the area troops found a body of an LTTE cadre killed in this battle. Two T-56 weapons, one radio communication set, an identification tag and a cyanide capsule were also found during this search operation.

An English novel depicting the dreadful life of a child soldier under the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the torture inflicted upon him when he disagrees has been published.

India's Random House has just published the English version of an original Tamil novel blowing the lid off the cruel practice of recruiting and engaging child soldiers in war penned by a former child soldier, himself.

The book has been hailed as "Unusual clarity coming from someone who picked up the gun at 15, had to leave his country before he was 20 and then spends the rest of his adult life as a refugee."

Written by the Tamil author, Sobashakti, in his early thirties, who was born as Anthony Jesuthasan, is a Tamil refugee now living in France, earning a living by doing odd jobs at fast food restaurants and working as a dish washer from time to time. The novel entitled "Gorilla" has been described as 'auto-fiction" and as a memoir since it is based on his dreadful past as a child soldier of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.-one of the most ruthless Tamil terrorist groups in the world.

The young author has also written another novel, three collections of short stories, and most recently, a collection of non-fiction pieces.

The novel was originally written in Tamil seven years ago. Since the terrorist group LTTE and its sympathizers take great pains to censor or banish any art work written about Tamil child soldiers like in the case of the recently produced feature film "Prabhakaran", the author admits it was with great fear that seven years ago he wrote Gorilla, about the cruel practice of kidnapping children for war against their will. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) kidnaps Tamil children from their homes, temple festivals, roads, playgrounds and the schools and imprisons them in abominable military garrisons depriving any access by their parents, at least to talk to them and putting them through rigorous military training and punishing them with beatings and death in the attempts of escape.

The novel has been introduced as follows by its publishers:
"Immensely disturbing, Gorilla plunges us into the village of Kunjan Fields, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Here, amusing local thug Gorilla runs wild and poor Rocky Raj, his son, tries to distance himself from his father's antics. Rocky Raj immerses himself in his studies, but the Tamil Eelam Movement comes to town and he becomes a child soldier. Soon, however, he is thrown out by the Movement for not following orders - then recaptured and tortured. What will be this soldier's fate?

"Filled with characters as strange and violent as they are unforgettable - young girls with bombs concealed in their bosoms, delinquent boys, illicit liquor sellers, wily police inspectors, murderers, prostitutes, farmers, innocents - Gorilla was a literary sensation when it first arrived in 2002. Its publication this year marks the English language debut of a remarkable talent."

By Dakshitha Thalgodapitiya
The Construction Industry plays an indispensable role in the Sri Lankan Economy in providing the physical infrastructure which is fundamental to the Country’s Development. However this industry experiences instability and interconnected structural problems which are associated with the declining demand, volatile nature of the demand and the consequent shedding of labour with resources becoming idle. We have witnessed an uniquely project-specific and complex environment in which the industry operates combining different investors, clients, contractual arrangements and consulting professionals: on varying site conditions, designs, materials and technologies bringing together different contractors, specialist subcontractors and a workforce assembled for each project. Sri Lankan Construction Industry is largely dominated by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises – This is continuing to be an informal sector with negligible presence in the Stock Market.

Development of the SME Sector of the Industry is frustrated by its inability to access opportunity, finance and credit as well as vocational and management training.

In a country riddled with civil war spanning a period of more than two decades, public investment in physical infrastructure is constrained giving rise to a need for promoting private sector and foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.

There is no doubt that the construction industry impacts directly on communities and the public at large and its improved efficient and effective delivery will enhance quality and productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes assuring value for money to society at large. The specialized and risk associated nature of construction places an onus on the government to improve its procurement and delivery modes that promotes industry capacities and competitiveness assuring transformation and sustainable development of the industry. Development of the industry requires visionary political leadership and bureaucracy. The Government must have a vision and series of strategies for development that promotes industry stability, international competitiveness and capacity enhancement. With over 1.5 million people being directly and indirectly engaged in construction related employment, sustainability of the industry and elimination of regional imbalances requires more attention than ever before.

A magna-carta for industry development recognizing that “small and medium enterprises are the dominant constituent of the industry” is an absolute necessity. A declaration of policy recognizing the role and potential of the SME Sector for creation of employment and economic development could provide a self sufficient industrial foundation for the country in view of nearly 95% of the industry being from this vulnerable sector. The policy of the State to promote, support, strengthen and encourage growth of the industry through the establishment of adequate support structures and creation of an enabling environment has to be translated into a legislative enactment leading to intensifying and expanding programmes for Development of skills and Entrepreneurship, which could to some degree facilitate survival of a highly vulnerable industry.

With construction not being perceived as a thrust sector and reluctance of the banking community to provide the necessary funding, there lies a further need for Government’s intervention to facilitate accessibility to sources of funds. A large percentage of the SME sector of the industry is from the outer regions. Therefore assuring them access to a fair share of Government contracts in these regions is natural justice and would undoubtedly eliminate regional imbalances. The procurement process should provide restrictions to ensure that contracts of lesser value falling within the financial limits of the grading scheme are not swallowed by larger players using advantages of economies of scale. The need for complementing and supplementing financing programmes for small and medium enterprises, doing away with stringent and burdensome collateral requirements, while instituting safeguards for the protection and stability of the credit delivery system is greater than ever before.

We need to promote linkages between large and small enterprises. Encourage establishment of common service facilities and participation of civil society in the task of building up Small and Medium Enterprises.

To effectively spur the growth and development of the Construction Industry, the development of the larger players by providing them with opportunities and facilities to undertake projects beyond the boundaries of this island nation has been long overdue. If the larger players undertake overseas projects the medium enterprises will fill the vacuum and a logical enhancement of their capacities will take place.

In certain countries, all private contractors including sub contractors to whom awards are made for the undertaking of national and local public works funded by either National Government or provincial administration including foreign assisted projects are required by law to hire at least 50% of the unskilled and 30% of the skilled labour requirements from the unemployed bona fide and actual residents of the province. Such are the steps and legal enactments that have been followed for development of regional contactors. With not more than 5% of Sri Lanka’s construction workforce being accredited having received any kind of formal training, our grading systems and procurement process has in no way encouraged systematic training of its workforce. Articulating the need to invest in human resources development and reduction in the extent of informal sector activities in the industry with minimum basic social welfare schemes supported by occupational health and safety standards will undoubtedly change the image of the industry and attract young people thereby eliminating a major industry growth impediment.

Construction Industry must be recognized as a high risk sector. Hazardous conditions at worksites are inherent. An acceptable site-specific safety management plan or safe work method statement must be made a condition of any contract to be awarded. Legislative enactments addressing these issues must be welcome by all industry stakeholders.

Human resource development at all tiers of the industry, cross fertilization of project management skills through a policy on public private sector cooperation and a target for percentage of construction workers to be skilled and accredited will no doubt assure quality of construction and reduce cost of construction. Not only should we require a trained construction workforce but continuous review of training curricular, regularly, to respond to industry needs of the day. This must be brought in under the regulations that could be gazetted from time to time.

Have we focused attention on gender issues? What is the mechanism that is in place to ensure compliance with labour regulations? An integrated approach to address environmental issues rendering sustainability of the industry has never been addressed. With the construction industry being classified as a major cause of environmental degradation, have we focused our attention on environmental impacts of buildings? Buildings have a profound effect on the environment, which has warranted the developed world laying greater importance on Green Building practices. It is stated that of the total energy consumed by Americans in the year 2002, 39.4% was consumed by buildings.

Sri Lanka has not made any advances towards architectural salvage and reclaimed material. Attention has to be focused on a series of issues with the single objective of developing the construction industry of Sri Lanka through enhancement of its capacities and competitiveness. The fundamentals to ensure sustainability of the industry and conservation of resources, efforts to protect the environment for future generations, to conserve energy and reduce green house gas emissions are areas to be included in a national policy programme. Methods to increase efficiency of energy saving programmes, and development of energy audit procedures in construction are yet to be effectively addressed.

Construction Industry Civil Society must endeavour every effort to promote good governance, transparency and accountability in Public Procurement and express its concerns on delivery outcomes of unsolicited proposals entertained on construction related projects designed for the benefit of society.


[Writer is a former chairman of Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, River Valley’s Development Board, Lanka Machine Leasers (Pvt) Ltd., and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Colombo Stock Exchange.]

12 Tamil civilians including 7 males and 5 females from non-liberated areas, north of Puthukkudiyiruppu have sought protection with security forces at Pulmoddai this morning (Tuesday), July 08. According to the available information, 3 children and 3 youth are also among the civilians who have escaped the LTTE territory due to constant intimidations and harassments received by the terror outfit. These civilians have arrived on a boat and reached Pulmoddai around 9.30 a.m, sources said.

It is observed that this is the first time, a group of civilians have reached security forces controlled areas from north of Puthukkudiyiruppu, where the majority of hardcore LTTE supporters are living.

"We were living in our native lands facing huge difficulties and hardships under the LTTE. They (LTTE) have transformed the whole area into a war zone. People are forced to labour for long hours and families of those who refuse face grave repercussion by the outfit" an escapee was citied saying to our correspondent.

The recent military operations have pressurized the LTTE and they are hunting on our children to replace their numbers lost in the battles, he further added.

"We are the victims of Tsunami in 2004 but we didn't receive any assistance or aid as the LTTE looted those aid working as an intermediary", one of the escapees said.

"We were also prevented by the outfit from fleeing our native area as the LTTE using us as a human shield when attacking at the security forces marching towards deeper LTTE territory", the escapee further said.

Security forces personnel engaged in counter terrorist offensive operation inching further towards LTTE areas inflicting damages to the enemy. The finalized military report received from the battlefront said that 18 terrorists were killed while 29 others suffered injuries in yesterday's (July 07) clashes. 6 more terrorists were reportedly either killed or wounded, the report further said.

In Jaffna theatre of battle, one soldier has laid his life for the sake of the motherland while another two suffered injuries in a confrontation took place in Nagarkovil front. Separately, two soldiers received injuries exploding anti-personnel mines in Muhamalai and Eluthumadduwal areas yesterday.

In Vavuniya front incidents reported from Palaimoddai and Navvi areas. 9 terrorists were killed and 17 suffered injuries when the troops attack at terror bunker defences in Palamoiddai area. Separately, 2 more LTTE terrorists were killed when the troops ambushed an LTTE movement in Navvi area last afternoon, the report said. One T-56 weapon was also uncovered during the subsequent search operation. Meanwhile, troops in mine-clearing operation conducted in the same area unearthed 23 AP mines through out the day.

In Mannar front, troops engaged in mine clearing operation in general area Puthukulam have unearthed 23 AP mines and 2 booby traps, the report said.

In Welioya front, 5 terrorists were killed while another 7 suffered injuries when the troops attack at enemy defences in general area north of Janakapura. One soldier also made his supreme sacrifice while another received injuries due to these clashes.

Meanwhile, 46 AP mines and 7 IED were found by the troops engaged in mine clearing operation in the same area.

Separately, 2 LTTE cadres were killed while another 5 suffered injuries due to the clashes reported from north of Kiriibbanwewa area. Another 6 more LTTE cadre are reportedly either killed or wounded during the confrontations occurred in the same front. Meanwhile, A soldier suffered injuries exploding an AP mine, the report said.

During the de-mining operations conducted in general area Dangeliyadda in Baticaloa, troops have found 30 AP mines yesterday.

In a separate search operation conducted in Ariyamankerni in Trincomalee found few warlike items yesterday. One LTTE pouch, 4 T-56 magazines, 38 T-56 ammunition and 9 pen torch batteries were among the items found.

KUWAIT CITY : A team from the General Department of Immigr-ation at the Ministry of Interior on Sunday arrested the owner of a general trading and contracting company in Kuwait for trading in visas and forging employment contracts, reliable security sources told Al-Rai. According to sources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a complaint from the Sri Lankan Embassy against a general trading and contracting company for collecting KD 30,000 from 29 Sri Lankan expatriates in exchange for visit visas to Kuwait. The case was forwarded to the Interior Ministry for investigation. After monitoring the activities of the suspected company, the authorities inspected the company’s headquarters in Farwaniya and discovered that only four residential permits were registered under its name. They also found 29 expired visit visas for Sri Lankan expatriates issued by the special section in the Immigration Department for diplomats.

During interrogation, the owner of the company said he is not trading in visas and accused the Pakistani ‘mandoub’ (company representative), identified as Iqbal, of charging KD 500 for the processing of a visit visa without his knowledge. Sources revealed the 29 Sri Lankans, who arrived in Kuwait earlier, are staying in a flat and are still waiting for the processing of their documents. Sources said the Sri Lankans went to their embassy with their visit visas before the expiry date, indicating the sponsor signed bogus employment contracts. Sources added the Sri Lankans were informed the visit visas are work permits and they would be given jobs upon arrival to Kuwait. Investigations are also going on to verify reports on the involvement of 15 other companies, including big establishments, in visa trading, sources disclosed.

At last week’s meeting of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian
Assistance [CCHA], the Chair Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster
Management and Human Rights informed the forum outstanding issues relating to visas for expatriate staff of UN, ICRC and INGOs have been satisfactorily resolved. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to be the focal point for matters relating to the UN, ICRC and International Organizations with Status Agreements, while the NGO Secretariat would deal with issues relating to INGOs.
The ICRC appreciated steps taken since the last CCHA on 03 June 2008 on granting of visas for expatriate staff; and the UN informed that between the months of May and June 2008, many of the outstanding issues relating to visas have been resolved. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs after consultation with relevant ministries, will issue a set of guidelines for UN and International Organisations on visa procedures by mid July, in order to ensure a mutually satisfactory process.
Minister Samarasinghe at the meeting, thanked all UN agencies, especially WFP,
UNHCR and UNICEF for the assistance provided to the flood affected victims in Galle,Gampaha, Kalutara and Ratnapura Districts last month. While 260 MT of WFP food rations were distributed to the affected areas through the respective Government Agents, the Minister also thanked the Sri Lanka Red Cross for their contribution of dry rations to the affected areas. Furthermore, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights is looking at modalities for coordinating buffer stocks for vulnerable areas along with the Ministries of Nation Building and Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services. Samarasinghe also thanked UN OCHA for providing US$50,000 at short notice which will be utilized for mitigation measures while discussions are on-going with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Neil Bhune, to secure a contribution of US$ 100,000 for disaster mitigation.
The Chair stated that following a request made by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Rome Summit on food security, Sri Lanka will be allocated funds from a total of US$ 6 billion. FAO has informed that discussions are under way to secure these funds.
The President had also requested the Japanese Prime Minister, H.E. Yasuo Fukuda at the Summit, to take into consideration the release of an appropriate amount of rice from the buffer stock maintained by Japan to enable Sri Lanka to meet the present shortfall.
Following discussions held between Minister Samarasinghe, WFP, Joint Operations
Headquarters (JOH) and Commissioner General of Essential Services (CGES); seven lorries carrying dry rations to Vavuniya and Mannar were transported on 03 July 2008, with 17 more to be transported during the course of this week.
It was highlighted at the meeting that a 36MW power generator has been shipped with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy to the Jaffna Peninsula, which would guarantee uninterrupted power, supply to the people of Jafffna. The CGES informed that according to the Ceylon Electricity Board, the generator should be operational in one months’ time.

Leading political parties and the government express a various ideas on the forth-coming token strike.
However majority of workers who suffer from the prevailing economic conditions said that they want to continue their employment without any obstruction of the trade unions and other political henchmen. They stressed that the proposed strike is unreasonable by all means.
“We do not need strikes or protests, but need higher salary to face the current economy, said an ex- trade unionist of a state owned venture.
Meanwhile twenty-three teacher unions including the Sri Lanka Nidahas teachers’ union said they are not taking part in the strike action proposed to be held on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo on Tuesday the union’s General Secretary N.Fernando said the strike action is a political plot. He said the JVP and the UNP are calling for this strike action not for the rights of workers but in an effort to hide their failures. He requests all employees of the education sector to not take part in the strike since sharing is an indirect support to terrorism.

Ceylon Railway Services Trade Union Joint Alliance also says they will not attend in the proposed strike. Chief Organizer of the alliance D.M.D. Abeyrathne said their alliance does not support strikes aimed at gaining political objectives.

Chairman of the Omni bus owners association Gemunu Wijerathne said that his association will not take part in Thursday’s strike. The estate unit of the Nidhas Sevaka Sangamaya will also not join the strike action according to its General Secretary P.G. Chandrasena.
Minister Maithreepala Sirisena requested the Labour community to reject strikes and join the government at this moment of eradicating terrorism. He noted that the UNP and the JVP, which are battling internal party issues, are attempting to use the working masses as baits for their political gain. Speaking at a press conference held in held Colombo today the Minister stressed that the blessings of all are essential to ensure the victory of the heroic war heroes who are fighting for a unitary country.
Also speaking at the conference Minister Dalas Alahapperuma said that the government does not attempt to cut down on the rights of the working people. He said the government has already reached a policy decision to increase the salaries of government employees.
Labour Minister Mervin Silva said Strike which is supposed to held on the 10th which is organized by some trade unions is baseless and un-ethical. Minister further said the country is facing a terrorist problem at present. Forces are engaged in brave act of eradicating terrorism from this country. At this juncture, it is unreasonable to organize a strike of this nature. A strike of this nature will only help the LTTE terrorist indirectly. Therefore minister requested the relevant trade unions to refrain from organizing these strikes at this moment.

Government of Sri Lanka extends the state of emergency by another month with a 97-vote majority on Tuesday.
At a vote requested by TNA's R. Sampanthan, 111 members favoured the motion for the extension, while 14 opposed.
All government affiliate parties voted for favour of the motion and the UNP was absent at the time of vote.
The state of emergency gives wide powers to the security forces and police to carry out operations against the terrorism.
Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka, moving the motion told parliament that it is a requirement to extend the emergency due to current situation in the country.
Mr; Wickremananayake, further said Parliament that during the last month 112 security personnel and policemen and 43 civilians had been killed while 793 security personnel and 61 civilians had been injured.
Since fighting renewed between rebels and government forces in 2006, at least 9,000 LTTEers and 1700 soldiers have been killed.
During on Tuesday session Sri Lanka parliament appointed United People's Freedom Alliance Puttalam District MP Piyankara Jayaratne as the Deputy Speaker.
The position was left vacant by the resignation of the former Deputy Speaker Gitanjana Gunawardena on July 04.
In his resignation Mr. Gunawardena has cited political ethics as the reason for the resignation.

Infantrymen of Sri Lanka Army operating under 59 division yesterday (July 7) captured an LTTE strong point located in the Mulaithiuvu jungle.
According to the defence sources, troops advancing towards the area North of Janakapura came across this strong defensive position of the LTTE located about 10 km inside the jungle around 9.30 am.
Troops launched an attack and captured the enemy position after beating off the terrorists. According to the sources, 3 fortified bunkers and 3 trenches were found in the strong point. During the search, troops also found 2 hand grenades.
Later, radio-monitoring units confirmed that a terrorist was killed and 4 others wounded during this incident. Troops suffered no casualties.

12 Tamil civilians including 7 males and 5 females from non-liberated areas, north of Puthukkudiyiruppu have sought protection with security forces at Pulmoddai this morning (Tuesday), July 08. According to the available information, 3 children and 3 youth are also among the civilians who have escaped the LTTE territory due to constant intimidations and harassments received by the terror outfit. These civilians have arrived on a boat and reached Pulmoddai around 9.30 a.m, sources said.
It is observed that this is the first time, a group of civilians have reached security forces controlled areas from north of Puthukkudiyiruppu, where the majority of hardcore LTTE supporters are living.
"We were living in our native lands facing huge difficulties and hardships under the LTTE. They (LTTE) have transformed the whole area into a war zone. People are forced to labour for long hours and families of those who refuse face grave repercussion by the outfit" an escapee was citied saying to our correspondent.
The recent military operations have pressurized the LTTE and they are hunting on our children to replace their numbers lost in the battles, he further added.
"We are the victims of Tsunami in 2004 but we didn't receive any assistance or aid as the LTTE looted those aid working as an intermediary", one of the escapees said.
"We were also prevented by the outfit from fleeing our native area as the LTTE using us as a human shield when attacking at the security forces marching towards deeper LTTE territory", the escapee further said.

2 soldiers were killed and another reported wounded on Tuesday (July 8) at Arsadikulama in the Vavuniya battlefront when troops confronted with a group of terrorists at 1.35p.m.
The Army foot patrol was along the Arsadikulama - Gandhinagar route when a group of terrorists hiding in distance directed small arms fire killing two soldiers instantly. Soldiers mounted counter attacks at the terrorists forcing the group to flee the area, security sources said.
The injured soldiers were rushed to the general hospital in Vavuniya.
The LTTE losses are yet to be confirmed military sources said, adding that security forces are now engaged in clearing operations in the area.

Sri Lanka Air Force launched two successive air raids targeting LTTE logistic facility in general area Paranthan today, July 08.
According to the Air Force sources the first attack was launched around 10.15 a,m while the other around 1.30 p.m. targeting the LTTE logistic base located 3Km south-west of Paranthan by the supersonic fighter jets.

Minister Dullas Alahapperuma says that the Government had taken a policy decision to increase the salary of Government servants at the next Budget.

Prime Minister said that 112 security forces personnel, 43 civilians were killed last month while 793 security forces personnel and 61 civilians were injured.

Hundrends of Asian workers including Sri Lankans stayed away from work in Qatar as a mark of protest to demand higher salaries to meet the rising cost of living in Qatar.
The workers who belong to a construction company said that they were paid salaries on time but their “wages are so poor that it is hard to make both ends meet, leave alone sending money home”.
They also said that their salaries were in the range of QR 550-600 a month and they had to meet all their expenses, including food, from this amount.
The embassies of Nepal and Sri Lanka said that nobody had approached them with any complaint or plea for intervention in any major labour dispute during the day.
A Sri Lankan mission spokesman said: “If workers sought our help, we will intervene. However, until (Monday) afternoon, no one has approached the embassy.”

A 43-year-old teacher, from Sri Lanka, who sexually abused two young girls has been deported from Doha after escaping a prison sentence. According to the parents of the girls of whom one is as young as eight-years-old, the teacher's abuse has been going on for about two years.

Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena told parliament today that the Government has imported 31 bullet proof vehicles for MPs of the 13th parliament which is currently in session.

Parliamentarian Priyankara Jayaratne unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker in the Parliament this morning.

Three Sri Lankan Tamil gangsters of London were sentenced to 17 years in jail for murder and another of the same gang was sentenced to 14 years in jail for the same offense by a criminal court of the Old Bailey for murdering another Tamil man by stabbing him 31 times.

In this case six members of the Tamil gang were sentenced for offences like murder of Pirabakaran Kannan in Upper Tooting Road and lesser crimes of grievous bodily harm(GBH) and actual bodily harm(ABH) , which is lesser than GBH, to members of a Tamil Gang to which the murder victim did not even belong.

Witnesses said in the courts that Mr Kannan was heard shouting "It wasn't me, it wasn't me" shortly before he was brutally set upon and killed by the four Tamil gang members. The seemingly uninvolved victim happened to be there when two rival Sri Lankan Tamil gangs clashed.

The sentencing came July 7, five days before the banned terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is going to hold their Pongu Thamil festival (Suicide Bombers' Day) in London focused on fund raising. The police said gangs of violent Sri Lankan Tamil men in South London area, where illegal fund raising activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are quite rampant are "constantly tooled up" and "ready to go", for such crimes . But there is no direct evidence that the gangs are linked up with the LTTE. But there is some connection with LTTE controlled businesses and Tamil violent gangs, many have alleged.

Detective Inspector Anthony McKeowan calling the violence the convicts displayed was ferocious said, "The attack on Pirabaskaran Kannan was violent and merciless. He sustained thirty-one stab and slash injuries at the back of a fast food restaurant in Tooting, and died shortly after in hospital. The two friends who were with him at the time suffered lesser injuries, but have obviously been affected by events of that night. "Those who carried out the attack were from a 'gang' of Tamil and other Asian youths from Croydon, who came to Tooting with the express purpose of attacking people whom they saw as members of a rival Tamil 'gang'. Although Mr Kannan himself was not known to be a gang member, he suffered the misfortune of getting trapped at the rear of the restaurant and becoming the focus of the attack.

"The violence they displayed was ferocious and led to the senseless death of a young man. I hope that the fact that those responsible have been convicted will act as a deterrent to others, and cause all those who might resort to such violence to reconsider their behaviour, and start to put a proper value on human life.

"I would like to thank my officers who have worked diligently to put this case together and I would also like to praise the family of Pirabaskaran for the dignity they have shown throughout this harrowing ordeal and the witnesses whose information helped bring about these convictions."

Despite the current police attitude Police have always in the past denied there was a problem with the gangs in Croydon, but have now admitted there was a specialist officer dealing with Tamil gang activity in the borough. A member of a gang who did not want to be named was quoted by a Croydon Guardian ,a local newspaper as saying: "These guys are tough man, they do not care who they hurt or who gets in their way. They ride around in flash cars tooled-up with knives, swords, bats and whatever else they can grab to do damage to a guy."

Four men were today (07.7.08) sentenced at the Old Bailey for the murder of Pirabaskaran KANNAN in Upper Tooting Rd, SW17 on 15th June 2007. They were all also sentenced for the GBH of Naresh MYLVAGANAM and the ABH of Arunan THANABALASINGHAM resulting from the same incident. Two other men pleaded guilty to the GBH of Naresh MYLVAGANAM and the ABH of Arunan THANABALASINGHAM resulting from the same incident.

Aziz MIAH (12.06.87 - 20 ys) of Sumner Road Croydon Asif KUMBAY (21.02.88 - 20 ys) of Grasmere Road, SE25; and Vabeesan SIVARAJAH (17.03.86 - 22 ys) of no fixed address were sentenced to 17 years for murder, seven years for GBH and three years for ABH. All sentences to run concurrently.

Kirush NANTHAKUMAR (13.09.89 - 18 ys) of Leslie Grove, Croydon was sentenced to 14 years for murder, six years for GBH and two years for ABH to run concurrently.

Mayuran SRIVINAYAGAM (03.01.83 - 25 ys) of Greyhound Terrace, Streatham was sentenced to seven years for GBH and three years for ABH to run concurrently.

Mahitharn RATNASINGHAM (10.01.85 - 23 ys) of no fixed address was sentenced to six years for GBH and two and a half years for ABH to run concurrently. (EOM)

Infantrymen of Sri Lanka Army operating under 59 division yesterday (July 7) captured an LTTE strong point located in the Mulaithiuvu jungle.

According to the defence sources, troops advancing towards the area North of Janakapura came across this strong defensive position of the LTTE located about 10 km inside the jungle around 9.30 am.

Troops launched an attack and captured the enemy position after beating off the terrorists. According to the sources, 3 fortified bunkers and 3 trenches were found in the strong point. During the search, troops also found 2 hand grenades.

Later, radio-monitoring units confirmed that a terrorist was killed and 4 others wounded during this incident. Troops suffered no casualties.

Jaliya Wickremasuriya, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador designate to Washingtonsaid that he will be reporting at the Duty Station by the 12th and said that he is expected to present his credentials to US President George Bush by the end of this month.
He was in Sri Lanka to face the High Post Committee grilling, as well as for an orientation session at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The new Ambassador designate to USA is not a new comer to America. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, for more than 10 years and he is a very successful businessman.

Two years ago, he was appointed as Sri Lanka’s Consul General to Los Angels. While in Los Angels he has travelled to all the eight American states which he was assigned to cover and met almost all the US Senators in those states and more than 20 Congressmen and briefed them of the political situation in Sri Lanka.

He also met members of the Sri Lankan community in all those States under the ‘Reaching out Program’ initiated by his predecessor Bernard Goonatileke.

The new Ambassador designate was talking to Asian Tribune on Sunday, just two hours before his departure to Los Angels.

He said when he was in Sri Lanka, he called on the Mahanayake Theros of Malwatte and Asgiriya after paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic for invoking blessings prior to leaving for the US.

Before his departure he said he met his predecessor Bernard Goonatileke, the veteran diplomat, at his residence for a briefing session by the senior Sri Lankan diplomat who just returned back from Washington DC, after serving there for three years as the country’s most successful diplomat.

He said, he also met US Ambassador Robert O Blake at his office in the US Embassy in Colombo. When asked about the US Ambassador, Jaliya Wickremasuriya said that he is a lively diplomat and down to earth human being.

He said that US Ambassador has told him to be in touch with him and even on a daily basis. He also said that he was invited by US Ambassador Robert O Blake, as a guest to participate in the 232 Anniversary of Independence of the US, held at the US Ambassador’s official residence, in Colombo. He said it was one of his memorable moments to be with such a great American diplomat.

Jaliya Wickremasuriya said that he will continue with the ‘Reaching out Program’ once he is back in US and also work closely with the Sri Lankan expatriates in America.

Many in US say that Jaliya Wickremasuriya is doer and he has the knack for getting things done.

The term of the Acting Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Kithulgoda was further extended by 14 days by the speaker.

The government yesterday warned the public to be vigilant against a possible major attack by the LTTE ‘in the next two days’.

Media Minister, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told reporters that intelligence agencies had said the LTTE could undertake the attack in the next two days.

"We have received information and it is our duty to protect the state institutions," Abeywardena told reporters.

However, trade union leaders dismissed the warning as a ploy to disrupt the scheduled one-day strike called by them later this week.

The left-wing People's Liberation Front (JVP), backed by the main opposition United National Party, has given a call for a strike on July 10 to protest against the high cost of living and other issues.

The government maintained the trade unions must not organise strikes at a time when the government has reached a decisive stage of its military campaign against the terrorists.

The police claimed that public cooperation was needed to protect civilians in view of threats from the LTTE.

The police said the terrorists might try to disrupt life in the south of the island in view of the provincial elections in the North Central Province and the South-eastern Sabaragamuwa Province scheduled for August 23.

After taking control of the entire Eastern Province from the LTTE in July 2007, the troops are currently battling the LTTE in the north.

Private bus commuters have on numerous occasions had to face embarrassing situations due to conductors not issuing tickets.

Sometimes conductors adopt this ruse to dodge returning the balance money, when a commuter tenders him a currency note which is above the value of the fare that he had to pay for.

When a commuter requests for his balance the conductors try to embarrass him or her saying that he owes no balance money to him.

But all these problems could be avoided if they issue tickets to the commuters mentioning, the exact bus fare that they have paid for.

A commuter who yesterday boarded the Kotahena bound bus from Nugegoda at Slave Island around 1.40 p.m. (route number 168. registration number NA0088 WP) had tendered a Rs. 100 note to the conductor since he didn’t have change money and asked for ticket to Kotahena where the fare is Rs 10.

The conductor had accepted the Rs. 100 note but didn’t issue a ticket to the passenger.

When the passenger asked for the balance money he refused to give him the money saying that the passenger never tendered a Rs 100 note. A heated argument followed and the conductor abused the commuter in filth and threatened him when the commuter said he will take up the matter with higher transport authorities.

The incident has been reported to the National Transport Commission by the commuter.

When contacted President of the Private Bus Operators Association President Gemunu Wijeratne accepted that only a few bus operators issue tickets to commuters.

"Most of them don’t issue tickets in order to rob part of the day’s collection because if they issue tickets they have to hand over the collection accordingly," he said.

However from August 1 it has been made compulsory for bus crews to issue tickets and for them to wear uniforms on an order issued by the Supreme Court on June 23 Wijeratne said.

A shortage of chicken was experienced in retail outlets in Colombo and suburbs yesterday amidst poultry farmers warning of a severe shortage during the coming months due to lack of production caused by the government’s failure to increase the maximum selling price on time.

A number of consumers were seen and heard complaining of a shortage of chicken in retail outlets including many supermarkets in Colombo yesterday stirring rumours of a sudden shortage of chicken.

Responding to the scenario Chairman All Ceylon Poultry Farmers’ Association Dr. D. D. Wanasinghe said that the shortage was not a sudden one but a result of the government’s failure to grant a healthy selling price for chicken since March 2007.

He said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs ordered a maximum selling price of Rs. 260 per kilogramme of chicken since March 2007 when the producers spent Rs. 270 per kilo. The price was controlled for the next two months when the producers started selling chicken for various other prices despite the maximum price.

However in February 2008, the government again ordered for a price amendment saying that they had received many complaints of selling chicken for numerous prices amidst the maximum price.

As a result the new price was marked at Rs. 280 per kilo when the producers spent roughly Rs. 315 per kilo.

The latest price marking severely affected the industry forcing 27% of the small scale chicken farmers to quit the industry as well as all large scale producers to cut down their production by 50%, Dr. Wanasinghe said.

“The farmers were hesitant to buy two day old chicks from hatcheries and to grow them up to 38 to 42 days to get the meat for sale. Due to the reduction of the production the producers considerably reduced buying chicks from hatcheries forcing the hatcheries to destroy at least 200,000 chicks per week,” he said.

He said the prices of chicken feed had increased from 49.5% compared to 2007 market which had directly caused the increase of current production price.

However concerning all this the government again made a price hike of bringing a kilo of chicken at Rs. 320 when the producers requested for an actual production price of Rs. 350.

Dr. Wanasinghe said the current maximum price was considerably survivable compared to previous prices but it would take some time for the poultry farmers to supply for to the market.

As the farmers are now buying chicks it would take around one and half months for them to supply the market which as a result would create a severe shortage.

Meanwhile Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Bandula Gunawardena told that responding to the shortage, the government could import chicken from India for a very low price but would not do so concerning the local producers.

But he warned to import chicken in due course if the government senses any artificial shortage created by the producers.

An investigation on a cache of arms, ammunition and some sensitive material including the passport of a very senior police officer inside a travelling bag found a few meters away from the official residence of the Commander of the Air Force in the very high security zone at Thimbirigasyaya, is underway.

The detection was made by Air Force Commandos when they examined a green coloured travelling bag found concealed in a dustbin opposite the Commanders residence opposite the Sirimavo Bandaranaike School in Brownrig Road, Thimbirigasyaya on Saturday.

It contained a hand gun "Galkattas," ten rounds of live .38 ammunition ,90 rounds of T56 automatic ammunition, a Chief Inspector’s epaulets, an ASPs cap with insignia and the expired passport of a Superintendent of Police who was attached to the Terrorist Investigation Division(TID) along with other sensitive material.

Police Media spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that initial investigations had revealed that the green coloured travelling bag had belonged to Superintendent of Police Beddewela who resided at the Summit flats at Keppetipola Mawatha .

Beddewela had told investigators that an aide who cleaned his flat had kept this bag inside a disused toilet over the past several years before the officer threw the bag without examining the contents into the dustbin last week.

SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that apart from the Air Force which had launched its own investigation, the Colombo Crime Division was investigating the the find.

Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan will move a resolution in the provincial council today asking Rs.5 million for each councillor to carry out development work during this year.

However, the resolution was initially planned to be put forward by JVP councillor Wimal Piyatissa.

Mr. Piyatissa said that the resolution would now be moved by the Chief Minister as an urgent one.

“We planned to bring it earlier. Now, the Chief Minister is going to move it. But, we are not concerned about it,” he said. According to this resolution, the Council seeks Rs. 185 million for all its 37 members to start various programmes in their respective constituencies.

The additional magistrate of Mount Lavinia warned an additional government analyst yesterday, observing that witnesses had no right to call judges and inquire about cases.

Additional Magistrate Ms. Dharshika Wimalasiri made this remark following several calls she had received from the analyst with regard to a report on a sample of coconut oil the analyst had issued to court.

In this case Adamjee and Lukmanjee Sons Limited, who had allegedly produced the coconut oil in question, and Perera Stores of Attidiya who had sold the oil were cited as respondents by the Health Unit of the Dehiwela-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council.

Court imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on Perera Stores which pleaded guilty to the charges.

The government analyst had, in a second report to the municipal council, stated that the coconut oil was not adulterated and that she had issued the first report by mistake. When the second report was produced in court, the additional magistrate had issued notice on the analyst.

When she appeared in court yesterday, the additional magistrate warned her severely.

"There is no room at all for a political struggle. All our members are working together to make the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) a strong political force in the democratic mainstream," TMVP spokesman Azad Mowlana said yesterday

Mowlana, one of the TMVP representatives to the APRC, said: "Political opponents under the guise of friends are trying their best to create disunity among our ranks and divisions among our leaders through an well organized campaign of disinformation in the Media."

"These people are unable to understand that the TMVP party and the Eastern Provincial Council are two different entities altogether and we don’t want to mix both together."

"The Politburo of the TMVP cannot meet this week as Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan has to participate in the second sittings of the Eastern Provincial Council which is scheduled to commence at 9.00 a.m. Tuesday morning."

"We will convene a meeting of the Partys politburo for next week and sort out matters cordially," he said.

The new CEO of Mihin Lanka Anura Bandara denied allegations levelled against investors of the budget airline and said that the EPF and the ETF have not invested in the company indirectly or directly.

“The treasury, Bank of Ceylon and Lankaputhra Development Bank are the investors”, Bandara said.

Meanwhile Mihin Lanka is hoping to tie up with Sri Lankan Airlines in a total commercial synergy meant to generate commercial value for both parties which will not burden the National carrier, Bandara said.

When asked whether Mihin Lanka would be a branch of the Sri Lankan Airlines, Bandara said that the latter could not afford to take the budget carrier under its wings.

“The board members have not held board meetings since April,” Bandara said. They do not continue to make decisions with regard to the company although they have not been dissolved, he added. “It is up to the Aviation Ministry or the President to make a decision with regard to the board members”.

According to Bandara the board of directors was not paid salaries but an allowance for the board meetings they attended and therefore the due salaries do not contain a proportion of the directors’ salaries.

“The amount of overdue salaries is close to Rs.14 million”, Bandara said. Meanwhile, over the past few weeks a few of the managers have forwarded their resignation. “Non-managerial staff have been paid for May but not for June and the managerial staff salaries of May and June are still to be paid”, he said.

The present CEO who has been appointed by the Ministry of Aviation is the operating head and makes daily decisions on behalf of the Ministry. “I have not spoken to the Minister of Aviation about my salary and I’m not in this position voluntarily”, Bandara said.

Bandara denied allegations levelled against Mihin Lanka’s investors and said that the EPF and the ETF have not invested in the company indirectly or directly. “The treasury, Bank of Ceylon and Lankaputhra Development Bank are the investors”, Bandara said.

The Commercial High Court of Colombo yesterday issued notice on Stassen Exports Limited of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Mawatha, Colombo 14 and Harry Stassen Jayawardena, Managing Director of Stassens in a petition filed by the chairman Stassen Exports Limited and two directors of the company resulting from a deadlock between the parties in the running of the company.

The petitioners are R. K. Obeysekere, Zaki Alif and V. P. Vittachi, the chairman. The petitioners stated that they have lost all confidence in Mr. Jayawardena as he has excluded them from the management of the company and was running the company in the mnner he solely wishes.

To solve the deadlock petitioners have asked for an order directing Harry Jayawardena to purchase the shares of the petitioners and the fourth respondent Ms. Sonia Weinman (who is the daughter of Mr. Vittachi) at a price nominated by the petitioners or to sell his shares in the company to the petitioners at the said price per a share nominated by the petitioners.

In the alternative petitioners said they would purchase the shares of Harry Jayawardena at a price nominated by him or in the event the petitioners did not want to buy those shares at that price Mr. Jayawardena could buy the petitioners’ shares at the price nominated by him.

The petitioners also asked for an interim order preventing the company and or Mr. Jayawardena taking any step whatsoever to alter the present status quo of the Board of Directors of the company until the final hearing and determination of this action. Commercial High Court judge Ms. Rohini Walgama issued notice returnable on August 28.

Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera, Shanaka de Silva and Eraj de Silva instructed by G. G. Arulpragasam appeared for petitioners.

SriLankan will have 37 weekly connections to nine cities in the Middle East-Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait. Additional flights are to three cities-Doha which increases from the present 4 flights up to 6; Bahrain which goes from 5 to 7 and Dammam which will have 3 flights, up from the present 2.

The Government has identified the Middle East as one of four major thrust markets to Sri Lanka, and has launched a series of marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the island’s attractions. There has been an 80% increase in Middle Eastern tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2008.

Sri Lanka is growing in popularity as a leisure destination among Middle Eastern travellers and western expatriates working in the region who are drawn to the island’s beaches, tea plantations and cultural sites. An increasing number, including women travellers, also try out the country’s many adventure sports.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Board has launched a series of advertising campaigns in major media in the Middle East to increase interest in Sri Lanka as a leisure destination. More campaigns are planned for June and July.

The CGR will import 15 power sets from China shortly. They will cost Rs. 5250 million and arrive in Sri Lanka in September 2008. This will supplement one hundred carriages already imported, the Transport Ministry said.

Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said that the railway services would be streamlined to cater to the needs of train commuters. A large number of office workers preferred to travel by train.

The CGR could be improved as a profitable government organisation with substantial revenue provided that unnecessary cadres were made redundant while retaining qualified personnel to work.

Of the 28 LTTE suspects arrested in Italy recently for offences under Italian and International law, including extortion to support a terrorist organization, eight were released by the local Magistrate on the grounds of insufficient evidence to prove their complicity with the LTTE.

However, the Italian Secret Police, headed by Dr. Antonio S. Bersone and Dr. Missou, invoking Italian Anti-Terror laws,


rearrested all eight and produced them before a Magistrate in Naples who was convinced by the evidence produced that they were indeed involved in supporting the terrorist activities of the LTTE through extortion and remanded them.

Two were arrested in Palermo, three each in Bolonghe and Regi Millia.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy Hemantha Warnakulasuriya, back home on a short vacation, told The Island yesterday that with all the terrorist suspects in Italy now in remand the LTTE’s funding arm has been put out off action.

The UNP yesterday said that it would extend its fullest support to the general strike organised by the JVP affiliated National Trade Union Centre (NTUC).

The UNP’s decision was announced yesterday by Party Spokesperson, Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunathilake at a media briefing.

According to Karunathilake, the UNP was happy to note that the JVP has now decided to launch strong trade union action against the government, even though they failed to help the UNP to topple the government at last year’s budget vote.

“It was the UNP which felt the pulse of the people from the beginning of this regime, but all attempts to topple the government were blocked by the JVP. Anyhow we are happy to note that the same JVP has now decided to launch strikes and agitations to obtain relief for the people and the UNP has decided to give its fullest support to the upcoming one day token strike,” claimed Karunathilake.

However, Karunathilake said that Rs. 5000 salary increase for public, private and estate workers was inadequate and called upon the government to pay a minimum Rs.7,500 salary increase immediately.

“The prices of essential commodities and services have gone up by a huge margin and in that backdrop unless the government gives a Rs.7,500 salary increase the people would not be able to bear the high cost of living (CoL),” added Karunathilake.

Accusing the government of misleading the public servants with an offer of a salary increase of Rs.1, 000, Karunathilake said that the government has only decided to increase the salaries by Rs.625 and not by Rs.1000.

“The government has once again proved that they are poor in calculations by announcing that the public servant’s salary would be increased by Rs.1, 000 from July. But the reality was that President Mahinda Rajapakse after a series of talks with government supported trade unionists have decided to increase the salaries only by Rs.625 and had included the CoL allowance Rs.375 to make a round figure,” claimed Karunathilake.

“If the government is unable to address the grievances of the working class they should immediately dissolve the parliament to allow the people to elect a government that could provide relief to the people,” Karunathilake further added.

The JVP called for a general strike on July 10 based on three demands.

The three demands are the increase of the salaries of public, private and estate sector employees by a minimum of Rs. 5,000, the payment of the promised Rs. 2.50 for each increasing cost of living index point and the reduction in train fares that have increased by over 100%.

According to the NTUC, so far over 400 trade unions representing the public, private and estate sectors have extended their support to the July 10 strike.

JVP parliamentarian and NTUC President, K.D. Lalkantha said the union was compelled to demand for a minimum increase of Rs. 5,000, which is an increase from the Rs. 3,000 demanded during last year’s budget due to the rapid increase in prices of essential goods.

He said that according to statistics a family of five needed at least Rs 31,000 a month to live a normal life.

Lalkantha also said that the government should also implement the pledge made to pay Rs. 2.50 to each increasing cost of living index point, which the government later scrapped by making a payment a flat payment of Rs. 375.

“Although we do not agree with the payment of Rs. 2.50 in principle. We want it paid, as it was a pledge made by the government. This government agreed to pay Rs. 2.50 for an index point when in 1980 the unions called for a payment of Rs. 5 for an index point,” Lalkantha said.

The NTUC also rejected an offer made by President Mahinda Rajapakse last Sunday to offer an extra allowance of Rs. 1,000 to be added to the salaries of public sector employees claiming it was a move by the government to hood wink the working masses.

Special security measures would be in place countrywide next Thursday to meet any security contingency when trade unions had called for a one day token strike Director General, Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle said.
He said there may be attempts to intimidate employees who report for work disregarding the call of the trade unions. LTTE terrorists may make use of the day for terrorist attacks necessitating extra security measures to be adopted.

He said the working class should be aware of the problems the country was facing and exercise extreme caution to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of such situations. The government would ensure tight security throughout the country on Wednesday.

Opposition parliamentarians had expressed the view that the government was spreading false propaganda about a potential LTTE threat on the day of the one day token strike. Colombo District parliamentarian of the Western People’s Front Mano Ganeshan said the Government had warned by the token strike.

The internal crisis in the UNP was defused yesterday with Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe informing the Working Committee (WC) that reforms proposed by a committee of seniors based on recommendations made by the members will be implemented shortly.

Wickremesinghe who presided at yesterday’s WC meeting asked the committee of party seniors, which considered proposals of party reforms to submit the consensus document within the next few days.

The committee of party seniors comprising Joseph Michael Perera, John Amaratunge, Sarathchandra Rajakaruna, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, Renuka Herath and Amara Piyaseeli Ratnayake are considering proposals to broad base the decision making process in the party, appointing a deputy leader and three assistant leaders in addition to amending the party constitution to ensure more internal democracy.

The UNP Leader told the WC that he has no problem with implementing any proposals that emerge through consensus.

UNP MP Lakshman Seneviratne informed the WC that their objective was to ensure the party’s victory and was not in any way instigated by the government or the 17 UNP defectors to the government.

He said they will never leave the UNP and welcomed the decision to proceed with the reforms on the basis of a consensus.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe is of the opinion the armed forces should be supervised by Parliament. He said this during a book launch in Colombo this evening.

14 Tamil civilians including 8 males and 6 females arrived at the Pulmoddai army camp seeking refuge around 11 this morning (July 7), defence sources said. According to the sources the refugees were residents of Thawaladdi in Mulaithiuvu.
The refugees have said that they had fled their homes due to the unbearable harassments committed by the LTTE terrorists against civilians. Since, the LTTE has dined civilian use of roads , the refugees had taken a sea passage to the cleared area , the sources further said.

The Sri Lankan government on Monday warned the public to be vigilant against a possible major attack by Tamil Tiger guerrillas "in the next two days".

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told reporters that intelligence agencies had said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) could undertake the attack in the next two days.

"We have received information and it is our duty to protect the state institutions," Abeywardena told reporters.

However, trade union leaders dismissed the warning as a ploy to disrupt the scheduled one-day strike called by them later this week.

The leftwing People's Liberation Front (JVP), backed by the main opposition United National Party, has given a call for a strike July 10 to protest the high cost of living and other issues.

The government maintained that the trade unions must not organise strikes at a time when the government has reached a decisive stage of its military campaign against the Tamil Tigers.

The police claimed that public cooperation was needed to protect civilians in view of threats from the LTTE.

The police said the rebels might try to disrupt life in the south of the island in view of the provincial elections in the North Central province and the southeastern Sabaragamuva province scheduled on Aug 23.

After taking control of the entire eastern province from the LTTE in July 2007, the troops are currently battling the LTTE in the north.

JVP MPs Vijitha Herath and Ramalingam Chandrasekara were summoned to the CID this morning (July 07th), where they gave separate statements regarding a LTTE suspect.
The suspect is K. Devadasan, an ex-additional director of the State Film Corporation.
When contacted, Mr. Herath said that the CID had wanted to know from him, as former Cultural Affairs Minister, as to how Devadasan was recruited to the SFC.
Devadasan had all the necessary qualifications, and was appointed on a recommendation by a group of artistes, the JVP MP has told the police, adding that he has never had any connections with the JVP.
He had been a producer of short films and an importer of foreign films, Mr. Herath has said.
Devadasan had also served as president of 'Chalana Chitram' art association.
The then additional secretary to the Defence Ministry Sunil S. Sirisena had also approved the appointment, along with other appointees to the SFC, who include Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala, Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe, Sena Nanayakkara and Vincent Kumarapeli.
Noting he had been questioned over an appointee - who is now suspected of having connections with the LTTE - during his office as a minister, Mr. Herath remarked the then IGP should be queried over the enrolment of constable P. Nadesan who is now Tigers' political wing leader.
Mr. Herath described the questioning as part of a conspiracy by the government against the JVP.

A number of trade unions in Sri Lanka now following different ways on forth coming token strike led by the United National Party and the JVP.
Most of trade unions have disclosed their support while a few trade unions but still they have strong TU power said they would not be involved this strike due to number of reasons.
Rev.Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, Chairman of the local Nurses Association has already decided to not to support the forthcoming strike and he said it is not suitable when the country faces a severe threat of terrorism. However opposition back trade unions are now assisting their members to attend the token strike.
Meanwhile the Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), K.D. Lal Kantha said that their demands should be fulfilled in order to cancel the island-wide strike campaign scheduled for July 10th.
He said unlike the protest during the J.R. Jayewardene era, electricity supply and bus services will come to a complete halt on July 10th. If attempts are made to obstruct this action, we will decide to continue this strike.
"This is only a token strike. If the demands are not met, we will move on to the next step," he added.
"To stop the strike campaign, the government only has to increase public servant's salaries by Rs. 5,000 and to agree to the reductions. There is no other way, he said.
Meanwhile General Secretary of the Trade Union Consolidation, Saman Rathnapriya said a media briefing that the protest demonstration would start from in front of the Health Ministry at noon on July 10th.

However some Trade union leaders emphasise that the proposed trade union action for the 10th of this month is completely unreasonable. They say it is apparent that the strike action is politically motivated. General Secretary of the Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya Lesley Devendra says no trade union has requested for a postponement of the provincial council election and the 17th constitutional amendment instead of the five thousand rupee salary increase. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Mahaweli Centre he pointed out that the strike action needs to be called off since a good salary will be granted through the salary commission and the next budget.
Chairman of Public Services Trade Union Federation W.H. Piyadasa said a picketing will be held in front of the Fort Railway Station on the 9th of this month against the proposed strike action. General Secretary of Ceylon Workers’ Society Media Council Somaweera Chandrasiri requests all concerned to refrain from creating an environment for LTTE terrorists to explode bombs.
He added that any issue of the working masses would be redressed by the President.
JVP Central Committee member and Kegalle District leader at the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Election Mahinda Jayasinghe said a one day strike would neither reverse the gains of the security forces nor send the inflation up. If so, how were military operations carried out on holidays? The government was floating such stories to sabotage the July 10 strike, but it would take place as scheduled, . He said trade unions had announced the date of the strike one and a half month back and government should have granted their demands and avoided trouble.
The National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), which is the umbrella organisation of 366 trade unions, demands a five-thousand-rupee salary hike, retention of Rs. 2. 50 cost of living allowance and an immediate reduction in bus and train fares.
He said the inflation rate stood at 28.2 per cent at the end of last month, though there had been no strike during that period. The government’s claim that increases in inflation rate were due to strikes was therefore false, he said.
Jayasinghe, who is the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Service Union (CTSU), said teachers would cripple government schools throughout the country on July 10 as part of the strike. He said the union had already prepared the principals and teachers for the strike.
He invited trade unions of all hues to join the July 10 strike. "The NTUC is not a JVP’s trade union centre. It has only 85 JVP led trade unions out of 366," he said.
Chairman of the Association of Management in the state and provincial sectors Kumara Karunarathne said at a media briefing on Monday that seven trade unions in the Colombo Municipal Council will not take part in strike. He was of the view that it is an injustice perpetrated on the masses to take part in a strike in this juncture when the President and the government are taking ever step to eradicate terrorism.

The Sri Lankan government today (July 07th) signed an agreement with Cairn India Ltd. to explore and produce hydro-carbon and natural gas in the Mannar Basin in Northern Sri Lanka.

According to the Petroleum Resources Agreement, Cairn India will start exploration activities in Block SL2007/01/001 in the Mannar Basin, which covers 3,400 sq. km. at depths between 200 to 1,800 m within 6 months from today

Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources A.H.M. Fowzie and Cairn India's Chief Financial Officer Indrajith Benerijee signed the agreement on behalf of the two parties, in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Mr. Benerijee handed over USD 1 million as Signature Bonus on the agreement to President Rajapaksa at the agreement signing ceremony held at Temple Trees this morning.

The exploration spending schedule of the company in the next three years is expected to be USD 112 million.

Once commercial extraction commences, the oil company is allowed up to 65 percent of the revenue to cover its investment.

The government will receive a 10 percent royalty, USD 50 million Production Bonus, the profit share based on the investment multiple, and 15 % tax on Contractor Profit and other necessary taxes.

The Exploration licence is valid for eight years and divided into three stages of three, two, and three years.

The Government of Sri Lanka will receive all exploration data, and the Contractor will be required to support education and training of staff, support environmental studies and transfer related technology to Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the JVP has voiced its strong opposition to this agreement in a letter to President Rajapaksa.

Signed by the party's parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it calls for the tabling of the agreement before Parliament prior to its signing.

The JVP says a transparent and extensive dialogue is needed with regard to the procedure of selection of the Indian company, Sri Lanka's profit share as well the socio-political, economic and environmental impact of this exploration project.

The government peace secretariat today said that future peace talks with the LTTE will include all Tamil political parties.

A gas cylinder explosion took place in Pasyala, Gampaha moments ago. Police confirmed that two people were killed and two more injured from the explosion that took place at a repair shop.

The Omanthai check point which was closed since last Tuesday reopened a short while ago in the presence of the ICRC, Military spokesman confirmed.

The TMVP has named Sivagita Prabhakaran as its representative at the All Party Representative Committee for finding a political solution to the northeast conflict.

The nomination of Mrs. Prabhakaran, who is mayor of Batticaloa, was received last week, said APRC chairman Prof. Tissa Vitarana.

Meetings of the committee that have been suspended can resume very soon now, he added.

The SLFP's Central Organization in the Katana electorate has requested the President to appoint the wife of the late minister Jayaraj Fernandopulle as a national list MP to fill the vacancy created following the resignation of Wasantha Samarasinghe.

Mr. Samarasinghe, a JVPer who was appointed on the UPFA ticket, resigned recently to contest upcoming polls for the North Central Province as the party's chief ministerial candidate.

An agreement between the PA and the JVP for the formation of the UPFA says any national list vacancy should be filled by the party to which the earlier appointee belonged.

Accordingly, the JVP's Secretary has asked the UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha in writing to appoint Sujith Kuruwita.

However, Mr. Premajayantha is yet to forward a name to the Elections Commissioner.

The High Command of the SLMC has decided to reappoint party leader Rauff Hakeem and Secretary Hasan Ali to Parliament on the national list, a senior party member said.
Mr. Hakeem, together with Hasan Ali and Basheer Segudawood resigned from their MP positions to contest the May 10th polls for the Eastern Provincial Council.

The SLMC appointed M. Naushad to fill the vacancy that of its leader, while the two other positions remained vacant.

The HC that met yesterday (June 06th) had rejected a request by the UNP to appoint its national organizer S.B. Dissanayake to fill one of these positions.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake had made the request in writing to the SLMC a few days ago.

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne called on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence this morning, July 7.

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne assumed duties as the 31st Inspector General of Police on July 1. Mr. Wickremaratne joined the Police Force in 1974 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in 1983, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in 1989 and to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in 1993.

Sri Lanka Army's latest gift to national sports, Gunner Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment, brought great glory to his motherland yesterday (June 6) with his excellent cricketing performance at Asia Cup final in Pakistan.

Ajantha with his magical spin bowling helped the Sri Lankan team to beat India by 100 runs in the final in Karachi and to defend the Asia Cup title, winning it for the fourth time. Facing the mighty Indians for the first time in his career, Ajantha took six wickets for just 13 runs bowling only 8 overs. India lost 9 wickets for 97 runs and were finally bowled out for 173 in 39.3 overs. The 23-year-old spinner won both the Man of the Series and Man of the Match Awards. He also bettered the best bowling figures in Asia Cup history, erasing the 5 wickets for 19 runs record set by Aaqub Javid for Pakistan against India in 1995.

Gunner Balapuwaduge Ajantha Winslow Mendis made history in the Sri Lanka Army by being the first Army cricketer to represent the National Team. He made his debut in April this year against West Indies . Having spotted his talents during 2003/2004 under 23 division 11 tournaments, the Army Cricket Committee invited Ajantha to play for the Army Cricket Club. As result, he joined Army regular force as a gunner in the Artillery Regiment.

After his basic military training he was sent to the Army Cricket Pool and from there on given good training. Being a hard working youngster and quick learner, Ajantha was able to cement his place in the Army team due to his skill in all three aspects of the game - bowling, batting and fielding. He was initially coached by Mr Saman Hewawithrana and Mr Neil Rajapakse. Later, both coaches did a good job in guiding him. He has shown a steady progress in all the tournaments organized by Sri Lanka Cricket when representing the Army. His first appearance for the Army was in the 2004/2005 Sara Trophy Tournament. In the same tournament the following year he was awarded the Best All-Rounder's Trophy by Sri Lanka Cricket.

As social networking continues to thrive in mainstream culture, a British-Asian Entrepreneur launches a new online community next month, aimed at the Desi market, employing the principle of sites like facebook and linkedin, but with a focus on real life social interaction, to build relationships more in line with how we interact in everyday business life.

33yr old Sonny Kumar has been working on the development of www.DoYouDesi.com, the first site dedicated to bringing the global Desi community together for friendship, and networking, for the last year. As it prepares to go live next month, encouraging people to meet, and recommend friends, or colleagues online, it already has over 1500 pre-registered members from 15 different countries, ranging from residents in Bombay to Birmingham, from Chenai to Capetown.

The website, established to connect people within the same culture, who would perhaps never otherwise meet, is focused on building a network via introductions, from friends, family and extended networks, to build relationships around the world. www.DoYouDesi.com, unique in its marketplace, encourages friends to introduce, and vouch for each other, in a bid to connect people that are genuinely suited.

Sonny explains: “www.DoYouDesi.com has been established to bring together people from the Desi community, of which there are over 50 million globally. This is taking what normally happens within the South Asian community and putting it online as it’s so natural for South Asian’s to behave as social butterflies as it’s been going on for 1000 years”. Have you ever noticed that we almost always meet new people through the friends and business relationships we already have? That’s because these people understand us best, are on our wavelength, and know the type of person that we get along with and build trusting relationships with. Now www.DoYouDesi.com provides an opportunity for our friends and colleagues to connect us with a much wider group of people, that it might take us years to meet otherwise”.

The website's tools include video chat, and automatch enabling members to be introduced to people many degrees of separation away.

Sonny further explains:” On www.doyouDesi.com you’re much more likely to hear back from people you meet because most will have come through a mutual friend. We’re all more likely to talk to someone that a friend suggests as opposed to a complete stranger aren't we? Of course if you are interested in spreading your net a bit wider and want to approach someone you have no connection with, ask their friends a question, or read their friends reviews, and this way you can still get a good honest picture of that member”. This means less time wasted on tenuous relationships, more people to discover, and more business can be done.

“In the Desi world, introductions always happen within a social setting. Whether you meet through friends at a dinner party, connect through a colleague, or meet at a networking event, most social interaction tells you what a person is really like before you spend any face time with that person. Do You Desi? builds on Desi community values to bring people together online in a safe, fun environment that mirrors real world meetings.”

Security forces uncovered 59 anti-personnel mines (AP), during search operations conducted in Mannar and Welioya fronts on Sunday (July 6).

According to security sources, 32 AP mines were uncovered by troops engaged in clearing operations in general area Palamoddai, Mannar, while 27 other AP mines were found in a similar operation conducted North of Janakapura at Welioya.

Sri Lankan Ambassador designate to the United States Jaliya Wickremasuriya on the eve of his departure yesterday claimed that one of his priorities as the country's top diplomat in the US would be to map out an effective campaign to counter false LTTE propaganda.

While emphasising that whichever Government was in power the US would deplore terrorism in all its forms and manifestations Wickremasuriya said that it was all about portraying the true picture effectively to address misconceptions.

Wickremasuriya said: "My first intention is to transform Sri Lanka's image from a country better known for its calamities and disasters in the Western world to one which would be fondly looked upon as a viable destination for leisure travel, investment, trade and a place where foreigners could feel at home amidst traditional Sri Lankan hospitality."

The new Ambassador considers that foreign missions should play a bigger role in international affairs without confining themselves to the usual diplomatic practices.

His vision as a practical businessman is to run the office to propagate Sri Lanka's cause with the help of fellow migrants and staff under several functioning arms such as public relations and welfare, a promotional campaign which relays the true picture of the Government's struggle against terrorism and enhance image, promote tourism, trade, investment and commerce with the expectation of enhancing bi-lateral economic ties.

Sri Lanka's former Consul General in Los Angeles who succeeds incumbent Bernard Goonatilake as the next Ambassador to Washington DC, also revealed his intention of bringing all expatriate Lankans in the US under one banner to further the country's cause.

According to Wickremasuriya he is already in the process of gathering relevant data of all Lankans residing in the US and subsequently would seek their help to form a common alliance to promote Sri Lanka in the US in a productive manner.

Wickremasuriya intends to launch a mobile service covering all states in the US in a bid to reach out to all Lankan expats in a more effective manner to address their grievances and help them in their hour of need.

In addition the diplomat has also mooted a US-Sri Lanka economic development forum which he initiated during his tenure as the Consul General with the expectation of promoting trade, commerce and investment between the two countries.

As a result a strong delegation of US investors is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly to exploit investment possibilities, Wickremasuriya said.

Wickremasuriya as Consul General in California was also instrumental in organizing "Focus Sri Lanka-2007"- a trade, investment and tourism exhibition last May, which according to many was an eye opener for US investors and public regarding the true situation in Sri Lanka and attractive vistas in the economic sphere.

The new Sri Lankan Ambassador is considered as a person who is thoroughly conversant with the American terrain due to his long association with the business environment in US. He has represented the country and his company in over 40 countries promoting exports.

High Commissioner for Pakistan in Sri Lanka Shahzad A.Chaudhry last week said that the recently signed Air Services Agreement between the two countries permits Sri Lanka to operate flights to Pakistan 14 times a week.

According to the agreement SriLanka is now permitted to operate flights to Islamabad and Lahore in addition to Karachi where the national carrier flies three times a week he said adding that the airlines need to make use of this facility.

The agreement also allows to operate cargo flights to any part of Pakistan without any restriction he added.

In addition , Air Blue of Pakistan, which has made a mark as an international airline also has been cleared to operate flights to Sri Lanka he added.

" I have had discussions with the owner and Chairman of the company Shahid Khaquan and he is quite positive about operating services to Sri Lanka the High Commissioner said.

Asked whether the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) which suspended its services to Sri Lanka last year, would resume its services in the near future Chaudhry said that what is delaying the resumption of fights between the two countries is lack of aircraft.

"At the moment the airline is in a process of transition and re-fleeting and once the airline acquires the required number of aircraft it will resume services.

There is a big demand for seats to Pakistan and Sri Lankan Airlines being the only airline operating Colombo-Karachi-Colombo it’s a huge effort to get a seat he pointed out.

The High Commissioner also said that the potential for bi-lateral tourism has to be tapped.

Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) Wimal Weerawansa yesterday said the need of the hour was to help the security forces accomplish the task of defeating the LTTE.

"There are many scores to be settled with this government," he said addressing a media briefing, "but we must desist from resorting to anything that might jeopardize the mission of our security forces." He said time had come for all the progressive forces to tread cautiously without playing into the hands of the enemy.

The media briefing was preceded by a simple ceremony at the head office of the Manel Mal movement in Colombo 08, to hand over wheel chairs and crutches to Army’s Seva Vanitha Unit to be distributed among the disabled service personnel.

The stock of equipment donated by the Sri Lankan expatriates in West Asia had been recovered by the police from the house of a JVP activist, who had removed it without permission.

Weerawansa said: "When the troops began humanitarian operations to liberate Mavil Aru in 2006, not many thought they would be able to drive the LTTE from the Eastern Province and push so far into the LTTE’s heartland. A myth had been drilled by the various NGOs and other LTTE sympathizers into the heads of many people that the LTTE was invincible and we were fighting a losing war. But our security forces have proved beyond any doubt that they are capable of annihilating the LTTE and are about to achieve that noble task. We must not do anything to distract them at this juncture. When the army was deployed to liberate the East, some experts claimed that there was no point capturing land and the military would suffer heavy casualties if that operation was launched. They have been proved wrong. The East was liberated. They began saying the same thing when operations began on the Mannar front. It was unthinkable how the security forces were going to bring a vast area which looked like a desert under their control without losing many lives. But, they have achieved that objective with relative ease. The troops have marched up to Vedithalathivu and the liberation of the entire district is only a matter of few days."

Satellite camps around the 14 Base camp of the LTTE had been captured by the troops, he said adding that it was not the time to confront the government over petty political issues. Instead, it was the time to extend the people’s whole-hearted support to the troops to accomplish their mission of liberating the remaining areas from the terrorists.

Convener of the MMM, S. L. Gunasekera said the MMM was not a political project but a noble programme to help war heroes. "The soldiers fight for the motherland and not for the benefit of any political party. Therefore, we should forget our political differences and come together for the welfare of war heroes and their family members," he said.

He said the equipment for the disabled warriors had been donated by the sons and daughters of the ordinary people toiling in the Middle East under trying conditions and they deserved respect for their sacrifices.

by Dushy Ranetunge in London
On Sunday, the LTTE’s web arm Tamilnet published some extraordinary pictures of a glum looking Prabakaran receiving music CDs, DVDs etc at a ceremony to commemorate black tigers.

Poddu Ammaan was photographed handing over music CDs on the Anuradhapura attack, Sea Tiger leader Soosai presenting Black sea Tigers volume 12 music album and LTTE political head Nadesan handing over Black Tigers Music volume 9.

The LTTE CDs and DVDs, which were previously sold openly in Tamil shops in London, have disappeared off the shelves after the British crackdown on the organisation. Fund raising has been reduced to a trickle.

As local fund raisers run the risk of being identified and arrested by the British police, the LTTE has attempted to transport Tamil youth from France to London and get them to raise funds. But, even this method has not yielded intended results.

London has ceased to be the main bastion of LTTE terrorism, fund raising and formulating strategies with the international community actively encouraging alternative Tamil leadership.

The JVP has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa that an agreement to be signed between Sri Lanka and India on oil exploration in the Mannar Basin should be debated in Parliament.

Several importers of edible oil are pushing for the restoration of the import duty on edible oil. The Plantation Ministry was under pressure to increase the import duty as it would benefit importers who had bought large stocks after the government reduced the duty last April, the sources said.

The government reduced the import duty from 28 per cent to 5 per cent to bring down the high prices of coconut and edible oil.

The importers of edible oil who had taken advantage of the low duty to import large stocks now wanted the Plantation Ministry to once again increase the duty on edible oils, the sources said.

The military expresses confidence the ICRC will return to the Omanthai entry/exit point to facilitate the movement of civilians.The ICRC functions as a neutral intermediary to facilitate the movement of civilians to and from the LTTE-held territory and supplies to people living in areas under the LTTE control.

"The demand for electricity in Sri Lanka is declining and it is not growing at a rate which it should be," Resource Management Associates Managing Director Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya said.

Addressing the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2008 on Challenges and Opportunities in Infrastructure Development in the power sector, he revealed that 10 years ago the demand growth for electricity was 7.9% which is actually greater than the GDP growth rate, but that now it has slowed down. "The demand for electricity was 4.5% in 2007 and in the first quarter of 2008 it is only 3.6%," he stated.

He further divulged that although there is no immediate threat of power cuts in the near future, 2010 and 2011 will be critical of power shortages. "Compared to the other countries in the region as Sri Lanka has no black outs when the rest of South Asia is under is under severe blackouts," he affirmed. Dr. Siyambalapitiya however conveyed that categorically Sri Lanka has very high power prices and that if it is not Sri Lanka it is led by Singapore.

He noted that certain countries in the region like India is able to maintain low electricity prices due to the use of indigenous gas, hydro and thermal alternatives to fuel for the generation of power to remain price competitive.

Delving into the problems prevalent in the sector, he claimed that the government is not willing to simplify the tariffs and make them more cost effective as the tariffs in Sri Lanka are now at the most complicated level. He also said that the announcement of subsidies not followed by cheques from the treasury to the Ceylon Electricity Board and the LECO is another issue.

He portrayed that adequate investment funds are available in the sector, even for future use together with assistance from their main supporters Asian Development Bank, World Bank and the Japanese Government. He declared that many energy related projects are already in progress and that the India Sri Lanka Inter connection is entering the stage of feasibility study. According to him the private sector has also invested a 530 Mega Watt oil burning plant and a 120 Mega Watt renewable power plant.

Western People’s Front and Democratic Workers Congress (DWC) President Mano Ganesan who criticized the idea of forming a common front of plantation parties to contest the forthcoming provincial council election said it is a practical joke.

Mr. Ganesan said the CWC and UPF who are partners in the same government cannot together fight Sabaragamuwa elections. “Both parties are today talking of ‘plantation unity’ and ‘Indian Tamil identity’ and are contesting separately and voicing these slogans from separate platforms,” he said.

He said both parties were able to contest local government elections together under the UPFA banner in the Nuwara-Eliya heartland two years ago. “Therefore the loud talk for unity and identity of Indian Tamil plantation workers are nothing but some ruse to deceive poor plantation sector people,” he added.

Mr. Ganeshan explained that the major problem in the plantations today is that the plantation leadership itself lacks vision and honesty. There was a time when CWC president Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman and our DWC president Abdul Aziz were the nominated parliamentarians of the plantation community. Those are the days when Tamil plantation community had no voting rights. But now times have changed. Since 1978 these plantation politicians are ministering in all the successive governments of JRJ, Premadasa, Wijetunga, CBK and Ranil.

While stating that even today there are over nine Indian Tamil plantation ministers and numerous Presidential advisors but it had done nothing for the plantation community. “Where are the developments in the poor Indian Tamil plantation community,” he questioned.

He said the Western Peoples Front is fielding candidates in both districts in alliance with UNP and SLMC. “We are confident that our candidates will win over all the usual attempts to deceive the working people in the plantations.

Mr. Ganeshan said the problem of the Indian Tamil plantation workers is not due to lack of political power but due to the lack of vision of the traditional plantation leadership. Theses leaders keep on blaming the Sinhala dominated governments and conduct their politico trade union businesses. It is time that this is stopped. He said they cannot anymore blame the Sinhala parties and get rthe support of the plantation workers. “It is true that there are plenty of communal discriminations practiced against the Tamil plantation workers. But the major problem in the plantations today is that the plantation leadership itself lacks vision and honesty,” he further said.

Mannar Bishop Rt. Rev Rayappu Joseph yesterday charged that the security forces personnel were not allowing them to enter the Madhu Shrine but the military denied the charges saying the clergy could take over the shrine any time.
The Bishop said that the statue of ‘Our Lady of Madhu’ could be brought back only when they were allowed to go to the shrine. He said the statue could be brought back and the feast could be held only when every thing was cleared and the devotees could go there.

He said the annual feast in July was celebrated by all parishes, but wondered if the main feast could be held on August 15 as the shrine was not available.

The Bishop said they had informed the LTTE and the government to keep out of the shrine and hoped both parties would heed the request.

However Army Spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said the Bishop and the church any time.

He said Mannar’s Vicar General Rev. Fr. Victor Soosai and a few other priests had already visited the shrine and evaluated the situation. However he said the ordinary citizens could not be allowed in the shrine area as the area was mined.

“It will take some time for the army to clear them,” he said.

The statue of “Our Lady of Madhu” was removed to the Kiliveddy church brodering Kilinochchi in April this year following hostilities between the security forces and the LTTE.

Meanwhile the TamilNadu church is also set to call for the setting up of a peace zone in Madhu informed sources said.

A special prayer for the cause is to be held at the ordination of the New Bishop of Kumbakolum Chennai Rev S. Ananda Sarmy on July 9 calling for the setting up of a peace zone in Madhu and the handover of the shrine to the Sri Lankan church.

The tallest statue ever erected, that of St. Anne, will be erected at St. Anne’s church, at Weligampitiya, Ja–Ela, facing the Colombo – Negombo main road on July 16.
The statue will be brought to St. Anne’s, church – Ja-Ela from St. Anne’s – Talawila, in a colourful procession via Chilaw, Wennappuwa, Nattandiya, Kochchikade and Negombo on the 14th.

The LTTE has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kalaingnar M. Karunanidhi to come forward to assist them in their struggle to establish a Tamil Eelam state. In an interview P.Nadesan, Political Head of the LTTE, said “Karunanidhi should turn into a supporter of our struggle.”
Nadesan was being interviewed by ‘Kumudam,’ a popular Tamil weekly from Chennai. In the interview, Nadesan categorically denied the Tamil Tigers have been weakened, claiming it was a vicious propaganda campaign being put forward by the Sri Lanka Government.

In the interview, Nadesan confessed that more than twenty thousand LTTE cadres had died and many of their commanders too had been killed in the battle against the Sri Lanka Government. He also expressed “regret” that India was providing help to the Sri Lankan Government in this battle. “The 80 million Tamil people living in the World understand the atrocities of the Sinhalese Army and have stopped providing military hardware to Sri Lanka, expect the Indian Government.”

Asked what difference he saw in the way Chandrika Kumaratunge, Ranil Wickeramsinghae and Mahinda Rajapakesa handled the conflict Nadesan said “There is no difference at all. Chandrika and Rajapaksa are both hawks who used to openly expose racial discriminations. Ranil has been identified by the international community as one who loves peace. In fact he is like Jayewardene who is vile and cunning as a fox. He supports the war campaign carried out by Rajapaksa.”

Asked how the LTTE saw Priyanka’s meeting with Nazhini, who has been sentenced for her involvement in the Rajiv Gandhi’s murder case, Nadesan said “We think that Priyanka has gone and met Nazhini without a political agenda, purely on humanitarian grounds”.

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddhrakitha Thera, deplored the attitude of Bhikkhus taking to the roads as protestors while getting beaten and tear gassed during demonstrations. He said children are given over to the temples by their parents to be ordained and educated, expecting them to adhere to the discipline set for Bhikkhus. “They are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum and serve the people. This is the purpose of Bhikkhuhood,” he said.

The Mahanayake was delivering the main Anusasanawa at the 50th Anniversary commemorations of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Pirivena, on Saturday at the Pirivena Auditorium. The Director of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Pirivena, Venerable Panditha Naranpanawe Ananda Thera, welcomed the gathering.

The Chief Guest on this occasion was the Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha.

The Mahanayake further said all governments should be held responsible for the present state of student Bhikkhu education. “They have been given University education and other benefits and their aim is far from serving the people, for which they have entered the order,” he added.

The Mahanayake further added he is most unhappy to see the state of the Bhikkhu students agitating on the streets in demonstrations, when they have entered a sacred purpose in life, most importantly to serve the people. He said in the past the Bhikkhus who obtained the 'Panditha' and 'Pracheena', have not only served the people but have also held high positions in their own way.

The Mahanayake said when one dons the robe, it should be their duty to safeguard the dignity of the robe and Bhikkhus should show it the respect it deserves. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said there had been problems earlier too when he was the Minister of Higher Education and he solved these problems through discussions. He said the present situation had arisen due to the fault of the Ministry of Higher Education.

The Minister said that the Exhibition he viewed at the Asgiri Maha Vihare Pirivena was of a high standard and was the best out of all the exhibitions he had seen at any Pirivena.

The Anunayake Thera of Malwatta Maha Viharaya, Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera also delivered an Anusasanawa. Among those present were a host of Nayake Theras from various parts of the country and also the District Secretary, Gotabaya Jayaratne.

Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup beating India by 100 runs in the final at the Karachi stadium in Pakistan a short while ago. Spinner Ajantha Mendis became the first bowler to take more than 5 wickets is an Asia Cup match. Sanath Jayasuriya scored a century for the Lankans.

While maintaining that he still remains the leader of the TMVP, Karuna Amman admitted there was an attempt by certain top government officials to split the outfit without the knowledge of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speaking to media Karuna also insisted that he never framed Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa or any other government official during court proceedings in London over how he obtained a false passport to enter the UK illegally.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has congratulated the Sri Lankan cricket team for winning the Asia Cup. Meanwhile Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf also congratulated the Lankans for their magnificent performance during the tournament.

Police Headquarters has appointed a special unit to provide protection to archaeological sites island wide on the request of the Department of Archaeology. Police had received more than 100 complains against extensive damage caused by the treasure hunters to the archaeological remains.

Colombo Municipal Council joint trade union federation said today that they would not join in the general strike on July 10.

by Jehan Perera

With reports coming in on a daily basis of military progress in the battlefields of the north and of the destruction of LTTE bases, it is to be expected that the government’s military strategy would be generally perceived as a successful one. Although concerns are sometimes expressed that the costs of this strategy are high, conclusive evidence to buttress this claim is hard to come by. The presentation of the military campaigns in the present time is in contrast to the previous phases of the war when reports of reversals and high human and military costs frequently undermined the impression of success.

Nearly all reports to be found in the media today are indicative of military success with little of the costs being incorporated into them. This is partly on account of the voice of dissent in the media being virtually silenced in the face of repeated assaults and threats of violence. In this context, the interview to the media given by army commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka is particularly important. He has said that the Sri Lankan armed forces have effectively eliminated the LTTE’s capacity to engage in conventional warfare as they had in the past. He also said that another year may be necessary for the LTTE to be made to lose the territory it now controls.

The mission of the Sri Lankan military appears to be to recapture the territory controlled by the LTTE and to dismantle their administrative and political apparatus, as was accomplished in the east. Unable to face the onslaught by the Sri Lankan military, this territory is already much less than what the LTTE controlled two years ago, having lost the entirety of the east, and some parts of the north. However, it is also significant that the army commander gave a warning that the LTTE could continue as a guerilla force of a thousand cadres for another two decades, and that the armed conflict might even last forever, though in a different form.

In his interview General Fonseka said, “There are people who believe in Tamil nationalism. The LTTE might survive another even two decades with about 1000 cadres. But we will not be fighting in the same manner. It might continue as an insurgency forever.” Implicit in this responsible observation is the acknowledgement of an ethnic conflict between the forces of competing nationalisms that requires a political solution. The experience of conflicts in other parts of the world suggests that military solutions cannot suppress the nationalistic impulses of people.


TAMIL NIGHTMARE

It is nationalism, or love of one’s own people and their history and culture, that leads people to make immense sacrifices, even of laying down their lives for the cause of their nation. This suggests that if a lasting solution to the problem of nationalism is to be found, it cannot be limited to one that is imposed by force. There is only one alternative to a military solution and that is a negotiated solution. But the problem in Sri Lanka is that so long as the LTTE is determined to wage war against the government, the government will respond in kind. The nature of government is to wield the monopoly of armed force, which is vested in it by both international law and dominant concepts of state sovereignty.

There is a large school of thought at the present time in Sri Lanka that those who call on the government to negotiate a political solution with the LTTE are being unrealistic at best and traitors at worst. This school of thought has grown in strength after the failure of the peace process of 2002-2005. During that period, the two governments, one headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and after his dismissal the one headed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga, went farther than any other previous government to avoid war as the path to a solution. But the LTTE rejected those efforts as insufficient, and finally acted with inflexible determination to provoke the return to war.

As a result there is today an increasingly nightmarish situation in the country, especially as it affects the Tamil people. Supporters of Tamil nationalism and the LTTE need to re-think their stances if they wish to ease the sufferings of the Tamil people whose basic rights they must surely wish to uphold. The counter-productiveness of supporting a war that is destroying the Tamil people needs to be considered. Heightened security measures have meant that thousands of Tamils living in Colombo were recently forced out of their homes in the early hours of the morning, along with their aged, infirm and children, to be interrogated, investigated and video filmed. Disappearance and abductions are also reportedly taking place, although the government denies this, and says that most have either been legally arrested or are absconding from their homes.

In the north, Tamil people flee from the LTTE-controlled areas, either to escape the remorseless forced recruitment of the LTTE or to escape the bombardments of the military engagements that are taking place. It is reported that the LTTE does not give permission to people living within the areas they control to leave those areas, and keep them as virtual human shields and pools for recruitment. It is also reported that those who do succeed in fleeing, often at risk to their lives, end up in welfare camps in government-controlled areas, where they are virtually confined without being given the freedom of further movement. This is on account of the government’s fears that LTTE cadre may also have sought to infiltrate in with them.

Some of the especially stringent security precautions being taken by the government at this time could be on account of the SAARC Summit that is to be held at the end of the month in Colombo. This summit will bring together the heads of all the eight South Asian countries, and is major public relations exercise for the government which looks to these countries for friendship, military assistance and economic partnership. The LTTE may be planning for terror attacks, but needs to realize that these attacks have not dissuaded the Sri Lankan government from going ahead with its own military strategy, as outlined by the army commander. Terror attacks by the LTTE only convince the people and the international community, that the LTTE is part of the problem to be eliminated, rather than a party that is fit to be made a part of the solution.


RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE

Unfortunately, the government’s present approach to the ethnic conflict, and in particular to the challenge posed by the LTTE, is also not solution oriented either. The government’s democratic credentials are being constantly eroded by the reports of ongoing human rights violations and violations of the constitution such as the 17th Amendment. The government appears to be engaged in an effort to forcibly impose its own version of a solution on the multi-ethnic and plural society of Sri Lanka, in which competing forces of nationalism have the upper hand, and are being further fueled by government actions.

The continuing assault on journalists, especially those who have been defense correspondents, is a serious indictment on the government. The most recent such attack that caused injury to a journalist working for the Sri Lanka Press Institute got international coverage, largely on account of the presence in the victim’s vehicle of a local staff member of the British High Commission, who also got assaulted. It is likely that the latter victim was an inadvertent target of the attackers. But this incident, which took place in the heart of Colombo, serves as a warning of how abuse of power, if left unchecked, can spill over and claim more groups of victims.

The response of the government to this attack, as well as to previous ones, has been disappointing. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, alleged that the government was the victim of a conspiracy to discredit it. Other senior government officials made claims that these attacks may be staged, as journalists benefit from them by being granted asylum in foreign countries. Ironically some of these attacks have taken place in high security zones. The reluctance to take responsibility suggests that the government is prepared to countenance further such attacks.

An extreme example in the opposite direction comes from France. The Army Commander there recently resigned following an incident in which a soldier fired live bullets instead of blank ones at an exhibition. A developed society is one in which the lines of command are intact and work with precision, where responsibility is taken at the very highest level and mistakes, and certainly abuses, are discontinued. Only in such a society will citizens trust the government to solve their problems and lead them to a better future. It is democratic processes, a sense of honour and universal values that alone can restore the government’s credibility with its multi ethnic and plural population.

NDTV reports that police have closed off the entrance to the Karachi stadium where the Asia Cup final between Sri Lanka and India is underway following a suicide blast in Islamabad this evening in which several police officers were killed.

W.M.C.I. Wijekoon of the Army established a new meet record in 1500m in the 86th National Athletic Championship held at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The Sri Lanka Railways will use bio-diesel to run trains by 2010 to curtail the drain on foreign exchange to import petroleum products, Transport Minister Dulles Alahapperuma said today.

With Asia becoming a powerhouse in world cricket, newly elected Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Nasim Ashraf exuded confidence that two more Asian nations would qualify for the 2011 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"We are expecting that in the next two years hopefully one more team from Asia will get One-day status," said Ashraf after the annual general meeting of ACC.

Ashraf, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said China, a new entrant to the sport had great potential to become a strong cricket playing nation with a population of a billion people.

"The introduction of cricket in China has given ACC a boost for sure as is the decision to have Twenty20 cricket among eight teams in the 2010 Asian Games in China," he added.

Ashraf, who assumed his new office o Sunday during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ACC here, said his first task after becoming ACC president would be to improve ACC's relation with the ICC.

"We are also hoping to better our relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC)," he stated.

The AGM also decided to host the 2010's Asia Cup in an associate member nation, but the name of the host was not decided as the officials said that the schedule depended on the availability of the teams.

The AGM also discussed the relaunching of the Afro-Asia Cup and revival of cricket activities in Sharjah which has the honour of having hosted the most ODI games.

"There was discussion on these two issues at the AGM and the consensus was that efforts must be made to work on both these things," Ashraf informed.

The Tamil Tiger rebels Saturday commemorated the 21st anniversary of their deadliest weapon, the Black Tigers, and said 356 suicide cadres have blown themselves up so far in their campaign against the government and the security forces in Sri Lanka.

The Black Tigers' day fell on July 5 and the LTTE's peace secretariat said in a statement to the media that the elusive rebel chief 'Velupillai Prabhakaran, together with his senior commanders, and Black Tigers paid homage by lighting lamps at 7.05 p.m. to the martyred Black Tigers' at an unknown location in the rebel-held Wanni region Saturday.

It also sent photographs of the rebel chief in military fatigues paying homage to the Black Tigers who threw themselves as human bombs to hit their military as well as political targets elsewhere in the island nation.

'As many as 356 Black Tigers have laid down their lives, 254 of them in sea operations, during the last 21 years since July 5, 1987,' the pro-LTTE Tamilnet website reported Sunday.

'And 76 of the 254 Black Sea Tigers who have died were female commandos. 81 male and 71 female Black Tiger commandos have died in ground operations,' the web report said.

It was exactly 20 years ago that a senior LTTE cadre 'Captain' Millar drove an explosive-laden truck into a Sri Lankan military camp at Nelliyadi School in Vadamaradchchi in the northern Jaffna peninsula, killing 40 soldiers housed there. They carried out number of similar attacks since then using their suicide cadres.

In October last year, a 21-member Black Tiger commando team stormed a key Sri Lankan Air Force base in the north-central Anuradhapura district, destroying at least three aircraft, including two Russian-built MI-24 helicopters, and killing 13 airmen and a military officer.

If the LTTE can boast about its Black Tiger unit in waging its military campaign against the government forces for the past couple of decades, it is the same unit that contributed immensely in getting the outfit banned in several foreign countries.

The group was held responsible for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, who as Indian prime minister had ordered the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to disarm the Tigers in 1987.

This resulted in the Indian government banning the Tigers in India and continuing the ban since then. Several other countries, including the US and Britain as well as the European Union, had followed suit in later years, demanding that the Tigers denounce violence in word and deeds.

SLAF fighter craft launched air strikes at a LTTE gathering point in general area Vaddakachchi in the non-liberated Kilinochchi district this evening at 3.30.

According to defence sources, the air raid was taken based on real time ground information received.
Meanwhile Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said one of their fighter jet which carried out air strikes at the Vaddakachchi was crashed at the Katunayaka Air Force Runnerway due to the technical fault of its landing wheel.But he said the jet was slightly damaged and no damages for the runnerway and the Pilot.

Alleged LTTE gunmen riding a motor bike shot at a Tamil three-wheel driver at Nayanmarkattu, Ariyalai in Jaffna today(July 6) at around 12.30p.m.

The civilian was killed instantly in the shooting witnesses were cited as saying.

Search operations are underway as the assailants have immediately fled the scene, Jaffna Police sources said speaking to our Jaffna correspondent.

by Shanika Sriyananda of SOB
Vowing not to leave room for any policeman to engage in bribery and corruption, the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Jayantha Wickramaratne says that no politician can influence or interfere with any inquiry or any other matter relating to the police.
The former media spokesman of the Police, IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne said that investigations to probe abductions and disappearances would not be delayed at any stage and pledged to carry out the investigations in a very transparent manner.
“The Police have a free hand and no one is allowed to interfere in its work”, he told the Sunday Observer.
Excerpts:
Q: As the new IGP what do you think your major challenges are?
A: I have to give the top priority for the prevailing security situation and to maintain law and order to provide a peaceful environment for the innocent civilians.
The LTTE activities are on the increase and there had been unfortunate incidents where the civilians were the victims. Our priority being mainly a law enforcement agency is to maintain law and order in the country. This is our principal target.
My second priority is to concentrate on the basic welfare facilities of the policemen. They are working under severe stress and they are the only government servants who have to perform duties for long hours without an adequate pay and have also to work under difficult circumstances.
For example, they are working for more than 12 hours in bunkers, doing traffic duties under hot sun while not getting additional remuneration.
Third is there are lots of educated police officers such as under graduates and graduates as well among the lower ranks of the police force. I shall give due recognition for their educational qualifications and provide whatever assistance to them to enhance their knowledge.
I am hoping to get additional funds from foreign donor agencies like SIDA to provide them training courses on human rights and to improve their knowledge on fingerprint technique, investigating procedures and in other specialised fields.
I also intend to solve the housing problem, which affects them very much. Though it needs a huge capital investment, I hope to solve their housing and official quarters problem on an area basis.
The other priority is to further expand the strength of the Police force. It is a very essential requirement as we are to take in some areas which were liberated by the military.
We have to be set up new police stations in those areas and we need more manpower. They should be given specialised training on special search operations to ensure the security of vital installations and also to strengthen VVIP security. Therefore, we need lots of police officers.
Q: Do you see any particular shortcomings in the present system within the Police force?
A: Whatever the shortcomings we have observed, have been highlighted in my answer. Such shortcoming have to be addressed step by step, I believe.
Q: No doubt the image of the Police is fast deteriorating. What are your plans on the cards for image-building?
A: Yes. After assuming duties I have issued a circular to give affect to Presidential Commendations for the Police officers who have successfully conducted raids on LTTE hide-outs and made excellent detections. Very recently the Police have been able to recover 300 kgs of deadly explosives and this quantity is more than what was used for the Central Bank bomb explosion.
Our police officers who made such detections have to be given special Presidential commendations especially to encourage, motivate and also to set as an example to the others.
When they received such impressive commendations they will be entitled to more ‘marks’ and more recognition for their promotions. They will be eligible for scholarships as well. By doing this I want to encourage my officers to go for more detections.
Q: That is of course to encourage them, but what are the steps to build the image of the Police?
A: These steps will be the end-results of the image buildings. When the police officers are treated well and given due respect, they will not surely resort to bribes, which are mere short-term financial gains!
But, if they can work hard and show their talents they can earn more. They need to be honest too. Then they can derive long term benefits. Ultimately all these will lead to a better image of the Police force.
Q: After the recent incident of attacking university bhikkus at a demonstration, the President has ordered not to deploy riot squads when there are protests staged by the clergy and the university students. But if they turn violent how are you going to deal with them?
A: Really what the President told us were not to use tear gas and water canons when the university students and monks are staging demonstrations. He has also asked us not to harass them as they have been misled. We have to understand the mentality of these youngsters. The reality is that they have been used by various politicians to fulfil their ambitions.
What we plan to do is to send a few of their representatives to meet the relevant authorities. For example, the university students can meet the UGC Chairman instead of taking law into their hands. But the police always have to think of minimising the inconvenience caused to the public in such occasions.
Q: According to the reports of the Commission of Bribery and Corruption the police officers have been ranked No. 1 for taking bribes! Why do you think they indulge in this?
A: The fact is that unlike other State officers, the Police officers have lots of involvements with the people. So they have more chances for this. On the other hand, the person who is offering a bribe to a Police Officer is also responsible for this illegal act.
However, the Police Department will soon launch a programme to educate the public on this matter. The Commissioner of Bribery and Corruption will also be instructed to further net those police officers who take bribes.
I will take stern actions against those police officers and no one will be allowed to escape. Neither my high officials nor do I tolerate those who are up to such mischief. We want the Police to be an honourable service.
Q: Is that because they are getting a poor salary compared to other forces? If so, what are the steps that you propose to give them a decent salary?
A: This is an issue to which I cannot give you an exact answer and I alone cannot take any decision in this regard. In the meantime, we have to understand the financial situation of the country. It is our duty to go through some sort of hardships and to contribute our lot to this struggle to defeat terrorism.
When a country is on a war-footing and spending millions and the millions of money to prosecute the war for the sake of the future of the people and territorial integrity of the country, we have to undergo some sort of difficulties.
In such a situation, I cannot pressurise the government for a salary hike, but I am considering some sort of other means to provide financial assistance to my men. The Department of Police has other ‘reward schemes’ where the officers who are hard-working can get extra financial assistance.
Half of the fines from the cases that they filed in Courts will go to the Police Reward Fund and we are giving huge amounts of money as rewards to the police officers who do good detections.
The rationale behind such rewards is to give them some sort of financial assistance as well as to dissuade them from indulging in illegal activities like taking bribes. However, I am planning to increase the number of financial rewards to prevent them from resorting to bribery.
Q: But do you agree that they are getting a poor salary and that has influenced them to take bribes?
A: Compared to other government servants, their salaries are not so impressive and also not upto the required level. This is the problem. But that does not mean that they should take bribes. What I want them to realise is that those police officers who can work hard can get more money.
Q: Most of the senior police officers are not satisfied with the present promotional structure and some have sought legal assistance too. What is your comment?
A: Yes. That was the situation we were facing earlier. Before his retirement, the former IGP, Victor Perera had sorted out most of these problems. Even some of the court cases had been settled with the blessings of parties concerned.
We have three organisations of police personnel to tackle the problem of promotions. We have to have a frequent dialogue with these Associations to sort out their problems. I believe that lack of dialogue will lead to various unpleasant situations.
Q: Abductions and disappearances are still happening and people are in fear. What are the steps taken to bring the culprits to book?
A: No one can say that the Police is not conducting investigations into these cases. We have commenced investigations into almost all the complaints and the Police did not delay investigations at any stage. The most important factor is that we have done these investigations in a very transparent manner.
In some cases we have apprehended the culprits who were involved in abductions and killings. One example is Sivaram’s case. There we had conducted investigations and arrested the suspects. They are now in remand.
The major lapse is that the police do not get enough evidence to go ahead with investigations. We need the support of the parties concerned including the victims. When victims refuse to give statements or reluctant to come out with the truth, the Police cannot go beyond the truth. So what we do is we are always requesting all the affected parties to come to the Police and provide whatever information they have got.
People cannot expect the outcome of the investigations overnight. Instead of making baseless allegations, I request the public, to cooperate with the Police.
I can tell with responsibility that no one is pressurising the Police with regard to these cases and we are given a free hand to conduct these investigations. In some instances, two to three parties are involved in a case.
For example, the so-called white van cases. The Media had been attacking me. Why I mentioned about white vans was that the politicians, the public and especially the media are talking about white vans kidnapping people.
But what I have to say is that up to date there is no evidence with regard to any specific vehicle involved in. Making allegations that the police is incompetent, police is partial is baseless.
It is our duty to get the assistance from the media to solve these cases. We have been given lots of assistance by the media to solve crimes. They are our friends. They have been working with us for the last several decades throughout the 141 years of the history of he Police force.
Q: Attacking the media is now a frequent occurrence in the country. As the former media spokesman how do you think you can do justice to your friends in the media?
A: When you talk about attacks, can you cite a single incident where the Police have not commenced investigations? I want media people to say whether the police have acted partially or suppressed the evidence or whether the police have totally rejected conducting investigations. In almost all the instances, I can say with great responsibility the police have commenced investigations but we have not yet produced results in respect of some cases.
I strongly believe that no media personnel can be assaulted by any group or any person. All citizens have equal rights. It is the responsibility of the Police to provide protection to everybody including the media.
But in some instances the media has to cooperate with us. Meantime, the media cannot accuse the Police without a specific issue or evidence. The other fact is that Sri Lanka Police is not 100 percent equipped like the Scotland Yard Police and we lack 100 percent trained officers like them. But I think that with these limited facilities and resources we have done and are doing our duty at a very satisfactory level.
Q: What is the progress in probing into these cases?
A: Investigations are going on and I cannot reveal all the details about these investigations to the media but what I can say is that we have not suppressed any of these investigations. The public can help us by providing more information. We are going ahead with our investigations to mete out justice.
Q: People say that the police force has been politicised. How do you view this allegation and do you think that you can make the police a more independent institution free of political interference?
A: I deny this allegation. Political influence has been totally eradicated from the Police now as we are working under the National Police Commission, which was constituted under the 17th Amendment. So the Police is enjoying total independence and we have freedom to conduct free and fair elections. But people are free to go before the National Police Commission or the Human Rights Commission if they have any allegation to make.
Q: There were occasions where the former IGPs were compelled to listen to ‘politicians’ and to dance to their tune. How do you escape them?
A: You have to ask that question from the former IGPs. I am not in a position to answer it. I am working very closely with the politicians and I have some sort of regard to them because they are the representatives of the public. They come to us on behalf of the people and in those instances we have to listen to them but that does not mean that they can interfere with the Police.
We are government servants and we are answerable to them. The Police have a free hand and no one is allowed to interfere with our work.
Q: The security of the City of Colombo is highly threatened due to the continuous LTTE bomb explosions targeting the innocent civilians. Do you see any lapses on the part of your officers and what are your new strategies to strengthen the security in the city to prevent such bomb explosions?
A: Yes, the security in the Western province will be fully ensured during the SAARC conference. According to the present situation, we have drawn our special attention to prevent any LTTE terrorist activity in the province.
Security personnel from the three forces and the Police will be deployed to ensure the security. We have designed a strong security network, especially during the days of the SARRC conference and we also need the public support.
Q: Do you think that there is a need to deploy Indian security forces for the SARRC? Do you think your officers are well trained to provide security for this international conference with all the security threats?
A: Who said that India is going to provide security for the SARRC? These are misleading statements. I am in charge of the SARRC security arrangements and we are providing security for the heads of States from eight countries and all other delegates. At the moment the police personnel are undergoing special training for this.

When his colleagues at the Thurstan College were recruited to the Police he too wanted to become a cop. The studious young boy planned his future through higher education and he had set his goals accordingly.
Jayantha travelled all the way from Gampaha to Thurstan College, Colombo and later entered the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1968. There were various job opportunities for him but he was determined to become a top police brass from his young days. He obtained a degree in Public Administration and joined the Police as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1974.
Having served within the four corners of the country, he later became the DIG, Narcotics and also the Police Media Spokesman.
“I believe in Buddhism and I am a practising Buddhist”, says the new IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne who believes that the teachings of Buddha have helped him to reach the top by becoming the 31st IGP of Sri Lanka.
The most respected two souls in his life are his parents whom guided him properly. Managing their meagre monthly salary his parents, who were public servants gave the two boys every comfort within their reach. “My parents are really great“ he says.
Dreaming to make the police service an honourable one, the IGP is happy that he joined the Police and he has been able to contribute to bring justice to the country.
With no idea of stepping into politics, he dreams a country, free of crimes. “I want to make men more disciplined during my tenure”. That is his wish.
His thrust for updating his knowledge will not end till he dies. After yet another hectic day the IGP Wickramaratne will find peace in mind when he reads a book.
“I read lots of books not only for fun but also to keep in touch with the world”, he says.Being a proud father of a son and a daughter, the IGP, Jayantha Wickramaratne says his whole world is his family”.

* When the police officers are treated well and given their due respect they will not resort to take bribes.
* The President instructed us not to harass University students and clergy who stage demonstrations.
* The salaries of the Policemen are not impressive.
* Department of Police is free of political influences.
* None can attack the media personnel.
* Security of the Western Province will be fully strengthened during the SAARC Conference.
* Torture completely ruled out.
* Police will soon raid all illegal firearms.

Ruling party Politicians will meet on Monday to select their nominee for the post of Deputy Speaker .This meeting will be presided by the President Mahindha Rajapaksa .According to the senior minister of the government a secret vote would be held on 8th of July to select the next Deputy Speaker at the Parliament.
The Parliament will meet on 8th of July and the government could show their majority at this vote.
Last week Mr.Geethanjana Gunawardana who held the Deputy Speaker ship resigned from his post. Pinpointing political ethics he said his brother Minister Dinesh Gunawardana act as the Government Whip and he [Geethanajana] cannot hold the Deputy Speakership .

The passenger and cargo operations of Emirates in Sri Lanka have been recognised for outstanding performance in 2007-08 with two top accolades presented at Emirates’ worldwide, annual commercial conference in Dubai.

Emirates’ Sales Manager for Sri Lanka, Devika Ellepola, accepted the Outstanding Achievements Award in the Passenger category from Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, while the Best GSA Award from Emirates SkyCargo was presented to Damian Jayasuriya, Emirates’ Cargo Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives by Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, Emirates, the airline said in a press release. Emirates Area Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Chandana de Silva said the awards are particularly significant because they recognise performance during a period of challenges and difficult market conditions.

Sri Lankan trade union leader Anton Marcus has been nominated for this year’s Solidar Silver Rose Award for his commitment and courage in defending the rights of workers in the face of tremendous pressure from both government and employers, a global union said.

Anton Marcus is the General Secretary of the Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees Union of Sri Lanka. The nomination has been submitted by the Brussels-based International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF). The Silver Rose is awarded annually by the NGO network Solidar to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who are active in the fight for social justice.

ITGLWF General Secretary Neil Kearney said in the statement that Anton Marcus is a staunch defender of worker rights in what are very difficult times in Sri Lanka. “Trade liberalisation in our sectors is wreaking havoc with job security, wages and working conditions while on the wider front the erosion of the peace process is endangering democratic freedoms.

In the face of these pressures, Anton has worked unwaveringly to turn the tide against rights’ abuses in the workplace and against the government’s attempts to suppress the right of freedom of association,” the statement said.

Turkish businessmen have expressed willingness to invest in joint industrial ventures in Sri Lanka. This assurance was given by them to Nawaz Rajabdeen, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL), who led a business delegation to Istanbul on the invitation extended by the Confederation of Business and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSCON) recently.

During his visit he met members of the Turkish chambers and discussed the joint venture investment and bilateral trade. Mr Rajabdeen told The Sunday Times FT that businessmen in Turkey had shown a keen interest in setting up manufacturing units for automobile industry mainly for rubber products for the motor industry. An MoU was signed between TUSCON and FCCISL.

Sri Lankan businesses exporting to the European Union (EU) have been urged to look out for possible impacts of a new EU regulation on the use of chemicals. A new EU law, called the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), came into force on June 1, 2008. Although the REACH regulations are directed at EU businesses, it is also expected to impact businesses in countries like Sri Lanka.

“REACH regulations will impact non-EU exporters because EU importers will expect their suppliers in countries like Sri Lanka to also comply with it,” said Shisher Kumra from the International Council of Swedish Industry, speaking at a seminar on the REACH regulations, organised by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

Under the regulation, substances that fall within the scope of REACH must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These include chemical substances on their own, chemicals used in preparations, and chemicals that are intentionally released from products. However, the regulation applies to substances that are designated as toxic and to chemicals imported into the EU in annual quantities of one tonne or more, per company.

“This means, the chemical component in the product imported into the EU by each company, over a period of one year, must be over one tonne. In the case of fabrics, the chemical must account for over 1% of the product, weight-on-weight,” said Dr. Rashmi Naidu from the Network for Preventive Environmental Management, India.

“Businesses in Sri Lanka that may be affected by REACH, are textiles and garments that release chemicals such as dyes, during the first wash and industries using chemicals and heavy metals such as automobile parts and writing instruments,” said Dr Naidu. Companies are expected to pre-register with the ECHA within the year.

“The first phase of REACH is the pre-registration. The pre-registration period is from June 2008 to December 2008. After that, there is a registration period,” said Dr Naidu. Companies that are not established in the EU cannot directly pre-register and register with the ECHA. However, a non-EU manufacturer that is impacted by REACH, can appoint an ‘Only Representative’ to handle pre-registration and registration on its behalf.

A batch of 15 former hardcore LTTE cadres who had been successfully rehabilitated at the Army Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Center at Thelippale were released on the 29th and 30th of June 2008, Ministry of Defence informs.

The rehabilitated persons were welcomed by their family members who had been invited to the Army establishment.

This group is a part of the 54 LTTE cadres who surrendered themselves to the Army in early March this year. Apart from the re-socialization process, the center conducts short professional courses on building construction, plumbing, automobile technology, electric wiring, and also on English language. The professional courses have been conducted with the assistance of the Technical College, Jaffna, Ministry of Defence said.

According to the officials, most of the LTTE cadres undergoing rehabilitation had been forcibly recruited to the terror outfit in their childhood and had not received any formal education. It has been the long used strategy of the LTTE leadership to deprive education to the Tamil youth to make sure they would have no other option than to depend on the terror outfit.

"Some of the youth rehabilitated here had killed dozens of armed forces members in claymore attacks as LTTE terrorists," one of the counsellors of the Rehabilitation Center said.

"They are now astonished about the kindness they receive from the Army whom they had been taught were enemies of their race", he added. He further said that they are no longer blinded by tribalism but had followed the programs with great enthusiasm and hope.

Families who received their rehabilitated relatives expressed their gratitude to the Army officials for their efforts to rehabilitate these children who were once lost in a fanatical dream. The officials told them that the rehabilitation is just the first step and further guidance will be provided for their relatives when necessary.

Padmanadan Vigneshwaran a student who had qualified for university education was also among the men released. Padmanadan said that he would continue his education without further destroying his future for a terror outfit, Ministry sources added.

AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Saturday threatened to launch a massive agitation if the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre and the DMK Government in Tamil Nadu failed to find a permanent solution to the problems faced by fishermen at the hands of the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a statement here, Jayalalithaa urged Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to serve an ultimatum to the UPA Government in which the DMK is a key consituent, to find a long lasting solution to the fishermen’s problems, instead of writing to the Centre or talking to the Prime Minister over telephone.

Condemning the Navy’s atrocities, fishermen in Rameswaram had launched an indefinite strike and announced a massive agitation for July 10 at Pamban, she said.

A Sri Lankan national who was caught with a fake passport at the airport on Friday told the police that he wanted to go Paris and work in hotels run by people of his country there.

Nataraj Shashikaran of Jaffna was caught early on Friday while he was to board the Air India flight for Paris via Mumbai. Immigration officials, who found one person short in the clearance list, checked the passports of all Paris-bound passengers and found that Shashikaran’s passport had a fake international departure seal.

Shashikaran reportedly told the police that he wanted to go Paris and seek asylum there. “He has told us that many from his countrymen do this and do not disclose their nationality,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru International Airport) B.B. Ashok Kumar. The police are investigating how he was able get a passport here.

Thirteen Tamil civilians consisting of four (04) males and three (03) females and six (06) reported to the Sri Lanka Navy in PALLIMUNAI, MANNAR on Saturday (05) 0 . The civilians had escaped from the un-cleared areas leaving their homes in fear of losing their children to the LTTE terrorists who were constantly harassing them.

52 (fifty two) anti- personnel mines were recovered by Troops conducting a search operation in the area of DANGELIYADDE, TOPPIGALA on Saturday .

52 (fifty two) anti- personnel mines were recovered by Troops conducting a search operation in the area of DANGELIYADDE, TOPPIGALA on Saturday .

TROOPS ENGAGED in a search and clear operation in the general area of POKURANI in TRINCOMALEE on Friday (4) around 5.00 p.m. recovered one hand grenade, three T-56 magazines, ninety T-56 ammunition, two detonators and six feet of det code.

The Same day troops engaged in a similar operation in the general area of MANALACHENAI PERIYAWERI in TRINCOMALEE recovered 1.5 kg TNT explosives, two detonators and two feet det code wire.

An Air Force person manning a check point down Malay Street, Colombo shot at a vehicle when the driver of the latter refused to heed instructions to stop. No one was injured due to shooting that took place around 5.45 am today and only the buffer of the vehicle was damaged. Slave Island police say that they suspect that the driver of the vehicle was drunk.

"WHEN the executive committee felt like a break, a member would go out to the balcony and shout (above the roar of the traffic) for the tea," said V. Manilal Fernando, Chairman of FFSL's Management Committee, i.e. when he's not presiding as chairman over a stable of high-profile companies or practicing law. "The Football Federation's headquarters then was two rented rooms above a thosai kade."

That was in 1980 when the Federation's chief was DIG Navaratnam, when Manilal Fernando was in his first year of soccer administration - and when the headquarters was situated at the Galle Road-end of W.A.Silva Mawatha in Wellawatte. Kitchen smoke

Fast forward to the present: The kitchen-smoke, curry-odour ambience of the '80s meetings are in a forgotten era as present-day officials confer in curtained air-conditioned rooms. Time for a tea break .? Press a button, and smiling waiters bring the beverage in trays of spotless-white porcelain cups and saucers - prepared in the Federation's modern cafeteria, which shares the ground floor with the players' dormitory and coaches' room.

Conference rooms and office space for a staff of 30 take up floor one. A 150-seater auditorium, the Board Room, the gymnasium and the Development office of FIFA sit on the second floor. And the stores and two coaches' apartments fill-up Floor 3.

Look out of almost any window of the FFSL's four-storied headquarters, near Independence Square, and you'll see coaches drive their subjects on a regulation-sized football pitch. The path between headquarters and pitch is a well-worn one as different squads at different times troop in and out between the two stations, morning through evening, and pretty much everyday. There's a buzz down there that suggests Sri Lanka soccer is on some urgent mission.



Ask Fernando why all this hurry-and-scurry, and you half-expect him to speak of preparations for some major event, and wonder if the event is the approaching Olympics, for which, unknown to all, Sri Lanka might've been secretly handed a wild card!

After all, the chummy-chummy relationship between Fernando and FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter is a well-publicised fact. Blatter, in fact, flew in, at Fernando's invitation, to snip the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the headquarters.

Fernando, though, is in no mood to explain away the 'hurry-n-scurry' frivolously: "Yes, there's urgency, but it has less to do with preparing for internationals and improving our ranking (160th in the world and 46th in Asia).

Rather, the urgency is about removing the virtual feudal framework within which the game has long resided and bring it into the world of professionalism. That is going to be a long journey. If we continue to work with the present sense of urgency, we'd get there, perhaps, 20-30 years down the road."


By any measure the FFSL headquarters' move from a thosai kade neighbourhood to, firstly, the grandstand of the old Race Course (in the late 80s during the presidency of A. R. Yaseen) and then to the plush four-storied building in the leafy, serene surroundings of Colombo 7 within 28 years represents progress - but a progress that becomes cosmetic before the mirror of on-field achievements.

The man himself agrees that the game's on-field advancement hasn't moved as rapidly as infrastructural development. "We were placed 160th or thereabouts in the world and between 24 and 46 in Asia even when we conducted business from above a thosai kade," admits Fernando - and adds, this situation is inevitable given that the character of the premier domestic tournament remains feudalistic yet.

"The premier clubs traditionally functioned on the patronage of individuals, invariably some wealthy mudalalis - it is pretty much the same yet. The needs of clubs now, however, are far more than it used to be.

You don't have the individuals with the sort of resources that can provide livelihood's essentials to the player so that he may give his all to the game. And thus, soccer's transition from (sh)amateurism to professionalism hasn't yet happened," says Fernando.


"So, the truth is: the administration maybe professional, but at the playing level, we are not. The goal is to get there, but there's some way to go. Until our premier clubs become fully professional outfits, it's unfair to expect our international ranking to leapfrog to the upper echelons - that's like expecting a Bajaj three-wheeler to win in Formula One racing."

The obvious way to quicken the transition to professionalism is to put up for sale the premier clubs, numbering a dozen. "Of course, the logical thing to do is to get companies to adopt clubs - and given football's huge global popularity, marketing premier division clubs ought not to be as difficult as it would for any other sport," says Fernando, "that is in theory; practically, it is a tough task."

He admits that task presently is made even tougher by the downturn in the country's economy. But even in more prosperous times, says he, the mercantile sector was averse to associating with soccer - and not because they sniff at the poor man's sport.

But then, historically, the reputation of soccer administration hasn't exactly been lilywhite. Factionalism is as old as the Federation itself; its history is not without cases of dissolution and litigations. The greatest shame inflicted on the game, in my book, was some time in the mid 60s, when the national team, managed by some of the game's senior officials, landed at the doors of the English FA in London - uninvited.


The team had competed in an Asian tournament in Israel and then made a brief tour of Germany, playing a 'friendly' or two - an itinerary that the team manager reckoned he could shamelessly foist on the English FA by landing on their doorstep. Of course, the Englishmen rejected the request; the world press publicised the unwelcome visit - and the country became to be known as the "gate crashers" of the world. The manager in question was banned from soccer administration for nearly life, but manoeuvred back into administration long before his sentence ran out - that's soccer administration for you.

Given that sort of history, Fernando confesses, obtaining corporate sponsorship for soccer clubs is a hard sell. "The game's image needs polishing up.

For that you need to take clubs out of its traditional environment, which is, let's face it, Maradana, Slave Island and Pettah, which is where the premier clubs have been situated from way back. The environmental change should be, if not physical, certainly mental, " says Fernando.

He, unlike past officials, however thinks the game's present environment isn't fait accompli.


His decision to sign a Rs.25 mn. deal with the CR&FC is intended to be soccer's first step in the direction to a new environment, as well as to attract a different sort of audience and overall, to give the game's image a facelift. "CR and any other present-day soccer venue are as different as Liberty cinema in Kollupitiya is from Elphinston in Maradana.

In Elphinston, puffing a fag with your legs cocked up on the seat in front is accepted - and unacceptable in Liberty; the audience around determines your conduct," says Fernando. "The classy Longden Place ambience will, I believe, help bring refinement to the soccer stands."

That apart, the native of Kalutara and past pupil of the town's Tissa MMV, is hopeful of a reincarnation of the rugby club's sporting past, when it engaged in competitive soccer. "That it is referred to Ceylonese Rugby Football Club is a misnomer - it is, as its initials, CR&FC, say: Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club." To change the CR's traditional image, however, is a long, tough task - but time is on Fernando's side.



The Rs.25 mn. deal, after all, runs for 20 years, allowing the SLFF use of CR's premises 185 days per year. "It's not only to add to our depleted list of venues that we tied up with a Colombo 7 rugby club - but, hopefully, to also help remake the game's image," said Fernando.

Amidst the many pictures on the walls of Fernando's office (including ones of him with past and present Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Pele; and Blatter of course) is the group photograph of the Cricket Board committee in the year Sri Lanka won the World Cup.

He was a member of that Ana Punchihewa-led committee, and, one suspects he nurses a yearning for soccer to gain the same sort of popular and intimate public following cricket enjoys, post '96.

The realisation of that yearning is possible only through achievement, if not at the level of cricket's in 1996, at least in Asia. But just how far we lag behind was driven home last month: we weren't even finalists in the S. E. Asia Championships, despite home advantage.

Past's baggage, however, is too heavy for Fernando alone to bear. But that he has dared to drag the administration out from the bogs of inefficiency and self-interest and direct it on a healthier course is admirable - even though the final goal is something his administration or the succeeding ones will unlikely see. No matter. At least, present-day administrators, thankfully, don't have to shout for their tea.

Several government ministers are up in arms following a request by President Mahinda Rajapakse for those holding more than one portfolio to resign and retain only one post.

The President's decision was communicated to several ministers and deputy ministers in writing last week by President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga.

The Sunday Leader learns a dispute has arisen due to only some ministers and deputies being asked to shed their portfolios while others have been allowed to retain theirs.

It is learned Coconut Development and Nation Building Minister Salinda Dissanayake had resigned from the Coconut Development portfolio following the President's directive but several others had not agreed to do so because of the selective basis on which the demand was made.

Informed sources said while Ministers Mahinda Wijesekera , Dilan Perera and Salinda Dissanayake were for example asked to retain only one portfolio and resign from the rest, others like Aviation and Ports Minister Chamal Rajapakse and Export Development and International Trade Minister G.L. Peiris had not been directed to do so.

The sources said it is unlikely most ministers called upon to shed their portfolios will do so until the principle is applied uniformly.

"The President of course can remove any minister and those removed can take their own political decisions," one top source said.

The continuous closure of the vital Omanthai entry/exit point was pushing the humanitarian situation in the Wanni to breaking point with essential supplies to at least 200,000 civilians held back, government officials in the Wanni warned.

The ICRC which pulled out of Omanthai on July1 after a heavy exchange of artillery and aerial fire near the northern end of the cross-over point said that officials would only return to the point after security guarantees were obtained from both parties.

"Omanthai remains closed, and as soon as we have security assurance from the authorities it will reopen. The safety of the civilians using the cross over point and the ICRC officials is of concern to us," ICRC Spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratne said.

Nagalingam Vedanayagam, the government agent in Kilinochchi said that supplies to civilians would only last for two weeks and prices would sky rocket even before that if the closure continued.

Dr. T. Sathyamoorthi, Director, Kilinochchi Hospital said that drugs were only available for a month and new supplies were waiting at Omanthai to be delivered to Kilinochchi.

He also said that patients needing urgent medical assistance were allowed to go to Vavuniya on special permission.

According to statistics at the Divisional Secretariat there were 195,000 persons in Kilinochchi and 220,000 in Mullaithivu by January 2008. However humanitarian agencies said that the figure could be lower now with several thousands having fled the Wanni.

The government military and the Tigers both said that they had given security guarantees to the ICRC over Omanthai last week.

LTTE Media Coordinator Daya Master said that the Tigers had already assured their cooperation to ensure the security of the ICRC in writing.

Daya Master stated that the assurance was given the following day Omanthai point was closed, and that the letter was handed over by Thiagaraja alias Pavarasan, Coordinator, Secretariat of UN Agencies and Non Governmental Organisations.

Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the military would ensure the safety of the ICRC working at the entry exit point.

He stated the ICRC did not face any problems due to the military, but only because of the LTTE.

"We do not know whether the ICRC has got back to the military on its position, as the ICRC liaises with the commander in the area."

By Shezna Shums

More than 80,000 persons continue to live as IDPs in camps after the recent rains destroyed their homes. They are yet to rebuild their homes.

According to the Disaster Management Centre there are still around 28,299 affected families consisting of 82,988 persons.

The displaced persons are from the districts of Gampaha, Kalutara, Matara, Ratnapura, Colombo, Galle and Kegalle.

In these districts there are 178 affected divisions where persons whose homes have either been damaged or destroyed following the heavy rains. The statistics show that there are 109 partially damaged houses with a total of 19 houses fully damaged.

There are 14 IDP camps still in operation that provide shelter to the people who are unable to return to their homes. These camps are also places where the displaced persons are given food and water, which is provided by the Divisional and District Secretaries.

There are 620 persons still living in these temporary shelters and they include 60 families. The government is providing financial assistance to persons to reconstruct their homes. However many continue to remain in the camps until they feel they can re-start their lives.

Even though 620 persons are listed as living in temporary shelters, many families have opted to temporarily live with their extended families and friends until they can rebuild their new homes.

Public security has deteriorated during the month of June despite security personnel being deployed on several roads and lanes in Trincomalee, the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) last week said.

The issue was brought up during a meeting between Secretary General of the Secretariat for the Coordination of the Peace Process (SCOPP) Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha and INGOs and UN agencies on June 27.

The meeting was chaired by Trincomalee government agent Maj. Gen. T.T.R. de Silva.

"Prof. Wijesinha noted the concerns and the police were asked to report on the cases. Some had not been reported formally, but the police would look into what was brought to their notice. He urged the development of civil society groupings in communities that would strengthen local protection, and the conveyance of information to the authorities to reduce threats of all sorts," it said.

The issues faced by the fishermen were also taken up at the meeting.

Many fishing families, especially in Muttur had been affected due to the restrictions placed on the timings for fishing. The fishermen said that the day time fishing, which is permitted for restricted hours does not give them a good catch, particularly for small boats and drag nets that could not take advantage of the concession to stay out all night.

The restrictions were imposed on May 10 and later relaxed on May 26. However, the fishermen are allowed to fish from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They had requested that night-time fishing be allowed especially for small boats.

"Professor Wijesinha noted that the security forces were constantly adjusting times to benefit fishermen, unlike in previous high security situations. However restrictions had to be imposed when there were security threats, as when, after liberalisation of hours, the attack on a ship at the Ashraff Jetty made clear the continuing threats."

By Risidra Mendis

The All Island Three Wheeler Drivers' Welfare Association (AITWDWA) has voiced its concern over a government decision to increase the Business Turnover Tax (BTT) from 1% to 5% in the Western Province.

The increase of BTT in the Western Province would mean an increase of 4% for vehicles, gold jewellery, costume jewellery, furniture, alcohol and cigarettes.

The AITWDWA claims that the government's decision to increase the BTT is a clear indication that they want to completely destroy the three wheeler industry.

Speaking to media President AITWDWA Lalith Dharmasekera said the government takes decisions with the intention of destroying the three wheeler industry in the country.

"The government first banned the use of two stroke trishaws. The excuse they gave was that two stroke trishaws contributed to air pollution. Government officials asked trishaw drivers who had two stroke trishaws to convert them to four stroke trishaws. Trishaw drivers have to pay around Rs. 40,000 to convert a two stroke engine into four stoke," Dharmasekera said.

He added that government officials are conveniently ignoring the fact that trishaws are a popular mode of transport especially for the middle class who cannot afford to pay high taxi fares and travel in air-conditioned taxis.

"The AITWDWA is urging the government to address the issues faced by trishaw drivers and find a solution to their problems. If the government fails to address the issues faced by trishaw drivers we will be compelled to protest against the government," Dharmasekera said.

By Shezna Shums

The All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) is hoping to revive the collapsed poultry industry as the surging cost of production saw farmers ceasing their poultry operations.

Last week, Chairman, AIPA, Dr. D.D.Wanasinghe held discussions with the Consumer Affairs Minister regarding the problems faced by poultry farmers and the steps that should be taken to revive the industry.

AIPA was asking that the price of a kilo of chicken to be fixed at Rs. 350 from the last year's price of Rs. 280 per kilo. However considering the minister's request not to increase the price due to the economic situation in the country, AIPA decided to sell a kilo of chicken at Rs. 320.

"Even with this price we will only be earning a marginal profit and be able to revive the poultry industry to some extent. Chairman AIPA explained that if they are allowed to sell a kilo of chicken at Rs. 350, they would be able to stabilise and revive the poultry industry and also be able to restart some of the livelihoods of small-scale poultry farmers.

It was pointed out that from last year the cost of production had increased by 59.5 percent. "We are looking at a proportional increase in the selling price of chicken," said the Chairman.

Usually there is a 10 percent increase in the poultry industry. But since 2007 this expansion has stopped and there has been a sharp decline.

"Many small scale farmers have ceased operations, while the large poultry farming organisations have reduced their operations by 40 percent. Instead of closing down, the organisations reduced their operations to prevent losing their establishments," explained the Chairman.

Maize consists of 80 percent of the feed needed for the poultry industry, but this feed is sold with a 20% cess.

"If the cess is reduced the industry will benefit," said the Chairman. The Chairman AIPA, however, was told to make a written request to the minister in this regard.

The Chairman added that if the cess was reduced the poultry industry would guarantee that they would buy the entire maize production in the country.

At the moment the country produces about 65,000 to 70,000 metric tonnes of maize per year. But the poultry industry alone needs at least 200,000 metric tonnes of maize annually.

A survey of the poultry industry has shown that there were about 85,000 poultry farmers, and another 100,000 input suppliers such as the drivers used for transportation, sales people and others indirectly involved.

The Chairman said that there are about one million people including family members who were dependant on the poultry industry and added that they would be affected if measures were not taken to revive this industry.

Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka has proposed the adoption of a SAARC Regional Charter on Climate Change as a means of addressing climate change and its impact on the country.

The Minister made this statement when he attended the SAARC Ministerial meeting held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on July 3.

Participants at the SAARC ministerial meeting addressed issues related to climate change and the need to take precautionary measures.

As a part of the charter on climate change the Minister says the country has already established a Sustainable Energy Authority. "It is common knowledge that GHG emissions from fossil fuel burning has contributed to the global warming and related climate change impacts. We should promote renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power and biomass energy in order to set an example to the rest of the world on how to promote such practices," Ranawaka said.

According to Ranawaka the government has already agreed that 10% of the power generated should come from renewable sources by 2010.

"The ministry has declared gliricidia as a plantation crop to promote dendro power and to promote community forestry. Implementation of climate friendly programmes such as the Vehicle Emission Testing Programme, the Pilisaru Waste Management Programme and the Eco Villages Programme will have a direct impact on climate change," Ranawaka explained.

The JVP affiliated Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya (LVSS) last week said all CEB trade unions would join the general strike on July 10, but added it could not comment on the possibility of a total blackout.

LVSS Convener, Ranjan Jayalal said that he could not comment on a total blackout on the day, as the LVSS was still awaiting a positive response from the government.

"I cannot comment on the issue right now. We cannot cut the power and go to the streets. We cannot do so. But, it will be very difficult if all of us come to the road. Only a few hundred engineers will be working islandwide," he said.

Jayalal added that leaders of a few independent trade unions would not take part in the strike due to their connections to the ruling party. "But the members will join the strike," he said.

He also said that civilians would face difficulties when there were problems with electricity, as the regional offices would be closed and would only reopen the following day.

"These kinds of problems are there. We are still working on how to manage these issues. But, we will definitely go through with the strike."

Meanwhile the All Ceylon Transport Services' Union (ACTSU) said that it requested the private bus owners to provide full cooperation to the general strike.

"We still haven't received any feedback to the request. But there is time," ACTSU Secretary, Sepala Liyanage said.

Subterranean political moves are being made to deprive Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge, former Sri Lankan President of her civic rights, over a deal in which state land was granted for purposes of establishing a golf course to Ronnie Pieris, a confidant of the ex president.
During the proceeding of a fundamental rights case asking that this land alienation be declared unlawful, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva who presided over the three-member bench berated the Urban Development Authority (UDA), which alienated this land on the instructions of the Cabinet “on a proposal by the then president Ms. Kumaratunga.’’
The moves to deprive Ms. Kumaratunga of her civic rights we learn, are to be made politically and through parliament if —- as the architects of this move expect —- the ex-president is determined by court to have violated the fundamental rights of the two petitioners.
The petitioners are two public servants, who are alleging that their fundamental rights have been violated by the alienation of land for a golf course.
The move to deprive Ms Kumaratunga of her civic rights, discussed in inner circles of the government’s powerful, we learn, would almost re-enact the removal of the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, her mother’s civic rights, after the Bandaranaike’s government was defeated in the 1977 general election.
On that occasion, her civic rights were deprived by a presidential commission on the grounds that she misused her office as prime minister for personal and family benefit, by retaining state land for herself despite the Land Reform laws.
Ms. Kumaratunge who was leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom party lost that post recently, and is now a nominal patron of the party. However, SLFP decision makers are now considering taking the Patron position from her, for recently attending a political meeting of Mangala Samaraweera’s SLFP (Mahajana) Wing.

The Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) has been thrown into disarray by the adoption of a no-confidence motion against its president, Elmore Perera – who is refusing to leave the presidency.
A press release signed by OPA General Secretary L. T. Kiringoda was sent to newspaper offices yesterday announcing: “The General Forum of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka at its Special General Meeting held on 4 July 2008, considered the requisition by 17-members of the General Forum to discuss several issues related to the conduct of Mr Elmore Perera, President of the OPA. After deliberations, a motion of no-confidence on Mr Elmore Perera President OPA was passed by a large majority.”
The statement was released on an official letterhead from which Elmore Perera’s name and details had been blacked out with a marker pen. But a defiant Perera, speaking from his desk at the OPA office yesterday, said “I’m in the OPA and I’m the president.”
Perera maintained that there was no provision in the OPA constitution to remove an individual – and that they could only remove an association. He also said a pro-government group within the OPA was trying to oust him because he had taken a strong stand against the president’s failure to implement the 17th amendment to the constitution.
The OPA is now sharply divided into groups that support or oppose Perera. R M B Senananayaka, who represents the Sri Lanka Economic Association in the OPA and who was present on Friday, said, “That motion has no validity whatsoever. First of all, it wasn’t a valid meeting. Secondly, the OPA constitution does not provide for any individual to bring a resolution of that sort against an individual. Elmore Perera, in my opinion, continues to be president of the OPA.”
Kiringoda was not available at his residence number yesterday and was not contactable on the OPA line.

Media activists are planning a total media boycott of the forthcoming SAARC summit in protest of the increasing attacks against media personnel in Sri Lanka.
“A number of local and international media organisations have agreed on the proposal to boycott the coverage of the summit as the Sri Lankan Government has not ensured that journalists could perform their duties without any hindrannce”, a media activist said on condition of anonymity. “We are not expecting the Government media to join us. But we call up on government media personnel who want the country to have press freedom to take leave on these days”, he noted.

Media activists are planning a total media boycott of the forthcoming SAARC summit in protest of the increasing attacks against media personnel in Sri Lanka.
“A number of local and international media organisations have agreed on the proposal to boycott the coverage of the summit as the Sri Lankan Government has not ensured that journalists could perform their duties without any hindrannce”, a media activist said on condition of anonymity. “We are not expecting the Government media to join us. But we call up on government media personnel who want the country to have press freedom to take leave on these days”, he noted.

Media activists are planning a total media boycott of the forthcoming SAARC summit in protest of the increasing attacks against media personnel in Sri Lanka.
“A number of local and international media organisations have agreed on the proposal to boycott the coverage of the summit as the Sri Lankan Government has not ensured that journalists could perform their duties without any hindrannce”, a media activist said on condition of anonymity. “We are not expecting the Government media to join us. But we call up on government media personnel who want the country to have press freedom to take leave on these days”, he noted.

Media activists are planning a total media boycott of the forthcoming SAARC summit in protest of the increasing attacks against media personnel in Sri Lanka.
“A number of local and international media organisations have agreed on the proposal to boycott the coverage of the summit as the Sri Lankan Government has not ensured that journalists could perform their duties without any hindrannce”, a media activist said on condition of anonymity. “We are not expecting the Government media to join us. But we call up on government media personnel who want the country to have press freedom to take leave on these days”, he noted.

by Ashwin Hemmathagama in Norochcholai

In order to cope with the growing demand for fresh vegetables from its super market chain, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC (CSE: CARG) has embarked on a project to purchase vegetables and fruits grown in the Eastern province.
CARG currently owns the largest chain of retail food outlets in the country. It plans to increase the number of outlets from 124 to 150 by the end of this year, increasing the demand for locally produced vegetables and fruits.
Eastern province happens to be a targeted zone for this expansion, with an investment of Rs. 500 million. CARG encourages more farmers in the region to grow quality vegetables and fruits. These agro products are also ensured a higher buying price by CARG, eliminating middle.
Explaining company plans to a team of farmers from Eastern province, CARG Director (Human Capital, Youth Development and Rural Network) Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne said, enhancing youth skills, reducing regional disparity and cost of living are the company’s main objectives.
“Five years ago, we bought 2 tons of agro products daily which has increased to 50 tons. All these products are grown locally and farmers are ensured of a selling price which is 10 - 20 per cent higher than the rest. In return, this move has enabled us to provide quality vegetables and fruits at a cheaper price to our consumers,” he pointed-out.
CARG intends setting up two super market outlets in Trincomallee, followed by four in Batticloa and Ampara Districts.
“The new outlets are expected to open in the coming months. So we are looking at developing a strong supply chain. Forty five farmers from East, West and the North Central Province participated in the educational and familiarisation tour that enabled to experience farming conditions in areas such as Thambuttegama and Norochcholai. They also witnessed vegetable sorting processes at collection centres. This is a very good experience for them and they have shown an interest to develop farm lands using cultivation methods and technology, witnessed during study tour. Most importantly these participants would ultimately become suppliers to Cargills,” explained CARG Deputy General Manager (Agri Biz) Haridas Fernando.
CARG recorded a 27.1 per cent increase in its turnover (from Rs. 14.1 million to Rs. 17.9 million) during the FY 2007. Profits before tax has been Rs. 394.9 million and the group profits after tax attributable to the shareholders was Rs. 262 million, which is an increase of 62 per cent over the previous year’s Rs. 162 million during this period.

Vehicle gas emission tests will come into effect from 15 of this month onward, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Champika Ranawaka said.
Revenue licenses would not be issued to vehicles which do not comply with environmental standards on vehicle emissions, the Minister added.
Obtaining an emission test certificate will cost less than 500 rupees for a small vehicle while bigger ones will be charged Rs 500 - 1,000. Vehicle owners will be required to come to the testing centre, obtain the certificate and take it to the revenue authorities for renewal of their revenue licenses. This move is part of the efforts to improve the air quality in the island, especially in Colombo, where pollution levels are high owing to a concentration of vehicles.
A centre to test vehicle gas emissions has been set up close to the Fort Railway Station.
The Ministry has taken steps to establish four new testing centres by the end of this year at a cost of Rs 88 million to purchase related equipment for testing.
Vehicle emissions -carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons - contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, acid deposition and elevated CO levels and these pollutants cause respiratory problems, increase toxicity and mortality. The effects are more severe in urban areas where vehicle use is higher.

By Ayesha Wijeratne
The Air Force has decided to take additional security precautions in an attempt to ward off any unwarranted incidents in the future, following last week’s incident in Arugam Bay, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s support helicopter came under LTTE fire.

“There are very few precautions that can be taken, such as employing tactical flying methods in the future as an additional security measure, in order to avert such incidents,” Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.
Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that Ampara SSP Ananda Wijesuriya was heading the investigations into the incident and that there had been no breakthrough.

He further said that the Police and the Army should take safety measures on the ground to prevent such incidents since the area is a government-controlled, cleared area.

Meanwhile, Military Spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said that there were some precautions that could be taken to prevent such incidents but not all such precautions would be successful since the LTTE could sometimes infiltrate to carry out attacks in spite of the security measures.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, while hearing two fundamental rights applications filed against the sale of Sri Lanka Insurance Cooperation (SLIC), declared that purchasers of SLIC must explain to court as to how they received US$ 10 million from Gibraltar.

The Chief Justice made this declaration when counsels for the petitioners pointed out to the court that there was no bid from Gibraltar and that some strange parties had suddenly appeared as purchasers, violating cabinet approval.
The bench comprised of the Chief Justice and Justices N. Gamini Amaratunga and K. Sripavan.

J.C. Weliamuna, who appeared for two Chairmen of the Retired Employees’ Union of SLIC submitted to court that the said transaction was very suspicious and had caused enormous loss to the people and the country.

Weliamuna further submitted to court that the market values of valuable properties with valuable buildings of SLIC had not been taken into reckoning in placing the valuation on 90% shares of SLIC.

Cabinet approval had been granted for Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka Ltd., Aitken Spence Co. Ltd., Aitken Insurance (Pvt) Ltd., with Technical Partner, ING Institutional and Government Advisory Services BV (Holland) as purchasers.

Weliamuna contended that, violating the cabinet approval, Milford Holding Ltd. and Greenfield Pacific E.M. Holdings Ltd., incorporated in Gibraltar, were the purchasers and D.H.S. Jayawardena had signed on behalf of the two purchasers.

The two purchasers had never expressed any interest and had not been evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee.
Weliamuna pointed out to the court that the US$ 10 million from Gibraltar would most probably be money remitted from Sri Lanka. Further hearing was fixed for July 8 and 9.

The Principals and Teachers’ Trade Union Alliance (PTTUA) has decided to take part in the July 10 strike.
“We would provide our fullest support to make this strike a success because it highlights issues that are common to every sector of the society,” said PTTUA Convener Joseph Stelyn.

He pointed out that the cost of living had risen so much that it had now exceeded the bearable level. He said that they hoped that the government would provide a solution and meet their demands so that the prevailing financial problems of the employees of the government as well as the private sector would be solved.

He said they would be participating in the boycott under the Trade Union Confederation (TUC), which consists of 60 public sector trade unions. He asserted that on July 10, teachers and principals of all government schools island-wide would be joining the strike.

The possibility of connecting the two SAARC nations Sri Lanka and Nepal by air routes was focused at the discussion held between Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Prime Minister of Nepala, Girija Prasad Koirala when both parties met in Kathmandu.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama is in the Nepali Capital to handover the formal invitation from President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Mr. Koirala to attend the 15th SAARC Summit to be in Colombo on 2-3 August 2008.

On accepting the invitation, the Nepali Prime Minister assured that Nepal would participate in the Summit and thanked the Foreign Minister for the invitation. He extended his best wishes for a successful Summit.

During the discussion, they exchanged views on the internal situation in their respective countries, and matters of bilateral and regional interest. The Prime Minister while commenting positively on the progress of SAARC, emphasized that the commitment to implement all policies and agreements should be a key priority of the Association in its efforts to realize the objectives of SAARC.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister also met the Chairman of the Communist Party of Maoists (CPM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal and discussed matters pertaining to strengthening both bilateral and regional cooperation.

The Government has taken steps to accelerate the cultivation of Sugarcane in a bid to save billions of rupees from the country’s annual fuel bill.


Accordingly the Ministry of Supplementary Crops Development and the Sugarcane Research Institute have come out with a plan to cultivate sugarcane in the Badulla, Ampara and Moneragala districts where vast areas of land is available.

It is also reported that a land area exceeding 40,000 hectares is available in Anuradhapura District for the cultivation of Sugarcane.

Sugarcane can be used as a bio-fuel alternative to gasoline. Most bio-fuel is currently in the form of ethanol generated from corn grain or sugarcane.

Countries like Brazil, United States, India and Australia have reduced the annual fuel expenditure by increasing the use of ethanol as a substitute for petrol, Chairman, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. C. S. Weeraratne said.

Brazil is the world's second largest producer of ethanol and the world's largest exporter, and it is considered to have the world's first sustainable biofuels economy and is the biofuel industry leader.

Sri Lanka imports around 500,000 Metric tons of sugar per year at a cost of Rs. 20 billion.

The country produces 10 per cent of its the annual requirement of sugar which is around 550,000 mt. Around 15,000 hectares of sugarcane are cultivated in Pelwatte and Sevanagala.

“By promoting sugarcane cultivation more ethanol could be produced to increase blending with petrol up to 5 per cent.

Bagasse, a byproduct of the sugarcane industry can be used to generate electricity and manufacture organic fertiliser”, Dr. Weeraratne said.

Pre-feasibility studies have been carried out on land availability in many districts and prospective investors will be sought for the projects
.
A farmer could earn around Rs. 25,000 per acre of sugarcane.

“Sugar plays an important role in the food security and supplies around 5 per cent of the energy required by a person a day. A person needs around 2,500 kilo calories of energy a day”, he said.

The remains of Paranirupasingam Thevakumar, Jaffna correspondent of Sakthi Radio and Television, hacked to death May 28 in the outskirts of Jaffna town, was cremated Saturday according to Saiva rites. The remains of Thevakumar were exhumed 37 days after his demise from Koththaththu'rai burial grounds at Araali West and cremated with permission granted by Mallakam Court magistrate on appeal made by the slain journalist's wife.

Ms. Subanatnthini Thevakumar had appealed to Ms. Sarogini Illankovan, Mallaakam Courts magistrate, to grant permission to have her husband's remains cremated according to Saiva rites.

It is customary for the remains of persons killed to be burried if the case remains unsolved so that the remains could be exhumed for further examination.

Jaffna correspondent of Sakthi TV station, Paranirupasingam Thevakumar, 34, was abducted while he was returning to his residence in Vaddukkoaddai and hacked to death in Kaakkaitheevu, a barren land on 28 May. ]

Laksiri International Freight Forwarders (LIFF) will be investing over Rs. 500 million to construct Sri Lanka's first condominium outside Colombo in Kurunegala.

Director Operations Laksiri, M.S.M. Mubarak said they have already purchased a 1.5 acre land for the project and construction will commence in November. "We are now negotiating with an investor in UAE to raise the funds. If this deal doesn't go through we will look for local borrowing," he said.

The proposed condominium will be ten storeyed and will have over 150 housing units. He said they are targeting this complex mainly for the Sri Lankan expatriate workers working in the Gulf. "We have observed that many Sri Lankans working overseas are remitting money with the intention of building houses. However in some instances this money remitted to Sri Lanka are not put to use."

"Under this scheme local workers based overseas can pay us in instalments and be assured that they have a house when they come back to Sri Lanka. "We are hoping to construct a similar housing complex in Ja Ela as well," he said.

Airing his views on the personal Cargo handling business he said that volumes have now reduced. "Due to high inflation faced all over Asia, expatriates are now sending back money rather than investing on equipment," he said.

The company receives an average of 100 personal effects as containers from all over the world and about 2,000 consignees traverse through their warehouse per month. The company has also completed a single unit housing scheme in Mount Lavinia.

Sri Lanka's talkative Chief Justice, Sarath Nandana Silva, yesterday threatened that he would expose the corruption of the Sri Lankan government's finance officials unless the government increases salaries in his trade.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the District Civil Court at the Mount Lavinia court complex, he asked the judges to not to let those “corrupted and wasteful public servants” to make decisions on their salaries:

“There are only 295 judges in Sri Lanka. When a reasonable salary is asked for them, the officials in the general treasury – those who just heat their chairs in Colombo, those who never go out of Colombo, beyond the bridge of Wellawatte – tell us, who even go to Jaffna, no we can’t give you that,” he said.

Referring to widely speculated mass fraud committed by the Finance Ministry, he said, “We will expose the other acts committed by these chair-heaters in the near future.”

He also blamed the officials who refused to increase his salary as those who are trying to destroy the country and his trade.

“They are trying to desecrate the courts, destroy it as they have destroyed the county and destroy us too,” he said.

“We will take nothing by force, not by theft; we will take what is given reasonably or else we leave. Do not let those who take pension by cheating in the public service to take decision over your salaries,” he told the gathering of judges.

Commentating on his recent controversial decisions over national security issues, after which over 100 civilians were killed in a series of bomb attacks in Colombo and suburbs, he said he is correct but the police somehow must find the real perpetrators behind terror attacks.

“I told them there is no use of setting up barriers, no point of questioning Tamils, and restricting them,” he said. “We have to somehow nab the correct person, with the assistance of Tamils. We have to find those who breach the law, harm the country, spread terrorism,” he said.

The UPFA will launch an extensive propaganda network covering Ratnapura, Kegalle, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts for the forthcoming NCP and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils election.

Altogether 1,317 public rallies will be organised. The President will participate in four public rallies.

Responsibility has been cast on the grassroots level membership to make the move a success.

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) yesterday stated that a General Election will only be held at the proper time.

Responding to a statement by UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake that the Government should hold a General Election instead of PC polls, a UPFA communique questioned Attanayake as to why Provincial Councils Polls should not be held and also why the UNP was reluctant to face it.

“Similarly, the UPFA questions the basis on which the UNP demands a General Election before the due date while it blames the Government for holding Provincial Council elections well before the expiry of the due date,” the communique added.

It said: “The UNP which was defeated at the 2005 Presidential election, said it would form a Government before Sinhala New Year in 2006.

The UNP again said after the Eastern Provincial election, that it was the beginning of the end of the UPFA.

The UNP General Secretary who finds it difficult to find a candidate for the Chief Ministership talks of a general election. This shows like his party leader, the General Secretary himself lives in a dreamland, beyond reality.

The NCP and Sabaragamuwa Chief Ministers had to dissolve their Provincial Councils and go for elections when the JVP along with the UNP attempted to dislodge the Provincial Councils.

To counter that cowardly act and to get a fresh public mandate the Chief Minister decided to dissolve the Provincial Councils.

In place of UNP’s cowardly politics such as ‘Fransiskukaranaya’ practised in 1990s to ‘disappear’ MPs and retain power by all means, the UPFA has gone before the people.That thousands of UNP supporters at the grass roots level leave their party and rally round the UPFA proves they respect the political decision of the UPFA.

The UPFA is resolute that it will secure a complete victory in the two Provincial Council elections as well as in the General Election to be held at the right time.”

A monitoring activity by a deputy minister has revealed that some 94 persons, all of them ethnic Tamil, are reported missing during the period of January 2008 to date.

According to Deputy Minister of Vocational Training, P. Radhakrishnan, a total of 147 were reported missing while 38 have returned home subsequently. Some 15 are believed to be detained, he said.

The Deputy Minister who also took up the case of the Sea Street jewellery shop owners being extorted thereby forcing them to flee the country now claims that though the reasons and the parties that were involved in these enforced disappearances were unknown, it proved that the community was under threat.

"However, I must hasten to add that we don't hold the government responsible for these atrocities. We still have no information on the culprits."

Radhakrishnan added that all necessary steps should be taken to ensure the personal security of innocent civilian victims.

Meanwhile, Convenor, Civil Monitoring Mission (CMC), WPF Leader and Colombo District MP Mano Ganesan blamed the international community for failing to exert sufficient pressure on the government to ensure adherence to human rights and show respect to the law.

He added that the continued incidents showed that enforced disappeared still occur, and added that these incidents have given the lie to the government's claims and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe's rhetorical assurances to the international community.

Giving further boost to morale of the troops in Wanni, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka flew to Wanni Security Forces Headquarters Saturday (5) morning just hours after the LTTE's " Michael Base" in Welioya fell to the Army, marking one more victorious phase in the fight against terrorism.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka with several senior officers landed their to be received by Major General Jagath Jayasooriya Commander SF headquarters Wanni.

Commander addressing senior officers serving the areas expended his warm congratulations on the success hither to made by has troops.

He also evaluated ongoing operations in the Wanni sector and advised accordingly senior officers briefed the Commander on ground realities and explain the reasons to the slow- moving but steady advance of the troops in the north of Welioya.

Commander spoke to them personally and shared views related to security development.

Three LTTE terrorists were gunned down by the army snipers deployed in Mannar front in three separate incidents this morning, July 05.

According to the information received from the Mannar front said incidents took place during the morning hours in general area south of Vidattaltivu.

Troops operating under Army 59 division captured an LTTE base called "Michael Base", said the defence sources on the Welioya front. According to the sources, the LTTE camp is one of the strategic satellite bases of the LTTE's main "One Four Base" Complex situated inside the Mulaithiuvu jungle.

Troops marching towards North of Janakapura, into the Mulaithiuvu, made this capture after 3 days of fierce fighting. Soldiers entered into the camp after beating off the enemy last morning and declared the area secured by afternoon.

The structure of the base extends over 200 square meters that includes several underground defences. The main underground complex covers about 50 square meters and is made out of thick concrete. An underground bunker and 5 damaged buildings were also found inside the camp premises. The camp was provided with a water supply system and other sanitary facilities to its inmates.

Troops believe at least 17 LTTE cadres were killed in this operation.

Earlier, soldiers of army 59 division captured the Munnagam Base, the strategic transit base between LTTE's main bastions in Mulaithiuvu and the Southern parts of the country. The Michael Base is located about 7 Km from Janakapura, inside the jungle and about 3 Km northwards from the Munnagam Base.

Troops are consolidating the new positions at present.

Security forces personnel engaged in multi-pronged offensive operation to liberate Wanni from LTTE clutches killed 37 terrorists and injured 16 more in yesterday's, July 4, clashes, the finalized military report received from battlefront said. Another 17 terrorists were also reportedly either killed or wounded due to these clashes.

On Jaffna theatre of battle, 3 LTTE terrorists were gunned down by the army snipers deployed in general area Muhamalai during day hours yesterday.

On Wanni theatre, in Vavuniya front clashes between security forces and LTTE terrorists were reported in Navathkulam, Ampaddankulam, Nochchikulam, Palaimoddai, Navvi and KOVITKUNCHUKULAM aeras. 26 LTTE terrorists were killed while 5 others suffered injuries. An army soldier has laid his life for the sake of motherland and another 4 received injuries, the report said.

In Welioya front, during heavy gun battle reported in north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa areas 8 terrorists were killed while another 11 suffered injuries. 18 more terrorists reportedly either killed or wounded during fierce gun battle erupted yesterday.

Meanwhile, the security forces personnel engaged in mine clearing operatio in recently liberated areas in north of Janakapura and Kiriibbawewa have unearthed 90 anti-personnel mines, 17 IEDs and 2 anti-tank mines, the report further said.

Separately, based on information received from a civilian, troops have found hand grenade and few other warlike items from genera area Pokurani last evening. 3 T-56 magazines, 90 T-56 ammunition, 2 detonators and a 6ft length detonator code were also among the items recovered.

The Wanni liberation operation in progress.

On the same day, on tip-off from civilian troops engaged in a search operation in the general area of Manalachenai Periyaweri in Trincomalee recovered 1.5 kg TNT explosives, two detonators and two feet detonator code.

Irrespective of the temporary closure of the Omanthai entry/Exit point, consequent upon the ICRC pull-out from their service citing security concerns on Tuesday (1), troops at this cross-loading point continue to facilitate the movement of seriously-ill Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts-based Tamil patients bound for Vavuniya or Anuradhapura hospitals.

At about 4.30 p.m. on Friday (4), two ICRC officials showed up at the Security Forces-held southern entrance at the gateway and received four patients, including three women, being taken to be admitted to Vavuniya hospital for surgery and emergency treatment after they were brought from un-cleared areas.

On arrival of the ICRC officials, the troops opened their southern entrance and received those patients into the ambulance, sent from the Vavuniya hospital for transport along with one female nursing attendant.

On Thursday (3) troops at the Entry/Exit point acting in the same manner accepted eleven critically ill patients from those un-cleared areas in the presence of the ICRC. Those patients were accompanied by five nursing staff and attendants. Just a few hours after the ICRC withdrawal, troops facilitated the movement of three more critically sick patients for admission to Anuradhapura hospital on Wednesday (2). Those patients were assisted by three female nursing assistants.

Within the last three days alone after the ICRC episode, troops have thus coordinated the transport of 18 terminally ill patients from un-cleared areas into the government controlled areas, despite the temporary closure still in effect. Nine members of the medical staff have accompanied those patients on all three days.

Two school boys who went for a sea bath at Preethipura, Wattala have drowned today. A navy official who went to their rescue has also drowned. The school boys in a desperate attempt to save themselves had clung on to the rescuer and had dragged him down as well, police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.

UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said today that 15 cinema halls had been closed during the last six months as a result of the present economic crisis confronting the country. MP Jayasekara revealed this matter while addressing a meeting with artistes at party headquarters ‘Sirikotha’.

Police have started investigations into a shooting incident in Eravur last night, which left two persons injured. Police suspect that an armed group operating in the area is behind the scene.

Karuna Amman in an interview with the BBC insisted that he has no plans to replace TMVP deputy leader, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan known as Pillayan, as the new Chief Minister. He also said he hopes to meet the President in the near future.

Convener of the Civil Monitoring Commission against Abductions and Disappearances (CMC), MP Mano Ganesan, yesterday called for UK intervention to stop white van abductions, enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings perpetrated against members of the Tamil community in many parts of the country.

Mr. Ganesan made this request when he called on British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes at the British High Commission yesterday.

He also requested the UK government’s help to bring to a halt instances of intimidation and attacks on Media personnel.

Ganesan welcomed the British and the EU engagements with the government on the subject of human rights.

He said such initiatives would drive the government towards complying with international human rights conventions.

He explained his position on calling the Tamil people of the north and east to suspend visits to Colombo as a way to avoid enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests. He also stressed on the lack of political will on the part of the government to implement even that which is stipulated in the 13th amendment. Dr. Hayes expressed appreciation for the work done by CMC and assured his government would take up all these issues at the appropriate forums.

Amidst attempts by the UNP to appoint its national organizer S.B. Dissanayake as a member of parliament through the national list, filling the void created by the SLMC, Mr. Dissanayke held talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday setting off speculation.

The UNP earlier held discussions with the SLMC leadership regarding the legal aspects of Mr. Dissanayake being appointed as a National List MP, filling one of the two vacancies created by the resignation of two SLMC members to contest the eastern provincial council election.

Mr. Dissanayake, however, told the Daily Mirror that SLMC leader Rauff Hakeen expressed reservations about his request citing legal problems.

“I wanted to be nominated as an MP to see if there were any legal barriers to do so. If the Elections Commissioner accepts my nomination, I will resign from Parliament after some time leaving room for the SLMC to fill the slot. The UNP gave this assurance to the SLMC. Similarly, I will go to courts if the Commissioner rejects my nomination.

Even in that case, the SLMC will be able to appoint its nominee,” he said.

Asked about his subsequent meeting with the President, Mr. Dissanayake said it was meant to seek some assistance for the Vidyodaya University’s Alumni Association which he represented.

“The President agreed to oblige,” he said.

SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali said there was a request by the UNP to appoint Mr. Dissanayake on the National List, but the party was unable to decide without referring the matter to the SLMC High Command which will be meeting on Sunday to make a decision.

A Chief Inspector of Police and three restaurant owners were arrested by the Wattegama Police at Pitiyegedera yesterday with five carcasses of deer and a wild boar in their possession. Two T -56 service weapons, nine spent bullets and nine live bullets, an electric torch and a large knife along with the carcasses were also taken into Police custody.
Initial investigations had revealed the Chief Inspector Sunil Samarajeewa of the Wanathawillu Police had been transferred to the Madampe Police on an acting basis. The three restaurant owners were from Marawila and Dankotuwa.

Police alleged that they shot down the animals in the Knuckles Range on Thursday night and had been returning with the carcasses when the Wattegama Police stopped them in the early hours on Friday at Pitiyegedera for a routine check.

The main suspect had revealed his identity and pleaded with the Police to save him and had also contacted Wanathawillu Police to intervene but to no avail

Police said the meat of the hunted animals was for the restaurants in Marawila and Dankotuwa.

At the time of going to press the suspects were being interrogated and their statements recorded. They were due to be produced before a Magistrate yesterday.

When contacted by media some high ranking Police officials, who did not want to be identified expressed shock and dismay. Such action by certain Police officers had brought disrepute to the department and disgraces the entire Police force, they said.

The All Ceylon Transport Workers’ Union has requested private bus operators to cooperate in the planned July 10 general strike by keeping their vehicles off the road.

In a letter addressed to the presidents of private bus associations, the union, which belonged to the State run SLCTB, said it had decided to support the general strike demanding a Rs. 5,000 salary increase for all workers and requested the private bus operators too to lend their support.

The letter stated that it was the working class that commutes in buses while the 20 per cent rich people, who plunder the wealth of the 80 per cent of poor masses, never use the public transport.

The Union said the prices of everything had registered an upward trend except the salaries of the public, private and estate sector workers who are undergoing tremendous hardship in the face of the unbearable cost of living and it was only through a general strike that the government could be made to realize its folly.

Four suspects including a Director of the Film Corporation who were arrested with a haul of explosives, hand grenades and detonators from a shop in Kotahena, believed to be a ‘dressing room’ were yesterday produced before Mt. Lavinia Additional Magistrate Dharshika Wimalasiri. He ordered that they be held under Detention Order till September 19.

The suspects in this case are Stanislaus Noranthanthan, Kakapathi Devadasan, Paramasothi Sathya Seelan, Kamale Krishsanthi Reginald Perera .

The suspects were accused of being members of the LTTE and having explosives in their possession with the intention of harming lives.

SI Joseph Fernando of Wellawatte Police, prosecuting, submitted that the second suspect is a director of the Film Corporation. The fourth suspect a Sinhalese woman, is alleged to have been the mistress of a boarding house in Bentara Arachi Place in Pamankade, where LTTE suspects had taken lodging.

The haul of explosives and equipment which were produced in Court, included C4 type of explosives, 500 grammes of ball bearings, six foreign manufactured hand grenades and eight electronic detonators.

Police filing a B report stated that the first suspect from Killinochi initially joined the LTTE in 1999. He had later followed a Black Tiger combat course, before opting to become a suicide bomber.

Police further submitted that by a circular issued by the IGP, the explosives were to be destroyed by a special police team.

The Court allowed an application by police to obtain the details of telephone calls taken by the suspects from several mobile telephone service providers. In addition, the Court allowed an application to obtain bank statements of the suspects.

Founder leader of the TMVP, Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman, had once again used a forged passport to make his return journey home from the UK,

said head of the UNP Media Unit and MP Lakshman Kiriella.

Mr. Kiriella, speaking to media alleged that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had become a haven for forged passport racketeers.


Karuna had fled the country following an internal party dispute and arrived in the UK on a fake passport, for which offence, he served a prison term in that country.

Speaking further, Mr. Kiriella noted that the three top Indian officials who were in the island recently had called for a political solution that went beyond the 13th Constitutional Amendment.

He urged the government to announce its stand without delay regarding this call by New Delhi.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva had strongly objected to obtaining conditional loans from the World Bank for legal and judicial reforms.

The international lending institution had granted around 20 million USD (approx. Rs.2,140 m) in recent times.

However, the WB has attached several conditions if it is to continue disbursing such loans, the CJ said.

Further funding has been sought for awarding scholarships to judges and Information Technology development in the judicial sector, he added.

Army personnel recovered this morning (05) a bag with arms, ammunition, a cap worn by Assistant Superintendent of Police and a passport belonged to a Superintendent of Police in close proximity to the official residence of the Air Force Commander in Keppetipola Mawatha, Colombo.
There were 90 T-56 ammunition, parts of bore 12 shotguns, one locally produced gun, three empty magazines, one pouch, a cap worn by Assistant Superintendent of Police, an applet and stars worn by chief police inspectors, a photo removed passport expired in 2000 belonged to SSP Sarath Bandara Beddewela, eight photos Mr. Beddewela appeared, 10 numbers of .38 revolver ammunition and a coat jacket, said police spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police Ranjith Gunasekara.

The bag was handed over to Cinnamon Gardens police station and later it was sent to Colombo Crime Division for further investigation. Investigations revealed that the passport disappeared a long time ago. SSP Beddewela is currently in the National Defense Intelligence service.

UNP candidate of North Central Provincial Council Rohana Bandara Wijesundara who was returning after handing over nomination in a motorcade was attacked by a ruling party Councilor of Galnewa Pradeshiya Sabha yesterday (04) evening.

The attack took place near Galnewa bus stand one person in Mr. Wijesundara's team suffered head injury and three vehicles the candidate and his supporters were traveling were damaged. Around 25 goons involved in the attack.The victims lodge a complaint in Galnewa police station.
The vehicle of the former Opposition Leader of North Central Provincial Council who is contesting the election in UNP ticket was attacked by goons the day before the nomination day. Another UNP candidate of Polonnaruwa district was threatened and goons attempted to obtain his signature to a document by force.

JVP announced that a cadre of the party who was campaigning for the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council election in Dela area in Rathnapura district yesterday (03) was admitted to hospital with injuries caused by assault conducted by the goons of Minister of Rural Industries Premalal Jayasekara.
JVP says that the condition of the victim, Anura Rajapakse is critical and one of his ears was deaf. .

The Minister and his bodyguards assaulted him, took him to the Niwithigala esplanade and threatened him pointing a revolver to his head.

Following a decision taken at the UNP Western Provincial Concillors group meeting yesterday, (4 Jul) the main opposition Party is to strongly oppose the move to increase the Business turnover tax (BTT) from 1% to 5% by a Gazette notification of June 11th.
The UNP is to raise this as a question of privilege at the next Council session on July 8th. This tax hike will be an additional burden on the people who are already reeling under the skyrocketing cost of living, for, the businessmen will conveniently pass this business tax burden to the people.

UNP Colombo Organiser and M.P. Ravi Karunanayake, speaking to Media said, the Govt. is not only robbing people to pay for its sins, but is borrowing from all and sundry at exorbitant interest rates in desperation, but pretending to develop the country. The HSBC loan of Rs. 5000 million was borrowed at high interest rates recently stating it was for development programs. But, where are the development programs and the monies gone? He questioned.
Karunanayake gave details of the losses incurred by Govt. Institutions resulting from mismanagement, corruption and fiscal bungling:

Ports Authority has sustained a loss of Rs. 2700 million; Railways Dept. has lost Rs. 4297 million; Ceylon Transport Dept. (CTB) – Rs. 3745 million; Ceylon Electricity Board –Rs. 2100 million every month; Mihin Air – Rs.3600 million! - Whose money is this government playing ducks and drakes with? He asked. On top of all this the Govt.’s economic wizard, Dr Cabraal says gleefully, country’s economy is on a shaky platform. What are they appointed for, if they are to continually make such utterances without finding solutions to relieve the people of the burdens?

After increasing the train fares by 400 % only a month ago, the Govt. now says that increase is not enough. This is same the government by its Mahinda Chintana promised to bring down travel fares by 15 %!

Sri Lanka has created a record by being described as the country with the worst inflation currently, in the region. This was stated in the report of the HSBC Bank, the very Bank which lent Rs. 5000 million to the Govt.!

While urging the Media to expose the facts without fear or favour, Karunanyake said, this is their duty towards the Nation as Journalists. This is the time the Journalists should rally round the UNP when the Media is under unprecedented open harassment and when the government is distorting facts openly, concealing from the people the truth.

General Secretary of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake, asked whether the people are urging the Government to relieve them of their burdens and hardships imposed by it, or for untimely elections? This Govt.’s very existence is illegal because the people’s mandate on which it was elected has ceased, as the JVP, and many of those who supported it to come to power have deserted it. Now. P.A. Is a base mixture depending on discarded UNP ers and other parties, and not the original People’s Aalliance.

At a time when people are starving and workers are clamouring for wage hikes, the government . Wasted over Rs. 290 million at the last Eastern province (EP) elections. And, now it is preparing to waste another Rs. 400 million in the forthcoming Sabaragamuwa and North Central Province elections. It is people’s money the Govt. is wasting while also depriving them of their right to elect their own party by using violence against them , vote rigging and ballot box stuffing at elections . To cover the EP elections expense, it raised the fuel prices on false pretexts.To defray the forthcoming elections expenditure, it is making dubious plans to burden the masses again, he lamented. These expenditures are not provided for in the budget. Naturally, therefore these are additional strains on the Treasury which are recovered by price hikes and taxes imposed on the people, he asserted. Is thisgovernment. exploitation of people or elections for the people, he questioned.

This is a Govt. whose idea of polls is not to win on a free and fair election by people’s free will, but by plundering victory by force and State terror. Like how it won the EP elections by these methods, it has already started its violent and terror tactics for the upcoming elections, he said. No sooner the announcement was made of the elections,than UNP M.P. Range Bandara and his house were attacked. Another UNP M.P.Aluvihara too came in for intimidation. Just yesterday (2Jul) too, another UNP prospective candidate was threatened. He had a narrow escape because UNP leader intervened, he stated.

If the ghovernment is truly acting in furtherance of the people’s interests, the only solution is to hold a General election and allow the people to make the choice rather than foist government.

Victory on the people in areas where it can orchestrate its victory by violence and insidious activities. Already, it is reported hat the Govt. has established over 19 illegally armed camps in the election districts to carry out its operations using the underworld and illegal groups.

In the circumstances, Attanayake urged all parties to bury their party differences, and unite, at least to foil the plans of the Govt. to win elections continually by illegal force and violence, and secure for the voters the opportunity to exercise their franchise freely and democratically to elect the candidates of their choice.

Two thousand Members of the Civil Vigilant Committee of the Kandy area will be deployed to protect the masses during the Perahara period.Additional Police personnel also deployed for the security of this Esala Pageant. Speaking to media in Friday evening , D.IG. of the Central Province Kingsly Ekanayake said all security arrangements are finalized and he seeks public vigilance and support to protect the masses

The Sri Lankan Government has proposed establishment of SAARC Industrial Zone to promote trade and industrial activities in the South Asian region.

According to a press release by Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Friday, President SCCI, Tariq Sayeed informed that proposal, conveyed through Nawaz Rajabddin, Vice President SAAC CCI (Sri Lanka ), was given by Professor G L Pieris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade, Sri Lanka.

It may be recalled that SCCI President is visiting Sri Lanka to explore ways and opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade volume between the two SAARC countries.

The idea of setting up of Industrial Zone is aimed at providing facilitation to the business community of the region to stimulate regional economic cooperation, the press release said adding that the industrial units to be installed in the proposed zone would be given facilities similar to those provided in Export processing Zones.

Responding to the proposal, President SCCI appreciated the idea, saying that such initiatives would help promote intra-regional trade and industrial activities.

He said that the other countries of the region should also establish similar Industrial Zones, which would prompt commercial activities in the region and eventually help achieving objectives of SAFTA.

“Since the issue is of great significance, it would be discussed in the forthcoming meeting of SCCI Executive Committee Meeting” said President SCCI.

He said that efforts would be made persistently to convince the respective Governments of SAARC to establish such industrial zones so that the perceived objectives of economic integration of SAARC are achieved.

Employees of the Sri Lanka Tourism today took to the road for the first time in history, with placards and banners in hand asking for the removal of Chairman, Renton de Alwis.

Trade Union sources confirming the protest said that employees have lost faith in Chairman, Director General S. Kalaiselvam, and Director Operations Prasanthika Dissanayake.

“Since the day Sri Lanka Tourism was converted into an Authority, they have been reducing the employee privileges while resorting to methods which waste government money in the form of tourism promotion,” sources said.

However, it is also reported that these long standing charges came into limelight after a an employee W. Chandrasiri was asked to settle his dues of 164,000 rupees to the Tourist Sri Lanka Tourism before resigning to contest in the forthcoming Provincial Elections.

DUBAI - Sri Lankan taxi and bus drivers are the recent recruits in the UAE. For the first time, over 500 drivers have been recruited to work in Dubai with the help of the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the emirate.

The move is part of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare's efforts to send skilled workers abroad as well as to balance their skewed migrant ratio, with female migrants outnumbering their male counterparts traditionally.

The Country Coordinator of the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment at the Sri Lankan consulate in Dubai, S.A Zain, said that over 300 taxi drivers and 200 bus drivers have been recruited by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

"This is the first time that such a large number of male skilled workers have been recruited from Sri Lanka. This is in line with our efforts to move away from unskilled to skilled labour force. These drivers have been recruited after being interviewed by RTA officials," he added.

Their employment contracts are under process and they will start work as soon as the formalities are complete, Zain said, adding that the consulate was keen on bringing in more male professionals to the UAE.

Sri Lankan Consul-General Wasantha Senanayake said the government was also keen on bringing in male nurses, hospital attendants and service staff from the hospitality industry.

"We have started implementing changes to the curricula in hotel management colleges to tailor to the needs of hotels in the UAE. Now, short courses are being introduced to train them to become bartenders, guest relations officers and pool attendants," said Senanayake.

The Government of Sri Lanka strongly refutes allegations contained in certain foreign media reports that the Sri Lanka Navy had detained and harassed Indian fishermen aboard fishing trawlers which had been detected poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry wishes to state that the Sri Lanka Navy shore based radars at Talaimannar and Delft island detected approximately 300 Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters close to Talaimannar and Delft island, heading towards the uncleared area of Vedithalthivu around 11.30 hours on 02 July 2008. Following the receipt of credible information that the LTTE was attempting to the use the presence of the trawlers for terrorist activities, Sri Lanka Navy boats rushed to the area and checked 289 trawlers and after conducting inquiries, permitted the trawlers to leave with the crew back into the Indian waters. At no point were the fishermen harassed by the Navy personnel or subjected to any humiliation as alleged in certain media reports.

It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu fishermen themselves have on several occasions acknowledged the humanitarian assistance rendered by the Sri Lanka Navy to them at times of distress at sea. It is the consistent policy of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy to treat fishermen apprehended in Sri Lankan waters in a humanitarian manner.

Nineteen illegal armed camps have been set up in Polonnaruwa with the intention of rigging votes at the upcoming North Central PC polls, said UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo the UNP General Secretary said that violence has been unleashed even before nominations are handed in.

Noting that the government hopes to gain victory through state terror and violence as in the East, Mr. Attanayake said that a complaint would be lodged with the Elections Commissioner on the matter.

The Elections Commissioner would also be notified of attempts to use state property by the government in its campaigning for the election, he added.

Gitanjana Gunawardena has resigned as Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament.

He has notified Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara of his decision according to government sources.

Mr. Gunawardena, whose brother Dinesh Gunawardena is Chief Government Whip, has cited political ethics as the reason for the resignation.

Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), K.D. Lal Kantha says that their demands should be fulfilled in order to cancel the island-wide strike campaign scheduled for July 10th.

Addressing the third National Convention of the NTUC at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, he said that the conditions include the postponement of the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PC polls till their due date of termination.

In addition he has requested that the 109-member cabinet to be reduced to 30.

Further, the huge number of presidential advisors, who draw salaries up to Rs. 60,000, should be brought down to 30 as well as their attachment to government ministries, he added.

Also, the 17th Amendment must be implemented immediately, he said.

"Unlike the protest during the J.R. Jayewardene era, electricity supply and bus services will come to a complete halt on July 10th. If attempts are made to obstruct this action, we will decide to continue this strike," the JVP parliamentarian said.

"This is only a token strike. If the demands are not met, we will move on to the next step," he added.

"To stop the strike campaign, the government only has to increase public servant's salaries by Rs. 5,000 and to agree to the reductions. There is no other way, he said.

Issuing a warning to Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the trade union leader said, "You are from America. The country was brought to this state by citizens of this country. We formed the UPFA with people like Mangala and Sripathi. Even Mahinda Rajapaksa backed off. Be warned of what we will do if our strike is suppressed."

In addition to the strike campaign held with the collaboration of trade unions in the public and private sectors, the Joint Trade Union Federation is to hold a protest march in Colombo.

General Secretary of the Trade Union Consolidation, Saman Rathnapriya told a media briefing that the protest demonstration would start from in front of the Health Ministry at noon on July 10th

The government forces are on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers, the former deputy commander of the LTTE has said.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Vinayamurthi Muralitharan known as Karuna Amman said the Tamil Tigers are ‘very weak’ in the face of continuous military offensive.

Karuna Amman was deported from the UK, where he served a prison sentence for immigration offences, to Sri Lanka two days ago.

It was his first media interview since arriving in Colombo yesterday (July 03rd).

He appealed to all communities, Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil, to help the government to defeat the LTTE which he described as a ‘brutal terrorist group.’

The government forces are on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers, the former deputy commander of the LTTE has said.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Vinayamurthi Muralitharan known as Karuna Amman said the Tamil Tigers are ‘very weak’ in the face of continuous military offensive.

Karuna Amman was deported from the UK, where he served a prison sentence for immigration offences, to Sri Lanka two days ago.

It was his first media interview since arriving in Colombo yesterday (July 03rd).

He appealed to all communities, Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil, to help the government to defeat the LTTE which he described as a ‘brutal terrorist group.’

Government approval has been obtained to operate WFP managed, United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights for the first time in Sri Lanka, WFP said.
The flights are likely to operate between Colombo and Jaffna to dispatch urgent food supplies to the peninsula which has been cut off following the closure of the A9 highway.

Meanwhile WFP also said that food deliveries to beneficiaries in the northern LTTE-controlled areas have reduced due to protracted delays for WFP convoy movements. WFP has taken up the issue with the Government.

The security situation in the north remains volatile due to intense military operations, impacting on the movement of people, food and relief items. Sri Lanka is classified as a low-income, food-deficit country.

In recent years, the prevailing conflict and the frequency of droughts, floods and landslides have further reduced people’s access to food.

The Demographic Health Survey of 2000/2001 showed that 29 percent of Sri Lankan children aged between three months and five years were underweight. The same survey found that 14 percent of children had stunted growth, and one out of six children had low birth weight.

WFP’s subsequent surveys in the North and East in September 2003 indicated that the malnutrition rates amongst 5 to 7 year olds surveyed was much higher than expected and at times double the national average: In these conflict affected areas, 51 percent of this age group was found to be underweight while the levels of wasting and stunting were 30 percent and 27 percent respectively.

A comprehensive rapid nutritional assessment in Mullaitivu District in September 2004 found that 38 percent of children under five were underweight – 7 percent higher than the national average.

The level of wasting was 21 percent and stunting 18 percent. Both indicators are 5-7 percent higher than the national average.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has vehemently denied accusations of the Asia Cup match between India and Sri Lanka being staged. Earlier, former Pakistan greats Waqar Younis and Rameez Raja had slammed the manner of the Lankan loss. The duo questioned Lanka's will to win the crucial encounter as the result of the match led to the hosts being knocked out.

Finalized military reports received from the Wanni battlefronts yesterday (July 3) indicate several significant gains to the armed forces engaged in counter terror offensives against the LTTE terrorists. According to the reports, over 30 terrorists were killed and at least 35 injured during these clashes. In addition, 2 soldiers were killed, 2 reported missing and 17 others were injured, the reports revealed.

On the Vavuniya- Mannar combined front troops attacked LTTE bunker defences located in the area West of Periyamadhu since last evening and destroyed 9 bunkers. According to the radio-monitoring figures, 17 terrorists were killed and 25 others were injured in this incident. Also, Army lost 2 soldiers, 2 others were reported missing and 10 others suffered injuries. Ground troops hold 7 of the captured bunkers at present.

In a similar incident reported from the Periyawalalayankaddu area last morning, ground troops confirmed that one LTTE cadre was killed.

In 3 separate confrontations occurred in the Naddankandal and Palamodai and Kovitkunchukulam areas during the course of the day, ground troops claimed 3 terrorists were killed. Also, 3 soldiers suffered injuries during these operations due to explosions of anti personal mines (AP) and improvised explosive devices (IED). Troops engaged in clearing operations in the area removed 27 AP mines.

Meanwhile on the Welioya front , troops had daylong clashes with the terrorists in the areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa area and claimed 5 terrorists were killed , 8 others wounded and 4 more were wither killed or wounded . Also, 3 soldiers suffered injuries due to AP and IED explosions. Troops engaged in clearing operations removed 288 AP mines and 19 IEDs from areas North of Janakapura , Kiriibbanwewa and Kokkuthuduwai areas for the day.

Troops operating under Task Force 1 in the Mannar- Vavuniya combined battlefront attacked an LTTE bunker defence last evening (July 3) causing heavy casualties to the terrorists.

According to the defence sources at the front, army infantrymen and elites stormed the terror bunker defence located in the area West of Periyamadhu around 1pm with the close air support of air force MI 24 helicopters. The Soldiers continued fighting with the terrorists for about 5 hours and declared the area captured around 6 pm in the evening.

Ground troops claimed 9 LTTE bunkers were destroyed. Troops are holding 7 LTTE bunkers at present, said the sources.

According to the monitored radio transmissions among the LTTE units, 17 LTTE cadres were killed and more than 25 others were wounded in this incident. However, ground troops on their observations, claimed that the actual enemy deaths and casualties should be higher than the above number.

Two soldiers were killed, 2 reported missing and 10 others suffered injuries during this battle. Clearing operations are in progress.

Meanwhile, monitored radio transmission today revealed that 7 LTTE cadres were killed during the air raid carried out by air force MI 24 helicopters last evening. The raid was carried out targeting a truck carrying LTTE terrorists detected in the South of Vedithalthivu area.

Local Political parties already submitted their nomination papers for the North Central Provincial Council and the Sabaragamuwa Provinicial Council.

A number of Independent groups also submitted their nomination papers and there is no major incidents reported from these provinces.

A special Police teams are now roaming in these provinces but opposition claims a number of armed groups , specially crades of the Pillayan group are also roaming in some parts of the Polonnaruwa district.

At present around 15 TMVP camps are located in the Polonnaruwa district, said our sources.

Meanwhile the government has decided to put one of disabled solider and the only survivor of LTTE bomb that killed Lt. General Denzil Kobekaduwa and Major General Wijaya Wimalarathna in Kaits Island in 1992, Upali Wijekoon to contest the NCP election .

Mr. Wijekoon who lost legs in the attack, met the President at Temple Trees on Wednesday and stated that he would contest the election to give value to all those who made such sacrifices for the security of the country.

However UNPs Chief Ministerial candidate for the NCP Major General Janaka Perera said that despite pressure being brought on him from various sectors to refrain from contesting in the NCP and to accept a high post abroad instead, he would under no circumstances change his decision.


He said an UNP victory at the NCP elections was a foregone conclusion and after that victory the word Rajarata would once again echo internationally.

"I have fought for this country and achieved several victories. We must fight this election like gentlemen, said the retired Major General at a press conference.

"When I was fighting the terrorists there were no threats to my wife or children. But now those who dislike my contesting the elections are threatening my wife and children not to allow me to contest, he said.

Meanwhile General Perera's posters are still displaying along the Colombo Roads.

The UPFA has handed over nominations for the Anuradhapura district in the north central provincial council election at the Anuradhapura district secretariat on Friday . After handing over the nominations former chief minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake said large numbers of leading members of the UNP and JVP in the north central province are joining the alliance.

The handing over of nominations for the Sabaragamuwa provincial council has ended on Friday. The United People’s Freedom Alliance, the United National Party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contest all four districts where the elections are being held. Returning officers said 12 recognized political parties and seven independent groups compete for the Anuradhapura district in the north central provincial councils. Ten political parties and 8 independent groups contest the Polonanruwa district.

Imprisonment has become the most prevalent form of punishment for crime in almost all modern day societies. Hence, this question has attracted the attention of the United Nations from the early years of its establishment. The principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) adopted in 1966, has had a significant impact on the rights of prisoners.

These UN instruments were adopted to promote the dignity of all human beings, including those accused of and convicted of crime. Specific provisions for the protection of prisoners have been embodied in these instruments. They include the right to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. These broad protections provided for in UDHR and ICCPR are spelt out in more than 30 UN instruments, some of which are multi lateral treaties relating to the control of crime and treatment of offenders, while others are resolutions and declarations. The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by Economic and Social Council of the UN in 1957, Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons Under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1988, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1994, Declaration on Safeguards Guaranteeing Protection of the Rights of those Facing the Death Penalty are some of the important UN instruments that directly safeguards the rights of Prisoners.

In this context, the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies observes that though Sri Lanka does not have a history of ill-treating its prisoners other than a few isolated incidents, the severe overcrowding in the prisons is pushing the country unwittingly to the brink of inhuman or degrading treatment of its prisoners.

The prison population in the country has increased so drastically in the recent past that the living conditions in our prisons have become intolerable and beyond any acceptable standards. According to the last publication of ‘Prisons Statistics of Sri Lanka’ the percentage of overcrowding for all categories of prisoners was 113.9. The percentage of overcrowding for convicted prisoners was 81.9 and for remand prisoners it was 157.7. While the total authorized accommodation available in our prisons was 10.692, the prisons were holding an average of 22,867 prisoners.

Indeed, the above figures do not illustrate the true story of overcrowding as the percentage of overcrowding differs from institution to institution. A good example is the Welikada Prison, the premier prison institution in the country. The prison that has an authorized accommodation for 1500 prisoners is presently holding over 4000 prisoners. This is an overcrowding of about 270 per cent. Though the prison is designated as the prison for first offender convicts, it also houses a large number of remand prisoners due to severe overcrowding of remand prisons in Colombo. Remand prisoners at the Welikada Prison are housed in a three-storied building known as the L-Hall. The authorized number that can be accommodated in this section is 307, but holds on an average some 1400 prisoners. This is an overcrowding of over 450 percent. The condition prevailing here are so atrocious that prisoners who understand English call it the Hell-Hole. This building, built during the colonial period is in a very bad state of disrepair. Roof leaks during rains flooding the floors. The lack of ventilation creates a suffocating atmosphere. The foul smell emanating from the cells and surroundings is unbearable. Most prisoners have to sleep on the bare floor as no mats or pillows are provided and large numbers have to sleep in the corridors due to lack of room in the cells. They do not have sufficient water to wash or bathe as running water is available only for a short period during the day. Some prisoners complain that they have to bribe senior prisoners and officials to get a bath. There are less than ten toilets for the entire population of 1400 and prisoners complain some of them are often clogged. These prisoners get little sunlight as they are confined indoors most of the time during the day.

The situation is almost similar in most remand prisons in the country. Sometime back the members of the International Committee of Red Cross visited the Kuruvita Remand Prison in the Ratnapura district and in their report to the Commissioner General of Prisons stated that certain sections of the prisons are so overcrowded that prisoners had to sleep in the toilet areas and empty water tanks due to lack of space. They also said that in most dormitories prisoners could hardly turn themselves over during sleep at night. During the inquiry into the attempted escape and the shooting incident in which six prisoners died, the superintendent of the Kuruvita prison had said that due to severe overcrowding, hard-core prisoners are also kept with the ordinary remand prisoners posing a threat to security.

During a visit to the Jaffna Prison in December 2007 by a team of officers from the CHA, they observed the appalling situation prevailing there. This makeshift prison consisting two converted old residential buildings is so overcrowded that prisoners have to sleep in shifts in the night. At the time of the visit there were 480 inmates while the space available was only for about 200 prisoners. It was observed that the prisoners are locked up in the cells throughout the day except for half an hour allowed for exercise, sunlight and the time allocated for the meals. Unending hours are spent idling and in utter boredom. Prisoners lacked many basic things necessary for human living. Water was in short supply and the toilet facilities were grossly inadequate. There were no mats and pillows or any other kind of bedding given to the prisoners. Due to the severe overcrowding and the unsanitary conditions infectious deceases were spreading fast. There were 35 prisoners afflicted with chicken pox on the day the CHA team visited the prison. The time allowed for visits by friends and relations too is limited, as large numbers have to be accommodated. The CHA has provided some essential equipment and also built two toilets in order to alleviate the difficulties faced by the prisoners at least to some degree, since its last visit.

The CHA observes that the situation of the convicted prisoners is no better. Where water, sanitation and accommodation are concerned they are in a similar situation as the remand prisoners at the Welikada Prison. In a prison cell with a floor space of 54 sq. feet that is meant to keep a maximum of three often seven or eight prisoner are locked up. During the night lock-up time between 6.00pm to 6.00am they do not have any toilet facilities other than a small bucket. To ease oneself in the presence of several other is very humiliating act.

Moreover, the number of persons languishing in the death cells has dramatically increased to nearly 200 due non commutation to life sentences. Though the prison rules require that prisoners sentenced to death be kept separately in single cells, presently three or more occupy a death row cell. There is also an unprecedented number of over 250 prisoners serving life sentences. This situation has arisen due to ill conceived policy decision not to commute life sentences until 20 years of the life sentence have been served.

In addition to the severe overcrowding, prisons are also presently facing a acute shortage of staff. In such situations, the Prison officers have to work under severe stress and his work environment becomes insecure. This makes the situation of the prisoner worse, as even a minor deviations from the rules are sternly dealt with by the officers, often with physical force. The seemingly excessive reaction of prison officers at the Kuruwita prison that led to the killing of six prisoners is an example.

It is clearly evident from the above that severe overcrowding in our prisons result in the violation of United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners.

It must be stressed that prisoners are not people without rights. In 1944 a federal court in the United State of America stated that. “a prisoner retains all the rights of an ordinary citizen except those expressly or by necessary implication taken from by law.”(Coffin v Richard 143 F.2d 443) In another landmark judgment of the American Supreme Court in 1974, justice White had said. “But though his rights may be diminished by the needs and exigencies of the institutional environment, a prisoner is not wholly stripped of constitutional protections when he is imprisoned for crime. There is no iron curtain drawn between the constitution and the prisons of his country.”(Wolf v McDonald (1974) 41.L Ed.2d.965) More closer to home, in 1980 the Supreme Court of India had stated that, the judges are the guardians of prisoner’s rights because they have a duty to secure the execution of the sentences without excesses and to sustain personal liberties of prisoners without violence or violation of the inmate’s personality ( Sunil Batra (II) V. Delhi Administration (1980 3 S.C.C.488). In our own country the Supreme Court in Amal Sudath Silva V. Kodituwakku (1987 2 SLR 119) stated: “The petitioner may be a hard-core criminal whose tribe deserves no sympathy. But if constitutional guarantees are to have any meaning or value in our democratic set up, it is essential that he be not denied the protection guaranteed by our constitution.”

The problem of prison overcrowding is not only a question of human suffering and violation of prisoner’s rights. It is also a colossal unnecessary expenditure of public money. According to prison sources approximate average cost of maintaining a prisoner for a year is Rs. 90,000. Therefore the solutions to the problem have to be found through a thorough examination of our penal laws, criminal procedures, bail laws, alternative sentencing etc. It is the responsibility of concerned members of the public, organizations of the civil society and state organs responsible for the administration of our criminal justice system to take appropriate action before the current crisis ends in a catastrophe.

Popular actress Anarkali Akarsha has complained to the Kollupitiya Police that Western Provincial Councilor Duminda Silva’s men had forcibly taken her to his office on Thursday evening and threatened her to get married to him soon. She had also said that she and her mother were taken by armed men carrying semi automatic weapons and they were later dropped near a five-star hotel in Colombo.

Elections for North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils would be held on August 23, the Election Secretariat announced.

Deputy Speaker and brother of Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Gitanjana Gunawardena has resigned from the post of deputy speaker. He handed in his resignation papers today.

Around 39 civilians fleeing from the grip of the LTTE in Mullaitivu sought protection with the Security Forces in Pulmodai on Wednesday evening, Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said.

He said 39 civilians from 13 families comprising 26 males and 13 females had arrived on a boat fleeing from the LTTE controlled areas in Mullaitivu and reached Pulmodai around 3.00 pm. seeking protection with the Security Forces.

"The civilians who had fled from the LTTE's clutches complained that they had been forced by the LTTE to carry out hard tasks such as digging bunkers and other field jobs. They were also intimidated and prevented by the outfit from fleeing their area," Brigadier Nanayakkara said. The Security Forces provided the civilians with essential needs and shelter.

The National Trade Union Centre yesterday said it would call off the July 10 general strike only if President Mahinda Rajapaksa gives into four demands.

NTUC President and JVP parliamentarian K. D. Lalkantha outlined the four conditions: to reduce the present Cabinet from 109 to 30, reduce the number of presidential advisors from 168 to 30. Postpone the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Council elections and implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, immediately.

Lalkantha warned that essential services like electricity, garbage disposal and transport will be crippled, but health services will function smoothly. He advised all strikers to remain at home on July 10 and said that notices would be issued to all members the previous day at the entrances to their places of work.

The NTUC yesterday called a meeting at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium with the participation of representatives of 366 unions that have agreed to join the strike.

Lalkantha recalled that when the present Government was formed, four ministerial portfolios were given to the JVP. But although the JVP did not approve, it gave the four JVP members the choice of accepting or rejecting the portfolios.

Lalkantha said that the newly launched Mihin Air had incurred a loss of Rs 3,200 million within the first year.


He said that the NTUC had learnt from reliable sources that waste, corruption, nepotism and family bandyism were rampant in the present Government.

The Government was still unable to solve the teachers and principals salary anomalies since 1997 and the entire educational system was twisted according to the whims and fancies of so called educationists.

An ousted senior JVP member said that the strike at this moment was not reasonable since the Government was at war with the LTTE.

Asked what would be the course of action if the Government failed to heed to the NTUC’s four demands, Lalkatha said the NTUC would convene a meeting on July 11, the day after the intended strike and would decide whether to launch similar strikes continuously for two days, three days or more forcing the Government to implement its four proposals.

The UNP’s chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council, Major General (Rtd) Janaka Perera, said that despite pressure being brought on him from various sectors to refrain from contesting in the NCP and to accept a high post abroad instead, he would under no circumstances change his decision.

He was speaking at a reception organised by the UNP organizations in Anuradhapura to felicitate him on his decision to contest the chief ministerial post.

He said an UNP victory at the NCP elections was a foregone conclusion and after that victory the word Rajarata would once again echo internationally.

He said: "I attended today’s reception in the guise of a General who would ensure a UNP victory in the NCP. Some ask who this Perera is. Perera is a Sri Lankan and a General. I have fought for this country and achieved several victories. We must fight this election like gentlemen.

"At a press conference, a journalist said that the Government would win the provincial council elections. I asked him how the Government could win without the support of the masses.

Another journalist told me that the Government would use force to win elections. How is it possible to use force, I asked him.

"Rajarata is the cradle of Sinhala Buddhism. I appeal to all concerned not to get down heroin addicts and thugs to harass the people of this province. I have faced real terrorism and it is very simple for me to face heroin dealers and thugs.

"I told those who were forcing me to accept a high post and go abroad, that in that case I won’t be in position to serve the people which is my only intention."

"When I was fighting the terrorists there were no threats to my wife or children. But now those who dislike my contesting the elections are threatening my wife and children not to allow me to contest. This morning my wife spoke to me over the telephone from abroad and asked me whether my decision to contest was right. I told my wife that when 40,000 soldiers were trapped in Jaffna, I proceeded to the North and saved them. My decision at that time could have only destroyed my family but had I refrained from going to Jaffna 40,000 families could have been destroyed.

"Unlike several others I did not enter politics to make money or enjoy perks but only to serve the people" Perera said.

UNP parliamentarians, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, G. Harrison, Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe and UNP candidates for the NCP elections were also present.

The JVP yesterday condemned the Police spokesman saying that he speaks only on behalf of the Government and the SLFP instead of performing his duty by speaking on behalf of the Police.

JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said the Police spokesman should have been more duty conscious rather than ‘whitewashing’ for the Government when media personnel came under attack.

"People have a right to information and when the media is suppressed a fundamental right is violated. Police have a responsibility to ensure that people enjoy their fundamental rights. When media personnel were attacked by unidentified persons, the police spokesman went on record stating that media persons fabricate and stage manage these incidents with the intention of seeking asylum in foreign countries," Herath told a press conference at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo yesterday.

"Could you believe that media men would face attacks just to qualify to seek political asylum? We do not believe this. This statement made by the police spokesman is aimed at whitewashing the government’s inability to arrest the attackers. The police spokesman had done the job of the government spokesman or SLFP spokesman because he wanted to safeguard their interests," Herath said.

Police have a duty to arrest those who attack media personnel.
Every time journalists came under attack, the police came up with clumsy statements instead of investigating them. There had been several attacks on media men during the recent past but no one has been arrested so far, Herath said.

Chairman Ceylinco Consolidated Lalith Kotelawala has strongly disputed a statement attributed to Ajith Nivrad Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank, reported in a daily newspaper yesterday . Referring to the news item headlined Sri Lanka Economy on a Shaky Platform,’ Kotelawala said, "What a shocking statement by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Mr Ajith Nivrad Cabraal! First, he says that Sri Lanka’s economy is on a shaky platform. Secondly, he says that the action taken by the country against terrorism is destabilizing the economy. Thirdly, he says, if the situation is not resolved, Sri Lanka’s economy will be burdened with a war for another 30 years, which is directly contradictory to the views of the President and the Secretary of Defence."

He added, "I certainly do not agree with Mr. Cabraal. As expressed by me on several occasions, the President’s vision of ‘Mahinda Chintanaya’ will bring in new prosperity and economic freedom, if properly implemented."

In the wake of an increasing number of attacks on the media, the new Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne hopes to take various steps to protect journalists, police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said yesterday.

He said investigations into the attack on The Nation newspaper’s associate editor Keith Noyahr were hampered due to Mr. Noyahr being away from the country.

DIG Gunasekara said the police were awaiting Mr. Noyahr’s return to continue the inquiry from where it stopped.

“We have a number of questions that Mr. Noyahr needs to answer. We have collected some evidence but are unable to proceed in his absence,” he said. The spokesman said investigations into the attack on Sri Lanka Press Institute’s media advocacy acting manager Namal Perera was continuing with three special police teams conducting the inquiries and some evidence collected from the scene of the attack.

He said the Police Chief had been updated with regard to the progress on the investigations into attacks on Mr. Noyahr and Mr. Perera and he said he would personally look into the matter and vowed to arrest those behind the assaults, abductions and killings of journalists.

“The Police Chief also feels that he has a special duty to protect the journalists. He has already taken a personal interest in the investigations into the attacks against journalists and vows that those responsible will be arrested,” DIG Gunasekara said.

Meanwhile the Foreign Correspondents Association of Sri Lanka (FCA) has urged the authorities in Sri Lanka to carry out a thorough investigation and to bring to justice the perpetrators behind the attack on Namal Perera and Mahendra Rathnaweera.

While condemning the attack, the Association said Mr. Rathnaweera was a long standing member of the FCA while Mr. Perera was well known to many of its members.

JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake has filed action for defamation in the District Court, Colombo against the editor of the state-run Sinhala daily newspaper ‘Dinamina’ claiming Rs. 10 million as damages.

In his plaint, Anura Kumara Dissanayake cited Dinamina Editor, Mahinda Abeysundara and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) as defendants. According to the plaint an article published on April 2, 2008 on the front page of the newspaper has caused damage to his goodwill and reputation.

Mr. Dissanayake, a member of the Central Committee and the Politburo of JVP, complained the article written under the authority of Dinamina Editor, Mahinda Abeysundara, was published maliciously, with the intention of causing disrepute to him and to his political career.

The JVP MP stated the article had caused him great pain of mind and estimated the damage caused to him at Rs. 10 million.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollama said on Thursday that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) could do nothing to get the Kashmir issue resolved.

Speaking at a press conference after holding meetings with President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he said Saarc was not a forum for resolving bilateral matters.

“It was never formed for the purpose and the Saarc charter has no provision for it,” he said.

Asked as to what was the position of his country on the Kashmir dispute, he said Sri Lanka wanted settlement in a peaceful manner through talks between Pakistan and India.

He said that he had extended invitation from the Sri Lankan president to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to attend the 15th Saarc summit being hosted by Sri Lanka.

Mr Gilani will represent Pakistan at the summit while the foreign minister will lead the country’s delegation to the council of ministers’ meeting on July 31 and Aug 1.

Mr Bogollama said the summit would focus on food security and energy crisis with a view to promoting cooperation in the region.

He said there had been significant progress in a number of areas like poverty alleviation and there still was need for strengthening the regional forum, especially in the fields of regional cooperation, environment, agriculture and food, water and energy security.

The theme for the summit is “partnership for the betterment of the people” and all the member states are interested to make progress in this regard, he said.

About Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations, he said the two countries had historic ties and there was a lot of scope for religious tourists to Pakistan from Sri Lanka.

FTA: The foreign minister said after the signing of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there had been tremendous increase in the bilateral trade.He said FTA had given a boost to economic ties and bilateral trade was growing.

He said that Saarc had another development to set up Poverty Alleviation Fund that has over $300 million so far.

Earlier, in his meeting with President Musharraf, he conveyed the good wishes of the president of Sri Lanka and apprised him of preparations for the summit.

Issues such as Saarc Development Fund, regional connectivity, commercial and economic cooperation will be the special focus of the discussions at the summit.

Recalling the 12th Saarc summit hosted by Pakistan, the foreign minister said that it was a ‘turning point’ in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia, which had since gained considerable momentum.

The foreign minister lauded President Musharraf’s contribution for the success of Saarc and towards promotion of regional understanding and cooperation.

A prominent human rights watchdog has criticised the British government for allowing Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Colonel Karuna Amman, a former Tamil Tigers leader, to return to Sri Lanka [Images] as a free man.

45-year-old Karuna was released from a jail in London [Images] last month after serving three months for entering Britain on a forged visa and diplomatic passport.

In a statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) described him as "abusive former Tamil Tiger leader".

It also urged the Sri Lankan government to investigate and prosecute him for alleged war crimes committed by him as commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Karuna was the top commander of the LTTE in eastern Sri Lanka, and the reputed number two in the organisation until he left to form his own armed group in March 2004.

Because his group fought against LTTE in recent years, HRW said, the Sri Lankan government did not prosecute him.

The rights watchdog said Tamil Tiger forces under Karuna's command were directly involved in some of the worst crimes of Sri Lanka's ongoing civil war, including torture, summary execution, and use of children as soldiers.

"The British government had an alleged war criminal in custody for six months and couldn't manage to file charges," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"This was a rare opportunity to hold a leader of the Tamil Tigers accountable for horrific human rights abuses, and the British government blew it.

Immigration authorities in the UK arrested Karuna on November 2, 2007. After a criminal conviction, he served half of a nine-month term for possessing illegal documents. Despite assistance from NGOs and others, the government on May 9 announced that the Crown Prosecution Service found there was insufficient evidence to convict Karuna for any criminal offences in the UK, HRW said.

The British government, HRW noted, had frequently raised concerns about Sri Lanka's deteriorating human rights situation with Colombo and has long criticised the LTTE for serious human rights abuses.

British law permits the prosecution of individuals for serious violations of international law, including torture and war crimes, committed abroad. In 2005, UK courts convicted a former Afghan warlord, Faryadi Sarwar Zardad, for acts of torture and hostage-taking in Afghanistan.

The HRW said in June 1990, some 400 to 600 police officers who surrendered to the LTTE were bound, gagged, and beaten. The Tamil Tigers, including forces under Karuna's control, then executed the Sinhalese and Muslims among them.

"Karuna's escape from justice in the UK is a failure for international justice," Adams said. "Now that Karuna is back in Colombo, the spotlight is on the Sri Lanka government to do the right thing or be deemed complicit in his crimes."

Over one million members will be recruited by the National Freedom Front led by Wimal Weerwansa .MP speaking at a press briefing held this morning in Colombo he said his party was recognized by the Election Commissioner this morning but there is no plan to contest the forthcoming Provincial Council Election .
He said membership drive will launch soon and the NFF will request the Speaker of the parliament to give equal state for the NFF as other political parties, which operate in parliament.
If the speaker recognized the NFF Mr.Wimal Weerawansa will be recognized as a party leader.
At present Mr.Weerawansa is in back benches and he may become front row member if the speaker accepts the NFF as a political party in parliament.

The SLAF launched 3 successive air raids at identified LTTE positions located in Vedithalthivu and Pooneryn areas this afternoon (July 3).
According to defence sources, an LTTE gathering point located North East of Vedithalthivu, Mannar was raided by the SLAF MI-24 helicopter gun-ships providing close in fire support to the advancing military units, at around 12.45p.m.
Separately, a truck transferring LTTE terrorists was also destroyed in a similar attack launched by MI-24 gun-ships, 2km South of Vedithalthivu, at 1.15p.m., sources said adding that LTTE casualty figures were yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, air force fighter jets launched precision air strikes at an LTTE sea tiger base in general area Vallaipadu, located 15km Southwest of Pooneryn in Kilinochchi District, at around 3.30p.m.

Fitch Ratings-Colombo/Mumbai/Singapore-03 July 2008: Fitch Ratings Lanka has today assigned a 'BBB+(lka)' National Long-term rating to Sri Lanka-based People's Leasing Company Limited's (PLC) proposed subordinated, unsecured, redeemable (five-year), listed debenture issue of up to LKR1 billion. At the same time, the agency has affirmed PLC's National Long-term rating of 'A-(lka)' (A minus (lka)). The Outlook is Stable.
The issue rating takes into account that the proposed debenture will rank as subordinated to PLC's existing senior debt. PLC's rating reflects its good financial profile, and People's Bank's (Sri Lanka) (PB, 'A-(lka)' (A minus(lka)) / Outlook Positive) 100%-ownership of its equity. PLC benefits from PB's strong brand franchise, and operational and funding support. PLC's rating is constrained by the market risk and limited funding diversity inherent in the specialised leasing company (SLC) sector.
Around 81% of PLC's loan growth during FY08 was funded by way of local institutional borrowings, with equity funding accounting for the remaining 19%. Lenders to the SLC sector have increasingly preferred shorter-term investment instruments during FY08, given the prevalent volatile interest rate environment. As such, PLC has increased issuances of commercial paper and promissory notes to fund its operations, progressively shifting the maturity profile of its borrowings towards the shorter term. Commercial paper and promissory notes in aggregate accounted for 35% of PLC's borrowings at FYE08 compared to 25% at FYE07. Long-term debt issues, such as the one proposed, should help PLC lengthen its funding maturities.
PLC's profitability, although strong compared to industry peers, fell during FY08 due to tightening interest margins and increasing inflationary cost pressures. Fitch expects PLC's profitability to be constrained over the short- to-medium term given the weak economic environment. PLC's gross NPL ratio ( measured by Fitch as loans in arrears for over three months) increased to 11.6% at FYE08 from 7.3% at FYE07 despite loan growth during the period. However PLC's recoveries have been good thus far, with most of its NPLs being regularised before they reach the six-months-in-arrears category (which is the regulatory threshold for the classification of NPLs for non-bank financial institutions), where it posted a NPL ratio of 1.8% at FYE08.
Established in 1996, PLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of People's Bank, and enjoys a market share of around 10% of the leasing industry.
People's Bank owns 1.78% of the shares in Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. No shareholder, other than Fitch Ratings Limited of the UK, is involved in the day- to-day operations of, or credit rating reviews undertaken by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited.

Recently retired Inspector general of Police Victor Perera was sworn in as the Governor of Northern Province today before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

A leading Sri Lankan trade body has allayed fears that Indians would take over the jobs on offer in the island nation following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Sri Lanka.

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) President Nawaz Rajabdeen said that signing the CEPA could be considered a graduation from the FTA with Sri Lanka standing to gain more than India.

He, however, said some short comings that existed in the FTA with India would be corrected before signing the CEPA.

The chamber President said the salary structure in Sri Lanka hardly made it attractive for the Indian job seekers to come to the island country and that they had several offers in Europe and other rich countries.

"There is no need to apprehend that Indians will come to Sri Lanka in search of jobs under the agreement to open the services sector under CEPA," Rajabdeen said.

Stating that the Marxist JVP party had no basis for apprehension on opening of the services sector under CEPA with India, the President of the Chambers said the task of handling business should be left to the businessmen.

"When the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 1998 everybody said that India was a giant and that Sri Lanka would end up as a dumping ground for Indian goods," he told reporters.

He pointed out that after the FTA was implemented in 2000, exports to India had grown 10 times over within four years.

He said the private sector will have a major role to play after the implementation of the CEPA between Sri Lanka and India.

The 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Colombo on August 2-3 will focus on food security and energy crisis being faced by the members of the organization with a view to further promote and enhance cooperation in the region to face these challenges.
This was stated by Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama while addressing a press conference here at local hotel along with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said he is visiting Pakistan to extend invitation from President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to attend the 15th SAARC Summit being hosted by Sri Lanka.
He said there has been significant progress by SAARC in a number of areas like poverty alleviation, but said there still was need for strengthening this regional forum, especially in the fields of regional cooperation, environment, agriculture and food, water and energy security. The theme for the forthcoming 15th SAARC Summit is “partnership for the betterment of the people” and all the member states are interested to make progress in this regard, he added. Commenting on Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations, he said the two countries have historic ties and there is lot of scope for religious tourists to Pakistan from Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Minister said after signing Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there has been tremendous increase the bilateral trade. He said FTA has given a boost to economic ties between the two countries and the bilateral trade is growing. The Foreign Minister said SAARC is working on right track to promote trade and economic activities within the region and expressed the hoped that it will make further progress in this regard.
Regarding bilateral disputes and SAARC’s role, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said such bilateral disputes are not within the jurisdiction of the SAARC charter therefore they are not discussed in the SAARC Summit. He said SAARC has anther development to set up Poverty Alleviation Fund that has over $ 300 million so far. Referring to promote Pak-Sri Lankan relations, the Foreign Minister said Sri Lanka has good achievements in health and education and share its experience with Pakistan in these fields.
He said there is also scope for further improvement in the Telecommunication Sector. The Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also been cooperating in the security sector. Answering a question, he said, there are some Pakistani prisoners in the Sri Lanka jails, some of them are involved in the drug related cases. He said both the countries are working to sign agreement for exchange of prisoners so that the Pakistani prisoners could be repatriated to Pakistan to complete their remaining sentences.

Former Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger renegade Col Karuna has arrived in Colombo after completing a prison sentence in the UK, British embassy officials say.
Embassy spokesman Dominic Williams said that Col Karuna had been removed from a UK detention centre and deported to Sri Lanka on 2 July. The embassy refused to give any more details about his arrival.
A spokesman for his Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers party said that the colonel was "delighted" to be home. But in an interview with the BBC, he said that the colonel would not be offered the position of chief minister of Eastern Province, which was won by an alliance led by the government - containing the Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers - in elections in May. Security concerns Col Karuna was the commander of rebel territory in eastern Sri Lanka and effectively number two in the Tiger military organisation.

But in 2004 Col Karuna defected and began fighting alongside government forces against the Tigers. Col Karuna was sent to jail in the UK in January for identity fraud after being arrested in London late last year. He said his forged diplomatic passport and visa were arranged for him by the Sri Lankan defence secretary. Human rights group Amnesty International expressed disappointment that despite six months of investigation the British authorities did not find enough evidence to charge him for war crimes.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, in a bid to take stock of security concerns in the East had round of discussion with senior officers in the Security Force Headquarters, East in Minneriya this morning (3).
Defence Secretary and Military Chief spoke to a cross section of tri service personnel serving in the area and instructed them to take all necessary preventive measures in relation to Army resurgence of LTTE threats or violent acts.
Commander of the east Major General JJPST Liyanage welcomed the visiting military duo in Minneriya.

LTTE terrorists have carried out an indiscriminate claymore attack in front of Eravur Railway station around 8.10 pm today (July 03), says the defence sources. According to the sources, 3 civilians and 3 police officers have been injured in the explosion. The injured have been admitted to the General Hospital Eravur.
The bomb has been fixed onto a push bicycle parked near the station, the sources said. The police officers have been in the police jeep, which has been patrolling in the area, the sources added.

A South Indian political party staged a demonstration in Tamil Nadu today (July 03rd) and urged the central government to grant citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils who have sought refuge in South India.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Party, led by T. Thirumavalan, organized the protest that called for an easing of the law to give nationality to these displaced persons, who have been living in South India for the past 25 years.
The treatment of more than 600,000 Sri Lankan Tamils as outsiders has resulted in them being faced with various problems, the protestors said.
Life in welfare camps is not fit for them, Thirumavalan said, adding that these people should be allowed to buy land and housing as well as to start their own businesses.

North-Central province educational office decided to close ten schools in Anuradhapura town on Friday.
Issuing a press release the office said the schools are closed Friday since transportation difficulties might be caused as Friday is the final day to hand in nominations for the provincial council elections.
The office said in order to make up for this day a Saturday will be declared a school day

Minister Professor G.L. Peiris says that certain parties continue attempts to remove Sri Lanka of the GSP Plus tax concession arranged by the European Union.
He said Sri Lanka has yet not applied for the extension of the system since no country can apply till the European Commission takes legal measures.
He also refuted statements that the government of France is against the Sri Lankan government. Mr.Peiris said that there is no basis for the rumours that western countries are against Sri Lanka.

Government of Sri Lanka comprehensively condemns the attacks on two media personnel attached to the Sri Lanka Institute of Journalism and the British High commission. The government said three teams have been appointed to look into these attacks, regarded as conspiracies to discredit the government.
According to the government sources the ministerial sub committee to look into the problems of media men will meet on Monday.

The Perahera of the Kandy Esala Festival commences on the 2nd of next month. District Secretary Kandy Gotabhaya Jayaratne says the festival starts with Kap planting ceremony at 6.00 am on this day.
The Devala Peraheras will take place till the 7th. The Kumbal Peraheras will be conducted from the 7th to the 11th. The Randoli Perahera which starts on the 12th will parade the streets till the 17th. The secretary adds the Dalada Perahera will come to an end with water cutting ceremony at dawn on the 17th.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan Feigenbaum who visited Sri Lanka from June 30 and July 1 has reiterated concerns over the human rights situation in the country as well as the pressure being put on the media.

Former Education Minister Richard Pathirana, who had been suffering a prolonged illness, passed away this evening at his Colombo residence.

The UNP has handed over nominations for three districts on Thursday for the forthcoming provincial council election. The districts are Polonnaruwa, Kegalle and Ratnapura. The party will hand over nominations for the Anuradhapura district Friday.
The United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance has handed in nominations for the Ratnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Election.
The nominations were handed in this morning to the Elections Commissioner. Nominations for the North-central and Sabaragamuwa provincial council election close at noon tomorrow.
Several political parties and independent groups have already handed in nominations for several districts. So far five recognized political parties have handed in nominations for the Polonnaruwa district of the North-central province. Eight independent groups have placed their deposits and four groups have also given in their nominations.
In the Anuradhapura district four recognized political parties have handed in their nominations. Eight independent groups have placed their deposits in the district.
In the Sabaragamuwa provincial council three recognized political parties have handed in their nominations for the Kegalle district. Six independent groups have also placed their deposits. In the Ratnapura district seven recognized political parties and five independent groups have given in their nominations.

President Mahinda Rajapaka is to offer a cash prize for information on those responsible for the assault on Acting Manager Advocacy of the Sri Lanka Press Institute, Namal Perera, said sources at Temple Trees.

Yesterday (July 02nd), the SLPI, together with the Newspaper Publishers Association, offered a reward of Rs. 5 million for similar information.

Noting that the government is committed to preserving media freedom, the President has said that the government too, wanted the assailants to be exposed.

The president has spoken about the existence of a force that acts in order to bring disrepute to the government, and that he would be unhesitant in taking action against those responsible.

The President has also condemned last week’s attack by police anti-riot squads on a peaceful protest demonstration by Buddhist monks.

The Patriotic National Front (PNF), a party led by MP Piyasiri Wijenayake and considered by Wimal Weerawansa as an option for his National Freedom Front (NFF), has become a recognized political party.

Elections Commissioner Dayananda D