|
 |
 |
| |
Common candidate without any party affiliations to contest from unknown, registered party |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the JVP has proposed the common candidate be one who is not affiliated to any political party and contest under a common symbol of an unknown registered party at the elections without entering the hustings either from the UNP or the JVP.
The JVP representatives had made this proposal during an unofficial discussion in parliament between several JVP and UNP parliamentarians last Tuesday.
The new political party that was to be registered by JVP parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunarachchi, which was aimed at creatinga an independent party for the common candidate, was rejected by the Elections Commissioner asking the application to be re-forwarded according to the new Elections Act. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Common candidate without any party affiliations to contest from unknown, registered party |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
|
|
A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the JVP has proposed the common candidate be one who is not affiliated to any political party and contest under a common symbol of an unknown registered party at the elections without entering the hustings either from the UNP or the JVP.
The JVP representatives had made this proposal during an unofficial discussion in parliament between several JVP and UNP parliamentarians last Tuesday.
The new political party that was to be registered by JVP parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunarachchi, which was aimed at creatinga an independent party for the common candidate, was rejected by the Elections Commissioner asking the application to be re-forwarded according to the new Elections Act. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Special privileges for CAA Director General from Bandula |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
The close friendship between Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Director General R.K. Jayasuriya has resulted in the Minister providing her with special privileges, sources at the CAA said.
Although the Finance Ministry has received complaints about how she misuses official vehicles and accept payments in addition to her salary, inquiries have been held back due to the interference of Minister Gunawardena. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
US ambassador summons the General |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
Diplomatic sources said General Sarath Fonseka was invited for a special discussion by US ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis on Friday (20).
The Gnereal met with the ambassador on Friday evening after accepting the invitation.
Details of the discussion however were immediately not available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
General’s office to be opened next week |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
It is reliably learnt that General Sarath Fonseka’s election office would be opened next week. The General has decided to carry out all his campaign coordination and propaganda work from this office which is to be located near Royal College.
The General’s eldest daughter and son in law are to arrive in Sri Lanka next week to help him with his election campaign.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Defence Secretary says the General harbors hatred towards him |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has told the Ravaya newspaper that General Sarath Fonseka harbored immense hatred towards him. He had made this statement when the Ravaya newspaper had questioned him if the General has been provided with adequate security after his retirement.
The newspaper report further states, “Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa told Ravaya newspaper that although it was Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunge who handled the security provided to the former Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, the General was angry with him.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
JVP ready to discuss with General Fonseka – Vijitha Herath |
|
|
|
2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
|
 |
|
JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath says the party was ready to discuss with General Sarath Fonseka if he is prepared to come forward as the common candidate.
Herath told the media at a press briefing on Friday (20) that the JVP party would base such a discussion on abolishing the Executive Presidency and restoring democracy and not issues like developing the economy or the country. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
General addresses soldiers and their families |
|
|
|
2009-11-20 | 4.30 AM |
|
 |
|
General Sarath Fonseka has issues a special message to the soldiers and their wives, families, relatives and friends following his retirement. The message released on Friday (20) afternoon states, “No matter what obstacles may lay in my path, I assure that I will dedicate my life to restore the weakening democracy, human rights, media freedom, social justice and secure communal harmony and will also be with you as a shadow for the wellbeing of the future.”
General Fonseka also stated, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Army officers who served with the General demoted and transferred |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM |
|
 |
|
Several senior Army officers who served under General Sarath Fonseka during his brief tenure as the Chief of Defence Staff at the Chief of Defence Staff Office have been demoted and transferred to various parts of the island with immediate effect.
On orders received by the Defence Secretary, the Army Commander has demoted Brigadier G.S. Padumadasa who served as the War Secretary as Director Coordination Work.
The following officers who served in the Chief of Defence Staff Office have also been demoted and transferred
1. Director General (Strategy and Training) Brigadier Maithri Dias transferred to the Wanni Command Base as Staff Service Brigadier.
2. Coordinating Secretary Brigadier Wimal Dias transferred to Mullaithivu Command Base as Brigadier (administration) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Intelligence units receive information about Opposition Leader from Johnny |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM |
|
 |
|
The Opposition Leader’s Office has received information that UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando has given information about Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the State Intelligence Service (SIS).
An official from the Opposition Leader’s Office said Fernando had met with the Police Special Task Force Commander, DIG K.L.M. Sarathchandra at the STF headquarters down Bauddhaloka Mawatah several weeks back. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Gajaba Regiment summoned after removing Sinha Regiment from SLRC |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Security personnel from the Sinha Regiment who were assigned to provide security to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) have been recalled and personnel from the Gajaba Regiment have been assigned to provide security to the two institutions.
The Sinha Regiment is currently under scrutiny by the Rajapaksa administration as it was General Sarath Fonseka’s regiment. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Operations unit for Presidential election opened at Temple Trees |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
The main operations office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the next Presidential election was opened on the 17th at Temple Trees and is to function under Basil Rajapaksa’s supervision. All election related propaganda and coordination is to be handled by this office.
However, the President’s decision to sideline Minister Dullas Alahapperuma who has till now played a key role in coordinating election campaigns has become a hot topic for discussion among SLFP members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
President organizes feast for twin children on birthday to overcome bad effects |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from Temple Trees said the President had organized a feast for 64 children at Abhayarama in Narahenpita on his birthday to overcome the bad effects that could affect him due to bad planetary positioning.
The Health Ministry had organized this event following advice received by the President’s astrologers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Defence Secretary proves to be more powerful than the First Lady |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa proved to have more powers in the present administration than First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa by ordering the cancellation of a programme that was to be attended by the First Lady today (19) without giving any prior notice to her.
The Defence Secretary ordered the cancellation of the opening of the Senehasa School for the children of military personnel with special needs in Narahenpita. The opening ceremony was scheduled for 9 a.m. this morning and the First lady was to be the chief guest at the event. However, the event was cancelled by the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Hulugalle takes charge of photographs and video footage of the war |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has ordered all state media heads to hand over all video footage and photographs of the war in the possession of state media institutions to the Director General of the Media Center for National Secruity, Lakshman Hulugalle.
A senior Defence Ministry official told Lanka News Web that the decision was taken in order to prevent video footage and photographs of the war being taken by members from General Sarath Fonseka’s camp for his election campaign.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Anoma Fonseka resigns from Ranaviru Seva Authority |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from the Ranaviru Seva Authority said General Sarath Fonseka’s wife, Anoma Fonseka has decided to resign from the post of Chairman of the Authority with immediate effect.
The Defence Secretary issued orders yesterday (18) to remove Anoma Fonseka from the Senehasa project, which was initiated to care for the disabled children of forces personnel.
Sources further noted that this move had prompted Anoma Fonseka to resign from the Ranaviru Seva Authority immediately.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Basil’s protests prevent Mahindananda from receiving Highways portfolio |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
Sources from Temple Trees said the President was compelled to withdraw his decision to appoint Non Cabinet Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage as the Cabinet Minister for Highways for publicly standing by the President following protests by Basil Rajapaksa.
Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had been displeased with the change in the President’s decision as he had already made arrangements to look for an auspicious time to be sworn in as the Highways Minister. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
President accuses Dullas’ advertising agents of playing out millions of rupees |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
The President has openly accused Minister Dullas Alahapperuma’s advertising agents of playing out millions of rupees during the advertising campaigns carried out for the government at the provincial council and north and east local government elections and has advised Basil Rajapksa not to use any of Dullas’ agents during future election campaigns.
Sources from Temple Trees said the print and electronic media advertisements, posters, cutouts and other propaganda material have been carried out under Dullas’ supervision and all the propaganda work had been given to advertising agencies that were favored by him. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Basil’s supporters from Gampaha receive backhoes brought for Northern development projects |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
|
 |
|
The Presidential Secretariat has received complaints that backhoes and other equipment donated by foreign countries to develop the road network in the North have been distributed among several supporters of Basil Rajapaksa in the Gampaha District.
An official from the Presidential Secretariat said the equipment received for the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme are being used to develop the road network in the Gampaha District with the help of Maga Neguma. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Sri Lanka's State run media spins news better than Murali |
|
|
|
2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM | http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33006&Cr=sri+lanka&Cr1 |
|
 |
|
This is what has been said by the UN on Sir John Holmes trip to Sri Lanka (links above) . However the Sri Lankan media spuby the Defence Ministry and the Foreign Ministry reported statements that the UN reports do not mention.
Sir John has been very critical about the lack of freedom of movement and the general conditions overall. He has also raised his disappointment with officials that there still remains at least another 163,000 IDPs in camps fenced by barbed wire and surrounded by armed soldiers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
A letter to the people by the General |
|
|
|
2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
|
 |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
