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Prime Minister reinforces Commonwealth values |
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2009-11-29 | 00.30 AM |
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British Tamils welcome the initiative by our Prime Minister Gordon Brown in making a stand against Sri Lanka’s
bid to host the next Commonwealth Summit in 2011, due to the conduct of its military campaign which had a
massive impact on the civilian population.
It is further encouraging that the Canadian government has taken a similar stance along with the UK
government.
As the first world leader to call for ceasefire earlier this year, when the military onslaught had intensified, Prime
Minister Brown has again taken the lead to uphold the values of the Commonwealth, to which Sri Lanka remains
a member. |
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Government has got scared even before handing in nominations
– Sunil Handunnetti |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Election day is inauspicious for the President |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Astrologers have said the date set by the Elections Commissioner for the Presidential election, January 26, is an inauspicious date for the President.
January 26 is a Tuesday and is known as “kuja” in Sinhala. Following the recent planetary change, “kuja” is positioned in a manner not beneficial to the president according to his horoscope.
In astrology, “kuja” is the planet for war. The planet is well positioned in General Sarath Fonseka’s horoscope. |
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National Unity based on Equality, Autonomy, and the Rights of Self Determination - Presidential Candidate Bahu |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Presidential candidate of the Left Front Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne say that he will take up the issue of national unity based on Equality, Autonomy, and the Rights of Self Determination. Announcing the decision by left and democratic parties, organizations and intellectuals Dr. Vickramabahu said that the incumbent president followed the agenda given by the Indian rulers backed by global powers while the terrible bankruptcy in Lankan society is used by far-right militaristic section of the global powers to put forward the former military chief. |
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Basil set to field another candidate named Sarath at the Presidential election |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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The UPFA unable to face the challenge posed by common candidate General Sarath Fonseka at the Presidential election has decided to field another candidate at the election with the name Sarath, sources from the SLFP headquarters said. The plan has been initiated by Basil Rajapaksa to create confusion among General Fonseka’s supporters and the new candidate is to be fielded from a party affiliated to the government.
It is also learnt that Basil is working hard to receive the support of a party already in the UNF to break away from the alliance and join the UPFA.
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President halts land alienation to prevent the General from receiving deed to his land |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka’s lawyers told Lanka News Web that the real reason behind the President’s order yesterday (27) to stop the alienation of land and presenting to them to any party during the election period was to prevent the General from receiving the deed for his land.
The General filed a FR petition before Supreme Court stating the land given to the forces chiefs following the military victory was not received by him and requested legal intervention to receive the deed for the land allocated to him.
Although necessary arrangements have been made to allocate 20 perch land plots to the three forces chiefs including General Sarath Fonseka, the Defence Secretary has prevented the General from being given his deed to the land.
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Johnston asks to become SLFP’s Kurunegala District organizer |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando has declined an offer made by the President to appoint him to parliament from the UPFA national list after the next general election and has expressed his willingness to contest the next general election from the UPFA. Johnston has asked the President to appoint him as the SLFP Kurunegala District Leader for him to contest the election.
Sources said the President has asked SLFP Kurunegala organizer Jayaratne Herath to meet him at Temple Trees this morning to discuss the possibility of him moving out of Kurunegala and taking over the Polgahawela electorate.
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UPFA parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakse to join the UNP next week |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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UPFA national list parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakse is to be appointed as the UNP’s Maharagama organizer next week and he was given the membership of the National Lawyers’ Association yesterday (27), sources from Sirikotha said.
The letter appointing Rajapakse as the Maharagama organizer is to be handed over at a ceremony attended by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and UNP Colombo District Leader Ravi Karunanayake. |
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Helicopter given for President’s security crashes |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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Two pilots and two airmen died on Friday (27) morning when a Mi24 helicopter that was providing security cover to the helicopter carrying the President crashed in Buttala. The Mi24 helicopter that crashed was the CH635 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The pilot of the other Mi24 helicopter had told officials that the CH635 helicopter crashed after losing control balance when the back rotator stopped turning. |
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Johnston promised a slot in parliament through the national list, Indika promised an organizer post in Nikaweratiya |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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UNP parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandaranayake who objected to the UNP Working Committee decision to back General Sarath Fonskea at the Presidential election on Thursday (26) morning had met with the President at Temple Trees that evening. |
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Lakshman Seneviratne meets the General and pledges support |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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A senior official from Sirikotha told Lanka News Web that UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Seneviratne had met with General Sarath Fonseka and pledged his support on Thursday (26).
Seneviratne had also told Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that although his friends, parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandatanayake have decided not to support the General’s campaign on personal grounds, he would support the party’s decision to back the General.
The UNP official said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had blackmailed Fernando using the allegation that he had provided a safe haven for an LTTE cadre who was planning to assassinate a VIP. |
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Muzammil proposes that Rosy be kept away from the Presidential election campaign |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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UNP Western Provincial Councilor A.J.M. Muzammil has disagreed with the move to appoint fellow Provincial Councilor Rosy Senanayake to the Presidential election propaganda committee, as she was openly critical of General Sarath Fonseka’s candidature at the election.
Muzammil had made this comment at the propaganda committee meeting held at the official residence of the Opposition Leader on Thursday (26). |
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Let’s unite and fight the psychological war on Tamils: LTTE Intelligence |
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2009-11-27 | 9.30 PM |
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Rather than focusing on the stories about Ram and Nagulan and the info rmation provided by them, it is more important to focus on the motives of the Sri Lankan government in orchestrating a complete decimation of the Tamil struggle using them as their vehicle, says LTTE Intelligence wing.
A media release by the LTTE's Department of Intelligence brings out the truth behind the incidents related to Ram and Nagulan. |
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“Government was militarized by President Mahinda Rajapaksa” – Mangala |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera responding to allegations made by the President and his media that the country would be under a military rule if General Sarath Fonseka were elected to office, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa militarized the government during the past four years.
Samaraweera made the statement during a press briefing on the 26th to announce SLFP (M) Wing decision to support the candidature of General Fonseka as the common candidate.
Samaraweera pointed out to 25 Army and Police officers to administrative posts in the government. |
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UNP WC decides to back the General amidst protests by Johnny, Indika and Azath |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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The UNP Working Committee decided to support the candidature of General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate amidst objections raised by parliamentarians Johnston Fernando, Indika Bandaranayake and former Deputy Mayor for Colombo Azath Sally.
Johnston, Indika and Azath had met UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake on the 25th before announcing their decision at the Working Committee meeting. UNP parliamentarians Lakshman Seneviratne, Jayalath Jayawardena, Raveendra Samaraweera and Thalatha Atukorale also attended the meeting at SB’s residence. |
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Defence Secretary had ordered the Military Police to visit the General’s residence |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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Military sources said the Military Police personnel had entered into the residence of retired Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka at midnight on the 25th to remove the vehicles provided to the General on an order issued by the Defence Secretary.
Although the Defence Secretary had ordered Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya to send Military Police personnel to the General’s residence, the Army Commander had objected to it. Lt. General Jayasruiya had said that if the General was subject to any harm due to a reduction in his security, the Army soldiers would hold him responsible and would even stone him. |
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President’s Secretary compromises the General’s security |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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A senior Army officer at the Army Headquarters told Lanka News Web that President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga had compromised General Sarath Fonseka’s security by releasing to the media full details of the security offered to him including the vehicle numbers and weapons used for his security.
Weeratunga recently issued a media release stating the number of the vehicle used by the General and weapons and security personnel provided for his security. Therefore, details required to plan an attack against the General have now been made public. |
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JHU press conference against the General ends abruptly |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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The press conference summoned by several monks of the JHU on Thursday (26) was stopped abruptly amidst questions posed by the journalists at the briefing.
JHU monks, Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Ven. Udawatte Nanda Thero, Ven. Alawwe Nandaloka Thero, Ven. Akmeemana Dayarthne Thero and Ven. Aparekke Pangaloka Thero told the media at the Foundation Institute that if General Sarath Fonseka went against the wishes of the JHU and contested the election, they would not bless the General. |
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Wickremabahu to contest Presidential election as representative of the minorities |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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Leader of the New Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne has decided to contest at the forthcoming Presidential election, a party spokesperson told Lanka News Web.
Dr. Karunaratne has decided to contest the election since none of the other contestants and those hoping to contest do not represent the Leftist movement and the minority communities.
The spokesperson further noted that Dr. Karunaratne has always stood for the rights of minority communities in Sri Lankan politics where politicians change their stances quite frequently.
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Swarnavahini in financial crisis |
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2009-11-27 | 4.30 AM |
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The Swarnavahini TV station under the EAP Edirisinghe Group is facing a severe financial crisis, Lanka News Web reliably learns.
Although there was a proposal to purchase the station by a government member, the proposal had to be cast aside due to attention being focuses on the forthcoming elections. However, the EAP administration is now finding it difficult to even pay the monthly salaries of the employees at the station. The administration has informed that the monthly salaries that were scheduled for the 25th of the month would be paid on the 30th.
According to sources within the establishment, employees were worried due to the uncertainty that prevails at the station.
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In defense of JVP’s support for the General |
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2009-11-26 | 11.00 PM |
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The ongoing “Rajapaksa-Fonseka battle” is a blessing in disguise for the Tamil-speaking people and the Sinhalese despite its immediate appearances; because the upcoming debates are bound to change the confused Sinhala consciousness on an unprecedented scale. |
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Bandula’s relative gets special Prima treatment |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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The Head of the Prima Company in Sri Lanka, which holds a monopoly in the country’s wheat flour market, had made special arrangements to take one of Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s relatives to Singapore provide medical facilities at a superior hospital in the country. The relative had undergone surgery at the hospital and Minister Gunawardena and his family had been treated to five start lodging and other facilities during their stay in Singapore by the Prima Company.
Sources said the Prima Company kept receiving continuous tax incentives by providing such treatment to government ministers and officials. According to sources, wheat flour prices could not be reduced in this backdrop.
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Military Police try to confiscate the General’s vehicles |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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Several officers and soldiers from the Military Police have reportedly tried to confiscate several Army vehicles being used by General Sarath Fonseka from his Buller’s Road residence at around 12.35 a.m. last night (25). Although the General has retired from military service he has been assigned several Army vehicles. |
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President’s propaganda campaign to be handed over to a foreigner |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that a decision has been arrived at to hand over the President’s propaganda campaign to an advertising firm from the US and a team of officials from the company including one of its managing directors are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss the deal during the weekend. Sri Lankan ambassador to the US, Jaliya Wickremasuriya has played a key role in identifying this US Company, which has also aided in President Barrack Obama’s Presidential campaign. |
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UNF Executive Committee to meet at SLMC Headquarters to decide on common candidate |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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The Executive Committee of the UNF is to meet at the SLMC Headquarters tomorrow (27) morning to make a final decision on the common candidate. The UNP Working Committee and the SLFP (M) Wing Central Committee met this morning and decided to support General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the Presidential election.
The Politburo of the DPF headed by Mano Ganeshan was to meet at 3 p.m. to decide on the common candidate.
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General to meet the media on Sunday |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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A coordinating officer to General Sarath Fonseka told Lanka News Web that the General would meet the media on Sunday morning. The press conference is scheduled to be held at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Residencies.
The General is expected to announce his stance in relation to the invitation extended to him by the JVP and the UNP to contest as the common candidate at the Presidential election and the reasons that led to his resignation as Chief of Defence Staff.
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Irwin’s Phoenix Advertising receives contract to sling mud at the General |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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Basil Rajapaksa has handed over the mud slinging campaign against General Sarath Fonseka, who is to contest the Presidential elections as the common candidate, to Irwin Weerakkody’s Phoenix Advertising on Justice Minister Milinda Moragoda’s advice.
Minister Dullas Alahepperuma and retired Army officers Majors General Lawrence Fernando and Sarath Karunaratne have been appointed as coordinators to the project. |
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Duminda Silva asks for money from Basil to paste posters in Colombo |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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Sources from the National Election Coordinating Center set up at Temple Trees said Basil Rajapaksa was displeased with Western Provincial Councilor Duminda Silva for asking for Rs. 10 for each poster to be pasted in the Colombo city.
The President had advised Basil to hand over the task of pasting posters in Colombo to Duminda Silva. However, sources said the posters had to be pasted on Monday (23) night by Working Director of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Prasanna Kalutarage and his supporters. |
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President decides to promote Zuhair instead of Fowzie |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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The President has requested President’s Counsel M.M. Zuhair to coordinate affairs of the Muslim community in Colombo during the Presidential election campaign, Lanka News Web reliably learns.
The President it is learnt has made this decision following doubts over Minister A.H.M. Fowzie and his son Western Provincial Councilor, Nauzer Fowzie.
The President has also asked Zuhair to contest the next general election from the Colombo Distinct.
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Political diplomats summoned for the elections |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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A senior official at the Foreign Ministry told Lanka News Web that the President had requested the Foreign Minister to summon all political appointees to Sri Lankan missions overseas to Colombo to take part in the Presidential election campaign.
Sri Lankan ambassador to Iran, M.M. Zuhair has already arrived in the country and Newton Gunaratne and Nawalage Bennet Cooray have also been summoned back to Sri Lanka. The President has already decided to appoint Zuhair and Beenet Cooray as coordinators for the Colombo District and Sri Lankan ambassador to Myanmar, Newton Gunaratne is to be assigned to the President’s Propaganda Unit.
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President scolds Lake House Chairman |
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2009-11-26 | 7.20 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said the President had scolded Lake House Chairman Bandula Padmakumara for referring to General Sarath Fonseka as the President. Padmakumara had referred to General Sarath Fonseka as President Sarath Fonseka when discussing a story on the Daily Mirror newspaper on his show, Mul Pituwa, on Swarnavahini.
The President had heard this a few minutes later and had immediately called and reprimanded Padmakumara. General Fonseka and Padmakumara were batch mates at Ananda College, Colombo.
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How Suitable General Fonseka is to Lead Sri Lanka…………………….? |
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2009-11-25 | 4.30 AM |
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Following is an abstract from a speech made by Hon Maithreepala Sirisena, the Minister of Agriculture and the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party;
Quote;
The government yesterday claimed that military commanders had never challenged their Commanders in Chief in Sri Lanka’s history and General Sarath Fonseka would never succeed in his attempt to replace President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential Election as the former CDS did not have a proper CV to become the President. |
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UNF’s official decision on the common candidate to be known on Thursday |
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2009-11-25 | 4.30 AM |
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The UNP Working Committee is to meet on Thursday (26) morning to decide on the candidature of General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the next Presidential election. A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the Executive Committee of the UNF would meet that evening and endorse the decision before announcing it officially.
The Opposition Leader has decided to summon a special convention of the party on December 1 to get endorsement for the UNP Working Committee decision to name the General as the common candidate and to back him at the elections.
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General files FR petition seeking security |
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2009-11-25 | 4.30 AM |
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Former Army Chief and Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka filed a fundamental rights (FR) petition before Supreme Court on Tuesday (24) to receive adequate security from the government and to stay at his official residence until he finds a suitable place to move into.
Fonseka has stated in the petition that while the President is provided with a security contingent of 2,000, the Defence Secretary with 500, the former Navy Chief 120 and the Army Chief 600, his security has been reduced to 10 Commandos, two officers, 50 Army soldiers and a bullet proof vehicle. |
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Major General Mahesh Senanayake transferred |
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2009-11-25 | 4.30 AM |
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Major General Mahesh Senanayake who served as the Special Operations Director at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff during the tenure of former Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka has been transferred with immediate effect on a directive issued by the Defence Secretary as the Commanding Officer of the 52nd Brigade in Jaffna, sources from the Army Headquarters said.
A member of the Special Forces, Major General Mahesh Senanayake served as the Director of Planning during the war against the LTTE.
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I have not been defeated till now – the General |
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2009-11-25 | 4.30 AM |
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New task for Lawrence Fernando and Sarath Karunaratne
The General to be blamed for the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge |
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2009-11-24 | 7.10 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees say that the Defence Secretary has ordered two retired Majors General Lawrence Fernando and Sarath Karunaratne to carry out a campaign accusing General Sarath Fonseka for the assassination of The Sunday Leader Editor in Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge and the abduction and attack on journalists Poddala Jayantha and Keith Noyah. They have also bee asked to carry out a campaign to inform the minority communities and the civil society of the General’s alleged involvement in the abductions and killing of persons that have taken place in and around Colombo.
The campaign against the General is handled by the National Elections Coordinating Center established at Temple Trees under the supervision of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and coordinated by Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. |
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Prime Minister’s wife invites the General and wife to stay at the Premier’s residence |
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2009-11-24 | 7.10 PM |
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A senior official at the Presidential Secretariat told Lanka News Web that the Presidential intelligence units have uncovered a call made by the Prime Minister’s wife, Kusum Wickremanayake to General Sarath Fonseka’s wife, Anoma, yesterday (23) asking her and the General to stay at the Premier’s official residence if they were unable to find a suitable place to move in to.
The Prime Minister’s wife had expressed her deep regret at the fate that has befallen the General and had said the Premier too was worried and expressed his regret as well. She had also said that apart from the Premier, many senior ministers in the government did not agree with the manner in which the Defence Secretary treated the General.
The official further noted that the states intelligence service officials had recorded the telephone conversation between the Prime Minister’s wife and the General’s wife. |
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President’s election campaign to be launched by sending a voice message to telephones |
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2009-11-24 | 7.10 PM |
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The President’s propaganda committee has taken steps to send a voice message of the President to 13 million telephones as part of the election campaign. The project is to be handled by Presidential Advisor Sunimal Fernando and Director General, Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Priyantha Kariyapperuma. Sunimal Fernando is the uncle of Dialog Sri Lanka’s CEO, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya.
According to the plan, every citizen is to receive a voice message from the President on their fixed and mobile lines. A senior government minister told Lanka News Web that a decision has been made to get maximum use of the technological advancements in the election campaign. |
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Another one of the General’s relatives transferred
SSP Indu Karunaratne also transferred |
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2009-11-24 | 7.10 PM |
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Director General of the City Traffic Division, SSP Indu Karunaratne, who is also related to General Sarath Fonseka, has been transferred to the Police Headquarters with immediate effect without being assigned to carry out any duties.
Following the Defence Secretary’s orders, the IGP has already transferred several police officers related to the General.
The former CID Director, SSP Ravi Waidyalankara, who was transferred as the head of the Crimes Division of the Police Headquarters by the new IGP has been transferred from his latest posting as well. |
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Sai pooja at Temple Trees after announcing Presidential elections |
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2009-11-24 | 6.10 PM |
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A Sai pooja had been held at Temple Trees soon after announcing the Presidential election on the 23rd, which is also the birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The pooja was reportedly organized following a proposal made by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. The spouses of several ministers closely associated with the President had also been invited for the pooja.
However, Shiranthi had avoided inviting both Basil and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for the pooja saying they consumed beef. |
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Ravi Jayawardena from Corruption Watch appointed to Horana |
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2009-11-23 | 9.30 PM |
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Media Coordinator of the Corruption Watch Movement, Attorney Ravi Jayawardena has been appointed as the UNP’s organizer for Horana.
The letter of appointment was handed over the 20th by UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake.
A lawyer by profession, Ravi Jayawardena is a graduated in law from the Law Faculty in the Colombo University. |
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Let the people decide says Karu Jayasuriya |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya has called on the government to hold free and fair elections and not to resort to its now usual tactics of winning at any cost, as witnessed during the last few days by the disrupting of several opposition meetings by government politicians.
Issuing a statement Jayasuriya says that at this crucial juncture in the country’s history, the UNP implored the government to respect the most fundamental of citizens rights in a democracy; the franchise. |
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To raise Rs. 1 billion for Presidential election campaign
Rajapaksa family projects to be given to China Harbor Company |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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Basil Rajapaksa is reportedly looking at handing over several special projects currently under the Rajapaksa family to a Chinese company called China Harbor in order to raise funds for the Presidential election campaign. Accordingly, the China Harbor Company is to be given the Mattala airport project estimated at US$ 110 million and the construction of the outer circular highway from Kottawa to Kadawatha.
The President is scheduled to present the Cabinet memorandum seeking approval for the handing over of the first phase of the Kottawa-Kadawatha outer circular highway to China Harbor.
China Harbor is also in charge of the Hambantota Port project and the fly overs being constructed under the Highways Ministry. Sumal Perera’s Access Company is the local agent for China Harbor. |
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General decided to stay in official Army residence till he enters the President’s House |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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A coordinating official to General Sarath Fonseka told Lanka News Web that the General has decided to stay at his official Army residence down Buller’s Road until he enters the President’s House after the next Presidential election. The General’s lawyers have informed him that he was entitled to stay at the official residence as any retired public servant is granted at least three months for him to find a suitable place to move in to.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had
informed the General that there was nothing wrong in operating his election campaign from his official residence as the President was
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“Uncles are ruining our family” – Namal Rajapaksa |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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The President’s eldest son Namal Rajapaksa had told several officials from his Tharunyata Hetak movement that uncles Basil and Gotabhaya were ruining his father’s and his political future, reliable sources said.
Namal had said that it was uncle Basil who was responsible for getting the JVP out of the government and receive the support Wimal Weerawansa after his defection from the JVP and that uncle Gotabhaya was responsible for the rift with General Sarath Fonseka. He had further said that these incidents have resulted in placing the government in an unstable position. |
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SLFP seniors object to the line “We are not ungrateful” |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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SLFP seniors have reportedly objected to a proposal made by Basil Rajapaksa to carry out the UPFA’s Presidential election campaign on the line of “We are not ungrateful.”
The SLFP seniors have opposed the line due to their belief that it might be advantageous to General Sarath Fonseka, who is tipped to contest the next Presidential election as the common candidate.
The SLFp seniors have instead proposed the campaign to be carried out under the theme of “Now let’s build the country,” as used at the SLFP convention. |
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On the belief that Ranil will be contesting
The Presidential election to be announced tonight |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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The President has decided to announce the Presidential election tonight (23) on the belief that General Sarath Fonseka would be the candidate of the JVP and other patriotic forces while Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe would be the candidate of the UNF.
Reports from the intelligence units and UNP sources have informed the President that even by yesterday afternoon, Ranil Wickremesinghe was going to contest the Presidential election. Although Malik Samarawickrema had clearly told the President that Wickremesinghe would not be contesting the Presidential election, the President has so far chosen to ignore it. |
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Police ordered to stop hunting down underworld figures |
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2009-11-23 | 8.55 PM |
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The Defence Secretary had reportedly taken steps to temporarily stop the police from hunting down underworld figures.
Police sources said the decision had been arrived at following a request made by Minister Mervyn Silva.
The Defence Secretary had issued the directive last Wednesday and within 24 hours, the notorious Lal Peiris alias Kudu Lal, whom the police was hunting down for having close links with the underworld, had returned to the island.
He was staying away from the police by hiding in Thailand for over three months. |
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President sends message to Ranil through Malik not to bring forward the General |
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2009-11-22 | 8.50 PM |
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A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the President had called former UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and asked him to persuade Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest the next Presidential election instead of bringing forward General Sarath Fonseka. The telephone conversation had reportedly lasted for about two hours.
The President had said that he would win the election regardless of who contested against him and had asked for Malik’s help to form a national government after the election where Ranil Wickremesinghe would be appointed as Prime Minister. |
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Presidential election to be announced on the 23rd
Special programme launched on the 24th till nominations |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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A secret report compiled on the programme to be launched from the 24th following the announcement of the Presidential election till the date of nominations has been handed over to SLFP electoral organizers.
According to the report, the programme is to be launched by a poster campaign on the 23rd night and a leaflet distribution campaign at 10 a.m. on the 24 at selected venues.
The secret release issued by the election operations center functioning under Basil Rajapaksa sates:
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Reduction of essential food prices a media ploy by Bandula |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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Market sources say that regardless of the media reports by the government of the reduction essential food prices, there have not been any reduction thus far.
Although the Co-op City, which is under the purview of the Consumer Affairs Ministry, has put up board claiming a kilo of Bombay Onions and Potatoes are Rs. 74, they are not available inside the store.
The price of a kilo of Bombay Onions in the market is Rs. 120-130, a kilo of imported Potatoes is Rs. 100-120 and local Potatoes is Rs. 120-130. |
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Thugs attack UNP’s Colombo North electoral meeting |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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The meeting of UNP’s Colombo North electoral committee held under the patronage of newly appointed organizer, UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake, on Saturday (21) evening was attacked by several thugs affiliated former UNPer and current UPFA Provincial Councilor Duminda Silva. A Colombo Municipal Councilor and several others were reportedly injured due to the attack and were hospitalized for treatment.
A spokesperson for UNP’s Colombo North electorate told Lanka News Web that although there were quite a few police constables and jeeps at the venue, none of them had intervened to prevent the attack. The main target of the attack was Ravi Karunanayake. However, neither Ravi Karunanayake nor his wife were injured during the |
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General to take court action against order to leave official residence |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka has decided to seek legal redress against the attempt by the Rajapaksa administration to evict him from his official residence, the “General House,” without giving any time to find another suitable place to move in to, a close confidante of the General told Lanka News Web.
After handing over the official residence he was living in at the Army Headquarters all these years, the General moved in the General House down Buller’s Road. |
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Lanka newspaper Editor summoned by CID |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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The CID has asked the Editor of the Lanka newspaper, Chandana Sirimalwatte on Saturday (21) to come to the SIU-3 room on the 4th Floor at 2 p.m. on Monday (22) to question him on the main story of the Lanka newspaper’s latest edition titled, “Attempt to assassinate the General!”
A journalist from the newspaper told Lanka News Web that the CID had informed the Editor of a special investigation that has been launched into the matter following a Defence Ministry directive.
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As soon as an election is announced
Attempt to get a party in the UNF to support the government |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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It is reliably learnt that Basil Rajapaksa has initiated discussions with members of a party that has joined the UNF in order to get their support to the government as soon as a national election is announced. Lak Sathosa Chairman Nail Fernando has coordinated the discussion with the respective party leader.
Nalin Fernando has got the party leader to agree for a discussion with Basil Rajapaksa after summoning him to a secretive place on Thursday (19). Nalin Fernando’s Secretary, Thanuja had given the party leader a sum of Rs. 75,000 saying it was for his initial expenses.
A meeting was organized with Basil the very same day.
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Poojas to invoke blessings on the President for “Rajabhashta” yoga |
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2009-11-22 | 3.30 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said the President was suffering from a bad planetary position called the “Rajabhashta” yoga and various poojas are being coordinated in Sri Lanka and India by Minister Mervyn Silva and parliamentarian Nirupama Rajapaksa’s husband Thiru Nadesan.
A well known astrologer said deep distress, uneasiness and fear were some of the symptoms of the yoga and poojas such as Kanya pooja, Vishnu pooja, Shani Mhurthanjani Homshanthi pooja, Nagarjana pooja, offerings alms to pregnant mothers, disabled and twin children could invoke blessings on a person suffering from “Rajabhashta” yoga. |
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Common candidate without any party affiliations to contest from unknown, registered party |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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. |
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Common candidate without any party affiliations to contest from unknown, registered party |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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. |
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Special privileges for CAA Director General from Bandula |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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. |
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US ambassador summons the General |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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.
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General’s office to be opened next week |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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.
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Defence Secretary says the General harbors hatred towards him |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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.” |
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JVP ready to discuss with General Fonseka – Vijitha Herath |
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2009-11-21 | 2.00 PM |
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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. |
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General addresses soldiers and their families |
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2009-11-20 | 4.30 AM |
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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, |
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Army officers who served with the General demoted and transferred |
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2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM |
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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) |
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Intelligence units receive information about Opposition Leader from Johnny |
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2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM |
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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. |
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Gajaba Regiment summoned after removing Sinha Regiment from SLRC |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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. |
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Operations unit for Presidential election opened at Temple Trees |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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.
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President organizes feast for twin children on birthday to overcome bad effects |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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. |
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Defence Secretary proves to be more powerful than the First Lady |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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 |
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Hulugalle takes charge of photographs and video footage of the war |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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.
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Anoma Fonseka resigns from Ranaviru Seva Authority |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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.
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Basil’s protests prevent Mahindananda from receiving Highways portfolio |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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. |
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President accuses Dullas’ advertising agents of playing out millions of rupees |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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. |
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Basil’s supporters from Gampaha receive backhoes brought for Northern development projects |
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2009-11-19 | 8.15 PM |
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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. |
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Sri Lanka's State run media spins news better than Murali |
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2009-11-19 | 9.00 PM | http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33006&Cr=sri+lanka&Cr1 |
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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. |
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Decision on the 19th
Who will be more powerful? The First Lady or the Defence Secretary? |
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2009-11-18 | 4.30 AM |
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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. |
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Defence Ministry trying to block the General from receiving a temporary residence |
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2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
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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.
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A letter to the people by the General |
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2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
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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.
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Proposal to make SB Prime Minister opposed by Maithripala and Nimal Siripala |
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2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
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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.
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2009-11-18 | 6.30 PM |
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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. |
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