WHAT'S HOT IN SRI LANKA

WHAT'S HOT IN SRI LANKA

ARCHIVE JULY

30

Information office of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London to fall to the hands of an illiterate

2009-07-29 | 9.30 PM

The Sri Lankan High Commission in London is to be invaded by individuals with little or no knowledge of diplomatic relations.

An active member of Sri Lankans Against Terrorism (SLAT) also known as Sri Lankan Against Career Diplomats, Anura Medagedara is to be appointed as the press officer of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London following the completion of the contract of the current officer Walter Jayawardena.

Sri Lanka Guardian site ‘blocked’ in Sri lanka

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

Readers in Sri Lanka are unable to access the ‘Sri Lanka Guardian’ website for the past two days. However, the site is accessible from other parts of the World.

Tamils mourn Black July in London

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

Thousands converged in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 26 July 2009 to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the Black July 1983 riots in Sri Lanka, during which over 3,000 Tamils were killed and over 150,000 made homeless in Sinhala State sponsored anti-Tamil pogroms.
The stage, situated at the foot of Nelson’s column, adorned with red and yellow flags symbolising the national colours of the Tamil homeland, boasted a striking banner saying “Black July 1983 – 26 years Sri Lanka’s Genocide of Tamils continues”.

Dayan Jayathilake’s “13A-Delusion”

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

Dayan Jayathilaka seems to think that 13A, if implemented, can gently be manipulated so that the Tamils can eventually have autonomous rule in the north and east. This can be done, he says, through “the future electoral strength of the Tamil parties.” [Groundviews - Comments on Aachcharya's article]

Dayan believes that “starting with August 8th and peaking with next year’s parliamentary election” the situation will gradually improve. That, he thinks, will give Tamils “the bargaining power.”

Plan to create military settlements in the north

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

Sources from Temple Trees say the government has taken steps to create Sinhalese settlements in the north before resettling those displaced due to the war against the LTTE.

The key feature of the programme is to build military villages under the guise of building houses for public servants. It is learnt that although these housing schemes are said to be for public servants, they would in fact be given to families of military personnel.

Cultural Police to protect morality
Adults’ only films banned!

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

The government has banned the screening of adult’s only movies and is looking at bringing about strict laws against morally incorrect material being circulated in society. It has decided to appoint a committee comprising lawyers, professors, doctors and intellectuals to monitor the strict laws.

Cultural and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told the media on Monday (27) that advertisements to be carried in the print and electronic media would in future need the approval of the Censors Board.

Arjuna to be made Sports Minister after Uva elections

2009-07-29 | 10.00 AM

The President has reportedly decided to appoint Arjuna Ranatunge as the Sports Minister after the conclusion of the Uva Provincial Council elections.

The decision it is learnt was arrived at by the President after Ranatunge had proven to him that Gamini Lokuge had accepted a sum of Rs. 500 lakhs to offer Sri Lanka Cricket rights to Taj TV from Rupavahini.

Attack on Thanthirimale security check point kills two home guards

2009-07-28 | 11.00 AM

Military sources say that regardless of the statement made by the government that the LTTE has been wiped out completely from the country, military personnel continue to die due to attacks carried out by LTTE cadres in hiding.

Sources from the Civil Defence Force said that two home guards were killed two weeks ago when a group of LTTE cadres attacked the Thanthirimale security checkpoint located near the main army camp in Mannar. At the time of the attack four home guards and a police officer had been on duty at the check point.

A Buddhist monk to contest against Rajapakse’s “condom theory” at the presidential election

2009-07-28 | 11.00 AM

A former monk attached to the JHU is currently working on getting the support of a well known and respected Buddhist monk to stand against the Rajapakses’ habit of sidelining people after they have done their part, which is now known as the Rajapakse’s “condom theory.”

A Buddhist monk on the basis of anonymity told Lanka News Web that he along with several other Buddhist monks are looking at putting forward a Buddhist monk to contest against the President at the next presidential election. According to the monk, showing gratitude is one of the key teachings of Lord Buddha and the actions of the President where he sidelines people after getting the best of them was not in line with either the teachings of Buddhism or any other religion. The fate

Mervyn to bring UNP’s Justin to the government

2009-07-28 | 11.00 AM

Labor Minister Mervyn Silva is expected to go to Matara on Saturday (August 1) to bring in Opposition Leader of the Southern Provincial Council, Justin Galappaththi to the government, reliable sources told Lanka News Web.

JHU ready to form alliance with any party that accepts the unitary state concept

2009-07-28 | 11.00 AM

JHU sources say the party is working towards forming an alliance with any government or opposition party that backs the unitary state concept. The party is to bring forth a special motion to the effect at its sixth convention to be held on August 9.

Several decisive resolutions are to be adopted at the sixth convention of the JHU, which is to be held on August 9 at the National Youth Services Council auditorium.

DS’ grandson might leave politics

2009-07-28 | 11.00 AM

The President’s decision to re-appoint Kokila Harshani Gunawardena as co-organizer of the Mirigama electorate, after removing her from the post earlier and appointing her as a district organizer of the Gampaha District, has created a rift between two factions of the SLFP in Mirigama.

The President recently made 13 new electoral organizer appointments. He removed Gunawardena from the post of Mirigama electoral organizer and appointed one of D.S. Senanayake’s grandsons Wasantha Senanayake to the post.

Plan to arrest Jagath Jayasuriya before assuming office as Army Chief

2009-07-27 | 2.50 PM

The day before incumbent Army Chief Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya assumed the highest office in the Army; the military police had raided his residence and arrested everyone there except Jayasuriya, his wife and children. Military sources say the orders to the military police were issued by former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka.

Fonseka it is learnt had acted in such a manner after receiving news from a high ranking official in the government that Jayasuriya would be taking over as the head of the Army.

Shavendra Silva who killed Prabhakaran to be sent out of the Army

2009-07-27 | 2.50 PM

The government has decided to retire Commanding Officer of the Army’s 55th Brigade, Shavendra Silva, who reportedly killed LTTE Leader Velupillai Prbhakaran, in order to send him as the Military Attaché of the Sri Lankan embassy in Thailand, a reliable source told Lanka News Web.

Although Silva maintained close ties with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse during the war against the LTTE, senior government officials have decided to remove him from the Army due to his close affiliations to former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka.

Suspects of the Udathalawinna case acquitted

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

The Supreme Court acquitted five army personnel, who were sentenced to death for the alleged killing of 10 SLMC supporters, on Friday (24).

A five member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Asoka N. de Silva and justices Nimal Gamini Amaratunge, Jagath Balapatabendi, P.A. Ratnayake and Chandra Ekanayake ordered the acquittal.

Import taxes fall by Rs. 44,000

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

Customs Department statistics reveal that the decline in imports to the country has resulted in a Rs. 44,000 decline in the government’s import tax revenue for 2009 in comparison to 2008.

According to statistics, the government had earned import tax revenue of Rs. 116,000 million in the first six months of 2008 while the government earned only Rs. 72,000 from import taxes in the corresponding period this year.

Severe water shortage in IDP camps

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

General Sarath Fonseka’s life in danger due to security cut

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

A senior army source told Lanka News Web that General Sarath Fonseka’s security contingent that numberd to around 500 security personnel while he was the Army Chief has now been reduced to 200. The slash in the security contingent is said to have placed Fonseka’s life in danger.

The source said the reduction in the number of security personnel allocated to Fonseka, who is a key figure among the people whose lives are under threat in the world, is a serious concern. Also, incumbent Army Chief, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s directive has removed nearly all of Fonseka’s most trusted security personnel and replaced them with several informants.

Anandasangaree’s party office decides to support Devananda

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

The party office set up by V. Anandasangaree’s TULF in Vavuniya has decided not to support the TULF and to extend its support to the group fielded by the government at the forthcoming Vavuniya Urban Council elections, Head of the Office Sagadhevan stated.

Sagadhevan earlier worked in one of the LTTE’s financial affairs unit. He was to be punished by the LTTE for an alleged financial fraud. However, he managed to escape to Malaysia and returned to the country only after the LTTE was defeated.

India recalls Alok Prasad

2009-07-26 | 10.00 PM

The Indian Foreign Ministry has decided to recall Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Alok Prasad, who played a key role as the mediator in mustering India’s support during the war against the LTTE. Prasad has been asked to return to India within two months.

Indian diplomatic sources say that current Indian High Commissioner in Malaysia, Arul Prasad, would be appointed to Sri Lanka afterwards.

Pillayan rejects President’s request to lease out land in the East

2009-07-25 | 6.40 PM

Provincial Land Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake said the Eastern Provincial Ministers have decided to reject a request made by the central government ministers to lease out 15,000 acres of land to a Japanese firm for plantain cultivation in the Kanthale area.

Opposition Leader of the Eastern Provincial Council Basheer Segudawood said that all efforts would be taken to defeat such a request if it is presented to the council even by receiving the support of governing party members in the council.

JVP under attack in Uva

2009-07-25 | 6.40 PM

Many acts of violence instituted against the JVP in the run up to the Uva Provincial Council elections has been reported, Deputy Executive Director, PAFFERL, Rohana Hettiarachchi said. Among the reported incidents of violence include arson attacks on JVP offices, attacks and acts of intimidation against its members.

JVP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the Uva Province, R.M. Jayawardena said there have so far been 28 incidents of violence against the JVP.

Army must be taught about human rights – Udalagama Commission

2009-07-25 | 6.40 PM

The presidential commission investigating into incidents of human rights violations has proposed that members of the military be made aware of human rights.

The presidential commission headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama to investigate into alleged incidents of human rights violations that took place in the country since August 2005 recently handed over the mission concluding report to the President.

Chomsky: Sri Lanka, a Rwanda-like major atrocity the West didn't care

2009-07-25 | 4.25 PM

Prof Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus of linguistics at MIT, said Thursday during a United Nations forum on Responsibility to Protect (R2P), that what happened in Sri Lanka was a major Rwanda-like atrocity, in a different scale, where the West didn't care. "There was plenty of early warning. This [conflict] has been going on for years and decades. Plenty of things could have been done [to prevent it]. But there was not enough interest."
Chomsky was responding to a question that referred to Jan Egeland, former head of UN's Humanitarian Affairs' earlier statement that R2P was a failure in Sri Lanka, where Inner City Press (ICP) noted that nearly 20,000 Tamil civilians were killed.

A Lankan Lament

2009-07-25 | 4.25 PM

PC VINOJ KUMAR lays out the conditions of existence in Sri Lanka’s ‘welfare villages’ for Tamil refugees
Do I know what it means / To stand in the queue as a mere 13 year old, / Collecting charity for my younger brother / and widowed and aching mother, / a wound in my stomach which hurts and oozes. / With no one to care for the pain / To live on, not knowing why or the reason or meaning of hope...”
THESE ARE the opening lines of a poem by Sumathy R, who worked as a volunteer for a few days in a Tamil refugee camp in Sri Lanka. She describes the travails of the destitute and the orphans living in army-controlled camps According to reports, about three lakh Tamils displaced from erstwhile LTTE-controlled areas by war are treated like prisoners in these camps in North Sri

Greener Grass On This Side

2009-07-25 | 4.15 PM

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa stood up in Parliament to announce the end of the three-decade-long civil war between government forces and Tamil rebels. He said his government had liberated all areas under the control of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). “When the people handed over this country to me (in December 2005) the LTTE had control over 15,000 sq km or one-fourth of the territory of this country, and two thirds of its coastline,” he said. “Today, we have finished all that forever,” he stated and also renewed his appeal to the Tamil diaspora to return to Sri Lanka. “I call on all who have left our motherland due to terrorism, especially the Tamil people, to return.” Rajapaksa had made a similar appeal during his Independence Day speech on February 4 this year.

Fighting in the Wanni jungles

2009-07-25 | 4.00 PM

Military sources say that LTTE cadres in hiding have launched guerilla attacks against army even after the government claimed to have completely wiped out the LTTE.

Sources from the Palali Hospital confirmed that soldiers wounded in an attack by the LTTE were airlifted to the Palali Hospital seven days ago. The wounded soldiers it is learnt are still being treated at the hospital.

Accused of printing counterfeit notes, DIG Prathapasinghe addresses political rallies in uniform

2009-07-25 | 4.00 PM

A senior police officer of the Southern Province told Lanka News Web that Southern Province DIG Prathapasinghe is planning on contesting the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council election from the UPFA after retirement. The source said that he had already commenced campaign work for the election and attends meetings in his official uniform.

Prathapasinghe it is learnt has handed his campaign work to police OICs in the police stations in the Matara District with his main base being the Kamburupitiya electorate in Matara.

CID summons Range Bandara to fourth floor

2009-07-25 | 4.00 PM

Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office, said CID Director, SSP Ravi Vaidyalankara had asked UNP Puttalam District parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara to come to the fourth floor to give a statement.
However, the CID had not told Bandara of any charge leveled against him.

A special unit headed by the CID Director has been established at the Department to act against opposition politicians.

Scholars give wrong interpretations of the 13th amendment - Muruththettuwegama

2009-07-25 | 4.00 PM

Kalawana UNP organizer Nanda Muruththettuwegama says that government advisor on Constitutional matters, Justice Gomin Dayasiri was misleading the people by making a wrong interpretation on the powers vested with the provincial councils under the 13th amendment.
Muruththettuwegama made this comment during a live discussion on the 13th amendment on Neth FM radio channel. Dayasiri participated in the discussion on behalf of the government.

Dayasiri said the central government would lose all its hold on police and land powers if they are vested with the provincial councils. He also said it would then pave the way for the creation of a separate state.

A Sangha Advisory Committee appointed to the Justice Ministry

2009-07-25 | 4.00 PM

Justice Minister Milinda Moragoda says that a committee representing the three Buddhist nikayas has been appointed to the Justice and Law Reforms Ministry to ensure the Ministry functions according to Buddhist practices.

The Minister noted this in a press statement issued by the Ministry.

Karuna impose death threat on Sri Lanka Guardian correspondent

2009-07-24 | 7.20 PM

Revelations about the National Integration Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan nom de guerre Col Karuna following the publication of the brief of his wife’s interview and the background story surrounding his visit to Geneva in the Sri Lanka Guardian received the expected violent response from the Minister. Guardian correspondent in Zurich who undertook the interview with Karuna’s wife Mrs Neela Vidayavady Muralitharan from London recently has been threatened by one of Karuna’s senior goons. The senior member of the Karuna group by the name of Julian phoned Guardian correspondent Veeman and threatened him that he and his family will be finished off within next few days.

President releases military personnel arrested by Fonseka for allegedly betraying the force

2009-07-24 | 7.20 PM

The President yesterday (23) decided to release close to 1,700 army personnel arrested by former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka for allegedly betraying the army at a crucial juncture and deserting the force.

Fonseka strictly enforced military laws to capture army deserters during the crucial war against the LTTE and took them before military courts in order to prevent more army personnel from deserting the force.

Hulugalle orders removal of General Fonseka’s photographs and interview from Silumina

2009-07-24 | 7.20 PM

Lake House Chairman, Bandula Padmakumara, acting on a directive issued by Director General, Media Center for National Security (MCNS), Lakshman Hulugalle had ordered the Silumina newspaper editor to remove an interview and several photographs of Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka that were to be carried in last week’s issue of the newspaper.

Lake House Chairman had also informed all newspaper editors in the institution not to carry any article related to Fonseka without his prior approval.

Jaffna-Colombo bus service a farce

2009-07-24 | 7.20 PM

A senior Transport Ministry official told Lanka News Web that the highly publicized commencement of the Colombo-Jaffna bus service after a lapse of 19 years was a farce. The story given much publicity in the media is said to be a plan to uplift Basil Rajapakse’s image and has no involvement of Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

Why should all progressive political parties in Sri Lanka reject the 13 Amendment? [Comment by Vasantha Raja]

2009-07-24 | 7.20 PM

Those who support the implementation of the 13th Amendment say that whatever its limitations it is a good basis for further improvement. On the contrary, the 13th Amendment is a recipe for disaster; it’ll be a breeding ground of disharmony and conflict.

Puhali.com website hacked

2009-07-24 | 10.45 AM

Tamil website, www.puhali.com, based in Paris has stopped operations since the 18th, according to the web operators.

The web operators said the website could not be viewed since the 18th afternoon since hackers had entered the site and deleted all its content.

Government conspiracy behind Parakrama Pannipitiya’s arrest revealed

2009-07-24 | 10.45 AM

Army sources say there was a conspiracy by senior army officers and senior government officers to arrest former Eastern Commander Parakrama Pannipitiya on treasure hunting charges.

Army records indicate that after General Sarath Fonseka, it was Pannipitiya, who had all the necessary qualifications to make it to the top post.

34 journalists killed under present government –Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka

2009-07-24 | 10.45 AM

Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) say that 34 journalists and media personnel have been killed under the present government. Among the killed are three Sinhalese, one Muslim and 30 Tamil journalists.

This was revealed in a press statement released by the JDS executive committee on the 22nd.

Mangala summoned to fourth floor to question on a complaint made by Johnston

2009-07-24 | 10.45 AM

A senior CID officer told Lanka News Web that SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera was summoned to the CID to record a statement on a compliant made by UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando and a statement made by SLFP (M) Wing Secretary, Tiran Alles.

The senior CID officers had cordially welcomed Samaraweera, who had arrived at the CID around 10.30 a.m.

An ugly deed by the AG

2009-07-24 | 10.45 AM

Depositors of Finance and Guarantee Company claim that current Attorney General Mohan Peiris, who was earlier the legal advisor to the crisis ridden financial institution, has not done justice by them.

The depositors of the Finance and Guarantee Company, a member of Ceylinco Consolidated, yesterday (22) held a protest opposite the company office demanding their money back.

Ranil agrees to devolve power

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM

UNP sources say the party along with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe have arrived at a consensus on the basic framework on power devolution.

Wickremesinghe had reached this agreement during a discussion with Rauf Hakeem, Mangala Samaraweera and Mano Ganeshan yesterday (21).

Prabhakaran’s parents disappear from Menik Farm camp

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM

Sources from the Menik Farm IDP camp say that LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s parents have disappeared from the camp.

Prabhakaran’s parents were identified when they arrived in government controlled areas along with thousands of civilians during the final phase of the war.

SLWJA hits out at new Media Collective

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM

National Organizer, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Gnanasiri Koththigoda told Lanka News Web that the organization was unaware of the inclusion of its name among the list of members of the Collective Against Media Suppression that recently issued a letter requesting media coverage for a meeting and press conference organized by the Collective on July 8.

Koththigoda made this statement in response to a news story carried by the website on the 16th stating that media organizations have not been sidelined by the newly formed Collective.

CID summons Mangala Samaraweera

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM

The Lanka News Web learns that CID Director, Ravi Vidyalankara has called on SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera to come to the CID.

SLFP (M) Wing Secretary Tiran Alles was yesterday (21) summoned to the CID for questioning over an alleged plan to assassinate a VIP.

Associated Press correspondent penalised for his war coverage

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM

Reporters Without Borders today called on the Sri Lankan government to give a more convincing explanation about its refusal to renew the press visa of the Associated Press correspondent in the country Ravi Nessman.

Nessman, an American national who has been based in Sri Lanka since 2007, was forced to leave the country on 20 July after his visa was not renewed.

Land grabbing taking place in cleared areas in northeastern SL

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM | Courtesy Lanka Polity

A mass scale land encroaching is reported from areas like Welioya (Manalaru), Kokkuthudai, Kokilai etc. in the northeastern terrain of Sri Lanka. Civilian activities were restricted in these areas for a long period of time due to the fighting between the Army and the Tamil Tiger rebels that claimed for a Tamil homeland in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. However, following the Army’s victory over the Tamil Tigers, demining and rapid development is taking place in the area and ambitious and mostly well-to-do Sinhala people in Welioya and Padaviya colonies are reportedly grabbing land.

Land grabbing taking place in cleared areas in northeastern SL

2009-07-23 | 10.30 AM | Courtesy Lanka Polity

A mass scale land encroaching is reported from areas like Welioya (Manalaru), Kokkuthudai, Kokilai etc. in the northeastern terrain of Sri Lanka. Civilian activities were restricted in these areas for a long period of time due to the fighting between the Army and the Tamil Tiger rebels that claimed for a Tamil homeland in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. However, following the Army’s victory over the Tamil Tigers, demining and rapid development is taking place in the area and ambitious and mostly well-to-do Sinhala people in Welioya and Padaviya colonies are reportedly grabbing land.

Global Tamil Forum (GTF) Press Release - Conceptual Launch

2009-07-22 | 10.50 PM

Please find attached the press release from Global Tamil Forum (GTF). This only a conceptual launch and a formal launch is planned in the next few weeks by way of an international conference. This may be held in London.

GTF's vision and mission statements and a fairly thorough FAQ can be found by visiting www.globaltamilforum.org

GTF will be an umbrella organisation comprising of most of the major Tamil Diaspora organisations around the world.

Sri Lanka: Thirty-four journalists & media workers killed during present government rule

2009-07-22 | 3.00 PM

Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) express its serious concern that even after government's declaration of war victory and end of war, intimidations and harassments to media and journalists continue with increasing ferocity. People of Sri Lanka are deprived of their right to information and media and journalists are forced to practice unprecedented level of self censorship.

It is in this context JDS reports with anger and great sadness that thirty-three journalists and media workers
have been killed with no recourse to justice since the present government was formed. Out of 34 killed three
were Sinhala journalists, one Muslim and 30 were from the minority Tamil community. A complete list of all
journalists is attached herewith. In addition,

Staff laying off at Sirasa

2009-07-22 | 10.30 AM

The administration of Sirasa TV, a subsidiary of the Maharaja Organization, has decided to lay-off a large number of its employees.

An employee attached to Sirasa TV said that most of its employees have already applied to and even joined other institutions following a request made by the administration.

Government to bring forth a new face to Ratnapura

2009-07-22 | 10.30 AM

Photo Courtesy lankanewspapers.com

Sources from Temple Trees said the President has decided to bring in a new face to Ratnapura to clash against the political base built by Pavithra Wanniarachchi in the district.

The sources said there would either be a Rajapakse or a close friend or relative of the family who would be appointed as an electoral organizer in the district shortly. The relevant person would have to be appointed after removing an existing organizer, sources added.

Police conduct nude check on Welikada prisoners

2009-07-22 | 10.30 AM

Prisons sources said the security check carried out by the police on Monday (20) at the Welikada CRP prison had caused much inconvenience to the prison inmates.

The police officers who had entered the prison premises around 3 p.m. had ordered the prisoners to remove their clothes and caused harassment to them. Sources also said the police had even inserted pens into the prisoners’ rectum to conduct checks causing much inconvenience to them.

SLBC to find compensation funds from land sale

2009-07-22 | 10.30 AM

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Chairman and the board of directors have decided to sell the Corporation’s land in Biyagama for a sum of Rs. 1,000 million.

Following the decision arrived at by the board of directors chaired by Hudson Samarasinghe, the relevant advertisement is expected to be published in the newspapers shortly.

Sajin Vass also promoted Fonseka’s removal

2009-07-22 | 10.30 AM

The President’s Foreign Affairs Coordinator, Sajin Vass Gunawardena has stated that he pushed for former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka’s removal.

Sajin Vass had made this statement during a friendly discussion with a few friends following a political meeting in Ambalangoda recently.

LTTE officially announces restructure process: Selvarasa
Pathmanathan heads the Organisation

2009-07-21 | 10.40 PM

“The Executive Committee of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, wishes to officially let our beloved Tamil people and the international community know that Mr Selvarasa Pathmanathan, who had been appointed as Head of International Relations by our National Leader, will lead us into the next steps of our freedom struggle according to the vision of our esteemed leader”, said LTTE’s Executive Committee in a press statement released today.

Clarification on the article titled “Shower of stones for the President’s son from the IDPs”

2009-07-21 | 7.10 PM

photo courtesy namalrajapaksa.com

We have received information that an organized group of people are attempting to publicize that the story carried under the above headline on July 11th around 7 p.m. by Lanka News Web is false.

This group’s claim that the story is a fabrication is based on the photograph of Namal Rajapakse that appeared alongside the article. The group is now engaged in circulating e-mails carrying various arguments based on this story.

IMF Announces Staff-Level Agreement with
Sri Lanka on US$ 2.5 Billion Stand-By Arrangement

2009-07-21 | 7.10 PM

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement on Sri Lanka today:

"An IMF staff mission reached agreement with the Sri Lankan authorities on an economic program that could be supported by a 20-month Stand-By Arrangement for an amount equivalent to SDR 1.65 billion (about US$2.5 billion). The program is expected to be considered by the Executive Board on July 24. The approval by the Executive Board would enable Sri Lanka to draw an amount equivalent to SDR 206.7 million (about US$313 million) immediately.

Sri Lanka to heighten internet censorship

2009-07-21 | 2.50 PM | www.lankapolity.com

The websites the Sri Lanka government accuses of 'slinging mud' at it will face a situation that they 'will be automatically shut down.'

Media spokesman on National Security Minister Keheliya Rambukwella made the warning as reported by the defense reporter of the state-owned Dinamina Sinhala daily.

Persons who gave tip off on narcotics scam still in remand

2009-07-21 | 11.00 AM

Courts have acted to hold the two individuals who gave the tip off on the attempt to smuggle in narcotics hidden in plastic potatoes to the country in remand without any charges being leveled against them.

Mohomad Azwer and Hazeen Mohomad Azath tipped off the authorities on the plan to smuggle in narcotics to Sri Lanka from Pakistan in a container carrying potatoes. The narcotics were being smuggled in inside 43 plastic potatoes hidden in a load of 30,000 kilos of potatoes imported from Pakistan.

Cabinet approves request to change Muslim marriage law

2009-07-21 | 11.00 AM

Cabinet has granted permission to appoint a sub committee by the Justice Ministry to study the development of the Kathi Court and introduce reforms to the existing Muslim marriage law.

Sri Lankan journalists overseas form new organization

2009-07-21 | 11.00 AM

Sinhalese and Tamil journalists currently living overseas formed a new organization called Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka in Berlin, Germany on the 18th.
About 20 Sri Lankan journalists living in Western European countries like Germany, England, France, Switzerland and Austria gathered in Berlin and after holding a day long discussion, formed the new organization.

PB JAYASUNDARA’S ENTRY IS NIVARD’S EXIT

2009-07-21 | 11.00 AM

IN THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND A PERSON WITH ONE EYE IS A KING. THAT HAS BEEN HOW NIVARD CABRAL HAS BEEN SURVIVING IN THE RECENT PAST. VERY WELL KNOWING THAT THE RAJAPAKSE’S DON’T UNDERSTAND HEAD OR TAIL OF DEBITS AND CREDITS NIVARD THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN STEALTHILY LYING THRU THE WAR PERIOD CONNING LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE.

UNP begins discussions to form consensus based on “unitary state - bhoomiputhra” proposal

2009-07-20 | 6.35 PM

The UNP has decided to hold discussions with other opposition political parties to form a common consensus in the opposition based on the bhoomiputhra economic policies to develop the country.

The policy statement titled “Give meaning to our land – a republic instead of a kingdom” was prepared by the UNP’s Political Affairs Committee headed by party Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya and received the approval of the Working Committee chaired by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Hakeem, Mangala and Mano object to UNP’s “unitary state – bhoomiputhra” proposal

2009-07-20 | 6.35 PM

SLMC sources say that SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera and DPF Leader Mano Ganeshan have objected to certain areas in the UNP’s “unitary state – bhoomiputhra” proposal to form a broad opposition consensus.

The five page set of proposals prepared by the UNP’s Political Affairs Committee on forming a broad opposition political consensus that received Working Committee approval was presented to the SLMC Leader by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe last week. A special discussion on the proposals was held between the UNP Leader and the SLMC.

Gotabhaya makes changes in military positions

2009-07-20 | 6.35 PM

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaske has decided to make changes and reorganize certain sections of the army following the retirement of General Sarath Fonseka. As a first step, the Defence Secretary has appointed new officers to 31 positions in the army.

A senior official of the Defence Ministry Media Unit told Lanka News Web that although the Defence Secretary intended to reorganize the army after the end of the war, he could not do so due to objections raised by Fonseka. The reorganization programme is now expected to be successfully completed under the new Army Chief.

Senior army officers to retire in protest over new appointments

2009-07-20 | 6.35 PM

A senior official at the Defence Ministry told Lanka News Web that a group of senior army officers have decided to retire in protest due to the ignorance of seniority when appointing the new Army Chief and the allegedly unreasonable changes made in the top posts in the force recently.

While the Chief of Defence Staff post has always been filled by forces personnel who have retired, General Sarath Fonseka has now become the first Chief of Defence Staff to be appointed while in active service. Therefore, Fonseka remains number one in the army’s seniority list.

Ranil rejects federal solution

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had clearly stated that a solution to the Tamil people’s problem could not be found through a federal administrative structure.

The Opposition Leader had made this statement during a discussion held on Friday (17) morning with SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem and SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera where they were presented with the “unitary and bhoomiputhra policy proposals” approved by the UNP’s Working Committee recently.

Court case filed against Olitha Premaratne

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

Chairman, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, Karunasena Hettiarachchi says a case has been filed in court against former UNP parliamentarian and current UPFA Gampaha Organizer Olitha Premaratne for allegedly filling the stream and marshy land near the Lanka Washing Unit factory in Liyanagemulla, Seeduwa.

Hettiarachchi had in letter bearing number LE/uf/06 2008-08-26 called for an immediate halt on the land filling done without permission in complete violation of Clause 2Ca(1) of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Act. The Corporation had been compelled to resort to legal action since Premaratne did not comply with the request to halt the land filling.

Mervyn Silva saves Astrologer Chandrasiri Bandara

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

Labour Minister Mervyn Silva had intervened to get Astrologer Chandrasiri Bandara released from the CID, which was holding him in custody after receiving a detention order, Bandara’s family members said.

Addressing a workshop at the UNP’s Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) headquarters, Bandara had predicted that the President would enter a bad period after September 9, 2009 and that Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake would suddenly assume duties as President in a similar manner in which President D.B. Wijetunge assumed office. He had also predicted that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP too would enter a good period.

Decision will be made on the ICRC’s operations in the north says Samarasinghe

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says that a decision on the role of the ICRC in the north could only be taken after receiving a report on the organization’s future action plan.

The Minister made this statement in response to a query by the Ravaya newspaper whether the government announcement about limiting the ICRC’s operations in the east was applicable to other international NGOs.

East has no powers – Hizbullah

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

Eastern Provincial Health, Sports and Technology Minister, A.L.M. Hizbullah says that neither he nor the other provincial councilors from the governing party elected to the Eastern Provincial Council have the power to make decisions and implement them in the Province without the consent of the Eastern Provincial Governor.

Hizbullah says that owing to the undue interference by Eastern Provincial Governor, Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema into the affairs of the provincial council, the powers vested with the council by the 13th amendment to the Constitution could not be implemented in the Eastern Provincial Council.

Former CJ’s loyalist removed as Judicial Services Commission Secretary

2009-07-19 | 9.00 PM

Judicial Services Commission Secretary, P.W.D.C. Jayathileka, who is closely associated with former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, has been removed from his post with immediate effect. Chandra Jayathileka has been appointed as the Post and Telecommunications Ministry Secretary by the President.

Jayathileka was serving as a senior judge in the Court of Appeal when he was appointed as the Judicial Services Commission Secretary on a proposal made by the former chief justice seven years ago.

Lanka-India ties hinge on Tamils' issue: PM

2009-07-18 | 4.15 PM

India on Friday said it has asked Sri Lanka to take "effective measures" to address the concerns of displaced Tamils, as relations between the two neighbours would hinge on the issue.

Fonseka’s statement puts Foreign Minister in difficulty

2009-07-18 | 3.30 PM

A senior Foreign Ministry official told Lanka News Web that irresponsible comments made by former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka in the past few days put Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in a difficult spot during his visit to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Egypt. Fonseka recently stated that the military had to overlook the traditional rules of war and even kill LTTE rebels who came to surrender carrying white flags during the war against the LTTE.

Many foreign ministers and diplomats who attended the NAM summit had inquired after the statements made by Fonseka from Bogollagama on the sidelines of the summit. They have further said that killing those who try to surrender in a war amounts to a war crime.

Navy chief Karannagoda lost post following Navy Sampath’s confession

2009-07-18 | 3.30 PM

A senior government minister told Lanka News Web that the statement given by Lieutenant Commander Sampath Munasinghe alias Navy Sampath against the Navy Chief Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has played a key role in sending Karannagoda on early retirement.

Lieutenant Commander Sampath Munasinghe was Karannagoda’s personal security officer. Munasinghe’s statement to the CCD said that Karannagoda had asked him to find details about then Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka and Civil Defence Force Chief Admiral Sarath Weerasekera and to assassinate five journalists closely associated with Fonseka.

13th amendment needs to be strengthened – Ven. Samitha Thero

2009-07-18 | 3.30 PM

Member, Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and former parliamentarian, Ven. Baddegama Samitha Thero has said that while the LSSP and the Communist Party supported the 13th amendment to the Constitution introduced by President J.R. Jayewardene, the SLFP boycotted the first provincial council election and the JVP unleashed a period of terror against the amendment.

Ven. Samitha Thero made this comment during a discussion with several media personnel recently.

Claymore explosion delays opening of A9

2009-07-18 | 3.30 PM

Serious incidents that have taken place during the past few weeks has delayed the opening of the A9 route, months after the military has secured areas in the north after defeating the LTTE rebels, reliable sources said.
The most serious incident had taken place on the 9th of this months when a claymore targeting a military vehicle had exploded on the A9 route in the Oddusudan area. The explosion had killed an Army captain and two soldiers.

Woman who complained against Anti Narcotics Bureau receives death threats

2009-07-18 | 3.30 PM

A woman from Madapatha, Piliyandala has complained to the Police Headquarters that her son was tortured by a group of police officers headed by Sub Inspector Rangajeeva from the Anti Narcotics Bureau. The woman has complained that the group after entering her house had tied her son’s hands and applied chili powder in his eyes before asking him to crawl on the floor till he passed urine.

The person taken into protective custody by the Police Anti Narcotics Bureau after torturing him is 31 year old Nirmala Atapattu.

UNP to form broad political consensus based on new policies

2009-07-17 | 12.05 PM

The UNP Working Committee has approved the report submitted by a committee headed by Gamini Jayawickrema Perera on a directive by the party’s Political Affairs Committee on the policies to be adopted in forming a broad political consensus among the opposition.

The report after receiving approval by the Political Affairs Committee presided by Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya on Wednesday (15) morning was presented to the Working Committee chaired by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in the evening. Party Spokesperson Gayantha Karunathileka told Lanka News Web that the report received approval following a lengthy discussion on the matter.

SLT incurs over a billion rupee loss in launching IPTV

2009-07-17 | 12.05 PM

Trade unions attached to Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) charged that the institution has incurred a loss amounting to over a billon rupees in importing equipment to carry out the IPTV satellite TV as a joint venture with the Just in Time Group.

The sources said that the head of the Just in Time Group, Jith Warnakulasuriya has been issued with a Rs. 600 million fine by the Sri Lanka Customs for an alleged tax fraud by him when importing technical equipment for the IPTVC project.

UNP accepts SB’s proposal on unitary state concept

2009-07-17 | 12.05 PM

A proposal made to the Gamini Jayawickrema Perera committee by UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake - who is hopeful of becoming the common candidate of the opposition at the next presidential election if Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe decides not to contest the election – has received unanimous approval by the UNP’s Political Affairs Committee and the Working Committee.

Dissanayake’s proposal was for the party to accept the unitary state concept.

Special police protection for Sajith provided by the President

2009-07-17 | 12.05 PM

The request made by UNP Hambantota District parliamentarian, Sajith Premadasa, for additional security due to the threat to his life by a person interested in his wife, Jalani, has received a positive response, the Lanka News Web learns.

The President, acting on Premadasa’s request, has deployed two sub inspectors from the VIP security division along with two police officers to his security contingent.

In Sri Lanka, censorship and a smear campaign

2009-07-16 | 11.55 PM

The Sri Lankan government is continuing its offensive against the independent news media, blocking domestic access to a news Web site and smearing lawyers who are representing a leading newspaper.

"The government is continuing to silence its critics through harassment and threats. Authorities should end their anti-media policies, and they can start by restoring access to independent news Web sites and halting attacks on their critics," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. The government launched aggressive efforts to curb independent media in 2006--at the same time it began an all-out military effort to defeat the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On May 19, the government formally declared an end to the 25-year civil war.

Open Letter to His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa

2009-07-16 | 9.15 PM

International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka

The International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka, which is comprised of representatives from the world’s media community, including Reporters Without Borders, is extremely concerned over the ongoing spate of violent attacks against the media. However, in spite of the military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the deterioration of the press freedom situation in the country has continued.

We welcome your recent statement ensuring the safety of Tamil-language media outlets following a series of harrowing attacks and death threats against their personnel.

Sri Lanka: War-Wounded and Displaced Patients Flood MSF Hospitals

2009-07-16 | 8.35 PM

Wimal advises the President to fight the underworld

2009-07-16 | 12.05 PM

Reports have now surfaced that the government’s newly launched operation to wipe out the underworld is in fact aimed at eliminating members of the underworld associated with the UNP.

It is learnt that the operations has been launched with the initiation of National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader, Wimal Weerawansa, who recently joined the government. The main plan it is alleged is to conduct a crackdown on underworld figures associated with the UNP and to assassinate them during an “accidental” shoot out by the police.

It was Ranil who fired the first shot which started the LTTE disintegration – S.B.

2009-07-16 | 2.35 PM

….refutes ‘UNP on the decline’ statement attributed to him

Mr. S. B. Dissanayake, leader of the opposition of the Central Provincial Council addressing a meeting of the United Professionals Group in Colombo recently , said, the first shot that set in motion the disintegration of the LTTE was fired by Ranil Wickremesinghe when he was Prime Minister. It was the Cease Fire Agreement entered into by Ranil with the LTTE in February 2002 that marked the beginning of the end of the LTTE. The extensive and exclusive security network excellently co- ordinated internationally baulked LTTE’s smuggling activities and clandestine operations whereby its Int. chain was effectively disrupted.

Who is punished and who is not…… in the hands of the Government………

2009-07-16 | 12.05 PM

It was the “all powerful” Minister of Labour, “Dr.” Mervin Silva who said “Lasantha from the Leader paper went overboard. I took care of him. Poddala agitated and his leg was broken. Now a fellow in my electorate is trying to stand against me. I now tell him in his own hometown, I will give him only seven more days. If he does not resign as chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha, don’t blame me later on. You’ll don’t find fault with me. If this fellow goes against what I say, I will send him to the place where I sent Lasantha,” on the 09th July 2009 in Kelaniya. He has accepted honorably that he was behind the murder of the popular journalist and also breaking limbs of another popular journalist Poddala Jayantha. The Minister “Doctor” freely continues to perform his “operations” under the aegis of the President and his all powerful brothers.

A farce of a celebration

2009-07-16 | 12.05 PM

The Sri Lanka Editor’s Guild’s annual awards ceremony to honour excellence in journalism on Tuesday (24) turned out to be a farce with the internationally recognized investigative journalist and slain founder editor of The Sunday Leader, Lasantha Wickrematunge not even being offered an honorary mention.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of all the journalists who died during the past year.




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