Govt. imports 8 super luxury Benz cars

From Sunday Leader
The government has ordered eight super luxury, high security Benz cars from Germany at a duty free cost of over US dollars four million, The Sunday Leader learns.

Informed sources said each Benz was in the region of US $ 500,000 duty free.

The super luxury vehicles are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka next month.

It is learned that the value of each vehicle with full cumulative duties of 500 per cent would be in the region of US$ 2.5 million or approximately Rs. 267 million.

The luxury vehicles are to come at a time the government citing the global oil crisis is to introduce tough economic measures including the curtailment of the school week to four days by increasing the current daily school duration by 90 minutes.

In terms of the duty structure the value of the eight super luxury vehicles will be approximately Rs. 2.13 billion.

President Mahinda Rajapakse in a memorandum submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers last week called for a one year suspension on the importation of motor vehicles other than vehicles imported for the provision of health, security and similar purposes unless the importers pay the full duty and taxes on the importation of vehicles.

"At present the government has imposed cumulative duties up to 500 per cent on luxury vehicles but very often various types of vehicles are imported under concessionary arrangement, thereby weakening the impact of duties and taxes imposed on such vehicles," the President said in the May 28 memorandum.

Informed sources said the official reason for the importation of the luxury vehicles is for use in the three-day SAARC Summit in August after which the vehicles will be attached to the Presidential fleet.

It is learned several ministers have called for high security vehicles and the President had indicated some vehicles from his existing fleet would be allocated once the SAARC Summit is concluded and the new luxury vehicles are allocated to his fleet.

Tracking system for buses

By Shezna Shums

The National Transport Commission (NTC) is hoping to launch a vehicle tracking system for public transport buses.

The NTC has already asked the public for expressions of interest regarding this project and will be calling for local expertise on tracking technology to be used in the buses.

The first phase of this pilot project is to cover around 3000 inter provincial buses and will be expanded to about 25,000 buses.

The NTC initially intends to only track the location of the buses. It is expected to develop this project to provide web based real time information to operators and passengers.

Director General, NTC, M.A. Jeffrey told The Sunday Leader that initially the tracking devices will only be on public buses recording the time the bus leaves and arrives at the bus depots, and the time taken for each journey to determine the speed at which the bus has been travelling.

"This will be a pilot project to see if the buses are conforming to the given time tables," said Jeffrey.

UNP to seek legal redress against elections

The United National Party is to seek a Supreme Court order against the conduct of any elections until the establishment of independent commissions.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said that the party would go to courts next week for an injunction to the Elections Commissioner.

He said that there was no credibility of free and fair elections being held until the independent elections commission becomes existent under the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.


Mr. Attanayake also noted that the Elections Commissioner had no power or an administrative mechanism to act against poll malpractices and violence.

Government appoints Hudson as chairman of the SLBC

Hudson Samarasinghe has once again been appointed chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

On the directive of the President, Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has made the appointment with effect from Saturday (May 31st).

Mr. Samarasinghe previously had two stints as chief of the SLBC.

9 terrorists killed, 6 wounded in yesterday's clashes

Nine LTTE terrorists were killed while another 6 suffered injuries due to the clashes erupted in Jaffna and Wanni theatres yesterday, May 31, MCNS sources said. In addition 4 soldiers have laid their lives and 6 others reported wounded, MCNS added.
On Jaffna theatre, citing a finalized military report MCNS said that 3 terrorists were suffered injuries due to yesterday's clashes. An army soldier was killed while another suffered injuries clashes ensued in the same front.
On Wanni theatre, in Vavuniya front, 7 terrorists were killed while no casualties were reported for own troops. In Mannar front, 3 soldiers suffered injuries and they were evacuated to the Mannar hospital.
In Welioya front, 2 terrorists were killed while another 3 suffered injuries due to yesterday's clashes. 3 soldiers have laid their lives while 2 more received injuries in the same front, MCNS stated.

LTTE would have stolen 17,000 detonators from a Tamil Nadu warehouse- TN Police

(By Walter Jayawardhana)
The Police in Tamil Nadu has confirmed that the 17,000 detonators missing from a Trichy Warehouse would have been stolen by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The LTTE terrorists is facing the brunt of an offensive of the armed forces of Sri Lanka and is allegedly increased its offences against civilians in the South of the country.
Around 17,000 detonators were reported from a godown in Karur near the Tamil Nadu city of Trichy and the Tamil Nadu police ruled out the Indian terrorists, Naxals, as the culprits behind the theft and pointed their finger at the LTTE terrorists.
The incident once again raised fears in the Indian security circles that the terrorist group could be still using neighbouring Tamil Nadu as their weapons supply base despite all sorts of precautions taken by both governments.
The Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu, K.P. Jain told an Indian television station, "Definitely there is a security concern. That is why we have procedures to check storage facilities and other shops, to ensure that they are not given out to wrong people. But still these cases happen. We do not suspect Naxals. But it could be for the LTTE."

Thilanga, Duminda SLFP organisers

Former Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka Thilanga Sumathipala and UNP provincial councillor who switched allegiance to the government recently, Duminda Dissanayake are to be appointed as the SLFP organizers in the Colombo district, political sources said.
During the Presidential Election in 2005, Mr. Sumathipala acted as the UNP organizer for the Anuradhapura district.

Two Lankan kids stabbed to death in UK

Two Sri Lankan children aged four and five were stabbed to death in their family home in South London and their six-month-old baby sister is critically ill in hospital with knife wounds. Their Sri Lankan parents have been arrested over the crime.

President meets EPC governing party

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
President Mahinda Rajapakse met the members of the governing party of the eastern province at Temple trees on Saturday .
At the meeting, Hassen Maulav was chosen as the Leader of the House of the Eastern Provincial Council while Thuraiappa Navarathna Raja was appointed as the chief organizer of the ruling party.
Mr. Faiz was proposed as the Chairman of the Council and N.K.D.S. Gunawardena was named as the Deputy Chairman of the council. Provincial Minister M.A.L.M. Hisbulla proposed to hold a workshop on administration for the members of the Eastern Provincial Council.
Responding to the proposal the President stated a local and an international training would be provided to newly elected councilors on local government issues in the near future. He also instructed authorities to provide necessary security for the members of the council.

Special attention focused on the teaching vacancies in the Eastern. Minister Susil Premajayanth disclosed 400 teachers will be recruited shortly in both Sinhala and Tamil media based on the results of the recently held teacher examination.
He pointed out it would fill 90 percent of the teacher requirement in the province.
Meanwhile, the President added the international community including government of Japan has agreed to provide grants to uplift the infrastructure facilities in the province.

One killed due to gun shot in Horana

Selliah selvarajah , owner of a private shop in Horana was killed due to gunshot injuries.
Horana Police is conducting investigations.

Two killed in wellawatta Bomb blast

Two were killed and another eight were injured due to the hand grenade attack at Wellawatta a short while ago.
Bomb blast occured near Arpico centre in Wellawatta , the Police said.

Three injured due to Bomb blast in Wellawatta

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Bomb blast occured near Arpico centre in Wellawatta, a short while ago.At least three people were injured due to the blast. The blast was caused by a hand grenade, the Police said.

Bomb blast in Wellawatta

Bomb blast occured near Arpico centre in Wellawatta, a short while ago.Await for details .

Pillayan to Chief in Chief Minister's forum appoints Pillayan as their head for another four month period

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Ex-militant and present first eastern Province Tamil Chief Minister S. Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan who had a good public response from the eastern province was appointed as the Chiarman of the Chief Minister's Forum which began Saturday at Badulla, Central hills Sri Lanka.
He will hold this chiarmanship for next four months.Mr.Pillayanhas requested the chief minister's forum to organise next CM's forum in Batticalo , in the eastern Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka seeks food crisis loan: World Bank

The World Bank is considering giving Sri Lanka a crisis loan to tackle galloping food prices, the global financial institution's vice president said on Friday.
The island, which is battling 30 percent inflation and over three decades of separatist war with Tamil Tiger rebels, has sought funds from the World Bank's emergency Food Crises Response Trust Fund.
"The Bank is currently discussing with the government what kind of assistance would be useful and whether the Bank can provide such assistance," vice president Praful Patel said.
"Sri Lanka has made a request" for a loan from the emergency fund, Patel said .
"It is difficult to say how much, but we are not talking about 10 million or 15 million dollars. It will be around 100 million -- in that range," he said.
His statement came after an announcement last week by the government that the World Bank was giving 100 million dollars to Sri Lanka in emergency food aid.
The Food Crises Response Trust Fund was created to fight soaring global commodity prices and aims to assist countries most seriously affected.
"The fund is targeting some 800 million dollars for countries such as Sri Lanka that have been hit by the food crisis," Patel said.
The solution for Sri Lanka, he said, was not to import more food, but to improve agriculture productivity.

Saudis Offered Islamic Investment in Sri Lanka

A leading Shariah-compliant financial services provider in Sri Lanka has called on Saudi corporate clients to invest in the Colombo Stock exchange for attractive dividends.
Mohammed Riyas, director of Sales and Business Development of Colombo-based Amana Securities Limited, said that he had come to offer unique services to Saudi clients to identify and trade in companies complying with Islamic Law based on the parameters prescribed by internationally accepted Shariah scholars.
“Our unique portfolio of services will include a white list of stocks that comply with Shariah parameters and provide access to local and foreign funds that require Shariah-complaint investment avenues. “
Riyas said that Amana Securities Limited has displayed a clear vision and leadership by launching the DJIM Amana Sri Lanka Index, a pioneering distinction that brings global exposure and a wider vista of investment opportunities.
“It is one of the 20 companies permitted to trade on the Colombo Stock Exchange,” he said.
The Lankan bourse has 235 listed companies representing 20 business sectors. The market capitalization in March was 835.3 billion Sri Lankan rupees (SR28 billion) and the CSE recorded its highest daily turnover of 33.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees (SR1.151 billion) on April 1. It is one of the top performing markets in Asia, with an average annual index growth rate of 27 percent.
Share trading in Sri Lanka dates back to 1896 when the Colombo Brokers Association commenced the share trading in limited liability companies which were involved in opening plantations in Sri Lanka.
“The trading activity was automated with the installation of the Automated Trading System in 1997,” he said, adding that the technology introduced by the bourse has significantly enhanced its competitiveness and has provided a more efficient and transparent market. The exchange is currently in the process of introducing a debt securities trading system for trading of fixed income securities.
Companies listed on the exchange have seen a large increase in foreign investment following the improvement in the security situation in the country.
“Besides reputed international company like Marks & Spencer, Maxis, the largest telecommunications company of Malaysia, and Bharti Airtel of India have invested a substantial volume in the communication fields,” he noted.
Buoyed by improved investor confidence due to positive political developments and strong corporate results, the exchange has continued to achieve strong growth in 2007, as the ASPI passed the 3,000 mark for the first time in its history on February 13 reaching a record high for the seventh consecutive day.
Speaking about Sri Lanka, Riyas said that the island with a population of 24 million enjoys a 92 percent literacy rate, second to Japan among the ASEAN countries.
“Its per capita income is $1,617, next to Maldives in the region,” he said, adding that his country has the highest number of CIMA qualified accountants in the world after Britain. He added that the island country is strategically located only 25kms from a major international shipping lane — 14,000 ships sail through the channel — and can be a launching pad for investments in the region.

Sri Lanka’s inflation hits 26.2pc

COLOMBO, May 30: Annual inflation in Sri Lanka hit 26.2 per cent in May, according to official data on Friday, driven by higher food, fuel and other prices.

The inflation rate was calculated using the new Colombo Consumer Price Index which tracks price movements since 2002, the statistics department said.

The level was a record high according to the index, which was released for the first time on Friday.

The statistics department said it was discontinuing the previous Colombo Consumer Price Index, which has been tracking price movements since 1952. Under the old index, inflation hit a decade-high of 29.9 per cent in April.

Sri Lanka rebels show no signs of peace: government official

SINGAPORE (AFP) - The Tamil Tigers have shown no sign they are genuine about wanting peace even though the door remains open for a return to negotiations, a senior Sri Lankan official said Saturday.
"We are looking for a negotiated end to this conflict... so far they have shown no inclination to enter into any constructive dialogue with a view to ending this conflict," Palitha Kohona, a secretary with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security summit.
He said "the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) is free to come back to the negotiating table but... must do so genuinely with a commitment to negotiating a sustainable peace and for that it must also leave aside its weaponry."
Kohona's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue -- or Asia Security Summit -- came as the separatist Tamil Tigers rejected government plans to devolve more power to the island's north and east, while a pro-rebel website said they had killed 31 troops in the latest fighting.
There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka's defence ministry.
Kohona said President Mahinda Rajapakse's government had learned the lessons of the past and will only enter into peace talks with the LTTE if they show they are genuine and willing to put down their weapons.
Fighting has escalated sharply since Colombo pulled out of a six-year Norwegian-brokered truce with the LTTE in January believing it had the military strength to crush them.
The Tamil Tigers launched their armed struggle for a separate Tamil state in the north in 1972, and the ensuing conflict has left tens of thousands of people dead in the Sinhalese majority island.
Kohona said the LTTE re-armed itself to hit back after the truce began in 2002, and vowed the present government "is no longer willing to simply agree to a ceasefire agreement without a commitment on the part of the LTTE to achieve a final solution to this problem."
Rajapakse vowed last Tuesday to press on with a military campaign to crush the rebels, a day after guerrillas set off a bomb inside a train killing nine people and wounding 84.
B. Nadesan, head of the political wing of the LTTE, denied the Tigers had attacked civilians, and accused Rajapakse of "paying lip service" to a political solution while pursuing a "war against the Tamil nation."

Sri Lanka woos Indian beauty queens, swamis to boost tourism

P K Balachandran
Faced with a steady fall in tourist arrivals due to the worsening security situation, Sri Lanka’s Tourist Board has roped in Indian beauty queens, holy men and intellectuals to tout the country as a safe and worthwhile destination for Indians, who have in recent years emerged as the largest group of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Parvathy Omanakuttan, Miss India World for this year, and Tanvi Vyas, Miss India Earth, are expected to set the ramp on fire at a fashion show in Colombo this weekend. And in August, three Hindu holy men from North India are to arrive with a retinue of 1,000 devotees of Lord Rama to visit 34 important sites on the island associated with the epic Ramayana.

“Those on the Ramayana trail will be Swami Ajayji of Triveni Seva Mission at Delhi; Swami Krishnanandji of the Rashtriya Go Raksha Samithi; and Swami Gyananandji Maharaj, an exponent of Krishna Katha,” said Ashok Kumar Kainth, a Tourist Board researcher on sites relating to the Ramayana in Sri Lanka.

The Indian intelligentsia is being tapped, too.

In July, a 20-member delegation of the New Delhi-based Antar Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad headed by veteran journalist Baleshwar Prasad and former Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha, will tour Sri Lanka, meet its leaders across the board, and hopefully propagate the virtues of the island on return to India. “The aim is to get favourable publicity in India for Sri Lanka in the midst of all the negative publicity the world over because of the war and the bomb blasts,” said Director General of Tourism, S. Kalaiselvan.

“We want to promote this beautiful and culturally rich island as a destination for the young and trendy, as well as seniors, intellectuals, and those with a religious bent of mind,” he told this website’s newspaper here on Saturday.

The Tourist Board is worried about the fall in arrivals from almost every country, including India. Comparing the data for the period January-April 2007 with those for a similar period in 2008, there had been a 14.3 per cent fall in Indian arrivals. The number had come down from 37,964 to 32,547.

Most of the arrivals have been from South India. The Sri Lankan Tourist Board thinks it’s time it tapped the North Indian market, too. Hence the bid to get all India beauty queens, holy men, intellectuals and publicists from North India

UNP plans to launch an island wide protest campaign against recent fuel hike.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Sri Lanka's main opposition the United National Party has decided to launch an island wide protest campaign against government's unreasonable fuel price hike. According to the Secretary General of the UNP Tissa Attanayake the UNP will request all vehicle owners to stop their vehicles and blow the horns and glare the lights for five minutes from 12.00 a.m. on Tuesday 3rd June.
"This campaign is to be covered island wide ", said Mr.Attanayake .
He said the price hike on fuel and Kerosene oil is not because of World Market fluctuations as the Govt. is falsely claiming. It is because of the losses that have to be covered up due to Govt.’s corruption, profligacy, mismanagement and maintenance of its largest Cabinet of Ministers and President’s 168 advisors who are enjoying the best of perks and benefits at the expense of the common man.
“The Govt. is appropriating Rs. 57.00 as tax on every liter of oil. If the Govt. wishes it can cut back on this tax and pass the benefit to the consumers, which it is not doing, he asserted, Mr.Attanayake explained.
He said the UNP, which has always stood steadfastly with the people.

Reggie no more

Reggie Ranatunga, MP for Gampaha passed away at a private hospital in Colombo, a short while ago in a private hospital. He was ailing for some time.

A staunch SLFPer and he held important posts in the party and the Government. The former Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province last entered Parliament after fellow parliamentarian from Gampaha, Sripathi Sooriyarachchi died in a car accident a few months ago.

Ranatunga is the father of Sri Lanka's legendary cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga, at present Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, who is also a Member of Parliament representing the Colombo District.
UPFA member Neil Rupasinghe is next in line to succeed MP Reggie Ranatunga who passed away today. Mr. Ranatunga was the fourth parliamentarian from the Gampaha district to die this year. The other three MPs were Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, Anura Bandaranaike and Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

Civil Defence Force averts possible disaster - Rajanganaya

Civil Defence Force personnel on duty at Yaya 18 (zone 18) village on the borders of Wilpattuwa jungle confronted with a group of terrorists last night (May 30).

According to the defence sources in the area, the terrorists had forcibly entered into a civilian house around 7.45 pm and started butchering the innocent residents. Alerted by the wailing residents the Civil Defence Force personnel had rushed to the location and confronted with the terrorists who attempted to continue their cowardly attack at the civilians, said the sources. After a brief confrontation the terrorists had fled to the Wilpattuwa jungle, the sources added.

One Civil Defence Force personnel suffered gunshot injuries in the attack. Also, a 50 year old mother of the house that the terrorists had raided was killed and her husband was seriously injured. The two injured people later succumbed to injuries at the Anuradhapura hospital, said the sources.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization that routinely target civilians in pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The outfit has killed tens and thousands of innocent civilians in number of ethnic cleansing raids at Sinhalese and Muslim villages in North and East.

Five suicide jackets found; suspect detained - Chilaw

Police acting on an information received from intelligence sources found 5 jackets designed for the LTTE suicide bombers from Maina Doopatha (an islet) in the Chilaw area . According to the police sources, only four out of the five jackets were filled with high explosives.

Police said the jackets were unearthed from a location close to an abandoned Hindu Temple around 6.30 pm. A person was also detained for further inquiries, the sources added.

LTTE is the terror outfit that pioneered the suicide terrorism and introduced recruitment, brainwashing, and technical expertise for suicide bombing to the terrorist organizations in the world over. It has carried out over 200 suicide attacks killing hundreds of people during its two and half decades of terrorist war against Sri Lankan citizens.

Pillayan the new chairman of Chief Ministers’ Forum

Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan was appointed as the chairman of the Chief Ministers’ Forum today in Badulla for the next four months. The Forum also decided to conduct the next session in Batticaloa.

Two killed, 8 injured in army vehicle accident

A soldier and a sailor were killed and eight others injured when a army unicorn met with an accident at Katagamuwa in Kataragama this morning.

Quake no threat to Sri Lanka

The Dissaster management center says there is no threat to Sri Lanka from the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which occurred in the sea, some 4,000 km south of the country at around 10.34 this morning.

Ten injured in train collision

At least ten people were injured when two trains collided at Botale in Mirigama on Saturday. Railways sources said train services on the main line were disrupted after the collision between the Medawachchiya train and a service train.

Mervyn to close down opponents' liquor shops in Kelaniya

Minister Mervyn Silva has reportedly said that he would close down all liquor shops in his Kelaniya electorate, except those owned by his supporters.

According to 'Divaina' newspaper, the Labour Minister also promised at a function yesterday to shut down all beef stalls in the area, and to free four cattle from slaughter every month.

He was speaking in the presence of Chief Incumbent of the Kelani Raja Maha Vihara Ven. Kollupitiye Sri Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera at the opening of a new bridge across the Kelani River.


The temple's Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle, Highways Minister T.B. Ekanayake, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Priyantha Kariyapperuma, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority Nalaka Bamunusinghe and several other politicians also attended, the newspaper reported.

New fee to be levied by Colombo courts

The Colombo High Court and the Commercial High Court will be charging Rs. 500 per case that is filed with them from June 01st, according to a government decision.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has approved the new levy that goes to a fund, which will buy technological equipment needed by the two courts, their registrars said.

From May 26th, the relevant notification is on display at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex.

However, a legal expert said that this fee is going to be levied without backing from any piece of legislation, and that the decision was unfair and illegal.

It is the accepted practice to channel the monies collected through such a levy to a consolidated state fund in accordance with financial and administrative regulations.

The legal expert also questioned the transparency of the new fund that is not accountable to Parliament or the Auditor General's Department.


On average, the two courts daily receive around 150 new cases pertaining to divorces, land, finances and other matters.

UNP to table media freedom proposal before House

The United National Party is to table a special proposal before Parliament in the coming weeks for the protection of media freedom.

The party's General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told 'Lanka Dissent' that views and suggestions of media organizations and experts in the field would be welcome in this regard.

The UNP will seek their advice within the next few days before drafting the proposal, he added.

CONTRADICTORY POSITIONS ON MEDIA FREEDOM ENCOURAGE IMPUNITY

The silencing of journalists by killing and intimidating them has become a major problem in Sri Lanka. The National Peace Council condemns the killing of Paranirupasingam Devakumar who is the ninth journalist to be killed in the past two years. We are appalled at the brutal manner of his death by waylaying him as he was traveling and hacking him to death. This killing comes soon after the brutal assault and torture of senior journalist Keith Noyahr in Colombo.

International experience has shown that a key component of any political solution is its acceptance by the people of the country. It through public awareness creation, in which the media plays a central role, that the people's mandate for a sustainable political solution can be found. The National Peace Council notes that the government continues to stand by the position that it is for a political solution to the ethnic conflict and the ongoing military operations are meant to facilitate that political solution.

In this context, the killing of Paranirupasingam Devakumar, who worked for a national television network in Jaffna will be a further constraint on the free flow of information from the war zones of the north. We reiterate our concern about the continued incarceration of senior journalist J S Tissaianayagam, whose arrest and detention now continues into its third month without charges being made against him in a court of law.

We are perturbed by statements made by senior Defence Ministry officials that the military and its leadership should not be criticized by the media and that journalists working for the state controlled media had no right to criticize the government. While welcoming the Media Minister's statement that this is not government policy, we ask the government to ensure a unified media policy as contradictory statements may be taken by various groups as a further license to behave with impunity towards the media.

The National Peace Council expresses solidarity with those journalists who are courageously committed to revealing realities from the ground and to risking their lives in the service of truth. We express our admiration of the willingness of media personnel to continue their work in the face of such fatal risks. We call on the government to put in place protection mechanisms that would ensure the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka and the right of citizens to access a diverse media that provides free and accurate reporting on national affairs.

May UNP+SLMC boycott EPC inagural session ?

General Secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake says the selected UNP candidates of the Eastern Provincial Council will take oaths withing next few days .Replying media he said the UNP and the SLMC would decide their presence to the inagural sessions of the EPC.However unconfirmed reports of the SLMC said oppostion may be boycott the inagural meeting of the EPC .
The sources said the Government has failed to stand by its promises made at the recent Eastern provincial Council (EPC) elections to bring peace and prosperity to the people of the East.Due to this the SLMC is considering boycotting the inaugural sittings of the EPC.
The entire Eastern province is in turmoil and serious unrest after the elections with the Government. also unable to bring the situation under control.
Meanhile SLMC's spokesman Nizam Kariapper said there had been several attacks on Muslim civilians.

The inagural sessions of the EPC would be held on 6th June .After 20 years the public representatives will admit the administration of the Eastern province.

Government's politicos obstruct the motorcade of leaderof the Opposition

Tissa Attanayake, UNP Gen. Secretary, condemned the action of Government. politicos, led by Deputy Aviation Minister, Gunaratne trying to obstruct the motorcade of Ranil Wickremesinghe when he was returning to Colombo after his overseas tour.
These unruly and underworld elements also staged a Demonstration outside the Bandaranayake International Airport shouting anti Wickremesinghe slogans and carrying banners, alleging that the Leader of Opposition was seeking to undermine the GSP+ benefits, which is on the verge of being withdrawn, actually due to Govt.’s failure to adhere to the stipulations of the 27 Int. treaties to which the Government is also a signatory.

It is indeed a sad misconception by the Government as; it is all Apparel exporters who will be hit by this GSP+ withdrawal, who insisted upon the Opposition Leader to help them out by discussing with the European countries on their behalf in this regard. Ranil made this tour too for this purpose.

UNP vehicle protest on June 3

The UNP has requested the public to bring their vehicles to a stop on the roads at 12noon on June 3, as a mark of protest against the government implementing an unprecedented fuel price hike.

Air Force fighter jets pound LTTE artillery & mortar launching platforms - Poonaryn

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded on LTTE artillery and mortar launching platforms located at Kalmunai point, in the Poonaryn general area this afternoon (May 30). According to the Air Force sources, to separate sorties were launched around 12 noon and 1.20 pm.
The targets were accurately hit, but the exact damages to the enemy are yet to be ascertained, the sources added.
According to the defence sources in Jaffna, LTTE terrorists had used the targeted locations to launch artillery attacks at the Tamil villages in the peninsula yesterday. 6 civilians including two children were killed and 20 others including a pregnant mother were injured in these attacks. Dozens of civilian houses and a catholic church were destroyed.

21 terrorists killed , 11 wounded in yesterday's clashes in North

Munnagam base - North of Janakapura" pbshowcaption="true"Finalized military reports received form the warfronts in the North for yesterday (May 29) indicate that 21 terrorists were killed and 11 others wounded in counter terrorist operations conducted in the Jaffna and the Wanni theaters of battle. Further, 15 others were reportedly killed or suffered serious injuries, according to the reports.
In the Jaffna theatre of battle, troops confronted with the terrorists in the Elathumadduwal area last morning. A soldier suffered injuries in this confrontation. No details on terror casualties were available. Meanwhile, another soldier suffered injuries due to an anti personal (AP) mine explosion earlier on the same day morning.
In addition, army and navy repulsed a pre-dawn terror attack at the Chiranththivu islet located along the Jaffna - Mandathivu causeway. A soldier was killed, and two others were injured while a soldier and two sailors reported missing in this incident. Ground troops claimed that at least 15 terrorist were killed in the retaliatory fire. Following the attack the terrorist, engaged heavy artillery at civilian dwellings in the populated Kolombuthurai, Gurunagar and Pasiuura areas. 6 civilians including 2 children were killed and 20 others including a pregnant woman suffered injuries.
Elsewhere, suspected LTTE assassins gunned down a civilian at Kallikai in the Nelliady area. Police probes in to the incident.
Troops made significant gains in Wanni theatre of battle as multi front attacks on the terror defences were continued throughout the day.
On the Vavuniya front, troops confronted with the terrorist in the Periyamadhukulam, Muppankulam, and Palaimoddai areas during the daytime and claimed to have killed 4 terrorists and wounded 8 others. Also, 3 soldiers suffered injuries due to small arms fire in the confrontation that took place at Muppankulam. A soldier suffered injuries due to an AP mine explosion that took place in the Periyamadhu area last evening. Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations in the Mundimurippu area removed 18 AP mines during the day.
On the Mannar front, troops raided an LTTE strong point located in Andankulama area last morning. Troops claimed that at least 6 terrorists were either killed or wounded while two soldiers also suffered injuries in this incident.
The major thrust of the on-going counter terror operation continued to remain on the Welioya front, as troops captured LTTE's main logistic base known as " Munnagam Base" located 6 Km North of Janakapura last evening. According to the defence sources, the base that provided the lifeline to the terrorists operating in the forward positions is consisted of 3 permanent buildings, 3 fortified command bunkers, and observation turrets. In addition, the base half-square acre in size has a large kitchen facility, and a storage room and an underground trench system linking each other. The sources further said that the camp was provided with electricity by a generator and facilitated with the water supply with two water towers and a well.
Separately , troops captured another fortified terror location with 7 bunkers and trenches located in the North of Janakapura area on the same day evening. During the subsequent search, troops found one T-81 riffle along with 7 magazines, 500 ammo used for the same weapon, 28 hand grenades, and other military gear.
Separately, in series of clashes occurred in the North of Kiriibbanwewa and North of Janakapura areas with in the course of the day , 2 terrorist reportedly killed and 3 others wounded. In addition, 9 others were either killed or wounded, according to the ground sources. Troops suffered no casualties in the Welioya front for the day.
Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations in area removed 53 AP mines, 4 booby traps, 3 improvised bombs during the day.

Lanka IOC to withdraw from diesel sales?

Lanka Indian Oil Corporation is planning to further increase its diesel price with the ultimate objective of withdrawing from diesel sales and focus on the more profitable petrol sales, 'Lanka' newspaper says in its banner headline story.
Lanka IOC has been raising its diesel price without control after the government granted it permission to fix prices.
Since May 21st, it had increased the price by Rs. 20, Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 margins on three separate occasions, and a litre of diesel is presently sold at Rs. 130.
With its sale of petrol at Rs. 157 per litre, Lanka IOC earns an additional profit of Rs. 23, according to 'Lanka.'
The company is hoping that its higher diesel price will make consumers attracted more to filling stations run by the State Petroleum Corporation.
The longer wait and the longer queues created will result in more and more petrol-run vehicles soliciting Lanka OIC filling stations, thus increasing its petrol sales by unprecedented margins.
Having 100 filling stations in the country, it presently accounts for one-third of the local fuel market.
Experts note that neither the government nor the CPC has a way out of this scheme by Lanka IOC, the newspaper added.

Policeman injured in shooting in Monaragala

A police team came under attack by an unidentified group at Karakolagaspitiya in Monaragala this afternoon (May 30th), Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara said.
Around 20 persons clad in black fired at the police with an automatic weapon, injuring one policeman, he said.
The assailants had fled the area when the police returned fire.

Another defence reporter warned

Five local media rights groups report that senior journalist attached to 'Divaina' newspaper Sirimevan Kasturiarachchi had been warned by a group against reporting on defence matters.
They said in a statement that the three intimidators had gone to the Veyangoda home of the former treasurer of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association on May 29th.
According to the statement, Mr. Kasturiarachchi is a former officer of the Air Force and has been a defence reporter for around 20 years.He is the brother of a senior army officer who is reported as missing while on duty many years ago.
The 'Divaina' journalist has told the group about all this, and also that he had never troubled the government or the armed forces through his reporting.
However, they had insisted that he should stop reporting on defence matters immediately.
Mr. Kasturiarachchi also says that since of late, he has been prevented from covering important events of the army at the instigation of its hierarchy.
The statement says that the five media rights groups strongly condemn the continued harassment, intimidation and attacks against journalists as part of intensifying curbs against media freedom.They reiterate to the authorities that they should immediately intervene and ensure the people's right to information.
The statement has been signed by the Free Media Movement, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, the Muslim Media Forum and the Tamil Media Alliance.

NFF appoints 15 district organizers

The National Freedom Front, led by JVP breakaways Wimal Weerawansa and Nandana Gunatilake, has appointed organizers for 15 districts.
The most prominent of the appointees are Achala Suranga Jagoda for Colombo, Jayantha Samaraweera for Kalutara, Piyasiri Wijenayake for Gampaha, Samansiri Herath for Puttalam and Senaratne de Silva for Kurunegala.
The NFF is also having Priyantha Bellana as its organizer for Galle, Deepal Gunasekara for Ratnapura, Priyanjith Wijesekara for Kegallae, Weerakumara Dissanayake for Anuradhapura, Saman Cabraal for Polonnaruwa, Nimal Premawansa for Kandy, Shirley Aravinda for Matale, Nimal Piyatissa for Nuwara Eliya, Padma Udaya Shantha for Moneragala and Mohamed Muzammil for Batticaloa.The party said organizers for Matara, Hambantota, Badulla, Trincomalee and Ampara would be appointed shortly.

SLAF carried out more air raids

Sri Lanka Air Force has carried out more air raids to identified LTTE targets in north.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said the targets of the air raids were mortar and artillery positions located in Kalmunai Bay at Punarine. They were launched at 12 noon and around 1.20 pm. The pilots have confirmed the air raids were successful.

Dalles -acting Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party

Minister of Transport Dalles Alahapperuma has been appointed as the acting Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party .
The appointment was made at a Central Committee meeting of the Party held under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapakse at the Temple Trees yesterday. The Central Committee has unanimously endorsed the proposal to appoint Minister Alahapperuma, presented by General Secretary of the SLFP and Minister Maithreepala Sirisena.
Post of Treasurer of the party has fallen vacant due to the death of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

New political parties before EC

The election secretariat says several new political parties have applied for registration.
A spokesman of the secretariat said the applications for registration will be examined by Commissioner of Elections Dayananda Dissanayake in the next few days.

Special attention will be focused on the colour and symbols. There are 58 registered political parties in Sri Lanka.

The Mihin Airline recommence its operations from July.

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
The Mihin air service will re-start their activities from July this year. Chief executive officer of the company Savin Vas Gunwardena says the attention has been focused to buy a French air bus at a concessionary leasing basis. It is expected to re-start six journeys which were implemented earlier.
The main aim is to minimize monthly losses and to become a profitable institute by April next year. The objective is to amalgamate with the Sri Lankan airlines in order to conduct business on a commercial basis.
He added that the Mihin air services has recorded the the profit of 2.73 billion rupees in the past one year. The company has provided service to more than 200 thousand commuters. The company started services with a premium capital of 250 million rupees.
Mr. Gunawardena added that the airline has become a very profitable and popular service for both local and foreign commuters. The chief executive rejecting unjust accusations launched by certain parities against the airline has reiterated that the airline has never used Employees Provident Funds of employees for conducting of the airline.

Special loan scheme for local footwear industry

Lanka Puthra Development bank operates a special loan to assist the local footwear industry.
The ministry of industrial development and the Sri Lanka Footwear Manufacturer’s Association contributes in this measure.
A maximum of 500,000 rupees will be granted under this loans scheme. This aim of this loan is to minimise the import of footwear and manufacture the country’s requirement locally.

Buyer -Seller meeting in Sri Lanka

Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council of India will hold a buyer-seller meet in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 26 and 27.

A release from PDEXCIL in this regard says the meet Indiatex 2008 is to showcase products of manufacturers and exports who are members of the organisation.

The meet is in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Textile Development Industry, Sri Lanka, Indo-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Joint Apparel Association in Sri Lanka.

The meet will be inaugurated by Sri Lankan Minister Welgama, Minister for Industry Development and Minister Chandrasekar, Minister for Employment.

UN humanitarian chief condemns targeting of civilians in attacks in Sri Lanka

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes today condemned the continuing targeting of civilians in Sri Lanka.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 200 civilian lives have been lost in bombings in Sri Lanka. Attacks have targeted mass transport facilities and busy public areas in both the immediate conflict areas and population centres.

‘The targeting of non-combatants is a contravention of International Humanitarian Law, for which those responsible must be held accountable,’ Mr. Holmes said. ‘This despicable behaviour must stop,’ he added.

This week alone, more than 20 civilians were killed and several dozens injured in different violent incidents. The attacks include the firing of artillery shells into a populated area in the Jaffna peninsula early on Wednesday, which left six civilians dead and a dozen or more injured.

On Monday, nine people died and 73 were injured when a bomb exploded on a busy commuter train in Dehiwela, a suburb of Colombo. Last weekend, two other bombs were discovered and defused before they exploded. Three days earlier a roadside bomb killed 17 civilians on a main road used to access displaced populations in the Kilinochchi district.

Military repels Tiger naval attack, 8 killed

Sri Lanka’s military sank four Tamil Tiger boats killing at least eight rebels before dawn yesterday, and rebel artillery fire killed six civilians, the military said.
The sea battle took place off the northern tip of Jaffna and came amid daily land, sea and air attacks in a new chapter of 25-year old civil war.
The military said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam launched an attack on an island near Jaffna where naval and army units are located.
“The army-navy combine sank four boats and the LTTE communications confirmed 8 LTTE cadres killed and many injured including the leader and deputy who was in charge of the attack,” said navy spokesman Commander D K P Dassanayake.

Man who faked death pleads guilty to insurance scam

Singapore - A man who hid in Sri Lanka for more than 20 years after faking his death pleaded guilty to insurance fraud, leaving his family with 330,000 Singapore dollars (246,000 US dollars), news reports said Friday. Under the elaborate plan, his relatives claimed he had been killed by Tamil Tiger rebels.

Gandaruban Subramaniam, a 60-year-old Singaporean, admitted to conspiring with his younger brother S Moganaruban and former wife Renuga Devi Sinnaduray to cheat two insurance companies in 1989, The Straits Times said.

He was arrested last year after trying to enter Singapore on a fake passport.

Renuga, 51, said that Gandaruban faked his death to escape from creditors after his car-rental business failed in 1987.

Deputy Public Prosecutor James Lee told the court Thursday that after fleeing to Sri Lanka, Gandaruban came up with the scheme to fake his death in order to collect on three life-insurance policies, the report said.

He obtained a fake death certificate. Renuga filed court documents swearing that Ganaruban, then her husband, died without leaving a will.

Renuga deposited two cheques in one account and later transferred some of the insurance money to a joint bank account with Moganaruban.

Moganaruban, once a leading figure in the Tamil community, served 26 months in prison for his role in the scam.

Renuga was charged with conspiracy to cheat and jailed for a year.

New notebooks from Toshiba

Toshiba’s Computer Systems Division, a division of Toshiba Singapore (Pvt) Ltd., announced its three new notebooks at a press briefing held at the TransAsia Hotel Colombo . The three new notebooks were introduced as Ultra-portable Protégé M800, Satellite M300 and A300 and Affordable Satellite L310 and L300. The company has chosen bollywood actress Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador for the South Asian Region.

These notebook PCs also come with all the features that consumers will need, such as a high brightness, high resolution Clear Super-View TFT display, DVD Super-Multi Double Layer Drive, five in one (5-in-1) Card Reader, built-in Webcam, USB Sleep and Charge ports, Bluetooth v2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR), Wireless LAN and 10/100 Ethernet LAN.

In addition, customers can now call in toll-free+ to the newly implemented Toshiba Global Support Centre that offers an innovative one-stop 24 hours, seven days, around the globe services and support capabilities for their mobile computer products queries. The single integrated services platform, with multi-language support services, assists in resolving warranty services and technical support issues.

CEB to go for islandwide protest campaign

After much discussion, the United Trade Union Front of the Ceylon Electricity Board, consisting of 25 trade unions, yesterday decided to take participate in an islandwide protest campaign on June 6.

The Front’s Committee Member and Convener of the Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya, Ranjan Jayalal told The Island yesterday that they were compelled to resort to such action as Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne failed to respond or grant an appointment to discuss the Sri Lanka Electricity Act which is due to be taken up in Parliament on June 6.

Jayalal said that if the authorities fail to respond to their request by June 5, they would definitely go ahead with the planned campaign.

"We have solid information that by tabling the Act in Parliament on June 6 and after a day’s debate it would be passed. If it is passed, it would divide the CEB into three sections; generation, transmission and transportation. This would make the CEB less authoritative than the private sector," he said.

A Ministry spokesman yesterday said that they had informed trade unions to settle internal matters with the CEB Chairman or the Board of Directors and if they are unable to solve such issues, the matter could be referred to the minister.

The spokesman said as it was clearly stated in the Mahinda Chintana there won’t be any decision that would lead to privatization.

Meanwhile, Jayalal said that it is no point in taking up the matter with the chairman, because it is the Minister who is going to present the Act in Parliament.

RSF outraged over death of journalist

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by the murder of P. Devakumar, a television reporter in Jaffna. RSF adds that the government is exposing both its inability and its lack of political will to protect journalists.

Explosives recover in Galle area

GALLE Special investigation department, recovered the following explosives today (29) around 12.30pm.A Monk was also arrested with the explosives.

Unmitigated violence and ruthless murders continue against the Media says UNP

Despite raging accusations pointing at the Govt. in regard to continued violence and outrageous intimidation, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Govt. is impotent in this direction to curb these crimes.
Not even two days have passed by since the Editor of ‘Nation ‘ newspaper was brutally attacked by a gang , another Journalist, Devakumaran , attached to the Sirasa was hacked to death by an unidentified gang in Jaffna . He died on the spot.
He was traveling with his friend to a shop when they were attacked. His friend, an employee of the Jaffna kachcheri succumbed to his injuries at the Jaffna Hospital.
What is intriguing is that, in all these cases, no arrests proper have been made.

SLMC plans to boycott EPC inagural meeting

As the Government has failed to stand by its promises made at the recent Eastern provincial Council (EPC) elections to bring peace and prosperity to the people of the East, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is considering boycotting the inaugural sittings of the Eastern Provincial Council. According to the party sources the entire Eastern province is in turmoil and serious unrest after the elections with the Government. also unable to bring the situation under control.
Deputy General Secretary of the SLMC, Nizam Kariapper said there had been several attacks on Muslim civilians.

EU promises Ranil to reconsider GSP+ renewal

European Union officials have promised Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that they would consider an official request by the Sri Lankan government for the renewal of the GSP+ facility to the country's garments industry.
Mr. Wickremesinghe met with EU's Commissioner for Institutional Relations Margot Walstrom, External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Trade Commissioner Perter Mandelsson in Brussels , according to a UNP statement.
The Opposition Leader had requested them to ensure continued employment for 100,000 direct and 200,000 indirect dependents of Sri Lanka's garments industry by granting the duty concession.
The EU officials have replied that they would favourably consider if an official request is forwarded.

Applications for the GSP+ renewal are accepted until the end of October, and the reviews carried out in mid-December before announcement of the decisions.
UNP MP Sagala Ratnayake also attended the talks.

Defence Secretary tours east

A top defence delegation led by Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, today went on an inspection tour in Ampara in order to gain first hand information on new security developments in the east, in the aftermath of the recent PC polls. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Donald Perera and Army Commander Sarath Fonseka also accompanied the Defence Secretary.

Journalist Tissanayagam refused bail

Journalist J.S. Tissanayagam and two others were refused bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi yesterday (May 28th).
The editor of 'outreach.com website, along with E-Kwality Printing Press owner V. Jesiharan and his wife V. Valarmathi were produced before the court for the first time after their arrest in March this year.
They were ordered further detention with the Terrorist Investigation Unit until June 6th after the TID informed court that the inquiry against them had revealed their involvement in LTTE activities.
The Chief Magistrate ordered the TID to produce Jesiharan before the Judicial Medical Officer and to report back following an application that he had been subjected to torture.
The court also ordered that necessary action be taken in regard to the illness of Valarmathi.

Take to streets to protect media freedom, Ranil tells people

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for the protection of media freedom, describing it as an inalienable part of democracy.
Media freedom has been seriously compromised in the country and journalists are in grave danger to their lives, he said at a function in Colombo today (May 29th) to remember his father, senior journalist Esmond Wickremesinghe.
He noted that it was the prime responsibility of a government to safeguard democracy. However, the present regime was sending democracy to the grave, and using media curbs to hide its wrongdoings, Mr. Wickremesinghe alleged.
A few days ago, 'The Nation' Associate Editor Keith Noyahr was abducted, brutally assaulted and warned against speaking about his harrowing experience.
The Jaffna Correspondent for MTV/MBC P. Devakumar was hacked to death in a government-controlled area.
The entire media, along with the general public, should unite and rise against these media curbs, Mr. Wickremesinghe said.
President of the SLWJA Sanath Balasuriya and Secretary Poddala Jayantha were summoned by the Defence Secretary and threatened, he noted, and commended the two for bravely speaking out against the injustice.
He also said that the UNP was committed to safeguarding media freedom, for which it would have regular dialogues with media personnel.
The opposition leader expressed concern that certain media heads had dined with the President at Temple Trees yesterday night, but failed to take up there the brutal harassment meted out to their colleagues.
Speaking further, the Opposition Leader said Sri Lanka was facing a grave human right situation, and that the country lost reelection to the 192-member UNHRC.
Instead of campaigning for the seat, the government had been busy leveling personal allegations against him and the UNP, Mr. Wickremesinghe charged.
Several Asian countries vied for seats at the UNHRC, but many members backed out after intense lobbying by Human Rights Watch and three Nobel laureates lobbied against Sri Lanka's re-election, he said.
As the opposition leader, Mr. Wickremesinghe said, he had in advance informed the government and the president that the human rights situation needs to be improved, or the country would face problems at the UNHRC, but to no avail.

Even former US president Jimmy Carter accused Sri Lanka as the country with the worst cases of disappearances, he said.
The government kept on personally attacking him as a traitor although it was solely to be blamed for the defeat at the UNHRC.
The present regime was taking democracy from bad to worse, and continues brutal harassment of journalists against which the UNP would bring the people together very soon, Mr. Wickremesinghe added.

Bajaj three wheelers could convert to gas in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: India's Bajaj, a market leader in the three-wheeler segment in Sri Lanka, will have to convert to gas fuel if the government of the island country goes ahead with its plan to save oil costs through conversion from petroleum fuel.

The Sri Lankan government is considering saving 40 per cent of money spent on fuel for three-wheelers by converting them to run on gas. This will reduce the burden on both three-wheeler drivers and commuters due to recent fuel price hike.

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told the reporters that fuel price hike is a heavy burden on the economy and fuel conversion is being considered with the objective of reducing hardships for commuters, who are now paying more for petrol and diesel.

There are over 3,00,000 three-wheelers in Sri Lanka and its users are facing a difficult situation due to the petrol price hike.

Troops capture LTTE main supply base "Munnagam Base" - Mullaittivu

Troops engaged in offensive operation in Wanni front have captured LTTE main supply and administration base known as "Munnagam Base" located in general area north of Janakapura this morning, May 29.
The said LTTE base which comprising well fortified building complex is used as the centralized location to distribute war materials for terror war fronts, sources said.

6 civilians killed, 20 injured in LTTE artillery attack at Jaffna

6 civilians were reported killed, another 20 including a pregnant mother injured in LTTE launched indiscriminate artillery attacks towards the densely populated Jaffna mainland this morning (May 29).
The cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians comes within hours after Army and Navy troops successfully repulsed a pre-dawn LTTE infiltration bid at the Chiraththivu islet located along the Jaffna- Mandathivu causeway.
According to military report, 20 rounds of heavy artillery shells have fallen into the densely populated Kolombuthurai, Gurunagar and Pasiuura areas causing sheer tension among the civilians who are majority Tamil.
Many civilian properties including vehicles and residences were also destroyed in this attack. A Catholic priest, children and elderly civilians were also among the victims suffered injuries. The injured were rushed to the Jaffna teaching hospital immediately.
Defence analysts state the attack targeting civilians is indeed a reaction of dismay by the outfit, a 'reprisal' despite constant calls from the LTTE to boycott the "Jaffna-reawakening" carnival, held at Doreiappah grounds, last week organized by the Security Forces HQ - Jaffna, 51 Division and the Jaffna Traders Association.
LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent children, Tamil and Sinhalese political leaders in indiscriminate bomb attacks. FBI in a recent report called LTTE the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world.

Ravindrakumar released

Subasiraveen Ravindrakumar who was abducted from outside his school in Kotahena yesterday has been released and is now in police care.

Stainless steel T56 recovered from Mutur

Trincomalee Police had today discovered a stainless steel, state-of-the-art T56 rifle from a resident in Mutur. This rifle never before used by even the Sri Lankan Army is said to have the capability of launching grenades as well.

Anura Yapa contradicts Hulugalle on state media statement

Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said today that state media personnel are free to join any association and express their views. This is in contradiction to the statement made by Media Center for National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalle that state media personnel cannot criticize the government.

Bandula says SL facing economic crisis

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena said today that Sri Lanka is facing a severe economic crisis as is the case the world over and added that President Mahinda Rajapkse will announce next week, precautions the government will take to face the crisis.

JVP plans to educate international investors.

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe will leave tonight overseas and plans to meet a number of investors , leaders of the friendly institutes of the JVP and address Sri Lankans and reorganize JVP International Committees .
He will visit Sweden , Denmark , Germany and Britain .
Issuing a press release the JVP said during his visit he would meet Sri Lankans in these countries and also attend open discussions
Mr.Amarasinghe plans to educate investors on Sri Lankan situation and will invite them to invest in Sri Lanka.
During his visit he plans to meet Sir Naisdy , member of the British parliament .
This is the first overseas visit of Amarasinghe after he received party approval to strength foreign relations section of the JVP.
Last Sunday he was reappointed as the Leader of the JVP and the Central Committee of the party axed Wimal Weerawansa from key posts of the party.

Court issues a standing interim injunction on UNP-Mangala agreement

The Colombo District Court has issued a standing interim injunction informing the suspension of the implementation of the agreement signed by MP Mangala Samaraweera with the United National Party.
This order was given at the interim verdict of the petition filed by former UNP parliamentarian Anura Bastian and Western provincial councillor Anil Kumara Wijesinghe.
This order is effective till a verdict is made on a hearing into the case. The petitioners stated that the agreement is contrary to the constitution of the UNP and has not been approved by the working committee of the party.

CHA expresses freedom of movement of Sri Lankans

The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) expresses its concern on the restrictions currently placed on the freedom of movement of Sri Lankans, particularly proceeding from areas such as Vavuniya and Mannar past the Medawachchiya check
point.
While the CHA acknowledges that the government has the right to enforce restrictions on travel due to legitimate security concerns, it is clear that such restrictions cannot be arbitrary or directed towards members of one particular community only. This principle
has been repeatedly reiterated by the Supreme Court, particularly in Thavaneethan v Dissanayake ([2003] 1 SriLR 75, 91-92) where it was stated that the prevention by army personnel, of voters travelling from ‘uncleared’ areas to the ‘cleared’ areas prior to the
2001 Parliamentary General Election on grounds not connected to national security, infringed Article 14(1) (h) of the Constitution which secures the right to freedom of movement.
The current restrictions are to the effect that individuals, (including attorneys-at-law travelling for professional work) proceeding from Mannar/Vavuniya beyond the Medawachchiya checkpoint are prohibited from travelling in their own vehicles through the checkpoint even after undergoing full and comprehensive security checks of the vehicles and bodily searches of the individuals so travelling. In addition, travellers are
compelled to undergo continued checking at successive points resulting in the wastage of time and on occasion, harassment. The cost of items in Vavuniya has also greatly increased as a result of two or three days being spent in clearing food items through the
checkpoint.
Bus travellers face particular difficulties in this regard. For example, bus passengers face the first security check at the Vavuniya bus stand, thereafter the second security threat at Eratperiyakulam and the third security check at Medawachchiya. Passengers are
required to disembark from the bus at these checkpoints and wait until the laborious process of checking is completed. At Medawachchiya, travellers are required to separately pay for the bus during the 1km between Medawachchiya checkpoint and the
bus stand. Other travellers need to hire separate vehicles to proceed from Medawachchiya. Rates for all vehicle movement between these points and beyond have increased exponentially as a result of these security arrangements, causing extreme
financial and mental anguish to ordinary civilians. The amount of time during which passengers may be compelled to undergo checking may exceed two hours at particular times.
The CHA recommends that the government adopt the following measures to address this problem;
• Issue strict instructions to all army personnel manning these checkpoints that ordinary passengers should not be harassed unnecessarily during the checks carried out and have a responsible officer authorised to inquire into any complaints;
• Consider initiating discussions with citizens committees, religious bodies and so on as to the manner in which movement should be permitted beyond the Medawachchiya checkpoint in order to minimise peoples’ frustration while taking into account genuine security concerns.
• Increase personnel, infrastructure and expand the area for vehicle checks and transfer;
• Monitor and regulate the rates and fares of vehicles beyond the Medawachchiya checkpoint in order to en sure that no profiteering takes place • Check and seal goods and the relevant vehicle at the first check-in point so as to minimise further checks en-route.

Sri Lanka spends Rs. 350 Billion to import oil

Minister Bandula Gunawardena said a barrel of crude oil has risen to 136 dollars today from the price of 29 dollars in 2003.
In the year 2003 the government spends only 838 million US dollars to import oil. Minister Gunawardena has pointed out however, this expenditure has been increased to 2497 million US dollars by last year.
He further said therefore the government is compelled to spend a further 350 billion rupees this year to import oil.

Government plans to construct another flyover in Nugegoda

Minister of Road Development T.B. Ekanayake says the construction of the flyover in Nugegoda will commence on next month.
The 300 meter bridge will be contained with four strips. It is the objective of the Ministry to conclude the construction work within 90 days. The government of Britain is funding the project.

Meanwhile the second phase of the Kelaniya flyover is now in progress. The construction work of the Panadura flyover is also to be completed within this year. Speaking to media the minister disclosed 16 flyovers are to be built through out the Island.
The government said the Kelanisiri Bridge linking between Kolonnawa and Kelaniya will be opened tomorrow morning [30]. The bridge is 130 meters long and 10 meters wide. The total expenditure of the construction is 16.5 million rupees.
The construction activities have been started as a result of a proposal made by former deputy minister of transport and highway Navalage Benet Cooray.
Participating in a news briefing yesterday, he said a vast development in the area will be unleashed after inauguration of the bridge.
Measures have been taken to operate a bus service between Kelaniya and Battaramulla.

Trade liberalization may not necessarily lead to economic growth says South Asian Policy makers

A meeting of South Asian policy makers was told that trade liberalisation may not necessarily lead to economic growth and lower poverty, with state intervention in recent financial crises showing the market may not have all the answers.

Muchkund Dubey, co-chairman, South Asia Centre for Policy Studies and a former senior Indian diplomat,told an international conference on the trade-poverty nexus in South Asia organized by the Institute of Policy Studies and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Colombo that recent developments in the world financial system have seen governments "intervening massively" to prevent the collapse of institutions and systems.

Sri Lanka sees cushion from India, diversification

By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's closer trade ties with neighbor India and value-added products like truck tires and flavored tea drinks should help it weather a global slowdown, Colombo's trade minister said on Wednesday.

Minister of Export Development and International Trade G.L. Peiris said a "double-whammy in terms of food prices and oil prices" had hit the Indian Ocean island country, which is looking for ways to make up for shortages.

Amid spiraling rice prices and a ban on exports by Asian suppliers, Sri Lanka received a special dispensation from India to keep imports of the grain coming, he said.

But Peiris said rising wheat flour and milk prices forced the country to look for ways to supplant imports.

"A small country like Sri Lanka, which is a net food importer, will have to really fall back on strategies for import substitution," he said in an interview with Reuters.

"Inflation is high in the country, that's inevitable, but we have achieved an impressive diversification of Sri Lanka's economy and that has enabled us to mitigate the consequences."

Peiris said Sri Lanka had sustained annual economic growth of 7 percent for the three years through 2007 and saw its exports grow by 15 percent last year.

A strong focus on adding value to Sri Lanka's output of commodities like rubber and tea resulted in ventures to make and export truck tires and diversification of the well-known Ceylon tea into flavored and herbal teas, he said.

KESC to buy Sri Lankan wires

KARACHI: KESC intends to import electric wires from Sri Lanka to prevent electricity theft, as this system has successfully worked there.

KESC Managing Director (MD) Syed Muhammad Amjad Ali said this on Wednesday in a meeting with the delegation of the Consumers Association of Pakistan, led by Kaukab Iqbal. The delegation urged the ending or, at least, the minimization of the duration of load shedding in Karachi. They also said that consumers must be informed about load shedding in advance through the print or electronic media and that the “fixed charges” levied by the KESC are an open injustice.

The KESC official said that every possible effort will be made to minimize the duration of load shedding. He, however, said that in the summer months, the use of electricity increases manifold, giving a rise to the load shedding duration. “We are fixing the system and our staff, from linesmen to top level officers, is working on a war-footing,” he said.

The KESC MD advised the general consumers— households, industries and commercial institutions, to avoid switching on their electric appliances at once after the restoration of electricity, as this tends to cause feeder failure. He also said that complaint centers in the city are being improved to solve consumers’ problems.

He said that the government of Pakistan transferred 71.5 percent of KESC’s shares and management control of the company to KESC Power Limited in November, 2005. Prior to privatization, the government was providing an average annual subsidy of Rs 8.5 billion to the company. However, since November 2005, no subsidy had been given to meet the operational cash short-fall.

Another problem being faced by KESC was that the last addition to its generation capacity was made back in 1977, whereas the gap between the demand and supply of electricity has continuously widened, with the demand growing by 7 to 8 percent per annum.

The KESC MD added that finances of up to Rs 37 billion were obtained from local and international financial institutions at highly competitive rates. This was not merely possible on the strength of KESC’s balance sheet. An amount of 50 million US Dollars was also arranged to meet the operational cash shortfall.

He said that the contract for setting up a new combined cycle power plant of 220 MW was awarded in January, 2007, and the first 50 MW gas turbine is likely to be commissioned by November, 2008.

At Bin Qasim Power Station, the contract for a new power plant (560 MW) is also likely to be awarded shortly. These power plants will be the first addition to KESC’s generation capacity since 1997. Beside the SCADA system, the establishment of grid station II is also in progress, which will be commissioned in phases from September, 2008.

To provide the best possible service to costumers, KESC’s new management has introduced the modern concept of ‘Business Operations,’ to have a focused approach, improved delivery service and excellent customer service. The recovery of arrears is also supposed to improve under the new project while business operations have been separated from technical operations, placed under an independent management group. ppi.

5 media groups concerned over threats to 2 SLWFA members

Five local media rights groups, led by the Free Media Movement, say they are concerned by a thinly veiled repeatedly expressed threat to two leading members of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

In a joint letter to Mr. Rajapaksa, the media rights groups note with concern his statement that if SLWJA President Sanath Balasuriya and Secretary Poddala Jayantha continue criticizing the military, he nor the government are in a position to prevent action taken against them by groups/persons who revere the Army Commander.

The letter has been signed by the FMM, the SLWJA, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum and the Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance.

Govt. jacks up taxes on petrol to Rs. 56.90

The government has slapped a new tax on petrol imports as the country struggles to come to terms with the steep rise in fuel prices in the local market.
The new tax has come into operation immediately after the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) increased the prices of petrol and diesel to Rs. 157 and Rs. 110 respectively over the last weekend.
The LIOC entered the Sri Lankan market in a big way in 2003 during the then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure.
The Treasury has imposed, what a well informed official engaged in the trade categorized as a Customs Import Duty (CID) on petrol imports with immediate effect. The official said the duty would add an additional Rs. 24.50 on every litre of petrol imported to the country by the CPC and LIOC.

Weerawansa ordered to pay legal costs to Maj. Gen.

Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) leader Wimal Weerawansa was ordered to pay Rs. 15,000 in a case filed against him for allegedly defaming a retired Army Major General.

Mr. Weerawansa was ordered to pay legal costs as he was not prepared for the trial which was scheduled for yesterday and had informed there was a change of lawyers.

Earlier counsel Maura Gunawansa instructed by attorney Sunil Watagala appeared for Mr. Weerawansa but they had withdrawn from the case.

Attorney-at-law Kapila Gamage informed court that senior counsel Gomin Dayasiri will appear for him in the future.

At this stage counsel A. Kodikara appearing for the plaintiff Major General Wasantha Perera said the defendant was not prepared for the trial but he had not informed about the latest development in due time.

At this stage Colombo District Judge Sisira Ratnayake ordered the defendant Mr. Weerawansa to pay the legal costs Rs. 15,000 to the plaintiff and fixed the trial for September 10.

In this case Major General Galihenage Wasantha Wimalasiri Perera had complained that Wimal Weerawansa as the JVP propaganda secretary participated in a TV talk show titled ‘Visanwada’ on February 9, 2004 and had made a defamatory statement about him.

Major General Perera has demanded Rs. 50 million as damages and claimed that due to the defamatory statement by Wimal Weerawansa he lost his job and he and his family had to undergo severe pain of mind.

He claimed that Mr. Weerawansa had maliciously stated that in 1999 he abandoned the Kanakarayankulam Army camp leaving behind valuable arms and this was done to assist the LTTE. Mr. Weerawansa made this defamatory statement despite the fact that he (Maj. Gen. Perera) was not attached to the said camp. Mr. Weerawansa also had allegedly stated that he was a UNP supporter and for helping the LTTE he was given a high ranking post in a Government institution.

He said following Mr. Weerawansa’s statement there were a series of attacks and some mudslinging at him through the media and by politicians including minister-in-charge of BOI Anura Bandaranaike. He had filed another case against Anura Bandaranaike, he said.

However replying to Mr. Weerawansa’s alleged false statement Major General Perera had stated to court that the JVP worked closely with the LTTE terrorists during the 1988/89 period and got arms in the Hambantota district from the terrorist organisation. He further testified that Mr. Weerawansa made this arbitrary statement because he (Maj. Gen. Perera) as the Coordinator and the Commander of Galle district compiled a report which revealed the JVP’s terrorist activities with the LTTE during the 1988/89 period.

He said the report revealed that the JVP obtained arms from the LTTE and he was able to stop this.

Claymore blast in Vavuniya, 3 policemen injured

The Defence Ministry said that three policemen were injured in a claymore mine explosion targeting a police vehicle in the Vavuniya area this morning.

Trail run for new traffic plan

City Traffic Police has decided to implement a new traffic plan to reduce the traffic congestion from Colombo Fort to Colpetty. A senior Police official said that a trail run was held today. Details of the new plan are yet to be finalized and approved.

Black flags against Ranil by underworld figure

An underworld figure is reportedly putting up black flags along Colombo- Katunayake road to mark protest against the European tour of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who is slated to return today

6 civilians killed, 12 injured in LTTE artillery attack at Jaffna

6 civilians were reported killed another 12 injured in LTTE launched indiscriminate artillery attacks towards the densely populated Jaffna mainland this morning (May 29).

The cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians comes within hours after Army and Navy troops successfully repulsed a pre-dawn LTTE infiltration bid at the Chiraththivu islet located along the Jaffna- Mandathivu causeway.

According to military, 20 rounds of heavy artillery shells have fallen into the densely populated Kolombuthurai, Pasinur and Gurunagar areas causing sheer tension among the civilians who are majority Tamil. The injured were rushed to the Jaffna teaching hospital and many children are also said to be among the wounded.

Defence analysts state the attack targeting civilians is indeed a reaction of dismay by the outfit, a 'reprisal' despite constant calls from the LTTE to boycott the "Jaffna-reawakening" carnival, held at Doreiappah grounds, last week organised by the 51 Division and the Jaffna Traders Association.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent children, Tamil and Sinhalese political leaders in indiscriminate bomb attacks. FBI in a recent report called LTTE the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world.

SLAF launches successive air raids at key LTTE locations

SLAF fighter jets and Mi-24 helicopter gun-ships made successive air raids at pre-identified key LTTE locations in Mullaittiuvu, Kilinochchi and Mannar districts today (May 29).

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, one of the terrorists' training facilities located 6km South West of Mulliyavalai in the jungles of Mullaittiuvu was targeted in the air raid launched by fighter jets at around 6.15a.m

'Intel' sources said, the base identified as 'Vellamalai base' was located at Kulamurippu between Oddusuddan and Mulliyavalai general areas.

"We have been monitoring this base for some time before the attack, " the spokesperson said and added that separate air sorties were made by Mi-24 helicopter gun-ships in close support of the advancing Army infantry and armour battalions in Pulliyankulama, Mannar at around 5.45a.m., today.

Meanwhile, SLAF fighter craft made another precision air strike at a well fortified LTTE military co-ordination base located at Kokavil general area in Kilinochchi district. The air bombardment was launched at around 6.10a.m, Wing Commander Nanayakkara said, adding that "the base was obliterated in the air raid".

According to military sources, the terror facility was located exactly opposite where an LTTE communication tower was earlier destroyed in a similar air strike in 2006.

Sri Lanka will be able to contest for a seat in UNHCR next year as well.

Government Defence Spokesmen minister Keheliya Rambukwella says Sri Lanka will be able to contest to the Asian post of the UN human rights council next year as well.
Sri Lanka has secured over 50 percent of the registered votes at the recent voting of the council.
This has confirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication and keenness on respecting human rights. Therefore, Sri Lanka would be given another opportunity to contest for the Asian seat on next year. At a media briefing held in Colombo, today the minister said that there was a tough competition between the countries in Europe and Asian regions at the UNHCR election.
Sri Lanka gained 101 votes surpassing the 50 percent margin of the votes.
Spain contested for a seat in European region but failed to obtain adequate number of votes as same as Sri Lanka. The minister points out that failing secure a seat does not mean that the respective countries do not protect human rights.

Journalist hacked to death in Jaffna

Sirasa Jaffna reporter P. Devakumaran was hacked to death this afternoon in Navthurei by an unidentified gang.
Paranirupasingham Devakumar, 34, and his friend were returning home at Vadukkodai on a motorcycle when they were taken by an unidentified group at Navatturai around 6.00 pm, report said.

Their bodies are presently lying at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

The friend, Mahendran Varadan was a 28-year-old employee of the District Secretariat

Dilantha creates history

Sri Lankan racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa created history over the weekend by winning the first two legs of the Aston Martin Cup Asia Championships in China. Pictured here is Dilantha celebrating his victory.

Thousands Defy Tigers;

Over 100000 Tamil civilians defying tiger orders enjoyed themselves in the carnival held at Doreiappah grounds, Jaffna. The LTTE ordered the people not to attend the fiesta through their media.

The carnival was held not only to provide fun and frolic to civilians but also to meet their requirements.

The objective of the carnival titled of 'Reawakening Jaffna' was held for three days.

People availed themselves of cheap essential commodities at trade stalls.

The entertainment meant for children and javelins included merry - go - round, electronic games etc. and provided opportunities for sports for youth. A popular item of the carnival was the musical show featuring popular artistes from the North and the South. Twenty one school children who passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level with highest scores were awarded computers.

This event was organized by the 51 Division and the Jaffna Traders Association. Jaffna Commander Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Major General LBR Mark, Commander 51 Division K. Ganesh Government Agent Jaffna P.S.B. Jaysundara DIG Northern Province also participated.

JHU holds 5th national convention on May 31

The Jathika Hela Urumaya is holding its fifth national convention on May 31st at the National Youth Council auditorium in Maharagama.

It will be held under the themes - a Dhamma state, country for the nation, abstinence from alcoholism and a land of greenery.


JHU leader Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera will chair the convention.

We would travel to Parliament by bullock cart to protest the unprecedented fuel price-UNP

A group of bullock cart riding United National Party MPs agitated in Colombo against the latest escalation in fuel prices.The bullock carts wound their way from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Pettah, Maradana and to the Lipton Circus, where a protest rally took place.
Speaking to the media here, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said they would travel to Parliament by bullock cart to protest the unprecedented fuel price hike.Provincial councilors, local government representatives and supporters of the party joined the demonstration.

Weerawansa and his fellow MPs will act as a separate group in the house.

Dissident MPs of the JVP plan to act in the house as a separate group. A spokesman of the Weerawansa faction said Mr.Wimal Weerawansa would take the leadership of this group .
Commenting yesterday’s hard decisions of the JVP at the fifth convention held in Colombo he said JVP’s decisions are not important and it is not unnatural thing for Weerawansa or his fellow MPs.
However Weerwansa lost two key posts of the JVP as Propaganda Secretary and the Parliament Group Leadership.
At present Weerawansa faction consists eleven MPs including Nandana Gunathilaka .
Weerawansa faction plans to register a new political party called National Freedom Front under the leadership of Nandana Gunathilaka.
During the fifth convention General Secretary of the JVP Tylwin Silva said “If one found guilty we will work against him regardless of his background. If anyone feels this constitution or these regulations are too strict, they can leave the party as some did as we want this party to remain the only party who can discipline this country,”

The JVP yesterday re-appointed Somawansa Amarasinghe as its leader at the party’s fifth convention held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

The party also named a 24-member Central Committee. Tilvin Silva was re-appointed General Secretary and six others were appointed to the politburo. The politburo comprises Tilvin Silva, new Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath, Parliamentary Group leader and Financial Secretary MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Education Affairs Secretary MP Chandrasena Wijesinghe, Administrative Affairs Secretary MP K.D. Lalkantha, Organizing Secretary G. Kularatne and International Affairs Secretary, Party leader Amarasinghe.

The new central committee comprises 24 members. They include seven members of the politburo. Other CC members are Bimal Rathnayake, Sunil Handunetthi, Dimuthu Atigala, Jinadasa Kitulagoda, S. K. Subasinghe, Nihal Galappaththi, Ramalingam Chandrasegar, Lakshaman Nipunarachchi, Chameera Koswatte, Dimuthu Bandara Abeykoon, Priyanga Kotalawala, Ajith Kumara, Waruna Rajapaksa, Mahinda Jayasinghe, Pubudu Jayagoda, Duminda Nagamuwa and Nalinda Jayatissa.

AI World Report lists Sri Lanka for serious HR violations

World Report released by Amnesty International (AI) today has listed Sri Lanka among the countries where there were serious human rights violations and abuses in 2007 including enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and torture. AI held both the Government and the LTTE responsible for these allegations.

Sri Lankan Minister of Science and Technology visits AIT in

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

On 20 May, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) welcomed

Professor Tissa Witharana, Minister of Science and Technology,

Government of Sri Lanka, who was accompanied by Professor

J.B. Disanayaka, Ambassador Sri Lanka to Thailand and also an

AIT trustee; and Professor Sirimali Fernando, Chairperson,

National Science Foundation Sri Lanka.

The visit of Minister Witharana to AIT was to explore possible

collaboration between AIT and the Ministry of Science and

Technology, Sri Lanka. During the visit, the Minister expressed

interest in partnering with AIT for extensive collaboration in

research and development projects that are of importance to

Sri Lanka, such as, in the areas of Mechatronics, Nano-

technology, Bio-technology and others. The Minister reiterated

that Sri Lanka needed to develop its competency in advance

technologies, where private and public sector can face the

challenges posed by the ever changing environment. He said

his Ministry is keen to build and develop the capacity of human

resources in advance technologies for which AIT would be an

appropriate partner, both in the short-term and in the long

term.

The AIT administration shared with the Sri Lankan delegation

the ongoing AIT activities, its mission and future plan, and

informed the Minister that AIT could partner with Sri Lanka in a

model similar to the AIT-Pakistan partnership i.e. the AIT-

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan partnership in

particular for the development of required human resources.

Similar to the Local Currency Funds of India, Nepal and

Pakistan, AIT suggested to the Minister the establishment of a

Sri Lankan Local Currency Fund to support AIT students /

faculty / staff carrying out research in Sri Lanka.

AIT will be sending a list of possible collaborative ideas along

with relevant concept papers to the Ministry and the Science

Foundation.

The visit to AIT by the Sri Lankan delegation was made

possible by AIT Sri Lankan faculty colleagues Dr. Ranjith Perera

and Dr. Hemantha Jayasuriya.

LTTE made 21 brutal attacks targeting civilians

Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said at the media briefing the terrorists have attacked 21 brutal attacks for the last five months targeting civilians.
149 civilians have died in these attacks and 500 were injured. The security forces have successfully in liberating 600 square kilometers of land in Vavuniya from terrorists.
The operation was carried out by the 57 battalion. Brigadier Nanayakkara added as a result of the security forces attacks the terrorists were compelled to shift their camps and centers 45 kilometers beyond the battle front. Five major locations of the terrorists were attacked by the air force in the past week.
He further said it is believed that Dora, an expert on explosives of the LTTE Was believed to have been killed in one of these attacks.

Government mediates to reconstruct the Kaladi church

The government mediates to reconstruct the Kaladi church which was destroyed by the mortar attack of the LTTE in Mannar.
A representative of Minister Pandu Bandaranaike has presented a cheque valued at 100 thousand rupees to Bishop of Mannar most Rev. Rayappu Joseph. The Bishop has expressed the gratitude of the Catholic people to the government for its intervention to repair the damaged church.

World Bank grants 7.2 billion rupees to Sri Lanka

The World Bank grants 7.2 billion rupees for the development of another large scale development project in Sri Lanka.
The International Development of the World Bank has granted this amount for the project of dam safety and water resources management.
The Ministry of Finance said the funds will be utilized to ensure safety of selected high risk dams. Under this programme 32 large scale dams will be rehabilitated.
This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Planning with the assistance of Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Services and the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Management. Measures have been taken to complete this project within four years.
The relevant agreement was signed at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday . Secretary to the Finance Ministry Dr.P.B. Jayasundera and the country- Director of World Bank to Navoko Ishi has signed the agreement on behalf of the respective parties.

Navy Chief elaborates SLN role & future strategies at Future Naval Plans 2008- UK

Commander of Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda delivering a lecture at an international defence education forum recently explained the role of Sri Lanka Navy and its future strategies. Addressing the Future Naval Plans 2008, the leading annual naval forum in Europe, Admiral Karannagoda elaborated the role of Sri Lanka Navy will be increasingly governed by the international requirements in the ever globalizing world.
Admiral Karannagoda was the first Sri Lankan navy officer to deliver a lecture at the forum in which high profile Navy officials across the world came together and discussed the future needs and doctrinal evolution. The forum was organized in London for the 7th time by Defence IQ, an organization setup to deliver critical information to senior decision makers in the domain of defence.

Seven LTTE cadres killed, fourteen wounded and 400 Ltr Diesel Recovered

' JANAKAPURA North in two different incidents occurred in JANAKAPURA North area at 07.45am and 12.25pm respectively yesterday (26), three LTTE cadres were killed and 12 others were injured by the troops. Two soldiers also were injured during these incidents.

ARNANDAKULUM: In an another incident taken place in ANDANKULUM area at 10.45 a.m. yesterday (26), four LTTE cadres were killed and two others were wounded by the Army troops.

BATTICALOA: MYLANTHANAI Two barrels containing 400 liters of Diesel have been recovered in a search operation conducted in the area by the SL Army troops around 10.45 a.m. yesterday(26).

Six Terrorists killed and seven wounded in Vavuniya

Four LTTE terrorists were injured in a confrontation around 7.40 a.m. yesterday (26) in VELLANKULAM area, VAVUNIYA.

Another three terrorists were injured in a confrontation in MAMPULIKULAM at 10.45 a.m. on the same day. Two soldiers were also wounded in action.

In VEDAYAMURIPPU area yesterday (26) at 11.00am a soldier was reported wounded in action.

Meanwhile two LTTE cadres were killed in an incident in PAPPAMOONAI yesterday (26) morning around 10.35.

In NEDUNKANDAL one terrorist was killed around 8.25 am. Also another three terrorists were killed in a confrontation in the same area yesterday (26).

TULF Leader suspects LTTE for both Dehiwala and Kilinochchi bomb blasts

(By Walter Jayawardhana)

President of Sri Lanka's oldest Tamil political party, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader V.Ananda Sangaree while condemning the Kilinochchi claymore mine attack and the Dehiwala train bomb attack that killed sixteen and nine civilians respectively queried how could the army or paid agents of the army strike so close to the LTTE headquarters in Kilinochchi, as claimed by some Tamil newspapers.

Blaming the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) also for the Kilinochchi Claymore Mine explosion Sangaree said, "How is it possible for the armed forces to reach areas so close to their Head Quarters. Even if one assumes that it is the work of the paid agents of the armed forces, the LTTE must seriously consider winding up the fighting and come to terms with the Government, since their days are numbered. Secondly even if one accepts that army can reach these areas through their paid agents, it cannot be true all the time."

He said, "My strong suspicion is that the Tamil Media is pressurised by the LTTE to put the blame on the forces soon after some incident takes place, merely to gain sympathy from the International Community after themselves doing it either intentionally or by mistaken identity. I call upon H. E. the President to appoint a presidential Commission to find out who is responsible for such attacks taking place in the LTTE held areas and how within a few hours the Local papers claim that all such attacks are by the deep penetrating unit of the forces."

Following is his full statement: "A claymore mine attack at Murugandy in Kilinochchi on Friday afternoon took the lives of 16 innocent men, women and children and also left 3 seriously injured. A bomb blast in a crowded train on Monday left 9 killed, 73 injured and out of the four women killed one was a pregnant mother. I strongly condemn both incidents and grieve with the kith and kin on their losses. This is not a cricket match for anyone to announce the score and celebrate it with a party. How many widows, widowers, orphans and destitute persons, these two horrible incidents had created? One who left home, happily in the morning returns home in a beautiful coffin, some in pieces and some others beyond identification.

Thousands of innocent non-combatants had died and also thousands in the war front. Now we have in our country several thousands of widows, widowers, orphans and destitute persons, not to count those who had lost their eyesight, limbs etc. The pain of the loss of a life is felt only by the victim's dear ones and not by those who promote the war and who gain by the war. Is there no end to this? - is the question every one of us should ask.

"As I had been repeatedly pointing out, the Human Rights Violations continue unabated both in the Government controlled areas and in the LTTE controlled areas, the only difference being that there is transparency in the former and complete blackout in the latter where people open their mouths only when asked to do so.

"I am misunderstood by some for accusing the LTTE and holding them responsible for the claymore mine attacks taking place in their areas. My reasons for doing so are two fold. One is My strong suspicion is that the Tamil Media is pressurised by the LTTE to put the blame on the forces soon after some incident takes place, merely to gain sympathy from the International Community after themselves doing it either intentionally or by mistaken identity. I call upon H. E. the President to appoint a presidential Commission to find out who is responsible for such attacks taking place in the LTTE held areas and how within a few hours the Local papers claim that all such attacks are by the deep penetrating unit of the forces. His Excellency can refer a few selected cases for a Presidential Commission to inquire into. As one who had represented the Kilinochchi Electorate for over 14 years, I have an interest in knowing whether what the papers say are voluntary or under compulsion.

"At least at this stage, if the Government comes out with a reasonable proposal acceptable to the International Community, not out of fear for the LTTE, but only to give confidence to the International Community to take a bold step forward to help to find a solution. Every one who has sympathy for the poor innocent man on the street who falls a victim to the LTTE's claymore mine, bomb or even their bullets must without any hesitation support my proposal. The TULF condemns all types of violence on the innocent civilians."

JVP leader says plan to arrest him, Tilvin

by Saman Indrajith
JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe yesterday accused President Mahinda Rajapaksa of planning to put him and the party’s general secretary Tilvin Silva behind bars for the crimes committed during the second JVP uprising in late eighties.

"We have information Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to arrest me and Comrade Tilvin and to take us before courts for what we did in past. This they would never be able to prove. Even if we are put behind bars, we know how to deal with such situation. There are no prison walls high or strong enough to confine us. Our slain leader Rohana Wijeweera had taught us the way to carry out the mission staying inside prisons," Amarasinghe told the party’s fifth national convention held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

"I know he (the president) wants the JVP’s old man to leave the country.

I declare today at this historic convention, I will never leave my motherland again. I fear not these threats. We are well tempered enough to face and counter suppressions."


"We know that he, whom we brought to power, has been vested with powers of an executive president and he is the commander in chief. We warn the commander that he can use his power and rifles the way he likes but not to commit the mistake of sitting on a rifle. Putting us in jails would be something similar to a commander sitting on a bayonet," he said.


General Secretary Tilvin Silva said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is becoming another ‘Ferdinand Marcos.’ "Now it is clear that Mahinda Rajapaksa is trying to do a Marcos. He has handed over all vital economically important institutions and corporations to his relatives. Rs 3200 millions were wasted for his experiment with Mihin Air and the end result is another world record of having an airline without flights. Journalists are being abducted and assaulted and political opposition is suppressed with the use of force," he said.


Silva said that soon Mahinda Rajapaksa would enact the complete role of president-dictator silencing those who oppose him. "Marcos ruined the economy of the Philippines and killed thousands of political enemies. He suppressed all who took to the streets against him. But, at the end it was the Philippine people who ousted him. There is a lesson for those who attempt to imitate Marcos. It is people who decide the leaders."

Man charged over attack on Lankan

A UK court has charged a man for an alleged knife attack on a Sri Lankan Tamil citizen over the weekend.

INGO curtails Batti operations

International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) operating in Batticaloa have curtailed their operations in the district following the escalation of violence and tension in the area.
World Vision (Lanka) said it had issued a travel advisory to its staff and restricted their movements after three of its employees were surrounded and assaulted by a mob in Kathankudy, Batticaloa on Monday.

A top official of the humanitarian agency said that one employee had been injured during the assault (with clubs) and admitted to hospital for treatment.

His motor bike had also been damaged.

“The other two managed to escape,” the official said, stressing that the assault was not done because the victim belonged to the agency but due to the ethnic tensions in the district.

Several other INGOs said they were also considering moves to ensure the safety of their staff and had issued security advice in the light of the tensions in the district following the killing of a top TMVP official and the subsequent shooting and abduction of Muslims in two separate incidents.

Another price hike of fuel by IOC

Lanka IOC increased diesel price by Rs.20 .00 per liter from Tuesday midnight. Last week the IOC also increased its fuel prices.

UNP condemned Dehiwala attack

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake condemned the LTTE bomb attack on a packed train in Dehiwala and said the terrorists had once again resorted to killing innocent civilians in the face of heavy setbacks on the battlefield.
Nine persons returning home after a hard day’s work were killed and another 72 were injured when a fully packed bus bound to Panadura was caught in an explosion at 4.58 p.m. at the Dehiwala Station .and he extended his condolences to the members of the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Man shot dead in Pettah

A man was shot dead in Pettah by unidentified gunmen a short while ago. The shhoting took place inside a lodge.

Wimal axed

Somawansa Amarasinghe remains as the leader of the JVP while Tylwin silva was appointed as the General Secretary by the Central Committee of the JVP at their fifth convention held in this evening at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium , Colombo.
Wijitha Herath was appointed as the Propaganda Secretary by the central committee and Anura Kumara Dissanayake is now holding Parliamentary group leadership .
In last few weeks the Asia Tribune predicted about Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s post and most of party loyalists say these leaders could save the party and the nation.

JVP not assist UNP to grab power

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe insists that the party will not allow the UNP, which betrayed the country and the people, to return to power. He stated this addressing the 5th national general assembly of the party held in Colombo this morning. JVP General Secretary Tylvin Silva said it is a responsibility of all party activists to contribute towards the advancement of the party.
Meanwhile Parliamentarin Nandana Gunathilaka said yesterday that JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has become a puppet in the hands of a powerful segment within the party which is fast becoming a crutch to the main Opposition UNP.

"In the issue of ousting Wimal Weerawansa and others, who dissented against this conspiracy, Comrade Amarasinghe was used to the hilt. He, who once led the campaign of rebuilding the party from ruins, came under the pressure of several conspirators and cracked. He let the conspirators take control and is now politically assassinated," Gunatilake said.
Meanwhile the second session of the JVP 5th Convention is still on the way.

ENHANCE DEMOCRATIC NORMS IN THE POST ELECTION PERIOD IN THE EAST

The violent clashes that have taken place in the Muslim-inhabited parts of the east have led to the killing of several persons and to a climate of rapidly escalating tension. These clashes have come shortly after the Eastern Provincial Council elections which the TMVP contested while remaining an armed group whose presence has become more openly obvious following the elections.

The present clashes have pitted members of the TMVP against the Muslim community and reflect the deep suspicions and frustration following promises made and broken in the aftermath of the elections. The use of arms by the TMVP is unacceptable. The National Peace Council believes that if left unchecked they are likely to lead to further clashes and to an increase in tensions between the Tamil and Muslim communities, and this trend should be reversed immediately.

Having elections in the east, although flawed, was an important step towards empowering the people in the province to democratically determine their future. The post election period provides yet another opportunity to the government and the newly established Eastern Provincial Council to demonstrate their commitment to the democratic process and to promoting good governance and ethnic harmony in the region. We are encouraged by the willingness of the leader of the TMVP and Chief Minister Pillayan, to meet with the leader of the Muslim component of the ruling alliance M L A M Hizbullah and opposition leader Rauff Hakeem. We urge them to make a joint appeal for peace and non violence and ensure that their members behave accordingly.

The National Peace Council calls on the government to reconsider its stance of permitting the TMVP to operate as an armed group, while providing this party that has entered the democratic process with maximum protection. In addition, the police and armed forces which are the legitimate security arms of the state need to be made fully independent in enforcing the law instead of being compelled to operate in a partisan manner.

As members of civil society who have been supporting the processes of democratic transformation of the east, we are deeply disturbed by the unravelling of the possibilities of peaceful coexistence in the east following the provincial council elections. We are perturbed at the proliferation of small arms, former militant groups in the democratic process being permitted to carry arms and distribution of arms to civilians to provide security for communities. These measures are likely to lead to extreme militarization that will ultimately lead to a total collapse of the rule of law from which will find it extremely difficult to extricate ourselves.

Police deploys special investigation teams on Bomb blast

Police media spokesmen SSP Ranjith Gunasekara says a five prong investigation is being conducted into the bomb explosion on a commuter train near the Dehiwala railway station yesterday evening.
Several investigation teams have been deployed in this regard. Initial investigations revealed that the bomb was made of one and a half kilograms of high power explosives. Security units say the damage was less because the bomb did not consist of metal balls. The bomb had been made in the form of a bag and placed in a hood rack of the compartment. Eight persons have been killed in the blast. Acting director of the Colombo South teaching hospital Dr. Wilfred Kumarasiri told SLBC that 73 injured persons are receiving treatment at the hospital. Director of the accident word of the Colombo national hospital Dr Anil Jasinghe said two persons have been admitted to the hospital.

Meanwhile the hospital resources say nine people including six women have been killed in this blast. The acting director of Colombo south teaching hospital Dr. Wilfred Kumarasiri says six out of injured are receiving treatment in intensive care unit. Further four injured commuters have been transferred to national hospital.

Meanwhile the general manager of the railway department Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said the railway services of the coastal line return to normal.
SSP of the Mt. Lavinia Police Hemantha Adhikari said a suspected person has been taken into custody regarding the railway bomb blast in Dehiwela yesterday. He further said two special team has been deployed to investigate the incident.
Police requests the public to be vigilant on travelling in common commuter transport service. The police also requested the public to inform about suspected person or parcel to the nearest police station or to the on line 118 or 119 immediately.

Government paid compensation for victims of the Dehiwala bomb blast

The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement has paid Compensation for victims of the Dehiwela bomb incident today.
One hundred thousand rupees has been paid for the family of married person and 50 thousand for unmarried who was died at the bomb blast.
The compensation scheme is operated under the directives of President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Under the first phase of the compensation 15 thousand rupees was given for funeral arrangements. Minister Rishard Badurdeen says ten thousand rupees will be paid for an injured in the first phase under the maximum of 50 thousand rupees.

Serendib opens its operations in Colombo

A new wheat flour factory commenced operations with breaking the monopoly in the flour industry in Colombo yesterday.
Serendib Private Limited has set up this factory in close proximity in Colombo Port. Addressing a media briefing, Chairman of the company Mahendra Amarasuriya said the company expects to produce wheat flour without any shortage by utilizing modern technology.
He assured that high quality wheat flour production under seven star trade mark. First consignment of flour will be released from next Monday.
The Serendib flour mills company is a member of the Al Ghurair Group of companied in UAE. The investment exceeds 56 million US dollars. The mill expects to produce thousand metric tons daily.

OIC kills two constables; shoots himself

The OIC attached to Mahaoya office of the Government Intelligence Unit has allegedly shot and killed two constables this morning. He had also reportedly shot himself later and had been admitted to Mahiyangana Hospital

Blast in Batti, no casualties

A small explosion has taken place inside a cemetery in Godwin town in Kaththankudi, Batticaloa. The bomb was constructed using a death cord and 100g of explosives and no casualties were reported.

A struggle for salary increase in the offing - JVP

JVP Trade Union Wing leader Lal Kantha said the next two months will be decisive for the working class as they are planning on launching a massive struggle to win a salary increase. He also said the Government has failed to eradicate the high cost of living thus a salary increment is mandatory.

EU willing to consider request for GSP+ concession

The European Union has told UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe that they would look into the extending of the GSP+ tax concession to Sri Lanka once the government made an official request to them.

Somawansa has become a puppet of JVP’s UNP sympathizers - Nandana

by Saman Indrajith

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has become a puppet in the hands of a powerful segment within the party which is fast becoming a crutch to the main Opposition UNP, General Secretary of the newly formed National Freedom Front and one time JVP Presidential candidate, parliamentarian Nandana Gunatilake said yesterday.

"In the issue of ousting Wimal Weerawansa and others, who dissented against this conspiracy, Comrade Amarasinghe was used to the hilt. He, who once led the campaign of rebuilding the party from ruins, came under the pressure of several conspirators and cracked. He let the conspirators take control and is now politically assassinated," Gunatilake told a media conference at the National Library and Documentation Center in Colombo.

The conspirators within the party had been bought over by the UNP to destroy the JVP, he said. "Comrade Amarasinghe, by giving into the conspirators is also partially responsible for the crisis the party faces today," he said.

Gunatilake said there was speculation in the media recently that Somawansa Amarasinghe would be replaced at the fifth JVP convention scheduled to be held today.


"If these reports were true, it indicates that the conspirators had fully used Comrade Amarasinghe and his use has come to an end. For the next step they need a conspirator at the helm and soon Amarasinghe would be sent abroad to spend the rest of his life there. The fifth convention would be made use as a stage to legitimize this conspiracy and that would complete the first phase of the betrayal of the party into the hands of UNP," he said.

UNP to protest against fuel price hike

The United National Party yesterday said it would hold a series of propaganda rallies across the country to protest against the increase in fuel prices.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said that the people were reeling under the unbearable cost of living but some opposition parties, including the JVP, were maintaining silence. The JVP was a partner of the UPFA during the Presidential election campaign and as a result was responsible for the sufferings the people are being put through by the President and his government, he said.

UNP Colombo District parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake said the government was bragging that it had friends in Iran but a litre of petrol was increased by 30 rupees. When the last UNP government increased the price by three or four rupees the opposition made a hue and cry about it. Although some said that the war was one of the reasons for the increase of fuel prices there was no connection between the two, he said.

26 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes in Wanni

Troops engaging terror held positions in the Wanni yesterday (May 27) claimed 26 terrorists were killed and 15 others wounded in counter terrorist operations carried out in the Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya fronts. Also, three soldiers suffered injuries in these operations.

On the Vavuniya front, troops had several confrontations with the terrorists in the Maruthamadu, Vedamakilam, Periyamadhu, and Palamoddai areas with in the course of the day and claimed to have killed 6 terrorists and wounded 5 others. No soldiers suffered injuries in the Vavuniya front for the day. Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations removed 65 anti personal (AP) mines.

On the Mannar front, troops confronted with the terrorist in the Velakulam Mampuilukulam Veddayamurippu Pappamodai and Nedunkandal areas during the day and claimed 6 terrorist were killed. Further, ground troops reported that at least 10 others were either killed or wounded. 3 soldiers suffered injuries during these incidents.

On the Welioya front, troops engaged artillery fire at two terror strongholds in the North of Janakapura area during the day. Monitored radio transmissions confirmed 11 terrorists were killed and 5 others wounded during these attacks. Further , troops confronted with the terrorist at 2 separate incidents occurred in the North of Janakapura and North of Kiriibbanwewa areas in the morning hours. 3 terrorists were killed and 5 others were wounded during these incidents. Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations on the Welioya sector found 333 AP mines 4 trapped mortar bombs .

An LTTE expert in explosive devices killed in air raid - Mannar

An expert in explosive devices of the LTTE in Mannar front identified as "Dhora" has been killed in a successful air raid carried out by the SLAF MI-24 helicopters this morning, May 26.

An explosive dump of the LTTE terrorists was also destroyed in this attack, sources further said.

The air raid was launched targeting LTTE stronghold located in general area Andankulam, 1.5 Km north of the security forces defence in Mannar front around 8.30 a.m. today.

New regulations for Moblie phones

The government plans to introduce a new set of laws and regulations with regard to the purchase of mobile phones.

Mobile phones had been used to communicate while carrying out terrorist acts and crimes. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake stated the need of new regulations in this connection at a meeting today with intelligence officials and officials from the department of the registration of persons.
The premier said penalties for misdeeds carried out using mobile phones also need to be made more severe. He added that the act for the registration of persons would also be amended.

Death toll rises

Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara says 9 persons have been killed in the blast that occurred on a train travelling from Fort to Panadura this evening.
Acting director of the Colombo South General Hospital Dr. Wilfred Kumarasiri said 73 injured persons have been admitted to the hospital. He said six bodies also lie at the hospital. The blast occurred at around 5.00 this evening just as the train was leaving the Dehiwala Railway Station. Police say the bomb was in the hood rack of the 5th compartment of the train.
Many of the victims were office workers headed home at the end of the workday and the victims who suffered injuries were rushed to the Kalubowila teaching hospital and National hospital Colombo. Meanwhile the Government Railway said that Train services along the coastal line resumed a few minutes ago but will be limited to two way traffic on a single line resulting in delays.

Five killed -25 injured in Dehiwala bomb blast

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Five persons were killed and another 25 were injured due to the Dehiwala Bomb blast. Security forces say a search operation is underway around Dehiwala area. The bomb was hidden in a train apartment, said the Police sources. Injured were admitted to the Kalubowila General Hospital. Hospital sources said around 62 injured were admitted to the Kalubowila hospital. Most of them received minor injuries, our sources said.
Meanwhile our correspondent in the location confirmed the train services of the costal line were temporarily suspended due to the bomb attack. This is the second bomb blast which occurred at the Dehiwala Railway station.

A powerful blast near Dehiwala railway station

A bomb blast in a Panadura bound train near the Dehiwala railway station a short while ago.Awaits for details.

CEB unions vow to resist privatization

Trade unions affiliated to the Ceylon Electricity Board have vowed to resist government attempts to privatize the debt-ridden state-owned commercial enterprise.

Spokesman for the United Trade Union Front of the CEB Ranjan Jayalal yesterday (May 26th) claimed the government was trying to pave the way for privatization through an Act of Parliament which would be tabled in the House on June 6th.

Mr. Jayalal said people weren’t happy with CEB’s performance, acknowledging that "some even support privatization of the CEB."


However, he asserted it wouldn’t be panacea for the growing crisis in the electricity sector.

Mr. Jayalal He expressed confidence that their fight would receive the backing of all public sector trade unions and the private sector.

Moves to arrest SLMC area leaders - Hakeem

The violence that has gripped the East is evidence of government’s failure to provide security to civilians after installing Pillayan as the Chief Minister and there is a move by the government to arrest SLMC area leaders to cover up their own inadequacies, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem alleged at a press conference held today.

UNP lashes out at the ‘highest ever fuel price hike’

The UNP lashed out at the government today over the ‘highest ever fuel price hike’ saying that the masses had been burdened in an unfair and unethical manner to cover up rampant corruption within the state sector.

Hartal in Mutur

Mutur fishermen declared a hartal today to protest against the fishing ban that is in force since May 11. About 2000 fishermen also held a demonstration today to mark their protest.

Ground battles kill 22 in Sri Lanka: defence ministry

COLOMBO (AFP) - Ground battles between Sri Lankan troops and separatist rebels killed 21 guerrillas and one solider in the nation's north, the defence ministry said Monday.

Eight soldiers were also wounded in Sunday's fighting, the ministry said in a statement.

The latest reported deaths brought to 3,873 the number of rebels the government says it has killed since January, when it pulled out of a truce with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

The ministry has said 298 soldiers have died over the same period.

The rebels, who have been locked in armed combat with security forces since 1972, did not comment on Sunday's fighting.

The casualty figures cannot be verified since Sri Lanka bars journalists and human rights groups from the embattled areas.

Tens of thousands have died on both sides since the rebels launched their bid to create a homeland for minority Tamils in the island's north and east.

Sri Lanka air force helicopter gunships were active in the north on Monday, providing air support to ground troops moving deeper into the rebel-held region of Mannar, the defence ministry said.

Government must find solution to reduce fuel prices-JVP

Chairman of the National Freedom Front and parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa at a media briefing in Colombo today said the government should find medium and long-term solution to confront the exorbitant increases in fuel prices in the world market.

He further said Sri Lanka as a nation should face the world fuel prices.

Mr. Weerawansa also said the country should definitely shift to local power sources. He also pointed out restriction of private vehicles as well as provision of fuel subsidies to passenger transportation services and to those who consume kerosene oil should also be taken into consideration.

Video surveillance cameras in private buses

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Installation of video surveillance cameras in private buses to detect un-disciplinary activities and financial frauds has commenced. Two such cameras were installed in two private buses plying between Colombo and Badulla. The cameras record all visual and audio information from the start to the end of the journey. President of the
Inter-provincial Bus Owners’ Association and Basnayake Nilame of the Sri Saman Devalaya in Mahiyanganaya, Ranjith Amarasinghe in whose buses the cameras were installed, said the cameras also records the persons who place parcels in the buses and the exact time of such placements. He adds that it would be possible to find out that bus crew who treat the passengers in a harmful manner and buses which are overcrowded. Mr. Amarasinghe said all buses belonging to the Sri Lanka Inter-provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association will be provided such cameras in future.

Nimal Siripala De Silva appointed Chairman of the EXCO of the WHO

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has been appointed unanimously to the post of Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Health Organisation. He was elected at the Executive Committee Meeting of the WHO in Geneva Switzerland today.

The Executive Committee, which is comprised of 34 out of the 193 members, deals with the administrative functions of the WHO including taking policy decisions and preparation of annual programmes.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva was first appointed to the Executive Committee in 1988 and he has functioned as a Vice President for some time.

The WHO has decided to confer the post of Chairman to Minister De Silva taking into consideration his skills and commitment to the wellbeing of the organization. He is the first and the only Sri Lankan ever to be honoured by a high position of the World Health Organization.

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) marks 109th Graduation Ceremony with international flair

The Asian Institute of Technology’s international approach to education was highly evident recently (22 May) as students from twenty-seven countries received graduate master and doctoral degrees at its 109th Graduation Ceremony.

At the ceremony held at the Institute’s campus in Pathumthani, AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust conferred degrees on 433 new graduates who hailed from 22 countries in Asia, 4 countries in Europe and one country in Africa. A total of 124 Thai students were awarded graduated degrees.

AIT was officially graced for the first time by the new president of its AIT Alumni Association (AITAA), Mr. Somprasong Boonyachai, CEO of Shin Corporation Plc., and Executive Chairman of Advanced Info Service Plc, (AIS), who offered messages of advice to the May 2008 graduating class, in morning and afternoon ceremonies. A Thai citizen, Mr. Somprasong Boonyachai, graduated from AIT in 1981 with a Master of Engineering degree. He assumed his position as President of the AITAA on January 1st of this year.

Addressing the graduates in the morning ceremony was Mr. S. Srinivasan, President and Director (SEA & China), Thai Carbon Black Public Co., Ltd. Mr. S. Srinivasan is a Member of the Board of AIT Extension, which is AIT’s center for professional continuing education and capacity building programs. Mr. S. Srinivasan is an honorary trade advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Thailand, and was listed by Personnel Management Association of Thailand (PMAT) as being amongst the top twelve private sector Chief Executive Officers of Thailand in 2004.

Dr. Jean D’ Cunha, Regional Programme Director, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), East and South-East Asia, was the special guest speaker for the graduation ceremony held in the afternoon of the same day. A highly influential international figure, Dr. D’Cunha was formerly Regional Advisor/Manager of UNIFEM’s Asia–Pacific and Arab States Regional Programme on Migration.

Located in Thailand, 42 kilometres north of central Bangkok in Thailand, AIT is an independent and autonomous institute that works with public and private sector partners throughout the region and with some of the top universities and international organizations in the world. In addition to its main campus in Thailand, AIT has also established centres in Vietnam (both in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and Indonesia, and plans to open centres in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and possibly China and India in the future.

Since its founding in 1959, AIT has produced close to 16,000 graduates from 80 countries. At any given time, nationals of 40-50 countries comprise its 2,000-strong student body and 130-member faculty. Additionally, through AIT Extension’s non-degree continuing education courses, AIT has trained more than 23,000 professionals from the Asia region.

Australia plays cricket match at Maharaga boys home

A team from the Australian High Commission played a friendly cricket match against young cricketers from the Child Protection Society (CPS) Boys Home, Maharagama on Saturday 24 May 2008. The annual match was organised to encourage public support for the CPS boys and girls homes and foster friendship and development through sport.


The Child Protection Society was established in 1928 as the first child protection organisation in Sri Lanka and South Asia and is engaged in protecting and promoting child welfare.


Participating at the event the Australian High Commissioner Ms Kathy Klugman said “It has been a privilege for the Australian High Commission to be able to play with the enthusiastic team from the CPS boys home. I am pleased that so many others from the wider CPS community and the Sri Lankan cricket community were able to join us. The main aim of today was to encourage children from the CPS homes and to raise awareness of their situation. I hope we have gone some way to achieving that outcome.”


The CPS Boys Home team was captained by sixteen year old K.A. Ishara Ruwan Kumara who has lived at the home for the past four years.


The cricket match was attended by over 150 people including members of the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board Mr Duleep Mendis, captain and vice captain of the Sri Lanka national women's cricket team, Australian High Commission staff and family members, the president of the boys home, board members and trustees of the Child Protection Society and well wishers.

‘The government should correct itself instead of blaming the Unitd National Party (UNP). It will bring no good to the country. Sri Lanka lost the UN Human Rights Council seat to Pakistan which was sacked from the Commonwealth due to anti democratic acts. It indicates that the international community has kept less trust on Sri Lanka than Pakistan,' says UNP General Secretary Tissa Aththanayaka issuing a statement.
The statement further points out that the human rights record of Sri Lanka has collapsed to an alarming level and if the government has any real love to the country, it must take steps to take the country back on right path instead of useless blaming to the UNP.

Tourism drive in Eastern province

By Jayampathy JAYASINGHE


Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Authority Renton de Alwis told a media briefing last week at Beruwela that tourism in the Eastern province will be developed following its liberation. The Eastern province which has the finest tourist resorts in the country will be developed shortly.

He said investors have already revived a resort hotel at Pasikuddah to be converted into an up market Eco-friendly resort. People in the Eastern province will be encouraged to provide accommodation to tourists as in the past to develop tourism. However, there were no plans to build big hotels in the area at present he said.

Referring to tourism promotion, he said the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority plans to popularise the Ramayana concept among Indian tourists who wish to visit sacred sites of interest connected to the Ramayana epic.

“One such site is in the Hill country at Seetha Eliya and the other is in the Southern province where King Rama is believed to have landed. We will link these tours, to enable Indian tourists to visit the country,” he said.

He said tourism, the fourth largest foreign exchange earner netted US $ 380 million last year. Although a growth was recorded in tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2004, the tsunami affected the industry the following year. It picked up again in 2006, but there were less tourist arrivals thereafter due to other factors. “We vacillate at around half a million tourists at present”.

He said prior to 1983 there wasn’t a tourist season as such but during the South-West monsoonal season tourists preferred the Eastern coast.

Defence Secretary defends military

by Norman Palihawadana

Defence Secretary Colonel (retd) Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday condemned what he called an attempt to blame the alleged abduction and assault on Keith Noyahr, Associate Editor of The Nation on the military.

Rajapaksa accused interested parties including a section of the media of targeting the military over the attack which was being investigated by police. The press couldn’t be allowed to undermine the military, he said, asserting the protests launched by the media would have a negative impact on the war effort against the LTTE.

The Defence Secretary said he was prepared to face criticism and wouldn’t mind media attacks on the political leadership but security forces shouldn’t be at the receiving end of what he termed media assaults.

A TINY SPARK OF FIRE

by Jehan Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has blamed Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of seeking to undermine the country's international image and its economy by charging the government with human rights violations at international forums. It has been reported that the Opposition leader has said that Sri Lanka's non compliance with international human rights agreements it has signed could make the country lose its eligibility for import duty concessions by the European Union. Sri Lanka's recent unsuccessful bid to maintain its representation on the UN Human Rights Council following a vote by the General Assembly was another event that has highlighted the deteriorating condition of human rights in the country.

Sri Lanka was one of the initial members elected to the Human Rights Council in 2006 and might have reasonably expected to be re-elected. The country's failure to be elected for a second term, despite an aggressive campaign to seek re-election, is an indication of a grave human rights situation that is not being dealt with in a constructive manner. The government immediately blamed the international and national human rights lobbies for this defeat. While the government cannot be happy with this reversal it can be seen constructively as a wake up call to the government to improve the situation on the ground so that greater costs are not inflicted on the country in the future owing to the inability to maintain internationally acceptable standards of human rights.

There are further threats that lie ahead that could adversely affect the country's international position. Chief amongst these is the possible removal of Sri Lanka from the General System of Preferences (GSP+), that gives the country exemptions from significant tariffs for trade with the European Union, which is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner. Losing these benefits will only worsen an already critical economic situation, which has seen drastic increases in fuel, electricity, and food costs. Every Sri Lankan therefore has many reasons to be concerned about the government failing to live up to its commitment to improve the human rights situation in the country.

On the other hand, the government has put in place a top level team to argue the government's case, including Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and the Permanent Representative in Geneva, Dr Dayan Jayatilleke, who have been performing yeoman service on behalf of the government. The problem for the government, however, is the message emanating from the situation on the ground, which appears to be steadily getting worse, not better. There are reports virtually every day of serious human rights violations relating to the killing of civilians, abductions and worse still the intimidation of an entire society that fears to speak against the powers-that-be.


ONGOING VIOLATIONS

One such case that has been reported is that of the abduction of Weerakutty Chandralingam of Batticaloa who was abducted by men coming in a white van in Colombo, one of whom wore a police uniform. According to a complaint made by Sinnathamby Spiritheyon, Director of the Eastern Self Reliant Community Awakening Organisation he had come along with members of the group from Batticaloa and been their driver. He had been assaulted in their presence and taken away on May 15. He is now missing and all efforts on the part of his colleagues to trace his whereabouts have failed.

Most recently there has been a report of about 20 civilians being killed in a remote-controlled claymore mine explosion in the heart of the LTTE-controlled Wanni region, just five kilometers from the LTTE-administrative capital of Kilinochchi. The LTTE has claimed that the deep penetration unit of the Sri Lankan military was responsible for this attack, which the military has denied arguing that it is very far from the government lines and close to the LTTE's centre. LTTE-controlled areas are not open to people from outside, unlike other parts of the country, and no one can move about freely.

The need for an International Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism which some sectors of national and international society have been calling for stems from this lack of credible authorities to appeal to, and fact finding mechanisms to verify the truth or otherwise of rumours that are spreading throughout society. Due to the lacuna, people tend to rely on rumour and hearsay, and are fearful of the powers-that-be, both in the government and LTTE-controlled parts of the country. This leads to a society that tries above all to keep out of harm's way, and due to fear is made to appear to be callous and unconcerned. There would be no need for any international human rights mechanism if the national mechanisms were permitted to work in the manner that they are meant to.

There has been much publicity given to the abduction and torture of senior journalist Keith Noyahr. Ironically, he was abducted outside his home at dead of night the day after Sri Lanka found itself voted out of the UN's Human Rights Council. Fortunately, in his specific case, it appears that a direct appeal for Presidential intervention was effective, and the journalist was released. While it is a relief that in some cases there is someone to appeal to, there is a general sense of helplessness in the face of human rights abuses. The abduction and disappearance of Weerakutty Chandralingam of Batticaloa is a case in point. This is why it is important that institutions are in place and empowered to fulfill the role of protecting human rights of all people. The visiting US Deputy Secretary for Human Rights and Labour, Erica Barks-Ruggles said as much. She said, "Sri Lanka has the necessary institutional framework in place, but it needs to empower its institutions to carry out their work effectively."

Unfortunately, the President's refusal to implement the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which was passed unanimously by Parliament in 2001, has crippled the independence and integrity of the great institutions of state that have evolved over the centuries to provide the necessary checks and balances in any society. If implemented properly, the 17th Amendment would ensure that the Police, Judiciary, Public Service, Elections Commission and Human Rights Commission were led by persons selected jointly by the government and opposition, and in whom the rest of society could have confidence in. At present the President is appointing persons in whom he has confidence to those institutions of state which is not sufficient to restore society's confidence in them.


KEITH NOYAHR

At this point I would like to pay a tribute to Keith Noyahr, whose bruised and battered face was shown on virtually every news media, except for those of the government. It was to Keith I turned to, when my column for another newspaper was stopped. At that time Keith was an editor at the Daily Mirror newspaper. After a long while I became my only censor, instead of what I wrote being subjected to arbitrary editorial changes by editors who disapproved of my opinion. Yes, I censor myself and have written even this article with much circumspection because of the impunity that has seized control of public life in the country.

I also pay tribute to Keith's journalist colleagues and friends who stayed vigil the long night he was missing, to his editor at the Nation newspaper Lalith Allahakoon who used his position to appeal directly to the President and to others at the highest level of government, and to Sunanda Deshapriya and his colleagues at the Free Media Movement who demonstrated in public and called for accountability in Sri Lanka. The moral of all great religions, of which most Sri Lankans are passionate adherents, is that even an individual can spark off immense changes, and so must continue their work without being discouraged, even in the face of a democratic system of checks and balances that has broken down.

There is a story from the Buddhist scriptures related by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh that demonstrates the unmeasurable potential of the human individual. "One day when he was thirty eight years old, the Buddha met King Prasenjit of Kosala. The king said, 'Reverend, you are young, yet people call you the 'The Highest Enlightened One.' There are holy men in our country, eighty and ninety years old, venerated by many people, yet none of them claim to be the highest enlightened one. How can a young man like you make such a claim?' The Buddha replied, 'Your majesty, enlightenment is not a matter of age. A tiny spark of fire has the power to burn down a whole city. A small poisonous snake can kill you in an instant. A baby prince has the potentiality of a king. And a young monk has the capacity of becoming enlightened and changing the world.'"

Individuals of integrity, like Keith Noyahr, who with their contributions give a positive meaning to Sri Lanka's multi ethnic and multi religious society, have an invaluable contribution to make to the future Sri Lanka of peace, human rights and justice.

Seven Tamil civilians seek protection with security forces- Mannar

Seven Tamil civilians including two females sought protection with security forces at the Navy and Police jointly manned fishing marshalling point at Pallaimunai, Mannar yesterday (May 25) around 2.30p.m., after fleeing from the LTTE dominated Vedithalathivu area, security sources said.
The civilians were later handed over to the Mannar police and subsequently taken to an IDP centre in Mannar, the sources said. According to available information, the civilians have fled due to unprecedented hardships and forced recruitment by the terror outfit.

LTTE bunker line attacked - SLAF

Air Force says that their MI 24 helicopter gunships attacked the LTTE bunker line ahead of Andankullam FDL in Mannar this morning in support of Army operations.

Negombo area will be upgraded as a tourism nerve point

The Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism George Michael says Negombo area will be upgraded as a tourism nerve point under the Tourism Resources Development Project.
Japan International Cooperation Bank assist for this project and it costs more than 400 million rupees. The secretary added that renovation of Hamilton Canal , establishing model beach zone , and many developmental activities will be carried out under this project.
Technical evaluation committee has also been appointed. Sigiriya and Anuradhapura sacred cities will also be upgraded under the tourism resource development project .

Military spokesman requests the public to continue to be vigilant

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara requests the public to continue to be vigilant and immediately inform the nearest police station or security units on any suspicious factor.
A time bomb weighing one kilogram has been recovered at the Madawala Junction along the Wattegama-Kandy road. The Media Centre for National Security said Wattegama Police found the time bomb this morning after being notified by a civilian regarding a suspicious parcel.
The army has defused the bomb. Two bombs were also found last evening from Moratuwa and Ganemulla areas. Brigadier Nanayakkara said that vigilant public have averted major destruction through these detections.

Sri Lanka handed over the relief items to China

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama handed over the relief items to the earthquake victims of Sichuan Province of China to the Ambassador China in Sri Lanka Ye Dabo at the Colombo International Airport.
The relief items is to be despatched by a Sri Lankan airlines special flight leaving to China. The relief items which amounted approximately 120 million rupees included of medical equipment and medicines worth in excess of 60 million rupees.
The relief items included over 1250 tents which could accommodate over ten thousand earthquake victims.
The relief consignment further consisted of garments and tea.
The foreign minister stated at the handing over ceremony that more humanitarian assistance to the victims of the earth quake in China is expected form the government and the people of Sri Lanka.

Bus fares up

Government decided to increase bus fares by 27.2 percent from Monday mid night. Lowest fair will be Rs.7.00 and these bus fares will be applied for the private omni buses. Bus fares of Ceylon Transport Board also increased by 17 percent. However the omni bus owners said this structure is not sufficient to face their grievances. On Sunday most of omni bus operators stopped their services due to the recent price hike of diesel.

JVP plans to select a new Parliament Group Leader

Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake is likely to be appointed as Parliament group leader of the JVP .According to the party sources this decision will be taken soon .
A senior Polite bureau member said during the forthcoming fifth convention of the JVP, the party would decide the post of Group leader and a number of hard decisions would be approved during the AGM. The forthcoming convention will be held on 27th of this month at the Sugathadasa Indoor Auditorium , Colombo. The convention will have two sessions.
The first session will commence at 9 o?clock and it will follow traditional practices of the political party to inaugurate the first session.
A senior politbureau member said it would be opened for media but the second session will be only for the party members.
Meanwhile the JVP decided to ask the Secretary General of the Parliament for new seat arrangements in the house. The JVP will send their request after the convention.

Addalachchenai PS Chairman assaulted

Chairman of Addalachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha Mashoor Sinnalebbe has been hospitalized after being attacked allegedly by the supporters of a government minister representing the area. He was also a candidate who contested the eastern provincial council election on the UNP ticket.

Abducted two Muslims released

The two Muslims, who were allegedly abducted by the TMVP this afternoon have been released a short while ago, Police said.
A Hartal also staged in this morning in Eravur demanding the release of two Muslims allegedly abducted by the TMVP.
The area sources said an indefinite police curfew is in force in Eravur town since noon today as a general shutdown is being observed there to protest last week’s abduction of two Muslim youth reportedly by the Pillayan Group.The situation in the town became tense following attempts by the security authorities and the Pillayan Group to reopen the closed shops and to resume public transportation.
People have reportedly hurled stones at buses that had been forced to ignore the hartal and operate in the town.
As the situation was getting out of hand, the Defence Ministry had ordered that a police curfew be imposed in the area.

Eleven LTTE bunkers have been completely destroyed

Eleven LTTE bunkers have been completely destroyed by a major attack by the army.
The media centre for national security said the bunkers destroyed yesterday were situated ahead of the Muhamale Forward Defence Lines in Jaffna.
Artillery fire has targeted a group of terrorist boats at sea off the coast of Nagarkovil in Jaffna. The media centre said the Army is certain that severe damage was sustained by the LTTE terrorists in the attack which occurred last evening.
Five LTTE terrorists have been killed and fourteen reported injured during confrontations yesterday with Troops in Janakapura in Welioya. One terrorist was killed and four terrorists were injured during a confrontation yesterday in Munrumurippu in Vavuniya.

Meanwhile, 2,100 litres of diesel have been seized by the Navy. The diesel was packed in ten barrels and concealed by the LTTE in the Pallimunai-Erukkulampiddi area in Mannar.
The media centre said the stock was to be transported to un-cleared areas. On information given by a civilian, the Special Task Force has recovered weapons, hand grenades and rounds concealed underground in a jungle area in Sathurukondan in Batticaloa.
The recovery made yesterday includes two T56 Assault rifles, three T56 ammunition pouches, 80 T56 rounds and one Hand grenade.

A time bomb found in Kandy [Update]

Police personnel of Wattegama police station have found a time bomb placed near an electric transformer at Madawala Junction this morning (May 25).

According the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), the bomb has been discovered by the police around 9.20 am on information provided by a vigilant civilian. The army bomb disposal team has defused the bomb. The weight of the bomb is about 1kg, said the sources.

New party by NFF strongman Piyasiri Wijenayake

Piyasiri Wijenayake, a leading figure in the newly-registered National Freedom Front, has applied for the registration of yet another political party.

The Elections Commissioner has decided to interview the applicant of the ‘Patriotic National Front’ next week for consideration.

A top official of the NFF said that the move was precautionary, as they could organize themselves properly under the new party, if the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna challenges the legality of the NFF.


According to sources at the Elections Secretariat, eight new parties are presently awaiting registration with the EC.

Senior U.S. human rights official visits Sri Lanka

The United States Embassy Colombo in a press release said that visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Erica Barks-Ruggles had a meeting with government officials, law enforcement authorities and civil society leaders in the country. According to the US embassy, Ms. Barks-Ruggles emphasized the importance of continuing the dialogue between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, which have enjoyed 60 years of unbroken friendship.

The Press release in full:

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Erica Barks-Ruggles visited Colombo May 22-24 as part of the U.S. Government's regular, ongoing consultations with the Sri Lankan Government. During her visit, Ms. Barks-Ruggles met with several senior Government of Sri Lanka officials, including Attorney General C. R. De Silva, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, Justice Secretary Suhada Gamalath and Secretary of Disaster Management and Human Rights P.D. Amarasinghe. She also met with a broad spectrum of political and civil society leaders.

Ms. Barks-Ruggles emphasized the importance of continuing the dialogue between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, which have enjoyed 60 years of unbroken friendship. She commended recent efforts to address some concerns of the U.S. and others on human rights. In particular, Ms. Barks-Ruggles welcomed recent releases of former child soldiers by the TMVP. She urged the government and others working on this problem to maintain this momentum and ensure that all remaining child soldiers are released in the shortest possible time.

Ms. Barks-Ruggles noted that there are other areas where further progress is needed, such as in combating the problem of abductions and "disappearances." She stressed that the U.S. places a very high value on freedom of speech and the press. She saluted the civic courage demonstrated by the independent voices in Sri Lanka's media, some of whom, she said, "have paid too a high price for speaking out." Ms. Barks-Ruggles commented, "Sri Lanka has the necessary institutional framework in place, but it needs to empower its institutions to carry out their work effectively. Human rights protection needs to be applied in fact, not just in law." She pointed to dialogue as essential between friends who are open and honest with each other. "The U.S. wants the best possible outcome for our friends - in this case, the country and the people of Sri Lanka," she stated.

Ms. Barks-Ruggles is a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service with extensive experience in policy planning in the U.S. Department of State and the White House National Security Council. From 2001 to 2004 she served in the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway, where her portfolio included peace negotiations in Sri Lanka and Sudan.

Losing UNHRC won’t directly impact GSP+, says Dias

By Poornima Ravishan Wijemanne
Sri Lanka not being able to enter the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) does not have a direct impact on the newly extended special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance of the Generalised System of Tariff Preferences (GSP+), as long as the government abides by the human rights and labour conventions it has signed Brandix Apparels Director and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Member Ajith Dias said.

“It’s a disappointment that we didn’t enter the UNHRC, but it doesn’t have a direct impact on the GSP+ scheme. We are confident that the government will indict human rights offenders and comply with the ratifications prescribed by the European Union (EU),” said Dias.

The GSP+ scheme allows most of Sri Lanka’s major exports – including apparels – to enter the EU market for less or no duty, provided Sri Lanka complies with the human rights and labour rights conventions it has signed.

Sri Lanka and Mongolia are the only two Asian countries to be granted this special concession that was to expire at the end of this year. After reviewing the situation in Sri Lanka, the EU decided to extend the GSP+ scheme for three more years from January, 2009.

‘No Japanese blow’ – Vijitha Herath

By Rathindra Kuruwita
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP and International Affairs Committee Secretary Vijitha Herath has denied claims that JVP supporters and sympathisers in Japan have officially informed them that they would no longer support the party.

He made this claim referring to reports that Saman Priyankara, the Organiser of the JVP Committee in Japan, had sent a letter stating that they would stop their donations to the party.

“We have no special committee or branch in Japan,” Herath said. “Of course, there are JVP sympathisers in Japan but they are not grouped together. So, this letter sent by an individual cannot be called a letter sent by a JVP branch or association.”
The JVP MP said that although they had received a letter from Priyankara, he was not the JVP organiser in Japan.

“Priyankara was a sympathiser of the party and he has withdrawn his support, but that does not mean that all our supporters in Japan have stopped supporting us,” he said. “Priyankara is only one among thousands so his departure is not a big blow to the party,” he added.

JIHADISTS ON THE WARPATH

By Ranga Jayasuriya

Armed Islamic jihadist elements are on the rise in the East and were behind the recent communal clashes in the province, military sources claim.
An armed group which was active during the first two years of the peace process is raising its head and is actively engaged in militant activities, according to military officials.
Police and the Special Task Force were deployed in Kattankudy after tit- for- tat killings by the TMVP and Muslim militants on Thursday. A police curfew was clamped down in the town after the killings. The curfew was lifted on Friday.
Muslim gunmen allegedly shot dead two TMVP members, including its Aaraiyampathi area political leader K. Sasitharan alias Shanthan, when they were travelling through the predominantly Muslim town of Kattankudy
Shanthan and his associate Tharshan were stopped and shot dead by T 56 weilding gunmen in the heart of the town.
Later in the day, enraged TMVP members fired at Muslim travelers passing predominantly Tamil village Aaraiyampathi, killing two civilians and injuring four others including two Sinhalese.
Military officials claim a nascent armed Muslim group is active in the predominantly Muslim areas of the East.
There are also reports of a rise of Wahabism, an extreme form of Islamic teaching in the East, promoted by lavish funding from Saudi Arabia. An increasing number of young men have gone to Saudi Arabia and Egypt for religious teaching and some of the returning graduates preach strict Islamic teachings, local sources told LAKBIMAnEWS.
There had been bitter sectarian clashes in Kattankudy last year between two Islamic sects over ideological differences.
It is however not clear whether there is a link between the rise of Wahabism and the emergence of a Muslim militant group.
Meanwhile, Sivaneshathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan visited the Jumma Mosque at Kattankudy and met Mulism leaders after Friday prayers to ease the rising tension between the two communities.

A bomb found in Kandy

Another bomb found in Kandy a short while ago.Meanwhile a time bomb found on a bus in Moratuwa was defused at around 8.45 p.m after the authorities were alerted. A similar bomb was defused in Ganemulle earlier in the day.

Ministers told to reduce use of vehicles

Government Ministers have been advised during a special cabinet meeting tonight to reduce the use of State vehicles in light of the increase of petrol prices.

Bharathi appointed Presidential coordinator

TMVP Ampara political head Bharathi has been appointed as a Presidential coordinator for the district. The appointment was made this evening.

Mervin in clutches

Minister Mervin de Silva who received injuries when the vehicle in which he was traveling overturned in the Dehiattakandiya area, at a function on Friday at Ramasingha Vidyalaya at Kiribathgoda to re-name the school D. A. Rajapaksa Vidyalaya.

Government decided to increase fuel prices from tonight -NTUC opposed the price hike

According to the new price formula CPC will increase diesal and Petrol prices by Rs.30 and Cerosine by Rs.10.Meanwhile Presidet Mahindha Rajapaksha and the cabinet of ministers held discussions with local academics on global fuel crisis.The new prices are Petrol Octane Rs.157.00, 95 Octane Rs 170.00,Auto diesal Rs 110.00
, Super diesal Rs. 125.30 Cerosine Rs.71.70.
Meanwhile the National Trade Union Centre, comprising 364 trade unions, has vehemently opposed the fuel price that came into effect from midnight Wednesday. It charged that this has placed an unbearable burden on the working class. The Union also said that it was made to understand that prices of other varieties of fuel, too, would be hiked soon.
The NTUC said that on Wednesday the President had summoned all trade union representatives to the Temple Tress to discuss the fuel price hike but the NTUC boycotted the meeting with the President, the Union said.
The Union alleged this discussion was an attempt to portray that the price hike was effected with the approval of the trade unions.

Senior DIG Jayantha Wickremerathne to be appointed as new IGP

It has been decided to appoint Senior DIG Jayantha Wickramarathne as the next IGP with effective from June 01st, police sources say.
The decision has been taken in the light of the near approaching retirement of current IGP Victor Perera, after his request for an extension failed.
Victor Perera was appointed to the post of IGP under a special direction despite the presence of Senior DIG Bodhi Liyanage, who exceeded Perera in terms of seniority.It was revealed that Senior DIG Jayantha Wickramarathne too, is senior to the current IGP.

Government decided to increase fuel prices from tonight [Update]

Government decided to increase fuel prices from tonight.
According to the new price formula CPC will increase diesal and Petrol prices by Rs.30 and Cerosine by Rs.10.Meanwhile Presidet Mahindha Rajapaksha and the cabinet of ministers held discussions with local academics on global fuel crisis.

13 LTTE terrorists were killed

13 LTTE terrorists were killed and 8 others reported wounded during fighting ensued between troops and LTTE ahead of the Wanni and Northern defences on Friday (May 23), security sources said.

Troops have also destroyed 13 LTTE bunker defences during a military offensive launched at LTTE positions south of the A-9 trunk road at Muhamalai, according to MCNS sources. Two soldiers have also received injuries during the confrontations. Separately, at Muhamalai 3 other terrorists were reported killed during a fierce fighting erupted between troops and LTTE at around 5.45p.m.

On the Vavuniya battle front, 4 terrorists were killed in confrontations in general areas at Periyamadu and Navathkulama. 10 hand grenades were also recovered by troops during subsequent search operations conducted, MCNS sources said.

On the Mannar front, an LTTE terrorist was killed in confrontation with troops in general area Nedunkandal, at around 5.45p.m. In addition, a soldier was also killed and another reported wounded due to an IED explosion in the same area at around 6.30a.m.

According to military, 4 terrorists were killed and 8 others wounded during a fierce gunfire exchange between troops and LTTE terrorists at Kurunkandai, Mannar yesterday morning. Meanwhile, another terrorist was also reported killed by troops in general area Vediyanmurippu.

Bangladeshis rescue missing SL fishermen

Bangladeshi fishermen have rescued five Sri Lankan fishermen whose boat drifted towards the territorial waters of Bangladesh due to an engine trouble, the Negombo police said today. These fishermen had gone for fishing in deep sea on April 3, and lost communication with the land on April 28.

A youth killed in Trinco

A 24-year-old Tamil youth has been shot dead in Trincomalee today by an unidentified gunman, Police said.

Terror bomb attack at civilians averted- Ganemulla

Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) bomb disposal team defused a time bomb weighing 1.25 kg this evening found in a public transport bus at Kossinna in Ganemulla (May 24) . According to the defence sources, the conductor of the bus who initially detected the ownerless parcel has thrown it out of the bus at a remote location. Then he has alerted the STF on the suspected parcel, the sources said.

The bomb was found in the bus that was due to leave Colombo from Parakandeniya. According to the sources, there were no passengers in the bus when the conductor detected the suspected parcel found under one of the passenger seats.

Govt.increases fuel price

Government decided to increase fuel prices from tonight.

Terror bomb attack at civilians averted- Ganemulla

Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) bomb disposal team defused a time bomb weighing 1.25 kg this evening found in a public transport bus at Kossinna in Ganemulla (May 24) . According to the defence sources, the conductor of the bus who initially detected the ownerless parcel has thrown it out of the bus at a remote location. Then he has alerted the STF on the suspected parcel, the sources said.

The bomb was found in the bus that was due to leave Colombo from Parakandeniya. According to the sources, there were no passengers in the bus when the conductor detected the suspected parcel found under one of the passenger seats.

City Union Bank plans JU with Lankan Bank

CHENNAI: City Union Bank on Friday said that it has proposed a joint venture with Sri Lanka-based Hatton National Bank targeting entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.

"It is a 50-50 JV and it would help potential entrepreneurs and SMEs to help access funds for capital expansion which they have not reached so far" City Union Bank Ltd Chairman S Balasubramanian told reporters here.

"It is (the joint venture) in the initial stage as we are waiting for regulatory approvals and expected to take at least six months of time" he said, adding they have some investment expertise and its better to have another partner, citing reasons for the tie-up.

The Bank has also planned to launch its VISA ATM cum DEBIT card shortly.

"Almost all the process have been completed for the debit card and we will be launching it very soon", Executive Director N Kamakoti said.

On the bank's performance for the financial year 2007-08, Balasubramanian said the bank's total business crossed Rs 11,000 Crore in financial year 2008 as compared to Rs 8,029 Crore in the previous year.

The bank reported a profit after tax for the year ended March 2008 was Rs 101.73 crore against Rs 71.81 crore in 2007 up by 41.67 per cent.

The total income rose from 454.13 crore in 2007 to 686.25 crore in 2008 up by 51.11 per cent, he said.

The Chairman also said they have set a target of posting Rs 15,000 Crore this year.

"If we are able to sustain the same growth, we will be reaching Rs 15,000 crore this year" Balasubramanian said and added and they would be soon launch a new life insurance product in the next couple of days.

SLAF launches air support missions - Mannar Front

Sri Lanka Air Forces fighters launched air support missions in Mannar front this afternoon, May 23.

MI-24 helicopter gun ships engaged in close air support mission raided an LTTE gathering point located in east of Adampan town, 1.5 Km ahead of the security forces defence line. The raid was launched around 4.40 pm air force spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, SLAF jets raided another LTTE gathering place located in general area Periyamadu in Mannar front around 2.10 pm, spokesperson added.

SLAF fighters destroy LTTE boat hideout

Sri Lanka Air Force supersonic fighter jets carried out an air attack targeting an LTTE boat hideout this afternoon, May 23.

According to the air forces sources, SLAF fighters raided a place where terrorists used to conceal their boats located in general area Thundikulam, in Chundukulam beach area around 2.00 pm. The air raid was launched on precise information received from naval patrol. Pilots have observed that few LTTE boats set ablaze due to the bombardment and flames had lasted for more than15 minutes, air forces sources further said.

Pro-LTTE reports on attacks against civilians refuted

The Sri Lanka Army flatly refutes and despises attempts of the pro-LTTE media to blame the Army over alleged explosions of claymore mines in un-cleared areas of Kilinochchi, targeting both an ambulance and a van during the course of the day (Friday,23rd, 2008). The areas alleged in those reports lie about 100 km away from the northern most Omanthai Entry/Exit point and defence lines under the government control in Vavuniya.

Those reports shamelessly claimed that an ambulance carrying an Assistant Director of the Fisheries Corporation, Mannar and a civilian was the target of the first claymore mine in Muzhangkaavil, Kilinochchi. Adding another dimension a few hours later, the same pro-LTTE mouthpiece alleged that one more van carrying sixteen civilians, including six children, four girls and two boys was attacked with a claymore mine at about 2.15 p.m. on Friday (23) in the same un-cleared Muzhangkaavil area while they all were allegedly returning from a hospital.

It is crystal clear that those LTTE reports have been attributed to the Army with a sinister move and the sheer intention of tarnishing the image of the Army unreservedly and also provoking the international community in order to win back the world sympathy for their lost cause. Many such reports carried in their media in the past provide ample evidence and examples to this effect. The Army categorically refuses such reports and appeals sensible readers to judge the motive behind such pro-LTTE allegations.

Army hands over 4 LTTE bodies to ICRC

Four more bodies of female LTTE cadres who were killed in recent clashes in Welioya handed over to ICRC officials at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point this afternoon, May 23. The ICRC representative, Mr. P.Kabeshan who was in charge of the mission had taken the bodies to LTTE held areas in Wanni to be handed over them to the LTTE, sources said.

Police probe into alleged assault on journalist

Sri Lanka police has deployed 3 special teams of police officers to investigate into the case in which a senior journalist has been beaten up by an unknown party last night (May 22). Police media spokesman Deputy Inspector General N.K. Ilangakoon speaking at a media briefing held at MCNS, Colombo, told that the police teams are presently conducting investigations in Colombo and its suburbs.

He said that the wife of Mr. Keith Noyahr had logged a complaint at the police station Dehiwala, around 11.30 pm that her husband had disappeared leaving his car in front his residence. The police had rushed to the location and commenced the investigations there onwards, he further said.

Speaking further he said that Mr. Noyahr, has returned home this morning with injuries to his head and he is undergoing treatments at Colombo National Hospital at present. The victim has not been able to make a statement on the incident due to his medical condition though the police had made an attempt, he added.

Questioned how the event had occurred, the police spokesperson said that the victim had been returning home after a dinner before being beaten up. However, no one is reported to have witnessed the scene, he further said.

Mr. Noyahr is a deputy editor of the Sri Lanka English weekly the Nation. The incident has been already exploited by anti Sri Lankan propagandists to attack defence establishments in the country. The controversial NGO, Free Media Movement was quick to speculate a connection between the incident and a defence establishment by stating that there is no other reason for the attack other than the victim being critical over the war and high ranking military officials. However, defence.lk learns that no evidence has been found so far to prove such a tendentious allegation.

Price hike of all fuels likely - CPC

A price hike of all fuels is expected very soon, CPC Chairman Asantha De Mel said at a press briefing today.

5 media orgs. condemn assault on Keith Noyhar

The Free Media Movement led five media rights organizations have condemned last night’s (May 22nd) attack on the Deputy Editor and Defence Columnist of ‘The Nation’ newspaper.

“This is not just a violation of the freedom of expression and another significant blow to media freedom. It proves, as if more proof was needed, that Sri Lanka is very far from a country that protects fundamental rights and is governed by the rule of law,” the statement said.

It said, "The Free Media Movement (FMM) expresses shock and outrage that Keith Noyahr, Deputy Editor and Defense Anayst of the English weekly The Nation was abducted late evening yesterday returned home early this morning, after enduring severe physical harm.



Keith left his office around 10.30 pm last night but never reached home. His vehicle was found in front of his house, lights and engine running. It was apparent that he had been abducted when he turned his car towards the gate and got down to open the gate.

There is no other reason for this latest attack against a journalist than his independent writing and analysis of the war in the North, if that is reason at all. His reporting was critical of high-ranking military officers and the Government’s approach to and conduct of the war. According to family sources, the FMM learns that threats directed against him had forced him to take precautionary measures.

This is not just a violation of the freedom of expression and another significant blow to media freedom. It proves, as if more proof was needed, that Sri Lanka is very far from a country that protects fundamental rights and is governed by the rule of law.

16 civilians dead in claymore blast in Wanni

Sixteen civilians were killed in a claymore blast in the LTTE-controlled Wanni this afternoon (May 23rd).

A Hiace Van returning from Musankavil Hospital to Kilinochchi was targeted around 2.15 pm on the Murikandi-Akkarayan road, 'Tamil Net' reported.

The bodies of four men, six women and six children were brought to the Kilinochchi Hospital, which is also treating two injured persons, it said.

The website said that a Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit was responsible.


The DPU has stepped up attacks in the Wanni, which is mourning the death of senior LTTE Commander Balraj, 'Tamil Net' added.

Massive protest against assault of Keith Noyhar

A massive demonstration took place at the Kollupitiya Junction in Colombo this afternoon (May 23rd) against the abduction and beating up of 'The Nation' Deputy Editor Keith Noyhar.

Organized by the Movement against Media Suppression, the protest was attended by members of the Free Media Movement-led media rights groups, politicians and civil society and trade union activists.

Condemning the abduction and assault of Mr. Noyhar, the protestors carried his photos and shouted slogans - accusing the government of trying to repress the media for telling the truth to the country on the war situation.


In an hour-long protest, they demanded an immediate end to such harassment of the media and violations of human rights.

Secretary of the Movement of Media Repression Sanath Balasuriya told the protestors that only continuous agitation by media rights bodies ensured that today's protest was held without obstruction.

Other speakers demanded the government to name those responsible for the attack on Mr. Noyhar, failing which, they warned of strong action.

Government should take an action to protect the lives of public in EP

At the present moment of the eastern province and the entire country UNP request government to take immediate steps to protect the lives of public in eastern province and to implement a political solution for this ethnic problem that safeguards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka
UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, also challenged the government to declare a General election if possible instead of holding ‘mini polls’ to evaluate the public opinion.He accused the Pillaiyan group of masterminding a recent bomb blast in Colombo, which killed at least 11 and injured more than 90.

SL dangerously moving away from Democracy to Autocracy - Ranil warns!

Opposition leader, Ranil Wickremsinghe who can visualize Govt.’s evil maneuvers ahead of others expressed grave concern over the dangerous trend in the country referring to the current illiberal Democracy gravitating towards an authoritarian State under the Rajapakse Govt., when addressing an Int. conference in Berlin to mark the 50th anniversary of Friedrich Naumann Stiftung Fur Die Freiheit.

The Govt. is using the war to cover up all its evils and weaknesses while slowly but surely extinguishing Democracy. It is systematically eroding the party system, the Parliamentary supremacy and supplanting them with Rajapakse family rule.

Borrowing loans without proper Parliamentary approval, entering into electoral alliances with Tamil paramilitary groups guilty of human rights violations, dabbling with the country’s wealth and expenditure at will and pleasure ignoring Parliamentary procedure, sabotaging the functioning of the Constitutional Councils, trampling the rule of law and the sacrosanct Constitution of the country are the order of the day with this Rajapakse rule, he added.

Speaking on the theme “Master Plan 2005- strategies for a free World ’’said individual liberties are not always explicit in Democracies. In evolving Democracies, sometimes, the democratic process can end up conflicting with individual liberties. A free world is possible, only if the conflict between Democracy and individual freedom can be resolved, he emphasized.

F & A Trade Show - 2008

A 100 strong buyer delegation team, specially flown in from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be a major highlight of the fifth edition of the F&A Trade Show 2008, slated to be held at the Export Promotion Industrial Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, India on the weekend of June 6 to 8, 2008. "The purpose of their visit is to identify prospective-supply chain partners in fabrics and garment accessories in a bid to establish long term and enduring business relationships, " said Mr. P. Krishna Murthy, CEO, S S Media & Marketing, organizers of the show.

The two delegations will be headed by their respective associations - the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) of Sri Lanka. "To enable participants to interact with the visitors in an exclusive and business-like atmosphere, we will be organizing a special event called the 'Business Networking Forum, ' on the evening of the first day of the show, " said Mr Murthy.

The theme will focus on 'South Asia and Emerging Global Opportunities in Textiles/Garments.' This will be addressed by an elite panel comprising senior representatives from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who will give a perspective of their country's current position and the road ahead and how they perceive the emerging opportunities. "We are also expecting a delegation of garment manufacturers and exporters from Vietnam and a confirmation is expected soon, " said Murthy.

Besides this exclusive event, the F&A Show Trade Show 2008 promises to be 40 percent bigger than its previous editions in terms of overall exhibition space as well as number of exhibitors. The all new and biggest edition so far will have over 125 participants, not only from across the country, but also around the world like USA, UK, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc representing all areas of the textile value chain. Of these, over 40 percent of the exhibitors will be entirely new, participating for the first time, while the others will use this opportunity to showcase their latest range of apparel fabrics and accessories. This means that buyers will have a wider choice when it comes to fabrics and garment accessories as well as supplier options. Visitors too come in from not only the entire country, but also neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Mauritius besides Indonesia, Philippines, the Middle East, USA, UK and Australia amongst others. The F&A Trade Show is the most comprehensive and authoritative event of its kind with an exhibition area of 5, 373 sq meters spread over 50 acres of land.

The show, whose main focus would be the latest in fabrics, accessories and services, will be attended by some of India's leading garment manufacturing / exporting houses, buying houses / agents and designers. The last show attracted over 3, 142 quality trade visitors consisting of top chairmen, managing directors, chief executive officers, owners, partners and senior executives like merchandisers, sourcing managers and purchase managers. This edition is expected to attract over 4, 000 business decision makers.

This unique fair will offer a mind-blowing collection of fabrics woven by some of India's premier weaving mills and fashion accessories manufactured not only in the country, but also from around the globe. The participants are expected to display their latest in all kinds of apparel fabrics, suiting, shirting, bottom weights, knitted, narrow, fleece, gray, corduroy, denim, velvet, embroidered fabrics and dress materials; narrow fabrics and accessories like labels, elastics, embroidery thread, hangers, zippers, interlinings, buttons, tapes, tags, laces, stones, laser cutting machines, bar coding, printing services, testing services and many more.

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DEFEAT A WAKE UP CALL

Sri Lanka's recent unsuccessful bid to maintain its representation on the UN Human Rights Council following a vote by the General Assembly is another event that highlights the deteriorating condition of human rights in the country. Sri Lanka was one of the initial members of elected to the Human Rights Council in 2006 and might have reasonably expected to be re-elected. The country's failure to be elected for a second term, despite an aggressive campaign to seek re-election, is an indication of a grave human rights situation that has not been dealt with in a constructive manner.

The National Peace Council regrets that the government has responded to criticism of its human rights record with denial and deflection. Human rights violations continue to be a grave threat to all Sri Lankans. For example, recently over 60 Tamil prisoners were transferred from the New
Magazine Prison in Colombo to the Boosa Prison in Galle, where they were reportedly abused and tortured. During the past two weeks a spate of abductions, disappearances and arrests have been reported from different parts of the country. The latest one was the abduction and physical assault of senior journalist Keith Noyahr outside his home in a residential suburb of Colombo.

Membership in the UN Human Rights Council confers a moral duty and great responsibility to uphold the highest standards of human rights throughout the world. Sri Lanka's inability to obtain re-election is likely to hurt the country's international reputation and be a psychological blow to the
government. NPC sees this reversal as being a wake up call to the government to improve the situation so that greater costs are not inflicted on the country in the future owing to the inability to maintain internationally acceptable standards of human rights.

In November 2007, NPC released a media statement discussing the possible consequence of not implementing international human rights commitments. We expressed our strong concern regarding the possible the removal of Sri Lanka from the General System of Preferences (GSP), giving us exemptions from significant tariffs for trade with the European Union, Sri Lanka's largest trading partner. Losing these benefits will only worsen an already critical economic situation, which has seen drastic increases in gas, electricity, and food costs. Every Sri Lankan therefore has many reasons to be concerned about the Government not living up to its commitment to improve the human rights situation in the country.

NPC therefore appeals to the government to work with civil society organisations in the country for the benefit of all Sri Lankans and meaningfully respond to all human rights violations, no matter who the perpetrators are.

We recommend full implementation of the 17th Amendment of the Constitution in appointing an Independent Constitutional Council and an Independent Human Rights Commission and other oversight bodies.

We call for government-civil society dialogue on this and other issues, and stand willing to do our part to bring the human rights of Sri Lankan citizens to the forefront. Only through sustained cooperation will we be able to jointly achieve a just, peaceful, and prosperous Sri Lanka. We believe that human rights and peace are two sides of the same coin. It would be futile to imagine that we can have one without the other.

Insurance scheme for housemaids in Saudi

An insurance scheme for housemaids serving in Saudi Arabia is to be implemented. This was a result of discussions held between Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the Labour Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The foreign employment bureau says it has been agreed at the talks to pay the insurance premium to any international insurance company named by Sri Lanka.
Another decision taken at the meeting was to credit the monthly salaries of the Sri Lankan housemaids to the bank accounts of their choice.
The migrant housemaids should hand over details of their non-residential bank accounts to the prospective employerd when they leave the country.
The Labour Minister of Saudi Arabia said stern action will be taken against employers who act in contrary to the agreement. He has pledged to focus more attention for the recruitment of more Sri Lankan migrant workers for massive development projects being unleashed in Saudi Arabia.

ABDUCTION AND RELEASE OF JOURNALIST: END THIS IMPUNITY

The abduction of senior journalist, Keith Noyahr, Associate Editor of the Nation newspaper just outside his home in a residential suburb of Colombo is a shocking incident that highlights the vulnerability of human rights and the media in Sri Lanka. Mr Noyahr wrote the defence column for his newspaper in addition to editing it. The National Peace Council condemns this abduction which adds to the dismal toll of victims of serious human rights violations. Ironically, this incident occurred on the day after Sri Lanka failed to obtain re-election to the UN Human Rights Council which demands that member countries demonstrate the highest adherence to human rights norms.

A notable feature of these abductions is that they take place even in areas where there is a high level of security and checkpoints at regular intervals. It appears that the abductors are able to take their victims through these security checkpoints with impunity. In addition there have been a number of attacks on journalists, leading in some cases to their death, in which the perpetrators have been able to get away with impunity.

While we are happy to note that Keith Noyahr has been released following appeals to the highest government authorities we are appalled that this incident took place. He had been physically assaulted and we join his family and loved ones in wishing him a speedy recovery. The sooner those who ordered the abduction and those who carried it out are identified and brought to justice, the sooner will it be possible for us to move forward as a society that respects the rights of individuals, even those holding opposing views, and truly re-emerge as a united nation respecting democratic norms.

Police starts extensive investigations on Keeth Noyar case

Senior DIG N.K. Illangakoon said an extensive investigations are conducting to the incident faced by the Deputy editor of the Nation Newspaper Keeth Noyar.
Three special police teams have been deployed in this regard.
The team was guided by the senior superintendent of police of the Colombo Crime Division Anura Senanayake and Superintendent of Police Lesley Gunawardena. The police have begun their investigation immediately after receiving a complaint lodged at the Dehiwala police by his wife.
She has informed that Mr. Noyar has returned home between 5 and 6 ‘ 0 clock this morning. However he was not in a good health condition,
DIG Illangakoon at a media briefing in Colombo Friday he further said that the police could not obtain a statement from the media man currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National hospital duty to his adverse health condition.

Presidential task force on productivity has been established

A Presidential task force on productivity has been established. Chairman of the task force is secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.
Mr. Mahinda Madigahewa will act as secretary. Appointment letters for 18 members of task force will be held at the Presidential secretariat today under the patronage of Presidential secretary.
Convener of the task force Wijeya Wickremaratne says the major task entrusted to the task force is to uplift the productivity in the state and private sector.

President calls for investigation

President has directed DIG N.K. Illagakoon to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged abduction and assault on Nation Deputy Editor Keith Noyhar.

School rugby squad taken to courts

Almost the entire first fifteen rugby squad of St. Benedict’s College Kotahena, including its captain, has been released on bail to appear in court next week after they were arrested by police on a complaint made by a team member over an alleged case of assault.

The player is alleged to have been assaulted by his team-mates and was admitted to hospital with bloody injuries and his statement was recorded by the Kotahena police who produced the suspects in court.

Series of programmes to commemorate heroic war heroes

A series of programmes have been organised to commemorate heroic war heroes who laid down their lives for the country.
Acting chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Major General Palitha Fernando said the main event will be held on the 7th of next month near the parliament complex under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Speaking at a press conference at the Government Information Department last evening, Mr. Fernando said family members of deceased soldiers will also attend the ceremony. The president declared a month for war heroes from the 7th of May to the 7th of June.

Keith released

The Nation deputy editor Keith Noyhar returned home a short while ago badly beaten up. He has been admitted to hospital.
Last night hje was abducted by an unknown gang .His car was found abandoned near his house .
He is a Defense writer and the Associate Editor of English weekly The Nation.
He has been admitted to the hospital.

JVP refutes Kettepearchi allegations

The JVP General Secretary in a statement to the Inspector General of Police, has refuted allegations by Sampath Dimuthu Kelepearchi that in the early hours of May 15, 2008, two armed personnel belonging to the JVP had raided his house and removed some vital documents, A party press release said on Wednesday.

The complaint to the Welikada Police alleged that the armed duo had gagged Kelepearachi and his wife and removed some important documents from his residence. He alleged that the suspected JVP duo had removed documents pertaining to MPs Sunil Handunnetti, Vijitha Herath, Anura Dissanayake and of Tilvin Silva himself.

Tilvin Silva has further said in his letter that this was a conspiracy by Kelepearachi to bring disrepute to the JVP and alleged that a letter addressed by Kettepearachi to JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe on "April 22, 2008, includes a confession that 14 people including Kelepearachi himself had robbed Rs. 1.6 million from a bank.

The JVP General Secretary urged the IGP to consult the Attorney General and take action against what has been stated in this confession addressed to the JVP leader the release added.

Loss of seat on UN HR Council Sri Lanka has only itself to blame - HRW

Human Rights Watch yesterday said the Sri Lankan government had only itself to blame for not getting re-elected to the UN’s most important human rights body the UNHRC on Wednesday.

The United Nations General Assembly yesterday rejected Sri Lanka’s candidacy for the Geneva-based Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka’s 101 votes were fewer than those received by four other countries running for the four open seats for Asia: Japan (155 votes), Bahrain (142), South Korea (139) and Pakistan (114).

"The Human Rights Council vote should be a wake-up call for the Sri Lankan government," HRW’s Asia director Brad Adams said. "President Mahinda Rajapaksa hopefully will get the General Assembly’s message and start taking real action to end human rights abuses in Sri Lanka."

Human Rights Watch urged the Sri Lankan government to reassess its human rights policies and practices, including its rejection of an international human rights monitoring mission. Under the auspices of the UN, the mission would investigate and report on rights abuses by government forces and non-state armed groups, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Tamil political party member shot by LTTE gunmen- Mannar

A member of the Tamil political group Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP), was shot and injured by alleged LTTE gunmen at the Mannar Town area around 5.35p.m., yesterday (May 22). The EPDP member was identified as Ranaiyya Devan, 43, as Police said, "has escaped near death receiving two gunshot injuries at his left shoulder and neck". According to the sources, Mr. Devan was distributing an EPDP published newspaper at the Mannar bazaar area.

Following the shooting gunmen have fled the scene taking cover among civilians, sources said. The Vavuniya Police said that, Mr. Devan was rushed to the general hospital at Mannar for immediate medical attention, and further added he was recovering and out of danger.

Earlier, on 13th May LTTE gunned down Ms. Maheswari Velayudan, Human Rights activist and public relations coordinator of Minister Douglas Devananda in Jaffna.

Air Force fighter jets pound on terror command centre - North of Mannar

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded on an LTTE Command Centre located in the Parappakadattan area, on the Mannar warfront this morning (May 23).

According to Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesuriya, the target was engaged around 7.40 am to support troops advancing on the Mannar front. He said that the target was effectively his but the damages caused to the terrorists are yet to be verified.

Remarkable change in the Eastern Province- says Frontline

Leading Indian national magazine, Frontline, notes remarkable change in the Eastern Province. A correspondent of the magazine toured Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee during the period that covered the recent eastern provincial council elections.
The report rejects charges of massive election rigging on the grounds that the UNP-SLMC combine polled over 42 percent of the votes.
Frontline also notes the relative absence of violence as a result of comprehensive security measures taken by the government. Over 32 thousand security and police personnel were deployed to guard 1,022 polling booths.
The Indian Magazine also states that the eastern election passed off without any major incident of violence on the 10th of May. Frontline observes that this in itself is no mean achievement given the fact that just under a year ago the province was the theatre of battles between the security forces and LTTE.

EP polls an organized fraud by Govt;

Rauf Hakeem, the SLMC leader, addressing a in Ampara said that the Muslim community, which his party represents, will emerge stronger after the recent Govt. rigged elections, like how the Tamil people grew stronger after the 1981 District council elections.
"As everyone is aware that the Govt. won by malpractices denying the people of their legitimate right to elect their candidates of their choice, the people have now become more determined to resist Govt. actions and its selfish evil plans not aimed at helping the people. But, only on winning elections by foul methods, ' he said.
“If anyone including Govt. think that we have lost, they are sadly mistaken”, he said.e and malpractices with the sole intention of continuing in power, to look for scapegoats to cover up its incompetence and corruption, he exhorted.

Government slinging mud against the UNP says Kiriella

UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Kirella said the government uses its media to slinging mud against the UNP and its leader.The Dinamina, the ITN and the Rupavahini have carried headlines news that Leader of Opposition is on a tour of Europe to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka. It has also alleged that Noel Selvanayagam, a Sri Lankan Business entrepreneur who is in Germany is also a party to it and a ‘Tiger’ supporter.
It is a pity that this Rajapakse Govt. Is so bankrupt and incapable of doing anything constructive for the country and people has found it easy to resort to destructive policies of character assassinations, he said.
Mr.Kiriella said that Ranil Wickremesinghe , is on a tour to Germany on an invitation to attend a seminar “Plan 2050” to mark the 50th anniversary of the Friedrich Naumann Trust.
He is also to meet the European Union Leaders thereafter, to resolve the urgent GSP + issue without which the whole local Apparel Industry will collapse. In other words, Ranil is trying to save the country on an issue which this Govt. and its Ministers have made a hash of, and failed to solve.
Rather than accusing the leader of Opposition, the Govt. must, on the contrary express its profound gratitude to Wickremesinghe for embarking on this tour, it is little wonder, and similarly, this Govt. has alienated all friendly countries too by this irresponsible and disdainful attitude, Kiriella added.
Noel Selvanayagam too, another individual who has come within the Govt.’s vilifying campaign and is now in Germany to renew relief for Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka is a Business magnate who was a member of several Trade delegations led by the Govt.’s own Minister Dr. G.L.Peiris, he asserted.
It has become the common practice of this Govt. which has lost its sense of shame, going by the conduct of the President and its Ministers who are only consumed in breaking laws, spawning violence.
Referring to the allegations against UNP of Tiger connections , the whole world knows that it is the Rajapakse Govt. which enters into secret pacts with the LTTE as it did in the last General election, and now, again with the TMVP during the Eastern provincial Council elections .The UNP on the contrary has always done agreements openly and across the table. Even its agreements with the LTTE have been done with full endorsement of all Int. communities unlike the ‘under the counter’ transactions of the UPFA, he explained.

Programme on Strengthening the Provincial Council System

The Centre for Policy Alternatives supported by USAID organized an island-wide programme on strengthening the Provincial Council System with the participation of elected representatives and high officials from all Provinces, including Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries. The objective of the programme was to identify the challenges and potential for effective devolution in Sri Lanka through an analysis of the Provincial Council System in operation over the last two decades.

The National Conference will highlight the salient findings of this analysis and suggest a set of recommendations identified by the provincial stakeholders for strengthening the existing system.

These recommendations will be presented to H.E. the President, the Leader of the Opposition and other key policy makers.The programme will
be held on 28th of this month in Colombo.

Soldier injured in LTTE claymore mine explosions- Akkaraipattuwa

A soldier received minor injuries when LTTE terrorists triggered off 2 byroad claymore mines, targeting an Army route clearing patrol along the Akkaraipattuwa - Pottuvil main road in Akkaraipattuwa, today (May 22) at around 10.15a.m.
The explosions were said, have occurred between Urani and Komari general areas, MCNS sources said. The injured soldier was immediate rushed to the general hospital at Akkaraipattuwa.
During subsequent search operations conducted, troops have found 4 battery cells, sources further said.

Normalcy restored in Kattankudi

The tense situation in Kattankudi, has been brought under control and normalcy restored by evening, police said adding that tight security had been imposed in the troubled area.

All Ceylon Muslim Congress decided to support the government

Eastern provincial council minister A.L.M. Hisbulla says the councillors of the All Ceylon Muslim Congress decided to support the government in order to attain national unity.
Mr. Hisbulla said he decide to accept the provincial council post after discussions with Muslim political leaders and Ulama religious leaders of the East.

Speaking to media in Colombo today assured his maximum contribution to fulfil the aspirations of eastern people through the newly establish provincial council.

Vrious NGOs obstructed Sri Lanka

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa says Sri Lanka lost a seat in the UN Human Rights Council as a result of various actions taken by various non-governmental organisations operating in the country.
He said 101 countries voted in favour of granting the seat to Sri Lanka despite requests by NGOs to not grant membership. Speaking at the cabinet press briefing in Colombo this afternoon he said Sri Lanka was the only country among contenders to the Security Council seat that faced opposition.
He said Sri Lanka lost only its voting rights in the council but retains the privilege of expressing proposals and views and participating in debates.
The Minister further noted at certain organisations in the country dislike government’s anti terrorist drive. He said these groups act in this manner against the government so that the LTTE is benefited. He expressed regret that the opposition leader and other UNP leaders also behave in this manner.

Five bodies at Batticaloa hospital

Director Batticaloa hospital Dr. K. Murugananthan says the hospital has received five bodies of persons including those of the two TMVP cadres who were shot dead this morning. The other three bodies belong to civilians who got killed in the afternoon due to clashes in Ariyampathy area in Batticaloa.
Meanwhile a police curfew has been imposed in Kattankudy after tensions erupted in the area this afternoon, police spokesman N.K. Ilangakoon said.
Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) and SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem had a telephone conversation a while ago to discuss measures to be taken to ease the tension between the TMVP and Muslims in Kaththankudi. Following the gunning down of two TMVP cadres in Kaththankudi this morning the TMVP unleashed violence and allegedly killed two residents of Kaththankudi.

Two TMVP cadres shot dead

Two TMVP cadres including an area leader was shot dead around 11.15 am thia morning at the Kathankudi bus stand. One of them was identified as Shanthan, a top official of the outfit.

Two claymore explosions in Ampara

Two claymore mine explosions have occurred in the Ampara, Urani area. Sources have confirmed that one soldier has received minor injuries from the blast.

Thilanga acquitted in passport forgery case

Thilanga Sumathipala was acquitted by courts today in the case where it was alleged that he sent a man to watch 1999 cricket world cup on a forged passport.

Hizbullah takes oaths as Health minister in EPC

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
M.L.A.M. Hizbullah took oaths this morning at the Temple Trees as the Eastern Provincial Council Minister of Health, Youth and Women's Affairs before President Mahinda Rajapakse.
However Mr.Hisbullah said yesterday he agreed to abandon their protest if the government adds education to the ministerial portfolio offered to Hisbulla in addition to Health and Muslim Affairs.
The majority of the people in the Eastern Province, he said, were Tamil speaking and the subject of education should be assigned to a minister who was conversant with their problems and needs.

Army Inches forward to Mullaithivu; 17 terrorists killed on the Welioya front

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says that 17 terrorists were killed in daylong clashes occurred in Welioya warfront yesterday (May 21).
Troops inching forward to Mulaithiuvu jungles attacked and destroyed a fortified enemy defence located in the North of Janakapura area last evening. Fierce clashes erupted around 2.20 pm as army infantrymen charged to the enemy defence. Ground troops claimed 7 terrorists were killed in this incident.
During subsequent search troops found 4 bodies of female LTTE cadres along with two rifles (T-56, T -81), 2 hand grenades , 72 Anti Personal (AP) mines and 29 Improvised bombs.
10 Other terrorists were killed in a series of other clashes occurred elsewhere.
On the Vavuniya front, reports indicate three clashes occurred in the Palampiddi, Mundimurippu, and Palamodai areas during the day. During these clashes 3 terrorist were reportedly killed and 6 other wounded. Also, one soldier was killed 2 others wounded due to LTTE mortar fire.
On the Mannar front, troops confronted with a group LTTE cadres detected in the Nadunkandal area around 4.30 pm. One soldier was killed in this incident. During the subsequent search troops uncovered 2 T-56 rifles.
Meanwhile in the Jaffna theatre of battle, one LTTE cadre was reportedly wounded in confrontation occurred in the Muhamalai area last morning. Also , a soldier suffered injuries due to an AP mine blast.

Nahil to launch budget airline

Ravi Ladduwahetty
Business magnate Nahil Wijesuriya and related parties will invest US$ 20 million for a budget airline, which will initially fly to sub continental routes.
The initial destinations will be Chennai, Trivandrum and Bangalore in South India and later Mumbai, Wijesuriya told Daily News Business by telephone from Singapore.
"There is tremendous scope for budget carriers and all the Government has to do is to have an open skies policy and Sri Lanka will have unlimited scope like Jet and Air Sahara making headway here due to the unparalleled strategic advantage of its geographical proximities, he said.
"This will be the testing water for us and if it is proved successful, we will expand the routes further, he said.
He said that finding investors and leasing aircraft was done internationally with consummate ease. He said that incorporating a company could be done in as less as three minutes, the way it happens overseas!!
He said that the modern trend was for Asian companies to operate budget airlines through leases, as Asian airlines were the most trendy due to restrictions in making capital investments.
He also implored the Government to favour the locals and not the foreigners in the spirit of the country favouring its people for the people to favour the country.
This is what is happening in the Indian Aviation industry unlike in Sri Lanka where we were pampering foreigners all the time, he said in disdain.
Wijesuriya, whose Air Lanka Ltd cargo flight, which was a single Russian aircraft, had round trips on the route Colombo- Male- Sharjah- Chennai Colombo, operated over 70 flights as a test run prior to wanting to operate passenger flights, which were to be from Colombo to Jaffna and South India.
But the then Government Agreement with Emirates was the drawback in the way of implementing the project.
The airline was disbanded and the aircraft returned. "We did not want to operate cargo flights for the rest of our lives," he said.
Wijesuriya's Air Lanka Ltd also had a legal snag as its name was in conflict with the national carrier and later changed its name to Inter City Airways Ltd.
Wijesuriya and parties, hot on the heels of the acquisition of the controlling stake of Hotel Services (Ceylon) Ltd, has also written to the remaining shareholders making a mandatory offer for the 10% remaining shares at Rs. 138 per share.
The original owner P. Sharma is believed to have said that he wants to retain his 7% and it will also be interesting to see how and when the remaining 1600 shareholders react to selling the remaining 3% at Rs. 138 when the market price is Rs. 142.

SL should have world class universities – Bill Gates

The chairman of global IT giant Microsoft, Bill Gates said that Sri Lanka should find ways of developing world class universities locally, thereby enabling the island to enter into a new world of knowledge and technology. In that respect, Microsoft has announced the possibility of setting up an innovation centre in Sri Lanka, whilst facilitating greater support for the IT/BPO industry, greater investment in education and boosting IT capacity in Sri Lanka.
Gates made this suggestion when he met an eminent Sri Lankan delegation at the Government Leaders Forum (GLF) organized by the Government of Indonesia in collaboration with the Microsoft Corporation. The event, titled ‘Serving the Citizen: The Transformative Power of Information Technology in Delivering Government Services’ was graced with the presence of high profile participants in the league of President of Indonesia Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation.
The GLF provided an opportune moment for leaders in the Asia Pacific Region to converge in an exchange of views relating to administrative governance, education, healthcare, sustainable economic growth and most importantly, addressing the role of information and communications technology (ICT) within these spheres and the value it adds to the successive evolution of the above.
At a meeting with the Sri Lankan delegation the Microsoft Corporation went onto state that they would explore the possibility of commissioning a McKenzie Consultant Study for Sri Lanka, focusing on the potential for IT/BPO industrial growth in the country. Whilst launching a special initiative to boost the country’s IT capacity,
Microsoft also plans to develop the specialist skills of approximately 500 Government employees, communicating greater support towards rural computing and adding emphasis on working through the Nenasala and Vidatha centres and more. Further, enhancing its commitment towards skills development in Sri Lanka, Microsoft also plans to equip overseas workers with IT training and provide them with email IDs prior to leaving the country thereby supplementing the ICTA eFEB project simultaneously.
After receiving a special invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapakse to visit Sri Lanka, Bill Gates indicated his support towards the country’s ‘Year of IT’ plan for 2009, and went onto make further recommendations to the Sri Lankan delegation in the wake of reducing internet access costs, which he felt was a prime factor in regard to a population’s progression in being internet savvy; and further increasing broadband penetration in Sri Lanka.
The Microsoft Corporation reaffirmed the importance of educating local consumers on the many drawbacks, and global repercussions of contributing to the ever increasing growth of software piracy that is prevalent in the country today. The government recognized the severity of the issue, and guaranteed that methods to curtail the distribution of pirated software in the country will be paramount in their plan of action.
The partnership between the two organizations is to be spearheaded within the related areas of the Sri Lankan Government by Minister Karu Jayasuriya and Prof. Tissa Witharana. The campaign will have the fullest support of the President’s office, which will play a pivotal role in these initiatives, thus providing for the nation a concrete body to liaise with new developments, undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka. A task committee of such stature only reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment towards these new initiatives, and their will to make these visions a reality.
The Microsoft Corporation and Government of Sri Lanka alliance is tipped to be a very positive milestone in the ongoing economical development of the nation. With a worldwide network that sets the standards for bridging the gap along the information superhighway, this partnership promises new hope for Sri Lanka, and its many generations to come.
The Sri Lankan delegation to the seminar was fortunate to have been selected as one of four countries to have a series of one-to-ones with Gates and his team members. Microsoft was delighted and keen to hear of President Mahinda Rajapakse’s vision for Sri Lanka as a key player in the global IT revolution, and went on to state that the positive impression presented by the Sri Lankan delegation created and provided a moment for Sri Lanka and Microsoft to forge a public-private partnership with each other. In addition to the interaction the delegation had with Gates, they also had the opportunity to have multiple meetings with Chris Atkinson (President South East Asia – Microsoft Corporation) on strategies and implementation aspects of the proposed partnership as well as Michael Donlan (General Manager Public Sector, APAC – Microsoft Corporation) who further helped the delegation prepare for the proposed strategy.

Hassanali understands the pulse of the Muslim politicians and their selfishness in the East.

Noor Nizam in Canada

The Muslim voters represented by the Muslim ministers are indeed SLMC votes polled because of the Presidents promise of a Muslim CM. Therefore the Muslims deserve the CM post. Yet the geo-political reasons have made the President to appoint TMVP Pilliyan as the Chief Minister. This is political strategy – meaning that Pilliyan's appointment creates confidence in the Tamil community of the Sinhala government, gives leverage internationally that the Mahinda Chinthanaya in fact recognizes the Tamil issues and political wish to govern themselves within the Constitution of Sri Lanka, allows for development and socio-economic progress in the East as planned and create a climate for assured development aid and assistance from the West and strength the Presidents "military action" for PEACE in the North.
What it means to the Sri Lankan Muslims and specially the Muslims of the North, North east and East is the creation of an environment and culture of NONVIOLENCE, HARMONY and PEACEFUL LIVING WITHOUT CALAMITY IN THEIR VILLAGES. But what it does NOT mean is whether there will be fairness meted to the Muslims of the East as assured by the President. Yet the Muslims have always refrained from taking to arms and have depended on the democratic process and institutions.

At the same time, the President has to face the reality that, it is the Muslims of the EAST that has given him the bulk votes and enough members to claim the majority, be privy to the 2 bonus seats and be the winning alliance in the PC elections.
The ministers of the East who had demanded for Mr. Hisbullah to be made the CM were just "podiyans" in the SLMC during the tenure of the late Hon. M.H..M.Ashroff. But he was proactive and gave opportunities to the young and vibrant youth who merged forward to take up the challenge of the SLMC under his commandments. The late Hon. Ashroff harnessed the vigour of these aspirants by making sure that they did not take to violence or any form of arms struggle, though the East was entrenched in a culture of violence and arms environment as a result of the ideology of the LTTE being embraced by the Tamil youth. There seems to be no change because of the claim made by the TMVP that they have now entered the path of democracy. Pilliyan and his TMVP have said they will still carry arms.
The credit of keeping the Muslim youth of the North, North Eastern and East away from taking to arms should go to the credit of the later Hon. Ashroff and few of his close associates who can be seen as the present hierarchy of the SLMC. One special SLMCer is Hon. Hassanali.

The SLMC is the representative political entity of the Muslims in the Eastern Province .
It was in this backdrop that the late Hon. M.H.M.Ashroff was able to focus the issues of the Muslim Community in the East as the primary political instrument, (though the SLMC later on embraced the Muslim issues nationally), which fetched the support of the Eastern Muslims in making the SLMC what it is today. This political dimension of the Muslims came to reality in the Provincial Elections in 1988 and later on it took a strong appearance in the local and parliamentary elections that followed – the Muslim political "Representative and Brokerage Strength" that the SLFP,UNP and the FP then, later the TULF followed by the TNA and now the TMVP (Pilliyan) cannot deny to accept. The SLMC and it's voters/supporters (poraaligal– soldiers of democracy) became the voice of the Muslims of the East as the SLMC evolved into a National political entity with the late Hon. Ashroff , the charismatic leader he was, at the helm. There was no question about his leadership and he was the SLMC to all the aspirants of the "Muslim Factor" and voters in the East.
HE. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government should realize the fact, that the SLMC is the representative political entity of the Muslims in the Eastern Province . Talking to Mr. Hisbullah means nothing, but only to cut down his political pretense. Therefore Hon. Hassanali is quite correct in challenging the Muslim ministers to quit if they had any self-dignity. These Ministers who were bred, born and nourished by the popularity of the SLMC, though they have "somersaulted" now for personal gains, will never resign their ministerships - they do not have "self-dignity".

The reality is that Hon. Rauf Hakeem and Hon. Hassanali are different. They have proven to accomplish what they say.
As someone hailing from the East and Trincomalee, specially, though domiciled abroad, we have to be pragmatic in our approaches of resolution, be it political or otherwise. The question now is - How can we assist the great endeavour of the Muslims of the East and to contribute our part to help our Nation and the East to achieve the goals of upliftment and development, IRRESPECTIVE of party politics or communal feelings. The fact is that the PC Elections results may have indicated that the SLMC/UNP alliance has LOST. The elections were contested under the UNP symbol and UNP party.The TRUTH is that the SLMC did really win the PC elections. The Muslims voters voted 17 members to the Council. Though it was a divided vote of 8 muslim members to the UPFA and 9 muslim members to the UNP, all 18 muslim members are from the ground base votes of the SLMC, the national Brokerage Political Representation of the Muslims in the East. Therefore, the UNP has really lost the elections.
Hon. Hassanali understands the pulse of the Muslim politicians and selfishness in the East.
It is in this context that one has to view the elections in the present scenario. The so-called Muslim ministers who threatened to resign will never do so. Hon. Hassanali is quite correct in what he said. As a veteran politician of the East, he understands the pulse of the Muslim politicians and their selfishness in the East.
These political personalities have only made themselves as Muslim political clowns and staged a drama that has disgraced the National Muslim community in Sri Lanka and specially the Muslims of the East.
It is a disgrace that veteran Muslim politicians like Hon. M.H.M.Fowzie, Hon. M.H.Mohamed and Hon. Bhaila also played the role of "Muslim political clowns" to the Muslim world and to the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka and abroad. It would have been better for these politicians to have set in motion a realistic alliance discussions between the UPFA and the SLMC in the beginning. If that was done, today, the SLMC would have been stronger and the Muslims respected as politically matured, while the "paamara makkal" would have been peaceful and built bridges with Tamil communities. Hon Hassanali's statement that these ministers will never resign their ministerships - they do not have "self-dignity" is true. The Muslims in the East were stabbed in the back by these political Muslim stage players from the beginning.
HE the President told the same thing.
It is on record that HE. The President on a phone call from London has told Hon. Basil Rajapaksa the following when the president was informed about the threat of Muslim ministers resigning.
"They will make some noise and eventually accept what is given, the President was to say".
And so be it, as said in the Englsh language. That is the fate of the Muslims in Sri Lanka .
A true Sri Lankan Muslim cannot allow this to be so – Insha Allah.
This is because all the votes that were polled by the 17 Muslim PC members are Muslims votes of the East. The Muslims cannot just side on a side and watch all the benefits of the state, development aid, humanitarian assistance, employment prosperity and socio-economic upliftment that has to be made available to the Muslims being robbed by the "political communalists" and the "biased bureaucrats" who will take control of the day to day administration and management of the East Provincial Council. It is here that the Professionals and Academics of the EAST will be only too willing to return to Sri Lanka to give their best. What we need is the assurance that our abilities, professional knowledge and the foreign experience we have gained will be duly respected and integrated to find the best local resolution of pragmatic and innovative approaches to the gigantic challenges that will lay ahead in a team spirit environment with the local administrators. The UPFA/TMVP and the UNP/SLMC have to arrive at a consensus building to make this happen. HE the President should immediately call for an interactive discussion of Eastern Sri Lankan expatriates in all fields of Technical Expertise, Administrative & Management backgrounds, Aid and Humanitarian Assistance Management and Financial/Investment Management to create a roster of commitment for those willing to be involved immediately.
TALKING TO Mr. HISBULLAH OR THE MINISTERS WHO THREATENED IS NOT GOING TO BE PRAGMATIC. IT IS ADVICEABLE FOR HE. MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA TO SET ASIDE HIS PRIDE AND POLITICAL STAND A BIT AND TALK TO Hon. RAUF HAKEEM AND THE SLMC. THE PC ELECTIONS ARE OVER, THE EAST HAS TO MOVE FORWARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL, INCLUDING THE MUSLIMS, Insha Allah.

UN Member States elect 15 countries to serve on UNHRC

Fifteen countries have been elected to serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for three-year terms starting next month after one round of balloting today among Member States at UN Headquarters in New York.
Six countries contested for the four positions available for Asian States, with Japan, Bahrain, the Republic of Korea and Pakistan winning the most votes to join the panel, and Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste missing out. According to the polling Japan received 155 votes, Bahrain 142, South Korea 139, Pakistan 114 and Sri Lanka 101
Zambia, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Gabon were chosen in that order to fill the four vacant African seats on the 47-member panel, according to a formula that allots seats among regions.
The three seats up for grabs in the Latin America and the Caribbean region – successful candidates in each category must obtain an absolute majority of valid votes cast by the 192 General Assembly members – went to Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
In the Eastern European category, Slovakia and Ukraine won the two available seats, while Serbia was unsuccessful.
The closest contest occurred in the race for the two vacant seats in the Western European and Other States category. France scored 123 votes and the United Kingdom picked up 120, edging out Spain, which garnered 119 votes.
General Assembly spokesperson Janos Tisovszky told reporters that there were 190 valid votes and two invalid votes in the Western European and Other States category. Ten of the valid votes cast were abstentions.

The University of Melbourne Meets Friends in Sri Lanka

The University of Melbourne, ably supported by Austrade held a function for alumni, parents of currentstudents and friendsrecently in Colombo.
The University attracts outstanding students from Sri Lanka, including students at the graduate level on Australian Government Scholarships such as AusAID, Australian Leadership Awards and Endeavour Scholarships. The University of Melbourne has had a long term association with Sri Lanka, the first students coming under the Colombo Plan post the Second World War. Attendees at the function included Colombo Plan scholars.
The occasion was an opportunity for the University to brief parents and friends on the landmark changes it is introducing in higher education in Australia which include a broader undergraduate degree structure followed by highly focused graduate professional programs. In 2008 for example Law will only be offeredat graduate entry level. Employers internationally have lauded these changes.
The University is currently ranked 10th in the world by employers following a survey of major global and national employers across the public and private sectors identifying the universities they preferred when hiring graduates. (2007 Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings) While students are an excellent way of building links between countries, academic collaborations and research interactions are also important in building cooperation and understanding. The University of Melbourne has a number of collaborative research activities and projects with Sri Lanka. For example DrFiona Miller of the University of Melbourne has been involved in a three year project post the tsunamilooking at community based volunteering, Dr Saman Kumara Halgamuge is working on an Australian Research Council e research grant co-applied with colleagues of Universities Moratuwa and Peradeniya on "Tsunami Early Warning Systems using animal behaviour".
There is currently a proposal on the table between academics of the University of Melbourne and Sri Lanka to look at irrigation and climate change- a key area of global interest. In a welcoming address, the Deputy High Commissioner emphasised the contribution of educational linkages to the strong bilateral relationship enjoyed by Australia and Sri Lanka. Many former students to Australia now held positions of influence in Sri Lanka and were helping to shape the country’s future. She noted that the popularity of Australia as an education destination with Sri Lankan students reflected the high quality of the educational institutions, as well as the ease with which Sri Lankan students adjusted .

LIOC increase Diesel price by Rs.20

The LIOC is to increase the price of diesel by Rs. 20 from midnight today. Although the CPC has not announced of an immediate price hike a Corporation spokesman said that a CPC diesel price hike could be expected within this week.

Govt hesitant to implement UN human rights protocols

The UNP alleged today that the government is hesitant to introduce parliamentary regulations to implement the UN human rights protocols in the country, due to what it termed as the ‘worst ever human rights record’.

Government hits out at Carter, Tutu

The government today came down hard on former US President Jimmy Carter and Nobel peace prize winner Desmond Tutu, accusing them of being biased and ‘irresponsible’ by making critical statements on the country’s human rights situation.

Wanni liberation continues; 23 terrorists killed yesterday's offensives

Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says that 23 killed and at least 26 wounded in yesterday's (May 20) clashes reported from Welioya, Mannar, Vavuniya and Muhamalai battlefronts.
On the Welioya front, troops confronted with the terrorists in the Kuhankankulama, Paliyandankulama, Kuttankulama, Kokkuthuduwai, North of Janakapura and North of Kiriibbanwewa during the course of the day and claimed to have killed 5 terrorists and injured 17 others. During these operations troops have uncovered 3 hand grenades, 1 T-56 riffle, 12 mortar bombs (120mm), 18 mortar bombs (81mm), 11 improvised bombs and 236 anti personnel mines (AP). Also, 2 soldiers suffered injuries in a confrontation took place in the North of Janakapura area.
On the Mannar front, troops had a confrontation with the terrorists last afternoon and claimed to have killed one LTTE cadre. A soldier suffered injuries due to an AP mine blast at Minukkai on the same day evening.
On the Vavuniya front, clashes continued in the Nadunkerni, Nenukkuddikulama, Mullimurippu and Periyamadhu areas and terrorists numbering 17 were reportedly killed and 9 others suffered injuries. Two bodies of slain LTTE cadres were also found following a clash occurred in the Periyamadhu area. 8 soldiers suffered injuries during these clashes.
Finally, in the Jaffna theatre of battle, the MCNS claimed that army had destroyed 10 LTTE bunkers at Muhamalai during the day and injured 3 LTTE cadres. 4 soldiers were also injured in this clashes.

FMM refuses to withdraw statement over Lanka Dissent hacking

The Free Media Movement has refused to withdraw a statement, as demanded by the Ministry of Defence, over the hacking of the Lanka Dissent news website.

The FMM said in a statement, “The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence in response to our Press Release of 17th May 2008 on the alleged hacking of the Lanka Dissent website in Sri Lanka "categorically states that it does not have any unit engaged in the work of experimenting with or carrying out any studies on how to disrupt websites, or engaged in any form of disrupting websites, whether staffed by electronic and IT experts or not, and that it is not doing so in the said location or any other location in Sri Lanka or elsewhere."Curiously though, the MoD's response also takes issue with our statement for publishing an excerpt from the open letter Lanka Dissent sent us alleging the existence of an electronic media observation unit under the MoD.
The MoD states that "it is regretted that [the FMM] has thought fit to publicize this totally false allegation through its own statement to the media, without verification of this matter from this Ministry."
Calling for us to withdraw our statement the MoD finally notes, "In the absence of such a remedial measure for the harm caused to the image and reputation of this Ministry, it will be necessary to seek legal recourse in this regard."
The FMM finds no reason to withdraw its statement because we explicitly asked the MoD to clarify the allegations made by Lanka Dissent against it.
We pointed that in a context where there is an indubitable block against tamilnet.com met with vehement denial from the regime and where independent media personnel face unprecedented physical and verbal violence, allegations such as those made by Lanka Dissent needed to be taken seriously.
We noted quite clearly in our statement that, "The FMM urges the authorities to immediately clarify the existence and nature of the electronic media-monitoring unit by the Ministry of Defence as noted by Lanka Dissent."
The MoD's deliberately partial reading of our statement and its expression of spurious grievances is indicative of a regime does not even tolerate attempts to clarify allegations made against it.
Our larger concerns about media freedom in Sri Lanka stand, as well as significant disquiet on the well documented hate speech repeatedly and blatantly promoted by the MoD against independent investigative reporting in Sri Lanka,” the FMM statement added.

Hizbullah agrees to take oaths tomorrow

M.L.A.M. Hizbullah has promised the president that he would be ready to take oaths as Health Minister of the Eastern Province tomorrow (May 22nd), after the postponement of the event scheduled for this morning, sources at the Presidential Secretariat said.

The swearing-in of Mr. Hizbullah was put off after the president refused to add the education portfolio to his subjects, as requested.

The Muslim politician had then been promised several other portfolios, after which he had said that he would take oaths of office tomorrow.

Accordingly, Mr. Hizbullah will also be given the Muslim Affairs, Information Technology, Tertiary Education and Youth Affairs subjects.
Commenting on the President’s delaying of the swearing-in ceremony, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem has told the media that Mr. Hizbullah was having a taste of his own medicine after deceiving the eastern Muslims at the May 10th polls.

Mervyn Silva's supporters attack Sirasa TV crew

Persons believed to be supporters of Minister Mervyn Silva have yet again attacked a Sirasa TV crew and smashed up their camera equipment two days ago, according to a complaint with the Kiribathgoda police.
The journalists were filming the Vesak Pandal in the town on May 19th when the group had approached them and demanded to know their identities.
Saying that Sirasa TV is not allowed in the area, they had threatened the media personnel to leave immediately.
A member of the gang however, said that they cannot be allowed to leave so easily.
After assaulting the driver, they had forcefully taken the Sirasa vehicle to a deserted road.
A gang member had called on his mobile phone a person, addressing him as Minister and informed him of the Sirasa TV crew’s presence in the area.
Thereafter, the gang had smashed up the TV camera and destroyed all video tapes in the possession of the camera crew.The complaint also alleges that though a group of policemen was present in the area, they had not taken any step to prevent the assault.

President expresses condolence towards the earthquake victims in China

President Mahinda Rajapakse expresses condolence towards the earthquake victims in China.
In a special message President extended sympathy of Sri Lankan government and its people to the Chinese government and the public on behalf of the victimized families and individuals.
The President also wrote a condolence message at the special book kept at the Chinese Embassy in Colombo this morning.

ACN to open tourism fair May 30

Asian Cultural Network, an event-organizer in support of Asian embassies, launched its initial project in Kuwait with an exhibition of tourism, cultural and services of six Asian embassies in the country.
The exhibition hopes to provide information on tourism and trade, available services and products and an opportunity for locals and expatriates to choose their intended destinations for summer holidays in Asia.
It will also include the participation of local organizations who intend to promote their groups to the Asian community in Kuwait. The exhibition, which will be participated in by the embassies of Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in Kuwait, will be held at the ballroom of Swiss-Bel Hotel, located beside Al-Muthana Complex, on May 30. Fifty tables are currently being rented for exhibitions and six major tables will showcase the embassies displays and information services.

The ambassadors will officially open the exhibition at 10 am on May 30 and series of presentations from different local organizations will provide entertainment during the day and at 7 pm selected Asian countries showcasing traditional dances and costumes will stage a cultural presentation.
ACN expects participation of several vendors from the Asian and European communities, who will display and sell handicraft, textile materials, packed food products, services, airlines, travel agencies, apparels and information booths on summer destinations.
ACN also affirmed that part of the proceeds of the event will be donated to a local children’s charity. The Asian envoys have scheduled series of television interviews in “Good Morning Kuwait” KTV1 and disseminated press invitations to view the exhibition.

Malaysia Top Investor In Colombo For Three Straight Years

By P.Vijian

Malaysia scored a hattrick in conflict-hit Sri Lanka to emerge as the top investor in the country for the third year in succession, with total investments of nearly RM1.8 billion.

From RM317 million in 2005, Malaysia's investment in the country increased to RM523 million and last year investors pumped in RM943 million, making it the largest investor.

Sri Lanka's total foreign direct investment (FDI) last year was RM2.3 billion.

"Sri Lanka offers considerable opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand their businesses and we have an excellent location, a skilled workforce, beneficial free trade agreements with India, Pakistan and the European Union," Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) director-general, Dhammika Perera, told Bernama.

The nation's economy, with a gross domestic product of RM104 billion, is thriving at six percent annual growth -- after an uneven growth due to the 30-year-old civil war that kept foreign investors at bay.

Colombo's economic landscape is slowly changing, although the war is intense in the country's north, about 400km from the capital, and cash-rich investors are queuing to pour money in the emerging fertile economy.

Malaysia's investment is largely concentrated in infrastructure, telecommunications, garments and property development.

Companies like Dailog Telekom, ranked the top mobile operator, Salcon Engineering, MTD Construction Sdn Bhd and HiTech Padu Bhd are the early birds that boldly invested in the economy and more Malaysians are now exploring business opportunities.

“Sri Lanka and Malaysia have always had excellent relations. Relations have flourished both at the government and individual levels. We are both medium-sized Asian countries with a rich ethnic mix and have always been open to external influences.

"I am confident that investments from Malaysia will continue to be high, but other regional investors will also play a major role.

"Neighbouring India and China are emerging as major investors in Sri Lanka of late. Their enterprises are keen on large-scale infrastructure projects such as power stations and major construction such as skyscrapers," he said.

BOI's 2008 FDI target is RM3.2 billion and having pulled in RM2.4 billion in 2007, that figure seems realistic, especially after Colombo was judged the seventh most business-friendly and most cost-effective city in Asia out of 200 cities by the FDI Magazine for 2008.

Will Sri Lanka loose IHRC membership?

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Local Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says there is a tendency for Sri Lanka to receive membership in the International Human Rights Council. There are 192 member states at the UN. The election for council will take place at 9.30 pm Sri Lanka time today at New York.
He said six Asian countries are contesting for this council to receive membership. They are Japan, South Korea, Bahrain, Pakistan East Timor and Sri Lanka. 192 countries are illegible to vote this election. It is secret ballot, he said.
Addressing media in Colombo on Wednesday he said Sri Lanka has confidence to achieve this task.
“We have voluntarily implemented measures to upgrade human rights sector. Lanka always respects the human rights and accelerate meaningful steps to safe guard the human rights , “ he said. Speaking to media he said he recently attended Human Rights Consultation Committee meeting held in Geneva. All the member countries were satisfied about Sri Lankan steps on Human rights, he said.
However rights groups are still objecting to Sri Lankan position and said the international community must remove Sri Lanka from the International Human Right Council. Three Nobel prize winners and Ex- USA President Jimmy Carter also push the international community not to give a chance to Sri Lanka. They said Sri Lanka violates human rights of its citizens .

Tilvin complains to IGP

In a letter to IGP Victor Perera, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva urged legal action against Sampath Dimuthu Katapearachchi for swindling Rs 160,000 from a public bank. Tilvin claims that Katepearachchi has confessed to carrying out the burglary in the name of the Party during 1988-89 insurrection.

4,000 rejoin Army extends amnesty for deserters

The Sri Lanka Army has extended an amnesty for its deserters by two more weeks, as nearly 4,000 deserters had reported back during the first two weeks, the military said.

Army Headquarters said that some 3,709 army deserters had reported back for duty since May 2 under the amnesty period ended May 16 which was extended later.

The decision was reportedly taken following requests from several sections, including the deserters urging more time to rejoin the force.

LTTE still recruiting child soldiers - Report

The LTTE continued to recruit and use children, despite repeated commitments not to do so, a new report on global child soldiers released yesterday has said adding that in the east the Karuna faction was also involved in the same practice.

Pillayan denies role in Maligawa attack

TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, yesterday denied that he had had a hand in the 1998 LTTE attack on the Dalada Maligawa and expressed disappointment over growing criticism of his visit to the temple and calls for him to apologise for the attack.

“I am disappointed that some sections see this as some sort of political gimmick. I am visiting all religious institutions purely to strengthen ties between the communities. This should be welcomed instead of being criticised,” TMVP spokesman Azad Maulana quoted Pillayan as saying.

Neranjan Wijeratne, the former Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, was among those who criticised Pillayan’s visit to the temple and insisted that he apologise for the attack, alleging that Pillayan was among those who had masterminded the attack.

Pillayan, who was a member of the LTTE at the time, had dismissed the allegations saying he hoped history would not repeat itself and strain relations between the country’s Buddhists and Hindus.

Mr. Maulana asserted that the purpose of Pillayan’s visit to the sacred temple was to bridge the religious divide in the country and that it had no political motive.

Pillayan says the LTTE intelligence unit masterminded the operation and that it was a regrettable incident.

Mr. Wijeratne had said that people had not forgotten the attack, which he said was masterminded by Pillayan, and added that the Chief Minister should not have been allowed to meet the Mahanayake Theras under these circumstances.

On January 25, 1998, the LTTE carried out a deadly suicide attack on the temple, killing eight civilians, injuring 25 and causing damage to the temple structure.

The Kandy Mahanayake Theras invoked blessings on the new Eastern Province Chief Minister when he visited the temple last Sunday.

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, the Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, commended the Chief Minister for giving up arms and joining the democratic process.

Accusing some Tamil politicians of trying to provoke Sinhala - Tamil disputes for political gain in the past, the Mahanayake Thera urged Pillayan to work towards establishing national unity.

Security was tightened in and around the Dalada Maligawa as the militant leader turned politician visited Kandy with a group of security personnel on Sunday evening.

Mr. Chandrakanthan was also blessed by the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, the Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera.

The Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter wondered why Sri Lanka’s main communities could not live in harmony in the East -- as they did in Kandy.

Red Star Relief Task Force ready to go to China

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has intimated to the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Mr. Ye Dabo that his party's "Red Star Relief Task Force" was prepared to dispatch a team of relief workers along with doctors to engage in relief activities in the Sichuan earth quake last week.

Somawansa said that the JVP's Red Star Relief Task Force gained considerable experience during the tsunami that struck Sri Lanka's coastal areas on December 26, 2004.

The Chinese Ambassador has informed the JVP and said that he would contact his Government and would get back to the JVP leader. The latter had also requested the Ambassador to convey his party's deepest condolences to the Government of China and to the Chinese Communist party.

JVP Parliamentarians Sunil Handunnetti and Ramalingam Chandrasekeran were associated with Mr. Amarasinghe at the meeting with the Chinese Ambassador.

Pillaiyan joins other Chief Ministers to demand full powers to PCs

Franklin R Satyapalan
All chief ministers of the eight provincial councils including the recently elected chief minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan have decided to forward a resolution to the Government that they be vested with full powers in accordance with the 13th amendment.

These powers hitherto not enjoyed by the seven provincial councils include police, land and judiciary. Government was in favour of granting these powers to the PCs as recommended by the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) chaired by Minister Prof.Tissa Witharana

The chief ministers conference to be held in Badulla will be presided by Uva Provincial Chief Minister Vijith Wijthamuni Soysa. It is scheduled for May 30 and 31 and is the 24th such meeting of chief ministers.

Soysa said even at the previous meetings of the chief ministers they were agitating for the full implementation of powers vested under the 13th amendment.The chief ministers will also request more funds from the central government to rectify shortcomings in administration, filling of vacancies and the full implementation of maga neguma, gama neguma and the apiwavamu ratanagamu programmes.

Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga will be chief guest and guest of honour will be Secretary to the Treasury Dr.P.B.Jyasundera..

The following chief ministers will grace the occasion, Reginald Cooray( Western Provincial Council), Shan Wijelal Silva (Southern Provincial Council), Sarath Ekanayakae (Central Provincial Council) Shan Wijesinghe (Wayamba Provincial Council), Mahipala Herath (Sabrgamuwa Province), Berty Premlal Dissanayake (North Central Province) Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Eastern Province) and Vijith Wijithamuni Soysa. The chief secretaries of all provincial councils will also participate.

Alleged LTTE gunman kills a Police Constable - Batticaloa

A Police constable who was shot at while returning after completing his duty succumbed to his injuries on admission to the Batticaloa hospital last evening, May 20.

The targeted police constable was performing duties at a police check point in Mamathgama junction in Batticaloa and the shooting incident took place around 6.15 p.m, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.

It is believed that the LTTE operative carried out this attack to disrupt the normalcy in the area and Batticaloa police conducting further investigations.