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President visits SB in Hanguranketha
SB to make special statement today |
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2009-12-07 | 6.30 AM |
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The President who was in Galaha, Kandy to open a medical center for monks on Sunday (6) morning paid a special visit to UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake’s residence in Hangurnaketha. The President has had a two hour discussion with SB.
Minister C.B. Ratnayake also accompanied the President.
An official from the President’s Media Unit told Lanka News Web that SB had agreed to support the President during this discussion and is scheduled to announce his decision at a special press conference organized at Taj Samudra Hotel at 10 a.m. today (7). |
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The President’s promises to Douglas are dangerous – Tilvin Silva |
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2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
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JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to immediately explain whether the promise he has made to Minister Dougles Devananda includes the devolution of power exceeding the 13th Amendment, which paves the way for the establishment of a regional self rule that accepts Tamil homeland concept, as requested by the Tiger organization at Thimpu talks.
Silva made this comment at a press conference on Sunday (6). |
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Opposition Leader on a European tour |
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2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
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Opposition Leader Ranil Wicrkemesinghe left for Europe on Sunday (6) morning to attend several meetings Brussels, Germany and Paris. Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office said the main aim of Wickremesinghe’s European tour is to create awareness among EU leaders about the common candidate General Sarath Fonseka’s policies.
Sources said that Wickremesinghe was scheduled to return to the island on the 10th and leave for India on a two day official visit to India on the 14th.
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Three Sri Lankan ambassadors summoned to the country for campaign work |
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2009-12-07 | 12.05 PM |
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The President has requested the Foreign Ministry to summon Sri Lankan ambassadors to Iran, Myanmar and the Philippines, namely M.M. Zuhair, Newton Gunaratne and Nawalage Bennet Cooray respectively back to the country to participate in the Presidential election campaign, Foreign Ministry sources said.
The three ambassadors are to arrive in the island on Monday (7) and the Foreign Minister has ordered Ministry officials to pay them their respective salaries and allowances during their stay in the country. |
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Mediate to abuse of government properties
– The United National Front request to The
Election commissioner. |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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The United National Front Ask to The Election Commissioner Dayananda Disanayaka that the
Presidential Election yet started and takes over the power which provided to Commissioner for abuse
of government property. The United National Front point toward that current ruling government and the minister of the government are using their power as despotism and abuse the government property for the ongoing presidential election campaign for their politics desires. In addition UNA point that this
situation should be stopped as soon possible, otherwise other contestant should let off and we can not
expect the free and fare election. “Media Watch” The official media of that party said this is the
circumstances. |
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SB in secret meeting with the President on Friday night |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake had met with the President for a secret discussion on Friday (4) night. SB had been taken to meet the President by Additional Secretary to the President, Gamini Senarath.
A lawyer closely affiliated to SB had also attended the discussion. Sources from Temple Trees said the discussion between the President and SB had lasted for about three hours. |
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Maheswaran’s brother receives benefits from Basil and Uthuru Wasanthaya |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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Sources from the Essential Services Commissioner’s Department say that late parliamentarian Maheswaran’s brother, Parameswaran has become a millionaire businessman within a short period after becoming a business partner to Basil Rajapaksa.
Basil used Parameswaran to cover up the inquiry into Maheswaran’s killing. Maheswaran was allegedly killed by members affiliated to the government. |
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Money in the President’s Fund used for election work |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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An official from the Presidential Secretariat named Salgadu had withdrawn a sum of Rs. 250 lakhs from the fixed account of the President’s Fund at the second city branch of the National Savings Bank in Colpetty.
The money it is learnt is used to give out “pocket money” to active organizers involved in the Presidential election campaign. The Presidential campaign coordinating committee has given a provincial councilor a sum of Rs. 50,000, a local government member or a municipal councilor is given Rs. 10,000 for their involvement in the election campaign. |
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Ranaviru Seva Authority funds used for election campaign |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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Sources from the Ranaviru Seva Authority say that funds from the Authority are being used for election campaign work including funds that have been allocated to be used in 2010. The Defence Secretary has ordered Acting Chairperson of the Authority, Padma Wettewa to use funds allocated for 2010 to purchase 200 three wheelers to be distributed among disabled soldiers by the President.
The Defecne Secretary has also requested the Authority to summon military personnel for a special meeting at BMICH on the 8th and to provide the necessary funds for the event.
The Authority is also working on a special media campaign aimed at the Presidential election. The campaign has been assigned to one of the Authority’s directors and Managing Director of the pro-government advertising agency, Dilith Jayaweera.
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Trade union leaders warmly welcome General Sarath Fonseka |
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2009-12-06 | 8.30 PM |
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The common candidate General Sarath Fonseka on Friday (4) attended a gathering of trade union leaders at the Solis Hall in Pitakotte. The trade union leaders warmly welcomed General Fonseka.
The meeting was organized by the All Ceylon Trade Union Federation (ACTUF). The meeting commenced after National Trade Union Center President, parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha and other trade union leaders received General Fonseka. |
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Nishantha Ranatunge appointed Executive Director
Broker Bandula gets house in Colpetty
Basil buys Swarnavahini |
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2009-12-05 | 11.00 PM |
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President’s brother, Basil Rajapaksa it is reliably learnt has purchased the Swarnavahini channel by making an advance payment of Rs. 2 billion and the relevant agreement was signed recently in Singapore. Former Sri Lanka cricketer, Nishantha Ranatunge has been appointed the new Executive Director of Swarnavahini.
A former Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Nishantha Ranatunge currently serves as the Secretary to the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee.
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Thilanga tells SB not to join the government |
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2009-12-05 | 11.00 PM |
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Western Provincial Councilor Thilanga Sumathipala it is reliably learnt has advised UNP National Organizer S.B. Dissanayake not to join the government at this moment as the governing party was weak due to internal conflicts. He had also told SB that it was more beneficial for him to remain in the UNP.
Thilanga had made this statement after meeting with SB at his residence yesterday (4). |
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President feeds journalists to get maximum support during election period |
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2009-12-05 | 11.00 PM |
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Journalists affiliated to main media institutions in the country have been invited by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a friendly meeting on Tuesday (8) evening.
Many journalists say the invitation for the friendly meeting was a move by the President to feed the journalists and keep them happy in order to get their maximum support at the forthcoming President and general elections. |
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Mervyn Silva at loggerheads with the Kelaniya OIC |
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2009-12-05 | 11.00 PM |
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Mervyn Silva and Kelaniya OIC Arjuna Mahinkanda are reportedly at loggerheads over Mahinkanda’s decision to remove cutouts of the President, Basil Rajapaksa and Mervyn Silva on the main roads in Kelaniya.
It is learnt that while the Kelaniya OIC has implemented all laws related to elections in the Kelaniya area, the intimidating propaganda campaign carried out by thugs affiliated to Mervyn Silva has come to a halt in the respective areas.
Several of Mervyn’s thugs have also been arrested by the Kelaniya Police on various charges and attempts made by Mervyn to get them released have failed. |
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National Development newspaper stopped by Wimal Weerawansa |
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2009-12-05 | 11.00 PM |
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A senior official at the Information Department told Lanka News Web that the National Development newspaper that was being printed by the Media Ministry has been halted by NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa.
Wimal Weerawansa had told the President that one of the key figures in the respective newspaper, C. Dolawatte was associated with many NGOs in the country and that he had dealings with LTTE leaders. The suspicion built about Dolawatte by Wimal Weerawansa resulted in the National Development newspaper being halted.
A former Editor of the Dinamina newspaper, Dolawatte is also a member in Minister Dullas Alahapperuma’s propaganda committee.
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Board to discharge international assets rejects government’s request to acquire KP’s assets |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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A request made by the government to acquire all assets belonging to the LTTE’s international wing leader, Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP from the board to discharge international assets has been turned down.
The request has been turned down as most of KP’s assets were not under his true identity and the money used for the racketeering could not be considered as belonging to one country.
However, the Swiss Bank had also turned down a request by the government to take hold of the money in KP’s account in the respective Bank. The Bank had informed the government that there was no account under the name KP and if he had an account in the Bank, it would have been under a different name.
The Bank had added that even if he had deposited money under a different name the government would have to present the relevant documents to take charge of the money in the account.
Army intelligence reports state that KP had said the relevant documents were in a safe box in the US and that he had to be released for him to get the documents.
Defence Spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rabukwella told the media on the 2nd that the government has sought advise from the Attorney General to look at how the government could take charge of KP’s assets.
Rambukwella said that KP had about 600 bank accounts, five ships and that three of the ships would be brought to Sri Lanka shortly.
However, it is also reported that while there was no obstacle for the government bring the vessels to the country, it could not claim ownership to them.
A legal expert told Lanka News Web that if the vessels were damaged in any way after they are brought to the country, the government would have to make the necessary payments for the damages to the insurance companies.
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Lake House employs journalists on contract basis for Presidential election |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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The Lake House Chairman has launched a project to employ freelance journalists on a contract basis to report on the Presidential election campaign.
The contract letter given to these journalists is for period of six months and they have been informed verbally that after six months, they would revert back to becoming freelance journalists.
Several freelance journalists for the Dinamina and Daily News newspapers have been employed on this contract basis. |
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Namal assigned to fill vacancies in institutions under the President |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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Chairman of Tharunyata Hetak Organization, Namal Rajaoaksa has been assigned to oversee the recruitment, promotions and transfers made in ministries, departments, corporations and other state institutions under the President’s purview.
Sources from Temple Trees said several government ministers were displeased with the decision to give such responsibilities to the Tharunyata Hetak Organization, which has no legal mandate to interfere in state affairs and Namal Rajapaksa.
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UNPers protest in Kalutara against the removal of General’s cut outs |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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Signs of a split in the PSD due to Thilekaratne’s actions |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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Sources from Temple Trees say the Presidential Security Division (PSD) is facing an imminent split due to the actions of ASP Thilekaratne, who is said to be acting on the powers of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapksa.
The respective ASP had been promoted to an SP during the field promotions made last month and has now been promoted to the post of SSP. |
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India summons the Opposition Leader again |
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2009-12-05 | 4.30 AM |
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Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to travel to India soon after the conclusion of the UNP convention on the 5th following a special invitation received by the Indian government.
The common candidate General Sarath Fonseka visited India on the 2nd also on a special invitation extended to him by the Indian government.
Diplomatic sources said the Indian government was confused over the political developments in Sri Lanka and is expected to seek an assurance from the Opposition Leader about the General and his policies.
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People’s Tribunal on the war in Sri Lanka and its aftermath in Dublin in January 2010 |
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2009-12-04 | 10.30 PM |
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The Permanent People’s Tribunal (successor to the Bertrand Russell Tribunal) will be conducting a People’s Tribunal on the war in Sri Lanka and its aftermath in Dublin in January 2010. The People’s Tribunal will investigate the allegations that the Government of Sri Lanka and its armed forces committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during its final phase of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Tribunal will also examine the local and international factors that led to the collapse of the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement. |
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Appeal for “Declaration of Assets & Liabilities” by Candidates at Presidential Elections – 2010 |
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2009-12-04 | 2.00 PM |
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The Sri Lankan voter is given an early opportunity to chose the next Executive President on 26 January, 2010, almost two years ahead of the scheduled presidential election that should otherwise be held in 2011 November. This presidential election, even before nominations are accepted on 17 December, has provoked a social discussion on corruption, nepotism and democracy. |
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Telephone threats drive Poddala out of the country |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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President, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) and investigative journalist Poddala Jayantha had reportedly left the country with his wife and daughter following continuous telephone threats received by him.
Poddala Jayantha was abducted, brutally attacked and then dumped in a drain unconscious on June 1, 2009. He was the Secretary of the SLWJA at the time. No proper investigation has yet been conducted into the attack.
Poddala Jayantha’s committee was unanimously appointed as office bearers of the SLWJA making him President at the Association’s AGM on October 14. Soon afterwards, he started to receive continuous phone calls from an unknown person who kept saying Poddala Jayantha would be murdered if he did not remain silent as warned. The caller had also threatened to kill his family if he informed the police about the phone calls. |
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Ministers who visited Mecca say Presidential election would be bad for Mahinda Rajapaksa |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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It is reliably learnt that several government ministers who visited prayers in Mecca have secretly discussed that the forthcoming Presidential election would not be favorable for President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Ministers A.H.M. Fowzie, Amir Ali and Najeeb A. Majeed have had this discussion in a tent in Medina. |
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President asks journalists not to instigate Gotabhaya |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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The President has requested journalists not to instigate Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapksa to get comments against General Sarath Fonseka. The request had been made at the banquet held by the President for journalists at Hilton Colombo last Monday.
The banquet organized for about 400 journalists who had helped during the battle against the LTTE was banned for several journalists affiliated to General Fonseka. |
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EDB incurs losses due to GL’s young secretaries |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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The misuse of official vehicles by Coordinating Secretaries to Export Development and International Trade Minister G.L. Pieris has resulted in the Export Development Board (EDB) incurring heavy losses, sources said.
Several young Coordinating Secretaries to Minister Pieris have crashed several vehicles belonging to the EDB that were being used by them. |
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Wide publicity to be given to the General’s land deed |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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The Defence Secretary has ordered media institution heads to give wide publicity to the value of the land that has been allocated for General Sarath Fonseka on a Presidential directive.
The Defence Secretary has also informed that news reports carried on the 25 perch land at Kirimandala Mawatha, Narahenpita should indicate its value to be Rs. 100 million. |
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Deputy Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya to be removed |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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Several officials at the Presidential Secretariat have requested the President to remove Deputy Election Commissioner (Administration), Mahinda Deshapriya from all duties with immediate effect, sources from temple Trees said. |
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Dinamina banned from publishing the General’s name |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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Sources from Lake House say Dinamina Editor Mahinda Abeysundera has ordered the editorial staff not to carry any news item about General Sarath Fonseka or his photographs in the newspaper and has appointed one of his trusted employees, Anusha to ensure his orders are followed by the staff.
Meanwhile, an editor of the Dinamina newspaper, Chandrani Marasinghe had publicly reprimanded Dinamina photographer Jayaweera for allegedly passing photographs of events attended by the President to the General media campaign.
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“The war was won due to the President’s political leadership” – Army Commander |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya has said the Army was unable to wipe out the LTTE during previous operations until the humanitarian operation was launched under President Mahinda Rajapaksa due to the lack of a proper political leadership.
He made this statement at a meeting held at the Minneriya Army camp on December 1st. The Army Commander has organized 100 meetings with the soldiers to brief them on why President Rajapaksa should be re-elected at the forthcoming Presidential election. The meeting in Minneriya was the eighth in the series of meetings. |
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President Rajapakse should decide between his Tamil and Sinhala partners in the UPFA - DPF Leader Mano Ganesan MP |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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President Mahinda Rajapakse’s allies in the ruling UPFA are at odds against each other. Minister Douglas Devananda of EPDP and Eastern PC chief minister Chandrakanthan Pillayan of TMVP are demanding powers to the PCs beyond what is prescribed by the 13th amendment of the constitution. But Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka of JHU and Vimal Weerawansa of the NFF are visibly talking in the state media against 13th amendment in the original form. We call upon the president Mahinda Rajapakse to clarify his stand on the 13th amendment. We also demand responses from Ministers Douglas Devananda, Arumugan Thondaman, P. Chandrasekaran, chief minister Chandrakanthan, Tamil leaders Anandasankari and Siddharthan who request Tamil votes to the president. Since the war is over now, there is no more time left for national leaders to play election politics on the political solution to the ethnic question, said Democratic Peoples Front (DPF) leader Mano Ganesan MP in a media release issued from his media office. Ganesan says further in the release, |
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General goes to India on a state invitation |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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Diplomatic sources said the common candidate, General Sarath Fonseka had left for India on a two day personal visit on Wednesday (2) night on an invitation received by the Indian government.
Sources from the Airport said General Fonseka who arrived at the VIP lounge to leave for India was not permitted to enter the terminal by the airport staff. One of the General’s coordinators who had contacted the Chairman of Airport and aviation Services, Colonel Prasanna Wickremasuriya had been informed that general Fonseka did not have permission to enter the VIP terminal in the airport.
The Chairman had further observed that the decision was taken following as order received by the Defence Secretary.
However, sources at the airport said the General who had then entered the normal departure lounge was surrounded by several monks, passengers and airport staff.
General Fonseka is scheduled to return to the island on Friday (4) evening after meeting several Indian political leaders and attend the UNP convention the following day (5).
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Basil Rajapaksa buys a mansion at Gonahena for Rs. 1,000 lakhs |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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SLFP Chairman for Gampaha District, the President’s brother Basil Rajapaksa has purchased a mansion in an 11 acre land in Ruppagoda, Gonahena for a sum of Rs. 1,000 to carry out his campaign work.
Details of Basil Rajapaksa’s purchase of a residence in the Gonahena area was revealed when the people started to look as to why the by road between the Gonahena junction Mawaramandiya was carpeted in a hurry.
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On the day of nominations
Government members to join the opposition and vice versa |
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2009-12-03 | 4.30 AM |
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Basil Rajapaksa is trying to get several opposition members to join the government on the day of nominations while Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and SLFP (M) Wing Leader Mangala Samaraweera are looking at getting a group of government members to join the opposition, Lanka News Web reliably learns.
UNP parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandaranayake are expected to cross over to government ranks along with several supporters while UPFA parliamentarian Arjuna Ranataunge and several other government members are to join the opposition. |
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Senior government minister to be appointed as Prime Minister of care taker government |
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2009-12-02 | 11.40 PM |
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A senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web that the Opposition Leader was looking at the possibility of appointing a senior SLFP minister in the UPFA government to the post of Prime Minister in the care taker government to be set up by General Sarath Fonseka once elected to office.
The Oppositon Leader, who has so far decided to accept the Premiership in the care taker government, is scheduled to make a special statement about the matter at the UNP convention on the 5th. |
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Wijedasa Rajapakse joins the UNP |
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2009-12-02 | 11.40 PM |
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Former UPFA Minister and parliamentarian, President’s Counsel Wijedasa Rajapakse received membership of the UNP from Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today (2).
A special event was organized at Sirikotha to welcome Rajapakse and the Opposition Leader has decided to appoint him as the UNP organizer for Maharagama.
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GL displeased with the decision to appoint Nandana as Post and Telecommunications Minister |
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2009-12-02 | 11.40 PM |
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Minister G.L. Pieris who overlooked the functions of the Post and Telecommunications Ministry for the past six months is displeased with the decision to appoint Nandana Gunathileka as the acting Post and Telecommunications Minister following his removal from the Tourism portfolio.
Pieris it is learnt has even decided to boycott the ceremony held to welcome Gunathileka to the new Ministry. |
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Maharaja has lost powers – A.J.M. Muzammil |
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2009-12-02 | 4.30 AM |
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Western Provincial Councilor A.J.M. Muzammil told a media conference on Tuesday (1) morning, “After the Southern provincial Council election, Maharaja decided to temporarily stop Rajapaksa relatives from entering politics. The king is now saying that he is the common candidate of the people. President Rajapaksa once said he made the larges alliance in the country. However, Rajapaksa’s largest financier at the last Presidential election, the JVP is no longer with him. The founders of the SLFP, the Bandaranaikes, are no longer with Rajapaksa. |
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Ranil decides to accept Premiership of care taker government |
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2009-12-02 | 4.30 AM |
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Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to accept the post of Prime Minister in the care taker government that would be appointed by General Sarath Fonseka if elected to office, a senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web.
All parties supporting the General have agreed that soon after assuming office General Fonseka should appoint a care taker government with members of all parties represented in parliament until fresh parliamentary elections are held. |
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Sri Lanka announces limited freedom for detained Tamil refugees
Almost 130,000 Tamils displaced during conflict allowed to leave camps but must register with authorities
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2009-12-01 | 4.55 PM | Randeep Ramesh, South Asia correspondent |
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Tens of thousands of Tamil refugees are free to leave the region where they have been held since the civil war ended six months ago providing they register with authorities so their movements can be monitored, Sri Lanka said today.
The government said all 128,000 men, women and children who were displaced in the final stages of the conflict will be free to leave guarded camps in Vavuniya district, 160 miles north of the capital, Colombo.
More than 5,700 people were bussed from the camp today, initially for 10 days, in what United Nations officials said was a "step forward from having people encased in barbed wire". |
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Wimal’s media operation attracts Tamils towards the General
– State Intelligence Service |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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A survey conducted by the State Intelligence Service (SIS) has revealed that the media campaign launched against the JVP by NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa has attracted Tamils towards General Sarath Fonseka.
The confidential report handed over to the President by SIS Head DIG Keerthi Gajanayake states that comments made by Weerawansa against the JVP following statements to the media by General Fonseka on the 13th Amendment and Velupillai Prabhakaran’s parents have had a negative impact on the president’s election campaign. |
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Minister Chamal Rajapaksa involved in an iron racket with several monks |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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Port and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has reportedly used duty free permits given to religious institutions to import iron worth Rs. 20 million this year.
It is learnt that the load of iron imported to Sri Lanka this year by the Minister is the largest amount of iron to be released through Customs for imports using duty free permits belonging to religious institutions.
Most of the permits used to import this load of iron have been issued by the Customs to chief priests from temples in Colombo and Matara.
Minister Chamal Rajapaksa it is learnt have donated between Rs. 2 -10 lakhs to the respective temples claiming it to be for the development of the temples when taking the permits from the priests.
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Carlton Seven a Side Rugby Tournament Championship goes to Japan and the sponsorship money to Namal’s account |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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The money given by the main sponsor of the Carlton Seven a Side Rugby Tournament, John Keells Group, has not yet been deposited into the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) account.
John Keells had provided close to Rs. 3 million to the Thuarunyata Hetak movement that organized the event. |
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General worships the Sacred Tooth Relic and meets the Mahanayakes |
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2009-12-01 | 12.05 PM |
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President launches election campaign after worshiping Sri Maha Bodhi |
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2009-12-01 | 12.05 PM |
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UNF changes name to Democratic Alliance to suit the General |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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A senior official at the Election Commissioner’s Department told Lanka News Web that the United National Front (UNF) had changed its name and office bearers to field General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the Presidential election and that the Election Commissioner has approved the changes.
The Democratic Alliance has requested for the “Swan” symbol and one Shermila Perera has been named as the party’s secretary. The address is 3000/1, Old Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya. |
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SLFP organizers in Kurunegala oppose moves to appoint Johnston |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees say that senior SLFP organizers in the Kurunegala Distrcit have opposed the Preisdnet’s decision to appoint UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando as an SLFP organizer to the Kurunegala electorate.
Johnston declined the President’s offer to appoint him to parliament through the UPFA national list after the next general election and asked he be appointed as an SLFP organizer for Kurunegala to contest the election. Although the President had a discussion about the matter with SLFP’s Kurunegala electoral organizer, Minister Jayaratne Herath, he had not been amenable to the President’s request. |
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa still in the lead |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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A survey conducted by the State Intelligence Service has revealed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was ahead of General Sarath Fonseka. The secret report handed over to the President by Director of the Intelligence Service, DIG Keerthi Gajanyake states the President had 53% of the preferences while the General commanded only 46%.
The report further stated that although General Fonseka was very popular in urban areas, the President was the preferred choice in rural areas. |
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Presidential candidates oppose Dharmasiri Bandaranayake’s drama, “The Dictator” |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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The President had telephoned drama producer Dharmasiri Bandaranayake yesterday (29) to inquire about the alleged threats made by common candidate at the Presidential election General Sarath Fonseka against his drama, “The Dictator,” senior officials from Temple Trees told Lanka News Web.
The President had agreed to provide security to Bandaranayke if he was threatened by the General and the venue of the drama when it is being staged. |
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Names of journalists associated with General Fonseka struck out of the invitees list for the banquet for war reporters |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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The Defence Secretary has ordered the removal of several names included in the list of invitees for the banquet hosted by the President today (30) for journalists who covered the war at Hilton Colombo.
Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara had then called several journalists and informed them that the invitation extended to them has been cancelled. The Brigadier had apologized to the respective journalists saying he was carrying out orders received by higher authorities. He had expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the journalists. |
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Government thugs obstruct JVP supporters |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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Several JVP supporters engaged in propaganda work related to today’s (30) rally organized by the party were attacked by thugs affiliated to the government at about 5 a.m. in Athurugiriya. One JVP supporter injured by the attack was admitted to the Athurugiriya Hospital.
Complaint bearing No. CIB I 55/602 was also lodged at the Athurugiriya Police. The JVP supporters were attacked by five thugs who had arrived in a blue lorry bearing No. LC 2914. |
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Platform for Freedom says all citizens are kings - Matara Public meeting |
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2009-11-30 | 6.30 PM |
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“Why should the Tamil Speaking Communities Give Critical Support to Sarath Fonseka?” – Vasantha Raja |
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2009-11-30 | 3.45 PM |
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Tamils must not play a sectarian role in the presidential election. That’ll be counterproductive. This is not the time for Tamils to do politics based on anger and hatred. Tamils, I think, should realize democratic transformation of the Centre is crucial for them. Also, Tamil-speaking people - including plantation-workers & Muslims and Colombo Tamils- live all over Sri Lanka. Therefore, it’s |
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“We did not fight to make kings out of one family” – General |
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2009-11-30 | 3.45 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka told the media on Sunday (29) at the Hilton Residencies that the soldiers did not sacrifice their lives to rid the country of terrorism to make kings out of one family and he would therefore contest the forthcoming Presidential election as the common candidate in order to save the country and people from the crises they are currently faced with.
Addressing a media briefing attended by over 200 journalists, the General clarified his stance and expressed his firm commitment to abolish the Executive Presidency six months after assuming office. He said that diplomatic ties with |
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Police arrest two JVP supporters while pasting the General’s posters |
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2009-11-30 | 12.15 PM |
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Two JVP supporters engaged in propaganda work for the Presidential election were attacked in Moneragala at around 4 a.m. on Sunday (29). Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Ratnawera and about 10 persons have been involved in the attack.
After the attack, the thugs have handed over on JVP supporter to the Moneragala Police.
The police had then arrested the other JVP supporter who was attacked by the thugs when he had gone to lodge a complaint. The police had not recorded the complaint. |
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Three Ministers and the Government are Concerned of What the General Said… |
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2009-11-30 | 12.15 PM |
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It is a pathetic show of resistance by three Ministers of the Government on the statements made by the General at the first Press Conference conducted by him on the 29th November at the JAIC Hilton. Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa as the Cabinet Spokesman states that the Government expressed concern over the remarks made by the Retired General that he would gladly accept the support from whatever quarter whether former LTTE cardres, sympathizers or supporters including Velupillai Prabakaran’s parents if they were prepared to accept his work plan and policies. This is the most ridiculous argument for a Government which has the former second-in-command of the |
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Major General Sanath Karunaratne denies involvement in mud slinging campaign against the General |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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Following a story in our website about the involvement of a retired Major General Sarath Karunaratne in the mud slinging campaign launched against General Sarath Fonseka, a clarification was sent to the website’s e-mail.
The e-mail sent by retired Major General Sanath Karunaratne states that there was no Major General Sarath Karunaratne in the Army and that he, Major General Sanath Karunaratne, was former Army Spokesperson. Major General Karunaratne has said he was no involved in any mud slinging campaign launched against General Fonseka. |
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Mervyn requests for enhanced security due to military threat |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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Labor Minister Mervyn Silva has reportedly requested the President to enhance his security claiming his life was under threat from a certain regiment in the Army. He has added that his family was also under threat.
The President has asked Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to immediately address concerns voiced by Mervyn and had also asked for the operation launched to wipe out under world figures be stopped temporarily until the conclusion of the election. |
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General in Kandy tomorrow |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka is scheduled to travel to Kandy tomorrow (30) to worship and receive the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic to commence his election campaign after announcing his intention of contesting the forthcoming Presidential election before the media.
A coordinator of the General’s election campaign told Lanka News Web that after worshiping the Sacred Tooth Relic, the General would visit the Mahanayakes of the Asgiri and Malwatte Chapter to brief them on his campaign and policies at the Presidential election.
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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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