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Promotions in teaching sector delayed due to Education Minister’s irresponsible action |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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The Lanka Teacher Services Union says that the lack of a properly structured programme to address the issues related to promotions in the teaching sector has prevented about 30,000 teachers from receiving their due promotions.
The union claims that the reason for this situation is the non implementation of the agreements reached between representatives of the Lanka Teacher Services Union and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha at a discussion in June. |
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Divaina journalist Manoj Abeydheera apologizes for splitting the JVP |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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JVP Leader Somawansa Amerasinghe has turned down an apology extended to the party by the local agent for Maxis Malaysia and Divaina journalist Manoj Abeydheera saying he was sorry for supporting Wimal Weerawansa create a split in the JVP through the Divaina newspaper. Amerasinghe has said, “We have no dealings with traitors.”
Internal sources from the JVP said that Manoj Abeydheera, who is no longer close to Wimal Weerawansa, had made a lengthy confession to a JVP parliamentarian about his treacherous acts against the JVP when he was working together with Weerawansa. |
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General Sarath Fonseka denies circulating statements via sarath.fonseka.2010@gmail.com to the President and Defence Secretary |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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JVP names chief ministerial candidate for Southern PC election |
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2009-08-23 | 7.30 PM |
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Even children cannot leave the camps for medical treatment – Mavai Senadhiraja |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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TNA parliamentarian Mavai Senadhiraja says that the security forces does not give permission for sick children to be taken out of the displaced camps for further treatment even following medical recommendations.
The parliamentarain said that the docotors have reuqested the sick children to be moved out of the displaced camp for further treatment due to the difficulty in accessing the camps with the necessary health care facilities following the heavy rains in the area that have flooded the roadways. |
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President slashes Susil’s powers by appointing executive advisor |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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An executive advisor has been appointed on a Presidential directive to the Education Ministry, who has the mandate to give orders to the Minisry Secretary and other officials, slashing Edcuation Minister Susil Premajayantha’s powers.
Dr. Upali M. Sedara has been appointed as the Executive Director to the Edcuation Minister with effect from August 21, 2009. |
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14,000 Army soldiers have lost limbs |
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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It is reproted that the 14,000 Army soldiers have lost their limbs due to the war between the security forces and the LTTE for the past 25 years. These statistics have been revealed by the company Avaas International that is engaged in manufacturing artificial limbs. The compnay is to commence providing artificial limbs to the wounded soldiers from September 3. Among those who have lost their limbs, some have even lost both limbs.
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2009-08-22 | 6.10 PM |
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It has been reported that the post of Prof. Desmond Mallikarachchi, who was promoted to a position of professor of the Peradeniya University with effect from 2005, has been removed on directive issued by the Universoty’s adimintsration board.
The reason for the removal has been cited as payments made by the professor without the approval of the vice chancellor to lecturers who conducted seminars for external graduates when he was the director of the University’s external degrees department during the period of 2000 and 2003. |
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Lake House writes off Rs. 50 million |
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2009-08-22 | 4.45 PM |
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The Lake House borad of directors through form D/2/03/08 has cancelled an advance payment of Rs. 50 million paid to a US company through a Bank of Ceylon letter of credit to purchase 6 printing machines for the institution.
It is reproted that the transaction had to be cancelled due to the inability to receive the files related to the matter, which were in the possession of the late parliamentarian Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, who at the time was the legal advisor to Lake House. |
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Anarkali to run against Sajin in Galle |
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2009-08-22 | 4.45 PM |
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One of popular actress Anarkali Akarsha’a uncles, Nahil Wijesuriya, has told seniors of the JHU that the President had changed his decision to field Anarkali from the UPFA to contest from the Matara District at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council election. He has said the President had decided yesterday (21) to field Anarkali from the Galle District following several appeals made to the effect by the First Leadey and the children. |
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Actress Susantha Chandramali to contest the Southern Provincial Council election from Hambantota |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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Those who hooted at the Platform for Freedom meeting are partial towards the government – Upulangani Malagamuwa |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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SLFP (M) Wing Deputy Leader Upulangani Malagamuwa said that the actions of the Kurunegala District Leader of a leading political party to send several thugs to disrupt the proceedings of the Platform for Freedom held in Krurnegala on Tuesday (18) was a clear indication of the respective politician’s affiliations to the government and that he acted on state orders.
Upulangani made this comment at a press conference held at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters on Thursday (20). |
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Triad Advertising Agency threatens newspaper that carried story on TV ad that costs Rs. 100 lakhs |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Triad Advertising Agency is disturbed by the news items carried in newspapers based on a release issued by the Organization to Protect People’s Rights and Assets on the spending of Rs. 100 lakhs by the Railway Department on a directive by the Transport Minister to develop a three minute television advertisement to promote the Northern railway line, according to the Unions Lanka website.
The website report states, “It is learnt that the respective advertising agency has issued a statement in writing to an English daily newspaper that carried the story in an attempt to clear the names of the Transport Minister and the government. |
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Lanka Teacher Services Union object to Media Minister’s irresponsible statement |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Lanka Teacher Services Union said that Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena had made suspicious and irresponsible statements with regard to the A/Level biology test paper at a media briefing held at the Media Ministry on the 19th.
A press statement issued by the Union’s Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe says that Minister Abeywardena referring to the incident related to the A/Level biology paper had said there were two inquiries being conducted into the incident and even before their concluded, the Minister had said the tuition master in question had not leaked questions in the test paper to his students and that an investigation is being launched in to an education sector trade union. |
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Death Threat Deals New Blow to Free Expression in Sri Lanka |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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The Sri Lankan government is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of prominent human rights activist Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, who received an anonymous death threat at his home yesterday. Freedom House urges that the Sri Lanka government demonstrate that it will not continue to tolerate such vigilantism by carrying out a full and impartial investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. |
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Secret talks in parliament on future of UPFA |
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2009-08-22 | 4.00 AM |
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Shasheendra’s satakaya angers the First Lady |
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2009-08-22 | 3.00 AM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that the President adorning the newly elected Uva Province Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapakse with the Rajapakse family’s traditional satakaya at the swearing in ceremony of the Uva Province Chief Minister and the Council ministers held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (20) has angered the First Lady.
Shasheendra received a record number of preferential votes at the Uva Provincial Council election.
The First Lady has been displeased over the move to bring in Shasheendra into politics before their eldest son, Namal Rajapakse. |
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Platform for Freedom (PfF)Condemns the Threats Against One of Its Convenors Dr. Saravanamuttu |
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2009-08-21 | 8.35 PM |
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Platform for Freedom, an initiative of civil society organizations comprising of representatives from trade unions, media groups and political parties is appalled at the most recent attempt to intimidate one of its convenors Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Director of CPA and condemn this cowardly act of intimidation to silence the ‘voice of civil society’.
Dr. Saravanamuttu has been in the forefront of civil society activism to uphold human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In particular his organisation has continued to challenge the culture of impunity, threats to rule of law and violation of fundamental rights by filing fundamental rights cases in the Supreme Court. Some of these cases have given us landmark judgements. |
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Ports Authority Chairman’s bogus doctorate revealed before parliamentary committee |
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2009-08-21 | 4.00 PM |
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The parliamentary Committee on High Posts on Thursday (20) decided not to confirm Dr. P.B. Wickrema as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) due to doubts over the veracity of the educational qualifications presented by him following the revelation of his bogus doctorate.
The Committee on High Posts met in parliament on Thursday morning under the patronage of Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.H. Mohomad and members Bimal Ratnayake, Prof. Vishva Warnapala, Ravi Karunanayake, Renuka Herath, Lakshman Kiriella and John Amaratunge. |
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Plan to resettle IDPs in the midst of Army and Sinhala settlements |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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A source close to the President said that the release of IDPs has been postponed indefinitely with the government focusing on a plan to resettle them along with the new Sinhala and military settlements that are to be set up in the north.
The source further noted that the plan is to resettle people in areas in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, below Mannar and above Vavuniya , where there are currently no people. The plan is said to remove all the old Tamil villages that existed in the respective areas. |
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Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, CPA Executive Director, receives death threat |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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The Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu this morning received an anonymous death threat written in English, posted to his residence. According to the contents of the letter, Dr. Saravanamuttu WILL (emphasis in original) be killed because Sri Lanka stands to be deprived of the European Union’s GSP Plus benefits in October, with resultant job losses, due to information supplied by Dr. Saravanamuttu to Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU’s Commissioner for External Relations. |
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Statement by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) on recent revelations of serious Police abuses and their impact on the Rule of Law
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is deeply perturbed by the recent events involving shocking acts of abuse of authority by officers of the Sri Lankan Police. The cases involving the son and associates of Colombo Crimes Division SSP Vaas Gunewardene and the extra-judicial executions of two youths allegedly by members of the Angulana Police have no place in a civilised society, let alone one that claims to be a democracy under the Rule of Law.
While under strenuous public and media pressure the authorities have taken some action in these cases – and we uphold the |
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The Beauty of Barbed Wire: Sri Lanka's cutting edge exhibition |
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2009-08-21 | 10.30 AM |
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Banyan News Reporters learns that Sri Lanka will hold the world’s first barbed wire exhibition for 180 days beginning 1st September at the Bandaranaike Memorial Hall under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Rights Disaster Management. Titled ‘The Beauty of Barbed Wire’ the exhibition will showcase cultural uses and relevance of barded wire in Sri Lanka.
Over 260,000 are projected to visit the exhibition over 180 days, making this one of the world’s largest events on this nature. |
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Presidential photographer Sudath Silva openly shouts at Dinamina journalist Chandrani Marasinghe at Shasheendra’s swearing in ceremony |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Presidential photographer Sudath Silva, who had walked up to the journalists’ enclosure at the swearing in ceremony of Uva Province Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapakse at the Presidential Secretariat today (20), had openly shouted at Dinamina journalist Chandrani Marasinghe. |
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General Sarath Fonseka pays a visit to the Malwatu-Asgiri Mahanayakes |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka on Monday (17) had visited Kandy to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic and to meet with the Malwatu-Asgiri Mahanayakes. According to an e-mail sent to us via sarath.fonseka.2010@gmail.com, Fonseka is to meet with the chief priests of the Amarapura and Ramanna nikayas shortly.
The e-mail further stated that a Sarath Fonseka is also planning on launching his website as well. |
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Clash between Eastern Province Chief Minister and Governor intensifies |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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Sources from the Presidential Secretariat said that the ongoing conflict between the Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan and Governor, Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema has further intensified.
Sources noted that the five ministers of the council including the Chief Minister have already sent two petitions against the Governor.
Eastern Province Ministers M.L.M. Hizbullah, M.S. Udumal Lebbe, Thuraiappa Navaratneraja and Wimalaweera Dissanayake have also signed the petitions sent by the Chief Minister claiming the Governor unduly interfered in affairs and decisions related to the Eastern Provincial Council. |
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NFF avoids debate fearing a Presidential outburst |
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2009-08-20 | 9.45 PM |
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The National Freedom Front (NFF) has earlier requested for an adjournment debate in parliament on the collapse of underpasses on highways and their standards. Following the request, the adjournment debate on highways was scheduled for today (20).
It is learnt that hearing the request made by the NFF for an adjournment debate, the President had summoned NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa and berated him for the move. |
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Navin invites Sajith and Jalani for his birthday, but excludes Wimal |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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Minister Navin Dissanayake is planning a grand birthday bash to be held on September 9 under the patronage of Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse and has extended invitations to many politicians as well.
Invitations have been extended to the Rukman-Johnston-Lakshman trio, also known as the “Basil Group” in the UNP and to one of the group’s former members Sajith Premadasa as well. |
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Johnston’s supporters disrupt Platform for Freedom meeting following Basil’s directives |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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A key figure of “Basil’s Group” in the UNP, Kurunegala District parliamentarian Johnston Fernando’s attempt to disrupt the proceedings of a meeting organized by the Platform for Freedom in Kurunegala on Tuesday (18) failed. Several of Johnston’s stooges tried to disrupt the meeting by hooting after consuming alcohol.
UNP Chairman, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera had earlier in the day informed party Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya of information he had received with regard to Johnston’s plan to get some of his supporters to disrupt the Platform for Freedom meeting scheduled on the 18th. |
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2009-08-20 | 6.50 PM |
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A party leader’s of government members was held on Tuesday (18) at temple Trees.
The President it is learnt has criticized the National Freedom Front (NFF) at the meeting. However, NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa had not attended the meeting and several other party members including Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake had attended the discussion. |
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Appeal to end internment camps in Sri Lanka |
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2009-08-20 | 11.30 AM |
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Three months on from military victory yet the misery continues for over 300,000 Tamil civilians in the island of Sri
Lanka, who remain confined in military-run internment camps, hidden from the glare of international witnesses.
The Times UK reported deplorable death tolls in these camps arising from malnutrition, widespread disease and
insufficient medical facilities. |
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UNP’s Basil Group invited for Navin’s birthday |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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UNP defector and government minister Navin Dissanayake has invited the three Basil Group members in the UNP, Rukman Senanayake, Johnston Fernando and Lakshman Seneviratne, for his birthday dinner that falls on September 9.
Navin Dissanayake has invited 38 politicians including the three UNP members for the dinner scheduled to be held at his Alfred House residence. |
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Rooms for Sri Lanka Cricket officials at Fortress Hotel costs Rs. 5 million |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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The tournament organizing committee has booked 39 rooms at a cost of Rs. 16,000 per day at the Fortress Hotel in Koggala for the Sri Lanka Cricket officials who will be attending the first test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle.
It is learnt that the rooms at the hotel belonging to Board of Investment (BoI) Chairman Dhammika Perera have been booked for six days. |
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No need to sweat it says Southern Provincial Council election candidates |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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Interviews for the SLFP members hopeful of contesting at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council elections was held in the past few days. Actress Anarkali Akarsha, who is to contest the elections from the Matara District, had participated in the interview last Sunday.
It is learnt that the interviewing committee had immediately summoned Anarkali in to the room as soon as she walked in ignoring the many SLFP loyalists and activists who were already there from morning for the interview. |
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A/Level Sinhala examination paper tests the war psyche and patriotism of Sinhala students |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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Several questions to test the war psyche and patriotism of students were included in the GCE Advanced Level Sinhala question paper that was distributed among students sitting for the 2009 exam today (19).
The first question of the second part of the Sinhala paper that was given a time allocation of three hours had requested the students to write an essay on one of the five topics given.
Following are two of the essay topics given for students to choose from. |
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Conspiracy to curtail General Sarath Fonseka’s powers |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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A conspiracy has been launched to slash powers vested with the Chief of Defence Staff post, which is currently held by General Sarath Fonseka.
Staff and security allocated to Fonseka have already been reduced and the powers and facilities he had been promised when he was appointed to the position have not been given as well.
The official gazette announcing the position and its powers has not been published yet. |
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“Relief camps in Sri Lanka are similar to the ones during Hitler’s time” – Mangala |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera said that people who return after traveling to the Menik Farm and other so called relief camps set up by the government to house the internally displaced persons (IDPs) have described the camps to be similar to those set up by Hitler during World War II to hold the Jews. They have further noted that every locally and internationally accepted human rights have been violated in these camps.
Samaraweera made this statement at a press conference held at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters yesterday (18). |
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“Situation in Wanni camps worse than a hell hole” – Sarath Manamendra |
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2009-08-19 | 3.40 PM |
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News Sihala Urumaya Leader Sarath Manamendra said that while the innocent Tamil people are being forced to live in 6 feet tall shacks in unimaginable conditions the government is using these people to receive funding although the displaced people have not been provided with any facility. He said that about 10 people are forced to loive in one small shack.
Manamendra made this statement while addressing the media at the SLFP (M) Wing headquarters yesterday (18).
The party’s media unit e-mailed to us a brief note on the statement made at the press conference and below is the English translation of the Sinhala note. |
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Lalitha Rajapakse blames the President for son Shyamlal’s death |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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Shyamlal Rajapakse’s mother Lalitha Rajapakse told several close friends and relatives at Shyamlal’s funeral on Monday (17) that the President also had to take responsibility for his death. A lawyer by profession, Shyamlal, was last week killed in Arusha, Tanzania.
Lalitha Rajapakse had lamented that the President who gave many perks and privileges to any one with the Rajapakse has simply ignored D.M. Rajapakse’s family and had not given any proper job to Shyamlal even after making several requests from him to give him a proper appointment. Lalitha had said that her son was compelled to leave the country due to such a situation and therefore the President also had a certain amount of responsibility with regard to Shyamlal’s untimely death. |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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“It is more honorable to do the task of a crow and dig out the dirt in the government than to play the role of a dog that wait for bones in the Medamulana Walawwa”
SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samarawera has in a letter to Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that it is more honorable to do the task of a crow and dig out the dirt in the government than to play the role of a dog that wait for bones in the Medamulana Walawwa.
The letter dated August 17, 2009 sent to Vasudeva was also sent to our e-mail. The English translation of the letter sent in Sinhala is as follows: |
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Island wide poster campaign by JVP calling for the abolition of the executive presidency |
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2009-08-18 | 00.45 PM |
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