Decision on the 19th
Who will be more powerful? The First Lady or the Defence Secretary?
2009-11-18 | 4.30 AM
The strength of the political powers held by the First Lady and the Defence Secretary will be known on the 19th morning.
While all arrangements have been made for First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa to open the Senehasa School, which is in close proximity to the Manning Town Housing Complex in Narahenpita, established for the soldiers’ children on Thursday (19) morning, Major General Shavendra Silva had called the project personnel on Wednesday (18) evening and informed them that the opening ceremony has been cancelled by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Defence Ministry trying to block the General from receiving a temporary residence
2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM
General Sarath Fonseka is reportedly facing a difficult situation in trying to obtain a house on rent in a secure location around Colombo given several moves taken by the Defence Ministry to put pressure on people who have agreed to give their houses to the General.
A close confidant of the General told Lanka News Web that although the General has received permission from the Defence Ministry to stay in his official residence till the end of the week, the security deployed at the Army headquarters has posed an obstacle to the General’s work. He said the General is now looking for a house to move into as soon as possible.
The General who has decided to keep silent till the Presidential election is officially announced is in the process of preparing a letter to be handed over to the people giving out the reasons that compelled him to retire from the military, reliable sources told Lanka News Web.
The UNF led by the UNP and the JVP have decided not to name the common candidate until the Presidential election is officially announced.
Proposal to make SB Prime Minister opposed by Maithripala and Nimal Siripala
2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM
SLFP seniors Ministers Maithripala Sirisena and Nimal Siripala de Silva have objected to a proposal made by the President to offer the Prime Ministerial position to UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake if he joins the government and coordinates the President’s election campaign at the Presidential election, sources from the SLFP headquarters said.
The ministers have informed the President through First lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and First Son Namal Rajapaksa that if the President makes such a decision, it would be unfair on the part of the senior SLFP members who have stood by the party and the President.
Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana and Minister D.M. Jayaratne have met with UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake on Monday night and Tuesday morning respectively to arrive at a final agreement to pave the way for SB to join the government. The senior SLFP members had met with SB with the President’s blessing.
They have discussed the steps that needed to be atken to make SB join the government soon after the Presidential election is announced and the benefits he would receive in such a backdrop.
Opposition gears to raise question on military coup in parliament
2009-11-17 | 9.30 PM
A JVP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that opposition party leaders have decided to pose a question in parliament to know its stance in relation to the allegation leveled by General Sarath Fonseka that the government had requested for help from India to face a possible military coup in the country soon after the end of the war.
The letter requesting to retire as the Chief of Defence Staff sent by General Sarath Fonseka to the President on the 12th had stated about a suspected military coup.
We are ready to consider the General as common candidate – Mangala Samaraweera
2009-11-17 | 9.30 PM
The UNF is ready to consider General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate to contest the next presidential election, Co-chairman of the UNF, Mangala Samaraweera said. He made this statement at a press conference of the UNF leaders held under Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today (17).
Plan to dissolve parliament during Presidential election campaign
2009-11-17 | 9.30 PM
A senior government minister told Lanka News Web that the President was considering the dissolution of parliament and calling for the general election during the Presidential election campaign and has asked the Attorney General to see if there were any legal provisions for the purpose.
The minister said the President believes that such an act would break the unity in the joint opposition and would also make all governing party members work hard in the Presidential election campaign.
JVP decides not to reach an agreement with the UNP for general election
2009-11-17 | 9.30 PM
A senior trade union leader of the JVP told Lanka News Web that the party had no intention of contesting the next general election with the UNP and was currently holding discussions with other political parties to explore the possibility of putting forward a common candidate at the next Presidential election.
In this backdrop, the JVP has put forward four conditions that needed to be fulfilled for the party to support the candidature of a common candidate at the next Presidential election.
First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa had called General Sarath Fonseka’s wife, Anoma, yesterday (16) and blamed the Defence Secretary for the rift between the President and General Fonseka, sources from Temple Trees said.
The First Lady had expressed her regret at all the difficulties faced by the General due to the Defence Secretary’s actions and had said she did not blame General Fonseka for the decisions he has now been compelled to take.
More time sought to explain CaFFE spokesman's suspension
2009-11-17 | 9.30 PM
The Kelaniya University has sought two more months to explain the suspension and a disciplinary inquiry against its employee Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, who is the media spokesman for local election monitor CaFFE.
The Court of Appeal today (Nov. 17) took up a petition filed by Mr. Tennakoon challenging his suspension and the conduct of the inquiry as being unlawful.
With this request made by the Attorney General?s Department, a total period of three months has been sought so far to submit the explanations sought from the respondents.
Mr. Tennakoon was suspended by the university for making a statement as the CaFFE spokesman that malpractices had taken place at the last eastern provincial council elections.
As the Obama administration weighs its options in Afghanistan, the big question they are most certainly grappling with is: what does it take to defeat an insurgency? And as advisers pour through the history of successful counterinsurgency campaigns, they might be tempted to take a page from a very recent chapter.
Though it didn't make much of a news splash here, in May the government of the small island nation of Sri Lanka finally claimed victory in their 26-year battle against one of the most formidable militant organizations the world has ever known, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or the LTTE.
Elections Commissioner tries to retire before the next elections
2009-11-16 | 7.00 PM
Sources from the Election Commissioner’s Department said Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake was trying to retire before the next two elections as the negative sentiments that blew up during the Southern Provincial Council election between the government and the Elections Commissioner have increased.
He had made this statement during a conversation with several junior employees at the Department recently and had also warned that the next two elections would be the most dangerous elections to be held in the country.
Presidential election to be announced on November 20
2009-11-16 | 7.00 PM
Sources from Temple Trees say the President is due to announce the date of the next presidential election on November 20th following astrological advice. In this backdrop, the Presidential election is to be held around January 15, 2010.
Participants at the SLFP convention yesterday called on the President to first hold a Presidential election. The Defence Secretary has however warned the President against holding the Presidential election two years prior to the scheduled date.
Unhappy with the treatment meted out to General Fonseka
Senior military officers to retire from service
2009-11-16 | 7.00 PM
Military sources say many senior military officers have decided to retire from service due to the shock and displeasure in the manner in which the government treated General Sarath Fonseka who played a key role in the war against the LTTE, soon after the military victory.
The military officers who have decided to retire were all involved in active military operations during the war against the LTTE.
President orders tax concession for rice to prevent Bandula from racketeering
2009-11-16 | 7.00 PM
A senior official from the Presidential Secretariat told Lanka News Web that the President’s decision to give a tax concession to rice imports was prompted after hearing about Minister Bandula Gunawradena accepting massive commissions from rice imports to Sathosa.
The Presidential Secretariat has heard that Minister Gunawardena, who traveled to many countries to look into the possibility of importing rice to Sri Lanka, had requested for commissions from many foreign companies. The official further observed that the tax concession on rice imports would enable private traders to import rice preventing the Minister’s racketeers from earning undue profits.
Until Chief of Defence Staff Act is amended
Air Force Chief appointed as acting CDS
2009-11-16 | 7.00 PM
The Defence Secretary has decided to appoint Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshall Roshan Gunthileka as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff until the Chief of Defence Staff Act is amended to enable retired Navy Chief Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda be appointed to the post.
Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka retired from the post and active military service today (16).
According to the Chief of Defence Staff Act, only a forces chief in active military service could be appointed to the post. If a retired officer like Wasantha Karannagoda is to be appointed to the post, the Act has to be amended.
Leaders of the United National Front (UNF) decided to hand over the policy statement of the newly formed alliance to the Chief Priests of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters in Kandy on Saturday (14).
Chief Priest of the Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero had given an appointment at 9.30 a.m. to meet the UNF leaders. However, a few days prior to the UNF leaders’ visit to Kandy, a representative of the Chief Priest had called and informed the leaders that the appointment time had been brought forward to 8.30 a.m. as the priest had to leave the temple for another engagement.
No announcement about elections
President saves his skin at SLFP convention
2009-11-16 | 11.30 AM
The President said in speech at the SLFP national convention on Sunday (15) that there was time to announce whether the Presidential or general election would be held first in the country. In the run up to the convention, the President, SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena and other senior government members said the announcement of whether it would be a Presidential or general election would be made at the convention.
The Association of Essential Commodities Importers has informed Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena that although he has said prices of eight essential items would be reduced from Monday (9) midnight, the prices could not be reduced until the new shipment of the respective items are imported to the country.
President of the Association, S.P. Sami said it would take at least another month for the price reduction to come into effect given the stocks that are already in stores.
Consumer Affairs Authority Director General,
P. Jayasuriya says a decision has been arrived at to provide a three weeks grace period for the traders for them to finish their existing stocks.
Parliament sittings suspended for President’s anniversary celebration
2009-11-15 | 7.00 PM
The proposal to suspend parliamentary sittings to celebrate the President’s anniversary celebrations has been accepted by the governing party members while the opposition members have objected to it.
A proposal was presented at the party leader’s meeting on the 11th to suspend parliamentary sittings on the 18th and 19th during the scheduled sessions from the 17th till the 20th in order to enable governing party members attend the celebrations that have been organized on the 18th to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the President assuming office.
General’s younger daughter’s father in law also transferred
2009-11-15 | 5.45 PM
Measures have been taken to immediately transfer DIG Sisil Perera from Mannar to the Police Headquarters. DIG Perera is the father of Jayantha Perera, who is engaged to marry General Sarath Fonseka’s younger daughter.
This transfer has been made in addition to 20 other transfers of senior police officers ordered by the new IGP.
Meanwhile, General Fonseka’s wife Anoma Fonseka’s (Munasinghe) brother G.S.K. Munasinghe was transferred from the Ministerial Security Division to the Tourist Police Division with immediate effect.
Former Judge Mahanama Thilekaratne says Police silent on disappearances
2009-11-15 | 5.45 PM
Chairman of the one man commission appointed to inquire into disappearances, former High Court Judge Mahanama Thilekaratne says the police has not requested for the Attorney General’s advice to proceed further beyond the initial inquiries held into the disappearances of persons reported during the past few years.
Thilekaratne says that while he has received about 15,000 complaints in relation to the disappearance of persons reported within the last three years, the low level police officers inquiring into the incidents have not received any guidance or advice from high officials on continuing these inquiries further.
President orders the General to relinquish office with immediate effect
2009-11-14 | 8.15 PM
A senior official at the Presidential Secretariat told Lanka News Web that the President has officially informed Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka his letter of resignation has been accepted and that his retirement would come into effect from the first working day from today. General Fonseka had been ordered to vacate his office on that day.
The official said the response to the letter of resignation handed in by General Fonseka on the 12th was sent in writing this evening and that the General would have to retire from the post of Chief of Defence Staff from Monday (16).
President to sign agreement with Pakistan due to doubts over India
2009-11-14 | 6.45 PM
The President has requested the Foreign Minister to further strengthen ties with Pakistan due to doubts over the possibility of the Indian government supporting the candidature of General Sarath Fonseka at the next Presidential election following sudden official visit recently undertaken by the Opposition Leader.
A government delegation headed by Basil Rajapaksa and Dullas Alahapperuma are to visit Pakistan after the 20th.
The President had reportedly reprimanded all astrologers and black magicians who have worked for the government over the telephone soon after being informed that General Sarath Fonseka had handed in his resignation letter.
The reason for the angry outburst is the prediction by astrologers that General Fonseka would not hand in resignation letter till the 17th and have said the General had been charmed to ensure that the letter would not be handed in before the 17th.
The displaced persons who have been released from the Wanni IDP camps are reportedly being arrested by security forces when they are living with their relatives.
About 90 of Stage I and II from the transitional camp for IDPs in Pulmudai and about 90 youths from the Muttur transition camp have been arrested for having alleged links with the LTTE. They have reportedly been taken back to the IDP camp in Vavuniya by the Army.
Presidential Advisor Vasudeva Nanayakkara says the displaced persons in the Wanni IDP camps have been placed in great difficulty through the resettlement programme as they a returned to their hometowns instead of their last place of residence. Vasudeva Nanayakkara made these comments following a visit to the north and observed that by returning these people to their original hometowns they have been left with no proper place to live in and carry out their livelihood.
Dinamina Editor Mahinda Abeysundera has reportedly embarked on a new project. The project according to Lake House sources is to pass many liquor stores and taverns, which are usual haunts for his evening shot, and arrive at his driver’s residence in Piliyandala.
It is said that he now consumes his liquor at this driver’s residence along with the bites prepared by the driver’s wife. However, the Editor makes sure that the driver consumes more alcohol than him and retires to the bed early.
Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya discharged of all charges against him and reinstated in active duty
2009-11-14 | 4.30 AM
Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya who faced a trial before military court for alleged corruption and irregularities was discharged of all charged leveled against him by the Defence Ministry and reinstated in active duty with effect from Thursday (12).
Major General Pannipitiya had told several friends after receiving his letter of appointment that the Defence Secretray had promised to appoint him as the Chief of Staff of the Army. Major General Pannipitiya had said he would then teach a good lesson to General Sarath Fonseka who initiated legal action against him.
Funds pilfered from Ipalogama Ranaviru Housing Project
2009-11-14 | 4.30 AM
The housing project launched under the “Api venuwen api” campaign to build houses for forces personnel has so far constructed only 1,500 houses at a cost of Rs. 4,750 million. It is reliably learnt that many security forces personnel have complained to the Ranaviru Seva Authority that 4,750 houses could have been built with the money spent on the project so far had each soldier been given a sum of Rs. 1,000,000.
Sources from Temple Trees revealed that the President has made a request from the mahanayakes to ask Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka to withdraw his letter of resignation. The President was scheduled to meet with the mahanayakes in Kandy on Friday (13) to discuss the matter.
Sources also said a campaign is to be launched by Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma in the next few days with the President’s blessings, calling on the President not to accept the General’s resignation letter as he was still an essential part of the security force.
Anoma Fonseka’s brother removed as VIP Security Division Director
2009-11-14 | 4.30 AM
SSP Ajith Munaseinghe who served as the Director of the VIP Security Division has been transferred with immediate effect in to the Tourist Police as its director by the IGP, sources from the Police Headquarters said.
SSP Ajith Munasinghe is the brother of Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka’s wife Anome Fonseka’s (Munasinghe) brother.
Although the transfer is been reported to be a routine transfer that takes place after a new IGP assumes office, it is reliably learnt that the transfer was made following an order by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Mahinda (and only Mahinda) can re-establish democracy
2009-11-14 | 4.30 AM
It is now official. General Sarath Fonseka has quit the top most military post in the country. All the indications are that he will contest against the incumbent to be the next Executive President in Sri Lanka.
Whether it is continued Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency or a new Sarath Fonseka presidency, of course the future does not look brighter.
Lanka News Web recently reported that he has approached Ranil Wickramasinghe to warn about the future of democracy in Sri Lanka if General Fonseka becomes next President.
We Salute TNL Newsmen for their Courageous Exposure of Police Brutality
2009-11-14 | 4.30 AM
Journalist for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) highly appreciate the efforts taken by TNL and its
Assistant News Editor Sisikelum Dahampriya Balage, to expose the killing of a youth in broad
daylight, in the capital of Sri Lanka, allegedly by policemen.
On the 29th of October 2009, TNL aired footage of several policemen clubbing a Tamil youth,
Balavarnam Sivakumar forcing him to drown to death in the sea, while many civilians watched on
passively.
Mr. La Rue said he is still waiting for the official response to his letter
A top UN envoy says he is "perplexed" by Sri Lankan government's reluctant to allow him for a fact finding mission despite unofficially agreeing for the visit months ago.
Frank La Rue, the UN Human Rights Council's special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression told the BBC that he has been making the request unofficially since March this year and sent an official letter seeking permission to visit Sri Lanka in August or September.
Senior ministers oppose Mervyn’s move to obstruct the General’s religious rituals
2009-11-13 | 4.30 AM
Several senior ministers had called Temple Trees and requested the officials to inform the President not to permit the likes of Mervyn Silva to get his drunk supporters to shout and disrupt the religious rituals observed by General Sarath Fonseka at the Kelani Rajamaha Vihara. The ministers had made the calls after seeing the ugly actions of Mervyn’s supporters at the temple when it was telecast on television channels last night.
Decided to resign due to step motherly treatment after the military victory – General
2009-11-13 | 4.30 AM
Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka in his letter of resignation to the President that was handed over yesterday (12) has said the President and the Defence Secretary slighted him in many ways after believing false reports given to them by various people about the General’s plan to launch a military coup following the victory against the LTTE and that his confidence in the President had eroded in such a backdrop.
A copy of the five page letter of resignation has been received by the Presidential Secretariat as well. Following is the full text of the resignation letter, which was sent to us by an official from the Presidential Secretariat, without any editing:
Says confidence in the President has eroded
General sends resignation letter to President
2009-11-12 | 2.55 PM
Sources from the Presidential Secretariat said General Sarath Fonseka had sent his letter of resignation to the President through the Defence Secretary today (12) claiming he was unable to continue in the post of Chief of Defence Staff since his confidence in the government and the President have eroded. The letter sent to the President has also been copied to the President’s Secretary.
Sources said the letter requesting permission to retire from active military service includes a three-page statement giving reasons for his decision to resign. However, the letter has not stated of his intention to enter politics following retirement.
The General in his letter has emphasized the need for a strong trust between the government and the forces chiefs to sustain the security forces and added that the internal squabbles between the government, the President and himself could result in the deterioration of the level of discipline in the military. He had requested the President to approve his request for retirement with effect from December 1, 2009 in this backdrop.
Sources added the General in his letter had highlighted that it was the duty of the President and the government to provide him with the necessary security as he was under LTTE threat even after retiring from the security forces.
The Free Media Movement Convener has appointed an official from the Prime Minister’s Office to inquire into the organization’s audit report.
The official called Senevirathne has sent e-mail’s via the official e-mail address used at the Prime Minister’s Office (XXX@pmoffice.gov.lk) to office bearers from the Organization requesting for audit details. Sources from the Prime Minister’s Office said all e-mails and details received have been recorded in computers in the Office.
However, the name and e-mail address of the individual is as follows: N.G.K.K. Senevirathne-accsena@pmoffice.gov.lk
It has been reported to Lanka News Web that Johnston Fernando, UNP MP for Kurunegala District met with Maga Neguma Chairman Jaliya Kulasekere at the Hilton Hotel last week for a secret discussion.
Well informed sources say that Johnston Fernando at this meeting has told Jaliya Kulasekere that the MP Dayasiri Jayasekere from the same district is becoming more popular than him and therefore, Jayasekere should be politically assassinated. Fernando had also told Kulasekere that Jayasekere could be framed by using a connection between him and a business conducted by Achala Bogollagama, the sister of Rohitha Bogollagama and the Minister of Transport, W.B.Ekanayake.
It is also understood that Fernando has told Kulasekere to use Rosy Senanayake as the informant in the light of the strained relationship between Senanayake and Jayasekere during the recent past.
The President has ordered the immediate removal and transfer of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director General SSP Ravi Waidyalankara since he conducted extensive investigations into various crimes and corruption of several ministers and businessmen close to the President.
The Presidential Secretariat has advised the IGP to state the transfer has been carried out as a routine one carried out when a new IGP assumes office. Labour Minister Mervyn Silva had reportedly made several requests from the President to remove Ravi Waidyalankara from the CID.
President seeks friendship with Ranil through his friends
2009-11-11 | 11.55 PM
Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office said the President has requested two of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s friends to get Wickremesinghe to agree to a joint action plan to ensure a better future for the country. The President has made this request after emphasizing the threat on the country’s democracy if a military regime under General Fonseka rules the country.
The President had called former UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and had spoken at length of the steps that could be taken to reach a consensus with the Opposition Leader. The President had also invited two of the Opposition Leader’s close friends to Temple Trees for a discussion on Wednesday (11).
Sources further observed that the President had informed Malik Samarawcikrema that he would abolish the Executive Presidency within the next two years.
President to appoint Wasantha Karannagoda as Chief of Defence Staff
2009-11-11 | 11.55 PM
The President has decided to accept General Sarath Fonseka’s resignation letter if it is handed over to him and to appoint former Navy Chief Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda as the new Chief of Defence Staff after amending the Chief of Defence Staff Act, sources from Temple Trees said.
According to the Chief of Defence Staff Act, only a serving forces chief could be appointed to the post. Therefore, the President has asked the Attorney General to prepare the necessary amendments to be included in the Act to enable a retired forces chief to be appointed to the post.
Tamilselvan’s death anniversary commemorated in Paris
2009-11-11 | 11.55 PM
The second death anniversary of LTTE Political Wing Leader S.P. Tamilselavn was commemorated at the Trocado Square in Paris.
The event was organized by the Maison des Tamil Eelam, which was the first public ceremony held in honor of the LTTE following its defeat to the Sri Lankan security forces in the battlefront.
Persosns who attended the ceremony paid tribute Tamilselvan and the other fallen LTTE heroes.
Human rights defender Sanatha Fernando released on bail after 250 days in detention
2009-11-11 | 8.45 PM
Mr. Santha Fernando, the executive secretary for justice and peace of the National Christian Council was arrested by the NIB and at the airport on 27th March and detained by the TID was given bail today, 11th October 2009. He had been on his way to India for a meeting and arrested after finding documents in his luggage concerning the humanitarian crisis in the Vanni region. He had been arrested under the provisions of the prevention of terrorism act and under the provisions of the emergency regulations.
Government snubs Special UN Representative on media freedom
2009-11-11 | 6.10 PM
The Sri Lankan government has reportedly ignored a request made by the UN Human Rights Office in August 2009 seeking permission for UN Special Representative on Freedom of Expression, Frank La Rue to visit the country.
The visit is aimed at inquiring into the current situation of media freedom in the country and Frank La Rue expects to meet with members of the government as well as from other parties during this fact finding mission.
The closure of the head office maintained by the Free Media Movement (FMM) and several other media organizations has resulted in the FMM losing an office space to carry out its operations. The FMM and the other media organizations maintained a head office down Flower Road, Colombo 7 utilizing funds received for several projects including reporting on human rights.
Platform for Freedom call for change!
Launching of the Declaration of the Platform for Freedom
2009-11-10 | 9.15 PM
The declaration titles Committment for Change will be handed over to the leaders of the United National Alliance on 12th November 2009 in a ceremony to be held at the Jayawardhena Centre, Colombo 07.
The Leaders of the UNF including Hon Ranil Wickramasignhe, Hon Mangala Samaeaweera of the SLFP(M), Hon Rauf Hakeem of the SLMC and Hon Mani Ganeshan of the DPF is expected to participate.
Wimal’s Collective of National Organizations to prevent General from contesting
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
Ven. Medagama Dhammanada Thero from the Asgiri Chapter said on behalf of the Collective of National Oraginzations that a request would be forwarded to General Sarath Fonseka through the heads of the three nikayas and a Sangha Agna (decree) would be issued if he failed to adhere to the request.
NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa called a meeting with the newly formed Collective of National Organizations that includes political and religious leaders in Committee Room C at BMICH to discuss steps to be taken to prevent General Sarath Fonseka from entering politics.
Indian intelligence head to meet with General’s representative
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
Sources from the diplomatic community said a senior official from the Indian intelligence unit is to visit Sri Lankan during the week to meet with a representative of General Sarath Fonseka, who is tipped to contest as the common candidate at the next Presidential election.
Sources also said a special representative of General Sarath Fonseka had yesterday (9) met with several Indian officials along with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.
RDA ordered to remove cut outs with the General’s photograph
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
The Road Development Authority (RDA) has received orders from the Presidential Secretariat today (10) to remove any hoarding with the photograph of Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka.
A senior officer from the RDA told Lanka News Web that the Authority has taken steps to remove all hoardings with the General’s photographs from 5 p.m. today.
Jayalath Weerakkody agrees to become Defence Secretary following request by First Lady
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
Sources from Temple Trees say that former Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshall Jayalath Weerakkody has agreed to accept the post of Defence Secretary following a request made by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.
Jayalath Weerakkody, who currently serves as the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan, was requested by the government to resign from his post as Air Force Chief following various allegations leveled against him.
Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya to be appointed Army Chief of Staff
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
The Defence Secretary has decided to appoint Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya, who has been suspended from duties following accusations leveled against him of being involved in treasure hunting, as the Army Chief of Staff after recalling him to the force.
Former Army Chief, General Sarath Fonseka instituted disciplinary action against Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya for his alleged involvement in treasure hunting during the period of the war. Sources from the Army Headquarters say the decision to appoint such an officer to a senior position in the force has been taken with the intension of hurting the General’s pride.
Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya has organized a series of meetings with soldiers who participated in the Wanni operation in a bid to pledge his support for President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s campaign for the next Presidential election. The soldiers have started to call these meetings the “Wanni election campaign.”
A senior Army officer told Lanka News Web that it was disgraceful that the Army Commander after claiming it was unsuitable for military personnel to engage in politics has now organized a series of political meetings. He said the actions of the Army Commander have brought disgrace to the post as no other head of the Army had acted in such a manner.
What happened to Rs.20 million of Tsunami Collections of Rupavahini?
2009-11-10 | 6.45 PM
It is reported from our sources at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation that a sum of over Rupees Twenty Million and accumulated interest amounting to well over Rupees Ten Million are still with the accounts of the corporation. These monies collected to for the welfare of the victims of 26th December 2004 Tsunami have not been used for the purpose they were collected for. It is also reported that these monies collected from the public after the deadly Tsunami struck Sri Lanka killing over 40,000 people are now going to be used for building a library in Tangalle, on the orders of the President. However, the non-governmental organization, World Vision has already completed a scheme of construction of libraries covering all the Tsunami affected areas in the country.
