Monday, April 8, 2013

All land issues will be solved soon – Janaka

The government will solve problems connected with land issues, Land and Land Development Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said.The minister said the government had identified that problems connected with land had been a critical problem and a barrier to uplift the livelihoods of the civil society of the Northern and Eastern provinces after the end of the terrorism.
Minister Tennakoon was addressing the opening ceremonies of two land and land development District Offices in Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts.
The offices were opened to regularise the programme implemented by the Land and Land Development Ministry along with the Land Commissioner General’s Department to resolve around 250 land disputes in the Northern Province.
The minister handover lands to original owners and appointment letters to 25 Tamil medium graduates attached to the newly opened district offices in Jaffna and Kilinochchi.
He said former Northern Provincial Council Secretary Shiwasami was appointed the Competent Authority for these offices to ensure the proper implementation of the responsibilities entrusted with the Land and Land Development in implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
A new programme has been launched on the approval of the Cabinet Ministers taking in to account the recommendations of LLRC, and guidelines have been issued for this programme by Circular No 2013/01 issued by the Land Commissioner General, the minister said.
He said the total area of Jaffna District is 125,000 hectares of which 90 percent is owned by the private sector and action would be taken to hand over lands acquired for the establishment of Army camps, to original owners of those lands on a priority basis.
Land and Land Development Deputy Minister Siripala Gamlath was also present at this event.

Nidhanaya: Retrieving The Lost Cinematic ‘Treasure’ of Lester James Peries




Moviemaker Maestro Lester James Peries celebrated his Birthday yesterday. Sri Lanka’s pioneering director of authentic Sinhala cinema was born in Dehiwela on April 5th 1919.
The nonagenarian auteur in a cinematic career spanning more than five decades has stamped his indelible imprint on Sinhala films and in the process elevated Sri Lankan cinema to global heights.
If everything goes well the veteran film maker is likely to receive a fabulous birthday present in a few weeks time.What better gift can a creative filmmaker receive other than an “original” of a film considered to be his best ever and regarded as “irretrievably lost” for many many years? It would indeed be a treasure in every sense of the word!
Nidhanaya
A dupe negative copy of his 1970 Masterpiece “Nidhanaya” (Treasure) was discovered in January this year in India. The National film Archives of India based in Pune, India is the repository of Asia’s largest film collection. The original copy described as a dupe negative in celluloid parlance was not one which could be screened but one from which copies for screening could be made through a special technical procedure.
When information of this discovery was broken to him by the BBC Sinhala service “Sandeshaya” a delighted Lester responded then by saying he was elated at the age of 94 to receive news of a film original he thought was destroyed being found again.The nonagenarian’s happiness can be discerned fully in the context of a situation where he thought his “best” film was ”lost” forever.
GAMPERALIYA
“Nidhanaya” and his earlier film of 1964 “Gamperaliya” (upheavals in Village)are regarded as the twin masterpieces of the ace filmmaker. Gamperaliya won the Golden Peacock Award for best feature film at the third New Delhi film festival.This was the first time a Sinhala film had won an international award. It also won the golden head of palenque in Mexico.
Nidhanaya made later in 1970 was entered for the 1972 Venice International Film Festival where the film won the Silver Lion of St. Mark award. It also received a certificate as one of the outstanding films of the year at the London Film Festival. Nidhanaya was also included in the global list of 100 best films to be ever made that was compiled by the Cinematheque Institute of France to mark the World Film Centenary.It also won the award at Sri Lanka’s Golden Jubilee of Independence for being the best Sinhala movie in fifty years. It has also won critical acclaim as one of the ten top Asian films for all time.
Despite the national and international acclaim earned, it was indeed a terrible blow when Lester James Peries became aware some years ago that “Nidhanaya” was lost forever. What happened was that the UNESCO launched a project “World heritage of Cinema” some years ago to assemble and preserve a collection of the best films made globally.Nidhanaya was selected as a great work of filmic art that needed to be preserved for posterity as a part of world film heritage.
Lester James Peries~The Early Years~facebook.com/pages/Lester-James-Peries
UNESCO representatives got in touch with Lester.But when the director and UNESCO officials went to Sarasavi studio at Dalugama where Sri Lankan film copies were kept they were in for a shock.They found that the master negative or “mother copy” from which fresh copies are made had decayed beyond redemption due to what is called the “Vinegar syndrome”.This is a state where film copies start gradually deteriorating because of poor or lack of preservation technology.
“This was not due to the failure of anybody in Dalugama studio or the National Film Corporation but due to the failure of all governments that came to power since 1956.The late journalist Ajith Samaranayake and many others fought for a film archive but we were not able to persuade any government,” the disappointed film maker was quoted as saying at the time.
ARCHIVES
It is against this backdrop where “Nidhanaya” was given up as a lost treasure that good news emanated from Pune in India’s Maharashtra state . Prashant Patharbe, director of the Film archives told the BBC Sinhala service that the dupe negative had been received in 1974 and had been preserved in good condition due to proper technology.Patharbe said that if an official request was made through appropriate channels it would be possible to produce a good copy and give it to Sri Lanka.Lester James Peries expressed the hope then that interested persons would come forward to procure a copy or copies of Nidhanaya from the Pune Film archives.
The nonagenarian film maestro’s yearning echoed in many a heart fond of films and appreciative of Peries. One of those who took the initiative was an actor who had starred in Lester’s films like “Desa Nisa”, “The God King” and “Veera Puran Appu”.This was none other than Ravindra Randeniya who was now the adviser on Cinema development to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.Ravindra and his son embarked on the task of salvaging the cinematic treasure of Lester James Peries.
I spoke to Ravindra Randeniya on the telephone to find out the situation regarding “Nidhanaya”.He told me that certain initiatives had been taken in this direction and the required documentation submitted to the Indian national film archives. Ravindra was full of praise for G.Pathmarajah the son of “Cinemas” Ltd K. Gunaratnam the legendary film producer, theatre and studio owner. He said Pathmarajah had been of great help in submitting the documents necessary to procure copy or copies of Nidhanaya from Pune.
Ravindra Randeniya stated that the Indian national film archives was prepared in principle to give Sri Lanka a copy of its celluloid treasure back but unfortunately there was a delay as is customary in South Asian countries experiencing red tape procedures. Randeniya was confident that the mission would eventually be successful but was concerned over the delay for a very good reason.
He said that there was an offer to screen “Nidhanaya” at the forthcoming Cannes Film festival scheduled to be held from May 15th to 26th this year. It would indeed be a great honour for Lester now basking in the golden twilight of his life to see his masterpiece screened at the world’s most prestigious film festival but Randeniya’s worry was that the film would not be ready on time because of bureaucratic procedural delays.
RAVINDRA
Ravindra Randeniya revealed that two prints of Nidhanaya had been traced but they were in poor condition and quite unsuitable for screening at Cannes. Copies too could not be made of them. This emphasised the importance of getting a good copy from the Dupe negative original in Pune.It was also necessary to get it on time to screen at Cannes in the restored film segment thereby making Lester James Peries a happy man.
Incidently there has been a long standing connection between Lester and the Cannes film festival. His first film “Rekawa” was screened at Cannes in 1957. Lester’s films “Beddegama” and “Kaliyugaya” were screened at Cannes in 1981 and 1983 respectively.Peries visited Cannes festival for the fourth time in 1992 when he served as a member of the Jury at the prestigious event.
Randeniya also said that he may have to appeal to Indian envoy Ashok.K.Kantha to use his good offices and help expedite matters in this regard.The High Commissioner has shown keen interest in the promotion of good relations between India and Sri Lanka through cultural exchanges.Heping Sri Lanka to get back a copy of the greatest film made by its greatest film director would be a gesture that would be appreciated widely in the Island.
Gamini Fonseka & Malani Fonseka in ~ Nidhanaya
According to Ravindra the World Cinema Foundation established and administered by the famous Hollywood director Martin Scorcese has also evinced interest in Nidhanaya.Scorcese established the WCF to restore and preserve great films from all over the world. The foundation’s mission statement says it was “being created to help developing countries preserve their cinematic treasures”. It further says “We want to help strengthen and support the work of international archives, and provide a resource for those countries lacking the archival and technical facilities to do the work themselves”.
SCORCESE
Ravindra Randeniya said that once a good copy of “Nidhanaya”was obtained it would be sent to Martin Scorcese’s World Cinema Foundation for preservation.I do hope and pray that Ravindra Randeniya would be successful in his efforts on time and that the invitee audience at Cannes gets to view the retrieved treasure of Sri Lanka.
Nidhanaya is the eighth feature film made by Lester James Peries.It is in black and white and 108 minutes long. Gamini and Malani Fonseka play the lead roles and about 75% of the scenes revolve around the pair.Gamini plays Willie Abeynayake a superstitious scion of a rich family facing financial ruin. Malani plays Irene his trusting ,devoted wife.Sinhala Cinema’s foremost actor duo play their parts to perfection in Nidhanaya.
KL Coranelis Appuhamy and JRL Fernando act as Willie Abeynayake’s elder brother and father respectively while Shanthi Lekha acts as Malani’s mother.Other actors are Saman Bokalawala as Julius, Francis Perera as Juwanis, Trilicia Gunawardene as Dulcie, Thilakasiri Fernando as Diyonis, Kumarasinghe Appuhamy as Gurunanse,Mapa Gunaratne as the doctor, Thalatha Gunasekara as the Nanny and Barry Whittington as the Government Agent.
Willie Abeynayake is one of the finest roles acted by Gamini Fonseka in his mercurial movie career. Willie living in an aristocratic mansion faces financial decline as his contractor business is a failure. He stands to lose the mansion he dwells in and is reluctant to let it go. Being superstitious he believes in an Ola leaf prediction which says a treasure would be in his hands if a virgin woman with four particular birthmarks is sacrificed atop a particular rock at a particular time.
Willie comes across such a woman in Irene played by Malani Fonseka. He marries her but does not consummate the marriage as he wants her to retain her virginity.Willie falls ill and is nursed back to health by the loving wife.
SACRIFICE
Nevertheless Abeynayake goes ahead with his original plan and kills his devoted wife at the opportune time and location because of his need and greed for the Nidhanaya or treasure.Actually he does get a treasure in his good and devoted wife but does not realise it and is prepared to sacrifice the living treasure to gain material treasure.His hopes are dashed when the predicted treasure does not appear. He returns disillusioned and commits suicide.
The film is structured as a narrative with Willie Abeynayake prior to his intended suicide writing in his diary explaining the chain of events in his life that leads to his taking his own life.The story then is related in a series of flashbacks and voiceovers.Finally Willie hangs himself to death.
The cinematography is by MS Anandan who used Ilford film instead of Kodak to bring out in sharp contrast the blacks and whites.”Nidhanaya” is supposedly the only Sinhala film to be shot entirely in Ilford film. Premasiri Khemadasa does the music score the highlight of which is a Western waltz composed by the music maestro. The waltz is danced by Gamini and Malani with seven costume changes.
Nidhanaya is based on an original short story by GB Senanayake the journalist,poet and writer who went blind in the latter stages of his life. Peries apparently paid 10,000 rupees for rights to the story. Incidently GB Senanayake’s birth centenary falls on August this year. The story was then reworked into a film script by Tissa Abeysekera who won an OCIC award for best screenplay for Nidhanaya.
Lester James Peries ~ via ~ facebook.com/pages/Lester-James-Peries
The film is one of the very few Lester films where his wife Sumithra does not do the editing. This was because she was then in France on a scholarship. In her absence Lester himself took the plunge and together with Gladwyn Fernando and Edwin Leetin did the editing. JA Vincent Perera was the Art director. P.E.E .Anthonypillai produced the film on behalf of Ceylon Studios.
RAJAGIRIYA
The bulk of the shooting was done at an archaic mansion in Rajagiriya that had antique furniture and peacocks as pets in a cage.The house itself can be perceived as a pivotal character in the film around which the story is woven. In later years Lester’s “Wekande Walauwe” also featured a mansion by the lake as a central feature.
The shooting of the film took over seven months as both Gamini and Malani being busy film stars could be available for only five days each month for Nidhanaya.Usually Lester shoots his films at a stretch without breaks but here it was not possible. Despite the breaks the continuity was maintained with great intensity by both Gamini and Malani who complemented each other.
Some of the great sequences in Nidhanaya relate to the thespian prowess of both. In the waltz sequence both had to enact the dancing steps in natural slow motion as there was no second camera available to shoot in slow motion. So both coached by Keerthi Sri Karunaratne practised the steps and then danced for the camera in exaggerated slow movements.This was a feat that required perfect coordination and both Fonsekas rose to the occasion and did themselves proud.
Another scene where Malani excelled was when Gamini suddenly slaps her and berates her. Malani acts startled and upset perfectly. What really happened was that Lester and Gamini did not reveal how the scene was going to be shot to Malani. She did not know that Gamini was going to hit and shout at her. So when it did happen she was naturally shocked and surprised. The result was a superb piece of “natural” acting.
Lester and Gamini tried a similar ruse in another scene. This was the one where Gamini was to have an epileptic fit. Gamini himself had doubts whether he could act out that scene well. So at the right time Gamini suddenly started having an epileptic fit. Since only Lester knew beforehand the other actors and technicians were all taken aback at the sight. The iactors lost their cue.The cameraman dropped the camera. As a result the entire scene had to be filmed again but Gamini was now assured he could pull it off.
BIRTHMARKS
Another bizarre happening was the birthmarks phenomenon. According to GB Senanayake’s story the virgin woman to be sacrificed was to have four birthmarks.In an unbelievable coincidence Malani Fonseka had the identical birthmarks in the exact places. When told of this GB Senanayake refused to believe it. Later he felt the birthmarks by his fingers and shed his disbelief.
Nidhanaya has been compared by some to “Jalsaghar” by Satyajit Ray which is about the last days of a Zamindar or landlord in rural Bengal. The film made in 1958 illustrates the decaying collapse of the old order. Nidhanaya does likewise though Peries was not inspired in this instance by Jalsaghar.
It is a fact that India’s greatest film maker Satyajit Ray considered Lester to be of the same mould as him and once referred to the Sri Lankan as his “closest relative East of the Suez.”In spite of the creative affinity between the two, Peries was not influenced by Ray when he made his first film”Rekawa”. Regi Siriwardena told this writer once that Lester had not seen “Pathar Panchali” or “Apu Sansar” when he first made” Rekawa”.
Regi who had worked as scriptwriter with Peries on some films said that the first Ray film viewed by Lester was “Aparajitho” and that too only after “Rekawa “was made.“It is a classic instance of two great Asian directors being of the same creative wavelength and proceeding on a parallel course independent of each other,” said Siriwardena then.







UGC considers five more applications for degree awarding status


The Higher Education Ministry is considering applications from five more private higher educational institutions seeking degree awarding status.

Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne told The Island yesterday that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had awarded degree awarding status to eight private higher educational institutions so far.

"The ministry is considering five new applications," he said, adding that the ministry also expected some foreign universities to set up their branches here.

Answering a query, Dr. Navaratne said that around 300,000 students sat the GCE (Advanced Level) examination annually.

Of them, 130,000 qualified to enter university, but unfortunately, the government could accommodate only 25,000 in state run universities, he said.

The Secretary said that 105,000 students had to forego their higher education due to lack of institutions.
"The government cannot extend its university system to accommodate all A/L qualifiers due to lack of funds," Dr. Navaratne said, adding that the only option was to set up private higher educational institutions to enable the rest of A/L qualifiers to get a degree at a low cost.

Basil's ministry to develop 6000 primary, secondary schools

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa announced the launch of child friendly schools programmes to minimize competition to admit children to popular schools, and also to provide them with a quality education after developing material resources and other facilities in schools. This is a further step in improving Sri Lanka's education, the level of which the UN's Human Resources Report has recognized as being among the highest in Asia.

Minister Rajapaksa said this when he addressed the inaugural meeting marking the final stage of developing child friendly schools under the government's combined national campaign to develop 5000 elementary schools and 1000 secondary schools in accordance with the Mahinda Chinthana Vision Punarjeewana programme. The meeting was held at the Molligoda Primary School, Panadura, on 5 April.

For developing 5000 elementary schools into child friendly schools, 3322 schools from 25 districts have been selected. The funds allocated for the purpose is Rs 1,661 million. Already 1,678 schools selected under the first stage have been completed at a cost of Rs 839 million. But its total value is twice the amount allocated for it.

The Economic Development Ministry is directing the programme to develop the 5,000 primary schools and 1,000 secondary schools with the assistance of the Education Ministry and Provincial Education Ministries. The maximum amount allocated under the programme for projects begun by School Development Societies is Rs 500, 000. All work in this regard is expected to be completed during the April vacation with parents contributing the manpower.

The first stage was successfully launched in August last year. Presently, steps are being taken for the supply of power and water, developing toilet and health facilities, building fences and providing schools with gates, repairing and painting existing school buildings, distribution of perennial economic crop seedlings to parents under the Divi Neguma National Programme, making the school ground a model home garden, preparing the school's name board, arranging rooms for Grade 1 students to do handwork, building children's playgrounds and doing only essential repairs to teachers' hostels, if any.

Speaking further Minister Rajapaksa said that development programmes such as Divi Neguma have been launched focusing on the individual and family in addition to launching projects to supply electricity to all citizens and develop villages and roadways under Gama Neguma and Maga Neguma, covering 14,000 Grama Seva Divisions. Improving education to develop human resources is also among the government's goals. These, he stressed, are in addition to mega development projects. Last year, toilets were built in 8,680 schools in response to an appeal school children had made to the President. The construction of toilets in the remaining schools would be completed this year, the minister added.

Parallel to these programmes, perennial economic crop seedlings have already been distributed among parents under the Divi Neguma National Programme. The Minister himself symbolically distributed a crop seedling at the event.

Small Export Crops Promotion Minister, Reginald Cooray, Education Monitoring MP Mohan Lal Grero, MP Janaka Priyantha and Western Provincial Minister, Jagath Angage, were among the large crowd present.

Jayalalithaa seeks PM intervention for release of Tamil Nadu fishermen

Deprecating repeated "onslaughts" by Sri Lankan Navy on Tamil Nadu fishermen, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Sunday sought the immediate intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure the release of arrested fishermen. "I am deeply anguished to bring to your notice the repeated onslaughts of the Sri Lankan Navy on innocent Tamil Nadu fishermen who eke out their livelihood by fishing in their traditional fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean," Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Singh.
Referring to the arrest of 30 fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy on Saturday and the subsequent outcry it has generated, she urged Singh to impress upon that country's government to take effective steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents of arrest or harassment of the state's fishermen in the future. Jayalalithaa, who sought to link the increased instances of arrest of fishermen from her state to the escalated protests in Tamil Nadu over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, alleged that the neighbouring country has now resorted to such arrests and holding the fishers in its jails.
"Nineteen fishermen of Rameswaram have been in judicial custody in Sri Lanka since March 13, 2013 apart from five, languishing in jails there since more than a year and yet another incident of arrest of 30 fishermen has taken place on Saturday," the Chief Minister said in her letter, the copies of which were released to the press in Chennai on Sunday night.
She cautioned that the acts of continued detaining of fishermen will escalate the tension between the two countries, besides creating "unrest" amongst the fishermen community. "I also wish to reiterate that the acts of arrest and harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen should be viewed as acts of provocation and aggression against India by Sri Lanka," she added.

Building caves in at Maliban Street


Three ground floors of a three storied building in Maliban Street, Colombo 1 caved at around 5.30 a.m. yesterday.
Watcher Peter Gomes who was sleeping inside the building, managed to escape in the nick of time on hearing the sound of the building collapsing.
The owner of the building Mohomed Rihifaz said the building, completed one and half years ago, was being used to produce leather items although it has not been officially opened.
Plans were made to open the building after the Sinhala New Year, he said. Rihifaz said excavation is being carried out near the building to lay the foundation for another structure and giant machinery was being used for this purpose. "This may have had an adverse effect on his own building," he said.
Gomes said when the building started to cave, two lorries and the JCB machine used to excavate the site was promptly driven away. However, it was the view of many that inferior material may have been used in the construction of the building .

ADHISHTANA POOJA AGAINST TAMIL NADU

Sri Lanka's actors and actresses are planning to stage an Adhishtana Pooja on 11th Thursday evening at Independence Square. The purpose of this is to show their response to the hunger strike held a few days ago by Tamil actors and actresses of Tamil Nadu on behalf of Sri Lankan Tamils and also the international publicity carried out against the Sri Lankan government.
It is now reported that apart from actors and actresses, a nomber of players from the local sporting field too would be joining.

This massive Adhishtana Pooja which is conducted with the participation of a very large gathering will commence at 4.30 in the evening on 11th at Independence Square.
It is also reported that no films or dramas would be screened and staged on this day all over Sri Lanka and just as Tamil Nadu did, shooting of teledramas too has been cancelled on this date.
The National Organisation of Sri Lankan Artistes Association requests all artistes and players wishing to participate on this occasion to come dressed in full white. Records also mention that that Association would be organising this Pooja with State patronage.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Tobacco company motivates 110,000 into smoking


Against a backdrop of delays in making pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs mandatory, almost 110, 000 new smokers have taken up smoking within the last five years,

The Nation learns.
Senior House Officer at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama and President of the Cancer Care Association of Sri Lanka, Dr. Samadi Rajapaksa said according to statistics from the tobacco industry itself, between 80-90 persons either die from tobacco related illnesses or quit smoking every day. Hence, the industry has to recruit 60-70 new smokers daily to replace the ones it loses, he noted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which came into effect in February 2005, was the first international legal instrument designed to counter the spread of the worldwide tobacco epidemic. According to the WHO, since then, the FCTC has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations, with more than 170 parties covering 87% of the world’s population.
Sri Lanka was the first in the South-East Asian region to ratify the WHO FCTC. The country enacted a Tobacco Control Act in 2006 to aid in comprehensive tobacco control and established the National Authority of Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) to implement the Act.
There are several key tobacco control measures recommended for implementing the FCTC. Article 11 of the FCTC requires parties to the FCTC to implement effective measures to warn against the harmful impact of tobacco on all tobacco product packaging. This process requires the implementation of a pictorial warning policy for tobacco product packages and should occur within three years after ratifying the FCTC. Since Sri Lanka was one of the first signatories to the convention in 2005, this regulation should have been implemented by 2008. However, this is yet to happen, and the country is now five years behind schedule in implementing this regulation.
The pictorial health warnings were supposed to have been on cigarette packs from 2008. If one were to make a conservative estimate, if 60 new smokers took up the habit in a day, one would have around 21, 900 new smokers in a year. Multiply that by five, and it would amount to around 109, 500 new smokers within the past five years.
According to Dr. Rajapaksa, the tobacco industry’s primary targets are adolescents.
“Such young people are typically adventurous and wish to experiment. They are easy targets for the industry. However, if pictorial health warnings are introduced, it would drastically reduce the number of new smokers”, Dr Rajapaksa opined.
He also dismissed the claim made by some that pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets would be ineffective in Sri Lanka because most buy only one or two cigarettes at a time and not an entire pack.
He claimed potential smokers, particularly adolescents, would be discouraged from smoking after seeing the graphic images printed on the packages. “Display in shops anyway. The public can see them. It will act as a deterrent”, he explained.
He stressed it is ‘unfair’ by the Sri Lankan population not to disclose the side-effects of smoking to smokers, which is what the pictorial health warnings do.
Dr. Rajapaksa pointed out that pictorial health warnings were in force in other Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Thailand and Malaysia.
Sri Lanka currently ranks joint 2nd (along with Uruguay) among countries that have warnings covering more than 50% of the package front and back, according to a report titled Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report. Accordingly, pictorial health warnings are slated to take up 80% of the pack, both front and back. Australia leads the rest of the world in pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs, with 75% of the front and 90% of the back covered.
Implementation of the regulation of pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs (Article 11) is a requirement of the FCTC, by all the Parties to the treaty within three years from the date of ratification of the treaty. In Sri Lanka, after repeated delays, the regulations on pictorial health warnings were enacted by a special gazette notification in August 2012 to be effective from March 1, 2013. However, the tobacco industry has been fighting the measure in Court, aiming to reduce the size of the pictorial warnings on packs.

More Indians arrested for poaching

The Navy arrested a group of Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters, some 24 hours after another group of Indian fishermen had also been arrested.
The navy said that 30 Indian fishermen were arrested along with 05 Indian fishing Trawlers while they were engaged in illegal fishing in the Northern seas late last night.
A navy spokesman said that the fishermen were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for legal action.
The Navy had early last morning arrested 26 Indian fishermen who were poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Karinagar.
The Navy said that the Indians were on 5 trawlers when they were detected and arrested for entering Sri Lankans waters illegally.
Fishermen from both countries often stray into each other’s territory as both countries are divided by a small strip of sea.
Indian fishermen say India’s gifting of the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in the ’70s has reduced fishing space available for Indian fishermen.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who has been demanding retrieval of the island, has mooted the idea of entering into a long-term lease agreement with the Sri Lankan government so that Indian fishermen could legally use Sri Lankan waters for fishing.
Last month Sri Lanka released a group of Indian fishermen who were arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
The release came a day after India summoned Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the arrests. They had asked Sri Lanka that the fishermen be released at the earliest.
Separately, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony had said last month that the country’s government had urged Sri Lanka to direct its navy to act with restraint and not to fire on Indian fishermen sailing along the International Maritime Boundary Line.
“The government continues to remain engaged with the government of Sri Lanka to ensure that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner,” he told the Indian parliament.
His comments came after Indian fishermen accused the Sri Lankan navy of attacking them when they stray into Sri Lankan waters. The Navy denied the allegations.

Labai, labai, come to Pettah!

The countdown for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has begun and the traditional ‘place of gathering’ is buzzing once again. Streams of men and women, either carrying little children or holding tightly to reluctant slightly older ones dodge other families, hand-pushed carts, trishaws, motorcycles, cars and trucks, braving the dust, fumes and heat to pick up this or that, mostly clothes and toys, along Main Street.
Time for innovation: ‘Stop’ and buy a banian seems to be the call of this vendor. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Pettah’s heartland is Main Street stretching in a line from Malwatte Road to Gas-Paha Handiya (junction), with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Cross Streets intersecting it. While the giant businesses with their posh buildings hug Main Street and the maze of Cross Streets, what fascinates the New Year shoppers are the numerous knick-knacks in addition to clothing spread out on boxes or crates as make-shift street stalls.
Innovation seems to be the name of the game with some pavement hawkers making use of a stop-sign by the wayside to display underwear, others using a rope-net covering a building under construction as a clothes display line and two or three having their own individual stands.
“Serama imported,” calls out one vendor, “haraseeyayi-haraseeyayi, thorala ganna,” shouts another. The raucous cries draw the people to different kinds of stuff on display and the haggling begins. The “goods” range from the mundane to the exotic…………pins to panties, bed-sheets to bras, towels to taps, wigs to wind chimes, shoes to scissors, socks to spectacles, bottles to bags and parasols to puzzles, knives to naphtha balls and purses to phone pouches. Anything and everything is available in the Pettah.
A knot of young men rummage through a heap of ‘long-shorts’ and the vendor is busy flicking off a measuring tape from around his neck to get their sizes right, opposite the more staid three-storey London Suiting Shop. A hanger-on is the shorts vendor’s helper, taking up the shouts of “a pair for panseeya” while also hurrying in search of change for a 1,000-rupee note.
Suddenly a duck is shoved in our faces, with the vendor pressing a button to make it shoot out its tongue, urging that the “muppet from cartoons on TV” be taken home for a few hundred rupees, as a little distance away a battery-operated train chugs round and round on its tracks and little ones are pulling at the hands of parents and dragging their feet when passing a cloud of gossamer bubbles blown from a tiny elephant.
Vendor Mohamed Fazli has moved on from selling water bottles and schoolbags to the business of puzzles. “This is the latest in the market,” he says, explaining that it is “good for the igenuma” (good for learning) and parents buy them as gifts for their children.
When asked how business is this Avurudu season, he is joined by other pavement hawkers who shake their heads in despair over “low sales”. For two-three hours, they say, they have had no sales, while one or two add that they have had a little business of about Rs. 700.
The people come, they look but they just don’t have the money to buy stuff, says a vendor who does not wish to give his name, echoing the hope of all that business would pick up after April 5 when the people would have their festival advances in their pockets.
They are strident in their views that Pettah, particularly Main Street, lost its vigour when the authorities moved the pavement hawkers out to Goonesinghepura.
With the pavement hawkers getting a temporary respite to sell their products at their old haunts last December and this Avurudu season, many believe the hustle and bustle is back to make Pettah vibrant again.
“When we were moved out, the crowds thronged towns like Nugegoda, Kiribathgoda and Maharagama because they didn’t have an option,” says N.H. Nihal, pointing out that none of these places can beat the range and the price offered by Main Street.
Minnissu athe salli ne, says N.A. Piyaratne who has been hawking stuff on Main Street for the past 24 years minus the three or four years when they were debarred from the area. This year he has on sale knife-sharpening stones, oil cans, filters to be fixed to taps and other knick-knacks.
“I have bought everything I need for my family,” says a mother, clutching sili-sili bags filled to bursting point, at the same time keeping a sharp eye on her toddler to make sure that he doesn’t step into the way of an oncoming vehicle, before they both jump into a trishaw to head for home.
Curious glances are cast by all and sundry, when one pavement hawker has an altercation with a truck driver for obstructing his business, as D.M. Gnanasena has a quick word with his two young daughters whether they want pink, black or white underskirts.
“We like to come to the Pettah to buy a few clothes and toys for Avurudu,” says Gnanasena from Talangama, explaining that most probably he would come back with the rest of the family, wife and three other children, over the weekend.
It’s massage time on Main Street
The taka-taka sound of a bere summons people to another area of Main Street as a man lays out some of his goods. No, he is not selling anything, only his prowess as a self-taught magician, making coins move from under one glass to another. He holds people’s fascination by exhibiting a plastic box, the size of a small tiffin-carrier, in which he says there is a snake. “I will give a prize to anyone who can identify this creature,” he challenges, going on with his magic show. After 45 minutes, we leave, without our curiosity fulfilled for the snake has still not been uncovered.
As the stream of shoppers becomes thicker, some weary ones drag themselves into the small food stalls displaying short-eats and cool drinks. Others munch hot and spicy vadai with a tempting prawn atop straight from the frying pan while sipping a kahata and the more adventurous ones stop by the achcharu-cart to get a small bagful of mouth-watering pineapple, nelli, lovi, veralu, mango, guava, amberella or divul portion.
As the evening shadows lengthen and the pavement hawkers begin to pack up their goods and we make ready to leave, we spot a crowd at the “massage” seller.�Taking a willing passer-by he demonstrates his wares. Any aches or pains or just need relaxation, he has oluvata (for the head), angeta (for the body), pita kondata (for the backbone) and also a contraption like a hand to scratch one’s back.
After a long walk up and down Main Street and along all those Cross Streets buying what they want and sometimes even what they don’t want, most probably what the weary shopper needs is the one which massages the yati-pathula (soles of the feet).
The beginningsStarting as a small shop at Kayman’s Dorakada (now known as gate) opposite the belfry, then moving to 154, 1st Cross Street and now occupying the premises right opposite, Titus Stores has long been a landmark of Pettah and the Main Street.
In the early days, there were trams, buses, bullock-carts and only rarely a lorry plying along Main Street, recalls the owner of Titus Stores, Joe De Livera, whose father had set up the business back in 1924.
Pettah is a pocket of land traditionally associated with business, points out 83+plus Mr. De Livera, going back in time to 1949 when he brought a load of goods from the port in a Ferguson tractor. It was the first time people had seen a tractor and all eyes were agog, he smiles.
The pavement hawkers came with J.R. Jayewardene’s government in 1977, when they were allowed to occupy the empty pavements, “changing the face of Pettah drastically,” he says, adding that now there are more than 280 such vendors.

Tax hike on milk powder imports on the cards

The government is considering a further tax increase on milk powder imports from the present 15 per cent or Rs. 92 per kilo gram to discourage milk powder imports and promote local liquid milk, officials said.

Sri Lanka imports 84,000 metric tons of milk powder annually spending Rs.36 billion in foreign exchange.
This drain on valuable foreign exchange has prompted the government to consider a further revision of the import duty on milk powder, they disclosed.

The demand for liquid milk in the country is insufficient as people are used to buy milk powder due to its low price and convenience, officials pointed out.

Production of local liquid milk has increased up to 1.6million litres per day due to the increase of certified purchase price for a litre of local liquid milk up to Rs.50 and other incentives, they added.

But the consumption of fresh milk has been unduly overshadowed by the influence of the imported milk powder propaganda campaign, officials alleged.

The government is also looking at the possibility of regulating branded milk powder advertisements so that liquid milk gets adequate air time, officials said.

The modalities are yet to be worked, but there will not be a curtailment or ban on such advertisements.
“There are no restrictions as such but there will be promotions for fresh liquid milk in the market highlighting the aspect of how safe are imported milk powders and other dairy products,” they said.

Politicking for Colombo VC post


The process to appoint a Vice Chancellor to the University of Colombo has run into a storm with the university academics writing to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, conveying concern over the apparent politicization of the appointment process.

This has come in the wake of media reports that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) University Teachers' Union has approached powerful Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaska, to seek his blessing for the candidacy of Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa for the post of Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo.
Dr. Mahanamahewa is presently the Dean of the Faculty of Law, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and is also a Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

He is known for his strong defence of the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration on its human rights record. Earlier, the former President of the SLFP University Teachers' Union and a close confidant of Minister of Higher Education, S.B. Dissanayake, was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Among the three candidates nominated by the University Council of the Colombo University for the post of Vice Chancellor are, Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama, husband of the current Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa and Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, former Head of the Department of Demography and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, President of the Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) told Ceylon Today the Colombo University academics in their letter to the President have raised 'strong concerns' about the developments related to the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo.

"In fact, most senior professors don't apply for those posts as it is useless to do so without political backing. It has become a norm that political appointees are favoured when it comes to these appointments," he charged.

Dr. Dewasiri said, FUTA would decide its course of action only after the appointment is finalized. "We do not want to rush into action. We have made our concerns known to the President. And we hope he will listen to our concerns." He said there is a conflict of interest involving the candidacy of Dr. Hirimburegama, while his spouse continues to serve as the Chairperson of the UGC, the authority that should recommend the most qualified candidate to the President, according to the Universities Act.

"In theory, the President should appoint the Vice Chancellor of a given university based on the recommendations made by the UGC, though, the President could reject all three nominations and send the names back to the Council, asking for fresh nominations," Dr. Dewasiri said.

Golden Key depositors claim AG not issuing extradition order

The Golden Key Depositors Union (GKDU) yesterday claimed that the Attorney General had failed to issue an extradition order on the second suspect Sicille Kotelawala despite a court ruling.

President, GKDU, Dushyanthi Hapugoda, speaking to ‘The Nation’ said, “No extradition order has been issued by the Attorney General’s Department despite a High Court order dating back to one and a half years ago. This is I believe because the Attorney General, Palitha Fernando’s wife happened to work at Golden Key at one time. This factor has influenced the non extradition in such a long drawn time.”

She said that Mrs. Kotelawala was presently living in England which had granted her citizenship as had been confirmed by the British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Robbie Bulloch. Hapugoda further claimed that she had written as many as three letters addressed to the Attorney General regarding the extradition of Mrs. Kotelawala, but had not received any response.

The Golden Key scandal since 2009 involving a sum of over Rs.26 billion in deposits is the worst of its kind to hit Sri Lanka culminating in the loss of 28 human lives through suicides of hard pressed depositors who were left in the lurch. An approximate 6254 of a total number of 9127 depositors are yet to be repaid with Rupees1477 million already settled.

Wimal calls for probe on human skeletons in Matale


Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said that a full-scale investigation should be conducted on the human skeletons found in a mass grave at Matale which have been identified as those disappeared during the 1988-1989 insurrection.
The UN says that the Government should conduct credible investigations on the alleged human rights violations. Why can't the UNHRC conduct a similar credible investigation on the mass grave at Matale, the Minister told the Sunday Observer.
He questioned as to why UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneetham Pillay and US President Obama cannot treat this as a grave human rights violation?
Is this not a human rights violation for the UN or USA though it took place during the UNP regime. They don't view these as brutal killings or human rights violations as they were allegedly committed by a pro-American government.
If any anti-American leader had waged a war against terrorists and restored peace, various allegations of human rights violations would have been made against such leader to impede the forward march of that country, he said. Minister Weerawansa said that he also endorsed the JVP's call to conduct an immediate investigation on this incident.
The Government should, however, conduct an impartial inquiry to highlight the massacres and atrocities committed during the UNP regime.
"We should ask the Western world, whether these are not grave human rights violations.
When human skeletons were found at the mass grave at Matale, the Al Jazeera television even attempted to portray them as those of LTTE cadres who died during the war against terrorism," the Minister said



Will SLMC leave the govt?



The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) on Friday denied reports of internal party rifts, but said members have called on the party high command to take a firm stand on the recent spate of anti-Muslim campaign and push the government to address the issue.
SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali said members have called the high command to advance their next meeting which is scheduled to be held on April 27, before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
“Our next meeting is scheduled to be held on the 27th of this month, however, we feel as a party that we’ve waited too long and might need to come to a decision,” said Hassan Ali, General Secretary of the SLMC. “Our last meeting was not decisive as some felt we need to take a wait-and-watch approach while others thought that we needed to take stand.”
Reports which surfaced in the media following the meeting alleged that there was friction among members since some were absent from the meeting whilst others were not content with the decision reached.
“There isn’t a rift among the issue that was discussed but merely over the fact that we could not come to a conclusion during the last meeting,” he said. “However, that will change since we feel that as a party we’ve waited too long for the government to respond and it might be fair to Muslims if we come to a decision.”
He cited that although the SLMC is part of the government, it can and will come to an independent decision. “The fact that the government has not even condemned Bodu Bala Sena as a religious extremist outfit is still a bone of contention among Muslims,” he said.
According to him, the SLMC was awaiting the report by the Parliamentary sub-committee which was tasked with resolving the Halaal issue. “The former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake who heads the committee suggested that the government come up with a draft proposal on how to go forth with the issue at hand. We, however, feel that the committee is dragging its feet over the issue.”
“Only when the draft proposal is put forth, all members would be able to come back to negotiations, we however feel that it has taken longer than necessary.” The SLMC high command which was held last Saturday said that the future of the SLMC in the government was at risk since it had failed to take appropriate action with regards to the threats faced by the Muslims in recent times.
SLMC high command was of the opinion the government had not directly responded to the threats faced by the Muslims in the country.




UNP May Day rally in three places

The United National Party will hold three separate May-Day rallies this year.Party General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said the three rallies will be held in Badulla, Kurunegala and outside the party headquarters in Pita-Kotte.The main rally in Colombo will be held in Pita Kotte at 9 a.m., where we will be supported by four trade unions along with our supporters” Mr. Attanayake told the Sunday Times.
He said the rally in Kurunegala will be a coalition meting with the “Vipakshaye Virodhaya” which will be supporting the rally through its representatives.The rally to be staged in Badulla will be with the support of the National Youth Front as well as the National Estate Workers Union. It is to be known as the Youth and Estate Workers May-Day rally.
“We have made this May-Day rally a youth rally in to grab the attention of our country’s youth and bring them closer to our party,” he said.Mr. Attanayake added that the women and the youth of the nation are two major movements in society. He said the party is targeting a 60% representation for thm in all electoral divisions.
Regarding the upcoming Provincial Council elections, Mr. Attanayake said that preparations are underway.The Government has not confirmed whether elections would be held in the Northern Province. Before such elections can be held independent commissions such as the Police Commission as well as the Elections Commission must be established”
He said that although the Government will try to exploit its power to gain advantages in elections the UNP is prepared to contest it, adding that arrangements are already underway in appointing three committees to oversee the upcoming Provincial Council elections.
He also said the UNP has started a door-to-door campaign with the target of recruiting two million members to the Party.
He said the campaign started in Galle District and then moved on to Kandy District where the party was successful in reaching its target of 100,000 members each in both districts.Similar campaigns in Matale and Kelaniya have taken place.
Mr. Attanayake told the Sunday Times that the membership campaign will shift to Negombo on April 11 and Anamaduwa on the 18th of this month. He said the party is hoping to recruit two million members by the end of June

AMILA ABEYSEKERA RUMOURS

After a certain news item about tele-actor Amila Abeysekera was published last Friday (22) in 'Today' newspaper, a copy of the news item appearing in websites too, various news about him had begun to circulate.
According to the initial news item, Amila Abeysekera had insulted a certain businesswoman and the incident had been conveyed to Minister Welgama and on the instructions of the latter, she had lodged an entry at the Mirihana Police. Subsequently, Amila had gone to the Police Station and had obtained pardon by apologising to her for his behaviour.
However, Min.Welgama as well as Amila Abeysekera's lawyers had informed 'Today' newspaper that this news item was maliciously created and published. Statements from both parties were publicised once again on 28th Wednesday in the same newspaper asking for pardon if any inconvenience had been caused to Amila Abeysekera.
The news report relating to the incident could be seen below.

First report 22 March 2013

AMILA ABEYSEKERA ASKS FOR PARDON FOR HAVING INSULTED A BUSINESSWOMAN
Over an incident where popular artiste Amila Abeysekera had insulted a businesswoman, a complaint had been lodged by her at the DIG Office, Mirihana. After an inquiry was conducted by DIG Mr.Sumith Edirisinghe, Amila had expressed his regret in relation to the incident and had pleaded for an apology from the businesswoman.
Minister Kumar Welgama had come to know of a defamatory statement circulating in respect of this businesswoman and had notified her of it. Subsequently she had lodged her complaint at DIG's Office at Mirihana.

Second report 27 March 2013

IT IS CONFIRMED THAT AMILA ABEYSEKERA HAD NOT INSULTED A BUSINESSWOMAN OR HAD ASKED FOR PARDON
The lawyer of Mr.Amila Abeysekera has sent us a letter through fax explaining the facts in relation to the news item published on 22 March 2013 in 'Today' newspaper under the heading "Amila Abeysekera asks for pardon for having insulted a businesswoman". His lawyer says, that, accordingly certain news clips in the said news item are incorrect and that no insult has been made and also, no pleading for pardon has occured in any manner. Amila Abeysekera has mentioned to the police that he does not know the businesswoman under reference who is connected to the incident and that he does not have any reason to make any such comment in relation to the said businesswoman. Amila Abeysekera further says that in the above circumstances the inquiry had come to a close and that he did not plead guilty to a defamatory statement or fall down on knees in the presence of the DIG and ask pardon.
On an inquiry made from the media division of the police in relating to this, they informed us saying that the information conveyed to us is true. If Mr.Amila Abeysekera had been inconvenienced in some way as a result of certain news clips published in the relevant news item, we express our regret deeply in that respect.

THERE IS NO CONNECTION OF THE MINISTER IN RELATION TO AN INCIDENT OF INSULTING OR ASKING PARDON
In a letter sent to us by the Media Secretary of Minister Kumar Welgama, he has informed us that the Minister is in no way connected to the incident which appeared as a news item under the heading "Amila Abeysekera asks for pardon for an incident of having insulted a businesswoman". The Media Secretary further states that the Minister completely rejects that the businessswoman under reference has made a complaint to the police on the instructions of the Minister.

A SENSITIVE MOMENT OF ATHULA-SAMITHA


The Most Popular music video of the year was awarded for the song "Iwasaida Manda" which won the Gold Award at the Derana 2013 Music Video Award ceremony held yesterday.
Athula - Samitha who had been together for sometime broke off, later entering into another marriage. The manner in which they came to receive the award given for that song sung by the two of them was a sensitive moment.
Amaya was beside Athula in the auditorium and Samitha was seated next to Amaya. After Samitha was seen the daughter of Athula and Samitha.
After collecting the Award, addressing the audience, Athula also spoke of the two of them:
"Personal problems between the two of us is different ..... this is our profession," he said. Samitha spoke later with tears in her eyes and in a very touching mood. In the process, she had been looking down with embarassment, which then was a special feature. What she said was:
"Actually we didn't receive an award when we were together ..... this is our first award after we broke up. I am so happy that fans of both of us still love us upto this day". During her address it was heard that she went into sobs.
Athula said that, in the future too they would be singing together.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Sri Lanka deals with India with a wide diplomatic vision - Minister

Diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka would not be affected by the activities of extremist elements in both countries and Sri Lanka is dealing with its neighbor with a wide diplomatic vision, Sri Lanka said today.
A government minister said today that although the two governments face inconveniences as a result of the activities of extremist elements in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the state is also important for Sri Lanka as well as the central Indian government.
Participating in a programme of the National Radio this morning, Minister of Fish
eries and Aquatic Resources Rajitha Senaratne said due to misunderstandings about Sri Lanka the people in the southern state always act with suspicion.
Pointing out that failure of a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to visit Sri Lanka up to now has also become a main reason for the distrust, the Minister suggested the External Affairs Ministry to at least make some mediation in the future.
Dr. Senaratne pointed out that there was no pressure from the Tamil Nadu on the Tamil issue until the humanitarian operation against Tiger terrorism ended.
He said that Sri Lanka has become under pressure from both the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and the DMK leader M. Karunanidhi as they compete with each other for power and hoped that the pressure exerted by the two leaders will end after the forthcoming elections in India.
Speaking of the fishermen issue, the Minister said certain groups in Tamil Nadu are using the issue of arresting the poaching Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy to create a misconception about Sri Lanka in Tamil Nadu.
The Minister explained that the Sri Lankan Navy arrests the Indian fishermen for fishing in the Sri Lankan territorial waters by violating the international maritime boundaries and the mechanism adopted earlier was to release the arrested Indian fishermen with the mediation of the Indian High Commission office.
However, the Indian fishermen are taking advantage of this arrangement and deliberately indulge in illegal fishing, the Minister noted.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Fisheries has taken steps to change this situation and take legal action against the poaching fishermen.
He assured that these activities however, do not affect the diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.

VIDEO: ATHULA & SAMITHA WIN TOP AWARD...

Athula and Samitha won the Gold Award for Most Popular Music Video for their hit song ‘Iwasaida Manda’ at the Derana Lux Music Video Awards 2012 held at the Golden Rose, Maharagama on Friday (April 06). Roshan Fernando took home the Silver Award for his song ‘Oya Nisa Handala’ while Ruwan Hettiarachchi’s song ‘Nodaka Inna Ba’ bagged the Bronze Award. (Pic by Manjula Charantha)

Best Music Video of the Year 2012 - Tehan Perera for Loku Scene Epa
Most Popular Group or Artist of the year - Centigradz
Best Director - Ayesh Wijerathna - Loku Scene Epa


OVER 100 LANKANS RESCUED BY INDIAN COAST GUARD

More than 100 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees heading to Australia by a ferry from nearby Karaikal were rescued by Indian Coast Guard personnel when they got stranded in mid-sea off here after their craft developed a snag in the wee hours on Saturday.

The refugees, residing in various places including Tenkasi and Kadayam in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, had last night left Karaikal coast on the illegal voyage to Australia but the ferry developed a snag this morning, officials said.
Acting on information, Coast Guard personnel rescued the refugees and were bringing them back to the shores, they said adding the Lankan Tamils would be arrested for leaving the country illegally.
Several instances of Lankan Tamil refugees leaving the state for Australia seeking asylum and greener pastures, lured by agents, had been reported last year.
The Australian Government had warned that those arriving in that country by boat would not be given asylum and stand to lose opportunities to work and earn. It had also cautioned that it was a long way to travel to Australia by boat and dangerous

Agreements that betrayed Sri Lanka : 2002 Ceasefire Agreement


Winning hearts and minds of terrorists, mentality of surrender, advocating theory of “unwinnable war” and policy of appeasing, reducing the country to a pariah state, knowingly giving a terrorist organization status on par with a sovereign state and a democratic government were the characteristics of those led by Ranil Wickremasinghe that went on to sign 2002 infamous ceasefire agreement today described as one of the greatest betrayals of the nation.
The supporters of the ceasefire were those that equated the removal of checkpoints giving them freedom of movement as a victory for freedom and peace to the entire nation. Little did these people think what these “removals” and carte blanches would eventually mean to the entire nation.
Lust for power is no different from those unwilling to give up power. Similarly, those that hunger for personal glory and international acceptance rarely view what is good for the nation above their personal gains. These weaknesses as one should view them led to the blindness to the reality of what the 2002 ceasefire agreement would entail. The lack of consultation and the total disregard to the views of the People of Sri Lanka depicted arrogance of those that hungered for personal glory. The lessons are that these very protagonists signatory to the agreement and those that praised it and spoke in favor of it are not suited to be entrusted with handling any matters related to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – ever. Unfortunately, some of these players continue to hold key portfolios and continue to maintain the same mentality and questions those that watch these officials once again attempt to dig Sri Lanka’s grave.
It was Kathy Stone writing to the Weekend Liberal in 2002 that exposed how LTTE would have used Charles Gnanakone to strike a deal with the UNF Government that led to the 2002 CFA. Incidentally, it was Gnanakone’s brother who smuggled shipments of weapons to the LTTE via our own customs.
It was Ranil’s Chief Negotiator and our present Foreign Minister who went to the extent of requesting the lifting of the ban on the LTTE that his predecessor Mr. Lakshman Kadiragamar worked hard to achieve. Did we also forget to say that this same Chief Negotiator and present Foreign Minister called Anton Balasingham as “Your Excellency”!
It was Subramaniam Swamy who declared that the UNF Government of Ranil Wickremasinghe functioned according to a “Surrender Mentality” and when the entire show was being led by a Chief Negotiator and present FM we realize that same mentality prevails. The question is did the present Government win a war to succumb to surrender? The bargaining was what was missing on the side of SL at all times throughout the peace talks and this same policy is what the present FM continues to follow – why are the Sri Lankan leaders not reading between the lines of the dangers likely to result. GLP called his victory of negotiating the CFA deal with the LTTE a “road map for peace” – yes, he remains our FM.
It was Madam Maria Carrilho, Member of the EU Parliament and Head of Parliament Delegation for Relations with South Asia who went on to say that a new autonomous State will emerge as a result of the CFA and a flag and new anthem should also be given and the then PM’s secretary appears not to have even protested against it.

OPERATION OF MARAWILA TELE BROTHEL

You may remember how a racket which took place in Marawila owned by a German national, where girls working in Garments were sold as prostitutes on the pretext of selling tele-actresses.
How the police operated is akin to a drama.
Further information about it is published below.
Sub Inspector Dumminda Balasuriya, OIC of the Panadura, Walana Vice Squad Task Force received a message a few days ago. It was by a person who was known to him. He was actually a friend of the Inspector.
"Sir, film actresses are being sold at a luxury hotel in Marawila. But they are not offered to locals; only to foreigners. The charges are very high."
According to the information received, the Inspector decided to make an investigation about the hotel. As such, he called two of the officers in the unit and asked them to report to him whether actually such activities are taking place in the said hotel. The two of them who went to Walahapitiya,about 4 km. from Marawila, engaged in a dialogue with three-wheel drivers who were hovering around the area and in a congenial manner was able to elicit information about any secretive businesses happening within the said hotel.

The hotel which was a sort of mansion in Walahapitiya consisted of about 30 rooms. It was a luxury hotel equipped with a swimming pool, a gym and massage clinic. The police officers after finding out this information the conveyed it to the OIC by meeting him.
"Sir, the story is true. But the girls are offered only to foreigners. Locals are not even permitted to enter the place. Rooms are therefore offered to foreigners. All transactions are carried out in dollars.

When the officers said all this, the police made further investigations. Another police officer was able to find further information through the internet. The police were thus able to procure a pamphlet which provided details of the hotel and then perused the names of females and their telephone numbers appearing there.

The hotel belonged to a German. In addition there is also a lady in Sri Lanka who happens to operate as a Director. Since the owner is a German female, friendly Germans of hers used to make frequent visits to the hotel.
The Inspector who checked all these details then phoned the females in the leaflet saying that he had just now returned from abroad. "I came to Sri Lanka from Afghanistan. Three of my friends from Afghanistan will be coming to Sri Lanka in the near future. All of them are Afghans. We saw your details in the internet.They like to stay there. They'll spend well. How can the rooms be booked?" When the sub-inspector related all this, the Directress gulped everything and responded with something like this: "When your friends come, tell them that there's no problem. There is a Manager called Wasantha. Speak to him. He'll do everything.
The SI spoke as if he was from abroad. He then spoke to Wasantha who was supposed to be the Manager. "It's better if you come and talk about it more than by discussing it over the phone. Come, I'll do any help for you".

It was the same SI from Walana who went on this occasion and disguised. Wasantha was unaware of all this.

"The point is this. Those Afghans stay in Sri Lanka only for 2 weeks. Can't speak a word of English. They come here only to get some fun. They'll spend enough money." "Come after they arrive. I'll arrange everything" the Manager said. Both parties then exchanged phone numbers. The following day dawned. The SI gave a call to the Manager. He said that one of his friends would be coming on a flight to Sri Lanka that night.

"Right, we'll first give him a room. We'll see the rest after he comes," the Manager said.After that the Walana unit prepared itself in a manner that no secret was to go out. It was a police constable of the unit who was chosen as the Afghan national. In appearance he did not look a Sri Lankan at all. Actually he looked more like an Afghan.

"There is a laptop here that is not working. Take that also and go. But don't tell a word of this to anybody. Act as if you don't know even English." Such was the advice given to the p.c. by SI Dummunda Balasuriya.

" After that we arranged two teams. We also gave a brand new car to the 'Afghan' friend and the SI and sent them to the hotel. We also arranged another team with SI Dharmasiri". So explained SI Balasuriya, describing how the raid was launched.
It was after that the motor car which carried the 'Afghan' entered the hotel at Walahapitiya.
"See, this is the person I told you of. He can't speak a word of English. There's no English in that country," said the SI to the Manager, pointing at the youth.

"So give a room. No problem about the price. Here's the money". When the transaction was over, the 'Afghan' entered the hotel. On seeing the luxury room he seemed to be so happy.In the meantime, the Manager and the 'Afghan' national's friend entered into a chat in the lounge.

"Not that, can't you fix a girl for him?" the Afghan's friend suggested to the Manager. "This is the point. We don't bring ordinary girls to this lace. We bring only actresses because of the foreigners," and then he went on saying a list of names of popular actors who used to frequent the hotel. "How much do these girls take?" "Ten thousand. But they stay only for one hour. Don't you know they come in secret no."
"No problem about the money. He has enough money. But they must be film stars for sure. Wait a little, I'll ask and come." Having spoken to the 'Afghan' in the room for a while, his friend once more met the Manager.
"He wants three girls." "No problem. We'll bring and give. But must pay 10,000 for one girl and can't wait a night. Can wait only one hour". "No harm, we'll give the money".

In the meantime, the police engaged in another activity. They had reported all the information to the Marawila courts and a search warrant was obtained without anybody's knowledge. The officers in possession of the warrant were hovering around Marawila and its environs expecting a call at any moment from the disguised 'Afghan' or the SI who acts as his friend.

The time was past 1.30 in the afternoon. However, contrary to what was discussed earlier, there was no sign of the actresses. "Why what's the problem?" "No, no, three of the actresses we know have gone on shooting today. Can't get them right now. So till they come we'll get three air hostesses." "True? Where do they stay? No harm who it is, but we want quickly," said the disguised SI to Manager Wasantha."Those who came on the last flight will be off from duties in a short time. They'll get here on their own in their own vehicle. What do you say?"

"Doesn't matter, bring them. My friend is upset." Having dropped the idea about film actresses, they were awaiting the arrival of the air hostesses. At the same time, the police officers who were ready to launch the raid were uneasy because of the delay and the time was almost 7.30 in the night.

"Will they get some more late?" the SI asked the hotel Manager. "No, they'll be here in a quarter of an hour. It's okay now, they have come in the flight and have gone to change in the hotel".

Only a moment passed. Though it was earlier said that they would arrive in their staff vehicle, it was a three-wheeler that happened to stop near the hotel. "There ... they've come." "Right, here's the money. The Manager received thirty thousand rupees. Within two or three minutes the girls entered the room where the 'Afghan' was. The girls who saw the 'Afghan' who was clad in a towel began to say something to each other.

"We can't understand a word of what he says. How can we three spend the time with him? Doesn't matter, we are getting money no." Though they tried to speak with him, they in turn don't understand the language that he says. While they were cuddling beside him on the bed, saying many nice things, his friend the disguised SI gave a call to the police officers outside the hotel and in utmost secrecy.

"Come on, it's okay." Only a moment passed. The jeep with the police officers stopped in the hotel premises. The Manager as well as the three-wheel owner who brought the girls on seeing the police vehicle were taken absolutely by surprise. "Don't try to play with us. We're from Walana." Everyone's eyes shot up because those happened to be the words of none other than the friend of the 'Afghan' himself. It was only then that the Manager realised that the person was a police officer.

On his instructions the police entered the room in which the 'Afghan' was. The three girls who were with the 'Afghan' was stupefied. "Don't shout, we're from the police." When the officer said so, the 'Afghan' who was until that time clad only in a towel round his waist, removed it and began to put on his shirt and trouser without any sign of surprise.
"We waited four hours without speaking a word sir," the girls said. The officers who heard this could not but help bursting with laughter.

"You're a real Afghan. All of them got played out." The girls as well as the Manager was dumbfounded to realise that the man who played the role of the Afghan was actually a police officer. The police who took everybody into custody put the broken laptop too into the jeep. It was to the Marawila Police that the jeep first of all drove carrying the girls, the Manager and the three-wheel driver. There everybody's statements were recorded.
It was understood by the police that all three girls were no air hostesses. They were in fact garment-girls from a Katunayaka factory. "We came after work sir. We don't come here every day. The salary we earn from the Garment job is not enough. That's why we come here once in a way and earn something," one of the girls said. "That means a parttime job isn't it? How much do you earn from this?" "About 5,000 from one person sir".
One girl was 19 years old. She was a resident of Hiniduma. The police say that she who seduced by her lover when she got pregnant from him. Finally, after an abortion was performed, she had found a job in the Garment industry. In addition to her job there, it was her lover himself who had introduced her to this kind of prostitution-work. Her lover, according to her also is from Hiniduma.

The other girl is a resident of the Siripura area in Dehiaththakanda. She had been married and divorced. She too who is a garment-worker earns an extra income by engaging in a parttime job such as this. That too not all by herself but with a sister who is a relative of hers. The latter too is a resident of Dehiaththakandiya. She is 26 years old and unmarried. "What I earn from the Zone is not enough. That's why I came here to earn something more. We don't go everywhere sir. It's because I couldn't pay the 'seettu' money that I came here with my sister for this job." Though she said all this in tears, she got no pardon from the police. After the 3 girls and the 2 suspects were produced in Courts they were remanded. The OIC of the Walana unit says that further investigations are being conducted in order to find out whether this business was carried on with the knowledge of the owners of the hotel and also to get the telephone report and sexually transmitted diseases report.
The raid was conducted under the directions of OIC Dumminda Balasuriya with the participation of SIs Sarath Dharmasiri, R.M. Karunaratna and WPC Shanika (9196).

Friday, April 5, 2013

AVURUDU POLA TO FUND HOMES FOR CDF.


The second Avurudu Pola was organized at the Civil Defence Force headquarters in Bambalapitiya aimed at raising funds for building homes for 250 Civil Denfence Force personnel. The pola was declared open today (April 5) in an event which was attended by Ayoma Rajapaksa, President of the Seva Vanitha Unit and the wife of Denfese Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Director General of the Civil Defense Force Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris was also present at the pola which will close tomorrow (April 6).

MAN FOUND HACKED TO DEATH, BROTHER-IN-LAW ARRESTED


The body of a 33-year-old man who was hacked to death has been found inside a residence in Habudugala, Kegalle.
The victim’s brother-in-law has been arrested under suspicion of murdering the father of two.
Several drops of blood were found at the home of the victim’s wife’s parents following a search carried out using police dogs.
The Kegalle Magistrate had conducted an investigation at the scene, police said.

THREE HOSPITALIZED AFTER CONSUMING POISON

Three persons of the same family have been hospitalized after consuming poison in Dumkolawatta, Matale.
Police suspect that the husband had forced his wife and 4-year-old daughter to drink poison before consuming it himself.

They are currently being treated at the Matale Hospital.

NAVY ARRESTS 38 PERSONS ATTEMPTING TO SAIL TO AUSTRALIA

The Navy apprehended 38 persons illegally attempting to sail to Australia after the group had set sail from the Beruwala area yesterday (April 4).

The Galle Navy had arrested the group and had handed over the suspects to the Galle Harbour police.

Among the group of suspects were 11 women, police stated.

Investigations revealed that the suspects were from several areas including Mahabage, Ampara, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Beruwala, Mullaitivu, Puttalam and Kalmunai.

Further investigations will be conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

WILL SUPPORT ANY PARTY SEEKING TO ABOLISH EXECUTIVE PRESIDENCY

The National Movement for Social Justice, led by Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, today declared that in the next election it would support any party assisting in abolishing the Executive Presidency.
The Mahanayakes had met yesterday and decided that amendments should be made to the existing constitution to abolish the Executive Presidency, Ven. Sobitha Thero said.
Therefore other religious will also be informed of the amendments in the future along with representatives of political parties, trade unions and the masses, he said addressing a press briefing this morning.
Venerable Sobitha Thero stated that they expect to establish good governance and democracy through the amendments.
He pointed out that incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa had promised to abolish the Executive Presidency while the JVP and some members of the UNP have also pledged assistance for this purpose.
He stressed that the political leaders to criticize the executive presidency the most were former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, her mother Sirimavo Bandaranaike and President Rajapksa and that even Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa had recently called for abolishing it.
Sobitha Thero further said that as it is important to immediately abolish the executive presidency a discourse should be created within the society.
He stated that this movement will not operate to oppose a certain party or support another and that if no political parties comes forth to assist in this task, they will assist any party which pledges to abolish the executive presidency in the next election.

DRIVER, CONDUCTOR SENTENCED TO DEATH OVER YANGALMODARA ACCIDENT

The driver and conductor of the bus which was involved in the accident at the Yangalmodara railway crossing claiming the lives of 40 people, were sentenced to death by the Kurunegala High Court today.
A bus-train collision on April 25, 2005 at a level crossing at Yangalmodara, Alawwa killing 40 passengers and injured more than 35, one of the most tragic motor accidents in the history of the country.
The Attorney General had filed a case with 152 charges against driver and conductor of the bus which was involved accident.
High Court Judge Priyantha Fernando ruled that the accident was caused due to reckless driving, when the case was taken up today, and sentenced the driver and conductor to death.
A Colombo-bound private bus from Galkiriyagama collided with an inter-city express train running from Colombo to Kandy.
The bus was pulled by the train nearly 75 metres before bursting into flames. Thirty-five passengers of the bus reportedly died on the spot.

FIVE INJURED AFTER LORRIES COLLIDE

Five persons were injured and hospitalized following a head-on collision between two lorries in the Damana area in Ampara this morning.
Police said one of the lorries was transporting rice while the other was illegally transporting cattle.
The injured have been admitted to Ampara and Eragama hospitals.
Police said some of the cattle being transported had also suffered injuries.