WHAT'S HOT IN SRI LANKA

WHAT'S HOT IN SRI LANKA

ARCHIVE AUGUST

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Platform for Freedom-Public Meeting in Kurunegala-Tuesday 18th

2009-08-17 | 9.40 PM

Platform for Freedom will hold its 5th Public Meeting in Kurunegala District on Tuesady, 18th August 3.00 pm onwards at YMBA auditorium.

Under the theme of “let the perople live and speak’, number of speakers representing political parties, civil society, trade unions and media organizations.

General Fonseka launches political campaign
Addresses the nation via e-mail

2009-08-17 | 5.05 PM

Former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka has fired the first salvo signaling his entry into the political scene by circulating an e-mail address to the nation. The e-mail states, “When I was a young kid in school, I learnt the Great king of Dutu Gemunu who united Mother Lanka! Today we taste the same freedom & joy in our father’s land. My best fear is that we will no more enjoy this freedom. The separatism comes in a different form. Now we have a daunting task to protect our motherland from India and the western world. We defeated separatism and strengthened the political mainstream in the country.”

Plan to remove Anura Yapa as Cabinet Spokesperson

2009-08-17 | 4.20 PM

A senior officer of the Presidential Media Unit told Lanka News Web that the statement released to the media by NFF member and Cultural Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake on the 14th accusing Cabinet Spokesperson Anura Priyadarshana Yapa of neglecting collective responsibility, making statements belittling the President and questioning Yapa’s ability of continuing as the Cabinet Spokesperson, was prepared by NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa on a Presidential directive.

Shasheendra avoided being sworn in last Friday due to astrological concerns

2009-08-17 | 4.20 PM

Sources from Temple Trees say that the President’s nephew, Shasheendra Rajapakse, who was due to be sworn in as the Uva Province Chief Minister on Friday (14), did not do so following advise received by astrologers.

Although Shasheendra was to be sworn in on the 14th, astrologers close to the President had told him that the best day for him to be sworn in would be Tuesday (18).

Presidential election to be announced at the SLFP convention in November

2009-08-17 | 4.20 PM

A senior official at the SLFP headquarters told Lanka News Web that the President has decided to announce the date of the next Presidential election at the party’s convention on November 15. He is also expected to speak of a decision arrived at to abolish the executive presidency after the next Presidential election at the convetion.

The JVP and several other opposition political parties have already called for the abolishing of the executive presidency and the need to field common candidates at the next Presidential election.

The President brought about the downfall in judicial and executive supremacy
– Anura Dissanayake

2009-08-17 | 4.20 PM

JVP parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking at a media briefing at the party headquarters said that the Mahinda Rajapakse government was responsible for the recent incidents that have challenged the judicial and executive supremacy.

Dissanayake said “The two incidents where a student at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology was assaulted and the murder in Anuglana are not isolated incidents. They are the final results of actions that have violated the supremacy of the judiciary and the executive. It is President Rajapakse who first ignored court judgments. They went into a conflict with the judiciary by not implementing the verdict in the hedging case.

Chairmanship of Ranaviru Seva Authority given to General Sarath Fonseka’s wife

2009-08-17 | 4.20 PM

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse has proposed to the President to make former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka’s wife, Anoma, the chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority in a bid to reconcile the current differences between Fonseka and the Rajapakses, sources from Temple Trees said.

During Fonseka’s tenure as the Army Chief, Anoma, who was the head of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, had extended a great service to the soldiers, their families including the disabled soldiers.

Deal key to relief package: India

2009-08-17 | 10.30 AM

Committed to Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity, says New Delhi
COLOMBO: India on Saturday conveyed to Sri Lanka that a “broad-based political settlement” of the ethnic conflict would enable the Rs.500-crore relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation package for the nearly three lakh war displaced to be utilised in a more effective and efficient manner.

In his message to coincide with the 63rd Independence Day, published in a special supplement in the local media, High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Alok Prasad said New Delhi looked forward to working with Colombo for quick and effective disbursement of the package.

Yapa complaints about inability to attend cabinet press briefings

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has complained to several senior ministers that he was sometimes helpless and unable to answer some questions posed to him by the media at the weekly cabinet press briefing.

Yapa had said that due to the undisciplined and atrocious actions of ministers, organizers, party politicians at lower levels, senior police officers and public officials he was helpless in front of the media.

I criticize the government to save it, Vasudeva tells Dullas

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara had in writing told Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma that although the contents of the story written under the title “The Wanni camps are a hell hole” in the Ravaya newspaper, he did not make such a comment. According to Nanayakkara, the statement in the headline was made by the editors of the newspaper.

Vasudeva had written the letter in response to a letter received by him from the SLFP propaganda head, Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, to give an explanation to the comment made by him to the Ravaya newspaper that the Wanni camps were a heel hole, as it seriously damaged the image of the government.

Buddhist Channel Director Sarath N. Silva acts against the law

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

A senior Justice Ministry official told Lanka News Web that an inquiry has commenced into complaints received by the Ministry about former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, during his tenure in the post, passing judgments favorable to some private media institutions when such cases were taken by him due to a conflict of interest.

“No one of mine will be contesting the election from the South, so everyone must win” President’s comment upsets organizers

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

The comment made by the President at a meeting of SLFP electoral organizers where he said, “No one of mine will be contesting the election from the South, so everyone must win,” has caused conflict with the party.

Party members are currently discussing the President’s statement. They have questioned whether the President meant that everyone can win when no one of his are contesting an election because when some one of his is contesting, the other members in the party would have to lose the respective election.

Plan to make Namal Rajapakse Diywadana Nilame of Dalada Maligawa

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

Tikiri Kobbekaduwa it is reliably learnt is trying to make the President’s eldest son, Namal Rajapakse, as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa.

As the first step, Kobbekaduwa is looking out for a Govigama Buddhist girl from the hill capital with the blessings of the President and the First Lady for Namal.

Investigation launched into Maxis Malaysia following KP’s information

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

A senior officer at the Terrorism Investigations Department (TID) told Lanka News Web that the Defence Ministry has given permission to investigate into the Malaysian telecommunications company, Maxis Malaysia, which owns 49% of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) shares and the suspicious political links of the company’s two local representatives. The investigation it is learnt was launched following information received by the LTTE’s international wing head Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP.

Secret operation by Dullas to make Chandima Rasaputhra the Southern Province Chief Minister

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has launched a secret operation to make the SLFP Kamburupitiya organizer in the Matara District, Chandima Rasaputhra, the next Chief Minister of the Southern Province.
A special discussion on the matter was held on Thursday (13) at the Eco Village in Lenabatuwa, Kamburupitiya. Rasaputhra had attended the meeting Alahapperuma.

Thihagoda Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Nirmal Samarasinghe, Kamburupitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Chandana Siribaddana and Kirinda Puhulwella Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sarath Hettiarachchi were invited for the meeting.

Downpours Flood the Camps of Sri Lankan Refugees

2009-08-16 | 5.00 PM

NEW DELHI — Downpours in northern Sri Lanka have flooded camps housing more than 250,000 people displaced by the fighting between the government and the Tamil Tigers, according to aid officials.

The rain, which fell heavily for much of the afternoon on Saturday, sent rivers of muck cascading between tightly packed rows of flimsy shelters, overflowed latrines and sent hundreds of families scurrying for higher ground.

Sri Lanka: Amnesty calls for detention camps to be unlocked

2009-08-16 | 10.30 AM

Equivalent of Bournemouth's population live, eat and sleep in area size of Wembley Stadium

Amnesty International today called for the immediate release of 285,000 innocent civilians - including an estimated 50,000 children - being held in cramped and squalid camps in the north of Sri Lanka.

The camps - each surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by security forces - were set up during the recent Government offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, commonly known as the Tamil Tigers.

Second Indian expert declines to be adviser to Sri Lanka President.

2009-08-16 | 10.30 AM

Internationally renowned Indian agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan, who is considered the father of the Green Revolution that radically improved India's food output in the 1960s, has decided not to accept Sri Lanka President's offer to be adviser for the agricultural development in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Swaminathan, 84, visited Sri Lanka and met President Mahinda Rajapaksa in June after the Sri Lankan state forces defeated the Tamil nationalist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) confining the entire 280,000 some population of Wanni in refugee camps."I don't plan to go immediately (to Sri Lanka) unless there is some kind of political settlement," Swaminathan told IANS. "There are people who feel that unless Tamils in Sri Lanka can live in dignity, other things are subsidiary. This is their viewpoint. I have no plans to go to Sri Lanka in the immediate future. There are a lot of people who have been displaced. As soon as conditions are conducive, I will see," said the highly respected

Flooding of Vavuniya IDP Camps-Possible outbreak of Epidemics:
PUCL demands immediate intervention of Gov.of India and International Community

2009-08-15 | 10.05 PM

PUCL expresses concern about reports from the IDP (Internally Displaced People) Camps in Vavuniya area housing Sri Lankan Tamil about severe flooding of the camps following heavy rains for the last 2 days. PUCL apprehends that the IDP camps will turn into `death traps’ unless urgent measures are taken to safeguard lives of the 300,000 inmates.

Zones 2 (Ramanathan Camp), 3 (Ananda Kumarasamy Camp), 4(No name) of Menik Farm Camps house 65,000, 43,000 and 41,000 inmates respectively. These camps are enclosed by barbed wire from which none can leave without permission of security forces. The camps are constructed in low lying areas susceptible to flooding. Toilets for the inmates are not only inadequate but are

Attempt to avoid giving verdict on the theft of Dalada Maligawa golden Buddha statue

2009-08-15 | 7.30 PM

An attempt is being made to sweep aside the case that has been filed against Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara at the Human Rights Commission for allegedly misplacing 25 gold plated Thai Buddha statues and the misappropriation of funds in the Maligawa account.

The Human Rights Commission that inquired in to the petition filed against Dela Bandara by several civil society organizations and individuals, released its report on the matter on March 2, 2009.

Labour Minister Mervyn Silva pilfers Rs. 7 million

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

An audit report shows that Labour Minister Mervyn Silva had commited a financial fraud close to Rs 7 million when purchasing two official vehicles and fuel.

Although only a maximum sum of Rs. 13 million has been allocated for the purchase of a car and a double cab, an additional amount of Rs. 3.6 million (Rs. 3,680,000) had been used in the transaction.

Government could not win the Tamil people - Mavai Senadhirajah

2009-08-14 | 4.50 PM

TNA parliamentarian Mavai Senadhirajah says the results of the Jaffna Municipal Council election showed that the government could not win the votes of the Tamil people even after maximum usage of the state machinery.

The parliamentarian said that while only 18%-26% of the 100,417 registered voters exercised their franchise at the Jaffna Municipal Council election, it was a clear indication of the Tamil people’s bjection to the holding of an untimely election.

Cannot give a date for resettlement – Resettlement Ministry Secretary

2009-08-14 | 4.50 PM

Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry Secretary U.L. Haldeen said that a definite date could not be given as to when the war displaced currently living in IDP camps in Vavuniya would be resettled.

The Secretary said that the resettlement programme could not commecne until the District Secretaries received situation reports on the completion of the demining activities currently being carried out in the Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts and part of the Jaffna District.

Cabinet Spokesperson who belittled the President should be removed
– Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake

2009-08-14 | 4.50 PM

Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake has stated that he was concerned about the statements made by Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, who is also the Cabinet Spokesperson, that were critical of the President with regard to the action taken by him following a Presidential directive to address several complaints sent by parents with regard to the telecast of programmes unsuitbale for childen in radion and TV channels.

The false story aimed at boosting Vaas backfires

2009-08-14 | 4.50 PM

It is has now been revealed that the much publicized story about the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) apprehending a bomb laden van in Uppukulam, Mannar is false. The main aim of the propaganda campaign had been to prevent attention from being focussed on the attack on SLIIT student Nipuna Ramanyake allegedly carried out by CCD Direcotr, Vaas Gunawarndena.

The Graveyards of Sri Lanka’s War Zone

2009-08-14 | 10.30 AM

Sri Lankan doctors at risk of torture

2009-08-14 | 10.30 AM

Amnesty International today issued an urgent action appeal on the five Sri Lankan doctors currently being held by the government under emergency regulations. We are concerned that they are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. The doctors had provided medical services to civilians trapped in the war zone, during the last stages of the war earlier this year between the government and the opposition Tamil Tigers. Before they were detained by the government on May 15, the doctors had provided eyewitness accounts to the media of the suffering experienced by the trapped civilians. On July 8, while still under detention, the doctors appeared at a press conference organized by the government and retracted their earlier reports. AI is concerned about how genuine their later statments were. The doctors

Sri Lanka: attacks on free media put displaced civilians at risk

2009-08-14 | 10.30 AM

Attacks on journalists, relentless intimidation, and government-imposed restrictions on reporting threaten freedom of expression in Sri Lanka and jeopardize the safety and dignity of civilians displaced by war.

The Sri Lankan government actively obstructed reporting on the last stages of the recently concluded armed conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE – Tamil Tigers). Civilians were subjected to artillery attacks and both sides were accused of committing war crimes.

Aspiring for a High Powered Job in the Majesty’s Government? Be a Criminal……………………

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

If any sane person reads through the present day news items, it is obvious he or she will soon end up as an insane. Criminals are appointed as Ambassadors…….. Senior police officer supports his son to abduct a fellow student and assault him mercilessly at his own residence with the support of his wife, who sat on the face of the student while he being assaulted and some other police officers and as the case goes by the Police Chief transfers some of the police officers involved in abduction and assault without taking anyone into custody…….. Several suspects taken in for questioning get killed by police fire directed at them on “self-defense” as they tried to shoot at the police officers while being handcuffed………. Students are arrested and remanded for writing anti-government slogans on walls criticizing a

SA Citizens' Forum wants SL govt. to present "IDP Road Map"
in parliament

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

A collective of citizens as Concerned Citizens' Forum of South Asia (CCFSA) had met with the Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on 13 August, Thursday, and had requested the Indian government to prevail on the Sri Lankan government to demilitarize the administration of all IDP camps and the rehabilitation process, a press release issued from Bangalore states.

The release also notes that "a request was also made to stall the Sri Lankan designs to change the ethnic, demographic and cultural patterns of the northern region by resettling Sinhalese there with incentives."

Ranil tries to win Johnny over by making Thalatha Ratnapura District Leader

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

The proposal made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to appoint UNP Ratnapura District parliamentarian Thalatha Atukorale as the party’s Ratnapura District Leader was unanimously approved by the Working Committee that met on Wednesday (12). The other Ratnapura District parliamentarian Dunesh Gankanda had also supported the proposal.

SB to commence Presidential election campaign with a book launch on September 18

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

UNP National Organizer, S.B. Dissanayake, who is hoping on becoming the party’s candidate for the next Presidential election is to commence his campaign targeting the elections with a book launch on September 18, reliable sources told Lanka News Web.

Leaders of the opposition alliance object to Sarath N Silva’s common candidacy

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office say that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the other alliance leaders have decided not to appoint former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva as the common candidate of the opposition at the next Presidential election.

Sajin to commence private airline company Requests for money from LOLC

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

President’s confidential advisor on financial matters, Sajin Vass Gunawardena is currently making arrangements to commence a private domestic airline company.

It is learnt that he has made a request from LOLC to release a sum of Rs. 65 million to purchase five Robinson R44 Raven helicopters to begin the company, which is to be a BoI approved venture. Sajin had made the request for money for the LOLC under the name S De VG from No. 51/4, Bogahe Road, Battaramulla.

KP coughs out information about the LTTE

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

KP has revealed details about many LTTE leaders who were operating in the international arena to senior government members.

Sources from the Terrorism Investigations Department (TID) say that KP’s revelations may be due to an agreement he has arrived with senior members of the government.

Court releases Udul and Gihan accused of painting graffiti against the President on walls

2009-08-14 | 10.35 AM

Colombo Additional Magistrate Kumari Abeyratne on Wednesday (12) released Convener, of the Inter University Students Union, Udul Premaratne and Convener of the Students Union of the Visual Arts Section of the Aesthetic University, Gihan Seneviratne on a bail of Rs. 1,500 each and a physical bail of Rs. 2,500 each. Udul and Gihan were arrested and remanded for allegedly spray painting the words, “Hasn’t the Great King now destroyed education?” on the walls.

Work at SLT comes to a standstill following clash between Chairman and Chief Executive

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

A trade union leader attached to Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) told Lanka News Web that the conflict between SLT Chairman Leisha de Silva and Chief Executive Greg Young on purchasing equipment and services for the Company has resulted in a standstill in work at SLT.

Ranil will not contest at the Presidential election

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

photo courtesy lakbima

A senior SLMC source told Lanka News Web that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had indicated to SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera and DPF Leader Mano Ganeshan at a meeting on Tuesday (11) that he would not be contesting at the next Presidential election if there is one held early next year.

The senior SLMCer said that it was definite that Wickremesinghe would not contest at the next Presidential election unless there is a miraculous change in the present political scenario.

President holds secret discussion on government’s defeat in Vavuniya

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

The President and several of his closest advisors had recently held a secret discussion on the government’s defeat at the Vavuniya Urban Council elections.

They have discussed the reasons for the government’s defeat in Vauniya even after completely defeating the LTTE and killing its Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Party stalwarts sidelined as Weerawansa and Karuna are taken to New York

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

Key among the delegates accompanying President Mahinda Rajapakse to New York on his visit to attend the UN General Assembly in September would be the former LTTE rebel Karuna and JVP defector Wimal Weerawansa, Foreign Ministry sources told Lanka News Web.

It is learnt that party stalwarts who have also worked to bring Rajapakse to the helm like Ministers Maithripala Sirisena and D.M. Jayaratne have not been included in the list of the President’s contingent to New York.

National event to mark the signing of new Alliance agreement during the third week of September

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office say that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera and DPF Leader Mano Ganeshan during a discussion on Tuesday (11) that the agreement to form the new Alliance could be signed on a date after September 9 and before October. Wickremesinghe had said that he had received astrological advice not to make any decisive moves before September 9.

This comment was made during a discussion between Wickremesinghe, Hakeem, Samaraweera and Ganeshan organized at Cambridge Place to discuss the formation of a new opposition political alliance.

Thilanga earns President’s wrath for supporting Sarath N. Silva

2009-08-13 | 12.30 AM

Managing Director of the Lakbima Newspapers, Thilanga Sumathipala has earned the President’s wrath after learning that he is secretly conspiring to make former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva’ the common candidate of the opposition at the next Presidential election, sources from temple Trees said.

The President has learned that Sumathipala has had a secret discussion with Thilak Karunaratne at the earl’s Regency Hotel in Kandy a few months back to discuss the possibility of bringing Silva as the common candidate of the opposition at the next Presidential election.

Southern Provincial Council election may be postponed after nominations

2009-08-12 | 11.45 AM

A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the President was considering the postponement of the Southern Provincial Council elections after receiving nominations in order to prevent the new opposition alliance from receiving approval for registration. In such an event, the President is contemplating on holding the Southern Provincial Council elections after the conclusion of the Presidential election.

The UNPer said that although the President spoke highly of the government’s victory at the recently concluded Uva Provincial Council elections, he was worried and feared moves to form an alliance of opposition parties.

President makes sudden visit to Singapore for medical treatment

2009-08-12 | 11.45 AM

Sources from Temple Trees said that the President had made a sudden trip to Singapore on Monday (10) evening for medical treatment.

We will not publish the President’s ailment on moral grounds and would not divulge the name of the Hospital he is receiving treatment due to security concerns.
Sources further said the President was under immense pressure due to predications made by many local and Indian astrologers that he would be faced with a bad period and would suffer from ill health after September 17 this year.

Karu to begin election campaign by end September

2009-08-12 | 11.45 AM

A UNP activist currently in London told Lanka News Web that UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, who is planning on becoming the party’s common candidate at the next Presidential election, is planning on commencing his campaign during the first week of October.

The source noted that the Opposition Leader had already consented to appoint Jayasuriya as the party’s common candidate at the next Presidential election. The UNP activist also said that he would be returning to Sri Lanka by mid September to carry out the ground work for the campaign.

Transport Minister Dullas discards Presidential request

2009-08-12 | 10.30 AM

Sources from Temple Trees said that although the President had ordered Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma to prepare a report with regard to a project proposal forwarded by the Romanian government to repair broken down train carriages, Alahapperuma has not prepared the relevant report. The Presidential order was made at the July 3 Cabinet meeting and the report was to be prepared and presented within 30 days.

Sri Lanka Cricket incurs a monthly loss of Rs. 5,000,000 after employing D.S.’s henchmen

2009-08-12 | 10.30 AM

Expenses incurred by Sri Lanka Cricket for wage payments has seen an increase of Rs. 5 million per month due to the decision of the Cricket Interim Committee to employ 18 new employees.

Sources from Sri Lanka Cricket said that while Interim Committee Chairman D.S. de Silva has requested for the allocation of a sum of Rs. 300,000 as payment for a third party every month, another Rs. 350,000 has been allocated on a monthly basis for his coordinating secretary Suraj Dandeniya.

Anarkali to enter politics from Matara on Namal’s invitation

2009-08-12 | 10.30 AM

Sources from the SLFP headquarters says that popular actress Anarkali Akarsha is to contest the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council elections from the Matara District as a UPFA candidate following an invitation extended to her by the President’s eldest son, Namal Rajapakse.

The President had told the party’s Matara District organizers during a meeting at Temple Trees on Monday (10) that he has decided to field Anarkali to contest against Mangala Samaraweera in the Matara District at the forthcoming provincial polls. Anarkali once served as Samaraweera’s Public Relations Officer at the Foreign Ministry when the latter held the Foreign Ministry portfolio.

Sri Lankan State Terror extends boundaries

2009-08-12 | 10.30 AM

The Sri Lankan Government has once again exposed its arrogance as a ‘democratic state’ apparently unbound by international law and order, extending their practice of illegal abductions, kidnap, disappearances and violations of human rights with impunity, this time across international borders. The military establishment’s disrespect and disregard to international law and
order in Sri Lanka is now being permitted internationally, it seems.

Unilever earns undue profit by including distilled fatty acid in Sunlight soap

2009-08-11 | 10.15 AM

A local soap manufacturer told Lanka News Web that the Unilever Company was misleading the government and earning heavy profits by using distilled fatty acid (DFAD) instead of coconut oil as claimed by the Company in manufacturing Sunlight soap.

The source said that DFAD is unhealthy for humans.
While the importation of coconut oil and palm oil for the manufacturing of Sunlight soap costs the company import taxes amounting to about 235%, it only costs import taxes amounting to 2.5% when importing DFAD.

First Lady shocked by Shasheendra’s preferential votes

2009-08-11 | 10.15 AM

Sources from Temple Trees say that First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse was shocked to see Shasheendra Kumara Rajapakse polling the highest number of preferential votes received by an individual candidate in a provincial council election.

Shasheendra polled 85.6% of the votes cast for the party at the recently concluded Uva Provincial Council polls. The UPFA polled 159,837 votes and Shasheendra received 136,697 preferential votes at the election.

Bogollagama spends over Rs. 400,000 for two meals in London

2009-08-10 | 6.45 PM

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama is well known for extravagance rather than his prowess in handling diplomatic activities.

Following the example of his leader, Bogollagama is also of the habit of taking along with him members of his family as well as friends and relatives on official foreign tours. When it comes to flying overseas with a large contingent, Bogollagama comes a close second only to the President.

Special dinner on August 10 to decide on Sarath N. Silva becoming common candidate at presidential election

2009-08-09 | 8.45 PM

A special dinner has been organized on August 10 to reach an agreement on naming former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva as the common candidate of the opposition at the next presidential election, reliable sources told Lanka News Web.

The dinner has been organized at the residence of one of Silva’s close female friends. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera and several leading civil society representatives have also been invited for the dinner.

Majority of the northern people reject local government polls

2009-08-09 | 8.45 PM

Only 22,280 out of the registered number of voters amounting to 100,417 in Jaffna had cast their votes at the local government elections on the 8th. Of those who had cast their votes, 1,358 had simply struck off their ballot papers.

Meanwhile, at the Vavuniya local government elections, of the 24,626 registered voters, only 12,850 had cast their votes. About 558 voters had struck off their ballot papers.

Was KP arrested or did he willingly surrender?

2009-08-09 | 8.45 PM

Serious doubts have been cast on KP’s arrest locally and internationally. The question is whether the new Leader of the LTTE and its international wing head, Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP was arrested by the international security units and handed over to Sri Lankan authorities or whether he willingly surrendered following an agreement reached with the Sri Lankan authorities.

Some of the main reasons that have raised suspicion over the arrest are the fact that neither the Thai nor Malaysian authorities have confirmed arresting KP while the government continues to state that he was arrested following tip offs received by LTTE members and that the arrest happened two days prior to the Uva Provincial Council election and the Jaffna and Vavuniya local government elections.

Gotabhaya throws carrot stick at Fonseka

2009-08-09 | 8.45 PM

A well known monk on the basis of anonymity told Lanka News Web that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, who is planning on contesting the next election from the Kurunegala District and becoming the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, had promised several monks that the post of Defence Secretary that would fall vacant then would be given to General Sarath Fonseka.

Several Buddhist monks met with the Defence Secretary to bring about a settlement between the Rajapakses and Fonseka.

Unlock the Camps in Sri Lanka

2009-08-09 | 8.45 PM

Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the recent war in North East Sri Lanka and living in camps are being denied basic human rights including freedom of movement, said Amnesty International as Secretary General Irene Khan today launched the Unlock the Camps campaign at the start the organization's International Council Meeting, a gathering of international delegates in Turkey.

Two months after the end of the fighting, the Sri Lankan authorities are still not addressing properly the needs of the newly displaced. The camps are overcrowded and unsanitary.

Attempt to keep Sarath Fonseka in powerless position continues - Lanka

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

The Sunday Lanka newspaper has reported that attempts to appoint Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse to parliament through the national list and to appoint a former Navy Chief to the top post in the defence establishment has created a conflict among the security forces.

The Lanka newspaper, which is the unofficial newspaper of the JVP, has also said that the attempt to reduce the powers vested with Fonseka’s new post, the Chief of Defence Staff, has also attributed to the present conflict.
Reliable military personnel confirmed the story carried in the newspaper last week where it was reported that the reason for reducing Fonseka’s powers was due to his opposition to carry out several political orders given to him.

Objections from Rajapakse family prevent Sajin’s chances of becoming Chief Ministerial candidate

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

President Mahinda Rajapakse had been forced to revise his decision on appointing Sajin Vass Gunawardena as the Chief Ministerial candidate at the Southern Provincial Council election following objections raised by the Rajapakse family.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse had firmly objected to the President’s decision to appoint Sajin as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Southern Provincial Council. The President’s elder brother, Chamal Rajapakse had also raised objections to the President’s decision.

Yet another incident related to the infamous Divaina journalist
Reasons for not allowing Randunu and Madurawala into Canada revealed

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

Two journalists attached to the Divaina newspaper, Hemantha Randunu and Nilantha Madurawala, who tarvelled to Canada to cover a media assignment, was turned back from the Canada Airport following a telephone call giving misleading information made by another journalist attached to the same newspaper to the Canadian embassy in Colombo, Lanka News Web reliable learns.

The journalist who made the call to the embassy has no standing in the media field as well as within his own family circle. Due to the misleading information given by this journalist, Randunu and Madurawala had to undergo an interrogation session by the Canadian Immigration and Emigration office at the airport for about eight hours.

Supreme Court asks Examinations Commissioner to do his job or leave

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

The Supreme Court had informed Examinations Commissioner, Anura Edirisinghe to leave his post if could not perform the responsibilities attached to it without destroying the country’s lifeline.

The Supreme Court made this observation when a fundamental rights application filed by a student who was unable to enter Medical College due to the change in his exam results twice, was taken up on Thursday (6th).

200 weapons roam free in the East

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

DIG for the East, Edison Gunathileka said that there were over 200 automatic weapons with several Muslim factions operating in the area.

The DIG made this comment in response upon being asked by us if the armed groups operating in the East have been disarmed.

Millions spent to maintain two defunct commissions

2009-08-09 | 3.15 PM

Over Rs. 248 lakhs has been spent during the last four months to pay the wages and house rents of those attached to the now defunct independent Public Services Commission and the National Police Commission, reliable sources said.

When inquired about the matter from Public Services Commission Secretary Lakshmi Gunawardena, she said that while 140 employees were attached to the Public Services Commission, it has not made any decision with regard to the public service since the end of its period on April 8. She added that while the Commission was not involved in any official work it was carrying out only training programmes.

Sri Lankan government bars media from covering elections in North

2009-08-08 | 10.55 PM

Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka out rightly condemn the Sri Lankan government’s decision not to
allow independent media representatives to cover the first local elections in two main northern cities, Jaffna
and Vavunia – which will be the first since 1998. The head of the government security information centre said
on Monday the 3rd, the journalists will not be allowed to cover the crucial elections. Therefore the independent
media is compelled to rely on information provided exclusively by the government.

Will Sri Lanka follow Gambia?

2009-08-08 | 10.55 PM

"There has been no report of a Tiger rebel arrested in Bangkok," he said, adding, "If we'd arrested him, we would have made good publicity out of it."

Police in Thailand have denied reports of the arrest of a senior Tamil Tiger leader in Bangkok.

Kumaran Pathmanadan, also known as KP, is the third-in-command and in charge of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's finance and weapons purchases.

Thai police deny Tamil Tiger arrest

2009-08-08 | 10.55 PM

"There has been no report of a Tiger rebel arrested in Bangkok," he said, adding, "If we'd arrested him, we would have made good publicity out of it."

Police in Thailand have denied reports of the arrest of a senior Tamil Tiger leader in Bangkok.

Kumaran Pathmanadan, also known as KP, is the third-in-command and in charge of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's finance and weapons purchases.

“Arrested”, “Seized”, “Taken” New Tiger leader KP and “counter terrorism” intelligence

2009-08-08 | 8.00 PM | SouthAsiaSpeaks

The news of Selvarasah Pathmanathan the newly announced LTTE leader, better known as “KP” who was widely reported as the man who built a global LTTE business empire worth billions of dollars to fund the LTTE and procured arms and military hardware for the Tigers, falling into the hands of the Sri Lankan authorities, was no doubt headline news for the world media from 06th afternoon, after the Sri Lankan defense sources made a brief announcement on it.

On 7th afternoon in Colombo, the government’s defense spokesman, Minister Rambukwella briefing the media, had claimed the Sri Lankan intelligence officers had been after ‘KP’ and was assisted by other foreign agencies in arresting him. The responsibility of arresting and bringing KP to Colombo thus had been taken by Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka security forces directly intervened to arrest KP
– Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

2009-08-08 | 7.00 PM

Defence Spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the LTTE’s international affairs head, Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP was arrested in a South East Asian country.

Rambukwella made this statement at a press conference held at the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) on Friday (7).

No matter how the underworld figures are killed, judiciary will justify it – Police Spokesperson

2009-08-08 | 7.00 PM

Police Spokesperson, SSP Ranjith Gunasekera says that since death is definite for the underworld figures, they would receive the death sentence even if the law of the country was applied to them.

“Therefore, the police do it before that. There is nothing to hide. No matter how the underworld figures are killed, the judiciary will justify it,” he said.

Severe shortage of drinking water in northern IDP camps

2009-08-08 | 7.00 PM

Rs. 250,000 to be released from the IDP camps and Rs. 500,000 to get safe passage to boat to flee the country

2009-08-08 | 7.00 PM

Displaced persons living in IDP camps in the north have to pay a bribe of Rs. 250,000 to the army personnel to get themselves released from the camp and a payment of Rs. 500,000 could secure them an additional ride in an army vehicle to the boat where they would be able to flee the country, reliable sources told Lanka News Web
It is learnt that two persons from Tekkawatte, Vavuniya act as intermediaries in the transactions. Their role is said to be the collection of cash from relatives of the IDPs and hand it over to the state intelligence service (SIS) and army officers and to coordinate the release mechanism.

While many IDPs have always already made a get away from the camps through these means, the intelligence officers have begun to consider this situation to be a jackpot.

Lake House to be sold to pay Rs. 10,000 million debt

2009-08-08 | 7.00 PM

The government has secretly decided to privatize Lake House, reliable sources from the government said. The newspaper distribution of Lake House has already been allocated to the private sector. None employees attached to the SLFP trade union at Lake House who opposed the move have been suspended from duties.

Lake House was a profit making state entity when present Chairman Bandula Padmakumara assumed office. Soon afterwards the institution had started running debts up to Rs. 10,000 million. Employees allege that the once profit making entity has been purposely pushed into becoming a debt ridden company.

President’s relative Hemal Gunasekera requests to be named Southern Province Chief Ministerial candidate

2009-08-08 | 5.30 PM

Sources from SLFP headquarters say that President Mahinda Rajapakse is faced with a crisis with regard to the Southern Provincial Council elections with former Livestock and Agriculture Minster of the Council, Hemal Gunasekera, who is the son of the President’s maternal uncle Ariyananda Gunasekera, requesting to be named the party’s chief ministerial candidate for the Southern Province at the elections.

It was Ariyananda Gunasekera, who brought young Mahinda Rajapakse to Colombo and found him employment as a library assistant at the Vidyodaya University. Ariyadasa at the time was working as a clerk in the same university.

Hettige-Dhammika-Nivard trio conspire against PB

2009-08-07 | 7.15 PM

Sources from the Presidential Secretariat say that Presidential Coordinator for Parliamentary Affairs, Kumarasiri Hettige, Casino owner and BoI Chairman Dhammika Perera and Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal have formed an alliance to fight against moves to bring P.B. Jayasundera back as the Treasury Secretary.

Hettige, who is a close confidant of former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, it is learnt is making great efforts to build close ties with the new Chief Justice. Hettige also intervened to prevent former Judicial Services Commission Secretary Chandra Jayathileka, who had also allegedly provided many young female lawyers and judges to VIPs, from being arrested and got him an appointment as the Post and Telecommunications Ministry Secretary.

Students’ union president who protested against errors in test papers arrested

2009-08-07 | 7.15 PM

In order to disrupt the protest planned against the erroneous term test papers on Thursday (6), the Cinnamon Gardens Police on Wednesday (5) arrested Convene, Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), Udul Premaratne for allegedly pasting posters of the protest. The Fort Magistrate ordered him to be held in remand prison till August 12.

The IUSF organized a massive protest opposite the Fort railway station and a campaign to receive 1,000,000 signatures for a petition.

Government announced KP’s arrest only after bringing him to Colombo

2009-08-07 | 7.15 PM

Although the government announced that LTTE’s new Leader, Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP was arrested in Thailand, Lanka News Web is receiving information that the arrest had not taken place in the venue stated by the Colombo authorities.

Reports received by Lanka News Web indicate the KP was arrested in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia and that his last phone call was made to Gnanakoon in Singapore.

Dangerous laws under Press Council Act – Srinath Perera PC

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

President’s Counsel Srinath Perera says that there are dangerous laws included in the Press Council Act.

“Firstly the Press Council can force a journalist to reveal the source behind a story written. This could be considered as a step taken to suppress the media,” he said.

Uva Wellassa University opened by the President was initially inaugurated in 2005

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

The Uva Wellassa University declared by the President recently as part of the government’s election campaign for the Uva Provincial Council election was officially opened in 2005. The University’s official website, www.uwu.ac.lk, states the university was officially declared open in 2005.

Commenting on the matter, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said that the people of the Uva Province would give the proper answer to the government for misleading them on the 8th.

General Sarath Fonseka doesn’t even have the power vested with the head of the Salvation Army – Mangala Samaraweera

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

SLFP (M) Wing Leader, Mangala Samaraweera said General Sarath Fonseka who played a key role in defeating the LTTE does not at least possess the powers vested with the Head of the Salvation Army now as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Samaraweera made this comment responding to a question posed by a journalist at press conference organized by the SLFP (M) Wing.

Over 90 underworld figures killed in recent times
– Attorney Lal Wijenayake

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

Senior Attorney Lal Wijenayake says that over 90 persons taken into custody on suspicion for their involvement in serious crimes have been killed without being subjected to any proper trial. Today it is the law of the jungles that rule the country, he said.

Also a member of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) politburo, Wijenayake made this statement at a press conference organized by the Platform for Freedom on behalf of the Lawyers Association.

Gotabhaya requests for aid from the US

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse who has been critical of the US, UN and the Western countries and even challenged their intentions, has now sought help from the US to receive aid.

In an interview with BBC, Gotabhaya had said that Sri Lanka was in need of financial aid from the international community. Apart from the US, the Defence Secretary has also requested funds from the UN and Japan.

President ignores Chamal’s objections and dissolves Southern PC

2009-08-07 | 10.30 AM

The President had dissolved the Southern Provincial Council earlier in the week amidst objections from Minister Chamal Rajapakse and his family members, Lanka News Web reliably learns.

Chamal had requested President Mahinda Rajapakse not to dissolve the Southern Provincial Council until the conclusion of the Uva Provincial Council elections. Chamal believed an early dissolution of the Southern Provincial Council would have an impact on his son, Shasheendra’s, campaign in the Uva Province.

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING.

2009-08-06 | 3.15 PM

For the first time, the govt says there had been IDPs in Vavuniya camps from as far away as Ampara and Batticoloa in the Eastern Province. The news report produced below also says these are "civilians who had to flee their home towns due to the LTTE threats and intimidation, and they later escaped to the Government controlled areas in the latter stage of the humanitarian operation."

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING.

2009-08-06 | 3.15 PM

For the first time, the govt says there had been IDPs in Vavuniya camps from as far away as Ampara and Batticoloa in the Eastern Province. The news report produced below also says these are "civilians who had to flee their home towns due to the LTTE threats and intimidation, and they later escaped to the Government controlled areas in the latter stage of the humanitarian operation."

Transport Minister moves to purchase train carriages without President’s approval

2009-08-06 | 10.30 AM

Sources from Temple Trees say that Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has submitted a suspicious cabinet paper for approval to purchase 12 train engines and 100 train carriages from China.

Sources also said Alahapperuma’s keen interest to get the relevant cabinet paper approved at a meeting the President would not be chairing has raised even his suspicion as well.

Media organizations request for appointment to meet with Media Minister

2009-08-06 | 10.30 AM

Several media organizations have requested for an appointment to meet with the Media Minister to discuss the suppression of media personnel in the country. A copy of the letter was e-mailed to us and we have decided to give prominence to the contents of the letter given the present conditions prevailing in the country with regard to the media.

Following is an English translation of the letter written in Sinhala:
“At a recent press conference you said the Press Council was re-established to improve the status of media profession in the country and to protect freedom of expression and the right to information.

Media banned from covering local elections in two northern cities

2009-08-05 | 10.30 PM

Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the Sri Lanka government’s decision on 3 August not to allow journalists into the northern cities of Vavuniya and Jaffna to cover the first local elections to be held since the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels earlier this year. All outsiders are being denied entry for “security” reasons.

“It is unacceptable that the government should impose such a ban on nothing more than the vaguest security grounds,” Reporters Without Borders said. “As well as violating the population’s fundamental rights by preventing them from circulating freely, this measure dashes any hope of a transparent election.”

Official Defence Ministry website has not recognised General Sarath Fonseka as the CDS

2009-08-05 | 1.55 PM

Although General Sarath Fonseka has been appointed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the official website of the Defence Ministry, defence.lk is yet to recognize him as the CDS.

Lawyers also need to come forward to safeguard and establish the rule of law in the country – J.C. Weliamuna

2009-08-05 | 1.55 PM

Attorney J.C. Weliamuna called on members of the legal profession to come forward to safeguard and establish the rule of law in the country at a media conference organized by the Platform for Freedom at the Library Services Auditorium yesterday (4).

He said the country’s Constitution has been violated by the non-implementation of the 17th amendment, adding that public officials from the executive to the grama niladhari are bound to act by it.

CAASL Chairman who opposed SLAF move to charter commercial flights removed

2009-08-05 | 1.55 PM

Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Chairman Lal Liyanarachchi, who opposed the move by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to charter commercial flights to transport civilians within the country, was removed from the post with immediate effect from Tuesday (4).

Liyanarachchi, who earlier served as the CAASL Director General, is a veteran in the aviation field. Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapakse following a presidential directive had removed him.

Lack of funds force Lake House to postpone VRS

2009-08-05 | 10.00 AM

The deteriorating levels of funds at the Lake House has compelled Chairman Bandula Padmakumara to stop midway, a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS), which was introduced by him to reduce the number of employees at the institution.

The President it is learnt had turned down a request made by the Lake House chairman for the allocation of some funds from the Central Bank to carry out the VRS.

Meanwhile, a court directive has also been issued to Lake House calling on it to pay a sum of Rs. 10 million to former Lake House Chairman, Nalin Ladduwahetty in the defamation case filed by him against the institution.

Government decides not to name Chief Ministerial candidate for Southern PC to promote Sajin

2009-08-05 | 10.00 AM

A senior SLFPer attached to the party headquarters said that while elections for the Southern Provincial Council that was dissolved on midnight Monday might be held on Saturday, October 3, the President had decided not to name a chief ministerial candidate from the UPFA at the poll.

The source said the President had decided to do so in order to promote the campaign of his special representative, Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who would be contesting the Southern Provincial poll from the Galle District.

Security for 5 journalists under threat for supporting Sarath Fonseka slashed

2009-08-05 | 10.00 AM

The new Army Chief has taken steps to slash the security of five journalists who were under threat from former Navy Chief Wasantha Karannagoda for supporting former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka.

The personal security officer of the former Navy Chief, Lieutenant Commander Sampath Munasinghe alias Navy Sampath, earlier gave a statement to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) saying that he was ordered by his chief to kill five journalists who had written in support of Fonseka during the war.

Nimal Siripala’s wife goes to court against suckling elephants being separated from mothers

2009-08-05 | 10.00 AM

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva’s wife filed a petition in the Court of Appeal on Tuesday (3) requesting for a Writ of Mandamus to be issued against the authorities who had separated two suckling elephants from their mothers in Pinnawela.

Head of the Animal Welfare Trust, Irangani de Silva had requested in her petition to court to nullify the letter of authorization given by Recreational Activities Minister Gamini Lokuge to Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara to take away two suckling tuskers from the Pinnawela elephant orphanage.

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